Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

Being snorted a little through the nose at the explicit comment; he seemed a little timid, but he definitely indulged in that idea of poetic justice.
" I will keep that in mind. I did enjoy it... I really like... how passionate you are in your work. I could hear it clearly in your voice, " he whispered. " I respect your craft and your dedication to it... But... I would like to bid you this, please. I am positive it won't, but still... if anything similar ever happens... will you stop the play and get help right away? " he asked him, just a little hoarsely. " I know you didn't mean to... but by delaying your treatment, you have made me responsible not just for injury, but a death. It is nice that you resurrected, and I know you don't blame me, but I blame myself because I hold you in my favour, " he stated his truth simply, " So I won't be able to enjoy your next show, if I keep worrying all the time that you might secretly be dying on the stage, right above me. Will you... be mindful of this wish, please? I too, want to enjoy, all your future plays... as a bit of a final *fuck you* to the man that killed you. "

[Mirach]

"For that I'm equally responsible," Senecio said. "I get lost in the character that I play, and I didn't realize what's happening before it was already close to the end, and then I thought it's worth finishing it already. He knew it will be like that when I'd play a character who's in pain all the time and hiding it. He knew I wouldn't notice the line when the pretended pain becomes real..."

[VisAnastasis]

Being listened quietly, seeming lost in thoughts as he listened to the unusual explanation.
" I see... " He whispered in the end. He was looking at the table before himself and scratching a bit of its edge wonderingly, as he took his breath, and asked unexpectedly." Yet... You are too good at hiding pain. You are.... A lot like Emmet. Full of taste, but being dismissive about it," he whispered." I feel bad myself... As a person that finds suffering tasty... If you were any person with less unfortunate life, I would have figured you were suddenly getting ominous taste... But you were too tasty to begin with for me to realise it," he spoke his mind quietly." I will... Forgive you this time, because you were caught of guard, and I will try to forgive  myself. But... If I may dare be presumptuous... There is something I wanted to ask. " He bid quietly." I understand that man gave you a lot of your flavorful taste... but I knew he could not have been the only one, just like it isn't for the children. I said while we were together with others that you taste similar to Emmet... And it is true, but you actually taste much stronger than him. Much more complicated, much more layered. Isn't it... Too hard? Existing in a place that reeks of people who hurt you? I heard humans speak among themselves that there were couple other humans you fired *unjustly*... Yet, is just that much really enough that you feel safe here?" He inquired, and Senecio could feel no malicious thought, only the same quiet and composed genuine streak of worry and interest." Can nothing else really be done? Or are you... Just too lost in your character, pretending it's all fine?"

[Mirach]

It seemed Senecio never thought about it that way, so it took him a moment to consider that and reply. "I don’t know, actually..." he murmured. "There's bad but there's also good, so tangled together that it's inseparable, like pain and pleasure. If I imagine building an entirely new theatre, I'm not sure it's what I want. It would be much more satisfying to transform this place, to fight and conquer its ghosts instead of giving up."

[VisAnastasis]

Being nodded seriously.
" I am not scared of fighting ghosts. I will gladly fight that fight with you. Destroying their legacy, making their accomplishments seem like nothing... I will gladly take part in it. But what I am wary of are not ghosts, but the living, " Janus replied, with equal tame and patient tone that wanted to genuinely learn of actor's thoughts. " Doesn't... Their presence make you uncomfortable? I am not saying everyone here has bad opinions about you... But my impression is that lot are bitter, with your rise in theathre and its ownership. Many people say really... Purposely filthy and harsh things about you," Being revealed seriously." I think they can't do much to physically hurt you, so they at least want to affect your reputation, and scare away people that grow fond of you... I often notice, while not approaching me, that some are talking behind your back close to me on purpose. It happened quite a few times. Isn't it just overall tense, to live like that? I don't know how humans deal with those things nowadays - I know you can't fire everyone over mere words, but still, it worries me. I am not sure what should be a proper response for me... Just pretending everything is fine does not feel proper to me. That's why I wanted to ask you.  "

[Mirach]

Senecio just shrugged with that. "It's me who's different from them, I'm used to that. I can’t make them like me when they don't. As long as they're only talking, ignore them."

