[ he falls into a short silence at that — not because he doesn't wish to answer, but simply because he's not sure he has one. certainly, he's thinking it through; the furrow in his brow makes that obvious enough, as does the somewhat distant look in his eyes as he stares into the tea he's yet to sample. he barely notices when the rest of their order arrives, hardly moving in acknowledgment, even as the smells of the sandwiches drift towards his nose. perhaps it's the scone sitting comfortable in his belly, or the topic of conversation, but suddenly he isn't quite as hungry as he had been when he arrived.

eventually, he sighs, seeming to come to some kind of decision. ]

I have no plans to go home, and no wish that couldn't potentially ruin what I've left behind. So there's be no point in completing my deck. I'll play the game if I'm made to, to avoid any repercusions I wouldn't be able to walk back from, but as far as I'm concerned, this isn't some vacation, or a sorry excuse for a third chance.

[ third? ]

So, yes. I guess I am just taking it day by day.