WHO: Tezcatlipoca & Others WHAT: 2025 catch-all time baby WHERE: all over WHEN: all times WARNINGS: threads will include content warnings where appropriate!
[ He pointedly doesn’t look at her, because this is something he has deep, complicated feelings on. He’d stuck to the facts of the story very intentionally for that reason, because even if he’s gained a bit of softness for Ereshkigal, he’s still just private when it comes to his own feelings. Whether it’s true or not, he feels that’s the way he needs to be, because he’s the almighty Tloque Nahuaque. His judgement stands above all others, and he’s the god of impartiality.
…Which is why his choice to pluck Daybit’s soul from oblivion is one he’s so conflicted about, even still. All souls should be equal under his eye. Yet, when faced with the choice, he hadn’t been able to do it. He hadn’t been able to abandon him to oblivion, an abyss where not even Mictlampa could beckon to him. But he had also seen possibility in Zenith’s hopes. In a new world shaped by his (and other’s) will, then would it be far enough to free his soul from the “Angels” that had such a grip on him?
So, her overall assessment makes him groan like he’s in pain. He drinks his sake like it’s a shot, then pours more. ]
Gghhh… Do you have to put it that way? Being sentimental at least sounds better…
[ It’s surely the alcohol and the cold that’s bringing color to his face. Nothing else. No way. ]
Yeah, yeah. It’s probably going to all go to shit because showing favor is against the rules, but that was the decision I made. He’s one hell of a guy, so… If there’s anyone deserving of my favor, it’s definitely him, at least. Don’t regret it.
While the temptation to tease him is extremely high, she'll refrain - if only so he will have the decency not to tease her whenever it'll be her turn to be embarrassed like that. ]
Nor should you.
[ She would have actually lost some respect for him if he regretted it. She's also broken her oath before and she doesn't regret it one bit. When she did that... That was when she felt the most alive. Even if it meant risking her very divinity, she would do it again without hesitating. ]
Well then, why are you hesitating? [She smiles.] You should write down what you just told me.
[ Well, maybe not the part about that otherworldly war... But that he likes him, that he impressed him and is deserving of his favor. Or could it be the great god Tezcatlipoca has a bad case of getting cold feet? And it's a card Daybit will likely never read! Goodness, what a disaster it must be in person. ]
[ He huffs and shakes his head as he recollects himself a bit, but the word still echoes in his head. Romantic. It just feels wrong, but part of that is tied up in being an eternal bachelor, same as the other three Tezcatlipoca. Romance just wasn’t in their cards, and he’d never thought anything of that. And yet…
He changes his mind on his earlier point, actually. He knows this could turn out chaotically, but that might just make him feel more grounded at this point. Tezcatlipoca leans back and offers the cup of sake to Ereshkigal. It’s not as potent as tequila shots by any measure, but considering what a lightweight she was, who knows. ]
Well, could do that, sure. But I tell him that all the time. [ His praise isn’t embarrassing, since that’s the arrogance of a god in action. If he deigns to offer it, then it’s self-evidently true, obviously! ] It’s more…
[ This is what he hesitates on, but his expression turns more serious as he mulls over whether to share that part or not. He could leave it at that without it being questioned, but it does feel like it’s leaving out part of what makes this complicated. It’s a purely tactical consideration, though, because even if they can pal around now, he never forgets that they’re destined to be enemies eventually. Would sharing this hurt their chances?
…He doesn’t think so, he decides. Daybit may not share the details of his “condition”, but that never struck Tezcatlipoca as something he kept close to the chest because he felt it was a secret that needed to be guarded. It’s more that it was something he considered irrelevant for other people to know. ]
It’s got nothing to do with the Lostbelts or Crypters or any of that shit, to be clear. But he’s only got a few minutes out of a day. He forgets the rest. That’s more why I’ve been sittin’ here thinking about it. It'd be nice if it was something worth remembering.
[ Ah. She's surprised Tezcatlipoca would share this with her. That's a debilitating condition, and it makes the man's exploits all the more impressive. But... She feels bad. Why did he have to say this? It's not like she can forget, nor will she stop herself from trying to think up ways this condition could be exploited. Well she could, but her desire to see Ritsuka survive this is far stronger than her guilt.
Yet again, he'll exploit everything she told him about Ritsuka if he can too. And if he did say it then he must believe this is not a weakness that can be exploited.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]
You're infuriating even when we're on friendly terms, you know.
