[ She follows suit because she likes him. Normally she'd carry on in the text, allowing herself to carry on with that curtaining her. She's strained and exhausted on her own end, unsure how to progress but unwilling to be silent. ]

Yeah, that's it. I'll ditch your ass and spend all day and night with a guy who works for the government and has the hottest boy band haircut. [ A chuckle slips out, but it's clearly just for his benefit. ] I might keep my friendship circle small, but I don't let people in without intending to keep them here. Sorry to break it to you, but you're kind of stuck.

[ She makes another sound, this time more genuine. A little huff; not quite a laugh. ]

I'm not always as forthright as I wish I was. I never know how to approach my feelings or... affection or, well, intimacy. But I don't use people. I'm too old for that shit, Ash.

[ There is a long pause, but there's that strange, alive crackle like when you're on the phone and someone is on the other end. ]

Hey, what do you call a ship that doesn't sink?