Wander into the whimsy

Cooper let out a rough chuckle, shaking his head as he raised his glass. **Yeah, well, the best bartenders don’t last forever, Maika, but we sure as hell try. Someone’s gotta keep the damn drinks flowing.** He took a slow sip, letting the whiskey burn just enough to remind him he was still here, still standing, still in the fight—just like Maika.

Setting his glass down with a quiet clink, he looked at her, really looked at her. **You know, if I had any say in it, you wouldn’t be heading back to Antiva tomorrow. But I get it. Some roads ain't meant to be walked backward.** He exhaled, a low breath through his nose, before offering one last, small smile. **Just don’t wait so long next time. This place... hell, I... we could use a little more of you around here.**

There was nothing else to say, really. The past was what it was, the future would be what they made of it, and for now—just for now—everything was as it should be.