"The Initiative asked us to pick a weapon when we got here."

A simple, true explanation, but of course, that's not the heart of it. The football meanders towards him, and he takes a few steps so he can pick it up idly. It's an excuse not to play into her steel-cold stare. The happy prospect of just hanging out together has passed them by now, but if that had to be so, he'll be her anchor again.

"You recognize it."