[ It's an impressively boneless slump. Krouse eyes the splay of blue and red with a degree of unexpected sympathy. He's been there. Recently, even. ]

Or I'm lulling you into a false sense of security.

[ He says it mildly, a passing observation, and gets back to threading grass into a woven cord. ]

I'm not. [ For the record. ] You're good. Well, [ a second sidelong glance ] not at imminent risk of getting your ass kicked. Presumably for a second or third time.