[Johnny was proud of Paul. Through and through and he wanted the kid to understand just how much his actions had an impact on this world. At least in Johnny's opinion here.]
Don't mention it.
[Except please mention it. Johnny was just as starved for validation in his own life and hearing what Paul had to say next made a little but very apparent grin form on his lips.]
You're damn right it doesn't.
And I'm not going to argue with any of that. And just because the fight is over doesn't mean another one isn't around the corner. There's plenty more we can do to be ready for the next one.
[It will take more than one conversation to set things right. Paul has work ahead of him, long and difficult. But this feels like the ground underneath him is a little firmer, and as he's sure Johnny would say, you can't kick ass without a strong base. It makes Paul smile, that thought. Just a little bit.]
You're right. And I want to be there for it. We have a dojo to get into shape.
[He's part of that, still. He belongs to something.]
I should let you get back to training. But I'll be there for the next practice, sensei.
no subject
Don't mention it.
[Except please mention it. Johnny was just as starved for validation in his own life and hearing what Paul had to say next made a little but very apparent grin form on his lips.]
You're damn right it doesn't.
And I'm not going to argue with any of that. And just because the fight is over doesn't mean another one isn't around the corner. There's plenty more we can do to be ready for the next one.
no subject
You're right. And I want to be there for it. We have a dojo to get into shape.
[He's part of that, still. He belongs to something.]
I should let you get back to training. But I'll be there for the next practice, sensei.