“I mean, we do it enough at work, why not do it outside of work, for a purpose?”

            She waited, her eyes focused on him as he rolled his shoulders to relieve tension. He was stalling, trying to buy himself another handful of precious moments before answering. She nudged him, almost playfully, with her foot, leaving a dusty footprint on black fabric of his pants. “Stop stalling. I know you’re good at maneuvering around questions. Not this time, Josh. It isn’t a tough question.”

            He gave her one of his stern almost glare and then shook his head, clearing his thoughts, “No, it isn’t that tough of a question, for you anyways. It’s been a while for me, practicing has become a more recently restarted thing in my life, remember?”

            She laughed, tapping her toe against the side of his leg. “I remember. But don’t you feel better now that you’ve started up again? I mean, this is not something you want to swallow down and hide, now is it?” She gave him a searching look, silently refusing to back down from this discussion.

            With a defeated sigh and a suddenly sheepish grin he nodded, “Yes, I do feel better and no, I shouldn’t keep it hidden. It’s just…I’ve had other things on my mind lately—”

            “But this is starting to help you work through them. It’s a part of you, Josh…”

            He glanced back at her, a mild flicker of annoyance trailing through hazel eyes at her sudden interruption, but he shrugged it off with another roll of his shoulders. The crackle of bones realigning was audible in the still night air and his companion grimaced. “Do you ever relax?”

            This time, he laughed out loud and the rich, warm sound ricocheted against the academic buildings and the residence halls that framed the area. “Shut it. I’ve been getting better recently. Been going out with people more often. It’s easier now that people are back around here instead of off with parents.” He looked amused at the rolled eyes of his companion and continued, “Besides, since the break up, it’s been easier to just go. I’m finally getting my life where I want it. Starting over in finding what I lost years ago.”

            She looked at him, silent for the briefest of moments as a multitude of thoughts swirled in her head. Finally, she settled on the simplest and most ambiguous.  “Are you really alright?” Her words were soft and her eyes never strayed from his as she questioned him.

            Josh stopped himself in the middle of a nod and sighed, “No, not yet. But I’m working on it. Finally able to figure out all this in my head and now, I’m just trying to find a starting point, you know?”

            “Let this be your starting point then. We should work together; you already admitted it is a part of you, so why not start there?” It was obvious he wasn’t escaping that easily from the requests of the girl.

            “I’ve only ever practiced with one other person. And he’s my best friend, “he paused, “It would take some getting used to…” his voice trailed off as he began to think through the prospect.

            Footsteps echoed behind them, coming from the concrete steps they had so recently climbed themselves, and it shook them from their private thoughts. A light, feminine voice called to the two, “Still here? Waiting for rides or something…?”

            Jenn caught herself mid-grin and was about to speak, but Josh shook his head and answered for them both, “Just enjoying the night air and some talking. Good night for it…”

            The petite blond who had appeared behind them nodded, “Fair enough.” She began to walk away, heels clicking on the concrete. She turned when she reached the asphalt, “Have a good night you two…”