[Today, Beauty is in the parlor as per usual but there are three chairs now instead of the usual set-up for two. The table's filled with a spread of tea, coffee, and snacks, and Beauty himself is lounging in his usual high-back chair. The flowers are in a vase in the middle of the table, and Beauty...looks a liiiittle dramatic.]
Mizuki-saaaaan. [Pouting? Pouting. But why the pout? It's because the mask is on today, not quite yet able to be removed until Majima's intentions are stated. Oops. He can be polite though and gestures to the two chairs.] Good morning, Majima-san. Please have a seat.
Sorry, Beauty-kun. I promise I'll come later and give you plenty of one-on-one attention?
[ their voice is light and teasing, although they do feel slightly awkward about this meeting for reasons they're not fully willing to disclose to even themself?! In any case, they take a seat next to Majima. ]
You two know each other already, don't you? That makes this a little easier.
[It's unfortunate that this promise seems to help, given Beauty sits up and perks up immediately. Gross. Anyway, once the two of them are seated Beauty positions himself to face both of them head-on, glancing between the two of them.]
We've met, which is why it's equally frustrating that this is happening. [He tugs at the edge of the mask again.] But it's lovely to see both of you this morning. To what do I owe the pleasure?
Two things for me. One... I already apologized to Senri-kun, but I'm sorry for givin' ya a heart attack this weekend, too.
[ since he's... pretty sure beauty hated seeing senri being hurt more than most. but with that said, he shifts into his more professional-oriented persona. he's here to talk business, after all. ]
Second... I'm also here on behalf of Indulgence-han. Seein' as how me an' Mizucchi are already in this together—[ if you think there's a hint of fondness in his voice, you're imagining it, even as he places his hand atop theirs without even really noticing, ]—he's wonderin' if you would want to officially become allies.
[ they are pleasantly surprised that Majima actually goes as far as apologizing to Beauty, too. Always defying their expectations, that one - the hand over theirs, too, which gets their expression to flinch for the briefest moment. (Does he have to do this now?!) ]
We were just talking about it, after all. Indulgence-san only has one follower left, too - grouping up might be a good way to stay safe, even if it's not an official part of the rules. Moreover, I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a solid concept of what kind of world he wants to make, so I think he could be convinced to share your idea with a little effort.
[The apology about Senri helps a lot and his posture seems to relax. It's been a really weird week, given, but the genuine words hit him and settle somewhere in his chest.]
Apology accepted, Majima-san. [Gracious as always, and relieved as well. Still, there's a pause as he seems to eye not only their hands but also Majima's face. When had that happened…perhaps it doesn't matter. He can ask Mizuki later since this is now a diplomatic meeting. As such, he sits up a little taller, considering the matter closely.]
You suppose? I've never spoken to Indulgence about my true vision, though that doesn't surprise me to hear. [No offense.] We would have to find another way to boost our own numbers to ensure such an alliance would benefit all of us. I'm sure by now you've seen that it's his host week.
[…is Beauty not confident in Indulgence winning over followers? Not exactly, no.]
[ MAYBE HE CAN ASK EM NOW... AND LET MAJIMA SEE HIS DUMB OURAN FACE AGAIN!!! come on. look at what a lovelorn puppy he's being right now. do it. ]
Yeah, I know. [ he sounds so tired. ] Still... c'mon. Mizucchi pointed it out—ya saw what happened with Ambition-han an' Cunning-han. Ain't it worth a shot, at least? From what I've seen of the two of ya separately... ya really aren't all that different.
How rude. Beauty-kun is much smarter and more charming than Indulgence-san! And much cuter, too. There's no comparison, as far as I'm concerned.
[ it would sound like Mizuki was roasting him if they were talking about anyone else - but they completely mean it. They really love Tamaki... ]
In any case... Beauty-kun, this might sound cold, but we shouldn't worry about making sure the alliance is fair before we've even suggested it. I'm not sure Indulgence-san will think about it that deeply. If he wants us to offer more, then we can find out a way to try and get more followers, but we don't owe him anything yet.
