Money owns this town (PRIVATE FOR REDKITE AND SCARSMATE)

[Scars Mate]

Xavier drew his hand away, dwelling on his own thoughts. Why was all this so difficult?

[RedKite]

Seeming to sense Xavier's depression, Ryder pushes her nose into his palm wanting attention.

[Scars Mate]

Xavier absentmindedly started stroking Ryder again. It was kind of therapeutic, and it seemed to make him feel better. All of a sudden, he remembered Lana.

'Sorry about ignoring you,' he apologised. 'Sit with me?' He tapped the wooden floor next to him.

[RedKite]

'What? Oh, yeah, sorry, I hadn't been paying attention.....' she sits by him and strokes Ryder as well.

[Scars Mate]

Silence ensued. It was pleasant for Xavier, but he didn't know if he should have said something to Lana; would it have made it worse?

[RedKite]

She takes a deep breath and Ryder's thoughts enter her mind: You should talk to him.

[Scars Mate]

Xavier cleared his throat awkwardly, scratching the back of his hand.

[RedKite]

Lana avoids eye-contact and looks for something to look at.

[Scars Mate]

Xavier sighed, sensing how tense the atmosphere had become.

'You know,' he said slowly, thinking about his phrasing. 'If I didn't know any better, I'd say we were both scared... Of, y'know, the stuff the others might attract.'

[RedKite]

'And I'd say you're right....' She sighs.