[ They aren't what or who they were. But they could be who they wanted to be. Who they chose to be. And Carolina was choosing to return that interest, albeit mutedly, almost shyly.

Tiredly. Can't forget that.

Then her eyes widen as he makes his offer, asks to join her, and really, she must be dreaming by now, right? This seems almost a little too coincidental, a little too much hope in one package, and it takes her a minute of what must be awkward staring before she replies.

(it isn't anywhere near a minute) ]

...Ask me again, in the morning?

[It's not a no. But there's something like a plea in the undercurrent of her words, in how her hands moves, stretching out fingers towards him. An offer, a request - for touch, for grounding. ]

There's a lot you need to know, this isn't...I don't want you making this decision lightly. Chorus isn't exactly the safest place. You'll be even less safe with me and Epsilon, or with Wash and the sim troopers. You have a life here. And if..

[She would never forgive herself if anything happened to him, because he chose to follow her. Just as he'd followed Tex. (But that was different then.) (But she'd be no less devastated.)]

[softly] ...And if you ask me again in the morning, then I'd know, this is really real.