The word that sticks there is trust, just the way that it always sticks, even though Kate's using it in a joke. Trust is loaded enough that it does not matter, that she still feels a little prickle of distaste at just the sound of the word in someone else's mouth. She has been both tightly wound and out of control, but there was always a piece of her that stood back and kept watch, a piece of her that was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nothing comes easy, and everything has a price, and just because Kate is fun to fight with and fun to tease does not mean that Johanna will accept anything from her.

But in Kate's response, she finds her opportunity to claw back to the top. Her smirk crooks at her mouth, a little more self-assured this time. This is familiar territory.

"You think I need your help." Sarcasm loads that word, thick. "That's cute. Those are two very specific offers, Katie. You've got something on your mind." And she bites at her lower lip, just for a second, as if she's got to hold back a wider smirk. When she goes on, her voice is shaded toward the taut again. "If I wanted either of those things, I could get them on my own. From you, or from anyone. Unfortunately for you, I don't accept hand-outs. And I don't trade in favors. But if you actually want lessons, and if you promise to do better than this--"

And she nods toward the target, where the axe is still lodged. Good, but not god enough. "Then you'll have to give me something I can really use."