Were Jon to know what Shen Qingqiu was thinking, he'd be just as baffled, and they could share some common ground of not understanding why. Even if Jon appreciates it--- and, god, does he do what he can to make that known--- he knows the costs, and the effort that goes into it. Even before becoming the Archivist, he wouldn't have wanted to be seen like that.

There's no time to waste, however, and at Shen Qingqiu's request, Jon straightens his posture, lets out a soft breath, and soothes the last rattling of his nerves from everything.

When he looks up once more, he locks eyes with Shen Qingqiu's distant gaze. He speaks, low and clear; static begins to build, making the air electric and alive.

"What happened when you reunited with your favorite disciple after those three years?"