[WELL NOT WHEN YOU COMPARE HIM TO INDULGENCE? MAJIMA PLZ. He would be insulted, but Mizuki swoops in and it's only because of their praise that Beauty chills out.]
Mizuki-san is correct. [Thanks, Tamaki.] And...that's correct as well. We're at the same standing currently even though Lady Love took this week to host rather than myself. So really what you're proposing is someone to vouch for him should he get himself further into trouble. Something to keep him in the game as well, and thereby protecting Majima-san.
[ it's a cheeky retort, he knows, and he'll fully expecting to get reprimanded again by mizuki for it. but it's a very "typical majima" reply, which hopefully preps the both of them for what follows: ]
. . . Either way, ya have my sincere thanks, Beauty-han. Let's do our best to survive.
[ he bows his head, but not in an overexaggerated manner like he would if he was playing up his host persona. ]
Exactly. And if we get into trouble, he can vouch for us, too.
[ they could reprimand Majima, yeah, but it's the truth. They all need to protect each other, here, actually - they're all one step away from getting killed if they don't do something. ]
What do you think? I know Indulgence-san isn't the ideal partner, but it's a place to start. We could try talking to Piety-kun, too.
While I don't mind protecting and aligning with Indulgence simply to keep him, and therefore Majima-san, in the game, I still fear he may still not be taking this as seriously as he could. Have you spoken to him about this as well?
...Piety may also be a good start. I was hoping to reach out to Sincerity as well.
I mean, that's why I'm here, ain't it? If he wasn't willin' to get serious, he woulda just knocked my suggestion down an' I mighta been forced to leave his ass to save mine.
[ he'd been growing a little tense over the past few moments, but... all things considered, this is going over pretty smoothly. not that he'd had much doubt, especially with his present company. but, ah, on that note... he's now acutely aware of his hand over mizuki's. his eye widens for a second before he shifts his hand back to his own chair's armrest.
anyway. ]
Haven't spoken much to Piety-han, but I don't see why Sincerity-han wouldn't be on board, either. [ he blinks, then... starts to chuckle. it's mostly good-natured, but there's a small amount of disbelief mixed in, too. ] Shit... so this is what Senri-kun was talkin' about, huh?
I haven't spoken to Indulgence-san about this, myself, but I know Majima-kun has. Majima-kun's actually the one who came up with this idea.
[ it may be shocking to hear...
their feelings aren't so different from Majima's on this matter. All the trouble they gave Senri for his ideas, and now they're turning out to be actually plausible. ]
If we could really get an alliance that big to work, that would truly be the best way to end that game - it's a sizeable "if," but worth trying, for the time being. It's not too risky.
I hope you understand why I have some reservations on the matter, but it would greatly benefit both of us as it is. It's actually a very smart idea, Majima-san.
[...he's just observing the two of them. This is fine.]
The pantheon will be ruling together long after all of you have left this competition. It would be best for us to form alliances and get along to ensure our word is heard by the ruler, whomever they may be. [A raise of an eyebrow.] Therein lies my concerns with Indulgence. An alliance is one thing, but actively working toward keeping that alliance is another.
mizuki does get the feeling beauty is giving them a look. Guess they'll have some explaining to do later... or apologizing. ]
Majima-kun is right. We're here to help elect a leader. What happens after that is up to you. [ a beat. ] Of course, I want the best for you, too, but there are limits to what we can do.
[ at least as long as majima sticks by indulgence. They raise an eyebrow at him. ]
Unless you're interested in changing sides, of course.
shrieks i have too many threads with you where he's maskless gomen
[Probably both, Mizuki. Probably both. But Beauty sighs to himself because he knows they're right, but this is still...so, so much.]
I understand that. I think, perhaps, I'm mostly interested in what it is that Indulgence has said to Majima-san during their time together. It's been several weeks...has he spoken to you about his plans for the new world? Or why he thinks his followers have left?
[Beauty's concern: if Indulgence does, in fact, get a higher standing in the pantheon by being linked to him, how likely will he shoot himself in the foot?] You've been incredibly loyal to him.
