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[toabsolution]

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[dog_eat_dog]

[She's markedly less enthused, glancing away for a moment. No remark on that first bit. No real desire to remark on the second, either, but she's this far in already.]

Good luck, then.

[She does mean that sincerely. Might as well have one man she's been into grow.]

[toabsolution]

[He takes the luck, resists the urge to say something sarcastic in return. He wants to believe that it's genuine because, well, it feels good to think that she means it. Because despite what he says and what he tells her, he does care for her. He doesn't know her, but he knows that much. He always will.]

I'll be back when I can.

Maybe we can start over then.

[Of course, he'll go no-contact if that's what she wants. But there will always be a part of him that's drawn to her. They had things in common. They talked, even when it seemed like things were only physical. Those are the parts he cares about.]

[dog_eat_dog]

[She nods.]

I'd like that.

[She's not sure of how serious he is, but she'll go out on a limb for it. It doesn't have to be scorched earth, not again.]

[toabsolution]

[Something uncoils in his chest, something he didn't even know was there. He was going to do this no matter what, but hearing her say that makes it seem less of a trek.]

Yeah. Alright.

You take care of yourself, huh?

[dog_eat_dog]

Of course. You too, yeah? Don't get blown up by any aliens or anything, I like you in one piece.

[toabsolution]

[This time, the laugh, though soft, is real.]

That's the plan, Tess.

I'll seeya soon.

[dog_eat_dog]

[She smiles despite herself and rocks forward on her feet like she might take a step towards him, but she stays put.]

Yeah. See you soon.