[They're smiling under the mask and it's evident by the sound of their voice.] There will be enough time to get to know all of us, I think. It's a matter of patience.
[Still, that...wow. Yes. They absolutely know about this, and there's a lingering silence.]
I can't imagine you're that comfortable here considering what happened the last time you were faced with a goddess. But things were pretty bad, weren't they? [Sympathetic. And worried. That's a pretty terrible situation.]
[ Izanami. There's no venom in his voice when he says it. Only a bereft quiet. A breath, and Yu presses a hand to his chest. The god will see that his hand is trembling. ]
When I chose you, all I had left was ... this.
[ his love for them. ]
I have to believe that if anyone or anything can bring them back to me ... it's you.
[For a long moment, Love says nothing. It's just quiet and suddenly their hands come up to try and tug off the mask. It's an almost frantic, desperate move, a quick jerk of the hand before realizing it won't come off.
...their hands drop again to fold primly in their lap, fingers curled around the flower stems.]
[ The desperation of the motion startles him into sitting upright, sucking in a surprised gasp. The urgency of it has him reaching out a hand before he can think better of it --
but then the god stops, and after a moment, his hand will drop, too. Worry is clear on his face.
But the hand that reached for them was steady, for that moment. His trembling gone.
When he nods, that's steady, too. ]
Together, [ he echoes, and that rings with his conviction.
After a moment his expression will soften. It isn't quite a smile, but it's close. ]
I didn't exactly intend for this meeting to go like this. Next time I'll bring you a reason to smile, instead.
[...interesting. It's interesting to see him react in the face of someone else's weak moment, and it's also a bit troubling to think about. It makes Love wonder how many others in the temple will react like this in the weeks following. For a moment, they're quiet again before their hands reach out, taking Yu's between their own.
Granted their hands are covered but the gesture's there and it's a strong, steady hold.]
Together. [The tone is a little firm. It's important to work together, and Love will make sure to support their followers as long as they support them.] The fact that you chose me is reason enough, Narukami-san. [Still...there's a little laugh, tone dipping into something teasing.] But I'll hold you to that. So don't forget.
[ All he can think is that he must have frightened them, somehow, though he hasn't got the least idea how. Honestly, he just kind of feels bad. He wants to look after his god -- the way he's hoping, praying, his god will look after him.
Then Love reaches for his hands, and again it seems to threaten to knock the breath from him. Covered their hands may be, but Yu imagines that he can still feel they're warm. God or not --
This is a person, he thinks. With hopes, dreams, and fears. Whoever or whatever they are, they may need help as badly as he does. He curls his hands through Love's, firming his resolve. ]
It's a promise, [ he murmurs, low and sweet and sincere. He'll give their hands a squeeze and withdraw. ]
I have so much I want to talk with you about. I hope you won't mind seeing me again.
[He has, but perhaps not for the reason he might think. They hold his hands for a moment, making sure that he's focused and listening to them. He can't hide behind his feelings. That won't work.
But he says "it's a promise" and they grip his hands back before letting him pull away.]
I would really like that. I want to be able to talk to you and the others as much as I can. If we're all going to work together to win, I want to help as much as possible.
[ He pays attention. There's something commanding about this bright presence -- he doesn't think he could look away if he wanted to. ]
That's what I'd like to do. I told Patience I'd fight for everyone. That goes for you, too. [ with a piece of a smile. ] Am I right in thinking we'll learn some new things on Monday?
[Ah.] You did? I see. [It's good to know, though they're curious what else Patience might have told him. She still sounds pleased with this next piece though.] You're so smart. But you have to make me another promise before then. Okay?
[ He only nods, seeing no reason to deflect. He's not prideful about it, either. All he thinks is that ... he meant it.
He considers Love, this slight god who claws at their mask and liked his flowers. It's clear he takes a moment to seriously deliberate before he replies, considering his words with all the gravity they're due.
This time he doesn't look taken aback, or even surprised at all. Instead he considers Love seriously, thinking about the shift in their tone, thinking about the fact that they want him to promise them this.
More than either of those things, though ...
I'm with you.
That's what slams into the very center of his chest, pulling his breath away for the third time in this short conversation. They're three such simple words. He and Love only barely know each other.
But despite that, despite any logic to the contrary, he feels his eyes prick with tears.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here with you!"
Nothing more happens than that; he doesn't actually cry. In all, his expression doesn't actually shift much. Instead he glances down at the floor, trying to collect his scattered thoughts, and then smiles up at his god with a warmth that touches his eyes. ]
Don't worry about me. Knowing you're with me, how could I falter? So, I promise. Thank you.
[They debate reaching out again when he looks to the floor but hold back, waiting patiently for him to recompose himself. Their hands remain folded in their lap, staring at him through their mask and even if he can't see their face the tone reflects the same sort of warm message.]
You make a good point. [It's a little teasing quip though.] Is there anything else you want to ask me?
I'd like your advice, [ he explains with a hint of apology. ]
... it doesn't seem right to me to use Cupid's Bow or Strung Red, [ Yu goes on. He's taken the time to learn their names, of course. ] Rather, I suppose I could use some help thinking of applications.
[ He seems reluctant, somehow, when he discusses both of those. Love can probably guess they unsettle him slightly. Overriding the free will of others... ]
Oh? [It's a lot, they know, but they leans back on their hands to think that over.] Let's start with one at a time. Which one do you think is worse...?
Worse? [ he echoes, quietly. He doesn't really want to pass a value judgment on his god's powers; it doesn't feel fair. But whether or not they suit him is... ]
It sounds pretty bad, huh? But...what if there are two people that you know belong together but they can't seem to admit it? Wouldn't it be easier to give them a little help? It's not really messing with their feelings if the feelings are already there...right?
