#rutgers

She reaches and runs fingertips over the marks. "Do you think, maybe, this isn't a change of the old scars, but...like, this is what your real Dreaming you looks like? Has always looked like?"

She tilts her head, expression thoughtful.

"I hadn't considered that. They aren't... bad. I don't mind them."

"No, they look cool. Like...frost on the windows, y'know?"

She draws her hand back.

A grin and a nod, appreciation for being allowed to touch.

"But you get used to being a certain way. Change is hard."

"Masey didn't even ask about them. Just... accepted them, you know? Like - you know, Symon knows, folks from home.."

She grins. "She accepts them because she accepts you. As you are."

"Yeah..."

"And she's who she is."

"And she seems pretty damn cool." A pause. "There's other pretty damn cool people out there, too, y'know. Ones who enjoy a chance to accept you, too. I know I'm glad I've had that chance."

"Right. Cool and fun. A friend, maybe. Probably. I think. Yes."

"Perfect. Hey, I've got a class in about thirty minutes, but I could really use a coffee. Wanna go to the Librewery?"

"Sure. I should maybe get a snack there before class. Late breakfast?"

"We had some stuff at Goldfinch, but the cleanup effort pretty much burned off all those calories, so I say hell-yes to a late breakfast." A grin.

"Sounds great. Let's go!"

And go, they do.

((End Scene))