BiT live

[temperedinpride]

Who: Cosmo
Where: Lobby
When: 436

[Cosmo is rocking a look. Minus the plague mask, it's just his normal mask. He's got a set of fruity drinks in front of him, and he's leaning back with a drink in hand.]

"Risk" and "Reward".

Half of these drinks are non-alcoholic, most of the rest are quite potently alcoholic, a few are drugged.

The risk is obvious, the reward is engaging in the live. Or perhaps in avoiding the traps.

The drugs are one of three kinds--a potent psychedelic, a numbing agent, and something to get you a little hot under the collar. Do take it elsewhere if you get that last one.

[He sips his drink.]

Of course some say the best way to win at gambling is not to play, but where's the fun in that?

((OOC: tag any toplevels with the aphro as nsfw and you can have like, multiple if you want. I'll toplevel Lahabrea to talk to but you can also just engage with drugs.))

Comments

[temperedinpride]

[He is going to get up, put on his mask, and try to leave.]

[rainshaveceased]

[stands up to try and reach for him

and falls over]

[temperedinpride]

....

[He could just be an asshole and leave him on the floor.

But like, could he though?

He will turn around to try to pick him up.]

[rainshaveceased]

[is picked up.

he's wiping at his eyes]

I know you are right. I know we can't afford to worry about other worlds or timelines when we haven't saved even one yet. Of course I know that.

I'm just very drunk, Lahabrea.

[temperedinpride]

[He looks down at the man in his arms and while he's very tense for a few moments he takes a breath in and out, buries whatever it is and sets Elidibus down with utmost gentleness on the bed, brushing his hair back from his forehead and cupping his cheeks in his hands.]

My apologies for speaking harshly. Your words frightened me. Our path ahead is so tenuous, our hope but a thread, the thought of taking on too much and risking it... It leaves me shaking.

But I do not want to deny your thoughts or desires. Even if they cannot be seen through, I will endeavor to hear you out without such a kneejerk reaction in the future.

[rainshaveceased]

[reaching for lahabrea's cheek in turn and finding it after a few tries]

You know I would never endanger the mission, right? Even if I want to save everything, I'm Elidibus. My duty always comes first. Always.

So do not be afraid. Have faith. We will reclaim our world and see our people thrive once more.

[temperedinpride]

[He just kisses Elidibus's forehead.]

I have always believed we would succeed.

[rainshaveceased]

We will. We will.

...Do you want to go back to your Live?

[temperedinpride]

No. I believe that is enough for now.

[rainshaveceased]

I'm sorry I called it stupid.

[temperedinpride]

[He looks confused a moment.]

What?

[rainshaveceased]

I said the drug gambling is stupid.

[temperedinpride]

Oh. Well it is. It is a pointless diversion.

[rainshaveceased]

Well, yes. But I did not need to say it.

[temperedinpride]

....

[He sighs.]

It does not bother me that you find the live itself distasteful. But I worry that you see me in a light that can only foreshadow how our own people will. And it would not be wrong of them, if they did.

[rainshaveceased]

Is that why you were so worried about my opinion?

[pets his cheek]

Lahabrea, I think you are a ridiculous, strange, and often terribly rude man. For one of the most brilliant minds our star ever has or will produce, you can be an utter fool at times. You are passionate, devoted, stubborn, and completely wonderful.

If that is how you fear our people will see you, I regret to say you are likely correct.

[temperedinpride]

...

Yes, well. ... Yes. My thanks.

[He clears his throat but his voice is rough. Time to change the subject quickly before he is either tempted to argue or cry.]

Do you truly think I want to be entirely idle? I value your opinion and abilities far too much to let you rest indefinitely.

[rainshaveceased]

Mmh. I've just been frustrated because everyone keeps telling me to rest all the time.

[temperedinpride]

We've literally worked ourselves to death in one way or another. Recovery is necessary for all of us.

Resting does not mean doing nothing. Simply.... allowing yourself to slow down is a start.

[rainshaveceased]

I have been slowed down my entire time here, though. Is that not enough?

[temperedinpride]

Do you feel you are resting?

[rainshaveceased]

I feel like I'm being useless and getting nothing done, so yes?

[temperedinpride]

That is not terribly restful. You should feel relaxed. Not anxious. What amount of doing things would make you feel more productive but not overwhelmed?

[rainshaveceased]

[indignant glare!!]

When have I ever been overwhelmed by my work?

[temperedinpride]

Since you became Zodiark's heart, if not before.