Right. The wrong idea. Fallon's legs curled further up beneath herself and she forced herself to look away from his gaze. Whatever she once thought they were moving towards was gone, and she was okay with that. Really. The tundra stole much from them both, and perhaps in another life there would've been a chance for them. "Definitely not," Fallon confirmed.

  

His expression dropped the moment her eyes moved from his, and he uncomfortably pulled himself into a straighter sitting position. The tension in his chest was rising, and he was all too aware of it. He didn't like feeling like this. He didn't like feeling things, especially when he couldn't name them or control them.

"Thank you for inviting me over tonight," he said, shifting his body so his feet were planted firmly on the floor. He looked over at her, unwilling to meet her eyes but mustering a half-smile that was about as convincing as the thoughts going through his head were. He didn't care. He shouldn't care. They were barely friends—they were acquaintances, rough ones, even, who had shared an even rougher time together. That was it.

His stomach tightened, in defeat or disappointment. He had to get out of here.

"I have things to do tomorrow. I should probably rest." He had nothing to do tomorrow, and had slept half the day away. Still, a lie was better than the truth. "Thanks for the whiskey. The cookies, too," he added. He moved to his feet, struggling to keep his eyes away from her as he stood in front of the couch, trying to remember what entrance he'd came through.

---

  

---

— way too attractive set by mj <3 —

His abrupt departure reminded her of Jesse's initial hasty departure before their fight. Only, Jesse's feelings were rooted in feelings for and Lachlan's were ... not. What was wrong with men that they always felt the need to flee after a difficult conversation? Sure, the air between them had turned awkward and she didn't believe his excuse for a second. They were both presently jobless and 'recovering' from their ordeal. "Yeah, okay," Fallon agreed weakly.

She moved to her feet and fidgeted awkwardly with the sleeve of her top. Men's pajamas were likely an inappropriate clothing choice, but she wasn't about to change before his visit. It was late and she was tired. "Thanks for coming over ... you're welcome here anytime. I hope you know that." She said earnestly. "And good luck with whatever you have to do tomorrow..."