RUFUS CATCH-ALL

[robopriest]

Comments

[robopriest]

...You talked to him?

[soulus]

No. It was something one of the Leaders said.

[robopriest]

What, that murdering someone would allow them to regain memories?

[soulus]

It wasn't in those exact words . . . but that shouldn't have been possible under ordinary circumstances.

[robopriest]

Ordinary circumstances...

[SIGHS]

It seems like our masked benefactors are just as much in the dark as we are about how the Realm works. Nothing's playing by the rules.

[soulus]

All the more reason to gather nova while the Leaders resolve the disturbance. This might not be an isolated incident if we drag our feet.

[robopriest]

Maybe, but if we put in all the work, and people start killing each other anyways, it won't matter. We need to find a Plan B, too.

[soulus]

What do you suggest?

[robopriest]

Finding a way out of this place. Which of course is easier said than done, but...I think finding how to get in contact to the Realm is one way. Maybe we have to use the Leaders for that.

[soulus]

We can do that while we gather nova. The Leaders prefer that we approach them.

[robopriest]

I guess, but I find it hard to put all our eggs in a basket that doesn't know what's really going on themselves. They're victims as much as we are.

[soulus]

Then how do you intend on using them to reach the Realm?

[robopriest]

They don't "talk" with the Realm, you know. Apparently the Realm shares its feelings with them. Which is a weird way of communication, but...its something to think about.

[soulus]

. . . I'll think about it.

[robopriest]

Good.

[A long pause, before he looks over at the other man.]

You know, you might be a man of few words, but you really do have a lot you think about, huh? That's why I gave you the apple in the first place.

[soulus]

[He, meanwhile, appraises the apple in his hand.]

There's no need to share everything aloud.

[robopriest]

Maybe. But its nice to hear.

[soulus]

You can hear it as long as you pay me.

[robopriest]

Sure, sure. More apples for you. Maybe I'll switch it up and give you oranges, too.

[And since its affection week STILL he just reaches over to give the other man's hand a squeeze. His hand is...oddly firm, somehow. He does draw it back after a moment, though.]

[soulus]

[His gaze shifts from the apple to the squeeze, following Hansa's hand even once it retracts.

Between this and a couple of other instances, he finds himself momentarily wondering—and he doesn't look discreet when doing it.]

[robopriest]

[He notices the look...and that makes him furrow his eyebrows slightly, his gaze questioning.]

...Don't tell me I need to give you another apple for your thoughts.

[soulus]

[Were it any other thought, he might've asked for that orange. But he recalls that Hansa initially refused to strip during trial for a reason.]

. . . Your body isn't flesh.

[robopriest]

...

[His smile curls on his face, like a Cheshire Cat.]

What makes you say that?

[soulus]

[The smile doesn't deter him. In fact, it gets him to continue.]

Just now, I felt it again when our hands touched. It was the same as what I had experienced at the planetarium. It hadn't mattered then, but I remember that you refused to bare yourself at the emporium.

The reason for that refusal . . . Am I wrong?

[robopriest]

You're not wrong.

[A shrug.]

This body is special.