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[ Ned has to break into a smile at that, shaking his head slightly. He'd thought it a bit odd, that Erik had started in the exact same place when Ned asked him for help, too. Apparently, both of them think it's the very first thing he needs to change. But, even if Erik had given him that advice, even if he'd practiced it, the habits of two decades are going to take a lot more than that to erase. All the same he doesn't hesitate this time before he - awkwardly, self-consciously - stands up straighter. ]

[ Erik had said it wasn't just about standing up straight, but about projecting strength and confidence. Ned's not exactly sure how to do the other two, but he can at the very least stand up tall for a little while, even if it makes him feel foolish. ]