[attr="class","spiral"] It doesn’t take an Audino to recognize Kim’s voice. Hearing him suffer through his own responsibilities is enough to bring Fernando into a half-smirk. He ditches the napkin for now, dropping his pen in favor of swirling the contents of his glass in an idle circle. The motion of the liquid, constantly lapping the rims of hands in a steady, systematic spiral, is both calming and vexing.

His eye focus on the sight until he hears the squeak of the stool beside him. If he hadn’t known better, he’d hazard a guess that Kim proved more flatulent then stressed.

“Fucking terrible—” is the only acceptable answer considering the weight of the secret they’ve been tasked with carrying. He resents Kim for even asking, drowning out the bitter feeling of disgust with something more physical. It almost burns as much as his temper.

“—you asshole. How’s evacuation duties?”

[attr="class","spiral"]Unbeknownst to the League, there is merit in cait alfric's estranged fantasies. Kim and Fernando are perfect for each other. In the same manner that Kim finds amusement in Fernando's misery, so does he when his colleague loses his smirk to the pained grievances that they face in the line of duty. Watching one another struggle brings delight to the other but only in friendly jest. After all, misery loves company.

"Whiskey sour."

Fernando matches him step for step, ordering after Kim's relayed his own request, unwilling to wait should the bartender get caroled elsewhere. The sound of glass clinking against wood and bottles being jostled settle into the background of Kim's explanation and Fernando nods at the end of every sentence.

"So, fucking terrible? Good."

When asked in turn, Fernando answers by killing the rest of his drink with a small cheers. He lets it settle, grimacing, before sliding his glass back and reaching for the fresh whiskey. "Same as always. Everything is dogshit."

Empty smoke blows from his nostrils and he dares to elaborate on the 'good'. "illeana reyes, Laurence Anderson, Stormy Silph have some semblance of control over their avatar powers. It's a bit too early but they're good to be deployed. Most forces have been shortied for Lilycove with some reserves left around Mauville to make sure we're not absolutely fucked for putting all our eggs in one basket." He pauses, thinking over Rustboro and his initial premise about the dangers of Ultra Wormhole. "Lilycove and Slateport should protect us from the South East. We probably need to send some forces up to Rustboro and Fallabor to lay the ground work for a solid formation."

Just thinking about how to get everyone properly sorted and dispatched is a headache that not even the worst hangover can compare to. Things were easier when the most of his calculations were just financials. At least that followed some basic principles of predictability.

"How'd @bean4 take you volunteering for a suicide mission?"

Hopefully better then he did. The whole diplomatic approach had been nothing short of ALEXANDER STONE level naivety.

[attr="class","spiral"] “Indeed. Lilycove is our biggest concern but Ultra Wormholes worry me.” Fernando can feel his teeth grind against each other as he clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Logical formations and position don’t matter when they can pop up wherever and whenever they want.”

Fernando takes a sip for Najwa, shrugging as Kim reaffirms his initial thoughts. “You know, volunteering to kill yourself while engaged could be considered cold feet.” He licks the bottom of his lip dry. “You could have always just cancelled. I’m sure you could recoup some of venue costs with there being an invasion and all.”

[attr="class","spiral"]"So Kim Cole ends up marrying the only person able to put him into check. How fitting," Fernando his own amusement behind a deep seat, heartfelt chuckle. It's one of the few instances he shows some sort of genuine enjoyment in front of Kim without outright insulting someone else but drastic times comes with drastic measures. There's no need to keep up a front when they'll be there soon enough.

The topic of love comes up and Fernando disregards it with a deep exhale. What a waste of time. The only woman he'd ever consider marrying is long gone; a relic of his past he tries to free himself from by burying himself in his own demise. And look how far it's gotten him.

"What do I look like? ALEXANDER STONE?" He pauses, wincing at his own reference. While he doesn't blame Alexander for making the correct choice with Stormy Silph, being there in the first place is cringe-worthy in itself. "Apparently, everyone in the League is fucking like Lopunnys and I'm the only one who doesn't shit where they eat."

Another sip and Fernando considers a joke. It's funnier in his head.

"After all, who'd be interested in me? I'm a virgin saint. A man of the lord."

[attr="class","spiral"]"What?"

Fernando feigns genuine innocence when Kim breaks out into a lively guffaw. Despite his act, deep down, there's a firm smugness in being able to make Kim break out into laughter. It's more validating than anyone really knows and that's why Fernando values Kim despite the farce he puts on. Well, maybe it's not a farce, but the poster boy has truly become what he's always lauded as. In times like these, there's no one better to present what the League should be.

"I highly doubt that. It's been what, two years? The only people that show any interest in me are people who want a bigger budget or a free Gym Badge." Not that any of that matters. He's cut from the same cloth. It makes it easier to to be efficient and make resolute decision when you can disregard the human factor behind denying requests.

"Not that I mind. You and Essam are the only relationship that didn't turn into shit after more than a month.”

[attr="class","spiral"]“Yes, Kim.”

The reoccurring punchline has little effect on him. His natural edgelord tendencies to consider those around him as nothing more than pawns mitigates any possible attachment. Even so, time has made him weak and Fernando considers several League members as both his friends and him theirs. Who else could kyle lopez consider his best friend?

“As asinine as they are.”

Fernando takes his own moment to pause, looking to Kim and then back to his drink.

“But sometimes they turn out to be more than just a giant clown.”

He reaches for it and knocks back another sip, greedier this time.

“Do you remember what we talked about before Rocket fell?”