[ joking-but-true remarks aside, majima is... extremely focused as he gives the two his answer. he takes out his lighter and starts flicking it open and closed just to give his hands something to do. ]
I'm not the kinda guy who abandons a group the moment things start lookin' like they'll go to shit. When I pledge myself to somethin' or someone, ya really gotta fuck up or fuck me up to get me to leave. [ ...he tenses a little, but it lasts only a fraction of a second. ] He may not be the best candidate, an' honestly, I hope he doesn't win. But as soon as we found out gods were vulnerable if they lose all their followers, I knew I was gonna be the only one he could count on, an' I sure as hell would rather die myself than live with the knowledge that me bein' a coward meant someone's blood would be on my hands.
[ his words and the little fraction of tension seem to draw Mizuki's attention, and they eye him curiously with a difficult-to-read expression that vanishes as soon as the conversation goes back to them. ]
I suspected as much. There's a reason I always considered you one of the most reliable players.
[ it's frustrating that he won't switch even though he doesn't want Indulgence to win -- but, at the same time, there's something comforting about his insistence on staying to protect him. He's a good person on the inside. Better than they are, maybe - both of these men are. ]
I talked to him about his plans before, a little bit. He was vague, [ to put it kindly ] but it sounded like his main goals are keeping everyone in his world satisfied and entertained.
...admirable of you. And I can agree with that. Keeping him alive is, perhaps, more important than winning in any case. I understand a world where everyone's to be satisfied and entertained, but simultaneously I think some degree of responsibility should be upheld.
[He waves a hand though.] To ensure that I receive a higher placing in the pantheon, I will need at least one additional follower. That is my only request. It also depends who becomes the head. I have fairly good relationships with most of the other gods, so...I will vouch for Indulgence where I can. I promise to do my best, but it may require additional work.
Majima-san, do you suppose you could speak with him about being a bit less...himself? [Brash. Arrogant. Whatever.] If he displays any signs of growth, it will make my job easier.
[ beauty's suggestion may as well have aged majima ten years in an instant. but he'd just gotten on that soapbox about how he's the only one indulgence can rely on... ugh!!!
with a HEAVY sigh, ] ...I can try. Who knows—I got him to agree with this idea, maybe I can try wranglin' him. I got a way with words around him.
[ he pauses, then turns to face mizuki with exasperation as he comes to an epiphany. ]
[ the ever-present problem of persuading people to join beauty persists, they see... That's been the hardest part of this entire competition for Mizuki by far. Funny: if he was asking them to cull the numbers of the other gods instead of raise his own, they feel like they'd probably see more success. But doing the right thing is never easy. They know that just as well as anyone else. ]
I'll do my best, Beauty-kun - although I'm not sure who I could persuade at this point. Everyone I've spoken to refuses to change because they don't want their god to be killed.
[ everyone's empathy is getting in the way of actual problem-solving... a hypocritical thought, considering that they might be able to solve this if they'd just leave Beauty behind, but a thought they have nonetheless. Majima's comment gets him a wry smile and a raised eyebrow. ]
No? You're not that bad, you know. Although I'd appreciate it if you'd stop getting beaten up so much, please.
I know. It's, quite frankly, a longshot. [Which is what's exhausting but whatever. It's fine.] In the end it does make you wonder if that's how our numbers will end. Participants who refuse to leave their gods…it will at least assure that the winner's vision will be realized.
I'll try to persuade everyone with my own merits. It's all I can do now.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WEEK 5, MONDAY
Mizuki-saaaaan. [Pouting? Pouting. But why the pout? It's because the mask is on today, not quite yet able to be removed until Majima's intentions are stated. Oops. He can be polite though and gestures to the two chairs.] Good morning, Majima-san. Please have a seat.
majima is 100% chartreuse comic sans
[ he rolls his eye and sighs as he settles into his chair, but he's got a pretty relaxed smile on his face. this is fine. ]
Thanks for meetin' with us, Beauty-han.
absolutely disgusting
[ their voice is light and teasing, although they do feel slightly awkward about this meeting for reasons they're not fully willing to disclose to even themself?! In any case, they take a seat next to Majima. ]
You two know each other already, don't you? That makes this a little easier.
lord.
