[ rufus the protag of tox2 ]

[recrowns]

Comments

[soulus]

[A cold, dark feeling settles over his emotions.]

. . . There was a time when I asked for help. Nobody came. That was the day I decided to forgo my expectations of others and wash my hands of irresponsible people. That's all.

[recrowns]

[ . . . ah. soo-won notes that feeling, and his own reflect only a sense of compassion - and a note of gratitude, for being trusted with even that much.]

.... thank you for telling me. No one can blame you for your anger - to feel as though no one hears you.... it can be crushing.

Even so... I'm glad that you're here, and that I've gotten a chance to meet you.

[soulus]

[Despite Soo-won's share of compassion and trust, irritation begins to roil unabated within Rufus, slashing his patience.]

Is there a reason you're telling me this?

[recrowns]

Hmm.... something worth mentioning, I suppose?

Hurt doesn't heal easily, especially of that caliber.... but I do hope that you don't have to carry it with you forever.

[soulus]

That's none of your concern. Please forget that I said anything.

[recrowns]

It is my concern - I'm curious about you, and I care for your well-being.

[soulus]

Rest assured. No matter how I'm feeling, I will honor our agreement.

[recrowns]

While I don't doubt this, I'm not really in the habit of using people as tools and means to an end. It doesn't sit well with me.

[soulus]

Tools . . . Is that not what we are to the Realm?

[recrowns]

Perhaps.

Is that supposed to make a difference to me?

[soulus]

I abide by our agreement. While I have no qualms with being viewed as a tool, please do not expect anything more.

[recrowns]

Can we amend the agreement so that we gradually become friends?

[soulus]

Your hearing is far too selective. I have no interest in making friends.

[recrowns]

I could pay you?

[soulus]

Then I would have your soul as payment.

[recrowns]

[whoa! he actually looks surprised

but also like he's considering it]

You want my soul in exchange for your friendship?

[soulus]

Yes. Is that reasonable?

[recrowns]

I'm still trying to decide.

What are the parameters of you accepting my soul as payment? Do I have to die for that?

[soulus]

Yes. You must die before I can seize your soul.

[recrowns]

Then let's discuss it after I die, but I'm willing to keep the option open if you'll consider letting me be your friend.

[soulus]

I will not commit until I have confirmation.

[recrowns]

Hmm....

If you take my soul as payment, where does it go? What will happen to it?

[WHY IS HE STILL ENTERTAINING THIS]

[soulus]

It will be taken to the Underworld. What happens after that will depend on who accepts it.

[recrowns]

[why is he still thinking about this.......]

... you truly wish to reject my friendship that badly?

[soulus]

I thought I made my stance clear earlier.