The aftermath of the event was very awkward for the both of them. It started to become noticeable , even to their colleagues . Each time they met in the corridors, or were summoned by Pierro, they simply smiled politely - or rather awkwardly for the Doctor - and stayed away from each other , not even exchanging glances .

This went on for a time , but eventually, Zandik was the first to break the ice . It was a lovely Wednesday afternoon, and the Regrator was enjoying his tea, looking out the window at the snowy court of the palace, where the Eleventh was sparring against Arlecchino. Pretty unwise of him, but that stayed true to Ajax's character . Ever since he went back to Snezhnaya , he was jumpy , as if he hid something. Pantalone just hoped it wasn't his relationship with Morax : because if so, what a waste of time . The Fair Lady already told him everything as soon as she came back - they did enjoy their gossip session around a nice cup of tea .

Pretty much like the one he was enjoying before Zandik came in and slammed the door behind him .

- No, I will not fund the naval ruin guards project : Fontaine's invasion is not on the Tsaritsa's mind . » he said calmly, not even turning from the window .

- I - wait really, she ... that's a shame I actually spent days on figuring out how to make them work properly and , - Anyways ! No , it wasn't for that Pantalone . » the Liyuean man raised an eyebrow, asking :

- So what is it for , Doctor ?

He heavily sat on the couch, and closed a bit his eyes . Pantalone noticed it, and asked :

- Tired that much ?

- I had a very shitty week . That's all . Fucking Balladeer . I don't know why the Tsaritsa likes him so much . Everything he says I have to oblige , and that brat always find a flaw in what I do . I swear to the Greater Lord, one day I'll just stop repairing him, and I'll watch him wither away, begging for me to help him again . » to another person, hearing so much violence would be unsettling . But Pantalone was a harbinger, and more than that a banker . His life revolved around striking deals that would help him, and crush the people around him. So , it was maybe a little more brutal than his own methods, but the end results were the same . Though, as he was about to ask Zandik to leave, as the night was already old, he noticed he was falling asleep . Pantalone sighed , and petted his shoulder .

- Stand up . I have a bed . It's much more comfortable than a sofa .» lazily, the Sumerian opened one eye , and just answered, as he stood up slowly .

- No, don't bother , I have a bed of my own, thanks . »

- Would you make it to your bed , or would you collapse in the corridors before ? If I recall correctly , you do not need sleep , for a duration of one week maximum. How long as it been since you -

- 9 days . Very busy and very shitty as I said . » Zandik sighed . « Show me your bed , I guess . I'm too tired to even argue .

The Liyuean smiled, and took Dottore to his private chambers . They passed through a little salon , in full blown Liyuean style ( gold , black , and dark wood were the only colors of the place ) , and entered a big bedroom. There were many flowers, imported from his home, and a radiator, giving a very warm, almost Liyuean heat .

The bed had dark yellow covers , and on the bedside , atop of a counter , was a little statue of Rex Lapis, very common in Liyuean culture . Dottore knew so, because he remembered Baizhu having one on his study shelf, and another one attached to his bag for "extra luck" before exams .

But, Dottore was too tired to analyze the room . He just let himself fall on the bed , closed his eyes, and immediately was disturbed by the Regrator .

- Are you really planing on sleeping with your mask on , Zandik ? » the tone was reprimanding , almost like a mother would to her kid . He only grumbled a bit in Sumerian as a response, and said a bit louder in Snezhnayan :

- M'not strong enough to manipulate your ...غبي ( stupid ) perception . »

Dottore couldn't see it, but Pantalone was now looking at him with a kind of compassion in his gaze . He sat on the other side of the bed , and just said , hoping his words would get through Zandik's complex thoughts process .

- I wouldn't judge you because of your face . It wouldn't change who you are to me . Do whatever you want, I won't force you though . Just know that I wouldn't care. Sleep well Zandik. »

He quickly went under the sheets, leaving Dottore watching the statue of Rex Lapis. Oh, yeah . "Be yourself , you'd still be beautiful" , utter and complete bullshit. Anyone seeing his face would cower in fear or mock him. It would change the Liyuean's behaviour towards him. And honestly, Zandik wasn't one to care about those kind of things. But it was the first time in a very long time that someone wanted to be his friend.
He wouldn't let that go to waste because of his fucked in face . He couldn't take it .