[SCENE] [In Between] Jake and Lana in "The Break"
((Allow me to post the first log of 2.5...! Takes place in 2023, a year and a half before "current" RP time.))
Jake: *It's a midsummer's night in 2023, and Jake Marshall sits on a couch in Lana's living room -- well, it's his living room as well now, as they've been living together for three years. The only light comes from the TV screen that's showing some old cowboy drama series that's at least a decade old. With a plate in his lap, he's finishing off a cold leftover chicken leg, picking at the last bit of meat on its bones with his teeth*
Lana: *there's a clatter at the door and a jingle of keys as Lana Skye steps in, just having arrived back from work despite the late hour. After much effort in the last few years, her job as a private investigator has really taken off; so much so that she now has an agency, complete with other P.I.s she manages and supervises diligently. Her workaholic and detailed nature have lead to many a late night; this was just one of them, a briefing that by necessity stretched on for a little too long*
Lana: *looking rather tired but also somewhat content, she sets down her briefcase at the door and steps out of her shoes, heading to the fridge in the kitchen--she hasn't eaten dinner yet. As she takes out a tupperware container, she glances across the way to the living room, where Jake is sitting* What's on tonight?
Jake: *with a small smile he puts the bone down on the plate, which he then plops down on the coffee table* Deadwood. *doesn't watch her movements*
Lana: Ah, I see. *places the tupperware into the microwave and presses the necessary buttons; as the container begins its slow rotation, she rubs at her eyes with a hand* I'm sorry it took so long again-- Lee still has a long way to go before he can head a case by himself. Ema didn't call, did she?
Jake: Nope, nothin'. *continues to watch the screen for a moment as the program cuts to a commercial break. He picks up the remote and puts it on mute*
Lana: Alright. *the microwave beeps and she takes out her dinner, bringing it, along with a knife and fork, to the living room area. She takes a seat beside Jake, glancing at the television before she looks to him* Hey.
Jake: *turns to her with a teasing smirk* Hey there, bambina. You come here often?
Lana: Not often enough, it seems. *leans over, nuzzling him lightly on the cheek before sitting back and opening the lid to her dinner* I missed you too.
Jake: *a few beats pass before he speaks again* ...I'm gonna be cuttin' straight to the chase here, bambina, if you don't mind. I need to speak to you 'bout a matter of importance.
Lana: *raises an eyebrow, setting the container and the cutlery down on the coffee table after a moment's consideration* Alright. ...What is it?
Jake: *leans forward a bit in his seat, showing small signs of hesitation as he glances off and smiles* Boy, this is like pullin' teeth, I tell you what.
Lana: Teeth, like bandages, are best pulled quickly. *despite the lighthearted way she says this, she looks quite a deal more concerned at his behavior* What's the matter? Is something wrong?
Jake: *looks at her, nodding lightly* You may could say that. It's about you 'n' me.
Lana: *it's not quite perceptible in the dark room, but her face seems to pale a few shades even lighter than normal--her hands tense and she looks to him to continue, not prompting him verbally*
Jake: *averts his gaze as he calmly continues; he's had these thoughts in mind for a while, and knows how to put them in words* I've been travellin' this long road by foot without a map, headed nowhere. I got no direction. Lately, it's been a struggle just to get outta bed and drag my sorry behind to the Gust to start my daily routine. ...This ain't the sort of life I imagined.
Lana: *contemplates his words for a moment before she speaks* ...And this applies to our relationship too, then.
Jake: *tiredly* Do you see where we're headed? Or is it a long, endless stretch with nothin' in the horizon?
Lana: *glances off to the side, taking some time before responding again* It's long, though I don't suppose anyone can say for certain if it's endless. Does the sight displease you?
Jake: Hard to say. You and me have different sights ahead of us. We're on different paths, and these days, they rarely cross.
Lana: I'm sorry I've been so busy--it can't really be helped, with how disorganized everything still is at the office. *frowns and then glances off again, finding herself unable to meet his eyes* I'll take a week off. I know I haven't really done that since Ema moved out...
Jake: *can't quite face her himself, but his tone is steady* Lana, I think a break could do us some good, I'm sorry to say.
Lana: *her hands clench at her sides--and while her face doesn't turn expressionless, his words appear to have a definite impact* A... break. I see. You really think that would be for the best?
