featherduster | ( sheep ) overflow

[ From here ]

... Maybe.

[ There's some reluctance and guilt though, still ]

It might be nice to have a good bitching session every now and then, though.

[he gets it, there's plenty of understanding]

Better that than what's bothering you coming out when you don't want it. [he gestures between them] I'd be willing to listen if you need it.

[ There's a little flicker of gratitude, still not used to people actually -- offering that. ]

Sure. Let's go somewhere with less emotional eavesdropping first, though.

[there's a bit of amusement at "emotional eavesdropping"]

That'd be nice, probably be easier on us, too. A lot of people are - uh, loud, for lack of a better way to put it.

[ With self-deprecating amusement ]

Can't throw stones. I'm one of 'em.

[ But okay, they can go like, sit by the lazy river or something. Out of emotional earshot of others. ]

[a wry little smile, but he is teasing]

I don't think you're that loud.

[if this gets really depressing Tyr can duck into Thistle and grab some emergency booze, this is a great spot]

Awww... you're the first person in history to ever think so.

[ He flops onto the grass so he can just stare up at the sky. Doesn't say anything, yet, but his emotions take a notably more dim turn ]

Am I really? I feel special.

[some brief, faint amusement. His own feelings sober as he sits next to Minuet, leaning back on his hands. He doesn't prompt him to talk, but there's a gentle sense of patience, the kind that comes with being willing to sit and wait for as long as you have to]

[ After a while: ]

What was it like, at first, once Crois was gone?

[he lets his head fall back, sighing tiredly. There's a low key feeling of shame that starts to bubbles up, something that lingers in the background, just loud enough to remind you that it's there]

Like anything I felt didn't matter, because he deserved this. And he would be safe back home.

[ There's sympathy and understanding, a little guilt of his own. ]

Yeah.

I felt some pretty selfish stuff too.

[he tilts his head, glancing down at him]

Did you get pissed about it, too?

Not... exactly. I think I burnt out lot of my anger about this a long time ago.

[ Tyr only gets a glimpse of the grief behind this statement, but it's a put that tunnels to the very core of him, not remotely healed over. ]

But I did wish I could undo it. Even if being asleep is better and safer for him, and waking him would benefit only me.

[his own grief peeks through, still raw. It's times like now when he realizes it's only been two months, and somehow that makes it even worse.

He makes a soft noise of understanding and lets his head tip back again to stare at the sky]

I keep trying to tell myself that it's wrong to feel that way and . . . I can't convince myself anymore.

Maybe... accepting your own selfishness is an inevitable part of loving someone.

Is that what you're doing?

[genuinely curious]

Is it?

I dunno. Maybe I'm trying, but not always succeeding.

Trying counts for something. It's not an easy thing to accept.

[ From here

The mention of Styx gets a little glimpse of a hole of grief that is frankly too much to contemplate. It's reeled in so fucking fast. ]

... Yeah. I've rarely met anyone more loyal. I owe him a lot.

[ There's a blink and you miss it frown when he notices that, but the sharp alarm and regret-tinged concern and sympathy lingers ]

I think he felt that way about you too.

[ Maybe more. There had been a lot to worry about when it came to the things Styx would sacrifice in the name of that loyalty. ]

...It's pretty hard to believe that anyone could be more loyal than Styx though.

[ Styx had his moments. Sometimes the moments were 8 months long but it's fine. ]

Did he tell you anything, about his time before coming here?

[ He does his best to keep a straight face, but it's difficult when he knows the sudden surge of deep concern, outrage, sorrow, flickers of horror and approximately ten million more feelings about Styx D. Wolfwood's life experiences are being broadcast on Psychic Public Access ]

Some stuff.

[ YIKES. BUT, LIKE, SAME. ]

Haha . . . then you know, he's always been like that.

...Yeah. I don't think he was great at seeing it himself, but I knew.

[ A little wistfully ]

Thank you.

Every person here that saw him for who he really is... helped in some way. I know it.

...Maybe. I wanna ask him myself if I did or not. Feels like all we ever did was butt heads.

He's like that.

I think we've spent most of our time knowing each other at each other's throats, actually. It's a symptom of how much he cares.

I think it's a symptom of a lot've things. Just caring can't be the only reason. He needs a real vacation from everything. One of those really long ones — a sabbatical? You could probably use it too.

Ahaha...

[ what's a sabbatical ]

Well, you're right. It's a lot of things. Emotional constipation is another one.

Yeah... That's one I could never figure out how to help with.

[ From here

The indignation on Crescendo's behalf wells up again. ]

We're definitely gonna secure ways to travel between worlds when we leave here, and they have no right to tell you who you can and can't love. If I have to go talk to them myself, I will.

Talk to my parents...or the idol industry?

[Mostly feels amused at the idea.]

Both.

[ he'S DEAD SERIOUS!!!!!!!! ]

I think one of those will continue on despite your expressed displeasure.

[ The industry will not just change itself on account of one person.]

But I feel happy that you would think to try.

. . . It is alright, though? The one person I do have feelings for does not return them. And I do not feel any pressing desire to have to be in a relationship either if not with them.

As for the rest, I have no idea what the future has in store, but I do have a responsibility to the family. I wish to see the family grow strong and my parents proud, so I am okay.

[ HE WILL PERSONALLY FISTFIGHT THE ENTIRE IDOL INDUSTRY IF HE HAS TO ]

Is it... your friend on Rose?

It seems that I have been obvious to more than a few people. How embarrassing.

[He looks a little sheepish, but smiles and nods after a moment.]

But... indeed. Love is such a funny thing, isn't it? You can never really help who will steal your haert.

... No. It's not embarrassing.

I think... being able to love like that is a good thing. Even if it isn't returned.

I think so too. It is just a little painful as well. But, I shall take this pain and use it for good. So I do not regret it.

You're still gonna remain friends, right?

Mm...! We still talk, and have every intention of remaining friends. He is no less important to me now than he was before. I will just try to respect that the way he cares for me is different from how I had hoped.

[ From here

Good fucking GOD, dude

There's a little indignation, and anger, maybe? And definitely way too much understanding to be strictly okay. ]

Okay, but why does what you were made for matter?

[ coos. agreeably. 'good fucking god dude' is the appropriate response. keep that one. ]

Why, indeed.

[ it matters it matters it matters, it SHOULDN'T matter. regret and resentment and 'they always make it sound so easy, don't they, to do it the right way.' longing. a bone-deep certainty that this is a question that he has already answered wrong, many times, and that it doesn't matter if he changes his answer. ]

I posit to you that to my core I am a self-centered man, Minuet. Them or me, I chose me. It matters... because I did make that choice.

Edited 2024-04-02 16:45 (UTC)

[ "Making it sound so easy to do it the right way" is in fact his job, professionally.

Deadpan, ]

Bullshit.

These aren't the feelings of a guy who grasped self-indulgent fulfillment.

[ opens his eyes. irritable. ]

You weren't supposed to be feeling THOSE.

