[Hands up, you say? That's all the more reason for his smile to carve its way that fraction wider for the briefest glimpse of teeth ― and reach to jab Lavi in his unguarded ribs.]

Suppose I can find it in my heart to spare your hair today, then.

[carrying on a lot more sincerely:] Oh, but I meant it when I said it wasn't too bad -- you did get much better at it.