[there are no thoughts of wanting Vander out of her place, definitely not out of her bed. it seems like he's making no moves to leave either. and if anything, after her telling him what happened and him telling her what he had gone through himself; it just made her feel more affectionate. in her mind, Maria had the idea of Vander just needing someone to help him. Maria could not physically do much for him, other than give him company and so she would do that. comfort him and try to be someone he could seek solace in. he'd certainly become that for her.]

Hardly seems fair. Mostly just pointless? All...this. [her voice dips into a sadder tone and her cheek nuzzles the skin where she lay on him. she meant the mission, all the people who had been hurt, and the scars that had left behind.] What am I saying? It's always pointless. [there's a huff of laughter, devoid of any humor, and then a sigh.] Nobody deserves to suffer. [and that she felt with her whole heart.]

Including someone like Vincent. Even if he did call me ugly. [she jokes to try to bring back the levity.] You'll run into him because he's hard to avoid honestly. Hard to charm, too. If you manage it then I'll be impressed. [Vander is very charming but Vincent is not one to be charmed. by anybody really.]

I know us spending the night together and sleeping the day away has been giving off some mixed signals. [they had slept together but she still felt the need to keep up the game of cat and mouse. will they, won't they...even if they had. and repeatedly.]