[ he was trying to filter and failed. unfair. ]

I very much DID do that, up until it was beaten into my head to stop and reconsider my choices.

[ Wry ]

Sorry. That's the ordeal of this ritual.

You haven't said anything about what you want. From here on out, I mean.

[ what, minuet, trying to gauge if he's still a world-ending threat? he's honored. ]

Live out the rest of my days in relative comfort and security?

[ bitterness. he knows it's unambitious. he knows he's become something small and pointless and reduced from the heights of what he could be.

and that it's better this way. ]

I'm retired. There's no point annihilating countries full of interesting things to look at if I'm not going to get my eternal beautiful kingdom out of it.

Edited 2024-04-02 17:10 (UTC)

[ If he were like a hundred years younger and not related to the biggest genocidal pissbaby ever he would perhaps take Angie more seriously, but he, just, ]

Ah, so you agree. You don't really wanna do what you were made for after all.

[ indignant. his speech earlier was so good tho Minuet how could you accuse him of not liking the (murder) bit ]

Must I repeat that I liked it? I had fun. It was thrilling. I've never felt more alive.

It's just that ANYTHING in life to excess, gets tiresome. Would you say you don't like the sunshine? Pretty flowers?

It's just that if you had an unending supply of either, you'd be in trouble.

Edited 2024-04-02 21:22 (UTC)

[ Telegraphing how not-convinced he is. But also just kind of . . . sad, actually. ]

No. I don't think I could ever see too many flowers.

Just for that, I'll summon the flower demon and order it to smother you in a mountain of them, some day.

[ empty threat.
angel devil would never summon a demon, for starters. He's too precious about retaining ownership of his soul. ]

[ That earns a startled laugh ]

I'd be okay with it.

Ugh. I can't take it. Continuing to look and FEEL you make that expression AT me is giving me hives. Let me down.

[ This seems to be the standard villain reaction.

Laughs again and pets his little head with one finger, but then puts him down as requested. ]

[ struts a few steps away for breathing room. ]

Anyway. Now you know. My 'deal.'

I believe it's to your explicit benefit you share in return, Minuet of Bluebell.

Edited 2024-04-02 22:19 (UTC)

You gotta be more specific.

[ he'll decide how much he hates it after that ]

Why do you hear me describe my circumstance, and feel for it that you so intimately understand it.

[ Mmmmmmmm the "how much do I hate that" meter rates this a solid 6/10, so like, whatever, he's had worse literally today ]

"I was brought to being as an instrument," wasn't it?

[ coos. Surprise. Minuet? Minuet of all people. Normally tools like him are more open bleeding wounds upon the world about it. Like Zenith. ]

We could have a club, all of us.

[ "open bleeding wounds upon the world about it" THAT'S HIS SECRET CAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DRY. ]

Now what the hell would we do at this club, Angel Devil?

[ tears don't count. it must be blood.

...is it blood AND tears, minuet ]

Exchange tips on obscure human social cues and customs. [ BITTER: ] I certainly could have used a few, some places along the way.

Edited 2024-04-03 00:49 (UTC)

[ yea ]

You just have to live among them to learn all that.

[ Said like:

]

[ don't you git gud me you secret dollman ]

Twenty years I've done that and I am still learning mystifying new rituals.

[ with mounting amusement im sorry ]

Give it a hundred more, then start complaining.

[ SURE WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO GIVE IT ANOTHER 100 YEARS BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 ]

[ idly, as if that didn't just make him mentally grit his teeth, ]

How unsympathetic of you, Minuet~. So unwilling to share the wisdom of age with us young studies.

[ NOW WAIT A SEC YOUNG MAN LET'S UNPACK THAT ]

. . . ?

What was that?

[ pretending like he doesn't know ]

What was what? See something behind me?

[ makes a show of looking ]

[ bitch ]

Maybe I misunderstood... do you have a human lifespan?

[ ....bitter. ]

My own body is unaffected by the ravages of time, and shall live forever lest it is killed by other sources than senescence.

[ but there's a sense of separation between that 'body' and that 'self.' ]

[ the man is very smart as long as it's nothing to do with himself

Gears turn for a second, assessing what was said and wasn't said. ]

. . . I'm sure we could do something about it.

[ guttural laugh. ]

Could you, now. I should dearly like to see the day!

[ don't want to die don't want to die don't want to die but so so tired so tired so tired, should i really fight so hard to avoid it after all?

it'd be so easy to wait and let it happen and no longer have to bear under the weight of this. ]

[ Like,

Kind of internally wigs out when that's blasted directly into his head, actually? Full-blown adrenaline panic, dude. ]

[

Ok, normal again ]

. . . Your shepherd told you about the wishes, right?

[ this is why he has been trying and failing to shove it under the rose emotion powers tarp to no avail ]

Yes.

And I require mine for a different purpose.

[ His emotions have just been straight up turned off for a second but thanks anyway ]

More important than your life?

Hm, hm. Would you like to weigh it with me?

...The life of one single, wanton, murderous madman...

Versus the lives of a score of innocents, dragged into an endless war that was never theirs?

That's what your wish is for?

[ Emotions are telegraphing like

Yes, see, I was clearly fucking right this entire conversation ]

I'm just letting you know now, so that you don't start trying to convince me otherwise.

It's a curious wish for a destroyer. That's all.

[ aaaaaaanyway ]

That doesn't mean it's your only option.

Oh, truly.
My wish to save those people means others will die, you know~. Their foes.
I'm still fitting the bill.

[ this one is 100% truth. ]

[ this fucking guy... ]

Sounds like that could easily be avoided with a little wish wording tweaking.

[ ...

oh, really, buddy. okay. fine. here you go. you be the mod. ]

I present to you a dilemma.

A dark god whose most cherished dream is of conflict and destruction without end, chooses to vent that rage out upon a gentle goddess.

He steals away from many worlds the most wicked, most violent, most cruel, to serve as his compliment. Sets them upon her. Her only choice is beggar the aid of some brave, kind souls, across the cosmos, in return.

The lives of their soldiers depend upon the both of them. But when the goddess falls, the dark god resets the board to nil, the death to life, and demands they go again.

What do you do, Min~u~et~~?

[ Oh Angie buddy you're gonna hate this one-- ]

... I would wish for the dark god's heart to soften.

[ raises his wings like he wants to SMACK him. wish chaos could have a CHANGE of HEART! as if that would ever-- ]

[ just. stays still. with them like that.

it's....
it is...
it's a magical wish for anything ever to come true, though, isn't it. ]

[ thinks about laying in the roots of the iifa tree and hearing the words,
no one's useless.

feels something. minuet, you're going to have help him Name That Emotion here, because angel devil is very stupid about feelings. it feels painful and it feels sad and it feels like sand is going through his fingers and that he wishes he'd felt it so, so sooner and that, if he was so lucky, he'd never forget it again. ]

[ primly, ]

You REALLY think that would work.

[ he doesn't say it like he's asking but he's asking.
begging. ]

[ Holy shit.

