Noctisardor Bypass 15 Step

Judging by Suzu’s reaction, Anselm hadn’t said the right thing — or maybe, it wasn’t what she was expecting. 

He was too tired to run diagnostics. 

Anselm thumbed at the fresh cut on his lips with his tongue, surprised by the twist in direction Suzu took. He agreed, it was very Eti of Etienne to be helpful. Ever the heart of their dynamic, while Anselm often felt he played the part of callous necessary evil.  

Anselm didn’t believe Suzu was complimenting him. He missed that she was outright digging. Mmm. I don’t like anyvonne. He reiterated, getting ready to call for Etienne when he saw him arrive out of his peripherals. 

Something was very wrong. Anselm thought going to Rivenwood might make things easier, but since their arrival, things only got more complicated. He’d noticed Etienne was stormy as of late —troubled, even — but how could Anselm address that?

He startled, realizing that Etienne had leaned against him and he had — mindlessly — instinctively leaned back, seeking the comforting warmth of Etienne’s touch besides him. This realization caused his spine to stiffen, but he did not move away. 

Etienne left a well of cold as he left Anselm’s side, reaching for Suzu with a sob. This blindsided Anselm, who could only look on with mounting bewilderment , and the sharp, horrible knife of guilt that he had somehow made Etienne’s life worse for being part of it.