[ She's just saying. She wasn't supposed to feel guilt or negative emotions today! Regardless, she shakes her head when he offers her a cup of sake. No drinking for her, no sir. She doesn't trust herself with alcohol any more. ]
Regardless... Don't waste his time with too many words then. The three short words "I love you" are usually enough to make a few seconds more memorable than any other.
[ Even though she's never had such an experience herself... She knows without any doubt those seconds would be the most memorable of her life. ]
And then when you see him again, there are ways other than words to express affection to fill those few precious minutes.
[ She's talking about handholding, of course. Maybe hugs and kisses. But that's it. Probably. ]
[ Ereshkigal’s assessment makes him laugh, and in a sharp contrast to how her mood falls a bit, his brightens. It’s that toothy, annoying smile in particular that comes out most for occasions like this. He’s being a pain in the ass and he knows it. ]
Ha— You bet. That’s exactly what I’m supposed to be.
[ He laughs it off with a shrug as he brings the sake to his lips instead. So, it’s probably all the more satisfying when those three short words hit him like a truck. ]
[ His shitty older brother routine crumbles immediately as he sputters into his drink. It’s not dramatic enough that it makes a mess, but it’s still a choke into his drink that makes it clear that he was not expecting that to be the overall assessment at all.
Which, naturally, is ridiculous. With what little he’s explained, it’s the conclusion that almost anyone would come to, especially if they’re a romantic like Ereshkigal. And with what he hasn’t explained, it would be even more damning. Things like why his vessel looks this way. Making Daybit take a single day “off” just to experience it, even if most of it was meaningless. Taking a little crystal out to the most beautiful places in Kenos he could find, since the idea of just keeping a soul in the dark didn’t sit right with him. What else could that be?
…It’s a sentiment that the so-called god of impartiality is struggling with, apparently. This is definitely a few seconds that he’s going to remember, but he’s going to wish he could forget. Maybe Daybit is the lucky one, actually? ]
Ah, shit… [ He sets the cup down as he wipes at his mouth and clothes to get the sake off. ] Well, yeah, that’d make a hell of an impression… Asshole would probably ask me if I was joking.
[ which. you know. not unfair, considering Tezcatlipoca… but this also paints a picture of Daybit’s personality too, honestly. No wonder they get along. ]
[ Well, that reaction settles it. If there had been any doubt about it before, there are absolutely none left now. Sure, he'll probably try to deny it or frame it in a way where "actually, it's not love, it's a deep mutual emotional investment." Yes, she can totally see him say something silly like that. But it doesn't matter.
Whatever he will say, he knows the truth. Why, as she smiles, she can't help but say: ]
Fufufu~ I didn't think you could possibly be that cute.
[ Thankfully, that's where her teasing starts and ends. Just a little victory for her, after all the torment he's put her through this past year. It's a blessing she has refused his offer to drink, because things could have been far far worse.
Her smile softens and then she speaks on a tone that indicates she's quoting someone (herself, that's who she's quoting). ]
You should live your life so that at the end of it all, you will not be filled with regrets. So that you will not look back at your life and wish you had done things differently. So that you will not mourn your lost life, but celebrate it. [She closes her eyes.] It feels weird saying that to you... But we're really more humans than gods here.
[ Cute… He wouldn’t say that either, dammit! He grimaces, somewhere between annoyed and embarrassed, but, what, can he deny it? That would just be proving her point and playing into her hands. He grumbles indistinctly as he picks up the card, since there’s just enough splatter of sake that he’ll start over. It’s only the name, so it’s not like it’s much. ]
That again?
[ He shakes his head lightly as he grabs another, and his pens out Daybit’s name quickly. Even if it’s quick, he has shockingly nice penmanship, though. Go figure. ]
I get your point, and it’s a nice sentiment. Hell, that’s what I tell anyone that’s following me, more or less.
[ “More or less” doing a lot of work there, because he doesn’t tend to say it so straightforwardly. It’s cloaked in the context that his followers should fight for every day and live vivaciously in the conflict that surrounds them. It’s more brutal, but that’s also the context of his world. ]
But can’t agree with that last point. My body may be human, but here— [ He taps his chest over his heart, but the implication is the same as if he had tapped his head. ] All god. The way I think, it just ain’t human. That’s why Daybit and I get along, since we kinda see things the same way.
