"I just try not to think about it too much in the meantime."

Liya gave him a look of total disappointment, but said nothing. He frowned at her.

"What's that face??"

"'Just don't think about it?'" Liya said dryly. "That's it?"

"Hey, I din't say I had an answer," Hawk retorted defensively, "just that I'm worried too! Look, I'll try again."

He counted off on two of his fingers. "You either ask Yoshi out, or you don't," he explained. "If we gotta leave Aetheri someday, that'll happen no matter which a' those you choose. But one a' those, and at least you get to date a girl you like first. How's that?"

"Better...I guess," Liya said doubtfully, and took another bite of fruit. Hawk leaned towards the window, peering out.

"Good, 'cuz I can see Yoshi walkin' up now."

Liya exclaimed, though it was muffled by the mouthful of fruit, and scrambled to grab her tote and leave. As she shouldered the tote, though, she paused, turning back to Hawk. For an instant the attitude was gone, and she asked him, "Wait, what if she doesn't like me like that??"

"She does," Hawk replied. Liya's frown returned instantly.

"How do you know--" she started, but Hawk poked her hard in the forehead.

"Just ask her, dingus," he told her, exasperated.