[This conversation is already starting off too stalled.]
You don't need to worry about me. If anything's happened, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'm here to help...and that's something you'll never need to question.
[He shifts from foot to foot, considering his options. Well, if he was going to start peppering Ion with questions...]
...If I break a rule... is there a way to unbreak it? [nope, that was a stupid way to say that] I mean... get rid of the effect? Do I need to ask you for like a... a... [what was that word] boon?
No, unfortunately. Once a rule has been broken, there's no way to go back from it. If you know you need to break a rule in advance, a deal can be made with Justice to avoid it.
[Ion's face knits in sympathy. He wishes he had better news.]
But I can grant you things, as well, in exchange for favors. If it was up to me, I'd...give you whatever you needed, no questions asked, but I can't break the terms of the game now that I've already agreed to them.
Yeah, I had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy... it's not a big deal, though. [Isn't it? He moves on quickly, latching on to the second part of the statement.]
Okay, I have a feeling this is going to sound really weird, but... hear me out! [He delays, leaning gingerly against a post, considering his phrasing.] So... I haven't... actually made any offerings of my own to any of the gods. [yeesh] ...But I think I should start trying. And I was wondering... wondering if I could...
[mrrghh]
...Ask you for some offerings for them. Stuff that they like. Just so I'm not, like... giving them stuff they already created themselves!
Ah! Not that I'm trying to switch sides, or leave you, or stop talking to you or anything! Just that I thought it'd be better if I...! [At a loss for words in this conversation with himself, he gives up, running both hands through his hair and making an extended sound halfway between frustration and irritation.]
Nngghhh! ...It'd just be good to get to know everyone, right?! [Is he reassuring himself, or Ion? Maybe a little of both.]
I know exactly what you mean--and it's okay, I know you won't leave me. I'd be happy to help you figure out offerings, and I think it's a great idea that you speak with as many of them as you can.
Well...you don't have to ask for anything. In fact, I know some of them appreciate simply being able to have a conversation. They may take it the wrong way if they feel that they're only being approached in order to fulfill requests.
[He tries to keep his expression encouraging! Don't be so down, Luke!]
I do think so. Because...you never had to do anything more than be yourself for me to want to learn everything about you. I think for a lot of them...even just a letter would be nice. Introducing yourself or saying hello.
Maybe so...but I liked you from the start, just for what I saw in your heart. You've always been an incredible, warm person, Luke. You have the biggest heart out of anyone I've ever met before.
[the temptation to teasingly bump Ion with his shoulder to alleviate the embarrassment rising in his cheeks is overwhelming, despite the sharp, jabbing pains he gains from pressure contact.
...
he does it aanyway. no ragrats.]
Hah. Well, here's hoping it works on more than just you, then.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Great. I guess we should stay in here, though, if I want to talk to you with your mask off.
[he hums to himself, as if trying to decide on a question to start with. nodding, he opens his mouth—and seems to remember his own manners.]
What about yourself? How are you?
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[This conversation is already starting off too stalled.]
You don't need to worry about me. If anything's happened, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'm here to help...and that's something you'll never need to question.
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[He shifts from foot to foot, considering his options. Well, if he was going to start peppering Ion with questions...]
...If I break a rule... is there a way to unbreak it? [nope, that was a stupid way to say that] I mean... get rid of the effect? Do I need to ask you for like a... a... [what was that word] boon?
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[Ion's face knits in sympathy. He wishes he had better news.]
But I can grant you things, as well, in exchange for favors. If it was up to me, I'd...give you whatever you needed, no questions asked, but I can't break the terms of the game now that I've already agreed to them.
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Okay, I have a feeling this is going to sound really weird, but... hear me out! [He delays, leaning gingerly against a post, considering his phrasing.] So... I haven't... actually made any offerings of my own to any of the gods. [yeesh] ...But I think I should start trying. And I was wondering... wondering if I could...
[mrrghh]
...Ask you for some offerings for them. Stuff that they like. Just so I'm not, like... giving them stuff they already created themselves!
Ah! Not that I'm trying to switch sides, or leave you, or stop talking to you or anything! Just that I thought it'd be better if I...! [At a loss for words in this conversation with himself, he gives up, running both hands through his hair and making an extended sound halfway between frustration and irritation.]
Nngghhh! ...It'd just be good to get to know everyone, right?! [Is he reassuring himself, or Ion? Maybe a little of both.]
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[He puts a hand on Luke's shoulder.]
I know exactly what you mean--and it's okay, I know you won't leave me. I'd be happy to help you figure out offerings, and I think it's a great idea that you speak with as many of them as you can.
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Really?
Oh.
[So much for all the rambling. He drops his hands sheepishly.]
Great! ...Uh, what do I have to do in exchange?
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[Ion quickly puts his hand back in his lap, squeezing his own hands together. He gives Luke a gentle smile.]
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[he considers carefully for a moment, then swallows, finishing, a little lamely:]
...not really, no. I was kind of hoping you'd have some ideas...
But I'll do whatever you want me to do for them! I'm not going to break any rules or anything!
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[He tries to keep his expression encouraging! Don't be so down, Luke!]
Just put your best foot forward! Be yourself!
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[he considers.]
...Still... seems rude to just drop in on an offering bowl without bringing a gift, even if I just want to chat.
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[wait,]
...Can they read fonic script?
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[He laughs.]
But if you want, I can translate for you. I've been here long enough to learn the common written language among the rest of the gods.
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[he brightens up immediately.]
Thank you, Ion! ...Also, jeez, that's pretty incredible! Then again, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at anything when it comes to you.
[he gives Ion a friendly nudge with his elbow—and instantly regrets it, the stinging traveling up his arm.]
I'll write them out. I promise it won't take long.
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[He looks a little bashful.]
I've always had to be a fast learner. I suppose some things just stay with you no matter where you go.
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...I don't think everyone will be as interested in me as you were, though... we kind of had our own thing, huh?
[and that thing is called being an unwanted replica stand-in.]
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...
he does it aanyway. no ragrats.]
Hah. Well, here's hoping it works on more than just you, then.