[ Nothing too bad - at least, nothing beyond expectations. That's reassuring to a point.
They layer their shared study over with easier topics and it's almost as if they're not both sharing a moment of mutual disappointment in finding themselves the same as they've almost always known one another. Exhausted beyond what can be measured in puffed skin under the eyes and their presence in the workplace long after hours. ]
Oh? Good to know. I'll make a note.
[ What Stephen actually takes note of is Nate's choice of beverage. He's not here to drown sorrows.
Stephen settles himself back against the counter. His expression loses all of its playful corners, and that's all the warning Nate gets. ]
So it wasn't a happy reunion.
[ They could stand here all night beating around the bush. Have done, many nights, talking without saying much. But Stephen started this conversation. It's only fair that he guide it through the opening gates. ]
no subject
They layer their shared study over with easier topics and it's almost as if they're not both sharing a moment of mutual disappointment in finding themselves the same as they've almost always known one another. Exhausted beyond what can be measured in puffed skin under the eyes and their presence in the workplace long after hours. ]
Oh? Good to know. I'll make a note.
[ What Stephen actually takes note of is Nate's choice of beverage. He's not here to drown sorrows.
Stephen settles himself back against the counter. His expression loses all of its playful corners, and that's all the warning Nate gets. ]
So it wasn't a happy reunion.
[ They could stand here all night beating around the bush. Have done, many nights, talking without saying much. But Stephen started this conversation. It's only fair that he guide it through the opening gates. ]