Jake: *as-a-matter-of-factly* Wouldn't be sayin' a thing like this if I weren't dreadful sure. *faces her with a serious expression* Do you know what you want in our relationship?
Lana: I... want to move at your pace. *shuts her eyes* It doesn't matter what I want aside from that, if you're not comfortable with things as they are now. Do you think a break is necessary...?
Jake: Frankly, I don't think I'm in any position to be anythin' worth your while. *it's unusual for him to be this defeatist, especially this straightforward about it* I gotta take a breath of air, look the other way and figure out what the heck's gonna get me outta the mud. Whatever I'm doin' now, it ain't workin'...and our relationship's sufferin' for it.
Lana: *strongly--her voice quivers with emotion as she speaks* You are worth it.
Lana: You're... you're certain that this is what you need, in order to do all of that...?
Jake: Hey... *shifts closer, putting an arm firmly around her shoulders and softening his tone* Look at me, will ya?
Lana: *turns and looks at him--she's making an effort to be calm, though that, along with the turbulent feelings underneath, is easily readable*
Jake: *looks straight into her eyes* It's just a break, all right? Don't you be gettin' any ideas in your head that I don't think we're meant to be or nothin'. 'Cause that ain't true.
Lana: But why-- ... *cuts herself off, shaking her head slightly to clear it--with that, she properly calms down* ...All right. A hiatus, then. *reaches up to rub at her eyes again-- she seems quite exhausted all of a sudden* I suppose you'll want to move out for the duration...? If you just wanted to use Ema's old room or such, I'd be fine with that...
Jake: *loosens his hold on her, lightly resting his hand on her shoulder* The rest of this talk can wait 'til tomorrow. Lord knows I've sprung too much on you already at such a late hour, and I'm a mite tuckered out.
Lana: ...Yes. *relaxes somewhat, especially at his continued touch* We'll talk tomorrow, then. *reaches up to take his hand, running her fingers lightly against his* Can we sleep together? Or would you prefer spending tonight in different rooms?
Jake: *a slight grin* Hope you don't mind having a vagrant like myself as company for the night. *brings her hand up to his lips, giving it a kiss*
Lana: *again she relaxes somewhat--enough so that she manages to smile faintly, at that* I don't mind at all. *makes to stand, tugging his hands with her own. She hasn't eaten, but her hunger has quite dwindled away for the night* ...Now come to bed, cowboy.
Jake: *gets on his feet without any further prompting, putting a hand on her hip* What about your dinner?
Lana: *draws him close, her arms entwining around him and her lips finding their place on his neck briefly, just below his jaw, as she guides him towards the stairs. There's something painfully urgent and demanding to her movement* Change of appetite.
Jake: *far less tense than he was a few minutes ago, he follows her with a knowing grin* You got some good hospitality, bambina.
Lana: *as they head up the stairs and she tugs him towards the bedroom, she kisses him intently again, this time on the lips* I'm just making sure you don't forget this part, Mr. Marshall. And making sure you pay your due before you go.
Jake: *leans in, nuzzling her neck contentedly* Baby, you'd have to crack open my skull and fiddle 'round with its contents 'fore I forget this. *moves into the bedroom with her, not bothering to close the door behind them*
~~~
Lana: *early next morning, Lana wakes up automatically--she's well used to getting up at such an hour. She'd fallen asleep resting against Jake's arm and her head is still resting against it as she opens her eyes*
Lana: *it takes her a moment to recall the conversation last night. When she does, she curls in closer to the warm body beside her, looking up to study Jake's face quietly, reaching up with a hand to gently tease the scruff along his jawline*
Jake: *opens his eyes after a moment, appearing well-rested and at ease. He shifts his position slightly and stretches as he rolls over to take a look at the window and the clock* ...Still don't know how the heck you can do this without an alarm.
Lana: *smiles softly* With practice. *sits up and glances over to the window when he does, only speaking after a long moment* It's sunny outside.
Jake: Yep. Looks like a fine day. *turning to her again, lightly tracing his fingers against her back* How you holdin' up?
Lana: *quite calmly* I'm fine; you needn't worry about me. ...Do you know where you'll want to be staying, yet? Are you going to find a place to rent temporarily, or...?
Jake: *sighs tiredly and lies on his back, closing his eyes and seemingly going back to sleep*
Lana: ... *unfortunately... Lana seems well used to this behavior or something like it-- she reaches down to prod at a particular area on his ribs* ... Jake.
