CW: Fantasy racism, violent imagery, de-realization, uncomfortable topics discussed. Just over all some real fucking rancid vibes here.

<aside> <img src="/icons/clock-alternate_gray.svg" alt="/icons/clock-alternate_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Osidos 19th, 600 A.S., Vallis Sancti

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It’s the early morning when Cameron leaves his and Ava’s hotel room. Half empty, while Ava’s belongings remain. He had made sure to at least inform her he was taking a detour. Just a couple of days, shouldn’t be that much.

Ava took it in stride, as usual, and even agreed to check on Peter. It had brought Cameron a smile on his face. Always reliable Ava. Thanks.

<aside> <img src="/icons/map-pin_gray.svg" alt="/icons/map-pin_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Septentrio Station, Vallis Sancti

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“…It was nice seeing you again.” ‘Me too.’

A handshake between drifter and tinkerer as the two looked out to the Septentrio Station. Anton is the first to glance back, watching Cameron for a beat, before speaking up. “Didn’t manage to get tickets to the dinner?”

Cameron made a face, glancing back at Anton with a half smile as his hands raised to sign back his response. ‘I don’t have that kind of money. It’s alright though, I have other plans.’

A slight raise of Anton’s brow, before he sighed as he leaned back. “…I wish you would have, though. It’s going to be a nightmare.” Yeah…yeahhhhhhhh…. Cameron pats Anton’s back, one of the main reasons he hadn’t tried.

‘Well, that’s rich folks to you.’ “Ugh…at least Miss Bellafonte is there.” That’s true, yet he had to admit meeting that woman again had surprised him. Not that she remembered him much. That’s alright, though. It felt more natural that way.

‘How’s the marks? People acting weird to you?’ His fingers reached out, thumb slipping underneath the stretchy fabric around the tinkerer’s neck and brushed upwards to reveal lightning marks darkly cutting through pale skin. Anton lets him, he knows Cameron won’t do anything. He’s too gentle, he trusts him. “…As you would expect. Miss Bellafonte is trying to remedy the lack of my name in the exposition…but it is what it is.”

“…” Cameron’s eye lowered, thumb brushing against the dark mark before letting his hand slip away, fixing the fabric so Anton didn’t need to worry. Not that he would, if it was him, he would have it out on display without a care.

It’s just how things are.

So Cameron changes subjects.

‘The hearing aid is fantastic though, did the girl I talked to you about manage to see it?’ Anton leant his head to the side. “Lark, you mean?” Cameron nodded, and Anton returned his nod. “Sweet girl teared up. It felt nice. Like my work was worth it.” ‘That’s because it is.’ “I suppose so. Yeah. I usually do things for myself…but it’d be nice if it helped others.” ‘I’m sure it will. I know it will.’

A shared glance, and a small shift of their eyes are exchanged. ‘Have you gotten a chance to meet up with Cynn yet?’ Anton lightly scratches his forearm, the dry ink had started becoming a little uncomfortable- he’ll write down his thoughts later and wash it off. “I’ve seen them around…maybe I’ll approach them today at the dinner. Maybe they’ll get me through it.”

That earns a laugh from Cameron, nodding his head. ‘Well, they’re a bit chaotic, but they really are a good person. Don’t tell them I said that.’ Anton raised his eyebrow higher this time, nudging the brunette. “What’s that about?” Cameron smiled and looked away, ignoring the nudging as his throat rumbled in thought. ‘Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy yourself, it’s nice to feel the sun once in a while, no?’