[ His expression remains amiably blank. Imagine doesn't really do anything, either. Doesn't count for anything. Just one of those things he's never going to get, so it's also not worth debating — she's going to feel one way, and he's not going to get why. What else is new?

That's not to say he can't recognize the effort, though. So a bit of sincerity bleeds into his empty smile as he puts a hand on Nadine's shoulder, keeps it there, big and warm and companionable. ]

Well. I'm alone out there, but I get what you mean, Pearl. 's not as bad as it could be.

[ He nods, more to himself than anything. ]

Not exactly a good thing, when anyone gets people like us. [ He's not entirely sure how much anyone really gets him, but Nadine's got a better shot than most. Give it time, maybe. ] But yeah. Kinda gotta look out for each other, huh. That's usually how these things work.