[Temenos is not at all tipsy! He would like to keep his faculties on a Thursday night, thank you very much.
Heโs taking a break from the party games to listen to a musical performance when Beelzebub approaches him. Tipping his head when he feels a tug on his sleeve, he smiles and nods at the suggestion.]
I would love to.
[The two of them had agreed to meet over ice cream again sometime, and now is as good of a time as any. Heโs beginning to grow weary of all the socialization anyway.
He shifts to link his arm with Beelzebubโs.]
Shall we?
can't believe they inhaled each other's tongues BEFORE this thread, happy pride
[There's a slight dusting of color across his face as he takes Temenos by the arm, quietly leading him away from the group and out into the evening air.]
I'm glad they're all trying to find something to stay happy about. And I liked Baizhu's cooking a lot.
Did you ever get to find a constellation this week, Temenos?
[Heheh... The blush on Beelzebub's face doesn't go unnoticed by the local detective, but he keeps that little secret to himself.]
As am I. Seeing Wei Wuxian in good health after yesterday's scare was reassuring as well.
[He was also glad to see Beelzebub was eating well. With it being Thursday night, he knows that preparations are going to be in order once again.
He nods when asked about his constellation, casting his gaze to the sky as they make their way back toward the resort.]
I did. Based on the books inside the planetarium, I am a Virgo.
[It's not in this night sky but on Earth's, apparently. Temenos can't help but wonder why Earth books would be here in that case, but...that's probably not the point of the exercise.]
Oh, I know that one. The Maiden. My older brother Mammon was created under that sign, too.
[He looks a little fond, glancing over at Temenos before following his eyes up towards the unfamiliar sky.]
They aren't constellations we have in the Devildom, either. But Belphie used to love going out to look at the stars of the human world. He taught us all about the constellations from Earth a long time ago.
I don't remember many of them... but I know the ones my brothers were born under. [He squeezes the hand tucked against his arm.] And now yours, too.
So the Devildom is connected to Earth, hm? I have heard much about it during my time here. It seems to be a common thread linking a number of our little flock.
[He would be lying if he said he wasn't a little interested in seeing it for himself.
Feeling that squeeze on his hand, he shifts his attention on Beelzebub. He has been turning the words of wisdom that the demon offered him in his mind. With every affectionate gesture, every fond glance, every skip of a heartbeat...he knows what he is certain of.]
Heh. Just the important ones. [A little tease as he squeezes Beelzebub's hand back.] You are a Pisces, are you not? I recall reading that on the network.
As I studied Astrology in the planetarium, I found the assumptions being drawn between a person's star sign and nature to be lacking in any factual evidence. However, there is no harm in having a little fun with them. Case in point, it seems that Pisces and Virgos are quite compatible with one another.
Sort of. We exist separately, but Father created all three worlds at the same time, so even if we're separate, there's ways we can interact with the human world if we need to. Belphie used to love visiting, but...
[A beat, and he trails off, letting Temenos continue the discussion instead as they step out to follow the railway back to the main island. Watch your step...]
Mn. Yeah, Belphie and I are both Pisces, The Fish. I liked that there was two of them, just like us.
["Used to", huh... That must have to do with what happened to Belphie. Hm. Perhaps that is a thread of discussion that they can continue another time. For now, they can stick to the Astrology discussion.
And since Beelzebub is asking, Temenos is just going to come right out and bring up what has been on his mind all week.]
When it comes to romance, Pisces and Virgo are compatible in the sense that "opposites attract." I believe that describes us quite well, and not simply because you are a demon and I am a cleric.
[Hm. Why does he feel strange, so suddenly? His grip tightens a little against his hold on Temenos, more of a sudden flutter of nerves than anything else.]
We... are pretty different, aren't we? But...
I just like that I can talk to you about anything. You don't treat me like a fool if I don't understand. I like seeing you happy.
...
I...
[He doesn't want to push this. But he feels that he can't float by on implications any longer with his heart now threatening to beat out of his chest.]
[Temenos laughs softly in response, light and affectionate.]
I did not intend for it to be one, but I will say you are making this easier for me.
[Hearing Beelzebub admit those things to him makes him feel warm. Whole. Happy.
He comes to a stop, smiling up at Beelzebub as he intertwines their fingers with one another.]
You reassured me that I would find something to be sure of- something that is important to me. But the truth of the matter is...I have known what that important something is for some time now. My faith in you has not wavered, and so I shall trust in my feelings in turn.
[Is that what this is? This fullness in his chest combating the demands of his stomach, the warmth in his limbs, the pound of his pulse. He looks at this man and the world seems to stop.
