[prologue] post-investigation, w/ belph

[asswipe]

[Hey, Belph. Don't mind Veronica as she just. Gives him the weariest look when she happens to come across him, examining him for a second before sighing.]

So, uh... How does it feel, knowing you called it?

[Because, Jesus, this sucks.]

Comments

[axilium]

You and me both, bud. All things considered, though, you don't seem to be doing too bad now.

[asswipe]

Only because I can't be doing any worse than the literal corpse in a glass case.

[a beat.





and then:]

Oh, God. I'm sorry, that was awful of me. What I meant to say was— I, I don't know.

[axilium]

Well, you're not wrong...

[asswipe]

Well, maybe I want to be wrong.

[axilium]

Wrong about what? That it could be worse, or that you'd be better off dead?

[asswipe]

I... Neither? Both? Does it really matter?

[axilium]

Not really. I guess there's no shortage of depressing topics to talk about around here.

[asswipe]

No, there's really not. [She sighs.] What's your take on all of this, anyway? You always seem so— collected.

[axilium]

So I've been told. To be honest, I'm just really good at faking it.

[asswipe]

I don't know if that's comforting to know, or just really depressing.

[axilium]

Unfortunately for you, depending on how long we're stuck here, it might be a skill you'll end up refining too.

[asswipe]

Assuming we're trapped until the "war" is over, that's... great. That's awesome. Looking forward to it.

[axilium]

Well, if it's any consolation, I'll be rooting for you to stay the same as you are.

[asswipe]

Thanks. Your support is noted and appreciated.

[axilium]

What can I say? I'm a very supporting person.

[tbh nobody needs to be like him, so.]

[asswipe]

Yeah? Well, I hope you stay a supporting person tomorrow. I can already feel the tension headache from the meltdowns people are going to have during the trial.

[axilium]

I hope you won't be among that group.

[asswipe]

I can work under pressure.

[can she.]

[axilium]

[uh.]

Can you?

[asswipe]

I'm a pro.

[no.]