Whether she believes it or not, he does. It's not like any of the rest of them were better suited to lead. He and North might have muddled through here and there, but they just weren't cut out for it. In any case she seems to accept his words now, and when she holds him closer something warm spreads through his chest, like relief but happier. Except then he needs to cough again, and pulls back abruptly to turn his face away from her and hack for a moment.

This really isn't the ideal reunion.

"Ugh. I'm gonna kill Tarn."