ic inbox

[lingeringhope]

[Hope's voice is clear and clipped.]

If you would like to leave a message, you may do so here. I can't promise to respond. I have many demands on my time, and this sort of thing is far down the list. Still, if you would like to, you may.

Comments

[lingeringhope]

[Hope doesn't appear instantly, like he has in the past. It takes a few minutes before he can muster up enough energy to appear. He doesn't look tired though - which makes sense, because this is a projection rather than his true form.]

I am here. Are you all right?

[demonsional]

I am great because you are here now!

[Hayden's face lights up as soon as he sees Hope. It doesn't matter how real he is as long as he can see him. There's an impulse to fling himself forward at Hope but he at least remembers that Hope is an important person and he has to be respectful. Even looking relieved and happy, there's still an edge to his movements, like an itch under the surface of his skin he just can't quite get to.]

Please do not ever leave and be here forever so I can always do a really good job to help make you feel better.

[Right! Job! He forgets and then remembers the jar in his hands very quickly.]

This is full of wishes of people from all over the city! I collected them! It's all things that people look forward to the most, either big things or littler things, and I thought, I thought, um, I thought it would be a good present just for you!

[lingeringhope]

I have no intention of going anywhere, even if I could.

[He's curious about Hayden's sudden appearance, but the truth is that Hope doesn't understand human-shaped people enough to be able to tell that something's off. He takes it all at face value - if nothing else, he's too tired to read into things.]

That is very thoughtful of you. You must have worked hard - I hope you know that I appreciate all that you've done.

[demonsional]

[This is going incredibly well! In high spirits, Hayden lets out some energy by running in a tight circle before putting the jar down at the front of the temple.]

You do? You mean it? I did really super good? I am so happy that you are going to stay forever and ever because you are the best part of my whole life! I will work even harder next time! I'll work so hard, the most hard, and then you will feel even better and we can both be each others' favorites and there won't be any reason to think about anything else and that means nothing can get in and hurt and nobody will ever be gone!

[lingeringhope]

I'm sure that I am not the best part of your whole life.

[Out of everything, that's what stands out to him - it's rather unbelievable, considering the amount of folks here who absolutely loathe him.

Still, flattering.]

You do not have to work so very hard, though. I am on my way to recovery.

[demonsional]

[At least at the moment, it's the truth. A scarily presented, clung-onto truth. Anyone who loathes you is wrong and Hayden loathes them right back as much as he can in his little Hayden-y shaped heart.]

Yes! You are! There might as well not be anybody else at all!

[For the first time since he's arrived, he goes absolutely still.]

I want to help you recover more than anybody else but I don't want to have to go away from where you are to do it. What if somebody hurts you again? You shouldn't be alone ever. It's not nice to be alone. When I'm alone I feel like there are needles inside of my skin and that is why Mister Harlan is dead to me. But that won't happen with you!

[lingeringhope]

[Wow that's... a lot. But maybe that's just how people are sometimes? Hope still has so much to learn about the emotions of the creatures here. He hasn't really been paying attention to what's been going on, anyway - maybe one of his colleagues has caused this.

But hey. Not really his problem, when he just doesn't know the reason for this.]

I do appreciate the thought. I very much want to recover as well. But for now, at least, I am safe - and I am not alone. The other gods are here, and now you are here as well.

[Maybe his friend leaving has upset him?]

You can stay as long as you like, if you feel alone.

[demonsional]

[Now that...that is what he definitely wants to hear. His face brightens, happiness into an adoration and thankfulness bordering on obsession.]

I can? I really can? I would love it if you let me stay! Forever!

[lingeringhope]

It will probably get very dull. Most of the time I am not here at all. But of course, you can stay regardless.

[It doesn't cost him anything to let someone hang out. And Hayden seems fine. Everything's fine here.]

[demonsional]

That's okay! It's your temple so it's your place and that's good enough for me!

[It's absolutely fine. Completely.]

Thank you thank you thank you Lord Mister Hope!

[lingeringhope]

Thank you too. I certainly appreciate all that you have done.