The worst part about those dark looks every time Vasquez drags out a nickname is that it only makes him want to use them more. He tears off another strip of jerky, uses bread to soften it up, and water to wash it down before he sets them aside, moving to kneel at Faraday's side where he can dig his fingers into his leg, even though Faraday never actually gave him permission.

He can haul off and deck him later, if he wants, but as Vasquez lays his hands flush against the warmth of Faraday's skin even through the trousers, he keeps his touch firm, but light. When Faraday keeps trying to steer them away from it, Vasquez can't help the annoyed look on his face.

"I'm not sitting around doing nothing while you go into town again," is his heated reply. "If you go, I come with you. If I'm coming with you, might as well have a wager." Both to defend his own charms and to prevent any more flirting that will make him jealous by trying to draw it away.

Unfortunately, a bolt of that jealousy makes him dig his fingers just a little too deep into Faraday's leg, wincing when he realizes he's done so.

"Sorry, nene," he mumbles, flushing when he realizes what little endearment spilled his lips this time (and wondering why this one seems so much worse).