[it doesn't help that Fearless is as touchy as he is. Idia's reaction inspires a grin, a lean— Fearless rests his hand on Idia's knee in a good-natured pat, rocks forward, back— shakes with a silent laugh.]

Good point. Yeah.

Guess it's mine, huh?

[there were times— like when he first arrived— that the course of this conversation would have made him more frustrated. the normalcy of this, though, knowing his life doesn't hang on the line, knowing he's not a part of the Red Dragon here, knowing no matter what he does or decides there is money for a meal in his pocket— it really lowers the stakes. makes it okay to play, makes it okay to get ribbed by someone who isn't Vicious.

there'd been times like that before, too, where even if those threats had been present, he'd been able to relax with that one person. it's amazing that in being dead, there can be more who fill the role.]

Yeah, but I told you, I'm not really the regretful or apologetic type.

Y'know.

What happens, happens.

[he looks back at Idia, into those golden eyes that are so very close by. what is happening, Idia? what happens next?]