Collins wasn't used to feeling flustered much less over something as innocent as a few compliments. Still, he felt awkward receiving the kind words from Aerith and for a moment it seemed he like he didn't know what to do. That was frustrating but in a mild way now as he settled into a calm demeanor with their conversation having moved past the hardest parts.

He looked away and for a moment he looked more like a grumpy cat turning its back on someone than a fierce wolf. Fortunately for him, her final comment broke the ice.

Collins laughed. "You've learned half yer lesson, I suppose." His voice grew quieter. "It'll have ta do. But don't you forget." Then after a small beat of silence to let that sink in and then dissipate into the air, he allowed his tone to relax again. Lightly, "Sounds like I'll have ta keep charmin' you with new things ta learn. Are you really tryin' ta learn how ta defend yerself without relyin' on magic? You think yer learnin' tha right kind of self defense fer you?"