RUFUS CATCH-ALL

[robopriest]

Comments

[soulus]

That's not a bad idea.

[robopriest]

Go for it, then. Nobody's stopping you. Just make sure to ask for winning numbers, though. You don't want duds.

[soulus]

What would I do with them here?

[He dares a glance at Hansa.]

Money isn't everything.

[robopriest]

[He glances back.]

Things of value are everything though, right?

[soulus]

. . . That depends on the type of value.

[robopriest]

Hm. You're right. Value is broad.

[That does remind him of something he saw on the profiles...]

So, does bounty hunting not pay that much?

[soulus]

The requester determines the payment. I only decide whether I accept or decline the contract.

[robopriest]

That's kind of one-sided, isn't it? I mean, they're basically using you. You can't dictate your own terms? It's just accept or decline?

[soulus]

With enough reputation, prices can become negotiable . . . but it's bad business if the client disagrees.

[robopriest]

...

Wait, are you saying that you don't have much reputation?

[soulus]

Didn't you hear what I said? Word of mouth is important for collecting requests. It's bad business if the client takes offense.

[robopriest]

I see.

[Your business lives or dies by your reputation...]

Sounds rough, honestly. Were you always in the profession?

[soulus]

Is that important? I don't see the point of this conversation.

[robopriest]

Well, what are we going to talk about, me? I mean, sure, if you want me to talk about priestly duties and recite Holy Scripture to you for the next half hour, I'll drum some excerpts up.

[soulus]

What do you oversee?

[robopriest]

[That actually nets him a surprised look for a second, before it eases into his customary smirk.]

I don't know...maybe I should ask for payment before giving out that kind of information?

[soulus]

[Just a simple priest, huh.]

If it has no bearing on this place, I have no interest in paying.

[robopriest]

Haha. Who's to say if it does or doesn't?

[But after a beat.]

Its just some relics that belong to the Church. That's what I oversee.

[soulus]

[Pondering payment and then just giving him information for free . . . ]

Including magic cups?

[robopriest]

Who knows?

[He might be giving information, but he's going to be an ass about it.]

[soulus]

[He closes his eyes, ready to dismiss Hansa altogether when the impulse strikes mid inhalation. The urge is so powerful that he moves without a mind of his own. He wordlessly strides through the darkness of the planetarium, up to his conversation partner, and loops his arms around Hansa's torso.]

[robopriest]

[.............?]

[?????????????????????????????????]

[Hansa just. Blinks. Is this a joke? Is this happening right now? Hansa lifts a hand and just...starts patting the other's head? Wait, why is he doing that? Well, at least his hair is nice and soft.]

Uh. Rufus...?

[soulus]

[Rufus exhales through his nose, even as his arms tighten gently around Hansa.

This is a joke. Stop touching his head. It's too familiar.]

Please pay it no mind, and I will return the favor.

[robopriest]

[Yeah, this is bizarre. Appreciate how solid Hansa's torso is, Rufus, while Hansa just stares down, perplexed, as he keeps petting the other's hair.]

Sure, I won't. I don't really understand what's happening. It's like I'm moving on my own.

[he shouldn't say it he shouldn't say it he shouldn't say it he shouldn't say it-]

But.................I didn't know I'd be petting two cute cats for the price of one.

[kill him now]

[soulus]

[He frowns, but doesn't say anything.

That is, until after a protracted moment . . . ]

That's a wolf.