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[use_everything]

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[failureisntachoice]

[ It's a little relieving that he's not pulling away at that. She drags the bag over in front of her and fishes out the simple food they brought to make with their portable cooking equipment. ]

It's too bad we couldn't hunt for dinner this trip.

[use_everything]

[It's the little things that mark the change, like fingers brushing - without apology or start - in the simple act of setting up.]

Next time. Without the sudden increases in elevation.

[failureisntachoice]

It's a lot flatter in Texas. [ A trip she plans to make at some point. Hunting and moving out around outdoors would just be a bonus to the trip.

She takes up the brunt of the cooking, old, distant skills coming back into use like second nature. ] I'm glad you came out here with me.

[use_everything]

[Which is good. His own skill over a fire is around the range of "burn the parasites out" rather than a whole lot of skill.

He spends most of it either passing anything she asks for or needs, the rest with his hands folded behind his head, watching her work as the sun went down.]

Same ... I wonder if you'd be adverse to something like this regularly...

[failureisntachoice]

I suggested coming out here in the first place. [ Her own cooking skills aren't anything spectacular, but she has the basics and thankfully, they're not making anything gourmet.

When she finishes, she leans back on the palms of her hands and leaves him to serve himself. ] I wouldn't mind penciling this in more often.

[use_everything]

Hm. [He sets up his own plate and passes her the second dish to portion her own.]

Have you gotten to visit this Texas place yourself yet?

[failureisntachoice]

No. That's why I want to plan a trip there and visit for a week or two. [ She shrugs as she fills her plate. ]

I know it's not where I'm actually from, but it was important enough to be my codename.

[use_everything]

If you care for company...

[failureisntachoice]

You'll be the first I extend an invitation to. [ A beat then, ] I thought I'd ask Cordelia too.

[use_everything]

I'm not sure how she'll take that. She was Survey.

But last I'd checked, she was quite done with the ... ah... more difficult aspects of the outdoors.

Horses would be definitely out.

[failureisntachoice]

I've heard you're not a huge fan of them yourself. [ She shrugs. ] I've never ridden which some might say makes me a bad Texan.

[ She doesn't have cowboy boots or hat either. Thank god. ]

We'll have to ask her anyway and see what happens.

[use_everything]

You'll have to introduce me to the concept of a good Texan.

[He takes a few bites off of his plate, stomach reminding him of the march it had been up here.]

Oh, I don't doubt she'll be indulgent to a point.

[failureisntachoice]

It's a lot of barbecue, boots, and horseback riding. There's a whole uniform that goes with it.

[ One she's not even sure she'd wear in jest. ]

Good because I know I'd be glad to have her along.

[use_everything]

[There's a small, agreeable noise at that. So far, not too bad.]

What kind of uniform?

[Lets get to the important part, here.]

[failureisntachoice]

It's better if you see it.

[ She could show him over the link. She could. But then that would mean she couldn't set her food aside for a moment and lean closer as she holds her communicator between them. No, instead she'll start image searching for "cowboys." ]

[use_everything]

[He braces a palm behind Tex, leaning to get a better view of the phone, shoulder to shoulder.]

... Is there a reason that much of their pants are missing?

[failureisntachoice]

[ She snickers as she scrolls down for him to see more pictures. ]

How about we find one when we visit so you can ask.

[use_everything]

[He gives her a dry, sideways look.]

I'm sure that will go over well.

[failureisntachoice]

It'll go fine if you ask nicely.

[use_everything]

I've been told nicely isn't one of the skills I've mastered.

[failureisntachoice]

You'll figure it out or you might end up smothered with hospitality.

[use_everything]

I'm not sure how you made that particular sentence ominous, but. I'll say: I'm impressed.

[failureisntachoice]

I've had a lot of practice.