slobjection | [catchall for brilliant ]

So I guess Hunter is the only person with sense, then.

[ baby kin be nice to your gf ]

And me, of course.

In my home world, it isn't terrible advice. I have to keep my vigor up somehow, in case Agni needs it.

[ ... ]

What does that mean for you, then?

[ she's calling him out ]

I don't think staying out of the way is great advice.

That I'm smart?

[ that's totally what she meant, right! funny joke ]

...You are smart. So I think you know that isn't what I meant.

Hm... well, there is something to be said about the power of a smile in tough situations.

[ something something smile and believe in your client. ]

But I think you have your strengths beyond just that.

[ hm she's going to sidestep that ]

Maybe so, but I find it difficult. How do you do it?

Years of practice.

[ don't think he hasn't noticed that, young lady ]

[ no idea what you mean! ]

...I've had years of practice. But it doesn't change how I feel underneath it.

Is that true for you, too?

[ this is edging dangerously close to feelings talk and he doesn't like it. ]

.... Something like that.

...I won't ask you to talk about it if you don't want to. Just tell me that you have someone you can be honest with here - someone you don't always have to be strong for.

That's very generous of you.

But would it work both ways?

[ is it...? ]

If you mean whether I have someone to be honest with, then the answer is yes.

It wouldn't be very fair of me to bare my soul to you if you feel you can't do the same with me, no?

[ . . . ]

I suppose that's fair. [ she smiles, expression soft. ] I could do without one more person worrying over me, though.

In my experience, it's more worrying if you keep it all bottled up.

[ he is a hypocrite ]

Most people at my home would beg to differ, I think.

[ she's smiling, but only for a moment. ]

Maybe you're right, though. Sometimes it does feel harder, that way.