GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

[divus]

Comments

[selfimmolates]

Great, thanks. Then, I think—ah, wait. One more question.

If the lab came from Justice, then this— [he points to the floor of the dance studio] —is your doing, huh?

[divus]

Good luck [But oh. They duck their head just a little then, because Ray's a very smart kid and he's 100% correct.]

...I know it's not much, but it's important to me and I thought maybe it'd be nice to have a space people can burn off some energy or just have a place to think. Music can be a pretty inspirational thing.

[selfimmolates]

Music, huh... Gotta admit, I didn't get the chance to listen to it much back home.

[aside from his siblings who could make use of the music room.]

[divus]

Pretty sure one of the others has a piano somewhere. [There's a shrug.] I know you said time's usually not on your side, but you do have time here if you ever want to listen. It's one of those things that can be used to reach all kinds of people even if they don't understand each other. And it makes people happy.

[selfimmolates]

... Not really my style, but I'll consider it. Well, I won't avoid it if it comes up, at least.

[divus]

Good enough. [They tilt their head though.] What is your style then?

[selfimmolates]

Focusing on what's practical. Why an association would be beneficial to both parties.

[divus]

A strategist. Pragmatic. [They sound...intrigued.] I know someone like that. The boy who changed everything for me? You're alike that way.

[Thanks, Love.] I know I'm not always the most practical but that's what makes a good team, right? Different people. Different ideas.

[...wait.] So you're thinking about how this is beneficial to both of us then, aren't you?

[selfimmolates]

... And I know someone like you, but you already knew that.

[emma would probably love love. ha. but because of that, he won't deny that yes, sometimes the best teams are those composed of opposites.]

Now that you've brought it up? Sure.

[divus]

[That's not inaccurate.]

And what've you come up with? [Sell them on the idea, Ray.]

[selfimmolates]

Well, I wouldn't say I've "come up with" anything, per se. It's just common sense.

I help you win, you grant my wish. That's the entire basis of why we've been brought here, right? Unless there's something more that you're thinking of.

[divus]

Well…yeah, there's that, but I'd like to do more to thank you while you're here. A wish can't be granted until we win, but don't you think people should be rewarded along the way? I'm not sure what all I can do, but it only seems fair.

[selfimmolates]

And what kind of tasks would I be expected to do in return?

[divus]

...learn where other people are aligned? [Ahah.]

[selfimmolates]

... That's it?

[divus]

Yes? I don't expect you to kill even if I won't stop you if you feel that it's right. I do think that anyone who actively tries to sway people to our side should be rewarded for their efforts. It's hard to talk to people sometimes. It's even harder to be charismatic enough to make it work.

[They should maybe stop talking.] I can't guarantee anything, but it only seems right.

[selfimmolates]

... Speaking from personal experience?

[divus]

...maybe a little. [Uh. Hm. Let's change the subject!] This isn't about that though, this is about you and the thirty-nine other people who're out there.

[selfimmolates]

Right. And about my ability—or lack thereof—to play nice with others.

[divus]

It takes practice and finesse and you're still twelve. [Amused.] You seem to be getting along with some people so far...Shishimaru-san doesn't count.

["Getting along" is maybe a loose term.]

[selfimmolates]

My age doesn't mean much when I was supposed to be dead by now.

[that he's alive at the age of twelve is a miracle, really.]

I actually don't dislike the guy. Still, I wouldn't say I've hit it off with anyone except for maybe Madoka.

[and she seems like the kind of person who likes everyone, so that's not saying much.]

[divus]

But you aren't. [Which says a lot about Ray, and why Love will kill everyone first before allowing Ray to die, thanks.]

Are you always this contradictory? [Argumentative is maybe a better word.]

[selfimmolates]

... Because I had good friends.

[good family. also why he'll do anything for them!! like murder.]

Hmm? [he shrugs.] I prefer to be a pain than complacent. I leave being easygoing to others.

[divus]

...me too. [That's all that's said though before moving on.]

I never said it was a bad thing, but I think most people don't challenge me anymore. It's kind of nice to see.

[selfimmolates]

You're not talking to the right people if they just go along with what you say.

[especially since love seems kind of

soft.

but that might be rude to say out loud. but he's definitely thinking it.]