text;

[discutio]

If anyone else felt that, don't be alarmed. We spoke to the student council president, and I believe Etoile and myself now possess this layer's Authority.

We were able to discern that the previous president was the Authority before we arrived, and presumably through this place's stagnation became...well. We'll likely meet her in the underside, let me leave it at that.

It was a complicated situation, but I believe both this layer and the rest of us will be able to move on very soon. Make sure you are all prepared.

Comments

[discutio]

[Phoenix raised his head enough to face Chiron, with a small, exhausted smile.]

I don't think that sounds so bad, do you? It's a good deal better than fighting.

[schardynfreude]

Only because I'm fairly certain you would destroy me in a fight. [beat] Currently. Given I soundly thumped you without breaking a sweat in our living lives.

[discutio]

Oh, I've no doubt we can hold our own against one another. Perhaps next layer when all this is settled, we can have a light sparring match to determine that.

[schardynfreude]

I can't do nearly the same nonsense as I could before. [A light frown.] Hm. Though you'd think I would, given I at least remember it.

[discutio]

I don't believe I always used a sword, for whatever it's worth.

[He tilted his head slightly, looking thoughtful.]

Peculiar, really.

[schardynfreude]

Fairly certain you had a pair of flaming daggers. Or were they icy? Or...also electrified? But to be fair, you did still have your sight at the time.

[discutio]

Mm, something like that.

[He sighed quietly, a hand finding its way to Chiron's shoulder as if seeking to better ground himself, or at least determine if he was facing the right angle.]

...Thank you. Forgive me for being...whatever this is, right now. This layer has been a trying time.

[schardynfreude]

Stressed out, exhausted, somewhat melancholic? I doubt there's a soul here that would think ill of you for it.

[discutio]

Perhaps not, but all the same...I would appreciate it if what transpired here were kept between us. Keeping up appearances and all that.

[schardynfreude]

I'm afraid my own appearances have been rather horrific of late, but yours? As flawless as ever.

[discutio]

I fear I wouldn't know the difference. You're the same to me as ever, Chiron, regardless of how terribly ghastly you seem to think you look.

[schardynfreude]

Medic took samples, though I am fairly well assured that whatever ails me is in mere appearance only. Or at least, not contagious. No blemish on your appearance from me.

[discutio]

I already told you--you don't frighten me. And I don't exactly care what any of us look like.

[schardynfreude]

I really should frighten you. You're a reckless fool. [And yet he sounds not at all put out by Phoenix's statement.]

[discutio]

Perhaps I am.

[He laughed softly, raising both hands to frame Chiron's face--thoughtfully silent for a moment as though he were evaluating something.]

...No, seems nothing's out of order here. You're the same Chiron as ever, no terrible skeletal face or monstrous claws. Isn't that a relief.

[schardynfreude]

[He tenses, unsure...unsure if his appearance today is more gruesome or more normal. But Phoenix's hands seem clean, at least.]

That...may not always be the case. I will, ah, endeavor to warn you if my visage is besieged by a foul material I'd hate for you to touch.

[discutio]

Do as you like. It won't change my mind; I can hardly think of any terrible monsters that would warn one they look a bit upsetting on a particular day.

[schardynfreude]

You're ridiculous. Truly and utterly. Simply a madman in a sensible person's disguise.

[discutio]

...You talk far too much sometimes.

[He'd done plenty of reckless things today; confronting an Authority, taking on a power he didn't fully understand, and with his stress levels only barely lowered Phoenix decided on one more mad and careless thing.]

[After all, what could get even Chiron to stop talking faster than simply leaning forward and kissing him?]

[schardynfreude]

[oh?? what??? what is happening what does this man think he is dOING-

On impulse, Chiron finds himself warping away, back against the door, bewildered. Also on impulse, Phoenix comes with him, given he is in fact still holding Phoenix and did not (impulsively) decide to not bring him along.

So. Phoenix will feel that he has quite suddenly moved locations, with Chiron scrabbling to get his hands under him to keep him upright and not falling on his ass. Still kissing, mind.

panic???? ?]

[discutio]

-?!

[Phoenix made a startled noise, swiftly finding himself trying to get his legs back under him while also wrapping his arms around Chiron's neck to stop from landing on the floor.]

[...Of course, being significantly shorter than Chiron wasn't exactly helping him.]

[schardynfreude]

[It's fine! It's okay! He can fix this! Just. with hands on Phoenix's backside and thighs and trying to draw his legs around Chiron just so he doesn't drop.]

Er. Ah. I, ah. Hm. Apologies! Everything is fine? I swear this never happens to me-

[discutio]

[It was perhaps a little undignified to be clinging to Chiron like a koala, but that was apparently where today was going.]

Forgive me, was--was that a bit too forward?

[schardynfreude]

I.....wasn't anticipating that kind of reaction. I'm flattered! I'm not...this might not be good for your health? Or your death-health. Your. Hm. [maybe kiss him again! to shut him up!]

[discutio]

...Well, that's what we have Medic for.

[you know what, so long as he's clinging with no earthly idea of where the hell in the room he is, why not kiss him again for good measure.]