[When the rock hits Nero's head Martin jumps as well, but he's quick to turn his gaze on the kids and let out a surprisingly sharp yelp as he points sharply.]

Oi! I'm telling your father, Lysander!

[But then the kids have already run away, and Martin's left feeling like the kids don't particularly respect his threats too much either. Not that he gets much time to ruminate on it; suddenly Nero's pinching his cheek, and he feels himself blush as he pulls away, rubbing the spot immediately.]

I-I mean, hardly. I just-- let them get away with more than their parents do. But they like me enough to sit down and listen to stories, o-or practice their reading with me, so. I suppose it works out.