Luckily, no. Just brains and keeping out of trouble. Don't worry, I won't be making you stretch yourself too thin. [she knew he seemed to rely on her for an easy time and she would keep doing that for him. Maria knew Vander had meant it when he told her she could ask him for help, she'd meant it when she returned the favor, but ultimately she thought she knew what Vander needed from her. it was easy to oblige for Vander.]

Geesh, men and their protein. Always the same with you guys. [she jokes and has picked her strawberry pancakes. simple, to the point, and she could probably finish them. besides she needed a treat after all that.] But you're right. Nothing is. Or simple. [it would be easy for her mind to go to thoughts she didn't want them to head towards and she thinks she should make another joke, try to liven things up.

but then she feels his foot and she smiles.] But some things can be. [her foot moves up to brush along his calf. it doesn't go much higher than that.] So we should just enjoy what we have while we have it? [she's put her menu down, meeting his face and smiling. she would enjoy not being alone right now.]