WHO: Tezcatlipoca & Others WHAT: 2025 catch-all time baby WHERE: all over WHEN: all times WARNINGS: threads will include content warnings where appropriate!
[ Thankfully, the couch is just big enough — or maybe it's that Silco's particularly small — but he shook his head, and went about pouring his own drink, keeping it in the hand on the opposite side of Tezcatlipoca, just in case.
He watched him for a long moment, curious. ]
Birdie's style is getting killed by me. [ Just a little bit put upon in tone, but he takes a sip, because this isn't really about Birdie, it's about Tezcatlipoca, who is clearly having a time right now.
He can guess. ]
I noticed you've been working more. You never really were the workaholic type like I was.
Surely you don't need funding that bad these days, do you? There are two of us now.
[ At least this time around, Tezcatlipoca is more than happy to cheer on Silco's crimes. He laughs when Silco (pouts) claims the credit, and he gives him a friendly smack on the shoulder. ]
Damn right! That's my acolyte, number one killer even if you're playin' with a handicap compared to everyone else.
[ Which is just that he doesn't have crazy powers, but considering their company? That is pretty significant. Tezcatlipoca keeps chuckling, but he does lean over to start unlacing his boots. He's been on his feet all day, so they're definitely tired. And besides. He's going to curl up on this couch, thanks Silco. ]
[ ...But that change of topic turns his laughter into a grumble instead. ]
Whaddya mean? I'm a workaho— Ah. No, I guess you haven't really seen it. There hasn't been good business to get into here. Tried to pick up my arms manufacturing again and apparently this country doesn't do that? Fuckin' lame...
[ He could get distracted with that tangent easily, since he certainly has plenty of complaints there. He'd much rather have his own business, and there's plenty to talk about there, but luckily (?) he stays on topic. ]
But nah. Just felt like working more. Shit sucks around here, so it's like gettin' out of the house.
[ Tezcatlipoca makes himself at home, and Silco — normally prickly and unpleasant Silco — lets him. Unfortunately for him, Tezcatlipoca has achieved enabling status, which means he only offers a soft grumble of complaint, before he turns back to his drinks. There's a book on his lap, tight writing in it — for all that everything is implants and technology, Silco still prefers analog. He puts the pen in the book, and closes it, slides it to his side. ]
Now, far be it from me to disagree with you about that — but I thought you would be investing in spending time hyping up the little project you made me put my money into.
[ The base upgrades, is what he means.
He knows what Tezcatlipoca is trying to avoid, but he's stalking around it. ]
If you need to be away, there are far better things to get invested into.
Ah, that? Nah... That's- Well, don't need to hype it up. Already enjoying it, ain't ya?
[ Tezcatlipoca gestures lightly to the room, and this reaction is probably also a little surprising. As boisterous and arrogant as Tezcatlipoca is, the base reconstruction and his role in it is something he seems... humble about? It doesn't seem to fit him, but it's just one of those odd, surprising little nuances of the god.
He's a god full of surprises, apparently, since even if Silco is stalking around the topic, Tezcatlipoca just beats him to it. ]
Don't need to be away. But, y'know. It's awkward. Everyone knows my fuckin' business now.
[ And as if he's anticipating Silco accusing him of something, he points at Silco. He really does know Silco well, considering this is the first thing he says. ]
And she I know you read it too, you nosy fuck. [ (fond, compliment) ] So wasn't 'cuz Eresh was feelin' jealous, so don't get into that.
[ A note of acquiescence. He is, but Silco's is still... well. It isn't exactly looking lived-in. Sure, there's a couch instead of a desk and chairs, but the bed is neatly made on the first floor, the loft unused. The changes are minimal for Silco, though there's at least a little personality in here. (Courtesy of Jinx, of course. ]
I can't imagine what that's like.
[ He says, taking a long sip of his drink. However, he moves on from it quickly. The barb is automatic, more than pointed. ]
I did read it. [ he's nosy, yeah. How ELSE is he supposed to gossip? ] I don't really care why she did it. Maybe she should have let you deal with it on your own, instead of bringing it up for all to see, hm?
Just like her to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong.
[ The pointed comment just gets a half-annoyed groan out of Tezcatlipoca, but he doesn't fight it. It was one thing to tease Silco about it before, but now... Yeah, he has a point. Maybe. It's not quite the same, but he's not up for being a pedant at the moment (thankfully).
