RUFUS CATCH-ALL

[robopriest]

Comments

[soulus]

I dislike relying on someone else's wealth.

[robopriest]

It's not really mine. It's not anyone's. Well, if you have no need of it, I'll just throw it all away.

[soulus]

I don't want to hear about money you have lying around that you can just throw away.

[robopriest]

Haha. Its a payment to me. I have yet to collect it. When I do...I'll give it to you.

I'm serious, Rufus.

[soulus]

What if I have no interest in changing jobs?

[robopriest]

That's no skin off my bones. I was just curious with my little offer, but its hardly a dealbreaker.

[soulus]

Are you saying that you have another job lined up?

[robopriest]

...

[He lets out a light laugh, looking away.]

Ah, Rufus, don't you get it? [...] Do you want a job that badly?

[soulus]

. . . I can't live without money.

[robopriest]

I know you can't. Which is why I want to give it to you.

[soulus]

If you want me to have it, you'll have to submit a request that's appropriate for the amount.

[robopriest]

Fine.

Guarantee that everyone gets out of this mess alive. The ones removed, and the ones still here. Everyone will be brought back.

If you can work towards making that happen...then I'll give you your reward.

[soulus]

. . . Are you that eager to get rid of the reward?

[robopriest]

Eager? I wouldn't use that word.

[soulus]

What would you call this, then?

[robopriest]

Guess.

[soulus]

I believe I've already given you one . . .

[robopriest]

Guess something else other than "I'm just eager to give it away".

[soulus]

I would rather that you just say it.

[robopriest]

...

[He just shakes his head, finally, letting out a sigh.]

I just want to help you out. If I have to do it on your terms, so be it.

[soulus]

[With the sandwich done and gone, he stares down at the paper bag.]

. . . I don't need help.

[robopriest]

I know you don't. And technically, I don't need to be friends with you. I don't need to talk with you. I don't need to go out of my way and make a nice lunch for you, and could just give you something simple.

[The lightest of smiles.]

But I do it because I just want to.

[soulus]

[The bag sits heavily on his lap as he looks up, catching the smile in his periphery.]

We aren't friends.

[robopriest]

[An almost flippant gesture, as he moves to sand.]]

Yes, yes, in the end, for you, I'm just someone who provides you sandwiches for a kiss, aren't I.

[soulus]

[Rufus falls silent. Maybe so.]