RUFUS CATCH-ALL

[robopriest]

Comments

[soulus]

. . . I wasn't.

[robopriest]

[Hm.]

You're used to being suspected because of who you are?

[soulus]

Part of the evidence was on my face. It was natural that I would've fallen under suspicion.

[robopriest]

Ah, yes, of course. But I was talking more about the fact that Shiro thought you were dangerous simply because of what you are.

[soulus]

His conception of demons has nothing to do with me. Haros don't practice possession.

[robopriest]

Haros?

[That's a new word.]

Your species?

[soulus]

It doesn't matter. That's behind us now.

[robopriest]

...Fine, fine.

[He's too tired to pry.]

Anyways, I'm glad people listened to reason. You're here in the land of the living. Isn't that nice?

[soulus]

Was it reason? They seemed uncertain until someone was cut down.

[robopriest]

Well, with the help of people like myself, we were at least able to persuade people that you weren't some idiot who would take a nap at a place relating to the murder. So there's that.

[soulus]

. . . That was unnecessary.

[robopriest]

What, us helping you?

[soulus]

I dislike being in debt.

[robopriest]

...In debt?

[Oh. Oh my god.]

[He can't help it - he lets out a chuckle, before it goes into a full laugh. It feels strange to laugh, especially in the wake of tragedy, but he has to.]

In debt for an act of kindness? Rufus! Rufus, really, you surprise me with very conversation we have! Haha!

[soulus]

[Don't laugh.]

How is that surprising?

[robopriest]

Because it just keeps showing me how much you're missing out on. You're like a kid.

[A very very very old kid, but a kid nevertheless.]

Anyways, enjoy what it feels like. Nobody who stuck up for you wants anything in return. Its not "debt", and never will be.

[soulus]

[His frown deepens. He's not a kid anymore.]

I find that hard to believe.

[robopriest]

Well! Believe this. I offered my ever so kind words to stick up for you, and I want nothing back. Not a single dime, cent, or whatever. Its yours. That's that.

[Shrugs! What are you going to do about it!!]

[soulus]

[He stares, then closes his eyes and takes a long sip of water. It's clear that he doesn't really like the thought.]

[robopriest]

I just want to make it clear that the world doesn't work purely on give and take.

[He tilts his head as he looks over at Rufus.]

How do you explain charity, Rufus?

[soulus]

[He's back to staring at the floor with the glass of water held below chest level.]

I know what it is.

[robopriest]

[Continuing to prod:]

And what is it?

[soulus]

Voluntary relief.

[robopriest]

And why would people provide voluntary relief?

[soulus]

Is that important?