It at least gives him time to undo the boots and kick them off. With that done, he gets more comfortable on the couch, but Silco is at least spared the physical affection. That's Set's territory, duh. ]
I wanted to deal with it myself...
[ He murmurs it petulantly as he settles comfortably, then clicks his tongue in irritation. ]
If it was anyone else, I'd fuckin' kill 'em. But dammit... [ Another groan, and he covers his face with his a hand. He hadn't actually admitted this when he and Silco had talked, so now he does. ] I don't know what it was. Probably nothing, since don't think it even lasted 24 hours. But I was romancin' her, I guess, then Daybit shows up. The fuck is with that?
A few things come into focus. He'd called her 'cute', he'd been defending her. It made sense now, that he was trying so hard to defend her. He was romancing her, as he said. Silco's hand tenses, the false one, and he has to clench it tight. ]
You were romancing Ereshkigal.
[ And then Daybit showed up a day later. ]
You don't see what she did as some sort of twisted revenge? It sounds like it.
cw: crude........ if you're tracking this melodie i'm so sorry
[ It's like Tezcatlipoca suddenly remembers who he's talking to as he looks stricken from that snap. ]
Uh.
[ He wasn't going to keep it secret from Silco, exactly. Like, that would be pretty much impossible. But on the other hand, considering just how short that romancing had ended up being, if he just never explicitly mentioned it... Well... ]
Look. Romancin' is probably a strong word for it. I'm drunk. [ yes he can see that tezca ] S'not like I kissed her or ate her out or anything.
[ Is that what that means to him?! No, not exactly, but being crude will throw Silco off! Maybe! Look, it's drunk logic, don't look into it that deeply. Besides, then he might explain that he'd been thinking about how best to approach kissing her without her freaking out and snapping his spine like a toothpick. ]
Given her usual demeanor we can all tell you didn't get very far on that front.
[ He says it with a sneer, a curl of his lip. Yeah, he didn't appreciate the crudeness either, Tezca! It's clear on his face, the way he tipped his head to look at him. ]
I assume you had your reasons for doing so?
[ Yeah, Silco, because you are the kind of person who definitely has a reason for what you're doing it really is calculated and specifically for reasons and not at all because of anything else.
He closed his good eye and took another drink. Really, Can you not feel the annoyance? ]
Or was it just that she was "cute"? [ and pathetic but he doesn't say it. ]
Don't give me that look... Y'know the reason I give you a hard time about that Verg guy is that I hear you two fuckin', right? Move the bed away from the wall we share, moron.
[ ]
[ But Tezcatlipoca sinks more into the couch after grumbling out his retort. Maybe he's half considering laying down, maybe sitting upright is just more of a challenge and making his head swim at the moment. Who knows? ]
Reasons...
[ He mutters out the word, and normally, there would be a whole lecture here for Silco, but he's not feeling up to it at the moment. He'll have to remember that for later, but will he? Also, who knows! ]
If it was just her being hot, this wouldn't be a problem. I fuck around plenty. [ ...Granted, not as much as people might think from a trickster god, but still. ] I like her. What else is there to say?
[ He says it archly. He's still not giving him the satisfaction of knowing he's right. Instead, Silco only crosses his arms over his chest, looking up at the ceiling as if Tezcatlipoca was raking him over the coals with his gentle teasing. He's not letting him get away with it, so other than the automatic snap, he's keeping on the actual subject. No redirecting tonight, mister. ]
Right. You like her. [ As far as he knew, Tezcatlipoca was sparse with his affections. The fact that he liked her seemed...wrong. Off.
Or maybe it's just his bias. ]
But that like only lasted a day, hm? [ A scoff. ] Was that not enough?
[ Normally, trying to distract Silco is intentional, because honestly. Silco does make it easy. If Tezcatlipoca doesn’t want to talk about his own problems, it’s incredibly easy to deflect and get Silco onto a different subject, because he knows exactly what buttons to press. It’s as you’d expect for a god of conflict.
Luckily, tonight, though? He’s not on his game with the booze muddling his brain. So, he laughs (shittily) at that stressed “assume” and grins cockily, but his expression falls when Silco reminds him that it was only a day. ]
…She’s not the sharin’ type.
