w3 afterparty

[selfconcept]

Everyone passed! That's great! But Wei Wuxian is gone and you keep getting a weird feeling. Maybe it's the adrenaline that's dying down. Maybe you saw something strange because you're tired? It'll all be uncovered on Sunday. Why not take a breather for now? If you're injured, ask Florence for some medical aid. (can be handwaved) It's around 10 PM when you're released.

Comments

[catarou]

[ Gentaro offers a thin smile. Rough night... an understatement. ]

Mm. I imagine we've all had a difficult time today.

[festiverogue]

Yeah. [A breath of a laugh.] I feel like some people got more out of it than others. If you know what I mean.

[Pointing to the tea.]

How long's that been sitting there? I can get you a fresh cup.

[catarou]

I believe I do know what you mean.

[ Gentaro looks to his teacup, then back to him. ]

I appreciate it, but there is no need, truly. I wouldn't want to trouble you after a taxing... "lesson."

[festiverogue]

No, I'm kind of restless. Let me get it for you. I insist!

[He reaches for the cup, and he'll go make some green tea from his personal stash and bring it back hot and fresh for Gentaro.]

[catarou]

Ah-- Very well, then.

[ Gentaro won't pretend he understands him, but he does understand the need to take care of someone, particularly when they're struggling.

When he returns, he gives him a smile that's openly grateful. ]

Thank you.

[festiverogue]

Mind if I ask what's got you so distracted?

[He hands the tea over.]

I've got some time to kill, and you look like you need a distraction. You're usually writing when I see you out here, not staring at the wall.

[catarou]

[ He takes the tea. It's strange, but... with his hands wrapped around the mug, he relaxes. It's subtle, but it's a start. ]

Ah, well. [ He takes a sip of the tea, because he's stalling but he doesn't want it to be painfully obvious. ] ... It seems I've been unable to pull my thoughts from our lesson today.

[festiverogue]

Yeah. I hear that.

[He understands. He's not sure he'll be able to sleep tonight, if only because he's had too much on his mind. The violence wasn't the problem, of course.]

Need a distraction?

[catarou]

[ He considers that, then nods. Honestly, it doesn't take long to land on an answer. He certainly isn't getting anything done here, aside from wallowing. ]

A distraction would be nice. What did you have in mind?

[festiverogue]

Cards and a nice chat? Maybe about what's got you staring a hole in the wall, or maybe about something nice?

[A smile, broad and friendly.]

I've got plenty of nice stories to tell, if you need to hear some.

[catarou]

[ Well... that gets a quiet laugh from him. ]

Ah, but you see, I was hoping to cause property damage with the force of my gaze. But I suppose cards is a sufficient distraction.

[ He's... not so willing to open up about what's weighing on him. Keeping things light is less dangerous. ]

Perhaps as we play, we can each tell stories.

[festiverogue]

Last time I tried to stare a hole in the wall, the wall won.

[Wink.]

That's right, you're an author. I bet you've got plenty of stories up your sleeve. Mine aren't going to be nearly as good, but let's see what we can weave.

[Madara goes to find some cards for a second, then comes back and sits down, pulling them out to shuffle.]

How do you feel about placing a friendly bet?

[catarou]

A bet, is it?

[ He smiles, and if it's a little melancholy, then-- surely it's only Madara seeing things. ]

What did you have in mind?