Not all of them, no. But while they may be the same idea, some of the methods are different. [...] I admire Sincerity's goals quite a bit myself, but there can still only be one winner. Agreement or not, some of us are stubborn and can't quite release control to be second best.
[Oh. Okay. Beauty allows this and curiously turns his hand so Senri can hold it if he wants? Against his face? They're both stupid, but they both are more than okay with this.]
...when a god loses all of their followers, it increases their vulnerability in this competition. It's grounds for elimination and losing our chance to win.
[ . . . . . he doesn't like it, but he wanted to ask. he feels better to be able to do so.
though the second answer is one that he hates even more. it's terrible, because this god isn't his, and senri wants to win more than anything else, but he doesn't enjoy the concept of beauty still being eliminated from the competition.]
.... and then what happens? If you're not part of the competition, do you go to where Passhi is? Do you just sit out for the rest of the round?
[he's been scared ever since sincerity first broke the news to him of how to eliminate competition amongst mortals]
Senri pauses - and even if it's not correct, he's scared of the worst possible option now. His eyes widen and for a second, it looks like he might cry again.]
[ . . . . and then he glances off to the side, before looking back at Beauty with a renewed smile.]
... I'm telling people that I'm with Beauty - or, I think that's what they're guessing from the roses anyway. So I haven't stopped them from guessing that.
[ . . . . ]
I think people like me. So maybe that means that they won't try to get you out of the game, or they won't vote for you in case you might choose me if it's wrong, since I'm not one of the stronger people here.
I don't know if I'm helping - or if I'm just making things worse.
But I don't want anything to happen to you, just in case... so maybe I'm just delaying having to say bye, or worrying about that. Sorry.
I don't believe that's something you should apologize for, but thank you for telling me. I'd hate to mis-speak and unravel your story. [A story sounds nicer than a lie.] You've learned quickly how this game works then. The more exposed you are, to your peers and to us, the more likely you'll be protected. That's important for winning, isn't it?
[...] Senri-kun, have I ever asked what it is you're playing for?
And when he does, it's in the shape of a story. This one is true.]
.... I'm Nito Senri, age fifteen, and I've enrolled in Shinonome Academy's Special Class. It's a prestigious school on Tokyo, Japan. Already there are the children of countless celebrities and high figures that attend. However the Special Class is chosen according to strict scouting rules. Even if you're scouted, you have to clear an exam. Carrying the hope of the theatre and the stage, I'm a first year who started school ten months ago.
When you graduate, if you are in the top seat of the academy, you are said to carry the hope of Japan. You get access to political institutions and corporations, information at your fingertips, get to meet with members that influence country politics, and get over one trillion in money.
I would like to graduate at the top seat of the academy in order to live a life of comfort and luxury, and enjoy the money that I've never had before. I'll bring new patrons to the arts and reinvigorate the culture of performance for everyone.
My partner asked me why I wanted the top seat, and I told him I want the riches, naturally.
....
I think that if I get the top seat, and I have access to all that information and meet all those people, I might be able to find my mother. Or - .... I've never known what a family's like.
[His smile breaks.]
... I don't think I've ever said it out loud before.
[There’s a lot to process and unpack here. Beauty listens to Senri speak, taking in the words and tucking them away in little crevices of their mind.
Senri is…a commoner, then, from the sounds of it. Someone who’s looking for riches they never had, a life of comfort and luxury, of course those would be appealing. They remind him of someone, and Beauty lets his fingers tap Senri’s cheek lightly.
A prestigious school in Japan filled with high figures and the best place to make as many connections and network opportunities as possible. A place to develop leadership skills and enter into business and politics and a place that allows exceptions. They don’t quite understand what “scouting” is in this case, but it makes sense.
No, no. It’s not that part that makes Beauty look at him twice. Senri can’t see it, but Beauty’s eyes widen behind their mask.]
…the love between a parent and a child is perhaps the most beautiful thing. But family…
[They can’t continue for a moment because. Well. That’s a very specific thing for them.]
Senri-kun. [The hand leaves Senri’s face so Beauty’s hands can take both of Senri’s in their own.] My father once told me that even if we are apart, a family bond can’t be broken. Your mother…I’m sure she’s thinking of you until the day you’re able to find her. Family is the most precious gift one can ever receive. [There’s a gentle squeeze to his hands.] But remember that there is always room in your heart and room for family to grow, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
[A pause.] Though I may be eliminated in the coming days, I will do everything possible to grant your wish, mon ami. That is a promise.
[When Beauty takes Senri's hands, Senri holds on - loosely at first, and then more tightly as Beauty continues to talk.
Is his mother thinking of him? Does she even know that he exists? He hates that he doesn't know, but Beauty presents an alternative that he likes. One that makes him smile, sadly as it may be, and one that makes him want it to be true. Those are the kinds of lies that he wants to believe in, and the ones that he wants to tell.
although.