[ It’s muttered and a little hard to make out, but once Silco parses it, the reason for Tezcatlipoca’s mood is probably clearer. He hadn’t been the one to break that off either. It was two rejections in record time, and Silco is right that his affections aren’t easily given. So, this is a novel experience, to put it lightly. ]
[ His mouth forms into a gentle 'o', half-mocking.
Though only half. He understands her, in part. He isn't either. Silco did not generally have the power of self-reflection, but even so, he understood this about himself, about her. Sometimes, one was simply not... amenable to such things. ]
And you wished to bet your future with Daybit, rather than her? [ A soft note, not quite a gasp. ] I thought you were more...careful with your bets.
[ The way Silco phrases it makes Tezcatlipoca’s expression twist like he’s in pain. It’s not that it hurts his feelings, but it’s just a blunt way to put it that doesn’t sit right. Like, Daybit is blunt, sure, but calling it a future… ]
Ugh… There’s no future.
[ But he doesn’t sound like he laments that. It sounds like a rejection, in fact, because it’s just a very human way to look at it. That’s part of the problem that he keeps running into, apparently, and that’s also what makes even talking about this feel stupid. He’d been a bachelor for time immemorial and never lamented it. Hell, he still doesn’t. It just never seemed like a possibility for him and he was fine with that. Who could understand how he sees things, after all?
…So, how the hell did he find two in the space of as many years? How is one them mortal?
He’s also aware that saying this to Silco of all people is probably stupid too. But, drunk as he is, it just spills out. If he was sober, he’d just keep it to himself. ]
It’s just— bad luck. Shitawful. Can’t have anything. [ That’s murmured lowly, then he sighs. Undoes his hair even though he’d just put it up. ] The more care I put into things, the more they turn their backs on me. That’s just how it works. So, ‘course. Save Ereshkigal, think about somethin’ nice. And fate says “nah, can’t have that.”
[ It's the worst person to say this to. Also somewhat the best person. After all, Silco knows precisely what it is to care enough about something, only to have it ripped away from him. It was his life, brotherhood, Vander, Zaun, and... Jinx. ]
Bad luck, indeed.
[ He says it with something of a tired sigh. He feels it even now. How long, until... ]
Did you do something to upset it? Or is this because you showed favor?
[ A beat. ] This is why you're always neutral, yes?
[ It’s murmured and therefore a little more slurred in his syllables, but it’s followed with a laugh. He realizes how ridiculous it sounded when it’s jumbled like that and coming from him at all. He leans his head all the way back on the cushion and looks at the ceiling instead. ]
Maybe it’s ‘cuz I have this human body. I’m cut off from most of my divinity, since wouldn’t work with more of it. More of that god brain and probably wouldn’t have had any problem. My personal desires are irrelevant. I’m a god that’ll be here until the end of the world, so duty first.
[ He says, but that also doesn’t really fit with how Tezcatlipoca is. Even reduced and cutoff from his divine, omniscient understanding of the world, would he really be that different? No, of course not. Just the stories that he’s told make that clear. ]
…It’s probably picking Daybit as my Shard catching up to me. Can’t get more biased than that. Right?
You had to pick someone, didn't you? Who else would there be?
[ Then again... Maybe it was. Silco doesn't understand gods, despite his proximity to them, he doesn't get their... Everything. The way their minds worked, the detachment.
He wanted to. To be separate, to not need anyone or anything. He'd thought he could, but the there was Jinx and Silco latched onto his daughter because he truly was still human.
He needed connection, desperately. He didn't want to need it; deluded himself that he didn't — but he'd been a mad little thing a year ago, isolated, with only gods for company. ]
Perhaps there's something to bring human, that makes us want to have something like that. It makes us foolish, certainly. You aren't that different, I think.
But... The need for connection makes fools of us all.
Could’ve said no. That was my first impulse, since I knew makin’ any kind of choice would be toeing the line.
[ And yet. He still did it. The first time he’d held that almost clear piece of stone in his hand, it’d been with the weight of what it meant to make the choice. That was something he could lose his divinity for outright if things were weighted a little bit differently. If he’d had his full prescience and still made the choice, maybe.
But now, here he was. Sitting on a couch, drunk, next to a guy that had killed his brother. Killed his “good” aspect.
He huffs out a laugh at the thought. Yeah, no, that’s gotta be why, he thinks. If the World saw this outcome, no wonder it let him fumble his way to this moment. He closes his eyes. ]
…I don’t regret it.
