“And who’re you supposed to be?” Lance demanded belligerently without thought, golden eyes blazing with challenge. Then he flinched as the full weight of Link’s steady, unreadable gaze fell on him.

“Your friend,” Link intoned flatly before turning back to the window. “I think you need to slow down, Lance. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it and you know it.”

A muscle ticked in Lance’s jaw as his annoyance grew. It didn’t go unnoticed. “Like you have room to judge.”

“I’m not judging… and you’re not me.”

“Right. I’m *not*. And thank you, Mr. Obvious.”

“Do you want to be? Like me?” Link asked in disbelief. He shook his head slightly, sighing. “You shouldn’t. You should know better. I think you *do* know better. Just stop and think, okay? Please. I don’t think you realize what you’re getting into… or what kind of trouble you’re flirting with. This isn’t you.”

“I’m fine,” was the stubborn reply.

Link’s shoulders sagged slightly and he gathered himself to leave, knowing he wasn’t going to get anywhere tonight while Lance was so worked up and defensive. “Okay. Just… don’t be like me, Lance,” he entreated over his shoulder from the doorway.