[VisAnastasis]

" Just because you are used to something bad, doesn't mean it's not wrong that you are treated so, " Being replied quietly, but with firm conviction in its voice, with the same feeble but determined appeal for justice. " I can not control what I hear, but if you want me to not engage in their conversations, I won't. Still... if what they say feels unjust and heavy to me... am I at least allowed a petty action in turn? " he asked intently; his words were vague, but it was clear he had something specific on his mind he was working up to. " You see... Some things they said didn't sit right with me. You could even say, they inspired me a little, in a way that spite inspires you. I may have done... a little experimenting... and they resulted in a little trinket I'd like to give you, " he admitted unexpectedly, appearing a little tense. " It's nothing much, more symbolic than not, and it's not something that would help you deal with them or their actions... but I thought, as someone that appreciates a good sense of irony and intentions backfiring at people like me, you may appreciate it. As well... I actually wanted to give it to you as thanks. I really like your old wallet, the one you sent me that day after you and Hans taught me how to use money. It was a nice day... and the memory of it as I hold it calms me down when I have to struggle with the human shopping. I wanted to return the good faith. Since you died, though, this will be more of an apology than a thankful gift, I guess... But I would like you to consider it. I have to warn you because it was inspired by gossip about you, it may be a risky gift... so you may refuse it. But I'd still like to show you through it how I think about you. "

[Mirach]

"In any case I'm curious about it now," Senecio said. "Your description make it sound rather appealing..."

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't  know how proper or presumptuous it is of me. I was informed humans often buy cookies and sweets, but it felt dishonest to me. I wanted to get you something tailored to you, not just follow a human custom. If I was being presumptuous, you are free to say it... At first I was just doing research and calculations, but I couldn't help building it when I procured some rare material after the play. I had to prove my concept in practice. Just keep on open mind, please," Being said tamely, and with just a pinch of nervousness, he took out something from his bag... Something new and unusual. It looked like a handle of a whip, made from expensive  leathery kind of material,but more intriguingly - it had two buttons at its side.

[Mirach]

Senecio watched it wonderingly, the assumptions coming to his mind being ones that would be rather embarrassing if he voiced them and proved incorrect. "Okay..." he said slowly. "What is it?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Well, I would rather have you guess, so I can have ideas for next time," Janus said innocently, though mostly to hide his own shyness amidst determination." Actually, I wanted to be more tame the first time around, so you would be least likely to refuse. I don't know much about this subject, but from information I have been exposed to, I get it that this is what you like. It is a whip, with two settings. " He explained, and pressed one button, at which, from the handle mechanism, a thin whip appeared. He pressed the other button, and that whip retracted back, and another, even finer whip appeared in its place. But both modes looked like no whip Senecio has ever seen - the material looked way too light and flowy, almost like it had a structure of a soft feather. After demonstration, Being quietly put the item in the table between them." I heard them say, with malice... how they hope you won't resist the temptation, and how they hope you will convince Tide to whip you and disfigure you. How they looked forward, and made bets how soon you will be crippled... And I thought... When I can do something about it, why not?" He said, as someone who definitely never slept with anyone, Being explained with most innocent, proud expression." In human hands, it's just a silly feathery toy, like a feathery kite, swaying in the air slowly... It took lot of calculations, but I adjusted it precisely to Tide's strength. It would be impossible for Tide to use a human whip without hurting you severely, but this whip is specifically adjusted to your demon boyfriend, to a gram. I didn't know exactly how you like it, though, so I built two modes for it, one that hurts a little when used, and one that hurts quite more. I did some testing, and the second one cannot tear skin, but it can leave bruises if overdone, so just practice reasonable caution. "

[Mirach]

"Oh. Huh. I didn’t think it is what I thought it is... But, it actually is..." Senecio stammered. "Well, it's certainly not a social norm to give sex toys as presents, but to hell with social norms. Thank you. It's a very cool present."

[VisAnastasis]

For the first time, Being smiled a little wider, freer, with a frail  shimmer of brightness, and with lighter heart - it felt as if positive response to his efforts helped ease his guilt about what happened, as he had a chance to make up for it a little.

" I assumed it is out of norms.... But when I am already making you something, I wanted to make something that will actually make you happy. I know no human craftsmen can do this, and if I can not do anything about people that bully you, I can at least exterminate some of their hopes," he explained, straightening, as he added, with a voice simple, but holding all the gentle weight of his convictions." Do not let them win without a fight, either, by thinking poorly of yourself. You are different... I am different too. But different doesn't mean that you are damaged goods or that it is justified to spit on you," he nodded his head lightly." Senecio... I would like to wish you a Happy Rebirth. I wish you to love and accept yourself more, in spite of your first life, and I wish you much nicer, happier second life.. And for what it's worth, I think you are a very cool human. "

[Mirach]

