For as solitary creatures as humans could be, even the most hardy of lone wolves desired somebody to speak with at a base level. It was something every living being had in their DNA from the moment their neurons fired off in their heads. The cool, stagnant air inside of the lab felt somewhat warmer while Absinthe stood in place. The liquid filled beakers had always made poor conversation partners and it was her belief that perhaps maybe she could help this struggling woman in some way.

Absinthe said what Himiko and a lot of Rocket likely had wanted all along: a chance to do things over again. It was only natural for their ilk to look back at their past and be blinded by the rose tinted goggles. The desire to do things another way. To remake a decision in the hops that it could change the present for the better. Until humans could harness the power of a certain legendary themselves, it was what kept their choices in life all the more permanent. Absinthe, however, had good reasons for desiring such things.

"It won't be easy, and it never is for anybody. But I think we both knew that. The fact that you'll try is proof enough that there's some part of you that wants to see what comes next. It may seem like you're preparing to scale Mt. Pyre on your hands and knees, but I promise that if you just keep moving, the days will get easy. We'll get there together, one day at a time."

Himiko offered some sympathy for the other bright mind across from her. Even thought their hands were apart, she did find herself wondering if Absinthe had found the intimate gesture at least somewhat helpful. Those hands of hers were damaged and had seen their fair share of abuse, but all that mattered as that they worked, despite the struggles they had been through. The small silence between them was notable, though Himiko didn't mind it at all. Seeing Absinthe's lips curl into the beginnings of a genuine smile was reward enough.

"Hold onto that feeling, Absinthe. It's what will make even the most impossible challenges worthwhile. Things will get better, but only if you keep moving forward."

Absinthe Blackwood

☉

She let Absinthe stew for the time being. Her silence was a good sign that she was going through the motions of questioning herself up to this point. Himiko remained in place in the event that the other woman had been mulling things around in her head. After a minute of introspection, Absinthe fetched a pair of glasses and some drink in a tall glass. But what could be inside? Only one way to find out.

"It would be my upmost pleasure." Himiko's lips formed into a mischievous smile as she accepted the glass from Absinthe. The expensive tastes of the upper echelon had been something that the younger woman had always been eager to partake in the finer spirits in the world. But for something like this, Himiko shifted her weight onto her right foot. "Hm, I've never had something like this before." She accepted the glass and raised it to Absinthe. "To brighter futures and lovely company~" Auburn liquid disappeared down her throat as the nepotism child consumed the contents.

A sweet, succulent taste lingered in her mouth, but the warmth of the drink spreading down her throat was so foreign in nature. Himiko let a wet cough escape her lips and cleared her throat. "My apologies, I wasn't expecting it to be that way. I can see how my Father grew fond of such a thing." It brought Himiko back to stepping into her father's office in Kanto and being greeted by the scent. The man showed his love to his drinks just as much to his family. Save for her, of course.

Her tongue tapped against the surface of her lips to savor whatever flavor was left after the shot.

"I enjoy our time together, Absinthe, as always. Don't live just for me, but the opportunity to live for yourself. For anybody who you would care for. The world would grow darker in your absence. Certainly mine would."

Absinthe Blackwood

☉

It's a rough first step, but one that Himiko will be there for. Absinthe had appeared to take her words with some modicum of seriousness. It was a comfort foreign to the Kanton, but a welcome one regardless. The world missing out on the genius of such a woman would be a waste. But was it the right thing to do of a woman suffering so? Could she actually find the peace she needed? And why heed the words of somebody so clearly apathetic to returning home again?

The answer to these thoughts eluded Himiko for the time being, although she did begin to ponder if she was the right person to say them. For now, all the woman could do was to be there for somebody who was very clearly unstable in her desires. She lifted her glass for another shot with a grin. "Might I trouble you for another?"

She'd stay with Absinthe for the remainder of the night, or until the other woman would wish to rest for the evening. Himiko had found her good company and a welcome distraction from the many details of the region for a night. While the second shot went down her throat, she began to wonder what this strange feeling was that had enveloped her. To allow somebody close enough than at a distance. It left Himiko wary, but being able to lower her wall down enough to be close enough to another person. Were they friends now? Perhaps...

It felt nice having a friend. Maybe. Would Absinthe ever use that against her in the coming days? It would have to be seen. But Himiko would do her best for her to start over in life. One day that mask would fully come off so she could see the actual Absinthe.

That first mask was pretty cool though...

Absinthe Blackwood

☉