[ Goodness, is it the topic of Daybit that makes him so vulnerable? ]
Maybe. [A pause.] Yet you are limited by your human brain, especially in this world where our selves are limited to those vessels.
[ They are much more than their vessel back home, even in such a limited Servant form. Their divinity radiates beyond the confines of those bodies and they can manipulate their surroundings in ways that enhance what they are capable of. Here though? Nothing, and he proved it himself when they failed to connect to the local afterlife.
But she supposes that's a difference in perspective. Even limited by a human body, the way he thinks is still so alien to the human mind, it may be accurate to call him a god anyway. Whereas she's always been the closest goddess to humans in her pantheon, alongside Ishtar. So the thought of being human... She likes it. ]
But I respect your decision on the matter. [She's not going to pick a fight on whether they should be categorized as gods or humans. It's too dependent on how they perceive the divide between gods and humanity.] You should be careful though, we're aging here.
[ She got great beauty products recommendations if he wants to delay the inevitable wrinkles and grey hair. ]
[ He frowns a bit more, and it’s clear that he would argue about it, but that’s no surprise. He’s willing to get confrontational over just about anything, but… That’s exactly what you’d expect from the god of conflict. So, as such, he also deflates a little when she brushes it off.
She’s also correct to do so, since getting into the finer points of how his godhood works and how he perceives it is a headache. The change of conversation is better, albeit much stupider… ]
Why are you tellin’ me to be careful? I’m the god of beauty. Of course I’ve got a beauty routine.
[ Very annoyingly, he is not kidding… Tezcatlipoca is perhaps one of the more regular visitors of the base spa. ]
But I also don’t exactly care about this vessel beyond it representing me well. I made it, so it’s not like your deal, I’m guessin’. [ He waves a hand vaguely at her. ] You borrowed yours, yeah? I think I met her. She wasn’t blonde, though.
[ I am definitely just pretending he just never cared enough to bring it up before and not that my stupid ass totally forgot, ]
... She opts not to comment on that. They say you shouldn't speak if you don't have anything pleasant to say. And it's not like she thinks he's ugly or anything like that!! But much like Ishtar, they're really handing out that authority to the least deserving people around. ]
This vessel is all you have in this world. You should be more careful with it.
[ While he may not care for it, if this body dies then that's it for him. Sure, his divinity would still exist back home, but the specific aspects and memories that are stuffed into that body? Gone forever, unless somehow LILITH has enough sense to dump the leftovers back to their world.
[ Shocking! Why did he never bring it up before? Was that to use this as a weapon against her somehow? But that makes no sense, whatever weaknesses she had are totally irrelevant to her
... Except the mysterious phenomenon that causes electronics to break around her, but she has no idea it's tied to her vessel. ]
[ He waves off the concern, since, well. He can't exactly promise that, but it's exactly what would be expected from him, so he doesn't think it would be a surprise. Besides. The new topic is more interesting! He nods as he takes another sip of the sake. ]
Yeah, pretty sure. Like the hair and eye colors are different, but all the structure and voice and all that. Exactly the same. It'd be a hell of a coincidence for it to be another person, especially since she was a mage from our world.
[ They'd only met once before she'd disappeared before wherever the hell people went when they had enough of Kenos, but... It'd been a strong impression, that's for sure. He clicks his tongue as he remembers it and shakes his head. ]
...Something about mages too. Not a iota of respect in their bones, I swear.
[ Mhm... She's been curious about her vessel for a long time. All she knows is that her name is Rin, she participated in a grail war and the red-clothed Servant that was briefly there was probably contracted to her. She'd like to ask him, but it feels that would imply she owes him a favor or something. Sighs. ]
If you treated her half as poorly as you did me initially, I'm surprised she didn't try murdering you.
[ She was chosen to be Ishtar's vessel - Ereshkigal is just the happy accident that came along - so she presumes Rin is a lot more like her sister than her. And Ishtar can be very murder happy when someone or something offends her. ]
Besides, did you give her any reason to respect you?
[ Sure, he's a god. But he's also something else, something she's too polite to say with words from the language they're using to communicate here (the word is shithead). ]
Huh? You're still sour about the water bottle, seriously?