He's kind of taken aback, but then-- sympathetic to a degree that might make Angie squirm a little. ]

Yes. I do.

[ With a dead 100% certainty that probably underlies a LOT of the insane stuff he says ]

[ becomes an orb. he does indeed squirm. how is he NOT going to squirm being under the full force ^/_^ ]

...It could still go wrong. I.. do not know as much about how this works as you shepherds do, so my, personal, concern, is this! If there IS any way to know what the ultimate outcome shall look like, after the granting of one of these wishes! If not-- a wish such as that is merely a gamble, not an assurance!

It's real. Crois confirmed it himself -- I spoke to him after he was sent home with his wish.

[ 100% CERTAINTY HERE TOO ]

[ coos. perks up. LAPTOP FAN START UP NOISES AS HIS BRAIN EXCITEDLY WHIRRS ]

You've spoke with him-- and he retained a familiarity with-- Did he happen to now recall his NAME? No, hold on, that's a distraction-- but-- if he did-- but if he DIDN'T--

Edited 2024-04-06 16:10 (UTC)

[ ..................................... man, ]

_{I'm going to have to apologize for a rather rough conversation with Levie.}

[ .............. ]

What did you do.

...Told him what my wish was... in case I became addled and forgot it...

How likely is--

[ thinks about this question for two fuckin seconds ]

Fair enough.

Of course, I don't HAVE to apologize... in so many WORDS...... I can always just bring him something useful or particularly appetizing and slip in very quickly I've reconsidered my wish...

[ From here

Claps him on the shoulder, dry ]

Thanks. Getting bored around here is definitely a big risk.

I will always keep ya on yer toes. That's a promise.

[ makes grabbyhands motions for the whiskey. ]

[ He hands it over ]

Kinda rude of you to transplant and lose me a potential consistent source of hooch.

Oh~, my bad. I still got my sources, don't ya worry. But I can give ya grapes now for different kinds of booze.

You got sources?

Sure do. I got a Weed with a lotta booze ta share.

Oh.

Wait, is it the guy you were trying to shank?

That's a trade secret!

Oh my god, it's the guy you were trying to shank.

We have an understandin'.

[ CONCERN ]

Um... is it a friendly understanding?

'Course it is! I'm a motherfuckin' legend in his time!

[ Rudely, the emotion is: doubt ]

You are?

Hey, what the fuck!

[ From here

No, actually -- he's amused, and kind of delighted. Fond.

He wishes to antagonize this. ]

Two outta three, shortstack. I'll destroy you.

Do your worst!

[He feels more excited than anything else. He sticks his hand back out for Minuet to take.]

[ HE DOES HIS WORST!!!

Literally though. His thumb gets clobbered again. ]

--DAMMIT

Ehee. Would you like to try a third time, even though I will have won regardless?

[ From here

Kind of amused but also kind of wondering if he should offer this guy a coat or towel or something ]

Honestly?

That attitude's gonna get you far.

[ there’s a little proud trill of feeling. He IS gonna go far! He loves going far!!! And just sill the general pleasant surprise of someone who’s spent their life somewhere grass-deprived. ]

Glad to hear it. Will you play with me then, Ser Bluebell?

[ WRY ]

Sure, if you put pants on.

[ laughs! ]

You drive a hard bargain! Best I can do is leggings.

[ That might be worse. Is that worse? ]

Hm.

[ surprise, confusion, embarrassment??? ]

Blood and darkness! It actually makes you uncomfortable. Oh dear, I’ve . . . [ looks around ]

A toga? A wrap over the leggings?

[ We've reached 'fuck it' levels, by this point in the ritual. Unbuttons the duster and chucks it at him. (Ignore the BDSM nightmare underneath.)

BETTER THAN DOING A WHOLE RITUAL WITH A STRANGE DUDE WITH HIS DICK OUT ]

Give it back later.

[ can he see scarring? Because if so, he is going to be gripped by the profound beauty of the mortal form, sorry about that. Otherwise he’s just very touched. ]

On the honor of my house.

[ yes the useless fucking armor leaves his arms and all vitals fully exposed for some reason

VALIANTLY ignores being perceived but not without some discomfort still ]

Dunno if that means much here. But if you don't, you'll owe me booze.

[ he’s being good! He’s being polite! If he’s writing poetry, you can’t actually hear the words and now the coat is on and covering both dick AND ass so let’s move on! ]

Think I might be able to do you one better.

[ goes to rifle through his own discarded clothes, produces a bottle full of gently glowing amber liquid ]

[ Curiosity and suspicion immediately having a standoff ]

What is that?

[ smug smug pleased ]

It is nectar, the drink of the gods. Not yet vinted into ambrosia, but it still has a nice kick to it.

Edited 2024-04-02 20:28 (UTC)

. . .

[ bro ]

How drunk can you get off that.

Depending on one’s constitution, for mortals it usually ranges between “solidly” and “profoundly”.

Count me in!

[ !!!!! and a little "what's the worst that could happen?" and curiosity and anticipation ]

Edited 2024-04-02 21:50 (UTC)

[ surely it’s fine! He’s seen plenty of mortal drink it! (That he has not seen a living mortal drink it somehow slips his notice) ]

Please, be my guest!

[ tosses the bottle to him, it’s tied with a fancy little ribbon and stopped with a cork. The liquid inside is almost syrup-thick and smells sharp and sweet and smooth. ]

[ Catches it, giving it a little swirl ]

--Well, bottoms up!

[ CHUG ]

Erm! I’d sip th—

[ whelp! It is easily the most delicious thing he’s ever had in his life and it burns from head to toe the second it hits his tongue. It’s like if Ever Clear had a baby with silk and that baby stuck a fork in an electric socket while biting you. ]

[ How could this happen to him, a professional alcoholic?

He chokes and sputters, emotional bond lighting up with INDIGNATION. HOW DARE THIS ALCOHOL BITE HIM BACK kinda wants to take another sip tho... ]

--What the hell!

[ oh, oh no Miku is profoundly charmed, and only the very tiniest slightest bit contrite. The bite goes away much more quickly than it would with alcohol, at least, leaving behind just the feeling of warmth and wellness. Like he just took a slug of pure Life, because he did. The buzz begins almost immediately as well, this stuff is not fucking around. ]

I did try to warn you!

[ he’s not taking the bottle back yet, in case Minuet wants to try again ]

Edited 2024-04-02 23:53 (UTC)

. . .

[ Glares at the bottle for a sec before he takes another sip just to prove the alcohol wrong (and because it's the best thing he's ever tasted)

A little piece of hair at his hairline turns from black to blonde. That's probably not anything. ]

[ surprise?? Confusion?? Is that how blonde hair happens to mortals? Is that why so many heroes are blonde? Wait, no, that can’t possibly be right. ]

[ yea sure probably

Clears his throat, handing the bottle back. His emotions are mostly just "holy fuckin shit," currently. ]

You better take that.

It’s not bad, right?

