[Liem's expression turns a hair more uncertain at the black colour of Matt's joke, given how close it brushes to reality. The almost ever-present furrow between his brows deepens.]
I would have said… something kinder.
[Maybe degenerate isn't entirely wrong; this world hasn't been kind to any of them, and Matt doesn't seem immune to Achamoth's penchant for encouraging its citizens to lean on vice. And ultimately, all of them in the Kenoma's service are sullied by what they seek to achieve. But it would be a disservice to let that single word define him.
Liem turns toward him, his bent leg sliding back to the stone. His nose brushes Matt's cheek. His breath kisses his lips.]
Colleague, perhaps.
[Colleague is such a good, safe word; it could mean anything.]
no subject
I would have said… something kinder.
[Maybe degenerate isn't entirely wrong; this world hasn't been kind to any of them, and Matt doesn't seem immune to Achamoth's penchant for encouraging its citizens to lean on vice. And ultimately, all of them in the Kenoma's service are sullied by what they seek to achieve. But it would be a disservice to let that single word define him.
Liem turns toward him, his bent leg sliding back to the stone. His nose brushes Matt's cheek. His breath kisses his lips.]
Colleague, perhaps.
[Colleague is such a good, safe word; it could mean anything.]
My compassionate, stubborn colleague.