The kitten mews in protest, before becoming distracted by the stray kernels of popcorn at the bottom of the bowl when Hunter moves it, too.

Jim takes the offered hand, getting to his feet, a flicker of regret in his eyes. "I shouldn't stay all night," he says, the ever-present weight of duty leaning on his shoulders. You never know what's gonna come up during the night, no matter how unlikely. But even with the mantle of the captain looming, it's not too hard to find a tiny bit more wiggle room. "But I think I can get away with another hour." He raises his eyebrows, flirtatious this time, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I bet we can get some good mileage outta one hour."