...
Something passes over him - the same hesitance that kept him from their first kiss, a guilty and almost mournful cloud, and it holds the silence. But Beelzebub lifts a hand to break it, to brush against Temenos's jawline, to look at him fully and feel that intense desire for protection.]
...I love you, too.
[The statement is sure, but there's a fragility, an uncertainty in his eyes that thankfully he lets tumble out his mouth. ]
I... didn't know if you felt that way at all. I've never heard you say anything. So I... I got worried about what I felt. I wondered if it was all just... another lesson.
[It wasn't worth getting mad about, or interrupting what time he had enjoyed despite his hesitancy. But now he wonders if he had been the fool.]
...Could you let me know your feelings, Temenos? The ones you trust?
[Temenos has no regrets about making his confession, but it would not be true to say he doesn't feel a tinge of fear in the near-deafening silence that follows, interrupted only by the gentle crashing of waves against the railway. It's only once Beelzebub responds that Temenos lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Not only is it a relief to have made his feelings known, but to have them returned.]
It is hardly your fault, and I sincerely apologize that I left you guessing. On my long list of terrible habits is a tendency to hold my true feelings close to my chest. I should have said something at the spa last week, especially when I sensed you might have had a similar reaction to our kiss. I very nearly did not get to make this confession at all, and I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.
With you having made it out of that nightmare alive, I vowed that I would no longer leave anything unsaid between us. So...yes, I will share my feelings with you, my dear Beel.
["My dear Beel."
Reaching up to take Beelzebub's hand, he guides it to his lips so that he may plant a kiss on the knuckles.]
As we spoke and came to know one another, I found myself growing fonder of you with each passing day. I wanted to look out for you and find solutions to your hunger, because I could see the emotional toll that it was taking on you. You may be a demon, but you have a loving heart and a strong sense of protection that I wished to see flourish.
[He can't help but chuckle at himself for it. The Temenos of the past would wonder if he had taken leave of his senses, spouting romantic sentiments like this.]
It was when we kissed that I realized that fondness had become something more. The care in which you took with me was...breathtaking, truly. I imagine it was something of a surprise for the both of us- something to reflect upon. It wasn't as though we expected what would come next.
[He doesn't want to get into the trial, though. They've had enough grief about that for the time being. Shaking his head, he gives Beelzebub's hand another squeeze.]
I trust this love that I feel for you, Beel, just as I trust that I have made the right decision in informing you of it.
[It's like unraveling a tight spring, how the trickling of words from Temenos's lips soothe him. To see him, to feel compassion, to feel pride, to be curious and crave something more...
It visibly chokes him up, though it doesn't make it past a glassy look in the eyes and a tightness in his throat that he tries to clear away.
The grip against his hand is squeezed in return, a lifeline between them.]
Thank you. [It's a little shaky, but he exhales, trying again.] I'm... not good with words like you are. But I knew I liked being around you. I liked how I felt when you'd stand up for me. When you would encourage me. I wanted you to feel safe with me. I wanted to learn more about you.
[A gravitation of curiosity at first, one that had become far more comfortable when Temenos has spoken so openly about his doubts and cynicism, when they'd had time to feel they could have an understanding despite their opposing alliances.]
When we were at the spa... I didn't understand what I felt when I looked at you and watched you. I wanted to know. But I was scared. When I want something... it feels like I'm starving. And when I'm starving, I lose myself.
But when I woke up, after everything... [A swallow, hard, as he pulls Temenos's hand towards his chest.] When I didn't know what had happened to you, or what I might have done, or what Lobelia might have done to you...
...
[It's an emotional silence, as he takes a second to collect himself. But the grip against Temenos's hand stays firm. He's here.]
...I knew, when I saw you on the beach, that I loved you. That that was why I was afraid. Because I've felt that before.
Lilith never came back. [The first time he's spoken of her, to him.] You did. And I... feel like I've dodged another arrow when I see you. I don't want to see another one come and take it away.
[Oh... Watching the emotion welling up in Beelzebub's eyes threatens a chain reaction. Temenos was doing such a good job keeping all of that under control, too.
When Beelzebub tugs on his hand to bring it closer, Temenos goes with it. Recounting the weekend only makes his desire for close proximity that much stronger. What he doesn't expect, however, is the mention of Lilith.]
Lilith...
[He repeats in a murmur. Someone that Beelzebub held dear, who he later lost... It's a feeling that Temenos also knows all too well.]
I understand that fear. When I thought I had lost you, I... I did not know if I could handle that another time. I do not know what would have become of me. [Fortunately, it is no longer a worry. For the time being, anyway.] But I have chosen to swallow that fear, for I refuse to live with it always at my side.
