TP - LOVECRAFT

[impacter]

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[impacter]

[He's in new duds this week! All settled among the roses with a pen idly flicked in his fingers, eyes tipped towards the uncanny sky - an exhausted reprieve from patrolling the school. From the back of his neck, black spreads up and out under his skin like ink dripped on a paper.

He hears Lovecraft, and his face turns to meet him. Smiling. Tired. Very tired.]

Yes. With no small amount of embarrassment either, ahaha...

How about you?

[ohrlyeh]

I know what I am, now.

[He did get new duds, but is not wearing them now. Only his regular trenchcoat.]

[He comes over, puts a clammy hand over that blackened neck.]

What is this...?

I forgot his hand is all bandaged up too whoops its been a long week for sol

[impacter]

[Ah. He's not expecting the touch, but the surprise on his face dims when he realizes exactly what Lovecraft has seen.

He sighs, uninjured hand lifting to pat Lovecraft's arm.]

The consequences of a contract, Lovecraft.

I'm not in any pain from it. Pay it no mind.

[ohrlyeh]

...

[His hand doesn't leave that spot of skin.]

I thought our...abilities didn't work here. Unless this is something done...before you came.

[impacter]

You're correct. They don't.

And no. It was not. [Even though that seal has, in fact, been on his neck since the very first trial.]

[ohrlyeh]

[He removes his hand, squats down beside him. ]

Then tell me of it. If it troubles you so.

[impacter]

[The silence stretches.

The pen flicks in his hands.]

...

What do you know about Sika Madu, Lovecraft?

[ohrlyeh]

...

[He squints.]

Not much. I know...they chose...our secrets.

[impacter]

[Ah.

He nods after a moment's hesitation.]

Not much of a start, but yes, that's something.

Do you know what they are?

[ohrlyeh]

...Not human.

[As much as he knows.]

Are they...a demon?

[impacter]

For lack of a better term? Yes. Fallen from heaven to burn in hellfire.

Though they claim to not prefer the label.

[ohrlyeh]

Ah.

[He...really doesn't like that.]

So. This fact...what does it have to do with your contract?

[impacter]

Isn't it obvious?

I asked them for a pact. They agreed.

[You know. Normal things!]

This isn't normally how I like to do it, to be honest. But time wasn't on our side, and what's done is done.

[ohrlyeh]

...

[And he will flick the man in the side of the head.]

You are a fool, Solomon.

[impacter]

[ow!!!!! His shoulders hitch up slightly, but aside from a faked pout he's only giggling.]

Ahahahahah -- I've been called worse.

Still, I assume you didn't walk over here just to pour salt in my wounds and call me names. You said you remembered what you were, correct?

[ohrlyeh]

I should keep doing that.

[And a haggard sigh.]

I have been called..."god" by those who have summoned me. I suppose...that is the best way to...describe it.

[impacter]

Harsh. You'll hurt my feelings, you know.

[He leans his chin against his hand as he looks up at lovecraft with a cockeyed grin.]

Here I was wondering. You never really struck me as a human.

Does it bother you?

[ohrlyeh]

Bother me? Being in this form...does. So itchy....

[So fucking small.]

[impacter]

Ahahah -- Not quite what I meant, but I guess that's part of it.

I meant more the realization of what it is you are. Are you at peace with it?

[ohrlyeh]

Of course. I have not...been different. This is what I am.

Are you...at peace with what you have had returned?

[impacter]

[That tracks. Lovecraft had seemed confused at times in their short time together, but never distressed. Maybe the knowledge was merely an anchor to an identity that felt secure.

At the question towards himself, Solomon grows quiet, forcing out an exhale as his uninjured hand rests against his chest, eyes drifting to the ground in thought.]

Mm. Forgetting is something I'm used to. But this...

It was a person from my childhood. Such a small piece to the puzzle. Even now... I can't remember their name. Only their face. But...

The ache I felt when they returned to me... it was bittersweet.

[ohrlyeh]

[He rests his hand on top of the man's head. Pat pat.]

But it's better to have them back. Isn't it?

[impacter]

[Oh... headpats... He halts for a second, obviously taken aback, before chuckling weakly.]

Ah -- no need for that, Lovecraft. Please, just... sit, if you'd like.

[He'll pat a spot next to him in the gardens.]

Yes, I'd say it is better. Though I could have lived without it, I'm much more resolved with it in place. It makes things feel less... pointless, in a way.

[ohrlyeh]

Fine.

[He sits down, slouching over.]

Well. You now know your goal. And....I suppose...nothing can sway you from it.

[impacter]

[He shakes his head quietly.]

I always knew at least parts of my goal. The inspiration for it was all that was taken from me, that's all.

Remembering someone's belief in you is a powerful thing.