[if this was an anime, there would be a record scratch sound effect right about now. it's not, so there isn't, but Ambition stares at him incredulously anyway.]
[Ambition's sudden reaction to the plainclothes truth he's been avoiding saying out loud the whole conversation is... weirdly comforting, somehow. Not for the first time, he's reminded of Anise. The corner of his mouth twitches upwards at her incredulity—a strange bonus to being numb to the inevitability of your own guaranteed demise.]
You're talking to the person who wants that more than anything. I told you—I made a promise. It's just...
[He pauses, attempting to swallow the lump in his throat.]
...No one's going to be happy if I compromise on who I am to get there. Not me, not anyone.
[he sighs, letting himself lean heavily against the door. First Tear, now Ambition... and he still had to protect Ion. Somehow or other, he was going to have to make it through this.]
A boon... that's not a bad idea. I guess you'd have to, like, do me a favor to earn it, but if you tell me what you want I can come up with something that would allow me to give it to you.
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What? No! That's not allowed!
[she stomps her foot]
You have to live.
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You're talking to the person who wants that more than anything. I told you—I made a promise. It's just...
[He pauses, attempting to swallow the lump in his throat.]
...No one's going to be happy if I compromise on who I am to get there. Not me, not anyone.
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[she's the worst
she's absolutely playing favorites, but she's the worst]
I'll be a god. The supreme god, I'll be able to do that!
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--and he starts laughing. there's no malice or taunting behind it—just an honest peel of laughter.
wiping an eye, he grins apologetically.]
I'm sorry, I just--[his shoulders shudder, and he barely contains another wave of giggles.]
You're a really good person, Ambition. I'm glad I summoned you. I'm glad we get to talk like this.
Thank you.
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Stop laughing at me when I'm being serious!
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Aack!
[he stumbles, wobbles to his knees, holding his forehead, laughing half in shock, half in helpless amusement.]
I'm s-sorry...!
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...It's a promise.
I'll... I'll make it back home alive.
[he sighs, letting himself lean heavily against the door. First Tear, now Ambition... and he still had to protect Ion. Somehow or other, he was going to have to make it through this.]
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[...]
I'll try to help.
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Thank you, Ambition.
[It's truly heartfelt. Pushing himself off his knees, he approaches her, and holds out his hand again. Time for reintroductions.]
Luke.
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[She takes his hand and shakes it.]
Don't get all emotional about it, okay? It's just that it would suck if you were dead.
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[He huffs a smile, crossing his arms.]
Yeah, well... I feel pretty similar about it!
...The real challenge is going to be making it through the rest of this competition.
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[but he's still smiling.]
Yeah—I've got my friends. Guy, Ion—you, as well—and other people I've met, too! And I know they don't want anyone else to die.
But I can't just count on that... I should try and do something, too.
[...]
...Should I ask you for... like, a boon, or something?
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Okay, a boon... okay...
[...]
Uh.
Can I... get back to you on that?
[translation: he's got NOTHING, and wants to ask Ion.]
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In the meantime... we better get over here, before Senri starts banging on the door or something. [he grins.]
Thanks again, Chloé. It means a lot.
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[BUT... Luke does have a point, so she nods and opens the door. He's free to go.]
Just let me know when you've decided. ...I want to help you.
[The sad part is? That's completely true.]
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I really appreciate it. I'll... think it over.
[Luke goes to leave, pauses, and backpedals.]
He was right, though—Senri, I mean. Your hair is pretty nice!
[And with a wave, he heads out!]