[ swan looks so unamused at the tube at first, but they hold the rest like its precious ]
Oh. This is...
[ hm they sound a little choked up, and they shake their head. ]
Thank you, Hua Cheng. It's a great gift. [ they seem a little transfixed by both ] I wouldn't forget any of you. But all the more reason why you can't get caught. I want us all to meet like this, when it's over.
[ there's determination in the line of their shoulders ]
[ Ha ha. Hua Cheng was planning on laughing? Because he's an ass. But now he really can't, can he, considering the request and their reaction. ]
All the more reason, then. Maybe when we're able to do such a thing, I'll be able to give you your own portrait like I've done with the others, rather than simply your mask.
[ Not that he's given them any of the portraits - those are for the dead, at the moment. ]
[ Oh, he wasn't actually expecting that to work. There's a beat where Swan has obviously surprised him, but then his expression - softens, a little? The increase of respect is clear enough. ]
Makes it more of a proper deal, that way. [ He offers her his hand, red string visible, its own promise. ] I have many reasons to come out of this, without being caught, but another will be to make sure there's a new drawing to go with that one.
[ Just consider it a moment of swan daddy swearing an oath on god, no big deal, it's fine. ]
And if we can bring them back from the place they are, all the better. [ He grips her hand tight, in return. ] I'd tell you to say a prayer, but I don't intend on my god finding out about this.
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Oh. This is...
[ hm they sound a little choked up, and they shake their head. ]
Thank you, Hua Cheng. It's a great gift. [ they seem a little transfixed by both ] I wouldn't forget any of you. But all the more reason why you can't get caught. I want us all to meet like this, when it's over.
[ there's determination in the line of their shoulders ]
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All the more reason, then. Maybe when we're able to do such a thing, I'll be able to give you your own portrait like I've done with the others, rather than simply your mask.
[ Not that he's given them any of the portraits - those are for the dead, at the moment. ]
1/2
[ like they'd forgotten they were wearing it, swan suddenly lifts a hand up to remove their mask and hood--?! ]
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If I'm going to ask you to do something like this for me, the least I can do is look you in the eyes when I do.
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Makes it more of a proper deal, that way. [ He offers her his hand, red string visible, its own promise. ] I have many reasons to come out of this, without being caught, but another will be to make sure there's a new drawing to go with that one.
no subject
Then it's a deal and a promise. We'll see this through to the end, for the ones who can't.
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And if we can bring them back from the place they are, all the better. [ He grips her hand tight, in return. ] I'd tell you to say a prayer, but I don't intend on my god finding out about this.
So let's keep it to us, for now.
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Don't worry. No one else needs to know.
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I'll see you soon, Swan. With results.
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