"Thank you," Senecio said wonderingly. "I haven't really thought of it that way. Second life... I like that, actually. But you know, when you're known and people talk about you, there's always a part of them who criticise everything you do, especially if you are successful. It helps them feel better about themselves when they're envious about the success. It's just not worth thinking about much..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Of course I know that humans can be envious... Maybe lot of things have changed and seem confusing, but I was an Elder god once, too, like Eros and Hans. I know humans can be bitter and jelous of everything," Janus shook his head." As long as you don't let yourself be influenced by their cruelty, I won't press you. I just heard what kind of things they speak about you... things filthy and awful that I can not say out loud. Things... That make me really angry," he whispered just a touch darker, with hands subconsciously forming fists." It is... Not alright when they drill shameful, weighty thoughts into you. You know... Not only phisical things cause suffering. Constant belittling and lack of care and happiness only multiplies the mysery, chemically drilling it into you more and more. I had the same talk with Emmet," he whispered." You should... Work on your flavour. Lead a happy life, and keep working on your growth, it will naturally begin to fade more and more... You are a good person. Don't let them make you feel bad about being yourself. I do enjoy... Being petty with you and having their intentions to blacken your name before me backfire ironically on them. I love poetic justice. But beyond the pettiness, best revenge of all is to lead your best life in spite of their efforts. Do not let anyone spoil your rebirth. "

[Mirach]

"I used to ignore them, but I also used to think the things they say are justified and they have a right to be disgusted," Senecio explained. "But this..." he pointed at Janus's gift and shook his head, as if finding it hard to find the right words. "I've met a few people now who made me realize it's not true, and I've been trying to adopt that view. But no words can really make it feel so normal like getting something like this... something I'd before consider shameful and feel guilty for enjoying... as such a well-meant, casual present. I don't know if you realize what it really means to me..."

[VisAnastasis]

As he spoke, Senecio could feel that his words held great weight for the Being. His feelings seemed naturally too frail, too quiet, with too faint intensity, but the void lit up a little as he spoke. It was a simple feeling of warmth and favor, but it was as earnest as it was timid.

" I think... That I do," Janus whispered then, and encouraged by actor's words, he spoke up himself." I struggle daily... With my diet. I know lot of people understand my needs are different, and support me... But I still feel like an unwanted burden. Even when I am not actively eating.... Even the nicest can be uncomfortable around me, knowing their pain can be my food. They aren't comfortable spending time with me or getting to know me better... They only come to me when they need something," he whispered." No one would ever.... Just walk into the room casually, and say - you know, I am just going to have a surgery to get rid of some painful bits, would you like them? Not in an opportunistic or practical way, or in hopes of a deal... But in the same tone as you would offer someone a slice of pie," he could hear the respect and admiration in creature's voice." It is... Just a little warmth, in the cold world. And the way you come to me, just to casually discuss the people we hate and complain about them... It is not something people do to me other than if they want to force themselves in my favour. When you talk with me, I can feel you are always honest and comfortable, and never disgusted of me. You just come because you feel like it, not because you have to. Thank you... For this taste of normalcy," he whispered just a tinge vulnerably." I don't know if you realise what it really means to me..."

[Mirach]

"Oh. Well... I guess now I do," Senecio smiled faintly. "I didn't realize the parallels, but I see how it may be why I'm feeling so comfortable around you."

[VisAnastasis]

The smile Janus returned him was just a touch brighter and softer; behind it was a faint feeling, but a touch more free than before, not quite one of happiness, as if creature was unable to muster such a strong feeling in its body - but it was a peaceful, content and unclouded emotion.

" Whatever the reason is... It is nice to be with someone who is so comfortable with me. Would you... Like some more human tea?" He asked earnestly." I can warm it up. To be honest, I am not sure what is usual convention of talks for tea parties, or if one person drinking actually qualified for tea party... But until Tide arranges everything for your surgery, we probably still have a bit of time. You can complain whatever you feel like, or if you would like we can do something else. I fear I don't really do much for pleasure to know what to offer... At worst, we could take paper and sketch out and talk through some ideas for future mechanisms you would like in the theatre... But that's just work as work, and you probably don't feel like working right before a scary treatment.... What would help?"

[Mirach]

"The tea is great, actually. I was feeling a bit nauseous before but it's helping. And there was something that came to my mind when I came here that I wanted to tell you about the design of this place, since we're going to practically rebuild it."

[VisAnastasis]

" Of course. I am curious what you have in mind, because considering how huge  even the basement level will be once we properly destroy everything from before, it could be just about anything,  " Being replied earnestly, and it warmed the tea in the teapot a  bit anew, before refilling actor's cup generously, and putting another spoonful of sugar for him.