[He wants to enjoy this time with Beelzebub that he has been given.
...
After a moment of silence between the two of them, Temenos asks a question of his own.]
Would you tell me about Lilith sometime? I...will return the favor, should you desire to know more about my own past.
[He'd known that Temenos had lost the Pontiff, whom he'd said was the closest thing he felt to family. Beelzebub wonders, dimly, if that's who the cleric means, or if there had been something else. But... this doesn't feel like the time to pry so deeply.
So he nods, a gentle motion as he keeps Temenos close.]
Mn. Lilith was my sister. I'd... like you to know about her.
...And I'd like to know about you. [He lets go of that grip, only to run his hand back to the side of his head, to card his fingers into Temenos's hair.] Your travels, and the Pontiff... and what makes your doubt hurt you.
[If only that was the extent of the loss Temenos has endured. But, well, Beelzebub will learn more in due time.
So Beelzebub lost a sister... Temenos likewise wonders if that was the catalyst for Beelzebub's fierce protectiveness over the family he has left. Story time is going to be...quite heavy tonight, he thinks.
He nods, closing his eyes for a moment to lean into that touch. It's oddly comforting.]
I believe you deserve to know.
[He's never really wanted to burden anyone with his own emotional baggage- not even his traveling companions. But with Beelzebub...it should be okay. They'll share each other's loads.]
Shall we fetch our ice cream and find a spot to talk?
[There's a tenderness to the moment, to the giving of trust. It pulls the weight of it up without negating, simply knowing there would be someone willing to listen... and to be able to give that space in return.
He doesn't know what to expect. But he wants to hear Temenos out.
With a soft smile, Beelzebub slips his hand away from the cleric's face, only to trace it down his arm, holding out his palm for Temenos to take.]
Yeah.
I'll make a cone for you if you'll make one for me.
They're great. I have a couple cones with a few different flavors all the time. There's lots of things you can put on top of it, too.
[He's very excited, as per usual when the goal is food. The held hand is abandoned so that he can grab a sugar cone, immediately stuff it into his mouth, and grab a second one that he treats a little more delicately while he hovers over the flavor selection.]
Don't worry, there isn't anything spicy. I'll pick something I think you might like.
[He laughs as Beel hurries off to get started, following behind him to pick up a cone as well.]
I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
[As for himself, he wanders around to the other side so they don't get in each other's way. He goes down the line, carefully placing one scoop onto another here and there until he has a nice stack of three flavors: strawberry, cake batter and vanilla. Beelzebub can later find him drizzling some chocolate syrup and sprinkles on it.]
[He'll have plenty of time to craft, given that Beelzebub keeps having to stop to taste from the ice cream bins to make his decision. But he eventually settles on a combination - a scoop of black raspberry with dark chocolate chunks, and another of almond, shouldering up to Temenos when he goes to look for the right kind of sugar to dust over the top.
His eyes light up at seeing the fudge and the sprinkles, and the laugh he gives could almost be a giggle for how lightly it bubbles out.]
You're making it look so good... are you sure you haven't tried doing this before?
I hope you like it. I smelled wine in your drink when we were at the party. So I wanted to see if we could make something that tasted complicated like that.
[Carefully holding that out to him while eyeing Temenos's creation .]
Mine smells like a strawberry cloud cake... I don't know if I can wait.
[True to what Temenos probably expects, Beelzebub's charging straight through the cone the second it's in his hands. But thankfully, he leaves some behind - they still have to talk, and he can't carry the whole ice cream buffet with him (yet) - and holds out his free hand.]
[Hey, Temenos is just pleased that his creation has been well-received! He laughs as Beel goes to town on it. He's much more reserved with his cone, savoring the flavor as he slowly licks at it. Beelzebub will be able to see the happiness plain on his face, though. He likes it a lot.
He easily slots his hand in with Beel's and nods.]
Lead on.
[He gets to be the sheep being shepherded in this instance? Incredible.
Anyway, he's made decent progress on his cone once they make it to the waterfall...and he can't help but peer around for any lingering threats.]
I see they really did clean this place up well. The destruction would have blemished the lovely views here otherwise.
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Heโs taking a break from the party games to listen to a musical performance when Beelzebub approaches him. Tipping his head when he feels a tug on his sleeve, he smiles and nods at the suggestion.]
I would love to.
[The two of them had agreed to meet over ice cream again sometime, and now is as good of a time as any. Heโs beginning to grow weary of all the socialization anyway.
He shifts to link his arm with Beelzebubโs.]
