AUDIENCE: SOO-WON

[retellers]

Comments

[recrowns]

Fufu, do you think it's a bad trait to have?

I think it's cute.

[retellers]

Cute...

[ trying to decide if they want to be considered cute or not ]

[recrowns]

[he nods!]

Cute.

[retellers]

I'm not sure if that's the impression I should be trying to give...

[recrowns]

Maybe not in general...

But I don't think it's a bad thing between us. It's similar to being endearing?

[retellers]

... I suppose endearing is good.

[recrowns]

[he nods!]

You're very endearing.

I didn't anticipate that I would like chatting with an immortal so much - or seek to be friends with one.

[retellers]

[ they tilt their head. ]

Why is that?

[recrowns]

I suppose to start, I've never met an immortal being before I came here.

[he doesn't know about zeno's power yet at this canon point it's fine]

[retellers]

Mm. We're probably not very common...

[recrowns]

In my world, I don't believe there are any.

[lmao]

And I never sought out anyone with special powers either.

[retellers]

Perhaps that is for the best. Coveting the powers of others is...

[ their voice trails off. ]

[recrowns]

[ . . . ]

Is?

[retellers]

[ a pause. ]

... is unwise and will only lead to disaster. I think.

[recrowns]

[ . . . he nods.]

I agree.

And perhaps that is why I did not think that I would end up becoming friends with someone such as yourself - but I also seek your company, not your powers.

So I believe it's passable.

[retellers]

... I am glad to hear that. Though, um, if you ever felt uncomfortable, I would understand...

[recrowns]

[he shakes his head]

I would tell you if I did -

But I ask only that no matter what memories I may retain or lose - you don't let me rely on you too much.

[retellers]

Why...?

[recrowns]

Because no matter what memories I have, I want to be someone who relies on the powers of people -

Not of immortals, gods, or spirits.

I like hearing your thoughts. I want to talk to you about many things, and hear about what the world looks like from your eyes - but if I ever stop thinking for myself... I think I'd no longer be Soo-won.

[retellers]

[ ... ]

Whatever my lifespan may be... I hope, at least, that if it ever becomes necessary, you would be willing to rely on me as you would a friend.

[ they clasp their hands in their lap. ]

... Though I most likely am unneeded. Already, many people seem to cherish and support you.

[recrowns]

.... oh dear, are you the one who's started to not feel special?

[though even in the tease -

there's a note of both curiosity and concern]

[retellers]

[ they immediately shake their head. ]

That's not it. I simply want what's best for you.

[recrowns]

[ . . . he manages a soft laugh at that]

I know.

And I suppose I haven't spoken with all the Leaders just yet... but I think I like our relationship the best of them, thus far. At the very least... I think others would struggle to understand the way that I think, about things like... guardianship. Protection. What it means to make difficult choices for the greatest number.

You don't seem to have that difficulty.

So please don't consider yourself unneeded. [and he's not someone who considers himself someone who needs others but - ] I want to keep speaking to you, and knowing you.

That matters more to me than anything else.

[retellers]

[ ...

slowly, they nod, unclasping their hands. ]

... I enjoy speaking with you as well, and getting to know your life.

[recrowns]

[and soo-won smiles at that]

Then we're even.

There's always room in my heart for more people - [because soo-won likes everyone] - but it doesn't mean that I cherish you any less.