Laharl wasn't fooled by her smiling face. He'd felt her shaking a moment ago and seeing tears in her eyes now, well, it got to him. While, true, seeing her cry any time tended to do that, it seemed worse tonight. Then again, considering the dream he'd just had... yeah, no, he needed to not think of that.

"Idiot... How can I pretend you're not here?" he replied quietly, wiggling his captured arm a little, making his point.