Usually do, pal!! Where ya been?

[Without one more second spent trying not to trip over her own tongue, she shifts Clary into a bridal carry and heads off to her tent. It'll have more use there, anyway.]

Oh thank god, I felt dumber'n hell.

"Whoa, easy!" A hand claps to Clarice's shoulder to steady her before she tips right over.

Eddie is really starting to get the feeling she's a shitty teacher. She drags a hand across her face and tries not to let out a heavy sigh.

"...Let's start from scratch. Do what I do, alright?"

"Because trainin' ain't about hurtin', kid, but y'need t'learn not t'throw the first punch.

...I did tell y't'throw one, though. Guess me gettin' all mad ain't that fair. But throw one LIKE you're punchin' someone, not ACTUALLY do it."

(And ain't that a heady feeling, already breathless, then falling deeper when she draws her laughter out like that?)

You, mm, doin' anythin' later? Done harvestin' for the day, I got some time...

[SNIFFLING AGAIN]

Once she's open, Eddie swings a mean cross punch, stopping just short of Clarice's jaw.

(Oh, Eddie lets her. Eddie always let her tug her close, no matter what she was up to. How was she gonna complain when a girl like [Clary] wanted someone like [her?]

But - no need to stoop, either, not when she can hoist Clary into her arms with barely a grunt like this.)

Never thought I'd say this, but I sure hope I can't count that high.

(She's got the goofiest of grins on her face, and her cheeks are almost as bright as her hair.)