[ That is definitely not the only reason that her first impression of him was so poor, but he's ignoring that. Their personal differences when it came to their roles as Servants and the Masters they choose to support are totally different in his book. Plus, as is clear, he's also relaxed his antagonism towards Ereshkigal and Izou both, but he'd never admit it. ]
No, I didn't treat her poorly. Hell, she was the one treating me poorly, since she was all buddy-buddy with Quetzalcoatl. I didn't have a damn thing to do with him dying. Her dying. Whatever.
[ He waves a hand dismissively, since the fact that his brother took a female vessel makes the pronouns a bit complicated. Gods and gender, it's whatever, truly, ]
Doesn't have anything to do with that anyways. Point is, mages have no respect when it comes to the divine. First words out of Daybit's mouth after summoning me was criticizing me, and your vessel, she had the audacity to ask if I'd consider a contract with her and then say "I wasn't actually offering."
[ That's not quite the case, but it's how he interprets it. With a click of his tongue and a shake of his head, he takes another drink. He starts to quickly (but surprisingly nicely) write out his new card, but it ends up just being a single world in Nahuatl—Nimitztlazòtla. It’s exactly what Ereshkigal suggested, but he can’t write it in front of her… Not in a language she’d understand, anyways. Apparently complaining (and alcohol) give him a little more courage in this arena. ]
[ ... Yeah, she's going to assume she would get a very different picture of the situation, were she to speak about this with her vessel. As for the word he's writing... She doesn't understand the language but she has an idea as to what it may mean.
Regardless: ]
If your own boyfriend criticizes you, perhaps you should seriously ponder what is wrong with you rather than assume every single souls you have ever encountered to be in the wrong.
[ Historians will look back at this exchange and wonder if Ereshkigal used the term "boyfriend" on purpose to fluster or perhaps even antagonize Tezcatlipoca. But as far as she's concerned, she's only use the word that best described their relationship.
After everything she's heard today, she can think of no term more appropriate to describe Tezcatlipoca and Daybit in relation to each other. Clearly he doesn't want to use "Master," and "Priest" is just a silly way to try and reframe things. Boyfriend is super approproate. ]
I understand changing is hard for our kind-- [Goodness, does she know.] But it is far from impossible.
[ Naturally, it’s that one word that gets Tezcatlipoca to lose his cool again in a way that’s almost comical. It’s nothing over the top, but the absolutely shocked, stricken look he gives Ereshkigal is so atypical from his normal expressions of cool aloofness or sharp, mean smiles. It looks like his brain has just short-circuited for her stating things so bluntly.
She’s right though, of course. It’s exactly how most people would identify it. But Tezcatlipoca has never considered it, because both he and Daybit are just incredibly unique, bizarre people. Their reasons couldn’t be more different as to why, but they both have an intrinsic hesitation when it comes to relationships. And apparently, saying “I love you” and calling Daybit his boyfriend are two completely separate, disparate concepts. The way he thinks is alien, but sometimes it presents itself stupidly. ]
Huh? You tryin’ to piss me off or what?
[ Truly. What could lead her to that conclusion other than everything he’s said. It would be worse if she knew what he hadn’t said, from surprisingly tender gestures that were destined to be forgotten to mana transfers. ]
I’m setting aside the fact that it’s a terrible idea in the first place. He ain’t my boyfriend, since that doesn’t even make any damn sense for gods.
[ That makes no sense for gods? Then why would that "piss him off," to use his own terms? She smiles slightly and stand up. That's just about enough Tezca bullying for the day. ]
I think I understand now... Why you're so disagreeable usually. [Because you're completely helpless the moment someone sees right through you. But she's kind enough not to word her conclusion aloud, she'll allow for him to retain some of his dignity today.] Ehehe.
[ Honestly with the way she now understands him...
... She doesn't think he'll ever manage to get under her skin again. She may be wrong, of course. She probably is. But at least the playing field is evened out now. ]
I have a recommendation before I leave. Try not to use the same excuse multiple times within the same discussion. [Like "I'm a god, therefore this doesn't apply to me." The first time may work, but after the third times it's getting a tad too obvious.] I usually try to alternate between excuses so people don't notice anything.
[ Take it from a professional when it comes to lying to herself - and to the world about herself. ]
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…Which is why his choice to pluck Daybit’s soul from oblivion is one he’s so conflicted about, even still. All souls should be equal under his eye. Yet, when faced with the choice, he hadn’t been able to do it. He hadn’t been able to abandon him to oblivion, an abyss where not even Mictlampa could beckon to him. But he had also seen possibility in Zenith’s hopes. In a new world shaped by his (and other’s) will, then would it be far enough to free his soul from the “Angels” that had such a grip on him?
