[ 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. ]
You seem pretty smart. I don't doubt you'll know exactly when to use that power if you take it. [...] Plus you can always ask me. It's part of being your patron god, I think, since they're my gifts.
[But. Well, they can't exactly say no.] Maybe not in the way you're used to, but yes.
[ Yu blows out a heavy breath and lets his head hang on his neck, taking a moment to just ... process that. It's nothing he hadn't started to guess, between all the pieces they had been given, with what Love just said; but hearing it confirmed, knowing it will happen, is another thing entirely.
He feels nauseous. What would the others say, if they were here? ]
I know we've been told that everyone will go home once this is over.
[ Yu looks up again, and his absolute rejection of this idea is written all over his face. ]
Neither can I. [There's a firm, clear voice.] I don't want any of my followers to do something like that. Just because you can doesn't mean you should, especially when that's still hurting innocent people. It's not a fair rule!
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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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[But. Well, they can't exactly say no.] Maybe not in the way you're used to, but yes.
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for a moment he's distracted; the way he looks up at Love is steady, but very grim. ]
People will die.
[ again: it's not a question. ]
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He feels nauseous. What would the others say, if they were here? ]
I know we've been told that everyone will go home once this is over.
[ Yu looks up again, and his absolute rejection of this idea is written all over his face. ]
But I can't condone that kind of method.
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Yu will smile then, visibly relieved. ]
I'm glad to hear that. I'll find my own way to help people choose you, Love. I hope that's alright.
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The hardest ... for me?
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