"I wouldn't assume that anyone is a brainless musclehead. Some of the best men I know are quite easily misunderstood for having bad tempers, or being stronger than anyone else."

He's immediately thinking of Shizuo, of course, but Simon could easily count the same way. Many of his other friends too, perhaps: people who are easily feared but not easily cared for.

He's already learned those lessons at home, so he has them to guide him here.

"I want to become stronger not just so I won't be bullied, but so I can be the person who creates a place where it doesn't happen. It's a little silly, probably, but I do hope we can be friends. Would you tell me what your home is like, what your military is like there?"