Tear's attention had already returned to the bird when Ace took her hand in his grasp, closer inspection revealing the small reddening mark where she had nipped for a particular stubborn piece a little too enthusiastically. The sharp pain was already becoming a dull throb, though she had the feeling it would last for a while yet.

"It's nothing." Despite that she smiled comfortingly, almost pulling her hand out of his grasp before he leaned in closer. Cheeks warming, she simply watched as he made the somewhat unnecessary inspection. "It hardly broke skin, she might not know her own strength yet."

Which in itself was adorable, in her mind. But hearing Ace's initial reply made the girl pause, lips parting just barely in her surprise before she shyly turned her gaze downward. It wouldn't do to deny him when she really would need his help, but the desire to say yes was motivated by more than that.

"You know that could be a while, right...?"