[ Monika takes a step back involuntarily. He's gone into Very Serious Business Mode. That one's the worst.

At least she gets to see his eyes up close? ]

I'm not helpless! I'm capable of a lot more than you realize! I'm just...a little limited right now.

[ Which could change if he'd just, y'know, do what he promised. It takes a lot to swallow down the urge to say that. ]

Unless you stick them in the network, too, my hands are tied. [ She presses her lips together. ] Fear's too slow, anyway.