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[lifetothefullest]

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[requiemshark]

[Ephemera leans back, watching Sweets. He has a feeling the doctor knows what he's talking about from more than reading textbooks.]

You're honest.

[Didn't say it would be easy.]

I appreciate that.

[lifetothefullest]

[He shifts on his feet again a little, of course noticing Ephemera watching him, but he nods in acknowledgement.]

It's important to know that you might not succeed at first, or some other times even after you've been managing for awhile. That doesn't mean you're failing, or that you should stop trying.

[requiemshark]

Probably shouldn't shoot him again.

[It's not said as a joke, unfortunately. Shooting people in casual arguments is sort of a thing where he's from.]

[lifetothefullest]

[He's just going to pretend like it was a joke after all.]

Probably not. Shooting should generally be reserved for a life or death situation.

[Something he's also noticed that people here don't seem to get in general, but that's an issue for later.]

[requiemshark]

[Ephemera raises an eyebrow.]

Wait, really? Do people not -- ?

Huh. That explains some things.

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance raises an eyebrow right back.]

Do people not what?

[He's not sure which conclusion Ephemera is coming to, based on just that response.]

[requiemshark]

Lets just say I've gotten shot a lot because people don't like my face.

[lifetothefullest]

Is that considered normal, or do you just deal with a lot of people with no impulse control?

[If Lance shot everyone whose face he didn't like there would be a lot fewer people in this cave, lbr here.]

[requiemshark]

Nah, that's pretty normal.

[And definitely explains a bit of Drake's reaction.]

Even my squad--

[His expression clouds momentarily. Missing them.]

Hnn. They always missed. Even when they were really fucking mad.

[lifetothefullest]

Is being shot less dangerous in your world?

[Who knows if the guns are the same, and considering the armour Ephemera wears then maybe it's not nearly as serious to be shot as it is where Lance is from.]

[requiemshark]

[Ephemera considers that.]

Less likely to drop somebody, if they're wearing armor. Still hurts like fuck.

[lifetothefullest]

[Ah, well. Still a stupid risk to take, as far as Lance is concerned, but definitely different.]

Being shot is entirely survivable in my world, but it comes almost down to chance; a few millimeters can make a difference on if a shot is fatal, or just painful and inconvenient. Therefore anyone with a modicum of sense doesn't shoot anyone they're not willing to kill.

[requiemshark]

Huh.

[Weird.]

Don't visit my world without armor, then.

[lifetothefullest]

I'll do my best to avoid that.

[He has no interest in what he's heard of Ephemera's world, space travel or not.]

But it's probably a good idea not to shoot anyone here and assume they'll be fine.

[requiemshark]

I only shot him in the foot.

[He's grumbling. But only a little.]

....twice. He's fine.

[lifetothefullest]

That doesn't contradict what I said.

[It isn't pointed or snappish, but there is a distinct tone of long-suffering which indicates this isn't the first time he's had to say this to someone here.]

[requiemshark]

Hnn.

[It doesn't. Ephemera grinds out his cigarette in the sink.]

Thanks, Doc. I mean it.

[lifetothefullest]

[That's unexpected, but it's a nice surprise and so Lance manages a small but genuine smile in return.]

You're welcome. I hope I was able to help.

[Even if it'll probably remain to be see just how much his advice actually does help, if at all.]

[requiemshark]

Gave me some perspective.

[It's on Ephemera to work through it now. He wants to, but Washington--

Washington is what he is. Breathing. A fucking murderer. But so is Ephemera, in the end.

There's got to be a line, somewhere, that he can't cross. Ephemera exhales slowly.]

....now what?

[lifetothefullest]

Now you start practicing, by taking some time to do whatever you normally enjoy doing here as if nothing's changed.

[He says it with a hint of humor, but it's a genuine suggestion. Relaxing a bit is definitely in order, after all of the stress of worrying and then talking about this.]

[requiemshark]

Cool. You going to stay?

[Ephemera isn't sure he'd like that, but he does want to paint now.]

[lifetothefullest]

[He shakes his head a little.]

I'll leave you to it, but feel free to call or message me again at any time if you need anything.

[Because things can definitely hit belatedly, as well as new problems arising. But for now, Lance is planning to go home and get some rest; counseling sessions are usually pretty stressful for him too, here.]

[requiemshark]

Appreciate it, Doc.

[He means it sincerely.]

Drake was right. You do good work.

[lifetothefullest]

[That prompts another smile, even as Lance straightens up a little in preparation to leave.]

Thank you.

[It's important to him, and encouraging, to be able to help anyone here, especially since his future outside of this place is so uncertain. It makes being here seem like it has a point.

And with that, he'll offer a nod of farewell and head toward the door.]