Jake: *flinches and immediately grabs that spot instinctively, blinking at her* Yeah?
Lana: *tilts her head* My questions? You have some idea about what you'll be doing for lodging at least, don't you?
Jake: *smiles confidently* You know me, bambina. I wouldn't be makin' any large decisions without thinkin' things through.
Lana: *nods* I thought as much.
Jake: I've been doin' a lotta thinking over this, and I've come to surmise... It's the city.
Lana: *frowns slightly* The... city?
Jake: *continuing on steadily* The future I had for me here's long gone. My place is elsewhere now... *looks out the window* A place fit for a tired old aging cowboy.
Lana: You... want to move out of the city? *her hands tighten somewhat* To a ranch in the countryside or something like that?
Jake: You got it! *grins at her* It's about time I return to my roots and be a cattle wrangler.
Lana: *her frown continues* ... Jake, you've never lived outside of Los Angeles before, much less wrangled cattle.
Jake: And that's where I'm going wrong. Don't you see now?
Lana: No, I... *sighs, brushing some hair past her ear* Alright, so you want to work on a ranch. Do you have a particular place in mind? I don't suppose they would just accept you if you turned up at a place this afternoon.
Jake: *self-assuredly* 'Course not. Gotta settle into town first 'fore checking out what's available. I'm in luck, though -- there's plenty o' job openings at the ranches in the Cowboy State.
Lana: *the ticking of the clock on the nighttable is audible for several seconds* ....... In Texas?
Jake: *chuckles* Wyoming, bambina. My sight's set on Wyoming.
Lana: You want to move to Wyoming?
Jake: It's a beautiful location. Clear blue skies, red rocks, mountain ranges as far as the eye can see, friendly wildlife...least, that's what I saw on TV.
Lana: *shuts her eyes, takes a breath, and when she speaks it's calmer* You want to move to Wyoming. And if you enjoy it there...
Jake: *lies back, closing his eyes again* ...Que sera, sera.
Lana: *glances off quickly, moving away from him. Her words, once they come out, are sharp* How long have you been thinking about this?! And you only thought of telling me about this plan now?!
Jake: *after a moment of awkward silence, he turns his head to look at her* Does it matter how long I've been thinking about it for?
Lana: *snappishly, not turning to look back at him* Yes. If I had any clue you were thinking this way--that you were this unsatisfied--I would have tried to help you somehow, at least. At least I would have known!
Jake: *frowns a bit* This is something I gotta help myself with. You know I hate to weigh you down.
Lana: *lowers her head, shutting her eyes. She grips onto the sheets with her hands, and is silent*
Jake: *glances down, his tone sincere* Sorry, bambina. I hate to do this to ya, after all you've done for me... but I need to take a chance while I still can. I ain't gettin' any younger, and I wanna escape this rut.
Lana: *after another moment, quietly* And you...think it's best if we weren't together for the duration.
Jake: To see what'll happen then. *watching her movements carefully with concern* ...You scared?
Lana: No... I'm fine. *turns away, her face impassive--a little pale, but perhaps that's from skipping dinner the night before* It won't be any fun on my end, but... ... I hope you can find the answers you're looking for.
Jake: Ain't gonna be no picnic for me either, Lana. *inches in closer* You'll be outta sight, but you won't be outta mind... *place his hand on her shoulder* I'll be writin' to you as often as I can.
Lana: ... All right.*closes her eyes, brushing her cheek lightly against his hand* ...I do hope you enjoy it out there, you stupid cowboy.
Jake: Thanks, baby. *gently cups her cheek and leans in, giving her a small kiss on her back* I'll miss ya.
Lana: I'll miss you too.*breathes out, mustering a smile* Come on. I'll help you get packed.
Jake: Sure thing. *sits up* I'll kill you a buffalo and mail you some fine homemade jerky in return.
Lana: *pushes back the covers and steps out of the bed, brushing back her hair and turning to him* Alright. I'll hold you to that.
Jake: *moves to the side of the bed, tugging his pants on* Go get some breakfast first. You must be starvin'.
Lana: ... I suppose I am a bit hungry by now. *reaches for her robe and slips into it, heading for the door* I'll make breakfast. Eggs?
Jake: Three for me.
