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"Easy, take it easy," Evan half muttered, half scolded, leaning in to retrieve the fallen ice pack. It dripped on the bed as he held it between them, unsure; he had caught on to Nora's seeming aversion to touch, and trying to hit him, in her current state, would probably only hurt her more. In the end, he put it on the table beside the pitcher of water and sat back.

Despite their other differences, Evan was relieved--beyond relieved, if he was honest, and approaching, if not happy, then at least glad--that they were of a like mind on Deus' recruitment policies. "I agree," he assured Nora. "These kids are too young to throw their lives away, and a lot of them are too undisciplined to be effective in the field, but Deus isn't just something you're allowed to walk away from. We're too late to get them out of here. All we can do now is watch their backs."

Nora's non sequitur caught Evan by surprise. Evan hadn't thought Stormy's relationship with that boy had progressed as far as living together. That they didn't sleep in the same room was little comfort; it would be easy enough for them to make that leap if they were already under the same roof. "I didn't know that," he admitted reluctantly. That she knew about Stormy's little habit was hardly a shock, given her past life, but he couldn't help but feel upset on her behalf anyway. "She knows I don't approve. She's down a pack, at least. Anyone ever talk to you about going through other peoples' stuff?"

"Have you gone through Gale's stuff? Maybe he gave Stormy the cigarettes," Evan countered. He hadn't recalled Stormy ever smoking before he left, and he was all too ready to believe that her taking it up was someone else's fault.

Nora's trembling did not go unnoticed, and he muttered an exasperated, "Stay still, already," grabbing the pitcher and carefully tipping its contents into the cup she held. Evan didn't like being out-stubborned at the best of times; now, during the worst of times, hardheadedness just seemed outright foolish.

"There are worse things she could be doing," Evan allowed. "But our partners work hard enough to keep us going as it is. There's no need for them to waste time and energy repairing lung damage, too. I heard Colorado actually legalized weed--at least that's not addictive, or anything."

It was one of those things that might be funny if it wasn't so sad, spying on loved ones in order to save them from themselves when much more serious dangers loomed large and constant. Evan made a mental note to hide all of his good stuff, just in case. He erased it, pleasantly surprised, as Nora shrugged off the prospect of weed easier than the reality of cigarettes. "Not bad? That doesn't seem like a very Officer-of-the-Law thing to say. Got something you want to share with the rest of us, Constable?"

Finally, finally it seemed like they had made it through the minefield of other people's problems, only a little less singed than they actually were. It was a relief; Evan wasn't much for drama, and aggravating Nora in her current state was guilt he didn't want or need. "No thanks necessary, Ma'am, it was my genuine pleasure," he replied, laying the charm on thick to smooth over any lingering strain between them. "They've got me on lighter duties for the next couple of days, so feel free to call or text if you get bored." And maybe he just liked hanging out with her. It was certainly better than hanging out with minipets and the pod people, in any case.

Nora seemed like a better idea with each passing moment--family ties notwithstanding--Evan decided, giving her a surprised look. "Good to know," he replied, plans already starting to take form. They would have to wait, though, at least until they were both fully recovered.

Evan stood as Nora dismissed him, wincing a little at the lingering ache as muscles flexed and pulled new skin. "Only the extra-crispy ones," he assured her. He hesitated, an eyebrow climbing towards his hairline, taking what she said at face value--he had never been into that kind of television even when he had had regular access to one, and he completely missed the reference. "Oh, I'm sure that can be arranged," he promised. He was sure he could dig up lotion somewhere on the island, but where was he going to get fresh grapes?