[Of all the times to finally get to feel those strong arms around him, it feels more like they're wrapping directly around his heart and squeezing the life out of it. He needs space. He needs air. He's trying desperately to listen to what Luna's saying but his focus on the words keeps swimming in and out. Something about him and Riye? What does that even... oh... that's what Luna thinks, huh?

He's going to be sick.

His mouth is so, so dry that it's a struggle to swallow down the lump in his throat, and when he finally manages it just feels more uncomfortable than before. He pats Luna a little too firmly on the back a few times.]

Hey, that's- great. I'm glad to hear it. You lucky dog.

[Like reading words off a prompter. Lying to Luna's nothing new. He needs to get out of here before the cracks begin to show again.]

--Oh, crap. Speaking of Riye... [You would not believe how badly I fucked up tonight.] I think I forgot my wallet when we went out earlier. Tell me all about this girl when I get back.

[Except don't, not really. Mal's not going to be in any particular hurry to get back, but at least he'll have taken the time to calm himself down and accept that this is the way things are and always will be.]