( while some of her changes will offer her more freedom than his—not that much more, and the fine webbing between her fingers now that wasn't there when they first met makes it clear that his assumption isn't unreasonable. she brightens, accordingly: )

Yeah—yes. Yeah, that—

( too enthusiastic. kick it down a notch. she modulates her tone, slightly, gloriously awkward creature that she is. )

I mean, I think that's a good idea. I'd like that. We could keep each other out of trouble. ( or get into different, more interesting trouble together. )