[ he takes a healthy but respectful swig himself ]

It's a little too good, actually.

[ cuuurious?? ]

I was not aware there was such a thing.

You must be used to it.

You ever had bathtub whiskey? That'll give you perspective.

I have not, and I am horrified at the notion.

Do let me know if the occasion arises.

None on me, I'm afraid.

I do have bathtub wine, though.

Well, I wouldn't say no.

Alrighty, this way then. It can probably count as giving a gift.

[ welcome to Bluebell half-naked man ]

[ From here

With his usual maniac certainty: ]

It's true.

[ Holds his hand out for the tequila ]

What would you do with yourself, in a world like that?

[hands it over.]

I don't know.

[he feels lost. it's a future he wants, desperately. but he's made himself into nothing but a tool toward that goal, so he's not sure what it would make of him to have succeeded. if there's anything of him left except for love that's been rejected.]

[ He takes a swig, then stares unsettlingly into him from over the lip of it. ]

You -- the other 'you' -- whatever.

You asked me to kill you. Said there was nowhere else for you to go.

[ There's a mixture of emotions there -- grief, an unspeakable amount of anger, but some hurt and disappointment too. Frustration. ]

...It makes sense. If 'I' failed to make a paradise for us.

[sickening understanding.]

[ His mood tips right over into GROUCHY.

Shoves a finger into Nai's chest, snatching the tequila back ]

Bullshit. Paradise isn't real. You live in the world that does exist and start over.

[grabbing his wrist, snarling.]

The world that does exist exploited our- siblings to death for material gain!

[ There's a spike of grim satisfaction at getting a reaction out of him, which is a little rude, probably. ]

And what caused mankind to fall on a dead planet, with no choice but to rely on the Plants to survive?

[ said like: BITCH ]

The Big Fall, maybe?

And for what reason was Tesla torn apart?!

[the all encompassing rage is winning here. the need to protect and avenge. the fear that could have been him, could have been Vash in those tanks as disparate parts.]

You can't trust humans!

[ There's answering rage and grief here. He's furious about Tesla too, and always will be. He's not trying to hide it. ]

Tesla never should have happened. But humans have saved my life more times than I can count.

Often after you were the one who endangered it.

[ CAN'T TRUST HUMANS BUT CERTAINLY CAN'T TRUST NAIS EITHER ]

[look, just because his human annihilation squad doubles as a brother torment squad,]

If you didn't try to protect them, you wouldn't have been in danger so much! How many times have they betrayed you?! And you still side with them over your own defenseless kin!

[ > Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate
> Be kind and de-escalate ]

[ > Aren't you tired of being nice? Don't you just wanna go apeshitt?

Laughs in his face with zero mirrored mirth through the bond, just 100% burnt cinnamon roll bitterness. ]

Well, history is written by the victors, as they say. That wasn't you.

[BIG MAD.

the effect is a little different with a new name, but the enraged roar is still very familiar.]

MINUET!

[ ,,, probably still worth it

His hand tightens on the bottle, tests a theory: ]

I let our sisters decide. For themselves.

They chose humanity.

[the physical flinch is subtle, but cain can't hide the distinct sense he has been caught out. fuck.]

Why?!

[ ALRIGHT BOYS WE'RE FINALLY PLAYING THIS GAME FOR REAL NOW

Hard to say what this emotion is exactly. It's not smug because there's no satisfaction to it.

Maybe it's the way a hunter feels when they finally shoot down the buck. ]

Gotcha.

[hates that. hates it less, he thinks, than if minuet were smug, but still...]

You didn't answer my question.

Because their love is greater than their fear and anger.

They're stronger than either of us; they don't need us deciding for them.

[BAFFLED??? RAGE????]

What is that supposed to mean?!

[ Still impassive like this conversation is making him more dead inside the longer it goes on ]

If you'd listened to them more, maybe you'd know.

[ANGRIER!!! STILL!!!!

This time it feels like Minuet hit an especially sore spot.]

You know I can't hear them like you can!

[ HUH?

He gets back bafflement so clear and sudden that it could not possibly be fake. ]

What are you talking about?

[well,

just a fucking echo of that emotion. knocked right out of his anger for the moment.]

What are you talking about?

[ Gears are turning but all of the wild theories still end in: dear god ]

I've never heard of a Plant unable to hear the voices of the others.

[please understand it is actually extremely moe that he went so hard for over a century for creatures he could not communicate with,]

[nai has always been a little insecure about vash being more able to engage with their sisters. but in every other way, nai has been more Plant, so he hasn't truly felt deficient in comparison.

until now. he goes from confused to crisis in a split second.]

What?

[ Kind of mounting alarm and horror tbh, but also kind of in a 'alarm and horror on bro's behalf' kind of way ]

What the hell . . .

[oh no. nonono. no no no he cannot handle that.

his emotions are frankly rocketing straight to fight or flight, and in spite of everything, he does not want to fight minuet.

so he's standing abruptly. and trying to run.]

[ His first instinct is to grab for him, but that instinct is a little kid on a SEEDs ship and not the old guy here and now who knows better.

He drops his hand and lets him, instead. ]

[good talk.]

[ WAS IT????????????? ]

[NO.]

[ From here ]

How do I put this...

[ There's some (genuine) very dark amusement, but it's kinda slipshod slapped over considerable Actual Horror ]

He's already done basically everything he possibly could already. It'd just be a rehash if he tries something here. He might as well not bother.

[mentally reviews all of the stuff Styx told him that he definitely wasn't supposed to tell him

help he's not a qualified therapist he can't unpack all that]

Do you...want to talk about it...?

[ No water in No Man's Land means Styx never learned 'loose lips sink ships.'

The bleak humor kind of ticks up. ]

No one should ever hear about most of that, Lethe.

[ --Still. A little flicker of... gratitude? ]

Thank you, though.

[dryly, with the calm certainty of a guy who has seen and experienced a lot of horrors,]

Nothing you could say would remotely surprise me. The offer stands if you ever change your mind.

[ YOU KNOW THAT'S CONCERNING TOO, LETHE, RIGHT???

Repeats, vaguely, ]

He's got boundary issues.

[ Just leaves it there since it does sum up a lot of the horrors that are more personal than just 'genocide.' ]

Anyway, it'd just make you pissier at him and I don't want you actually getting in a fight with him -- ever. [ A PAUSE, and then, ] Please.

Edited 2024-04-02 17:24 (UTC)

[it's relatable???? obviously?????]

I'll do my best to avoid him entirely. I'm not eager to pick fights either. It's easy to avoid picking fights with someone even if you don't care for them, you know.

[ NAM FLASHBACK MONTAGE OF EVERY FIGHT THAT'S EVER PICKED ITSELF WITH HIM FOR NO REASON ]

... I'm sure.

[he cannot see those flashbacks but he can feel the emotions they elicit]

.......None of those crazy guys are here so it's fine, you know? I haven't seen anyone pick fights for no reason here!

Yup. Just Hannya.

[ kinda amused ]

He's a good time though.