Lana: *nods, securing the sash of her robe and glancing to him briefly before walking out of the room, to the kitchen*
Jake: *It's a midsummer's night in 2023, and Jake Marshall sits on a couch in Lana's living room -- well, it's his living room as well now, as they've been living together for three years. The only light comes from the TV screen that's showing some old cowboy drama series that's at least a decade old. With a plate in his lap, he's finishing off a cold leftover chicken leg, picking at the last bit of meat on its bones with his teeth*
Lana: *there's a clatter at the door and a jingle of keys as Lana Skye steps in, just having arrived back from work despite the late hour. After much effort in the last few years, her job as a private investigator has really taken off; so much so that she now has an agency, complete with other P.I.s she manages and supervises diligently. Her workaholic and detailed nature have lead to many a late night; this was just one of them, a briefing that by necessity stretched on for a little too long*
Lana: *looking rather tired but also somewhat content, she sets down her briefcase at the door and steps out of her shoes, heading to the fridge in the kitchen--she hasn't eaten dinner yet. As she takes out a tupperware container, she glances across the way to the living room, where Jake is sitting* What's on tonight?
Jake: *with a small smile he puts the bone down on the plate, which he then plops down on the coffee table* Deadwood. *doesn't watch her movements*
Lana: Ah, I see. *places the tupperware into the microwave and presses the necessary buttons; as the container begins its slow rotation, she rubs at her eyes with a hand* I'm sorry it took so long again-- Lee still has a long way to go before he can head a case by himself. Ema didn't call, did she?
Jake: Nope, nothin'. *continues to watch the screen for a moment as the program cuts to a commercial break. He picks up the remote and puts it on mute*
Lana: Alright. *the microwave beeps and she takes out her dinner, bringing it, along with a knife and fork, to the living room area. She takes a seat beside Jake, glancing at the television before she looks to him* Hey.
Jake: *turns to her with a teasing smirk* Hey there, bambina. You come here often?
Lana: Not often enough, it seems. *leans over, nuzzling him lightly on the cheek before sitting back and opening the lid to her dinner* I missed you too.
Jake: *a few beats pass before he speaks again* ...I'm gonna be cuttin' straight to the chase here, bambina, if you don't mind. I need to speak to you 'bout a matter of importance.
Lana: *raises an eyebrow, setting the container and the cutlery down on the coffee table after a moment's consideration* Alright. ...What is it?
Jake: *leans forward a bit in his seat, showing small signs of hesitation as he glances off and smiles* Boy, this is like pullin' teeth, I tell you what.
Lana: Teeth, like bandages, are best pulled quickly. *despite the lighthearted way she says this, she looks quite a deal more concerned at his behavior* What's the matter? Is something wrong?
Jake: *looks at her, nodding lightly* You may could say that. It's about you 'n' me.
Lana: *it's not quite perceptible in the dark room, but her face seems to pale a few shades even lighter than normal--her hands tense and she looks to him to continue, not prompting him verbally*
Jake: *averts his gaze as he calmly continues; he's had these thoughts in mind for a while, and knows how to put them in words* I've been travellin' this long road by foot without a map, headed nowhere. I got no direction. Lately, it's been a struggle just to get outta bed and drag my sorry behind to the Gust to start my daily routine. ...This ain't the sort of life I imagined.
Lana: *contemplates his words for a moment before she speaks* ...And this applies to our relationship too, then.
Jake: *tiredly* Do you see where we're headed? Or is it a long, endless stretch with nothin' in the horizon?
Lana: *glances off to the side, taking some time before responding again* It's long, though I don't suppose anyone can say for certain if it's endless. Does the sight displease you?
Jake: Hard to say. You and me have different sights ahead of us. We're on different paths, and these days, they rarely cross.
Lana: I'm sorry I've been so busy--it can't really be helped, with how disorganized everything still is at the office. *frowns and then glances off again, finding herself unable to meet his eyes* I'll take a week off. I know I haven't really done that since Ema moved out...
Jake: *can't quite face her himself, but his tone is steady* Lana, I think a break could do us some good, I'm sorry to say.
Lana: *her hands clench at her sides--and while her face doesn't turn expressionless, his words appear to have a definite impact* A... break. I see. You really think that would be for the best?
Jake: *as-a-matter-of-factly* Wouldn't be sayin' a thing like this if I weren't dreadful sure. *faces her with a serious expression* Do you know what you want in our relationship?