We've met, which is why it's equally frustrating that this is happening. [He tugs at the edge of the mask again.] But it's lovely to see both of you this morning. To what do I owe the pleasure?
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[ since he's... pretty sure beauty hated seeing senri being hurt more than most. but with that said, he shifts into his more professional-oriented persona. he's here to talk business, after all. ]
Second... I'm also here on behalf of Indulgence-han. Seein' as how me an' Mizucchi are already in this together—[ if you think there's a hint of fondness in his voice, you're imagining it, even as he places his hand atop theirs without even really noticing, ]—he's wonderin' if you would want to officially become allies.
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We were just talking about it, after all. Indulgence-san only has one follower left, too - grouping up might be a good way to stay safe, even if it's not an official part of the rules. Moreover, I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a solid concept of what kind of world he wants to make, so I think he could be convinced to share your idea with a little effort.
[ ice cold... but honest. ]
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Apology accepted, Majima-san. [Gracious as always, and relieved as well. Still, there's a pause as he seems to eye not only their hands but also Majima's face. When had that happened…perhaps it doesn't matter. He can ask Mizuki later since this is now a diplomatic meeting. As such, he sits up a little taller, considering the matter closely.]
You suppose? I've never spoken to Indulgence about my true vision, though that doesn't surprise me to hear. [No offense.] We would have to find another way to boost our own numbers to ensure such an alliance would benefit all of us. I'm sure by now you've seen that it's his host week.
[…is Beauty not confident in Indulgence winning over followers? Not exactly, no.]
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Yeah, I know. [ he sounds so tired. ] Still... c'mon. Mizucchi pointed it out—ya saw what happened with Ambition-han an' Cunning-han. Ain't it worth a shot, at least? From what I've seen of the two of ya separately... ya really aren't all that different.
[ what a cursed assessment ]
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[ it would sound like Mizuki was roasting him if they were talking about anyone else - but they completely mean it. They really love Tamaki... ]
In any case... Beauty-kun, this might sound cold, but we shouldn't worry about making sure the alliance is fair before we've even suggested it. I'm not sure Indulgence-san will think about it that deeply. If he wants us to offer more, then we can find out a way to try and get more followers, but we don't owe him anything yet.
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Mizuki-san is correct. [Thanks, Tamaki.] And...that's correct as well. We're at the same standing currently even though Lady Love took this week to host rather than myself. So really what you're proposing is someone to vouch for him should he get himself further into trouble. Something to keep him in the game as well, and thereby protecting Majima-san.
[...] It isn't the worst suggestion.
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[ it's a cheeky retort, he knows, and he'll fully expecting to get reprimanded again by mizuki for it. but it's a very "typical majima" reply, which hopefully preps the both of them for what follows: ]
. . . Either way, ya have my sincere thanks, Beauty-han. Let's do our best to survive.
[ he bows his head, but not in an overexaggerated manner like he would if he was playing up his host persona. ]
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[ they could reprimand Majima, yeah, but it's the truth. They all need to protect each other, here, actually - they're all one step away from getting killed if they don't do something. ]
What do you think? I know Indulgence-san isn't the ideal partner, but it's a place to start. We could try talking to Piety-kun, too.
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...Piety may also be a good start. I was hoping to reach out to Sincerity as well.
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[ he'd been growing a little tense over the past few moments, but... all things considered, this is going over pretty smoothly. not that he'd had much doubt, especially with his present company. but, ah, on that note... he's now acutely aware of his hand over mizuki's. his eye widens for a second before he shifts his hand back to his own chair's armrest.
anyway. ]
Haven't spoken much to Piety-han, but I don't see why Sincerity-han wouldn't be on board, either. [ he blinks, then... starts to chuckle. it's mostly good-natured, but there's a small amount of disbelief mixed in, too. ] Shit... so this is what Senri-kun was talkin' about, huh?
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I haven't spoken to Indulgence-san about this, myself, but I know Majima-kun has. Majima-kun's actually the one who came up with this idea.
