nonscriptum | hadriel { ic inbox }

[Lance's confidence and self-esteem come and go, often rapidly, and they make a big difference in how he feels when dealing with other people. When he's sure of himself he can easily disregard others' less-than-great ideas and loose morals, but when he's having a bad day he begins to second-guess himself. It's not really in terms of thinking he's wrong, exactly, but more a strange feeling that maybe the way he sees and understands things aren't actually how they are.

But he's also aware that's one of those holdover issues from his difficult childhood that shows itself now and again, and not only is Nate right but the response is significantly reassuring. It means a lot that not only does Nate believe in him, but is willing to help.

So he nods, quiet a few moments not because he's upset, but because he feels like his voice might do something embarrassing if he tries to talk right away. But he feels a lot better, much calmer now and more like he can handle dealing with everyone for round two.]

I will. Thank you.

[And he means both parts of that, taking a deep breath and straightening up a little.]

I'm going to see if the repair team is organizing itself, or if they need some direction. I also want to talk to Nick and Michael about what happened; are you planning to stick around, or did you want to escape while you can?

[He definitely gets if Nate wants to do the latter.]

[Nate gives him the silence to recollect himself, since he's more than earned it. Tensions are high and Lance is responsible for mitigating the effect of unpredictable factors, and to the best of his knowledge Nate is the last resort. The fail-safe, if things go devastatingly awry.

It is reassuring, then, that Lance agrees to reach out if he needs help, or just somebody to complain to. Nate's mouth twitches in a wry, brief smile, thinking of the role reversal.]

I can stick around if you need me.

[Nate isn't actually certain how privy he'll be to specific details, or what the other organizers will be willing to tell him. As a particular piece of a larger puzzle, they may exercise their discretion. A shuttered grin quickly flashes across his face.]

Or if you just need me to deck somebody.

[He gives a small laugh at that last comment, pulling himself together a bit more, and casts a small grin in Nate's direction.]

I appreciate the offer--both of them--but I think I'll be okay. You've already helped out more than enough; go home and spend some time with your wife.

[And tell her what's going on, and unwind a bit from everything.]

I'll let you know if anything significant happens.

If you're sure.

[It's a somewhat noncommittal shrug, but Nate understands the need to decompress even if he can't really relate. He is a little surprised that spend time comes across as inform her, because for a good while there Nate wasn't certain if this was something Lance would want him to keep completely quiet.

He isn't complaining, mind - Nate has harbored enough secrets from his wife - but he's grateful for the chance to share something and have Lance's blessing.

Particularly since they're all trying to shove this as far under the proverbial rug as possible.]

Thanks. See you around.

[Lance is not at all concerned about Elena knowing; she's not stupid, and he can't imagine her either telling the gods or trying to destroy Name herself. Besides, she and Nate have had enough problems that he knows about and surely more than he doesn't, and he's not about to add to that with more secrets. Especially not when things are--as far as he knows--getting better.

So he offers Nate another smile, nodding before turning to head back inside.]

hadriel { ic inbox }

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