[ it's tossed into the room casually, in a tone that can be laughed off or easily brushed aside as a joke, as teasing conversation rather than some deeper inquiry or observation. ]
[It's a relief to be known like this, in the end. If nothing else, it's a relief to feel the almost painful presence of her, close and snug and incredibly real.]
[It can't be promised, but hearing it eases something in his shoulders. His head bobs in something like a nod before gently coming to rest against her shoulder for a few heartbeats.
They can manage for the next few minutes. They can manage for the next few minutes after that.]
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[ it's tossed into the room casually, in a tone that can be laughed off or easily brushed aside as a joke, as teasing conversation rather than some deeper inquiry or observation. ]
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His breath comes slowly, weight shifting just slightly to feel the solidity of her beside him.]
We'll manage.
[He'll manage. That's what he said, right?]
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Damn right.
[ snything else would simply not be acceptable. ]
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Promise?
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but right here, right now? ]
Yeah. I promise.
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They can manage for the next few minutes. They can manage for the next few minutes after that.]
...thank you.
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this isn't about her; that makes it easier to be firm. to make promises that neither one of them can keep. ]
I got you.