Is he any good at fighting? He looks kind of weak...

[he doesn't even mean it badly he just cannot look at normies and think they're tough]

[ Tries not to laugh, but like, yeah... normies... ]

... I'll give you three bushels of berries if you say that to him and let me watch.

[mentally calculates how many desserts he can make with that]

Deal.

Deal.

[ BANGS METAPHORICAL GAVEL then cocks his metaphorical gun ]

Now . . . I'm feeling pretty exposed spilling my guts all one-sided . . .

Ah. Well...what do you want me to spill my guts on...?

I dunno... something that's been on your mind? Something you're worried about?

That narrows things down so little.

[that's just a pile of grief and worry waiting to explode]

I'm worried about Lily, I'm worried about my family back home, I'm worried about all of the teenagers here who are never going to get therapy, I'm worried about Charon, I'm worried about you...

Edited 2024-04-02 20:12 (UTC)

[ God that's so fucking relatable. He hates it. Stop it. ]

Well, let's start with the easy ones. Why're you worried about me and Charon?

You don't take care of yourselves.

[GRUMPY. ...drinks more]

[ Is it worse that his genuine reaction to that is ? ]

I dunno what metrics you're using.

[ Mental checklist like: eats. Drinks. Sleeps SOMEtimes. Clearly we've got the entire Maslow's Hierarchy here. ]

[yes that's worse]

You said I could kill you for points like an hour ago.

[ hey ]

It's not like that kinda thing is every day.

[THE BALLS ON THIS GUY TO SAY THAT LIKE IT'S NOT A PROBLEM!!!!!!]

Doing it at all is bad self care!!!

[ stones... glass houses.... ]

So you're not gonna engage with any of the 11 pointers in this ritual, right?

[is intentionally annoying about it]

Hey, we're talking about my feelings here, that's irrelevant to the topic at hand.

[ BOTH HIS FACE AND EMOTIONS RADIATE: BITCH ]

[it amused him, no regrets]

I have no intention of letting anyone kill me for eleven points. What a waste of time.

So I'm hearing stabbing and torture's still on the table.

[damnit]

Fucking snitch.

[ EXASPERATEDLY DRAWS UNO REVERSE ]

I'll have you know I have zero plans to get stabbed or tortured!

I wanted to just do pampering! I was coerced.

[whines]

How'd you get from pampering to stabbing?!

I fell for his good looks and need for brutally efficient violence.

Edited 2024-04-03 01:25 (UTC)

It was Charon?!

If I'm going down I'm taking him with me. I was just complaining about how both of you don't take care of yourselves, who else would I be talking about?

--He didn't even wanna consider stabbing me!

[ KIND OF INSULTED TBH WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THAT ]

Anyway, [ points at him, accusing but also just like. concerned. ] I don't wanna hear it from either of you! Just listen to yourself. I'm not nearly as bad.

[goes to put him in a headlock and then remembers they both have booze in their hands

no he cannot do that to the booze. pokes his cheek instead]

You both just died! Like yesterday! Shut the fuck up! You're just as bad.

At least I have a reason t--

[ --SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT THE FUCK UP

DRINKS AND PLAYS IT COOL (?) ]

Well, anyway, we've clearly just got a fucked up concern pentopticon going here! You should relax about it.

[that was the opposite of cool, he's onto you]

You have a reason to what?

[ hard to say what exactly these emotions are, but it's definitely many stacked layers of Bad, like the world's worst baklava ]

It's your turn, remember? We're talking about you.

My emotions want to know what your emotions are doing.

Do you think I know what they're doing, ever?

Figure out what they're doing so you can tell me why you have a reason to die.

[he looks mad but his emotions are just mostly concern tbh]

[ He does kinda wanna fight about it. Lethe can feel it. He's got like, a dozen witty rejoinders chambered and ready to go.

But it's the concern in place of anger that fucks up all his plans, guilt swooping in as it often does. The anxiety's new though. ]

Because--

[ PAUSES ]

--Do not bitch at me more.

I won't bitch at you as long as it's reasonable.

[surely that's fair]

[ Grouses, anxiety mounting while he stalls ]

Your idea of reasonable is always completely insane, Lethe.

Do you think it's something I won't find reasonable? That must explain why you never said anything about it before.

[ Grits his teeth for a sec before taking a deep breath. Resigned and tired, mostly. Today is not the day we strangle Lethe with a pool noodle for being a hypocrite (but watch out!) ]

I'm dying anyway.

Most of the way there, now.

...

[squints at him like he's trying to see how much life he's got left (he cannot see how much life someone has left). the concern is still there, but there's no immediate spike of alarm. they've had dead people there the whole time.]

Do you know how many days you've got left?

[ thank god tbh ]

No. I mean-- not long. A few. Maybe.

So I can keep waiting around to drop dead, or I can be killed outright so Lily can wrangle my soul.

[uh-oh now he's kind of annoyed. keeps drinking his alcohol tbh, it is the only thing staying his hands]

Minuet. I'm going to explain emotions to you like you're an idiot, so please pay attention.

[ Gives him a look like "Do not test me. I will die RIGHT NOW out of spite." ]

[do it, coward]

I was upset when you very suddenly had your throat ripped out of you and died, and Charon dropped dead for no apparent reason. Because even if death isn't real here, when something horrible and unexpected happens, it will make your loved ones upset.

Of the two options your haystack of a head has decided on, which one seems slightly less upsetting than the other?

[ Just looks at him and looks at what started this whole conversation ]

So, you agree. It's a pretty reasonable reason.

[there's something boiling deep down in those emotions but who the heck knows what it is. possibly rage.]

Please answer my question before I take your alcohol away from you and beat you to death with the bottles. It should be simple since I laid it all out for you.

Edited 2024-04-03 06:01 (UTC)

Obviously I'm not just gonna drop dead, idiot. I'm figuring it out, but finding someone to kill you who won't get weird about it takes a minute, alright?

Have you actually asked anyone while explaining the full situation to them? Or have you just been walking up to people at random and saying it's fine if they kill you?

[ Sighs heavily ]

I'm not just randomly asking people to kill me, no.

... Charon is the most likely. He wants to do it. I just -- don't want him to force himself to be the one.

[wrinkles his brow]

What makes you think he's forcing himself?

[ With exasperation and concern and weariness but still somehow some affection ]

The visceral negative reactions, mostly.

[very tiny warm, bubbling affection at the mention of Charon being unnecessarily stubborn as he tries to think this through]

We've correctly determined that dropping dead is bad. So if you've decided that you want someone from Lily to wrangle your soul then your only two options are Charon and me, unless you were intending to have someone else kill you and then make us clean up the mess. And if you did that I'd tell Charon to leave you as a ghost for a week.

So even with the visceral negative reactions, if he's offering...

I know.

[ There's resignation there already, like. He already figured this is exactly what's gonna happen but he's being a little bitch about it. ]

I was gonna ask you and then I imagined what you'd say or you might get upset so I chickened out.

