He laughs. She seems to have gotten so excited about what he'd said that she just started rambling. "My friend is a roommate of mine. He's the guy you threw your sword at, actually. He's still recovering from that right now. It's funny, he was actually there to stop me. It didn't work very well."

He cants his head slightly. "You can keep your friends when you start work again. You just have to make time for them. It doesn't even have to be much time, just a call now and then. I know I'd appreciate hearing from you, outside the context of being coworkers."

To the latter he represses a larger grin. "I don't think I've ever been asked whether biting should be allowed in a sparring session. Tex is good, you better watch out. She'll give you a real run for your money."