"May be a while," was the response, accompanied by a barely-there smile. But it was only there for so long, fading as quickly as it came.

"...mostly. 'mfine." Mostly. He cycled his vents in a sigh, brightening his optics a bit.

Rung was close.

"...just...more alright with this now than I prob'ly should be."

The smile, this time, was weak- but then again, so was the attempt to insert a joking tone. Just in case...just in case he couldn't be serious.