[ A few weeks ago, that question would've been brushed easily under the carpet, made a mockery of, or discounted with an easy fine. He'd have believed it, too. As it is, he's been disabused of that notion by the wearing on of time and a few choice encounters, and now after a brief start - he's learning that people mean it when they ask it, these days, so he has to catch himself on the brink of a dismissal - he huffs out a breath that's half a laugh and quirks his mouth up into a weary smile.
About as well as needing to be asked would imply, really. ]
I'm holding up.
[ Acknowledgement if not much of an answer, but there's too much to unload it all. And he's out of practice with doing anything other than changing the subject. ]
Are they treating you okay out here?
[ The problem people have is with Stephen, but that doesn't mean the consequences can't be felt by anyone else. He keeps a very close eye on the security footage these days so he's confident he'll have caught any major incidents, but it still pays to check in. ]
no subject
About as well as needing to be asked would imply, really. ]
I'm holding up.
[ Acknowledgement if not much of an answer, but there's too much to unload it all. And he's out of practice with doing anything other than changing the subject. ]
Are they treating you okay out here?
[ The problem people have is with Stephen, but that doesn't mean the consequences can't be felt by anyone else. He keeps a very close eye on the security footage these days so he's confident he'll have caught any major incidents, but it still pays to check in. ]