Shall we?
can't believe they inhaled each other's tongues BEFORE this thread, happy pride
[There's a slight dusting of color across his face as he takes Temenos by the arm, quietly leading him away from the group and out into the evening air.]
I'm glad they're all trying to find something to stay happy about. And I liked Baizhu's cooking a lot.
Did you ever get to find a constellation this week, Temenos?
HAPPY PRIDE
As am I. Seeing Wei Wuxian in good health after yesterday's scare was reassuring as well.
[He was also glad to see Beelzebub was eating well. With it being Thursday night, he knows that preparations are going to be in order once again.
He nods when asked about his constellation, casting his gaze to the sky as they make their way back toward the resort.]
I did. Based on the books inside the planetarium, I am a Virgo.
[It's not in this night sky but on Earth's, apparently. Temenos can't help but wonder why Earth books would be here in that case, but...that's probably not the point of the exercise.]
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[He looks a little fond, glancing over at Temenos before following his eyes up towards the unfamiliar sky.]
They aren't constellations we have in the Devildom, either. But Belphie used to love going out to look at the stars of the human world. He taught us all about the constellations from Earth a long time ago.
I don't remember many of them... but I know the ones my brothers were born under. [He squeezes the hand tucked against his arm.] And now yours, too.
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[He would be lying if he said he wasn't a little interested in seeing it for himself.
Feeling that squeeze on his hand, he shifts his attention on Beelzebub. He has been turning the words of wisdom that the demon offered him in his mind. With every affectionate gesture, every fond glance, every skip of a heartbeat...he knows what he is certain of.]
Heh. Just the important ones. [A little tease as he squeezes Beelzebub's hand back.] You are a Pisces, are you not? I recall reading that on the network.
As I studied Astrology in the planetarium, I found the assumptions being drawn between a person's star sign and nature to be lacking in any factual evidence. However, there is no harm in having a little fun with them. Case in point, it seems that Pisces and Virgos are quite compatible with one another.
[How about that.]
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[A beat, and he trails off, letting Temenos continue the discussion instead as they step out to follow the railway back to the main island. Watch your step...]
Mn. Yeah, Belphie and I are both Pisces, The Fish. I liked that there was two of them, just like us.
...What do you mean by compatible, though?
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And since Beelzebub is asking, Temenos is just going to come right out and bring up what has been on his mind all week.]
When it comes to romance, Pisces and Virgo are compatible in the sense that "opposites attract." I believe that describes us quite well, and not simply because you are a demon and I am a cleric.
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[Hm. Why does he feel strange, so suddenly? His grip tightens a little against his hold on Temenos, more of a sudden flutter of nerves than anything else.]
We... are pretty different, aren't we? But...
I just like that I can talk to you about anything. You don't treat me like a fool if I don't understand. I like seeing you happy.
...
I...
[He doesn't want to push this. But he feels that he can't float by on implications any longer with his heart now threatening to beat out of his chest.]
...
This... isn't another one of your lessons, is it?
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I did not intend for it to be one, but I will say you are making this easier for me.
[Hearing Beelzebub admit those things to him makes him feel warm. Whole. Happy.
He comes to a stop, smiling up at Beelzebub as he intertwines their fingers with one another.]
You reassured me that I would find something to be sure of- something that is important to me. But the truth of the matter is...I have known what that important something is for some time now. My faith in you has not wavered, and so I shall trust in my feelings in turn.
I am in love with you, dear Beelzebub.
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Temenos...
[Is that what this is? This fullness in his chest combating the demands of his stomach, the warmth in his limbs, the pound of his pulse. He looks at this man and the world seems to stop.
...
Something passes over him - the same hesitance that kept him from their first kiss, a guilty and almost mournful cloud, and it holds the silence. But Beelzebub lifts a hand to break it, to brush against Temenos's jawline, to look at him fully and feel that intense desire for protection.]
...I love you, too.
[The statement is sure, but there's a fragility, an uncertainty in his eyes that thankfully he lets tumble out his mouth. ]
I... didn't know if you felt that way at all. I've never heard you say anything. So I... I got worried about what I felt. I wondered if it was all just... another lesson.
[It wasn't worth getting mad about, or interrupting what time he had enjoyed despite his hesitancy. But now he wonders if he had been the fool.]
...Could you let me know your feelings, Temenos? The ones you trust?
And... could you call me Beel?
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It is hardly your fault, and I sincerely apologize that I left you guessing. On my long list of terrible habits is a tendency to hold my true feelings close to my chest. I should have said something at the spa last week, especially when I sensed you might have had a similar reaction to our kiss. I very nearly did not get to make this confession at all, and I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.
