divus | GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

[Step uno: come from Earth ig.]

Little of column A, little of column B. When we started putting together this competition we had to have something to give us a semblance of order. It just...didn't work out the way we wanted it to.

Personally? I think it's to see if we can earn followers on our own merits.

[listen he's from earth?? sort of. it's complicated.]

I dunno, sympathy points or whatever sounds like a legit way to earn followers.

You don't think some of the gods would use tragic backstories to manipulate people to their side? It's easier if we can't say anything until after you get to know us.

[Is that true? It sounds true enough.] And anyway...some of us don't mind starting from scratch most of the time. [At least until it's really dumb, such as now.]

All of it sounds like a pain, to be frank.

By the way, what were you writing when I got here?

Consider yourself lucky we're dealing with it instead of you guys. [Cheerfully. But they pause, turning their head back to the paper on the floor.]

Oh, that? [There's some sheepishness then.] I'm not sure it's anything you'd be interested in. [...] You can look at it if you want though?

Are you writing a love poem or something?

[but he'll take a glance at it.]

[Hm. Not quite a love poem but it sure does look like poetry!

Or...maybe lyrics?]

Does it count if it's about something I love instead of to someone I love?

[taking a closer look!]

Close enough.

[Don't make me write lyrics!!

They're literally lines about being true to yourself and about a locked up heart breaking free. The cadence of them also seems to imply it's not meant to be something slow.]

[...

his eyes burn. he must look away now.]

Are we going to hear your new song anytime soon?

I doubt it. They're just words for now. Something to do? [Love has been having a great time with meeting with people but also sometimes you just hit a wall.] But maybe someday.

[...] Don't tell anyone about this, 'kay?

Who would I possibly tell to begin with?

Just promise me?

[he holds up a hand.]

All right, all right, I promise.

[It'll probably make sense later, but right now Love sure is weird.]

Thanks. In the meantime I'll see if I can figure out a way to break the curse a little more, but this is as good as it's gonna get for now.

[love.......]

Guess I'll try not to get cursed again this week.

[Look, he's still a few levels away from unlocking her personal backstory, it's fine.]

If you do, come back and I'll try to fix it. I'm still learning what I can and can't do against another god's domain.

Trial and error, is it... Well, there are worse ways to deal with this.

Maybe my powers will get stronger the longer you side with me. [A lofty assumption, but it's possible.] Until then, trial and error it is.

Try not to do anything to lose your other six followers, in that case.

You know the goal is to get more than seven, right? [They fold their hands behind their back.] I know I'm really fortunate that so many of you picked me, but I'm not stupid. I know that's not a guaranteed thing. So...I'll try my best.

I'm focusing on one thing at a time.

But good. Right now, I don't want a reason to defect.

[... because he actually kind of likes love and so far wants them to win the most (justice, uh, doesn't seem nearly mature enough), but. he's not going to say that. haha! he'll be a dick instead.]

...Ray? [It sounds hesitant, but they tilt their chin up.]

If you do decide to defect, will you talk to me first? [It's just a curious question and also Love likes Ray a lot and would prefer to keep him, thanks.]

... Yeah, I will.

[he holds up a hand.]

If it comes down to that, I do have an investment in not completely burning this bridge, so don't worry.

[That answer seems to make them happy given there's a cheery little laugh, and if Ray holds still long enough Love will take his hand between both of hers.]

Thank you. [They're just as quick to let go though.] I'll see you next time?

(no subject)

selfimmolates - 2019-02-19 20:55 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

divus - 2019-02-19 20:57 (UTC) - Expand