[ He should consider it a little more, he thinks, how easily a sense of calm comes over him when she's near like this. But as her fingers brush over the warm back of his neck, he finds he doesn't have the heart — or rather, his heart's occupied with other things.

An honesty that leaves no room to shy back from. ]

I like you too, Mercie.

[ Leaning back with a sigh, arms pulled against her in contentment, he glances upward. ]

Now, let's see how long it'll take for us to get kicked out. Or maybe they'll let us walk free, who knows.