Shady

“Let’s!” Pratik gestured invitingly and took a step down the hall.

(Ah nice! Glad you’re feeling better!) “Uh… I mean…” Pratik glanced down the hall as well. It’d be kind of him to make the decision. Rickard seemed to dislike those ...

(That’s so bizarre I hope the wall cyborg leaves you alone soon lol) (Also is your uterus still trying to murder you?) Pratik’s grin grew and he nodded, gesturing over ...

(Oh gosh that’s terrible @_@ ) “I understand.” Pratik nodded. “I hope they fade in time… you’ve got prettier things to dream about now.” He grinned playfully and nudged him.

“You’re safe now,” Pratik said gently. “Tarr’s probably already forgotten about us. And even if he hasn’t… well… he’s not capable of getting to anyone here. He’s not. And Ash ...

Pratik grimaced but dipped his head. “I’m just glad you were in the right place at the right time. You made yourself easy to help.”

“You as well.” Pratik offered a little genuine smile and dipped his head. “I’m honored you consider me a friend. I’ve enjoyed your company very much.”

"...If she's well enough, then yes." Pratik inclined his head, feeling a prick of conscience at Rickard's shift in demeanor. "... I... expect you're right that she won't want anything ...

Pratik laughed and shook his head. "You're fine, Rickard. If I didn't want to spend time with you, then I wouldn't. I'm calling myself a child; not saying that you're ...

"I was -- am? -- being an asshat about Ada." Pratik shrugged and buried his hands in his pockets. "I know this was to get me away from her so ...

"I have no preference." Pratik shrugged. "You're the one entertaining the toddler; I'll follow along wherever you like."

"It's not your fault." Pratik took a deep breath and let it out, forcing his shoulders to relax. He needed to be gentle with Rickard. This was not being gentle. ...

"You're okay," Pratik said gently, forcing the tension out of his jaw and brow as he finally looked at Rickard. "It's not a big deal."

Pratik glanced at him, then away again. Great. He was scaring Rickard. This was exactly what he'd been trying to avoid. He should have refused this stupid little aside. Gone ...

Don't be an asshole. ... Don't be an asshole. Rickard was well-meaning. Hell, he was right, even. That didn't make it easier to stomach. Don't be an asshole . "... ...