[relatable. but it's bad when Minuet does it]

I am upset. I don't want you to die. But I'd rather know than not know. Especially if I can help.

[ Guilt ratchets up while he tries to hammer it back down. ]

... Sorry.

I'm not actually trying to be an asshole, you know.

[ he just doesn't know how to die tbh he has zero practice ]

[oh no it's a guilt ouroboros, he feels bad for making Minuet feel bad. slinks down a little further into the water and polishes off his drink so he can focus on trying to make it float on the water to minimal success. with his concentration focused on his hands, his focus on controlling his emotions slips. little bubbles of emotion rise to the surface: worry, protectiveness, love, exasperation, exhaustion, affection.]

I know you're not. You're a nice guy. But--we're friends, aren't we? It feels bad to find out there's a problem only after I drag it out of you.

[ WAIT WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ACTUAL EMOTIONS IN THIS FORCED EMOTIONSHARE

oh shit oh no oh god oh fuck ]

Why are your emotions doing that. Did I say something wrong?

[ mfer you went off script ]

Nnnno . . .

[you did it first by deciding to die]

Then what is it?

[he's starting to feel self-conscious now]

[ Take that issue up with the new weed with giant asscheeks ]

--I never have any idea what the hell is really going on in your head or how you feel about anything and I got embarrassed!!

[ Sheepish and still very much embarrassed but also like... warm gross feelings... kinda humbled ]

[is this...openness in response to openness...communication is wild

because he is experiencing warm happy emotions while also being horribly embarrassed about them, he leans over to steal Minuet's drink]

Isn't it usually pretty obvious? I didn't think I was hiding anything.

None of that is obvious at all!

--How is it not?!

[BAFFLED!!!!!]

[ verklempt ]

You're pissed and annoyed like 80% of the time... that's not counting the silent seething rage.

[ also u only express your worry when you're PRETENDING TO BE A CAT!!!!! ]

I am not! I'm worried about you because you keep getting hurt or dying! Besides, I went to check on y--

[no he was a cat. he did this to himself.

guiltily sinks down into the water for a minute. he needs to contemplate his life choices.]

[ JUST FUCKIN STARES AT HIM ]

[RESURFACES WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF GUILT HE WENT UNDER WITH]

I've created a misunderstanding. I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were that gullible.

[ INDIGNANTLY ]

Excuse me?

[don't look at him like that the guilt is already killing him]

Have you talked to any magical cats lately.

[sinks back down into the water]

[ GENTLY (ok not too gently) DRAGS HIM BACK UP ]

Hey Lethe?

[ EXASPERATED, like of course. Of course. You dumb fucking horse. But still fond somehow. Awful. ]

How're people supposed to know your real feelings if you go out of your way to hide it?

I was going to change back before I talked to you but you were outside instead of resting inside! Maybe next time you should rest after you die, stupid!

[ Bruh

This isn't cuteness aggression because Lethe is too fucking insufferable to be cute, but it's definitely... 'a positive emotion of SOME KIND' aggression.

He may only have one arm but it's enough to pull Lethe into a hug ]

[he feels less mortified, if only because they both probably look very stupid right now. and also maybe the positive emotions helped. hugs him back]

I shouldn't have to say that I care every time you get hurt before it sinks in. So don't forget it.

[ Soft ]

Alright.

[ ... Less soft ]

No wonder that cat was so goddamn demanding.

He wouldn't have been so demanding if you'd listened to him in the first place.

[there is zero anger or heat in it. only affection and concern.]

[ Listens to the words and demeanor along with the accompanying emotions ]

God this explains so much...

What does?

[genuinely confused]

[ Exasperated. Fond. Lets him go ]

We probably shoulda just done this a long time ago.

[a tiny bit defensive. a tiny bit.]

Isn't this how you and Styx always talk? I thought that's what you guys preferred.

[ Bemused ]

You've never beat the shit out of me or told me to rot in hell.

[ THAT'S clear communication, Lethe! ]

...

[STYX WAS WORSE THAN HE THOUGHT????]

And I hopefully never will?

[ Oh buddy ]

I'm just saying, I would've parsed that fine.

I don't know if I believe you. It doesn't sound like you parsed anything else I've said.

[ Dry ]

Guess we need emotional walkie-talkie more often, then.

[thinks about how hard to tried to contain his emotions this whole ritual]

Uh. It's probably better...to not...it's embarrassing.

[ Listen he understands being shifty about emotions. But not the LOVE AND PEACE ones. Dude. ]

Your feelings for your friends are embarrassing?

Sharing them is embarrassing.

[he is, indeed, embarrassed just thinking about it]

. . . It makes me happy though . . .

[ONE HIT K.O.]

...As long as you promise not to be weird about it.

[ slow golden retriever tail wag... ]

What counts as 'being weird about it'?

I don't know. Freaking out?

[tentatively loosens his iron grip on his emotions...some fondness and affection leaks out...]

[ Cannot actually promise not to get flustered over the mortifying ordeal of being loved but, ]

I won't.

Warm feelings... [ hesitates ]

... I just think things would be better, with more of those.

[leans back so he's resting more against the edge of the pool, releasing a tiny bit of tension from between his shoulders. he tries to ignore a nauseous bit of self-consciousness that's stuck in his chest as he lets out all of the things he's been trying so hard to stuff back down where it can't be acknowledged or felt.

unfortunately, it's an unnecessary amount of affection. like pulling back blackout curtains only to be blinded by midday sun, warm and blinding and overwhelming. it's not necessarily specifically directed at Minuet--some of it is clearly just a broad, general sweep of fondness for the people he's recently spent time with--but there is an undeniable sense of companionship and love that he feels from being in Minuet's company.]

How's that?

[ His own emotions are a jumble of-- embarrassment, yes, always and forever. Sheepishness. Something distinctly humbled, that part of him that always questions whether anything good is deserved or not. But love and fondness of his own, simultaneously soft and fiercely sharp, like a tool to either comfort or protect as needed. Relief, in non-insignificant amounts.

All that, and the frankly staggering level of trust needed to be okay with this at all, in contrast with the lighthearted proposition he'd made it sound like.

Very solemnly...

Hairruffles him ]

Thank you.

[swats at his hand very halfheartedly]

Don't say thank you when I'm just feeling everything I'd feel normally.

[ Letting him ]

I can't take kindness for granted. It's not a given.

So... I'm saying thank you, because it's what I'm feeling anyway.

You're so embarrassing.

[he's touched and that's extra embarrassing. slides down into the water a little more]

Kindness isn't a given, but you should act like it is. Some people will still try to take advantage of you or double-cross you. The average person will feel like they have to respond with kindness if you act like they should be kind, though.

[ the actual problem here is the self-worth but Lethe got the spirit ]

... Alright.

I'll try to remember that.

...I'll also...be nicer. I really thought you liked that kind of banter. I'm sorry for misunderstanding. I'm also sorry that Styx is more of an asshole than I thought.

[genuinely, sincerely apologetic]

It's alright. Your intentions were good, that's all that matters.

