[ the words and the nudge to his arm make cal smile, a more genuine smile than before. it's not something he expected to happen, actually, given he'd brought the mood down.

but jake really has a way of making him feel lighter (like he's flying, even when he's technically not the one flying here!) it does remind him of greez, with his humor even when he's being pessimistic. jake's the opposite of that though. a welcome change and, later, cal will appreciate not being the beacon of hope on the station. ] You can get pretty big. I've seen it.

[ he pats jake's back. well, the one he's sitting on. ] We shouldn't hurt ourselves but...

[ he furrows his brows. ] We shouldn't stand aside and let people get hurt if we can help them.

[ and then more firmly, like it's a promise not only himself but to jake and to someone that's not with them. ] I won't do that again.