[ It’s not the most surprising admission, because this is an area where he and Silco are definitely similar. They’re fiercely stubborn, and once their mind is made, that’s that. Convincing them that it was the wrong choice is nearly impossible, consequences be damned, because they’ve already justified it to themselves.
So, in this case? Just the hope that he could make a miracle, a world where Daybit could live like a normal human, that was enough. It’s the same with Ereshkigal too, honestly. The idea of relieving her loneliness and bringing flowers to her world felt like a similar kind of miracle. It’s why he sighs, rubbing at his face. ]
It’s more that causing conflict the way we do, that just ain’t compatible. Thinking about the world means not thinking about yourself. Something like that.
[ But no. They were the same. Silco doesn't offer advice — he doesn't think Tezcatlipoca would take it, and nor is he inclined to give it in this particular realm. Tezcatlipoca has about as good of luck as Silco does in that aspect.
So he only huffs a soft sigh.
They both were similar enough. He says he doesn't regret it, and Silco respects that.
Any decision made without regret, for a purpose was important wasn't it? He had done so for Daybit. Silco had done so for Jinx.
Now they were here. Now they were here. ] Perhaps it isn't compatible, and perhaps this is karmic retribution.
[ A shrug, and a twist of his lips into a grim, bitter little smile. A touch sarcastic. ]
[ Tezcatlipoca huffs out a sharp laugh, since having his words turned against him here is very Silco. He tosses him a toothy little smile that’s laced with an implicit, but fond insult. ]
Nah, those are just for you. An all-powerful god doesn’t face Trials, c’mon.
[ But he gets that this is Silco’s version of commiseration and comfort. Technically speaking, this is another area where they’re similar too. They’re both allergic to sincerity, so it’s easier to express it through criticisms and jabs. It’s why he’s on Silco’s couch rather than anyone else’s too. ]
I know what you think about Ereshkigal. [ like, you’ve made that super obvious, bud ] But whaddya think about Daybit, anyways?
[ if he'd wanted sympathy, there were plenty of people he could have gone to, but instead it's Silco he's with, and Silco knows that people like he and Tezcatlipoca wouldn't want it if given. Sure, he could say the words, inauthentic though they were, but he wouldn't want them.
Silco wouldn't either. So he throws it back to him, a twist of a smile on his face.
It's better than hearing "I'm sorry that happened" at any rate. ]
About Daybit? [ A scoff. ] He's a poor conversion partner, and seems only interested in the bare minimum of what's relevant to him.
[ It's a drawl in exactly the tone you expect, and it's probably telling that this turn in the conversation seems to improve his mood, however minutely. He's still conflicted about how things have gone in the past month, but when it comes to this question? He's imagined it a few times, even if it's mostly for his own amusement.
Daybit and Silco represented perfect extremes in the people that Tezcatlipoca liked, after all. Why wouldn't he be amused by the idea of them meeting? He'd just also never expected that it would happen.]
Yeah! 'Course he's only interested in the bare minimum...
[ That's also a drawl, but this time it's with a laugh in it. Honestly, paradoxical as it might seem, it's part of why Tezcatlipoca was so fond of the guy. With how deeply Tezcatlipoca's sympathies secretly run, he understands Daybit's inherit calculus. He appreciates it. But just as quietly as those sympathies, he'd also held a closer grip on the twenty-three hours and fifty-five minutes that went forgotten. Maybe they were truly unimportant, because, hell, he'd certainly gained an appreciation for how much of a day was truly meaningless when he parsed it through Daybit's point of view.
...But he'd still hold onto it all the same. ]
You're just sayin' that 'cuz he ignored you. Don't even know that for sure. Just know that he did and it annoyed ya, 'cuz I know both of ya.
[ And he's fond of both. For whatever reason, this seems to push him into action, and he stands from the couch, however wobbly... But it's at least to head to wherever Silco keeps some water. Luckily, he's not the kind of drunk to go for more alcohol. At least not at this point. ]
[ He crossed his arms over his chest, clearly annoyed. ]
Yes, well, you said he was a man of few words, but I hardly expected him to merely walk out of a conversation.
[ Like?? Hello????
He watches him for a moment, making sure he isn't going for another round of the liquor (sorry Tezca, but he really doesn't want to deal with your corpse tonight) before he pulled his own up and took a drink. ]
That doesn't discount that you have bad taste. Between him and Ereshkigal...
[ A shrug. ] I think you could do better, if you wanted to.