As long as I know that -- like with Styx -- it's not a problem.

You should have already known that at least a month ago. See if I tell you anything important anymore.

I--

[ He does feel a little guilty. A little bit. Lethe gaslighting him masterfully ]

I never claimed I'm smart.

[he still isn't mad, he's just sulking horribly]

I'll let it slide since you're not used to having friends.

[ SINKS INTO THE WATER ]

Ouch..........

[ he's right tho ]

[...pats his head. fond fond fond]

It's okay. You get better at it with practice. I didn't have a lot of friends growing up either.

[ Peers up at him in open surprise ]

Seriously?

But you're so... you.

[ Probably in the normal course of conversation this would sound mildly insulting, but his emotions make it clear it's actually extremely complimentary and stuffed with admiration ]

[he is kind of flattered in a weird way and also in a normal way]

Uh, thanks? It's not like I was unfriendly, but I was busy. When I started working full time I was always the youngest person at my jobs too. It's hard to make friends when everyone you know is middle-aged. So I didn't make a lot of friends until I got older.

[ He can feel the ??? as Minuet attempts to visualize what a (relatively) normal life on Earth must look like. Fucking wild. ]

I see. I'm just-- surprised. This kinda stuff seems like it comes so easily to you.

[he gives a shrug that is not big enough to hide a faint sense of shame and discomfort]

It's easy with people I like! It's easier in a place like this too. There's only, what, fifty of us? There's over nine million people in Seoul alone.

[ ???? Lethe. Por que. ]

What about with people you don't like?

I wouldn't be friends with people I don't like. So I'd just avoid them.

[ YOU CAN JUST AVOID PEOPLE YOU DON'T LIKE? ]

[

CAN HE JUST AVOID KNIVES FOREVER???? ]

[ No, no. That's stupid. It'll never work. Knives always just finds HIM. ]

That's smart...

[THAT WAS A CONCERNING ARRAY OF EMOTIONS]

...I've...had a few stalkers before...usually we can chase them off with some polite threats. I don't think that would resolve anything here, though. A proper security system would help.

[ dwbi ]

Stalkers... suitors who couldn't take a hint?!

Suitors? No way. Where do you come up with this stuff. Just, uh...fans? One guy definitely couldn't take a hint though.

Stalkers are either that, bounty hunters, or insurance agents. And I don't think you're an outlaw.

How'd you get a fanbase, though? Are you famous?

No...uh...well...kind of?

[radiating discomfort]

S-Class Hunters are famous since they're strong enough to clear almost any dungeon. My little brother is one of the strongest S-Classes out there, and I work with a lot of other S-Classes because of my job. I'm a monster tamer; my facility raises monsters to help Hunters clear dungeons. Pretty recently I did win a competition that probably made me pretty famous, but before that I was famous by association with my brother and my monsters.

[wait

frowns]

Insurance agents are stalkers?

Sometimes they're hitmen.

... Can you show me some of the monsters?

[ Emotionally like a golden retriever tentatively wagging tail to meet new friends ]

[he kind of wants to ask more about the hitmen, but he's VERY easily swayed into showing off his kids]

There's a lot of them, so just a few, okay?

[the surface of the water is kind of perfect as a stage for a series of monster illusions, so he focuses on one at a time as he brings them to life: an energetic griffin big enough to ride appears in one corner, front claws just barely dipping into the water as Lethe tries to get the illusion just right; on the opposite side of the pool a pair of black and white skittish unicorns huddle; a big, beautiful, lazy white stag sprawls out next to the unicorns looking like it will never get up again; a fluffy black lamb rolls across the surface of the water in a comical display of playfulness; the giant, spiky black dragon curls around the edge of the pool with one eye cracked open; a shining blonde pegasus fluffs its wings proudly; an incredibly round bird floats--not flies, but floats--through the air with a jewel-colored snake looped loosely around it; a cute fennec fox-like creature with two horns appears next to Minuet and does its best to look as adorable as possible, like its begging for pets; beneath the surface of the water a long, serpentine form swims laps around the pool.

Lethe illusions a lil lion guy onto his own shoulders at the very end, positively radiating love and longing]

[ Lethe will feel the genuine childish wonder at each new monster appearing. The impulse desire to reach out and touch, even knowing they're mere illusions. A more grounded, scientific sort of curiosity. And something that can just be summed up as WAHHHHH CUTE!!!!! ]

They're incredible...

[Lethe is clearly SO PROUD!!! of every single monster there!!!! he's like an excited parent showing off his kids for real]

They're great. Most of them are still growing, but they're already well-behaved. You should stop by the facility someday and see them in person.

[ EMOTIONAL TAIL WAG INTENSIFIES ]

Do you think they'd like me...?

[ One fear: one of nature's perfect creatures doesn't like him ]

[beams!!! yes. love his children. they're so cute and perfect. appreciate how cute they are]

Of course. You have to take their personalities into consideration though. Blacky and Whitey are skittish, so they'd need a lot of coaxing for you to get too close. You can bribe them with food. But others like Blue and Songie are overly friendly; it'd be harder to keep them off of you.

[ Nodnodnod ]

I can do that, no problem! I can't believe I've never heard about them before, you've been holding out...

They don't exactly come up in casual conversation. And I figured it's boring to hear about for most people. If I had my cell phone I could show you pictures of all the kids, including my little ones, but that's a Red quest I'd rather not finish.

It's not boring at all! What other chance would I have had to learn about other worlds like this?

Besides, if it's that important to you, of course I'd be interested.

[weh,,, he is equal parts pleased and flustered]

It feels a little one-sided just bragging about my kids. Especially since they're not all human kids. Some people are particular about that. Why don't you tell me a little bit about your world too?

[ That's.... cute.

No Man's Land though, distinctly uncute. ]

Styx wasn't exaggerating whenever he said most of that's a drag.

Besides, I asked! And why would non-humans be less important?

Some of it sounds nice. You still find places to enjoy yourselves, so it's not all bad.

[gives a shrug and lets the illusions of the monsters slowly fade, one at a time, until just the illusion of the little lion settled around his shoulders remains]

Non-human kids are just as important. Family is family no matter the shape. Not everyone feels the same way, though. It'll be an uphill battle just to get the little ones enrolled in school. --Not the monsters, of course; their intelligence is high, but they can't speak.

[ "Places to enjoy yourselves..." Brief fantasy sequence of how Lethe in a NML saloon would go.

Whew. ]

How'd you end up with human kids, anyway? Doesn't really sound like you were running around siring.

[he'd have a great time in a saloon,]

Siring... I guess I technically gave birth to them. But not like humans have kids.

[ ......?

??

???????

He's thinking SO hard about this ]

... Go on...

[sits there for a second like "does Minuet want me to tell him how (my) babies are made"]

Uhm. I put a mana stone inside of me and then once it gets enough nutrients, a kid appears.

