He returns the smile easily, and isn’t that a sign of how far things have come? He’s not immune to the familiarity of the moment either, but it’s equally as notable for how unfamiliar it’s been. But here they are again, full circle.

Jesse sits down, eyes moving from the paperwork back up to Ashe’s face. She looks good. Not just, like attractive good (which she has always been, which Jesse had been really good at not caring about until very recently, and now can’t not notice when they’re in close proximity), but also generally. She seems as rested as anyone can get in Deerington. No visible injuries. No notable strain. He relaxes, just a little, and leans back in his seat.

“Just been a spell since I’d seen you around. Thought I’d drop by and see what you’ve been workin’ on, since I’ve got my fingers in this pie now and all.” He glances back down with a quiet huff of laughter. “You still doin’ things like this back home? Paper records?”