[ There was a time when Maine was concerned about knives in his back. He retreated from almost everyone, isolating himself and watching even his teammates with a wary eye. However, it wasn't his safety that concerned him: it was the safety of the A.I. sharing his head.
But Maine doesn't have anyone he's protecting here. The only person occupying his body is himself. And so far, Ephemera is the closest thing to an ally that Maine has found.
Maine takes his place at the bar, surreptitiously testing the stool before settling his full weight on it. An old habit. He's lighter than he was a year ago, having carved away excess bulk in favor of gaining speed, but he's still a big guy. Then he picks up the shot with a grunt of thanks and downs it in one.
Fuck. That does have a kick. He lets out a breath and hums in wordless approval — "good shit" — then pours himself another in turn.
Weak as the start is, it's still a start. Maine nods, agreeing. Considers his answer, weighing the general noise level against what's safe to say in public. ]
Been away. Different place before this.
[ A different universe, he means. He'll spell it out if necessary, but he hopes Ephemera will pick it up. ]
no subject
But Maine doesn't have anyone he's protecting here. The only person occupying his body is himself. And so far, Ephemera is the closest thing to an ally that Maine has found.
Maine takes his place at the bar, surreptitiously testing the stool before settling his full weight on it. An old habit. He's lighter than he was a year ago, having carved away excess bulk in favor of gaining speed, but he's still a big guy. Then he picks up the shot with a grunt of thanks and downs it in one.
Fuck. That does have a kick. He lets out a breath and hums in wordless approval — "good shit" — then pours himself another in turn.
Weak as the start is, it's still a start. Maine nods, agreeing. Considers his answer, weighing the general noise level against what's safe to say in public. ]
Been away. Different place before this.
[ A different universe, he means. He'll spell it out if necessary, but he hopes Ephemera will pick it up. ]