[ it was fine when the only one paying the price for his fixation was himself. but now that he's crossed the point of no return in realising how little anything else matters, why keep pretending they do? especially after thorns has already proven that no matter how unhinged elysium gets, he's just——accepted it. thanks, buddy.

he isn't exactly quiet over dinner, but the sense of unease is there, propping up pretenses without a shred of authenticity. and while one could argue elysium's always had a sort of pretense to him, there was that baseline instinct of wanting to know people, care for them, even if their paths only crossed for a moment and were a mere footnote on a page of his journey.

to his credit, he makes it through the whole dinner. if not for himself, then for the same reason thorns has considered himself: when was the last time they had a meal? thorns needs to eat well… ]

Mm. [ he rises quietly, palms pressed to the table before straightening. the smile he wears is warm enough, slightly tired at its edges. it's meant for their hosts more than anything. ] I think it's about time we head out. This kind of thing's easy for us, so if you want it to be a regular thing just let us know. We are looking for work, heheh.