Xaviers!

Katarina had spent a few days cooped up in her room, as one might expect from a rather traumatic experience. But, there's only so long once can stare at the internet, constantly refreshing for more news on the Symkarian situation. And "unrest in the Balkans" isn't exactly headlining most newscasts, anyway.

And so, she carefully walked into the dining room, still wearing her half-Latverian mask to protect her damaged face. In her mind, everyone was looking at her. They must have all been reading the news, which had her picture on it. And even if not, Doctor Doom landing in the middle of the quad would create at least a few rumors certainly. It was, perhaps, a bit self-centered to think the world revolved around her, but that was how she felt as she slowly walked through the line.

((open))

"Dig the mask," Leo said without snark as he settled into line next to her. He looked quite different than the last time they had interacted, what with his nicer clothes and much happier demeanor.

"Yes, it is a...new fashion statement," Katarina said, mildly.

"Glad to see you're okay after... well, you know," he continued a little awkwardly, but with genuine empathy. At least in regard to the being abducted and held captive part. He knew it would be awful for any duration, regardless of accommodations. Her experience was more comfortable but he wasn't intending to hold her comparative good fortune against her.

Katarina's hand went up to her mask, just for a moment.

"Yes, I am...healing rather well, all things considered. Thank you..." she said, awkwardly.

Leo did the math and said with a hint of a growl, "I hope whoever hurt you got it worse."

He was a sensitive soul, even a gentle one when he wanted to be, but definitely not above wishing suffering one those who he believes truly deserved it. Not refined either, despite his improved wardrobe.

"The situation is...somewhat in flux.

I believe that Jezebelle gave him a good talking to, however."

"Good for her," he smiled approvingly.

"I don't know if I'd have as much restraint if someone took my boyfriend."

"Yeah," he said with a singular chuckle, "Turns out I could find someone. And I'm gay."

Katarina looked a little uncomfortable at Leo's sudden revelation, though she quickly did her best to hide it.

"I...see. Congratulations are in order, then?"

"Nothin' to make a production out of," he said, addressing both the response and the barely noticed reaction.

"Still gettin' used to same-sex relationships myself," he added, avoiding the word gay when he realized he had only formally used the word talking to his dead mother. Why did it suddenly make him uncomfortable?

"It is...quite the culture shock, I will agree," Katarina said, regaining some diplomatic footing. "Then, much here is."

"Less for me, I imagine. But yeah, bein' here is... an adjustment. But a good one."

"It has been...more of a challenge than I anticipated," Katarina said, still in Diplomatic Mode. "And not for the reasons I feared."

"What reasons were those?"

"The west is...different than home," she said, continuing to speak diplomatically. "And I have not spent much time on my own. Navigating the world when you expect it to work one way is a challenge."

"Oh, I definitely had an idea of how the world works that isn't survivin' this place. Though I won't pretend it's remotely like yours. And please, I'm not some foreign delegate you have to hedge with nor do I bite. Say what you mean."

Katarina frowned. "Simply because I am...careful with my words does not mean I am worried you shall bite me," she said. "I do not wish to offend."

"And I don't wish to be offended. It just feels weird bein' talked to so... carefully."

"Yes, well, I have had quite the month," Katarina said, a bit snippier than she intended.

"Right. Sorry," he said apologetically, feeling guilty for making a big deal out of it, "Givin' you a hard time right now isn't cool."

"Speak however you want."

Katarina took a deep breath. "And I should not take my frustration out on you, sir. I apologize."

"Sir, huh?" he chuckled with a good-natured smirk that said there were no hard feelings, "Literally no one has called me that before."

"Then no one has treated you with proper respect in the past."

"I haven't always deserved respect, but I appreciate you sayin' that. Makes me feel important."

"So, uhh... do I call you your highness or ma'am or what?"

Katarina cringed slightly at that. "Katarina will be fine, thank you."

"And just call me Leo," he responded, "Sir was nice but it's just too formal for me."

"Well, apologies are formal occasions. Rituals and traditions and all that."

He gave a slight nod. "I suppose they are. At least, between people who aren't close."

"There is a...barrier, between people of my station," Katarina explained. "A necessary one."

"I'm sure there are nobler reasons, but I at least get the fear of showin' weakness part."

"Yes, well, hence the mask," Katarina said, trying to keep it light.

"Judging by the style, I'm guessin' it was a gift from tall, scary, and notoriously self-absorbed," he said.

"And with spies and listening devices everywhere."

"You sure that mask isn't bugged somehow?"

"Are you sure it's not?"

"I mean, how would I know?" he asked.

"Exactly. And loose lips sink ships."

"Good thing I don't know any juicy secrets then," he chuckled with a small, good-natured smirk.

"Yes, well, you also called him notoriously self-absorbed, so if it is bugged, then you may expect a visit from a DoomBot."

"Surely the great Victor von Doom is above carin' about my weightless opinion. Really, I'm a nobody."