The bodies in my floor all trusted someone. Now I walk on them to tea.

[kingshaming]

[After the trial, Xander does what he does best. What always blanks his mind when training is not an option:

He organizes.

The hot food for lunch is out still, and while he feels far from hungry, he knows they all SHOULD eat. Everyone wanders off to take care of their own grief, and he lets them for now- and instead busies himself at the espresso bar. There's something specific he wants to do.

Later, under each door, and with the same thing written on the white board he had dragged out for meetings:]

There is hot food and tea in the cafeteria, and while I have no stomach for food it is there for those that can.

While it is tempting to be alone right now, if you wish company I shall be there until evening. Now may be a good time to compare new information while it is fresh.

If not, please stay well.

Xander

[And as promised there is fresh tea. Green tea in fact, though it lacks the milk Chitanda made- but basic tea he can manage at least]

Comments

[kingshaming]

[It's a bit swollen, but not bad]

No, hurts too much to be numb. I think you might have popped a knuckle is all- nothing too bad.

[His hands are large and dotted with callouses and scars- and the telltale slightly oversized knuckles of one who has broken them before]

[bylight]

Which knuckle?

[Xander was definitely someone who has used swords most of his life. During training, all of the soldiers wore gloves to avoid things like this. Her own must feel far too soft for a warrior.

She's already missing her gunblade.]

I can pop it back into place.

[kingshaming]

[In battle he did the same- he even had his gauntlets with their intimidating claws.

But when he trained alone, he did it bare]

This one here, thank you.

[bylight]

[At least his hands are still usable.

She nods, wrapping an arm around his hand to stabilize it, she grabs the offending finger and pauses. No, she doubts he needs reassurance. Without a word she yanks hard on the finger till she feels that slight pop.]

Better?

[kingshaming]

[He gives a grunt, but this time doesn't curse]

Ngh... much. I may have gotten a bit too eager.

[bylight]

[She lets his arm go, patting his shoulder before walking ahead a bit.]

I strike as hard as my name implies. [Glancing over her shoulder, she waits for him to follow.] You stayed upright a lot longer than Snow ever has against me.

[kingshaming]

Well, I wouldn't expected anyone named Snow to last long at anything.

[bylight]

[....... Snow's not even here to defend himself, but even if he was, Lightning would still try and look like she wasn't trying to laugh at this quip.

Please give her a moment or two to attempt and compose herself. Congrats you're made her laugh.]

[kingshaming]

[His lips quirk up in his familiar almost-smile, but he resists the urge to laugh as well]

Well then shall we return to the others?

[bylight]

[She nods and leads the way once more.]

Have fun trying to explain that limp you're going to have for the next few days.