Maurice slowly lowers his hands. He picks up his mug again to give them something to do. While he may not look at Spike, he does listen. And he remembers a time when it was his shadow the little flute players kept an eye out for.

He doesn't want to be stupid. He wants so badly to be chill and normal. Well, normal was a lofty goal. He'll go with chill. He wants to be chill. And if being smart...will get him that, then he is going to study.

"I can't promise I won't mess up, but God I'm tryin'."