[Perhaps this might be considered the one good thing to come out of this whole damnable event, in the end. That understanding and assessment Peggy so neatly sums up as mutual, even if the both of them would rather it have gone ultimately unsaid. Rip knows he is not an easy man to trust. Secrets and lies are necessities in his life, his profession. He plans and plots and sets a course, then only metes out what tidbits are necessary for those about him to follow its lead.

He'd like to think he's gotten a touch better at this whole truth thing on his own--at relying on others, keeping only the necessary secrets rather than all of them. But it's not exactly a familiar thing.

He finishes off the tea, and it says something that instead of merely setting aside the mug, Rip goes for the thermos that's still between them. It's not really like their Wednesday indulgences to be sure--the only burn the tea offers is far different from alcohol--yet if there is anything resembling peace to be found in the course of these days, perhaps it's here, in this moment.]

Ideally, this will be one of the shorter events, and done with in the next day or two. [Although Rip cannot be sure of the aspect that doesn't tie in with his memories or world, he can offer some measure of comfort.] And staying out of the rooms will prevent the worst of the impact.

[But they're already two days in, aren't they? Rip glances over at Peggy; he cannot help but ask the question.]

Unless you've already tried to alter the course of yours?