[points to a thin scar right over his heart, and then one on the palm of his hand, and then half-turns to gesture to a scar on his back right behind his heart. there's also an incredibly faint tattoo going down the length of his spine but that's not what he's pointing to]

There are specific requirements that need to be met for a child to be born, though.

[ DID YOU JUST TELL HIM GEMSTONE MPREG BODYMODS ARE A THING????

He's shocked but like, shocked (pos)(excite) ]

And they're human? That doesn't hurt you at all? Are they born as infants or children? What prompted you to try it? Are they biologically related to you?

[surprised by the enthusiasm, he just starts telling facts fall out]

T-they're partially human. Or, at least, I'd like to raise them in a human environment. They can all shift between a beast form and a human form--though the littlest one is struggling with the human form still. It doesn't hurt to do, but my body isn't that strong so it's not advisable to do more than one at a time. All of mine were born as toddlers between three and five years old. I imagine they could come out younger than that too? I haven't exactly had them genetically tested...it's a secret that I have the ability to have kids like that. And I don't want anyone to treat them differently because they think they're not human, you know? But as far as we know they're all biologically related to me. The older two probably have a mix of other people's genes in them too.

[he very carefully did not answer one of those questions and there was a flicker of deliberate avoidance in that. but otherwise, nothing but truth.]

[ He sure didn't but Minuet doesn't pull out a prybar (yet) ]

That's amazing... I've never heard of anything like it.

Is that something any human could do? Or is it... one of your powers?

[shakes his head a little]

It's a power I took from someone else, and also one of my own powers. I learned the method from some bastard's memories and was able to recreate it using my own skills. I doubt it would be possible for anyone else to replicate.

[ Remarkably, he already has enough information to parse almost all of that. Nods. ]

So...

How many kids are you gonna have?

I haven't really thought about it. I already have three, and I'd like to still be able to give Yerim and Yoohyun the attention they need. Plus there's all of the monsters to raise still. There isn't a lot of time for more kids.

[ How do you get as far as three gemstone babies without thinking ab-- ]

Hahaha... well, it's good to know your limits.

[listen,]

There isn't much point in having more if you're not going to raise them properly, right? And we're busy enough as it is; it'll be a few years before things calm down enough to even think about more.

[glances over at him, curious]

Why the curiosity?

What do you mean 'why'?! Wouldn't you wanna know about your friend's kids??

Yeah? But no one else I know has kids. And even then, not everyone is interested in kids.

Well, you're young. Give it some time and a bunch of people will probably have kids.

Mm...It would be nice to have some playmates for the kids. I really don't think most of the people I know will have kids anytime soon, though.

You're just gonna have to find some dads to be friends with, then!! Then you can all hang out doing dad stuff.

[tries to picture it

comes up empty]

We'll see how it goes. We're still traveling around a lot, so it'll have to wait until we're settled back in Korea regardless.

--Wait, you're trying to save the whole world while raising three human kids and a dozen furry kids.

[ COMICALLY HORRIFIED. IMPRESSED. VERY VERY CONCERNED. ]

You make it sound busier than it actually is. Raising furry kids is my job, and it's directly tied to saving the world. And the only kid that's independently acting on his own so far is the oldest; the other two still sleep most of the time.

--Is that... normal? Are they okay?

It's normal. They're doing fine. They don't completely separate from me until I give them their names, so until then they sleep a lot. The middle child, Seol, requested I not give him his name until after we've taken care of some business. And he's really attached to his youngest sibling, so they're staying together until then.

[ Palpably relaxes ]

They should have birthdays and naming days, in that case.

Should I do both? I thought just one birthday would be good.

One is a celebration of birth and one is a celebration of independence!

I'll figure out how to throw the name day ones.

[ Because he's just making shit up and nobody can stop him ]

[starts counting on his fingers]

Six parties for the kids, plus Yerim's birthday, plus Yoohyun's birthday, and I should do something for the rest of the household... I'll need your help with that, or I'm going to end up needing to make a dozen cakes a year.

[ Flaps a hand ]

I've got it, I've got it! Don't you dare do more work!

[ The bond makes it clear that he's not bluffing. He is dead fucking serious. ]

[squints at him like he's CHECKING TO MAKE SURE!!! but there's a strong sense of relief in there too.]

I'll hold you to that, Uncle Minuet. Don't make my kids cry.

[ TAIL WAG TAIL WAG ]

Uncle Minuet, huh... that's cute.

What, is that a first for you? I know you've played with the kids from Styx's orphanage before; don't they call you uncle? If you help look after the kids that makes you an uncle. And it means you can shirk your duties. But they're good kids, so I know they won't give you trouble.

Ahaha...

[ Sheepish. Kinda wistful. Fond. Sad. ]

Nah, not the first time... I just never got to see those kids much before they were grown.

Wolfwood's kids just call me "Mister Whatever My Actual Name Is," though.

[quiet, for a few moments. thoughtful, like he's trying to piece together the puzzle of Minuet's life without having to ask him too many questions that will trigger more sadness]

'Mister' isn't as cute as 'uncle'. They take after Styx.

Ahahaha... no, don't blame him. They've only met me a few times, and the first time was, uh...

[ Lethe gets a brief but probably familiar glimpse of the absolute depths of grief before that shit is locked down again. ]

Anyway, in time, maybe.

[he startles because he absolutely thinks it's his own grief for a second and tries to lock it down before realizing it's Minuet's. awkward.]

...In time. Give it a few months and they'll pick it up.

[ wow! awkward!!! he craves death!! ]

I just gotta get Miss Melanie to stop using it, 'cause they're never gonna stray otherwise...

Anyway. 'Uncle Minuet's fine.

Stop doing that with your emotions, please, it's distracting.

[rubs at his face and allows himself a single comment about the emotions they're both trying to ignore]

...He's alive, you know. It'll be okay.

[ Instantly chagrined but also a lil exasperated because bitch, how.

Looks away sharply. ]

I know.

I just mean...the grief is always still there. And sometimes you'll wake up and think it was all a dream and he's still gone. But hearing other people talk about him, and seeing him, and knowing he's still moving through the world...makes it easier to handle. Most days.

[ Takes a deep breath, with some self-admonishment. Wanting Wolfwood awake is selfishness, plain and simple. ]

Well.

... Once we've solved this place.

Hopefully before then.

[he wants to tell him not to be so self-admonishing. but any way he could think to say it sounds harsh in his own mind, and he doesn't dare say it out loud]

[ Is this is CR growth dot jpg ]

Anyway, in the meantime, I'll just have to go to you for -- uh... not parenting advice.

[ That's terrifying. Sends a shiver down his spine thinking of it. ]

But. Uncling advice? If I'm gonna help out more when we go back home...

[studies say: maybe

chuckles a little trying to picture Styx and Minuet co-parenting though. chaos.]

In Korea, an uncle is "ahjussi". That's what Yerim calls me, and I'm raising her. I'm not perfect, but by now I'd say I'm plenty qualified to give advice on how to be a decent ahjussi. But I don't know if you need it. You're good with kids if you try.

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