If Tear had indeed chosen to resort to such tactics, Ace could not remain idle. Witnessing his personal space being invaded by her judgmental poke, the blond put on a fake frown, cheeks puffing lightly like a little child's for what were merely a few seconds.

( A child that clearly wasn't used to expressing his emotions in a similar manner, most likely having copied it off his less orderly siblings and hoping it would come across as convincing. )

When it faded, features relaxing into a light smile that the melodist would be more familiar with, the cadet sighed, defeated. "... Okay." Honestly, he'd never had any intentions of opposing her for too long, knowing his limits and how unreasonable would be to push himself further if other alternatives existed. But before that, it was his turn to lift the little chick and gently nuzzle her for a brief moment.

"I would be grateful if you happened to have an extra blanket lying around."