[That's good, at least - that optimism. Always next year! If he could personally ensure it, he would in a heartbeat, but for now he just - does that weird face that isn't exactly a smile, but is something close.

The apology seems to throw him off a little, though.]

It's fine, you don't need to apologize. I should just get started now, or Break will complain and start throwing things.

[LIKE A PUNK.

But it does indeed seem like this is the part where Gilbert starts to distance himself again. Pretty much like clockwork.]