Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

Comments

[misstrust]

Which means we're one step closer to ending this for good.

[ Dorothy's quiet for a few more seconds. ]

But it looks like our agreement is going to come to an end here.

[soulus]

No.

The requirements were to retrieve the removed. You will still be alive to pay me once the Realm has stabilized.

[misstrust]

A temporary postponement, then?

[ Communication might be difficult, from what she's learned of it between the dead and the living. ]

[soulus]

I have agreements on that side as well.

[misstrust]

... Well, goodness! Knowing that, I don't feel very special at all now.

[ She is absolutely not being serious. ]

[soulus]

That has nothing to do with it.

[She knows that, too.]

[misstrust]

Permit me my theatrics, at least for a bit tonight.

[ This punk. ]

Even if it's only a temporary thing, I am still going to die tomorrow in some undoubtedly gruesome fashion.

[soulus]

It won't be the first time you've died . . .

[misstrust]

Yes, and back then... well, you were the first to die, so you wouldn't have known.

[ How absolutely terrified and devastated Dorothy had been at the time. ]

I'm not looking forward to having an audience of familiar faces for it, either.

But I suppose I also have no right to complain.

[ She did this. She accepted it. And she's been reassuring everyone who's visited her that she's fine with it, in the face of upset expressions, hopeful wishes and tears. ]

[soulus]

[None of them has the right to complain.]

Would you prefer that we look away?

[misstrust]

If I thought that people would, yes.

[ But she very much doubts they will. ]

[soulus]

. . . Then I will avert my gaze.

[misstrust]

... Thank you.

[ Hopefully this doesn't make people think Rufus is an asshole for refusing to even look at Dorothy dying tomorrow ]

[soulus]

I'm merely following your request. There's nothing to thank.

[misstrust]

It's not a term in the agreement and it's not something you're asking payment for.

So yes, I think "thank you" can still apply.

[soulus]

Why don't we make it a mutual agreement?

In exchange for my turning away, please do not look back.

[misstrust]

... That's what you want?

[soulus]

Is there a problem?

[misstrust]

No, I can agree to that... it just surprised me.

[soulus]

Then it's decided.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss before I go?

[misstrust]

Already so eager to leave me?

[ It's dry. ]

[soulus]

You're bound to have more visitors soon.

[misstrust]

You're one of the last, I think.

[ Dorothy did indeed get slammed, why do you think she looks so tired-- ]

... But for what you said earlier-- before the cookie. I have the very strong suspicion that you didn't intend to say it and I feel as though it might have caused misunderstandings for you as a result, but...

[ It had meant a lot. She doesn't have regrets. She'd fulfilled the requirement. But... ]

Thank you, Rufus.

[soulus]

[There's a moment of lengthy silence as he watches her.

Saying all that did spawn more misunderstandings than he would have liked. He can endure them, though. He just didn't expect that she would thank him for it.]

. . . It was inappropriate.

[misstrust]

In what way?

[ It's not like he said anything lewd.

Not that he would, it's Rufus. ]