So, her overall assessment makes him groan like he’s in pain. He drinks his sake like it’s a shot, then pours more. ]
Gghhh… Do you have to put it that way? Being sentimental at least sounds better…
[ It’s surely the alcohol and the cold that’s bringing color to his face. Nothing else. No way. ]
Yeah, yeah. It’s probably going to all go to shit because showing favor is against the rules, but that was the decision I made. He’s one hell of a guy, so… If there’s anyone deserving of my favor, it’s definitely him, at least. Don’t regret it.
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While the temptation to tease him is extremely high, she'll refrain - if only so he will have the decency not to tease her whenever it'll be her turn to be embarrassed like that. ]
Nor should you.
[ She would have actually lost some respect for him if he regretted it. She's also broken her oath before and she doesn't regret it one bit. When she did that... That was when she felt the most alive. Even if it meant risking her very divinity, she would do it again without hesitating. ]
Well then, why are you hesitating? [She smiles.] You should write down what you just told me.
[ Well, maybe not the part about that otherworldly war... But that he likes him, that he impressed him and is deserving of his favor. Or could it be the great god Tezcatlipoca has a bad case of getting cold feet? And it's a card Daybit will likely never read! Goodness, what a disaster it must be in person. ]
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He changes his mind on his earlier point, actually. He knows this could turn out chaotically, but that might just make him feel more grounded at this point. Tezcatlipoca leans back and offers the cup of sake to Ereshkigal. It’s not as potent as tequila shots by any measure, but considering what a lightweight she was, who knows. ]
Well, could do that, sure. But I tell him that all the time. [ His praise isn’t embarrassing, since that’s the arrogance of a god in action. If he deigns to offer it, then it’s self-evidently true, obviously! ] It’s more…
[ This is what he hesitates on, but his expression turns more serious as he mulls over whether to share that part or not. He could leave it at that without it being questioned, but it does feel like it’s leaving out part of what makes this complicated. It’s a purely tactical consideration, though, because even if they can pal around now, he never forgets that they’re destined to be enemies eventually. Would sharing this hurt their chances?
…He doesn’t think so, he decides. Daybit may not share the details of his “condition”, but that never struck Tezcatlipoca as something he kept close to the chest because he felt it was a secret that needed to be guarded. It’s more that it was something he considered irrelevant for other people to know. ]
It’s got nothing to do with the Lostbelts or Crypters or any of that shit, to be clear. But he’s only got a few minutes out of a day. He forgets the rest. That’s more why I’ve been sittin’ here thinking about it. It'd be nice if it was something worth remembering.
1/2
Yet again, he'll exploit everything she told him about Ritsuka if he can too. And if he did say it then he must believe this is not a weakness that can be exploited.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ]
You're infuriating even when we're on friendly terms, you know.
[ She's just saying. She wasn't supposed to feel guilt or negative emotions today! Regardless, she shakes her head when he offers her a cup of sake. No drinking for her, no sir. She doesn't trust herself with alcohol any more. ]
no subject
[ Even though she's never had such an experience herself... She knows without any doubt those seconds would be the most memorable of her life. ]
And then when you see him again, there are ways other than words to express affection to fill those few precious minutes.
[ She's talking about handholding, of course. Maybe hugs and kisses. But that's it. Probably. ]
1/2 also,
Ha— You bet. That’s exactly what I’m supposed to be.
[ He laughs it off with a shrug as he brings the sake to his lips instead. So, it’s probably all the more satisfying when those three short words hit him like a truck. ]
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Which, naturally, is ridiculous. With what little he’s explained, it’s the conclusion that almost anyone would come to, especially if they’re a romantic like Ereshkigal. And with what he hasn’t explained, it would be even more damning. Things like why his vessel looks this way. Making Daybit take a single day “off” just to experience it, even if most of it was meaningless. Taking a little crystal out to the most beautiful places in Kenos he could find, since the idea of just keeping a soul in the dark didn’t sit right with him. What else could that be?
…It’s a sentiment that the so-called god of impartiality is struggling with, apparently. This is definitely a few seconds that he’s going to remember, but he’s going to wish he could forget. Maybe Daybit is the lucky one, actually? ]
Ah, shit… [ He sets the cup down as he wipes at his mouth and clothes to get the sake off. ] Well, yeah, that’d make a hell of an impression… Asshole would probably ask me if I was joking.
