my lungs will fill and then deflate

At Thistle's confirmation that no, he was not in trouble, he allowed a relief-tinged smile to wind up his lips and break into a huff of a laugh. "Duly noted. I know the type," oh did he ever, "and I know my way around 'em. Though I gotta admit, I'm startin' to get curious about the guy."

Her decision was fair enough, and far be it from him to try to insert himself where he wasn't wanted. He imagined, though, that as sole leader, Thistle Cloud had many duties and little time. Anything he could do to help, he thought, would be appreciated. "Absolutely," he confirmed, with a resolute nod, "I just wanna be helpful where I can be." The idea of having something useful to do absolutely thrilled him, but he wouldn't be pushy. Never pushy, always casual.