His expression drops at the talk of elimination - ]
Please don't say that.
[He clings on a little tighter - please don't go.]
[The god allows it, letting Senri hold their hands tightly for as long as he wants. It's a lot to take in, but they don't reply right away even when Senri protests.]
...Senri-kun. [They begin to think on it, but they choose to change the subject instead. It's not something they like to think about either, and the prospect itself is actually terrifying. This is, perhaps, the one time they're grateful the mask is in place.]
[Is this what people mean when they say that even Senri's well-meaning lies can hurt?
Ah, he wants to believe this one so badly.
So he takes a second - because right now there's not a lot he can do. And then he nods once, and breathes out a breath.]
... I believe you.
[and then he laughs a little.]
I was going to ask a small favor... Can you help me magic away all the evidence of me crying? I don't want to worry anyone once I go to see them again. I don't want them to know I've been so messy for days in a row.... you know?
I think I have the perfect solution. [With another squeeze of the hands, Beauty lets go and digs into the folds of their robes, patting around for a moment before coming up with...a bottle of eyedrops. Redness reduction!] I usually don't have these with me, but you're in luck. They should help...and then we can take care of the rest.
...will you stay for a while? It should only be a few moments of preparation.
[oh my god. senri will take the eyedrops and blink a few times before laughing, offering up another smile.]
... yeah. I can stay as long as you want me to.
[he didn't like the talk of beauty going somewhere that senri wouldn't be able to see him, so he doesn't find anything wrong with the idea of staying with beauty anyway.]
Thank you. [The tone's grateful and relieved even as the god leads Senri to one of the small sofas in the room and has him sit down.] Use the drops first.
[And Beauty sweeps away to go...to the bar? Okay. There's some bumbling around back there before they come back with a small napkin they've procured from somewhere wrapped around an ice cube. They sit next to him, turning Senri's face again and beginning to apply the cold cube to the inner corners of Senri's eyes, working their way over his face.]
To reduce the swelling. And you'll want to moisturize after this. [At least they're being gentle about it.] I don't have that sort of magic, I'm afraid, but this will work wonders for you.
[it's probably a little terrible how senri will do as told, and then let himself be taken care of. he'll close his eyes and let beauty watch over him a little, and then he'll open one of his eyes and offer up a sheepish smile]
... well, having help this time already makes me feel better.
[the last time he cried his eyes out on friday, he did a lot of this too - but just by himself instead]
You can always come to me or Sincerity for help. You know that, don't you? [Dabbing at his eyes, reducing swelling, all that magic.] You had no choice but to help yourself before, but things are different now. I hope you understand that.
[Beauty pulls away his hands.] There...much better.
[eventually Senri will manage to blink his eyes open - and he offers up a small, sheepish smile. he feels a little bit better, at least. there's still the swirling uncertainty of unanswered questions but.]
.... well, I'll do my best to get it.
I hope you'll be patient with me until I'm there.
[he's just really used to doing things on his own, despite his partner]
I'll wait for you as long as it takes. [This is, perhaps, why Beauty gets along with Sincerity because that was one of the most sincere things to be said.] It's not easy, is it? But there's still time.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Oh. Okay. Beauty allows this and curiously turns his hand so Senri can hold it if he wants? Against his face? They're both stupid, but they both are more than okay with this.]
...when a god loses all of their followers, it increases their vulnerability in this competition. It's grounds for elimination and losing our chance to win.
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though the second answer is one that he hates even more. it's terrible, because this god isn't his, and senri wants to win more than anything else, but he doesn't enjoy the concept of beauty still being eliminated from the competition.]
.... and then what happens? If you're not part of the competition, do you go to where Passhi is? Do you just sit out for the rest of the round?
[he's been scared ever since sincerity first broke the news to him of how to eliminate competition amongst mortals]
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Don't worry yourself with that. It'll be alright.
[1/2]
Senri pauses - and even if it's not correct, he's scared of the worst possible option now. His eyes widen and for a second, it looks like he might cry again.]
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... I'm telling people that I'm with Beauty - or, I think that's what they're guessing from the roses anyway. So I haven't stopped them from guessing that.
[ . . . . ]
I think people like me. So maybe that means that they won't try to get you out of the game, or they won't vote for you in case you might choose me if it's wrong, since I'm not one of the stronger people here.
I don't know if I'm helping - or if I'm just making things worse.
But I don't want anything to happen to you, just in case... so maybe I'm just delaying having to say bye, or worrying about that. Sorry.
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I don't believe that's something you should apologize for, but thank you for telling me. I'd hate to mis-speak and unravel your story. [A story sounds nicer than a lie.] You've learned quickly how this game works then. The more exposed you are, to your peers and to us, the more likely you'll be protected. That's important for winning, isn't it?
[...] Senri-kun, have I ever asked what it is you're playing for?