[ which. you know. not unfair, considering Tezcatlipoca… but this also paints a picture of Daybit’s personality too, honestly. No wonder they get along. ]
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Whatever he will say, he knows the truth. Why, as she smiles, she can't help but say: ]
Fufufu~ I didn't think you could possibly be that cute.
[ Thankfully, that's where her teasing starts and ends. Just a little victory for her, after all the torment he's put her through this past year. It's a blessing she has refused his offer to drink, because things could have been far far worse.
Her smile softens and then she speaks on a tone that indicates she's quoting someone (herself, that's who she's quoting). ]
You should live your life so that at the end of it all, you will not be filled with regrets. So that you will not look back at your life and wish you had done things differently. So that you will not mourn your lost life, but celebrate it. [She closes her eyes.] It feels weird saying that to you... But we're really more humans than gods here.
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That again?
[ He shakes his head lightly as he grabs another, and his pens out Daybit’s name quickly. Even if it’s quick, he has shockingly nice penmanship, though. Go figure. ]
I get your point, and it’s a nice sentiment. Hell, that’s what I tell anyone that’s following me, more or less.
[ “More or less” doing a lot of work there, because he doesn’t tend to say it so straightforwardly. It’s cloaked in the context that his followers should fight for every day and live vivaciously in the conflict that surrounds them. It’s more brutal, but that’s also the context of his world. ]
But can’t agree with that last point. My body may be human, but here— [ He taps his chest over his heart, but the implication is the same as if he had tapped his head. ] All god. The way I think, it just ain’t human. That’s why Daybit and I get along, since we kinda see things the same way.
no subject
Maybe. [A pause.] Yet you are limited by your human brain, especially in this world where our selves are limited to those vessels.
[ They are much more than their vessel back home, even in such a limited Servant form. Their divinity radiates beyond the confines of those bodies and they can manipulate their surroundings in ways that enhance what they are capable of. Here though? Nothing, and he proved it himself when they failed to connect to the local afterlife.
But she supposes that's a difference in perspective. Even limited by a human body, the way he thinks is still so alien to the human mind, it may be accurate to call him a god anyway. Whereas she's always been the closest goddess to humans in her pantheon, alongside Ishtar. So the thought of being human... She likes it. ]
But I respect your decision on the matter. [She's not going to pick a fight on whether they should be categorized as gods or humans. It's too dependent on how they perceive the divide between gods and humanity.] You should be careful though, we're aging here.
[ She got great beauty products recommendations if he wants to delay the inevitable wrinkles and grey hair. ]
FINALLY BRINGS IT UP, LMAO
She’s also correct to do so, since getting into the finer points of how his godhood works and how he perceives it is a headache. The change of conversation is better, albeit much stupider… ]
Why are you tellin’ me to be careful? I’m the god of beauty. Of course I’ve got a beauty routine.
[ Very annoyingly, he is not kidding… Tezcatlipoca is perhaps one of the more regular visitors of the base spa. ]
But I also don’t exactly care about this vessel beyond it representing me well. I made it, so it’s not like your deal, I’m guessin’. [ He waves a hand vaguely at her. ] You borrowed yours, yeah? I think I met her. She wasn’t blonde, though.
[ I am definitely just pretending he just never cared enough to bring it up before and not that my stupid ass totally forgot, ]
1/4
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... She opts not to comment on that. They say you shouldn't speak if you don't have anything pleasant to say. And it's not like she thinks he's ugly or anything like that!! But much like Ishtar, they're really handing out that authority to the least deserving people around. ]
This vessel is all you have in this world. You should be more careful with it.
[ While he may not care for it, if this body dies then that's it for him. Sure, his divinity would still exist back home, but the specific aspects and memories that are stuffed into that body? Gone forever, unless somehow LILITH has enough sense to dump the leftovers back to their world.
And wait, what's that about her vessel? ]
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4/4
[ Shocking! Why did he never bring it up before? Was that to use this as a weapon against her somehow? But that makes no sense, whatever weaknesses she had are totally irrelevant to her
... Except the mysterious phenomenon that causes electronics to break around her, but she has no idea it's tied to her vessel. ]
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Yeah, pretty sure. Like the hair and eye colors are different, but all the structure and voice and all that. Exactly the same. It'd be a hell of a coincidence for it to be another person, especially since she was a mage from our world.
