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[Leonard values time. Counts on it. It's something he can measure and quantify.

He also knows his partner and knows full well that he'll wind up being late. So he doesn't so much as bat an eye when Mick drops down beside him. He simply waves for a beer for his friend.] I have a son, Mick. [His nose crinkles as he reconsiders.] I will have one. In the future.

[well he's been a little preoccupied and hadn't really got Lens text until almost too late]

Yeah. He's a good kid seems like. Looks like you. Talks like you.

A kid, Mick. [Of anyone in New Dodge, Mick should understand how completely freaked out Leonard is.]

A son.

He's.. he's a good kid?

Seems to be. Met him. Talked to him.

I got a daughter.

With Diana.

[With Diana.

Leonard can't help the way his lips twitch.]

That would explain the sounds coming from your place when I stopped by yesterday.

[Leonard raises a placating hand before Mick gets riled.] She's a good woman Mick. She saved a lot of lives when the casino went up.

I don't deserve a good woman....no matter how much I want her. [Mick isn't angry, instead he looks sad and a little lost.]

[And if he were better at this kind of thing he would tell his partner that he absolutely deserves a good woman like Diana, that he should hold on tight to her.

But he's not very good at this. Still for the sake of his partner he can try.] There was something that Nora would tell me, when we first started talking. New Dodge is a place for second chances.

She's right, Mick.

Your lady might be right, don't make it easy or any less complicated.

[Try not to let him drink too much Lenny.]

[Oh he won't.]

No, it doesn't. [He's had to wrestle with his own demons before making peace with the idea that maybe he could have a real life here with a woman that loved him. The only thing he can do is stand by his best friend as he does the same.]

But it's worth it, Mick.

Yeah. Till I lose her too like I lose everything else. What happens to Antiope then? If her ma and I break up...or get sent home...or die? What happens if I kill my little girl before I even have her?

You won't lose her Mick.

Talk to Harry Feynman or even Scarlet. We've had visitors from other versions of New Dodge, ghosts and different planets. Near as I understand it [And that is absolutely saying something. When Leonard wants to understand something, he obsesses about it until he completely gets what's going on] time doesn't work the same way here.

You won't erase her. If she is born in the future, she will be.

All of this makes my head hurt. And on top of it there's fuckin' Chucky dolls tryin to kill people.

Welcome to New Dodge, partner. [Leonard raises his beer in salute to his partner before picking at his own food. He still eats like a bird, but at least he eats?]

If you want this, fight for it. You know I'll have your back.

Only reason I came to this hellhole was cause you were here. [Eats his food steadily, stealing Len's fries once its clear the other man is finished]

Won't prepared for finding something else.

Neither was I. [And look at him now. Former thief, Legend, now a casino owner and engaged to a beautiful and amazing woman.]

But it was worth the fight.

[Mick waves him off and shakes his head]

So, you spoken to that boy of yours?

Ben. [An amazing young man. Strong and so kind. His smile, an echo of his mother, assuring him that he was a great father.

That he wouldn't turn into Lewis.

Leonard's expression softens.] He's a hell of a kid.

Said you're a hell of a dad.

You gonna be okay?

[The affirmation still leaves him quietly stunned. He's going to be a decent father. He's going to do right by the woman he loves and their son.

Leonard breathes. Nods.]

Yeah. I think so.

You?

Too soon to tell. Not as good at this as you.

I'm not as good at this as you.

I've had more time to get used to this.

You're more patient than me.

[A sigh because they aren't arguing stupid shit like this. Mick will be all right. With the right support he's always going to be all right.

It's why he saved him from the Oculus.] Give it time partner. We've got people here. Not like Central, but it's close.

Well, enough of that shit. Now what?

[A shrug and a wave of his hand.] No idea. Give it another two days I'm sure something else weird is going to come up.