rupert

[unrecked]

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[unrecked]

[He's quiet for a moment, and then he finally looks back over at Rupert. The tail behind him sways low over the ground.]

...No. We washed up on a beach and met a woman at a nearby mansion named Ivan. Found out we'd be hunted for sport by people called Generals. Sounds simple, but after I died, I found out it wasn't just an island or a sport.

We were all already dead. It was purgatory. There was another woman judging our souls for heaven or hell; she was just called The Judge. The only way for us to go back home alive was if the Generals won.

[agleam]

...So it should have worked out for you, but it didn't.

[he frowns.]

I'm really sorry. But - what you did, what you offered for him... That was really brave, Jason.

[unrecked]

Well, yes and no. We won, and Ivan was freed, and said there would be no more hunts. But... you know.

[He gestures at this place. He's here! Surprise. It's not a hunt necessarily, but whatever.]

You don't have to commend me. I'm not looking for a medal.

[agleam]

Right... That's what I meant when I said not working out.

[him being stuck here, that is. he makes a face at the next part, though, sighing a tiny bit.]

I didn't think you were, but I'm being sincere. Take the compliment.

[unrecked]

[nooooo kicks his legsssss not being NICE not COMPLIMENTS his praise issues....]

Fine, but I don't need it. [The tail swishes harder at the tip. Tsundere.] He just had something to go back to.

[agleam]

[another pause, hesitating with more uncertainty this time, before:]

...And you don't feel like you do?

[unrecked]

I didn't at the time. But it's been a while for me back home since then and now.

[agleam]

Can I ask what changed...?

[though, honestly, he's sorry he ever had to feel like that in the first place.]

[unrecked]

[He doesn't answer immediately.]

I still have some things to do back home.

[agleam]

...But you came here to try and help him despite that.

[it's not hard to tell that there's admiration in his voice.]

[unrecked]

[NOOOOOOO. NO. Not the admiration!!!!!!!!! INWARD SCREAM]

...Don't worry about it.

[HE HAS NO EXCUSE HE CAN THINK OF RIGHT THIS SECOND, and he also doesn't want to just tell Rupert to shut up. But it's said like "shut up."]

[agleam]

...I'm not worried?

[he's making a concerted effort not to sound amused.]

[unrecked]

Just pretend you didn't hear any of that.

[agleam]

About how likely do you think that is...?

[unrecked]

[Looks at Rupert for a long moment pointedly.]

Tell anyone, and I'll know who to hunt down.

[agleam]

Yes, yes, your secret is safe with me. Can't have anything happen to your bad boy reputation, right?

[amused]