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[ahaha...haa....haaaa.]

True. I'm not exactly the quality companion Leia or Elize would be, but beggars can't be choosers right?

[well he's not wrong but that's not even what he's saying alvin...]

But I'm sure I could come up with something.

[h a h. alvin. put together a friend. thing. jesus... no what did he just say why can't he immediately take it back]

What? No, that's not what I— of course I miss Leia and Elize, but you're here, and you matter just as much as they do. Don't compare yourself.

I... I'd like that.

[ a small smile. ]

I know libraries aren't your thing. Where do you feel like going? We could go take a walk.

[oh we're doing this right now? that's fine. this is fine. it's. fine.]

I know you're a simple guy-- [and hey. that's not a bad thing.] --but even you have to admit that sounds pretty weak.

[who just. takes a walk.

but then it comes back to this being on him to figure out and that's even worse. jeez...]

Besides. If you've been cooped up here again, you could probably use a little relaxation.

[uh huh. yeah. sure. he's got this.]

Come on. Let's save the heavy reading for another day.

[or never, in his case. that would be nice. also. he's getting up. SO I GUESS THEY'RE LEAVING seems like he has an idea.]

[ it was pretty weak, he has to admit, but he couldn't come up with anything more interesting, and just being in alvin's company is enough. just talking and laughing together is enough, and it's been too long.

jude tilts his head, inquisitive, but he stands up and follows alvin's lead, moving on ahead to walk alongside him rather than behind him. ]

Where are we going?

[listen. alvin doesn't believe any of that. the heck is that, he's not even interesting. he's not a lot of things, if you ask him. it's better you don't ask him, really.]

Since the bath house is back in working order, it seems like a great time to enjoy a nice long soak and wash those cares away.

[yeah, if only that actually worked. well-- at least it might for jude and that's what matters. this is who the trip is for after all.]

[ jude would argue that no, this is for both of them, but sadly, he can't read the inner workings of alvin's mind. all he can do is nod in response. ]

Hmm... I've never used it before. Sure. Why not?

[ it sounds nice. ]

Well then. Even more reason to go give it a try.

[and hey. there's even a nice little walk to enjoy along the way.]

[ jude nudges him in the shoulder with a smile. ]

I admit I could stand to relax a bit...

[alvin feigns surprise and then grins.]

Well don't worry, your secret is safe with me.

[as if there's anyone who doesn't know jude works himself way too hard.]

[ jude can't help but giggle, bumping him lightly again in a playful gesture. ]

So, since I'm just a little less than a whole year older since you last saw me back home, how long do you think it'll take me to grow taller than you?

Woah now. Dreaming big, are we?

[Now that's a strange thing to imagine. A Jude that's taller than him... heh.]

Too bad. Not happening.

It can most certainly happen! There might not be much of a scientific probability, but...

[ he deflates a little... ]

I would have thought you'd place a little more faith in science and all that.

[He doesn't have any reason for denying it other than Pride.]

I'm all for beating the odds-- except when your opponent is me.

[Shh it's okay. Lighten up a little.]

[ jude elbows him. not too hard. ]

Someone's as cocky as ever.

I'm almost wounded that you sound so surprised. A guy is nothing without confidence.

[Translation: Why are you even remotely surprised, Jude? This is normal.]

[ hey, who said that he's surprised? ]

All right, all right. Look, we're almost there.

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