That's all.
[ It really is the dichotomy of the types of people that Tezcatlipoca likes. Maybe that says a lot, but Silco understands it. Well, Ereshkigal he doesn't get, but at least Daybit was different, albeit without a personality Silco could pick up on. (Because he isn't getting the opportunity to look.) ]
[ Tezcatlipoca barks out a laugh as he pours his water, since, yeah, that would uniquely piss Silco off, huh? This is exactly the funny kind of interaction that he’d predicted, since Daybit and Silco might as well be water and oil (respectively, of course). Whether it’s their personal principles or their mannerisms, they truly are at opposite ends of the spectrum. ]
Yeah, you’re just mad ‘cuz you can’t stand feeling ignored… You’re so petty, man. I love it.
[ He takes a swig, tops it off, then ambles back over. However, truly horrifyingly for Silco, he doesn’t take the side of the couch this time. He plops down right next to Silco, hip to hip. It’s the next stage of drunk emotion—cuddly. ]
What can I say? I like projects. And you can’t say they ain’t weirdos.
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He watched him for a long moment, curious. ]
Birdie's style is getting killed by me. [ Just a little bit put upon in tone, but he takes a sip, because this isn't really about Birdie, it's about Tezcatlipoca, who is clearly having a time right now.
He can guess. ]
I noticed you've been working more. You never really were the workaholic type like I was.
Surely you don't need funding that bad these days, do you? There are two of us now.
[ That's a hell of a way to broach the subject. ]
1/2
Damn right! That's my acolyte, number one killer even if you're playin' with a handicap compared to everyone else.
[ Which is just that he doesn't have crazy powers, but considering their company? That is pretty significant. Tezcatlipoca keeps chuckling, but he does lean over to start unlacing his boots. He's been on his feet all day, so they're definitely tired. And besides. He's going to curl up on this couch, thanks Silco. ]
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Whaddya mean? I'm a workaho— Ah. No, I guess you haven't really seen it. There hasn't been good business to get into here. Tried to pick up my arms manufacturing again and apparently this country doesn't do that? Fuckin' lame...
[ He could get distracted with that tangent easily, since he certainly has plenty of complaints there. He'd much rather have his own business, and there's plenty to talk about there, but luckily (?) he stays on topic. ]
But nah. Just felt like working more. Shit sucks around here, so it's like gettin' out of the house.
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Now, far be it from me to disagree with you about that — but I thought you would be investing in spending time hyping up the little project you made me put my money into.
[ The base upgrades, is what he means.
He knows what Tezcatlipoca is trying to avoid, but he's stalking around it. ]
If you need to be away, there are far better things to get invested into.
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[ Tezcatlipoca gestures lightly to the room, and this reaction is probably also a little surprising. As boisterous and arrogant as Tezcatlipoca is, the base reconstruction and his role in it is something he seems... humble about? It doesn't seem to fit him, but it's just one of those odd, surprising little nuances of the god.
He's a god full of surprises, apparently, since even if Silco is stalking around the topic, Tezcatlipoca just beats him to it. ]
Don't need to be away. But, y'know. It's awkward. Everyone knows my fuckin' business now.
[ And as if he's anticipating Silco accusing him of something, he points at Silco. He really does know Silco well, considering this is the first thing he says. ]
And she I know you read it too, you nosy fuck. [ (fond, compliment) ] So wasn't 'cuz Eresh was feelin' jealous, so don't get into that.
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I can't imagine what that's like.
[ He says, taking a long sip of his drink. However, he moves on from it quickly. The barb is automatic, more than pointed. ]
I did read it. [ he's nosy, yeah. How ELSE is he supposed to gossip? ] I don't really care why she did it. Maybe she should have let you deal with it on your own, instead of bringing it up for all to see, hm?
Just like her to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong.
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[ The pointed comment just gets a half-annoyed groan out of Tezcatlipoca, but he doesn't fight it. It was one thing to tease Silco about it before, but now... Yeah, he has a point. Maybe. It's not quite the same, but he's not up for being a pedant at the moment (thankfully).
It at least gives him time to undo the boots and kick them off. With that done, he gets more comfortable on the couch, but Silco is at least spared the physical affection. That's Set's territory, duh. ]
I wanted to deal with it myself...
