Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

Comments

[misstrust]

[ Dorothy blinks at him, quite honestly caught off-guard. Thankfully, she's seasoned enough not to just press her fingers to her forehead and mull on that.

Instead, she smiles, in direct contrast to that frown of his. ]

So you do like me! I'm flattered.

[soulus]

[Still frowning, he lowers his gaze to her face. His hand stubbornly continues to caress her head.]

That has nothing to do with it. I have no feelings toward you.

[misstrust]

Not even curiosity?

[ If he's going to keep stroking her hair then she's just going to delicately do the same. It's fine. ]

Though I have to admit you've yet to ask me the questions I owe you, so that might be valid.

In the meantime, I shall just have to like you in my stead.

[soulus]

[He doesn't look too pleased with the contact. At the same time he declines to push her away, because he reckons that they're both being affectionate out of the same irresistible impulse.]

I have no intention of engaging in personal conversation with anyone here, nor are you obliged to care for me in any way.

[misstrust]

[ He's not wrong. Dorothy doesn't mind affection and will happily encourage it, but she's not one to push for it when the other party isn't offering at least faint signals.

And yet here they are, and while she knows it's all impulse, she accepts it and moves a little closer to let their shoulders touch. One hand returns to her lap, satisfied with this level of affectionate contact. Apparently.

Dorothy herself? Looks a little... exasperated. ]

And here we have another one just like her... [ It's muttered, before she shakes her head as best she can. ]

Well, that's quite kind of you to remind me that I am in no way obligated to do anything.

And so I will simply tell you that I'm aware and I'll do it because I want to and you may certainly do your best to stop me.

[soulus]

[Who's her? It's a fleeting question in his mind as he looks down at her. Because it's fleeting, it's gone in a flash.

Their collective position right now is oddly comfortable. Seeing as they have an understanding about why any of this is happening, he feels no need to make a bigger deal out of it.]

I have better things to do with my time. Do as you please.

[misstrust]

[ It's something like a victory, maybe. She'll count it as one, choosing not to tack on a teasing comment like "You might not want to give me that much permission." Instead, finding this nice while it lasts, Dorothy merely hums without really thinking about it-- the same song from earlier when the wolf thing had found her. ]

[soulus]

[Were this any other encounter, Rufus would've left a long time ago. But the urges hold him down, keeping him beside Dorothy.

The last time someone held and sang to him like this was . . . His scowl blooms anew. Well, now he's a little irritated.

There's nothing he can do about it right now, though. Even Rupe's curled up on the forest floor next to him. The urges will pass, so he sits and listens, paradoxically annoyed yet comfortable.]

[misstrust]

[ Must suck to be you, Rufus.

Dorothy does eventually speak up again, finally seemingly aware that enough time has passed without a word between them. ]

Well. You're surprisingly comfortable. Has anyone ever told you that?

[soulus]

[The realization that the song has ended seems to have a liberating effect on him. His hand ceases to stroke Dorothy's hair and even inch back.]

It's the Realm's influence.

Do you still feel it?

[misstrust]

Very much so.

[ She admits it, a little wryly. Bye, Rufus' hand. ]

But I'd like to think I can show some restraint. You might not speak to me again if I don't, and missing out on my company would be such a shame.

[soulus]

[Bye. He withdraws completely.]

I will always speak if it's about business.

[misstrust]

I can't say I could offer you much of that, considering money doesn't seem to be a thing here. And I don't know what services you'd be selling.

[ For a one thousand-year-old demon, he sure doesn't know how to have fun, does he? ]

[soulus]

In exchange for payment of goods and information, I can provide either or a requested service of equal value.

[Moneymaking is fun.]

Work is work. I will do anything.

[misstrust]

You two really are kindred spirits... [ Another mutter, and then she sighs. ]

Let's see how this week progresses. If it turns out it might be more beneficial than not, I could be convinced to enter into an information agreement.

[soulus]

[He won't ask.

Now that he's free, he climbs onto his feet. Next to him, Rupe stirs and jumps onto his own paws.]

I look forward to your response.

[misstrust]

[ Dorothy remains where she is, apparently too content to want to move. Instead, she offers him a wave. ]

Right, right. Off with you for now.