Lana: I... want to move at your pace. *shuts her eyes* It doesn't matter what I want aside from that, if you're not comfortable with things as they are now. Do you think a break is necessary...?
Jake: Frankly, I don't think I'm in any position to be anythin' worth your while. *it's unusual for him to be this defeatist, especially this straightforward about it* I gotta take a breath of air, look the other way and figure out what the heck's gonna get me outta the mud. Whatever I'm doin' now, it ain't workin'...and our relationship's sufferin' for it.
Lana: *strongly--her voice quivers with emotion as she speaks* You are worth it.
Lana: You're... you're certain that this is what you need, in order to do all of that...?
Jake: Hey... *shifts closer, putting an arm firmly around her shoulders and softening his tone* Look at me, will ya?
Lana: *turns and looks at him--she's making an effort to be calm, though that, along with the turbulent feelings underneath, is easily readable*
Jake: *looks straight into her eyes* It's just a break, all right? Don't you be gettin' any ideas in your head that I don't think we're meant to be or nothin'. 'Cause that ain't true.
Lana: But why-- ... *cuts herself off, shaking her head slightly to clear it--with that, she properly calms down* ...All right. A hiatus, then. *reaches up to rub at her eyes again-- she seems quite exhausted all of a sudden* I suppose you'll want to move out for the duration...? If you just wanted to use Ema's old room or such, I'd be fine with that...
Jake: *loosens his hold on her, lightly resting his hand on her shoulder* The rest of this talk can wait 'til tomorrow. Lord knows I've sprung too much on you already at such a late hour, and I'm a mite tuckered out.
Lana: ...Yes. *relaxes somewhat, especially at his continued touch* We'll talk tomorrow, then. *reaches up to take his hand, running her fingers lightly against his* Can we sleep together? Or would you prefer spending tonight in different rooms?
Jake: *a slight grin* Hope you don't mind having a vagrant like myself as company for the night. *brings her hand up to his lips, giving it a kiss*
Lana: *again she relaxes somewhat--enough so that she manages to smile faintly, at that* I don't mind at all. *makes to stand, tugging his hands with her own. She hasn't eaten, but her hunger has quite dwindled away for the night* ...Now come to bed, cowboy.
Jake: *gets on his feet without any further prompting, putting a hand on her hip* What about your dinner?
Lana: *draws him close, her arms entwining around him and her lips finding their place on his neck briefly, just below his jaw, as she guides him towards the stairs. There's something painfully urgent and demanding to her movement* Change of appetite.
Jake: *far less tense than he was a few minutes ago, he follows her with a knowing grin* You got some good hospitality, bambina.
Lana: *as they head up the stairs and she tugs him towards the bedroom, she kisses him intently again, this time on the lips* I'm just making sure you don't forget this part, Mr. Marshall. And making sure you pay your due before you go.
Jake: *leans in, nuzzling her neck contentedly* Baby, you'd have to crack open my skull and fiddle 'round with its contents 'fore I forget this. *moves into the bedroom with her, not bothering to close the door behind them*
~~~
Lana: *early next morning, Lana wakes up automatically--she's well used to getting up at such an hour. She'd fallen asleep resting against Jake's arm and her head is still resting against it as she opens her eyes*
Lana: *it takes her a moment to recall the conversation last night. When she does, she curls in closer to the warm body beside her, looking up to study Jake's face quietly, reaching up with a hand to gently tease the scruff along his jawline*
Jake: *opens his eyes after a moment, appearing well-rested and at ease. He shifts his position slightly and stretches as he rolls over to take a look at the window and the clock* ...Still don't know how the heck you can do this without an alarm.
Lana: *smiles softly* With practice. *sits up and glances over to the window when he does, only speaking after a long moment* It's sunny outside.
Jake: Yep. Looks like a fine day. *turning to her again, lightly tracing his fingers against her back* How you holdin' up?
Lana: *quite calmly* I'm fine; you needn't worry about me. ...Do you know where you'll want to be staying, yet? Are you going to find a place to rent temporarily, or...?
Jake: *sighs tiredly and lies on his back, closing his eyes and seemingly going back to sleep*
Lana: ... *unfortunately... Lana seems well used to this behavior or something like it-- she reaches down to prod at a particular area on his ribs* ... Jake.