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Do the gods not know that about us?
Do I have to tell you in order for it to become real?
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...it will become real when you win. But I suppose I'd just like to know in case I can help guide you to that wish.
[1/2]
And when he does, it's in the shape of a story. This one is true.]
.... I'm Nito Senri, age fifteen, and I've enrolled in Shinonome Academy's Special Class. It's a prestigious school on Tokyo, Japan. Already there are the children of countless celebrities and high figures that attend. However the Special Class is chosen according to strict scouting rules. Even if you're scouted, you have to clear an exam. Carrying the hope of the theatre and the stage, I'm a first year who started school ten months ago.
When you graduate, if you are in the top seat of the academy, you are said to carry the hope of Japan. You get access to political institutions and corporations, information at your fingertips, get to meet with members that influence country politics, and get over one trillion in money.
I would like to graduate at the top seat of the academy in order to live a life of comfort and luxury, and enjoy the money that I've never had before. I'll bring new patrons to the arts and reinvigorate the culture of performance for everyone.
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That's what I say.
My partner asked me why I wanted the top seat, and I told him I want the riches, naturally.
....
I think that if I get the top seat, and I have access to all that information and meet all those people, I might be able to find my mother. Or - .... I've never known what a family's like.
[His smile breaks.]
... I don't think I've ever said it out loud before.
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Senri is…a commoner, then, from the sounds of it. Someone who’s looking for riches they never had, a life of comfort and luxury, of course those would be appealing. They remind him of someone, and Beauty lets his fingers tap Senri’s cheek lightly.
A prestigious school in Japan filled with high figures and the best place to make as many connections and network opportunities as possible. A place to develop leadership skills and enter into business and politics and a place that allows exceptions. They don’t quite understand what “scouting” is in this case, but it makes sense.
No, no. It’s not that part that makes Beauty look at him twice. Senri can’t see it, but Beauty’s eyes widen behind their mask.]
…the love between a parent and a child is perhaps the most beautiful thing. But family…
[They can’t continue for a moment because. Well. That’s a very specific thing for them.]
Senri-kun. [The hand leaves Senri’s face so Beauty’s hands can take both of Senri’s in their own.] My father once told me that even if we are apart, a family bond can’t be broken. Your mother…I’m sure she’s thinking of you until the day you’re able to find her. Family is the most precious gift one can ever receive. [There’s a gentle squeeze to his hands.] But remember that there is always room in your heart and room for family to grow, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
[A pause.] Though I may be eliminated in the coming days, I will do everything possible to grant your wish, mon ami. That is a promise.
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Is his mother thinking of him? Does she even know that he exists? He hates that he doesn't know, but Beauty presents an alternative that he likes. One that makes him smile, sadly as it may be, and one that makes him want it to be true. Those are the kinds of lies that he wants to believe in, and the ones that he wants to tell.
although.
His expression drops at the talk of elimination - ]
Please don't say that.
[He clings on a little tighter - please don't go.]
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...Senri-kun. [They begin to think on it, but they choose to change the subject instead. It's not something they like to think about either, and the prospect itself is actually terrifying. This is, perhaps, the one time they're grateful the mask is in place.]
It will be alright. [They're not leaving yet.]
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Ah, he wants to believe this one so badly.
So he takes a second - because right now there's not a lot he can do. And then he nods once, and breathes out a breath.]
... I believe you.
[and then he laughs a little.]
I was going to ask a small favor... Can you help me magic away all the evidence of me crying? I don't want to worry anyone once I go to see them again. I don't want them to know I've been so messy for days in a row.... you know?
[please... instant red eye begone]
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...will you stay for a while? It should only be a few moments of preparation.
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... yeah. I can stay as long as you want me to.
[he didn't like the talk of beauty going somewhere that senri wouldn't be able to see him, so he doesn't find anything wrong with the idea of staying with beauty anyway.]
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[And Beauty sweeps away to go...to the bar? Okay. There's some bumbling around back there before they come back with a small napkin they've procured from somewhere wrapped around an ice cube. They sit next to him, turning Senri's face again and beginning to apply the cold cube to the inner corners of Senri's eyes, working their way over his face.]
To reduce the swelling. And you'll want to moisturize after this. [At least they're being gentle about it.] I don't have that sort of magic, I'm afraid, but this will work wonders for you.
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... well, having help this time already makes me feel better.
[the last time he cried his eyes out on friday, he did a lot of this too - but just by himself instead]
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You can always come to me or Sincerity for help. You know that, don't you? [Dabbing at his eyes, reducing swelling, all that magic.] You had no choice but to help yourself before, but things are different now. I hope you understand that.
[Beauty pulls away his hands.] There...much better.
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.... well, I'll do my best to get it.
I hope you'll be patient with me until I'm there.
[he's just really used to doing things on his own, despite his partner]
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