[ He murmurs it petulantly as he settles comfortably, then clicks his tongue in irritation. ]
If it was anyone else, I'd fuckin' kill 'em. But dammit... [ Another groan, and he covers his face with his a hand. He hadn't actually admitted this when he and Silco had talked, so now he does. ] I don't know what it was. Probably nothing, since don't think it even lasted 24 hours. But I was romancin' her, I guess, then Daybit shows up. The fuck is with that?
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[ He snaps, automatic.
A few things come into focus. He'd called her 'cute', he'd been defending her. It made sense now, that he was trying so hard to defend her. He was romancing her, as he said. Silco's hand tenses, the false one, and he has to clench it tight. ]
You were romancing Ereshkigal.
[ And then Daybit showed up a day later. ]
You don't see what she did as some sort of twisted revenge? It sounds like it.
cw: crude........ if you're tracking this melodie i'm so sorry
Uh.
[ He wasn't going to keep it secret from Silco, exactly. Like, that would be pretty much impossible. But on the other hand, considering just how short that romancing had ended up being, if he just never explicitly mentioned it... Well... ]
Look. Romancin' is probably a strong word for it. I'm drunk. [ yes he can see that tezca ] S'not like I kissed her or ate her out or anything.
[ Is that what that means to him?! No, not exactly, but being crude will throw Silco off! Maybe! Look, it's drunk logic, don't look into it that deeply. Besides, then he might explain that he'd been thinking about how best to approach kissing her without her freaking out and snapping his spine like a toothpick. ]
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[ He says it with a sneer, a curl of his lip. Yeah, he didn't appreciate the crudeness either, Tezca! It's clear on his face, the way he tipped his head to look at him. ]
I assume you had your reasons for doing so?
[ Yeah, Silco, because you are the kind of person who definitely has a reason for what you're doing it really is calculated and specifically for reasons and not at all because of anything else.
He closed his good eye and took another drink. Really, Can you not feel the annoyance? ]
Or was it just that she was "cute"? [ and pathetic but he doesn't say it. ]
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Don't give me that look... Y'know the reason I give you a hard time about that Verg guy is that I hear you two fuckin', right? Move the bed away from the wall we share, moron.
[
[ But Tezcatlipoca sinks more into the couch after grumbling out his retort. Maybe he's half considering laying down, maybe sitting upright is just more of a challenge and making his head swim at the moment. Who knows? ]
Reasons...
[ He mutters out the word, and normally, there would be a whole lecture here for Silco, but he's not feeling up to it at the moment. He'll have to remember that for later, but will he? Also, who knows! ]
If it was just her being hot, this wouldn't be a problem. I fuck around plenty. [ ...Granted, not as much as people might think from a trickster god, but still. ] I like her. What else is there to say?
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His expression, predictably, freezes. ]
You assume.
[ He says it archly. He's still not giving him the satisfaction of knowing he's right. Instead, Silco only crosses his arms over his chest, looking up at the ceiling as if Tezcatlipoca was raking him over the coals with his gentle teasing. He's not letting him get away with it, so other than the automatic snap, he's keeping on the actual subject. No redirecting tonight, mister. ]
Right. You like her. [ As far as he knew, Tezcatlipoca was sparse with his affections. The fact that he liked her seemed...wrong. Off.
Or maybe it's just his bias. ]
But that like only lasted a day, hm? [ A scoff. ] Was that not enough?
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Luckily, tonight, though? He’s not on his game with the booze muddling his brain. So, he laughs (shittily) at that stressed “assume” and grins cockily, but his expression falls when Silco reminds him that it was only a day. ]
…She’s not the sharin’ type.
[ It’s muttered and a little hard to make out, but once Silco parses it, the reason for Tezcatlipoca’s mood is probably clearer. He hadn’t been the one to break that off either. It was two rejections in record time, and Silco is right that his affections aren’t easily given. So, this is a novel experience, to put it lightly. ]
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[ His mouth forms into a gentle 'o', half-mocking.
Though only half. He understands her, in part. He isn't either. Silco did not generally have the power of self-reflection, but even so, he understood this about himself, about her. Sometimes, one was simply not... amenable to such things. ]
And you wished to bet your future with Daybit, rather than her? [ A soft note, not quite a gasp. ] I thought you were more...careful with your bets.
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Ugh… There’s no future.
