[His own easygoing expression falters when he sees the look she gives him, and though it's gone in an instant he still follows her train of thought. He knows her too well, and that paired with his own powers of observation make it like reading words written on a chalkboard. She never really did give up on Ashley, but he's known that for years now... it's a thought both frightening and enticing. Could they find a world where his mother still lived? Or even one where Helen was never born? For that fraction of a second his whole worldview wobbles and shudders, like a spun coin about to fall to one side or the other.

It terrifies him. He's more than happy to shove the whole thing into the back of his mind where he can get used to it slowly, grabbing onto the discussion like a lifeline.]

Man, and here I thought Bertha was a powerful Abnormal. This Ringmaster leaves her in the dust.

[He grins at her, bouncing back quickly like usual.]

You've got me half convinced to stay, you make it sound so good. I'm just wondering one thing now... what's the catch?