It's not that bad. [Holding back was for people who didn't get attacked for most of the years they were growing up. Dave steps closer, putting his hands on John's shoulders to get a good look at the damage he'd done. It had been a panicked swing. If he'd been serious, John would have probably been knocked from his feet.

I'm not suicidal enough to try this on the ninjas.

Yet he is dumb enough to go scaring his best friend who knows how to wield swords and had nearly stabbed him last time. Okay. That makes a hell of a lot of sense.]

I have all the spirit for the holiday. What I don't have spirit for is being stalked like Bro got all his powers and skills back and about to bust out with Cal. Next thing I'll know if that happens, is the gritty sand of butler island and smarting from the last googly eyed headbutt I got to the face.

Come on, let's get you to the kitchen and we'll take care of that.

[Instead of letting John walk on his own power, Dave just pushes the door open and nudges him out. If he's allowed to, he'll guide him down to the kitchen before he lets go to rummage in the ice box. The whole way he's still tense and aware of every little creak of the house. It's like being in the presence of a hawk that misses nothing.]