[ But he doesn’t sound like he laments that. It sounds like a rejection, in fact, because it’s just a very human way to look at it. That’s part of the problem that he keeps running into, apparently, and that’s also what makes even talking about this feel stupid. He’d been a bachelor for time immemorial and never lamented it. Hell, he still doesn’t. It just never seemed like a possibility for him and he was fine with that. Who could understand how he sees things, after all?
…So, how the hell did he find two in the space of as many years? How is one them mortal?
He’s also aware that saying this to Silco of all people is probably stupid too. But, drunk as he is, it just spills out. If he was sober, he’d just keep it to himself. ]
It’s just— bad luck. Shitawful. Can’t have anything. [ That’s murmured lowly, then he sighs. Undoes his hair even though he’d just put it up. ] The more care I put into things, the more they turn their backs on me. That’s just how it works. So, ‘course. Save Ereshkigal, think about somethin’ nice. And fate says “nah, can’t have that.”
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[ It's the worst person to say this to. Also somewhat the best person. After all, Silco knows precisely what it is to care enough about something, only to have it ripped away from him. It was his life, brotherhood, Vander, Zaun, and... Jinx. ]
Bad luck, indeed.
[ He says it with something of a tired sigh. He feels it even now. How long, until... ]
Did you do something to upset it? Or is this because you showed favor?
[ A beat. ] This is why you're always neutral, yes?
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[ It’s murmured and therefore a little more slurred in his syllables, but it’s followed with a laugh. He realizes how ridiculous it sounded when it’s jumbled like that and coming from him at all. He leans his head all the way back on the cushion and looks at the ceiling instead. ]
Maybe it’s ‘cuz I have this human body. I’m cut off from most of my divinity, since wouldn’t work with more of it. More of that god brain and probably wouldn’t have had any problem. My personal desires are irrelevant. I’m a god that’ll be here until the end of the world, so duty first.
[ He says, but that also doesn’t really fit with how Tezcatlipoca is. Even reduced and cutoff from his divine, omniscient understanding of the world, would he really be that different? No, of course not. Just the stories that he’s told make that clear. ]
…It’s probably picking Daybit as my Shard catching up to me. Can’t get more biased than that. Right?
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[ Then again... Maybe it was. Silco doesn't understand gods, despite his proximity to them, he doesn't get their... Everything. The way their minds worked, the detachment.
He wanted to. To be separate, to not need anyone or anything. He'd thought he could, but the there was Jinx and Silco latched onto his daughter because he truly was still human.
He needed connection, desperately. He didn't want to need it; deluded himself that he didn't — but he'd been a mad little thing a year ago, isolated, with only gods for company. ]
Perhaps there's something to bring human, that makes us want to have something like that. It makes us foolish, certainly. You aren't that different, I think.
But... The need for connection makes fools of us all.
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[ And yet. He still did it. The first time he’d held that almost clear piece of stone in his hand, it’d been with the weight of what it meant to make the choice. That was something he could lose his divinity for outright if things were weighted a little bit differently. If he’d had his full prescience and still made the choice, maybe.
But now, here he was. Sitting on a couch, drunk, next to a guy that had killed his brother. Killed his “good” aspect.
He huffs out a laugh at the thought. Yeah, no, that’s gotta be why, he thinks. If the World saw this outcome, no wonder it let him fumble his way to this moment. He closes his eyes. ]
…I don’t regret it.
[ It’s not the most surprising admission, because this is an area where he and Silco are definitely similar. They’re fiercely stubborn, and once their mind is made, that’s that. Convincing them that it was the wrong choice is nearly impossible, consequences be damned, because they’ve already justified it to themselves.
So, in this case? Just the hope that he could make a miracle, a world where Daybit could live like a normal human, that was enough. It’s the same with Ereshkigal too, honestly. The idea of relieving her loneliness and bringing flowers to her world felt like a similar kind of miracle. It’s why he sighs, rubbing at his face. ]
It’s more that causing conflict the way we do, that just ain’t compatible. Thinking about the world means not thinking about yourself. Something like that.
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[ But no. They were the same. Silco doesn't offer advice — he doesn't think Tezcatlipoca would take it, and nor is he inclined to give it in this particular realm. Tezcatlipoca has about as good of luck as Silco does in that aspect.
So he only huffs a soft sigh.
They both were similar enough. He says he doesn't regret it, and Silco respects that.
Any decision made without regret, for a purpose was important wasn't it? He had done so for Daybit. Silco had done so for Jinx.
Now they were here. Now they were here. ] Perhaps it isn't compatible, and perhaps this is karmic retribution.
