homophonic ❆ wolfwood

[bindings]

wolfwood

Of course I missed you.

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Comments

[bindings]

[she reaches, brushing her fingers through the fire. quick, snappy, the way you do when you're playing with a candle.]

You do that often, you know.

[crucifer]

[ He watches her play with fire, literally, just as much of an expert on how to avoid its bite. ]

Do what?

[bindings]

Downplay yourself.

[she tilts her head.] This is why I don't find you threatening.

[crucifer]

...

Didn't think I was, really. But it's not like I find the need to look super threatening in front of other people right now.

Just gotta look not weak.

[ Twisting his wrist, the fire going out. ]

How's a priest supposed to make business if he keeps scarin' away everyone?

[ He just doesn't want to come off as some kind of showboating, power-hungry bastard. ]

[bindings]

[she seems a little amused by this? just a little.]

I don't think you're weak, either. I know you aren't. [...] Are you really a priest?

[crucifer]

Then I guess it's working.

[ Hmm. ]

I'm not not a priest. Just not the standard kind who stands around in holy houses and blesses you.

[bindings]

You don't seem like that kind. I visited a cathedral in Mondstadt, once, and the people there are nothing like you.

[this is actually a compliment if you can believe it]

What do you do, then?

[crucifer]

[ He's not surprised, he really is not a stay-home priest. ]

Like I said -- wander around, doing services for people who ask... and I take on odd jobs here and there beyond that to make ends meet.

Gotta make money to survive.

[bindings]

With the way you talk about the world you come from, this doesn't surprise me. [a little sigh.] I've never seen a desert, before. But it sounds awful.

I don't want you to stay here. But at least the resources aren't as scarce.

[crucifer]

It's not, but... it feels weird when it's all for free anyway. I've never not worked for the things I want or need.

[ Thoughtful pause... ]

...This place doesn't have the things I need.

[bindings]

[a headtilt.]

What is it that you need?

[crucifer]

[ He thinks about it -- he needs a guarantee of protection, the survival and sanctity of everything he holds dear.

Outwardly, though, he just says -- ]

Money I can take home.

[ Flatly. ]

[bindings]

Perhaps if we save our money it will be transferred to you when you revive.

[she says, like she's just made the decision that he's making it to the end]

[crucifer]

[ He snorts. ]

No use for money out in the mountains much?

[ Said like she'll be there too. ]

[bindings]

No. I've never needed to buy anything, there.

You can have what I have at the end, if you'd like.

[crucifer]

...

You ever bought something just for, you know, fun?

[ He's pretty sure of the answer, but. ]

[bindings]

[she thinks about that.]

Does food count?

[crucifer]

Just to fill your stomach, or as a treat?

[bindings]

I bought one of every dish at a restaurant in Liyue to try a little bit of each. I didn't finish them. I didn't want to miss the taste of food when I returned to the mountains. I gave the rest to the people around me.

[she will let him decide...]

[crucifer]

...Sure, I'll give you partial points.

[ Just to try. Though the fact that she denied enjoying them too much because she wouldn't be able to have them anymore is sad. ]

Did you like it?

[bindings]

[she hums.]

I did. The herbs that I usually eat are bitter, so it was a nice change.

[crucifer]

...

[ Hmm. ]

You should try one of everything on the food truck menus.

And take pictures.

And try riding on the gondolas.

Maybe go grab your own Blahaj.

[bindings]

[help wolfwood like please live a little]

I have a... Blahaj. [she says it bad] Its name is Fate.

[a pause.] Why?

[crucifer]

Cute.

[ Fate... ]

Something about hearin' you deny yourself even some damn good food just 'cause it won't last is making me sad.

[ It takes him back to ringing lectures, steel walls, never the light of day. ]

Eat, laugh, live a little while you still can. Nothing wrong with appreciating the outside world.

[bindings]

[she glances up at him, thoughtfully.]

Will you appreciate it with me?