audience: lucas

[mygod]

Comments

[faithkept]

[He could probably try to ease his way around the answer he'd rather not give in this case, but there is perhaps some biting little part of him that's still buttmad about being called on his entirely super definitely unintentional avoidance earlier.]

That person got the help that was needed. I would rather not answer beyond that.

[mygod]

[ hm.

famine seems to just watch lucas for a long, loooooong moment. after that moment passes, with surprising sincerity— ]

I'm glad that they're well.

[ another pause

and then an open-handed gesture. lucas can ask something in return now after he's been grilled over the coals ]

[faithkept]

[THE WAY HE'S SO INTERNALLY TIGHTLY WOUND BY THE TIME THEY SAY ANYTHING that it comes as even more of a surprise when their response isn't anything needling or pushy. He relaxes perhaps the tiniest of fractions, and his smile is small but genuine.]

Thank you.

[Though this just makes him tired in turn because it reminds him of (redacted). Life is a nightmare but one carries ever onward!!

He considers his question for a moment.]

You say that the only force you believe in is yourself. Does that mean you've never run into something you couldn't handle alone?

[mygod]

[ they continue to watch lucas like a hawk. that's fine surely. but then they cross their arms and pause to think about the answer they want to give ]

No. Not exactly. While I do believe in myself first and foremost, I was not always alone. Everything that I was able to accomplish was done through a matter of my own active choices. Choosing who to trust, who to listen to, and who to offer help.

Collaboration is worthwhile when the right individuals are selected.

However, I can see all my allies. They are concretes to place faith in, not spiritual messengers.

[faithkept]

[(no chewin voice) NO STARIN.

Anyway wow what's it like to have real people to rely on... Wild... Sounds fake honestly...]

I can see why you would be curious to understand more about different placements of faith, in that case.

[mygod]

[ well

that is the realization that seems to hit them next as they then ask— ]

Would you then consider yourself someone who is, more often than not, alone?

[faithkept]

[HELLO. DID HE JUST GET CALLED A FRIENDLESS LOSER.]

Goodness, no. How in the world did you come to that conclusion?

[mygod]

[ yes ]

You mentioned that you sought out your faith because there was something that others could not help you with—so either the people you're surrounded by are incompetent or you didn't look hard enough.

The context you provided me was limited. [ wonder why ] And so I can only draw conclusions based on the difference between us. If all my needs have been answered by my environment, I can only presume that yours haven't.

That you encountered something out of your own capability, so only your supposed god could answer.

[faithkept]

[THIS IS NOT MAKING HIM WANT TO PROVIDE MORE CONTEXT IT'S JUST MAKING HIM WANT TO HIT WITH A BRICK BEHIND THE DENNY'S AGAIN.]

You're making a great deal of assumptions based on very little context. In any case, my answer remains unchanged.

[He's not alone he has the power of god and anime on his side.]

I'd also suggest that, should you take me up on my offer to speak with others about their faith, you adjust your approach a bit.

[mygod]

Oh? Should I invite you to lecture me, teacher?

[ said in the tone of "try me" ]

[faithkept]

It isn't a lecture. Just a suggestion.

[Why do so many of these fucks need to be socialized it's almost like weird people are prone to joining cults.]

[mygod]

Have I made you uncomfortable?

[ i wonder ]

[faithkept]

[I WONDER.]

I can't say I'm very fond of your quick-drawn conclusions, but I'm more concerned that you could easily make others very uncomfortable or upset if you don't handle topics like this carefully.

[mygod]

[ they cross their arms, considering this. they weigh their words a few times, before settling on a conclusion ]

I did not mean to make you upset. Though I do think it would benefit you to be more honest.

[faithkept]

[He does not know that he trusts this, but he'll smile anyway.]

I'm not upset, but thank you. There's a difference between being honest and being open with a veritable stranger, as well.

[mygod]

I do not blame you if you mistrust me. Given the situation, it is sensible.

But if you ask me in return, I will offer you no lies.

[faithkept]

It's nothing personal; only a little due caution. [He says, as if he is the sort of person who opens up to anyone at any point in time in any situation.]

Thank you for understanding, though.

[And for this SUSPICIOUS OFFER OF HONESTY.]

[mygod]

[ what's so suspicious about it damn ]

I don't care if it's personal.

[ they seem to know how they come off. though they do make an open-handed gesture. they have no other questions for now so lucas can decide the next conversation point. or leave. i would personally leave ]

[faithkept]

[He does briefly consider just dipping but that would be LOSING. Instead, after thinking over a few of the things he's heard:]

Is honesty important to you?

[mygod]

[ tilts head ]

Not always. For myself, yes. It's a waste of time to lie or step around statements of fact.

[ that seems like the full answer, but they're frowning. eventually, they add ]

Sometimes people lie to me and I become too late. That is a problem.

[faithkept]

[

Imagine being in a position where you just never have to lie or step around statements of fact... Once again sounds fake... Fake and a great way of trying to TRICK PEOPLE into TELLING YOU THINGS. But the addendum has his brow arching. i think about how i keep fucking describing lucas' eyebrows but no one can see them]

What do you mean by that?

[mygod]

[ STOP DOING THIS TO BEN

famine tilts their head, this time with purpose. they adjust their cloak hood and tap the side of their neck which can now clearly read their tattoo that they imagine is probably visible through cloth. imagine if it wasn't there that'd be funny

but it is and it says FAILING TO SAVE THEM ]

I mean that I cannot help those who don't want to be helped. I am deceived rarely.

Though I feel... [ a beat ] regret for instances I was.

[faithkept]

[STOP NOT HIM JUST STARING AT FUCKING NOTHING but no they're words and they're like relatable words?? That would be a fear rather than a regret for him, though.

In any case, despite the fact that they have clearly gestured to the words to show them, Lucas only looks long enough to read and then reflexively looks away, back toward their mask. It still feels impolite in a discomforting way.]

I see... I'm sorry to hear you've had to experience such a regret, and in such a way.

[Being deceived isn't the fault of the person with the wool over their eyes.]

[mygod]

[ famine doesn't mind. if they did, they wouldn't have gestured so obviously. but they'll readjust their cloak hood once lucas is done ]

I do not need condolences. I was only answering your question.

[faithkept]

I don't think that you need them. I'd offer them regardless.

[Though there is a little bit of wry amusement.]

You and Death speak similarly.