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

[exofractured]

[Normally Phantom might grumble about that again, but Hien-in-a-wrist-brace probably remembers that consequences exist, inasmuch as he can still care about them. So Phantom sighs instead.]

There's that as well. Ordinary people need to be more circumspect, unless they're incredibly naive.

[selfconcept]

They'll learn not to be so naive. It's just a matter of how far they'll take it. They only have one life. Of course they have to be careful. Humans are fragile.

[ He closes his eyes and drinks the rest of the tea. ]

[exofractured]

We're all equally fragile here. More or less.

[He's not denying the point, though. Although he's noticing the topic has drifted a little, possibly by design.]

At any rate, you know your partner better than I do. I'm only speculating. But I would think that asking him and being certain what he's thinking would be... preferable.

[Maybe less emotionally vulnerable, who can say!]

[selfconcept]

[ Hien frowns a little. It's not that he thinks Phantom's suggestion is bad—it's good. The problem is— ]

I feel like I've been doing that already... but I'll give it another shot. Thanks.

[ He puts the cup down and reaches over to Phantom's face with his good hand. ]

You're a good listener.

[ He says, but he's lightly pinching his cheek. ]

[exofractured]

[Why is he being pinched...! Phantom doesn't have Hien's biting reflexes, so he reaches up to bat ineffectually at the offending hand.]

Consider it repayment for the points earlier. After all, it was because of my card that the topic came up in the first place.

[selfconcept]

I guess, but I can't blame you for that either.

[ And for how open Hien is regularly. Maybe if he was less open, he would have not so scandalous secrets to share. He withdraws his hand. ]

It's been a long night, so I'll... head inside. I'm ready to sleep for a full day.

[exofractured]

Wise. Take it easy on that hand.

[Not that he thinks Hien needs the reminder, just... worry.]

[selfconcept]

Yeah, I will.

[ He'll take it anyway. ]

For you, just take it easy in general. Later.

[ With a small wave, Hien leaves. Bye... ]

[exofractured]

[Phantom snorts - he's great at taking it easy, okay - and waves back.

Once Hien's gone he'll just... put his head down on his folded arms, beside his mostly-full cup of tea. Maybe he'll just sleep here for a little while.]