The double meaning wasn't lost on him. He pursed his lips slightly and decided to give an equally ambiguous answer. "Well, you know what they say. Failure isn't defeat until you stop trying. It's not really serious until I put my helmet on."

He was pleased to hear it. It was true for him, too. He hadn't relaxed with someone and let his guard down that much in a long time. "You should laugh more. It's a nice one. Infectious." He inclined his head slightly. "My pleasure. Thank you, too. We wouldn't be here if you hadn't approached me."