[ In a way, Lottie wishes she was underhanded. A schemer, of sorts. But no, there's nothing particularly nefarious about the way she's put herself within Akua's bubble. Maybe that alternative would be easier to deal with than this one, the one she wants, the one that's always particularly rough: talking out feelings. Because she has so many that it's overwhelming, grips her chest particularly hard when she's existing, grips her even harder at her question. ]

On my own? Uh, yeah. [ She says after a beat, something like mirth trying to dance its way into her voice (it doesn't work). ] But right now? Yup.. Yes.

[ There's a pause, where she opens her lips then closes them. She can't help but think of all the other times they've met, how normal and safe they are in comparison to this. The both of them looking and feeling particularly haggard, trapped in some stupid event that always happens to them. ]

It feels like I'm constantly overthinking things but, way worse than usual. You know?