GODLY AUDIENCES - TAKAOMI SHISHIMARU

[divus]

Comments

[bakaomi]

... oh. You're welcome, I guess.

[ moving on from the compliment ]

Why are you so nice to Senri?

[ that's actually not his main question but he wants to ask anyway ]

[divus]

[There's a pause...and a little laugh.]

Because he's been very kind to me. Kindness begets kindness, wouldn't you say? I've never had reason to be cruel to him, and he's a very interesting person.

[bakaomi]

You're pampering him.

[ he doesn't sound like, disapproving?

just. you're spoiling someone who's already a spoiled brat. ]

[divus]

Are you jealous? [This is a completely innocent question.]

[bakaomi]

[ very, very quickly ]

No!

[divus]

[Taka.]

Alright. [Beauty doesn't believe this at all.] ...Senri-kun and I have an understanding. He wanted to help me, so I would like to help him. Not to mention I think we're a bit alike, and it's been...nice.

[A singular doki.] I understand his deepest wishes, and I want to be sure he's able to succeed.

[bakaomi]

[ he's just

making an annoyed face ]

[divus]

...you'll have to ask him yourself, and continue to ask, because I've a feeling he hasn't spoken the whole truth and that's alright. [A pause.] There are some burdens that are too large to bear, so they're easier to avoid.

[bakaomi]

That's not surprising. He's a liar.

[ it's not said with the usual scorn he holds for that kind of thing though. ]

[divus]

Do you hold that against him? [Curious.] Why is it that he does that anyway?

[bakaomi]

... he wants people to like him. So he creates a persona that'll make him agreeable and pleasant, especially if it's a first impression.

[ he. avoids the first question. ]

[divus]

I see. [WELL THAT. MAKES SENSE. God.] I don't think it's a crime to wish to be liked. The world's a generally nicer place when you're adored.

[And yet.] ...and what about you? Do you care if people like you? Or, I suppose the question is, what's your persona, Shishimaru-kun?

[bakaomi]

... I don't care about that kind of thing, no.

It's too much of a hassle.

[divus]

Even if it's to remain in good standing with other people? [What kind of person are you, Taka?]

[bakaomi]

I'm not going to kiss up to someone just for that. If you want me to be nice, you have to deserve it.

[divus]

[...Beauty just starts laughing.]

How interesting. [In this moment, Beauty realizes once upon a time he has his own emo who was actually a megane but also just as ruthless.] And what has Senri-kun done to deserve your kindness?

[bakaomi]

... I wouldn't call it kindness...

[ he grumbles. ]

He's just trying to be honest with me.

[divus]

Senri has been honest with me from the beginning. Give him time and hopefully he'll be honest not only with you but with himself. [Thoughtfully.]

His wish is one I understand and have a bit of a personal investment in, you could say. Originally I was kind to him out of understanding and being gracious. Since then...he's come to understand some things himself and I believe he wants to help me.

I can't thank him enough for that.

[bakaomi]

... I see.

[ he guesses that explains some things, of why senri is always going on and on about beauty.

although it makes taka wonder why didn't he actually just switch to him, even before he started lying to people about his alignment. ]

You were never mad about him not choosing you as his god then?

[divus]

No. Ironically, despite the lies, I felt Sincerity was an excellent match for him. [Beauty props his head up with a hand.] The fact that he's continued to come see me even though I'm not his has been very nice. I'm used to entertaining guests, so...it's a mutual benefit that way.

[Surprise, Taka, it's just that Senri and Beauty are both lonely and needy idiots.]

[bakaomi]

Have you been getting a lot of visitors?

[ he wants to know if beauty is a member of the lonely hearts club ]

[divus]

Yes and no. Only after I asked for Senri-kun's assistance in delivering the roses. But the numbers are rather telling, aren't they? [They haven't changed at all, and it's a little hard to cope with given they're halfway through the game now.]

I have regulars who come by and I like them very much. But I like getting to know others as well.

[bakaomi]

Well, my god suddenly got more followers even though he doesn't get a lot of visitors. So...

[ it's his way of saying

maybe you will get a break, beauty.... ]

[divus]

Your god is very clever, but also fairly hard on himself, I think. [Beauty has Opinions about that, but nevertheless.] …that's what host weeks are for, Shishimaru-kun. It's our time to try and win the appeal of those looking for success. I can only hope. [Though.] …admittedly, two is still better than zero.

[bakaomi]

[ taka also has Opinions on that but also he'd 1v1 someone in a costco parking lot for merriment ]

... yeah. Fortune's kind of...