As unbearably stupid as their entire situation is, hearing the exchange ― especially Lavi laughing ― still makes Allen crack a smile and relax almost imperceptibly. Things have been... Awkward since that talk in the trolley car, to say the least. They are still, making this brief moment of levity all the more welcome. He murmurs something aside to Tim, sending the golem wheeling after Lavi, a hazy loop of gold through the fog before it's all but obscured. Better not to be alone out there, it can do things to you. And if Lavi does run into any trouble, well. He'll have his hammer, and Nesreca has no idea what Tim is capable of.

Falling into a crouch beside Karkat, he shoots the troll first a look of mild surprise, then a whim of a smile, quick and bright. Karkat may not realise it, but this is the very first time he has addressed Allen by name during their conversations. Every other time (only twice, in fact, if memory serves) was in angry gray text, and one of those times had been 'human Allen', which doesn't count.

"You'll see. Just tell me where to dig, and how deep and wide it should be."