[ A shrug, and a twist of his lips into a grim, bitter little smile. A touch sarcastic. ]
Perhaps this, too, is a trial.
[ TAKE THAT BITCH ]
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Nah, those are just for you. An all-powerful god doesn’t face Trials, c’mon.
[ But he gets that this is Silco’s version of commiseration and comfort. Technically speaking, this is another area where they’re similar too. They’re both allergic to sincerity, so it’s easier to express it through criticisms and jabs. It’s why he’s on Silco’s couch rather than anyone else’s too. ]
I know what you think about Ereshkigal. [ like, you’ve made that super obvious, bud ] But whaddya think about Daybit, anyways?
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[ if he'd wanted sympathy, there were plenty of people he could have gone to, but instead it's Silco he's with, and Silco knows that people like he and Tezcatlipoca wouldn't want it if given. Sure, he could say the words, inauthentic though they were, but he wouldn't want them.
Silco wouldn't either. So he throws it back to him, a twist of a smile on his face.
It's better than hearing "I'm sorry that happened" at any rate. ]
About Daybit? [ A scoff. ] He's a poor conversion partner, and seems only interested in the bare minimum of what's relevant to him.
Honestly? I think you have bad taste.
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[ It's a drawl in exactly the tone you expect, and it's probably telling that this turn in the conversation seems to improve his mood, however minutely. He's still conflicted about how things have gone in the past month, but when it comes to this question? He's imagined it a few times, even if it's mostly for his own amusement.
Daybit and Silco represented perfect extremes in the people that Tezcatlipoca liked, after all. Why wouldn't he be amused by the idea of them meeting? He'd just also never expected that it would happen.]
Yeah! 'Course he's only interested in the bare minimum...
[ That's also a drawl, but this time it's with a laugh in it. Honestly, paradoxical as it might seem, it's part of why Tezcatlipoca was so fond of the guy. With how deeply Tezcatlipoca's sympathies secretly run, he understands Daybit's inherit calculus. He appreciates it. But just as quietly as those sympathies, he'd also held a closer grip on the twenty-three hours and fifty-five minutes that went forgotten. Maybe they were truly unimportant, because, hell, he'd certainly gained an appreciation for how much of a day was truly meaningless when he parsed it through Daybit's point of view.
...But he'd still hold onto it all the same. ]
You're just sayin' that 'cuz he ignored you. Don't even know that for sure. Just know that he did and it annoyed ya, 'cuz I know both of ya.
[ And he's fond of both. For whatever reason, this seems to push him into action, and he stands from the couch, however wobbly... But it's at least to head to wherever Silco keeps some water. Luckily, he's not the kind of drunk to go for more alcohol. At least not at this point. ]
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Yes, well, you said he was a man of few words, but I hardly expected him to merely walk out of a conversation.
[ Like?? Hello????
He watches him for a moment, making sure he isn't going for another round of the liquor (sorry Tezca, but he really doesn't want to deal with your corpse tonight) before he pulled his own up and took a drink. ]
That doesn't discount that you have bad taste. Between him and Ereshkigal...
[ A shrug. ] I think you could do better, if you wanted to.
That's all.
[ It really is the dichotomy of the types of people that Tezcatlipoca likes. Maybe that says a lot, but Silco understands it. Well, Ereshkigal he doesn't get, but at least Daybit was different, albeit without a personality Silco could pick up on. (Because he isn't getting the opportunity to look.) ]
you've missed set right silco well,
[ Tezcatlipoca barks out a laugh as he pours his water, since, yeah, that would uniquely piss Silco off, huh? This is exactly the funny kind of interaction that he’d predicted, since Daybit and Silco might as well be water and oil (respectively, of course). Whether it’s their personal principles or their mannerisms, they truly are at opposite ends of the spectrum. ]
Yeah, you’re just mad ‘cuz you can’t stand feeling ignored… You’re so petty, man. I love it.
[ He takes a swig, tops it off, then ambles back over. However, truly horrifyingly for Silco, he doesn’t take the side of the couch this time. He plops down right next to Silco, hip to hip. It’s the next stage of drunk emotion—cuddly. ]
What can I say? I like projects. And you can’t say they ain’t weirdos.
[ Said fondly, of course. ]
HELPSJBS
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cat behavior
PLEASE!!!!
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the tezcachella icon...
🤠🎀