[Mirach]

"I was just thinking that there's no sunlight here," Senecio. "That’s not really good for humans, spending a lot of time like that. I was thinking if the light couldn't be brought here with some shafts and mirrors."

[VisAnastasis]

" Hmm... " Janus paused to think about it, considering the possible solutions. " It is true it is awfully dark in here. That's why I often bring out my floating blue blobs of light. They are like lanterns that flow around at my will. I thought children may feel better with something bright and unusual. But that is still artificial light. There would be supernatural ways to do it, but that's something I am mostly okay with for Being places, like Sage's mansion. For a human place, it would be an overkill and too straining. So, as for natural light solutions... There could be several ways. It depends on how much of a traditional theatre look do you want us to keep, and what amount of light do you want to bring. The problem is that the stage above us is mostly in half-darkness so that light effects can stand out more. We could use a system of shafts and mirrors or tubular skylight to lighten up this specific place without necessarily doing so for the stage above, but for that, we will need to drill holes into the walls. It is doable. Though, out options greatly depend on one thing. When you say you want to change theathre to your liking, how far do renovations actually are going to go? Do you want an upgraded theathre look or more of the best theathre at the seashore look? " Being asked seriously. " I do not know exact taste of theathre goers, but, while the dark eerier atmosphere fits this particular play, won't some be more proper in the daylight? We could maybe just, you know... tear of the human roof, and build a mechanism with the retractable roof? I could design it to have two layers, one that is only made of complex indestructible glass between metal plates, which could be used when we want lot of sunlight to go in. And over it, we would have another layer of the retractable roof, that would be tough metal, and when closed of fully, not allow any light in, like it is now. We could also have the ability to choose how much we want both of these to be open, to control the amount and kind of light we want on the stage. That way we would for good solve the problem of this depressing low light level in the building overall, and just decide how much light we want on a day to day basis... and as for this level, then with couple light shafts, as long as there is light in the theathre, there would be light here, too. Actually, as you mention mirrors, there was something I wanted to ask permission to make. Right now, we need to carefully follow cues from music and dialogue to know when to move mechanisms. But I could make a little hole in the stage, and with a bit of manoeuvring and mirrors, I could reflect the image of what is going on the stage to us underneath, " he said shyly. " That way, I mean, we could watch the play from basically front row, without having to be in the audience, and... we could also visually easily follow, when we need to move something... it would be much easier for the kids, too, and especially for me, since I'd need to interact with humans above less during the play... "

[Mirach]

Senecio tilted his head, looking towards the roof that of course couldn't be seen through the stage with a thoughtful expression. "Most plays are done in the evening when it's already dark, but it might be nice to see the stars through the roof, if it's not cloudy. And for rehearsals and everything else, daylight would save us a lot of money for lighting. And if we already get light into the theater, getting it below the stage and seeing what's going on on it could be two birds with one stone. How about a semi-transparent stage? Light would get in through it and you would also see above, even if from a bit weird angle."

[VisAnastasis]

" As I suggested it, I am all in for the retractable roof, as for its design, we can plan the exact look together with Hans, whether it's more rectangular or more like a dome, it is possible to make sturdily because it's reasonably sized still and not too huge like it would be with a church, I would calculate all needed reinforcements and materials, " Being said earnestly. " As for the stage... If it was just for me, semi-transparent would be nice. Actually, we could make it like a transparent mirror - so that we can see what's happening above, but it's more mirror-like and actors can't see what's happening below, and so the audience won't see the mechanisms below. We could also make it more grainy so it isn't too slippery for actors, but... there is one thing. if it is just me, I'm good, and I'd teach kids to behave... but I don't want anyone to even accidentally look up and see under someone's skirt. Worse, if it's someone long time from us, someone might want to do these things on purpose... I don't know about now, but it was definitely frowned upon when I was among humans, " Being said thoughtfully. " I'd rather maybe place openings on strategic places, where they bring in a lot of light, but it still makes it harder to purposely go around and... basically circling around people from down below? How about... maybe something like this?  " he took out the paper and made a sketch. ( https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b2/79/78/b279783a93ba038a7aab5a3ff8c4a974.jpg ) " If we make many places like this, we can let in a lot of nice light, but it would look tasteful since they light shafts would be the size of wood planks. We could still see the play, just not from possibly compromising angles. The wood on stage looks worm, too, we should change it anyway. Hans can procure you good kinds or colours of wood, and I can treat them so they are durable and long lasting... "