[There's a give and a take when it comes to navigating figuring him out. Most times she thinks she has him pegged completely. Others, he surprises her. This is one of the times he gives her a bit of a surprise. Her eyebrow arches at the realization that basically everyone where he's from sucks.

More and more she understands exactly why he's as abrasive and rough around the edges as he can be. With her, he tries. Or maybe the softness he shows her just comes naturally. Her hand shifts in his, turning just enough that she can squeeze in return.

This conversation is good. It's keeping her mind off the pain she's feeling, and helps keep her grounded.]

I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

[She says in a way that sounds like trouble for him later, accompanied by a mischievous little glint in her eye that shines through the exhaustion. What sort of ridiculous names could she call him, she wonders?]

But just so we're in agreement, I'm laying claim to calling you Tak while we're here.

[Is she playing at being possessive to tease him? Or is she being serious? It's not likely she's going to let him know. The smile she's trying to turn her head away to hide is answer enough.]