[ it may be shocking to hear...
their feelings aren't so different from Majima's on this matter. All the trouble they gave Senri for his ideas, and now they're turning out to be actually plausible. ]
If we could really get an alliance that big to work, that would truly be the best way to end that game - it's a sizeable "if," but worth trying, for the time being. It's not too risky.
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[...he's just observing the two of them. This is fine.]
The pantheon will be ruling together long after all of you have left this competition. It would be best for us to form alliances and get along to ensure our word is heard by the ruler, whomever they may be. [A raise of an eyebrow.] Therein lies my concerns with Indulgence. An alliance is one thing, but actively working toward keeping that alliance is another.
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[ life... is hard... anyway, with that, majima leans back in his seat and runs a hand through his hair as he sighs. ]
. . . No offense, Beauty-han, but that ain't somethin' we can really help with, is it?
laughs at ty using a tamaki icon by accident
mizuki does get the feeling beauty is giving them a look. Guess they'll have some explaining to do later... or apologizing. ]
Majima-kun is right. We're here to help elect a leader. What happens after that is up to you. [ a beat. ] Of course, I want the best for you, too, but there are limits to what we can do.
[ at least as long as majima sticks by indulgence. They raise an eyebrow at him. ]
Unless you're interested in changing sides, of course.
shrieks i have too many threads with you where he's maskless gomen
I understand that. I think, perhaps, I'm mostly interested in what it is that Indulgence has said to Majima-san during their time together. It's been several weeks...has he spoken to you about his plans for the new world? Or why he thinks his followers have left?
[Beauty's concern: if Indulgence does, in fact, get a higher standing in the pantheon by being linked to him, how likely will he shoot himself in the foot?] You've been incredibly loyal to him.
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[ joking-but-true remarks aside, majima is... extremely focused as he gives the two his answer. he takes out his lighter and starts flicking it open and closed just to give his hands something to do. ]
I'm not the kinda guy who abandons a group the moment things start lookin' like they'll go to shit. When I pledge myself to somethin' or someone, ya really gotta fuck up or fuck me up to get me to leave. [ ...he tenses a little, but it lasts only a fraction of a second. ] He may not be the best candidate, an' honestly, I hope he doesn't win. But as soon as we found out gods were vulnerable if they lose all their followers, I knew I was gonna be the only one he could count on, an' I sure as hell would rather die myself than live with the knowledge that me bein' a coward meant someone's blood would be on my hands.
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I suspected as much. There's a reason I always considered you one of the most reliable players.
[ it's frustrating that he won't switch even though he doesn't want Indulgence to win -- but, at the same time, there's something comforting about his insistence on staying to protect him. He's a good person on the inside. Better than they are, maybe - both of these men are. ]
I talked to him about his plans before, a little bit. He was vague, [ to put it kindly ] but it sounded like his main goals are keeping everyone in his world satisfied and entertained.
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[He waves a hand though.] To ensure that I receive a higher placing in the pantheon, I will need at least one additional follower. That is my only request. It also depends who becomes the head. I have fairly good relationships with most of the other gods, so...I will vouch for Indulgence where I can. I promise to do my best, but it may require additional work.
Majima-san, do you suppose you could speak with him about being a bit less...himself? [Brash. Arrogant. Whatever.] If he displays any signs of growth, it will make my job easier.
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with a HEAVY sigh, ] ...I can try. Who knows—I got him to agree with this idea, maybe I can try wranglin' him. I got a way with words around him.
[ he pauses, then turns to face mizuki with exasperation as he comes to an epiphany. ]
God, is this how dealin' with me feels like?
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I'll do my best, Beauty-kun - although I'm not sure who I could persuade at this point. Everyone I've spoken to refuses to change because they don't want their god to be killed.
[ everyone's empathy is getting in the way of actual problem-solving... a hypocritical thought, considering that they might be able to solve this if they'd just leave Beauty behind, but a thought they have nonetheless. Majima's comment gets him a wry smile and a raised eyebrow. ]
No? You're not that bad, you know. Although I'd appreciate it if you'd stop getting beaten up so much, please.
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I'll try to persuade everyone with my own merits. It's all I can do now.