✧ ex-gang

[reignitions]

[There's one thing Shio can say about his life now and that it's, for the most part, quiet.

Disbanding BLAZE was not the easiest decision (no matter how it felt at the time, grief is a bitch, etc), but... well, in hindsight, it's one he's glad he made now. Gen is moderately successful and that's good enough for him. Nobody causes trouble in this quiet little out-of-the-way noodle shop.

Even if that is partially by design.

He should be expecting one of his regulars in about three, two, one...]

Comments

[threebetrayals]

[He can't do too much, as his healing relies on food and drink, but Jiaoqiu is able to at least get Wanderer cleaned up and some of his healing recipes started so when the boy wakes up he can eat and drink.]

Have you been attacked, Shio?

[reignitions]

No. I strengthened the wards on Gen recently, and the XRC's mostly managed to slip under the radar otherwise.

[threebetrayals]

That's good. Then you won't mind keeping him here until things die down.

[reignitions]

Not at all. That was the plan, honestly.

[threebetrayals]

Good. I need to go check everyone else, but if something happens with him, call me. I'm likely the only healer in the area who isn't swamped.

[reignitions]

Alright, will do. And be careful.

[This area's an enforced neutral zone, but with everything going on...]

[threebetrayals]

[Exactly.

Jiaoqiu leaves with instructions to make sure Wanderer has the soup and tea he's left for him when he wakes up. It's not for another hour or so that the boy wakes up, though, groaning and muttering in Japanese.]

[reignitions]

[And as soon as Shio hears that groaning and muttering, he stands up to get the soup and tea.

In Japanese:] Ah, you're awake.

[threebetrayals]

Surprisingly. Where...oh. Shio?

[He sounds young and tired, and he's not sitting up. He's not stupid.]

[reignitions]

Yeah. Hey. Brought you back to my place.

[...]

Jiaoqiu left soup and tea for you.

[threebetrayals]

[He groans]

Why...that's so spicy...

[reignitions]

He's the only healer that isn't completely swamped. I tried messaging Higashikata but it was going to take hours for him to get here.

And I don't even want to know how bad it is on Giovanna's end.

[threebetrayals]

...help me sit up. My back is killing me.

[reignitions]

Yeah, of course--

[Helping him sit up!]

[threebetrayals]

[He sits, wincing and swearing.]

Fuck Dottore.

[reignitions]

[And Shio will not admit to hovering but he is kind of hovering a little.] What happened, anyway?

[threebetrayals]

I don't want to talk about it. Just know I'm not Fatui anymore and hand me the soup.

[reignitions]

Alright.

[Handing the soup over!]

[threebetrayals]

[And he will drink the soup dutifully, bitching about the spice the entire time.]

What's it like out there right now?

[reignitions]

It's quiet around here, but I think that's because we're strict about enforcing the "neutral zone" rules.

[He groans.]

It's not going to stay quiet for long. Yuuki caught wind of IPC heading out this way to investigate.

[threebetrayals]

Please tell me someone posted about a betting pool to get the blonde twink out here and not the fucking dominatrix scammer. I'll even take the pig.

[reignitions]

I think that dragonblood down at the curiosities shop got one started.

[threebetrayals]

He doesn't count, he's fucking the twink and his sugar baby with the Ph.Ds.

[reignitions]

[That gets a laugh.]

Hey, it just means there's potential for a direct line there! But I can see if I can goad Sognare's gunman into it.

[threebetrayals]

I'm just saying, if the dragon made the betting pool it doesn't count because it's the direct line. Maybe see if Yelan will, if the idiot gunman won't.