It's because you're a good person. [They say, even though this is their power they created.] There's a reason we came up with three choices for you guys to make. It didn't seem fair to make you take something you won't use or be comfortable with. I know my powers aren't the best, but...I want to help you learn to use them if I can. Whichever you really choose. If you say you don't like that idea, then Cupid's stupid.
Don't say that. I don't think your powers are bad. They may not suit me, but that doesn't make them wrong. It's clear how much you care about connecting people.
[ There's a quiet passion in his voice. Don't put yourself down like that around him, Love! ]
... out of the three, I've been learning towards Hopelessly Devoted.
Somewhat. [ he doesn't sound sold on his own idea. he misses having his friends for sounding boards. ] It may be helpful to have the right person think about the right idea, when the time comes. The trick will be knowing which person, and what idea would be most helpful to them.
[ ... ]
There's going to be trials, and investigations. [ It's not a question, but he's looking to Love to confirm. ]
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[ there's a hint of teasing there, but their question causes him to fall silent. He'll look down at his hands in his lap, his expression pensive. ]
I'm sure you know ... what happened, before you all summoned me?
[ The darkness. The goddess.
His friends, screaming. ]
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[Still, that...wow. Yes. They absolutely know about this, and there's a lingering silence.]
I can't imagine you're that comfortable here considering what happened the last time you were faced with a goddess. But things were pretty bad, weren't they? [Sympathetic. And worried. That's a pretty terrible situation.]
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No. You're nothing like her.
[ Izanami. There's no venom in his voice when he says it. Only a bereft quiet. A breath, and Yu presses a hand to his chest. The god will see that his hand is trembling. ]
When I chose you, all I had left was ... this.
[ his love for them. ]
I have to believe that if anyone or anything can bring them back to me ... it's you.
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...their hands drop again to fold primly in their lap, fingers curled around the flower stems.]
I'll do my best, okay? Together. We can do it.
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but then the god stops, and after a moment, his hand will drop, too. Worry is clear on his face.
But the hand that reached for them was steady, for that moment. His trembling gone.
When he nods, that's steady, too. ]
Together, [ he echoes, and that rings with his conviction.
After a moment his expression will soften. It isn't quite a smile, but it's close. ]
I didn't exactly intend for this meeting to go like this. Next time I'll bring you a reason to smile, instead.
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Granted their hands are covered but the gesture's there and it's a strong, steady hold.]
Together. [The tone is a little firm. It's important to work together, and Love will make sure to support their followers as long as they support them.] The fact that you chose me is reason enough, Narukami-san. [Still...there's a little laugh, tone dipping into something teasing.] But I'll hold you to that. So don't forget.
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Then Love reaches for his hands, and again it seems to threaten to knock the breath from him. Covered their hands may be, but Yu imagines that he can still feel they're warm. God or not --
This is a person, he thinks. With hopes, dreams, and fears. Whoever or whatever they are, they may need help as badly as he does. He curls his hands through Love's, firming his resolve. ]
It's a promise, [ he murmurs, low and sweet and sincere. He'll give their hands a squeeze and withdraw. ]
I have so much I want to talk with you about. I hope you won't mind seeing me again.
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But he says "it's a promise" and they grip his hands back before letting him pull away.]
I would really like that. I want to be able to talk to you and the others as much as I can. If we're all going to work together to win, I want to help as much as possible.
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That's what I'd like to do. I told Patience I'd fight for everyone. That goes for you, too. [ with a piece of a smile. ] Am I right in thinking we'll learn some new things on Monday?
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He considers Love, this slight god who claws at their mask and liked his flowers. It's clear he takes a moment to seriously deliberate before he replies, considering his words with all the gravity they're due.
So you know he means it when he says: ]
Anything.
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Promise me that whatever happens Monday, you won't let it overwhelm you. I'll be right here. I'm with you. [They seem adamant about that.]
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This time he doesn't look taken aback, or even surprised at all. Instead he considers Love seriously, thinking about the shift in their tone, thinking about the fact that they want him to promise them this.
More than either of those things, though ...
I'm with you.
That's what slams into the very center of his chest, pulling his breath away for the third time in this short conversation. They're three such simple words. He and Love only barely know each other.
But despite that, despite any logic to the contrary, he feels his eyes prick with tears.
Nothing more happens than that; he doesn't actually cry. In all, his expression doesn't actually shift much. Instead he glances down at the floor, trying to collect his scattered thoughts, and then smiles up at his god with a warmth that touches his eyes. ]
Don't worry about me. Knowing you're with me, how could I falter? So, I promise. Thank you.
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You make a good point. [It's a little teasing quip though.] Is there anything else you want to ask me?
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Our powers...
[ a pause. ]
Your powers, [ he corrects with a small smile. ] Could I ask about them?
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... it doesn't seem right to me to use Cupid's Bow or Strung Red, [ Yu goes on. He's taken the time to learn their names, of course. ] Rather, I suppose I could use some help thinking of applications.
[ He seems reluctant, somehow, when he discusses both of those. Love can probably guess they unsettle him slightly. Overriding the free will of others... ]
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Cupid's Bow, I think, [ he finally decides. ]
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Eventually: ]
I wouldn't want to assume.
[ ...
more honestly: ]
I don't like the thought of removing anyone's free will, even for a good cause.
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Don't say that. I don't think your powers are bad. They may not suit me, but that doesn't make them wrong. It's clear how much you care about connecting people.
[ There's a quiet passion in his voice. Don't put yourself down like that around him, Love! ]
... out of the three, I've been learning towards Hopelessly Devoted.
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It's what's most important here. [They consider that though, a slow nod of approval following.] Have you thought of how you can use that one?
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[ ... ]
There's going to be trials, and investigations. [ It's not a question, but he's looking to Love to confirm. ]
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