[ They'd only met once before she'd disappeared before wherever the hell people went when they had enough of Kenos, but... It'd been a strong impression, that's for sure. He clicks his tongue as he remembers it and shakes his head. ]
...Something about mages too. Not a iota of respect in their bones, I swear.
[ aka she'd bullied him immediately ]
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If you treated her half as poorly as you did me initially, I'm surprised she didn't try murdering you.
[ She was chosen to be Ishtar's vessel - Ereshkigal is just the happy accident that came along - so she presumes Rin is a lot more like her sister than her. And Ishtar can be very murder happy when someone or something offends her. ]
Besides, did you give her any reason to respect you?
[ Sure, he's a god. But he's also something else, something she's too polite to say with words from the language they're using to communicate here (the word is shithead). ]
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[ That is definitely not the only reason that her first impression of him was so poor, but he's ignoring that. Their personal differences when it came to their roles as Servants and the Masters they choose to support are totally different in his book. Plus, as is clear, he's also relaxed his antagonism towards Ereshkigal and Izou both, but he'd never admit it. ]
No, I didn't treat her poorly. Hell, she was the one treating me poorly, since she was all buddy-buddy with Quetzalcoatl. I didn't have a damn thing to do with him dying. Her dying. Whatever.
[ He waves a hand dismissively, since the fact that his brother took a female vessel makes the pronouns a bit complicated. Gods and gender, it's whatever, truly, ]
Doesn't have anything to do with that anyways. Point is, mages have no respect when it comes to the divine. First words out of Daybit's mouth after summoning me was criticizing me, and your vessel, she had the audacity to ask if I'd consider a contract with her and then say "I wasn't actually offering."
[ That's not quite the case, but it's how he interprets it. With a click of his tongue and a shake of his head, he takes another drink. He starts to quickly (but surprisingly nicely) write out his new card, but it ends up just being a single world in Nahuatl—Nimitztlazòtla. It’s exactly what Ereshkigal suggested, but he can’t write it in front of her… Not in a language she’d understand, anyways. Apparently complaining (and alcohol) give him a little more courage in this arena. ]
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Regardless: ]
If your own boyfriend criticizes you, perhaps you should seriously ponder what is wrong with you rather than assume every single souls you have ever encountered to be in the wrong.
[ Historians will look back at this exchange and wonder if Ereshkigal used the term "boyfriend" on purpose to fluster or perhaps even antagonize Tezcatlipoca. But as far as she's concerned, she's only use the word that best described their relationship.
After everything she's heard today, she can think of no term more appropriate to describe Tezcatlipoca and Daybit in relation to each other. Clearly he doesn't want to use "Master," and "Priest" is just a silly way to try and reframe things. Boyfriend is super approproate. ]
I understand changing is hard for our kind-- [Goodness, does she know.] But it is far from impossible.
this is so stupid
She’s right though, of course. It’s exactly how most people would identify it. But Tezcatlipoca has never considered it, because both he and Daybit are just incredibly unique, bizarre people. Their reasons couldn’t be more different as to why, but they both have an intrinsic hesitation when it comes to relationships. And apparently, saying “I love you” and calling Daybit his boyfriend are two completely separate, disparate concepts. The way he thinks is alien, but sometimes it presents itself stupidly. ]
Huh? You tryin’ to piss me off or what?
[ Truly. What could lead her to that conclusion other than everything he’s said. It would be worse if she knew what he hadn’t said, from surprisingly tender gestures that were destined to be forgotten to mana transfers. ]
I’m setting aside the fact that it’s a terrible idea in the first place. He ain’t my boyfriend, since that doesn’t even make any damn sense for gods.
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I think I understand now... Why you're so disagreeable usually. [Because you're completely helpless the moment someone sees right through you. But she's kind enough not to word her conclusion aloud, she'll allow for him to retain some of his dignity today.] Ehehe.
[ Honestly with the way she now understands him...
... She doesn't think he'll ever manage to get under her skin again. She may be wrong, of course. She probably is. But at least the playing field is evened out now. ]
I have a recommendation before I leave. Try not to use the same excuse multiple times within the same discussion. [Like "I'm a god, therefore this doesn't apply to me." The first time may work, but after the third times it's getting a tad too obvious.] I usually try to alternate between excuses so people don't notice anything.
[ Take it from a professional when it comes to lying to herself - and to the world about herself. ]