[action] the lobby - backdated to the start of villain event, just about

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[There's nothing really unusual in Cid being serious, but today, there seems to be more worry in his expression than usual. The set of his shoulders is a little stiffer, and his steps carry more speed than usual as he exits the dormitory area and steps into the lobby.

What may be most obviously different, though, is his dress. Gone is his Sanctum uniform, the suits, and even the business casual--they've been replaced, apparently, by a rather plain but utilitarian outfit. He has a single duffle bag slung over his shoulder but nothing else of note on his person. The news of recent events in his adopted home world hasn't been sitting all that well with him, and this one individual is off to catch a train to Deling City to see if there's anything he can assist with.

Run into him on his way out?]

Comments

[werepanther]

[Tom's also headed in the same direction - of course, since he's part of Cid's party - though his outfit's typical for him. Swinging his duffel bag across his shoulder, he glances over at Cid with a wide grin as he makes his way across the lobby.]

Hey! You weren't going to leave without me, were you?

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[Cid comes to a stop and gives Tom a brief smile.]

I had intended to meet up with you and Sharpay at the station, but I suppose there's nothing wrong with walking there together.

[His eyes settle briefly on the other's bag.]

Do you have all that you'll be needing?

[werepanther]

'Course not. It'll make the walk more fun.

[Tom nods, stuffing his hands in his pockets.] I should be asking you the same, man. It's kind of weird to see you not all dressed up.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[He gestures with a slight tilt of the head that they should keep walking while they talk.]

Unusual perhaps, but I would hope that it's not unreasonable. I've little reason to ruin a perfectly good outfit while on the job.

[werepanther]

Whoever said you'd ruin it? I've seen you in action before. [He's exaggerating here, but only slightly: Tom genuinely believes his next words.] The entire world could go to hell, but you? Your outfit would still be the cleanest thing in that damn world.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[That gets a chuckle out of Cid, and he reaches over, clapping the other on the shoulder.]

You overestimate me, but I do appreciate the faith you have in my abilities to keep clean at all times.

[werepanther]

It's like your superpower. I can turn into a werepanther... and you can stay squeaky-clean.

[He grins, clearly pleased with himself.] Man, I'm glad you decided to join me and Shar this time.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

I'm honored to join the both of you, but I do have one request:

[He speaks with a considerable amount of humor to his voice.

Tit for tat, Tom. Tit for tat.]

Kindly keep any affectionate gestures off the clock, will you? Rest assured that I will leave you with plenty of time to be alone together, so remain focused during the job.

[All joking aside, Cid can be a pretty decent wingman if he wants to be.]

[werepanther]

[He has no good response for that.

Especially since he's too busy blanking---wait, did Cid just insinuate---oh dear god.]

It's not even anything like that! [Not that it'd ever be, at the rate Tom's going.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

No? Or perhaps I should be asking, "Still?"

[Cid quirks a brow at Tom and chuckles softly.]

Have you not told her yet?

[He's going to have to Sharpay for Tom at this rate...]

might have to retcon this, depending on how that log goes... ;;

[werepanther]

No.

[The most agonizing sigh ever] It's like, I want to tell her... but she's friendzoned me so hard that a gay guy'd have less difficulty getting through to her than I would.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[Friendzoned?

Cid's honestly never heard the term before, but he can certainly guess as to what it means.]

Do you think her reaction would be the same even if you were to try something a little more drastic than words?

[werepanther]

[He has to think about it for a moment.]

Maybe. Depends on if we're both drunk or not.

... But I don't know. I want to say something, I just. Don't want to mess this one up too.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[He reaches over and claps Tom on the shoulder.]

Are you worried that you'll lose her friendship should things not go as planned, or is it something else?