With you, I only dare speak the truth. [ then again, she'd have to catch him in a lie first before he'd ever admit to lying. Leaning heavily against her shoulder, he used it was as a crutch to ease himself down towards the ground and help gather up the fallen items. ]

And don't worry. I was just feeling a little faint from lack of hugs today, but I'll find someone soon to help me with that problem. There's usually at least one out there...

[ his eyes widened ]

Oh, Miss Charlotte. You haven't been doing without, have you? [ whatever would being sick do to her complexion? ]