Faolan pushed through the tightness in his chest, the heat that threatened to well into his cheeks, to keep his expression as blank as possible. He looked at Lucien and tried to separate him from his feelings, to tear him out of his chest and let him be free of the confines of his ribs. It was hard, but Faolan had seen pain and suffering. He knew he could get through this.

Another silence fell between them, and after a moment Faolan stood up. The chair's feet made a harsh wailing sound against the floorboards as he did so. He crossed the room, the bottoms of his boots thumping toward the bed and his bag. He crouched to organize his things, keeping his back to Lucien.

[color=a36209]"Going to leave a little early,"[/color] he said, zipping up his bag and standing. [color=a36209]"Get a head start."[/color] He crossed the room to the door and touched the handle.

[color=burlywood]"We're meeting in Green Bay...right?"[/color] Lucien said, his voice wavering slightly with nervousness.

Faolan paused, his fingers resting against the cool brass of the handle. He turned slightly toward Lucien and nodded, [color=a36209]"I'll be there."[/color] he said, then walked out the door. In this moment, he was not entirely sure that this was true.