AUDIENCE FOR: Rupert

[guestservices]

Comments

[agleam]

I think having trouble turning off the tap on empathy is probably a good thing, you know.

[slightly amused]

[guestservices]

[ this laugh is a little more genuine. ]

Yeah? Me too. Sure as shit makes this job hard, though.

[agleam]

Yeah. I think I can get a little bit what it must be like, wanting to help but having - limits to what you can do.

[guestservices]

Hah. You have no idea.

[ whew. ]

But, y'know, is what it is. And at least sometimes I can help you guys a little in the aftermath. Let you talk it out, at least. Take some of you out for drinks. Whatever helps.

[agleam]

...You're a really kind person, Aquila.

[he gives them a smile, before he pauses.]

Oh - that reminds me! I had another question about a deal.

[guestservices]

Hah.

[ they shrug a little, but! ]

...I can't promise you much. [ a little uneasy. ] The more of these deals that get made, the more obvious it gets we're helping you guys out. You can ask a question, but Iunno if I can give you another one for a while.

[agleam]

Alright.

[he pauses for a moment.]

I guess for now, just tell me if it would be possible... I've heard that some of these groups have had items or powers that could protect someone from dying. I was wondering if I could get something like that.

[guestservices]

No. [ that answer comes immediately - they shake their head. ] Can't happen. Sorry, Rupes.

[agleam]

But what if it...

[he cuts himself off, taking a breath, and then nods.]

Right. Okay.

[guestservices]

[ it's a big red x on that one! ]

Sorry. Any of us would tell you the same thing. No risk, no reward, y'know?

[agleam]

I think there'd be risk if it was something we could only use once.

[he frowns, but he does nod.]

I get it, though. I don't want you guys to get in trouble, your boss seems... Pretty scary.

[guestservices]

We've got our own contracts to abide by, so. Helping's not really in them.

[ the bit about the host gets them to huff a laugh. ]

Something like it, yeah. Better to lay low.

[agleam]

[after a moment of hesitation and growing concern:]

...Are you guys safe?

[guestservices]

Yeah. I mean, you saw Yoo Joonghyuk try to take Virgo out.

[ they wave a hand. ] We're fine.

[agleam]

I wasn't quite asking if you were in danger from us, specifically. Just...

[gestures vaguely! their boss seems bad.]

[guestservices]

I wouldn't worry so much about us. More important to worry about you, Rupes.

[agleam]

I don't know about that. I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with being concerned about any friends. But - I'll trust you.

[guestservices]

Just remember, friendly or not, our job comes before everything.

[ they do seem appreciative, though. ]

[agleam]

Don't worry. I'm not expecting a miracle or anything from you guys. [...] No offense, just. You know.

[guestservices]

[ they snort. ]

None taken.

[agleam]

Honestly, though... It feels like you've been trying to bend the rules for us as much as you can. I really appreciate that.

[guestservices]

[ they lift a hand to their veil in a "shhh" motion. ]

Let's keep that as hush hush as possible.

[agleam]

Oh - sorry, sorry. I take it back.

[guestservices]

[ the implication of a wink in their voice. ]

I didn't hear what you said, before that. Must not have been that important! You're right, I'm very evil. Real bastard.

[agleam]

[he laughs, grinning]

Oh, yeah, just the worst. Ruins my day every time we talk.