Jake: *flinches and immediately grabs that spot instinctively, blinking at her* Yeah?
Lana: *tilts her head* My questions? You have some idea about what you'll be doing for lodging at least, don't you?
Jake: *smiles confidently* You know me, bambina. I wouldn't be makin' any large decisions without thinkin' things through.
Lana: *nods* I thought as much.
Jake: I've been doin' a lotta thinking over this, and I've come to surmise... It's the city.
Lana: *frowns slightly* The... city?
Jake: *continuing on steadily* The future I had for me here's long gone. My place is elsewhere now... *looks out the window* A place fit for a tired old aging cowboy.
Lana: You... want to move out of the city? *her hands tighten somewhat* To a ranch in the countryside or something like that?
Jake: You got it! *grins at her* It's about time I return to my roots and be a cattle wrangler.
Lana: *her frown continues* ... Jake, you've never lived outside of Los Angeles before, much less wrangled cattle.
Jake: And that's where I'm going wrong. Don't you see now?
Lana: No, I... *sighs, brushing some hair past her ear* Alright, so you want to work on a ranch. Do you have a particular place in mind? I don't suppose they would just accept you if you turned up at a place this afternoon.
Jake: *self-assuredly* 'Course not. Gotta settle into town first 'fore checking out what's available. I'm in luck, though -- there's plenty o' job openings at the ranches in the Cowboy State.
Lana: *the ticking of the clock on the nighttable is audible for several seconds* ....... In Texas?
Jake: *chuckles* Wyoming, bambina. My sight's set on Wyoming.
Lana: You want to move to Wyoming?
Jake: It's a beautiful location. Clear blue skies, red rocks, mountain ranges as far as the eye can see, friendly wildlife...least, that's what I saw on TV.
Lana: *shuts her eyes, takes a breath, and when she speaks it's calmer* You want to move to Wyoming. And if you enjoy it there...
Jake: *lies back, closing his eyes again* ...Que sera, sera.
Lana: *glances off quickly, moving away from him. Her words, once they come out, are sharp* How long have you been thinking about this?! And you only thought of telling me about this plan now?!
Jake: *after a moment of awkward silence, he turns his head to look at her* Does it matter how long I've been thinking about it for?
Lana: *snappishly, not turning to look back at him* Yes. If I had any clue you were thinking this way--that you were this unsatisfied--I would have tried to help you somehow, at least. At least I would have known!
Jake: *frowns a bit* This is something I gotta help myself with. You know I hate to weigh you down.
Lana: *lowers her head, shutting her eyes. She grips onto the sheets with her hands, and is silent*
Jake: *glances down, his tone sincere* Sorry, bambina. I hate to do this to ya, after all you've done for me... but I need to take a chance while I still can. I ain't gettin' any younger, and I wanna escape this rut.
Lana: *after another moment, quietly* And you...think it's best if we weren't together for the duration.
Jake: To see what'll happen then. *watching her movements carefully with concern* ...You scared?
Lana: No... I'm fine. *turns away, her face impassive--a little pale, but perhaps that's from skipping dinner the night before* It won't be any fun on my end, but... ... I hope you can find the answers you're looking for.
Jake: Ain't gonna be no picnic for me either, Lana. *inches in closer* You'll be outta sight, but you won't be outta mind... *place his hand on her shoulder* I'll be writin' to you as often as I can.
Lana: ... All right.*closes her eyes, brushing her cheek lightly against his hand* ...I do hope you enjoy it out there, you stupid cowboy.
Jake: Thanks, baby. *gently cups her cheek and leans in, giving her a small kiss on her back* I'll miss ya.
Lana: I'll miss you too.*breathes out, mustering a smile* Come on. I'll help you get packed.
Jake: Sure thing. *sits up* I'll kill you a buffalo and mail you some fine homemade jerky in return.
Lana: *pushes back the covers and steps out of the bed, brushing back her hair and turning to him* Alright. I'll hold you to that.
Jake: *moves to the side of the bed, tugging his pants on* Go get some breakfast first. You must be starvin'.
Lana: ... I suppose I am a bit hungry by now. *reaches for her robe and slips into it, heading for the door* I'll make breakfast. Eggs?
Jake: Three for me.
Lana: *nods, securing the sash of her robe and glancing to him briefly before walking out of the room, to the kitchen*