GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

[divus]

Comments

[selfimmolates]

[you can be mad and still be talking to someone???]

... You know, I think I'll just stay single for the rest of my life. All of you make this seem pointlessly messy.

[divus]

It's only messy when people don't communicate. [Because he's had this happen a few times, truthfully.] But at the same time, it can be wonderful. You may change your mind someday.

[selfimmolates]

And that's why I said communication was important... but I doubt it.

[namely because 1) zero options anyway and 2) trying very hard to close yourself off since you were a baby does not do wonders for your capacity for romantic feelings. also 3): ]

Not like I'd have time for it even if I wanted it, at any rate.

[divus]

Truthfully, I wasn't sure if it should be a serious consideration when he's very attached to other people. [But Beauty didn't ask either.]

...do you suppose you have time to at least care about other people?

[selfimmolates]

No, I just picked Love for fun.

[divus]

Then there's also time to care about people at a higher capacity. [Just pointing that out.] Then again, you're a bit young for this. But in the future.

[selfimmolates]

That's assuming I manage to make a future happen, but sure.

[divus]

Do you really doubt that?

[selfimmolates]

No. I'll make it happen, one way or another.

I just don't know how many years it'll take.

[divus]

The future is an endless thing, Ray-kun. Even when you reach that point, it continues to change.

But you're determined enough that this isn't surprising to hear.

[selfimmolates]

Would any of us be in this competition if we weren't determined enough for something?

[divus]

You would be surprised how sometimes determination wavers when the stakes change. I cannot fault anyone for how they feel during this competition, but it's changed things.

[selfimmolates]

[this conversation is getting increasingly awkward by virtue of the fact that ray thought beauty would, like, shoo him out as quickly as possible, so they're technically talking at each other from across the room right now.]

It hasn't for me.

[because ray is terrible.]

[divus]

Good. [Hm. Also look Jan you knew who Beauty was did you really think he'd shut up??]

...are you staying or are you going? [Given that Ray's still in the doorway, he figures he'll offer that much.]

[selfimmolates]

[yes but still]

... Which would you prefer?

[divus]

[...] Allow me to treat you. To make up for before.

[Also Beauty is a lonely needy bitch, too. That's just how it is.] After that you'll be free to go.

[selfimmolates]

You don't really have anything to make up for [ray's not that sorry, but he can also accept he's a dick and everyone has the right to be mad at him?] but if you want to, then sure, I guess.

[divus]

Then please have a seat. What is it that you'd like? Sweets? Something warm? [Help him.]

[selfimmolates]

[cautiously heading over...]

Anything's fine.

[divus]

[Give it a few moments, and a table suddenly is decked out with two servings of what looks like udon with pork belly and tea and coffee. Beauty moves away from where he's at and heads for the table to have a seat.]

If this isn't to your liking, I can change it.

[selfimmolates]

[following!]

Nah. I didn't really get to eat eastern food, so it's a nice change of pace.

[divus]

I've been trying a lot of new things since I ascended. I didn't have a lot of opportunities to eat meals like these, much less share them with people.

[selfimmolates]

Really? I was under the impression you were pretty rich.

[divus]

Well...I am. Or was, in the old life. But commoner food wasn't exactly on the menu often and often times meals were made just for myself.

[selfimmolates]

Guess we've had the opposite experience, then.

[considering that his meals lately back home have been whatever plants and lizard/bird/etc. meat he can scrounge up, but always shared among his family.]

... Is that why you said you'd like instant coffee, of all things?