With you having made it out of that nightmare alive, I vowed that I would no longer leave anything unsaid between us. So...yes, I will share my feelings with you, my dear Beel.
["My dear Beel."
Reaching up to take Beelzebub's hand, he guides it to his lips so that he may plant a kiss on the knuckles.]
As we spoke and came to know one another, I found myself growing fonder of you with each passing day. I wanted to look out for you and find solutions to your hunger, because I could see the emotional toll that it was taking on you. You may be a demon, but you have a loving heart and a strong sense of protection that I wished to see flourish.
[He can't help but chuckle at himself for it. The Temenos of the past would wonder if he had taken leave of his senses, spouting romantic sentiments like this.]
It was when we kissed that I realized that fondness had become something more. The care in which you took with me was...breathtaking, truly. I imagine it was something of a surprise for the both of us- something to reflect upon. It wasn't as though we expected what would come next.
[He doesn't want to get into the trial, though. They've had enough grief about that for the time being. Shaking his head, he gives Beelzebub's hand another squeeze.]
I trust this love that I feel for you, Beel, just as I trust that I have made the right decision in informing you of it.
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It visibly chokes him up, though it doesn't make it past a glassy look in the eyes and a tightness in his throat that he tries to clear away.
The grip against his hand is squeezed in return, a lifeline between them.]
Thank you. [It's a little shaky, but he exhales, trying again.] I'm... not good with words like you are. But I knew I liked being around you. I liked how I felt when you'd stand up for me. When you would encourage me. I wanted you to feel safe with me. I wanted to learn more about you.
[A gravitation of curiosity at first, one that had become far more comfortable when Temenos has spoken so openly about his doubts and cynicism, when they'd had time to feel they could have an understanding despite their opposing alliances.]
When we were at the spa... I didn't understand what I felt when I looked at you and watched you. I wanted to know. But I was scared. When I want something... it feels like I'm starving. And when I'm starving, I lose myself.
But when I woke up, after everything... [A swallow, hard, as he pulls Temenos's hand towards his chest.]
When I didn't know what had happened to you, or what I might have done, or what Lobelia might have done to you...
...
[It's an emotional silence, as he takes a second to collect himself. But the grip against Temenos's hand stays firm. He's here.]
...I knew, when I saw you on the beach, that I loved you. That that was why I was afraid. Because I've felt that before.
Lilith never came back. [The first time he's spoken of her, to him.] You did. And I... feel like I've dodged another arrow when I see you. I don't want to see another one come and take it away.
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When Beelzebub tugs on his hand to bring it closer, Temenos goes with it. Recounting the weekend only makes his desire for close proximity that much stronger. What he doesn't expect, however, is the mention of Lilith.]
Lilith...
[He repeats in a murmur. Someone that Beelzebub held dear, who he later lost... It's a feeling that Temenos also knows all too well.]
I understand that fear. When I thought I had lost you, I... I did not know if I could handle that another time. I do not know what would have become of me. [Fortunately, it is no longer a worry. For the time being, anyway.] But I have chosen to swallow that fear, for I refuse to live with it always at my side.
[He wants to enjoy this time with Beelzebub that he has been given.
...
After a moment of silence between the two of them, Temenos asks a question of his own.]
Would you tell me about Lilith sometime? I...will return the favor, should you desire to know more about my own past.
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So he nods, a gentle motion as he keeps Temenos close.]
Mn. Lilith was my sister. I'd... like you to know about her.
...And I'd like to know about you. [He lets go of that grip, only to run his hand back to the side of his head, to card his fingers into Temenos's hair.] Your travels, and the Pontiff... and what makes your doubt hurt you.
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So Beelzebub lost a sister... Temenos likewise wonders if that was the catalyst for Beelzebub's fierce protectiveness over the family he has left. Story time is going to be...quite heavy tonight, he thinks.
He nods, closing his eyes for a moment to lean into that touch. It's oddly comforting.]
I believe you deserve to know.
[He's never really wanted to burden anyone with his own emotional baggage- not even his traveling companions. But with Beelzebub...it should be okay. They'll share each other's loads.]
Shall we fetch our ice cream and find a spot to talk?
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He doesn't know what to expect. But he wants to hear Temenos out.
With a soft smile, Beelzebub slips his hand away from the cleric's face, only to trace it down his arm, holding out his palm for Temenos to take.]
Yeah.
I'll make a cone for you if you'll make one for me.
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Very well. I look forward to whatever combination you come up with for me.
[With that, off they go to the buffet! Temenos hasn't actually visited the ice cream bar on his own, so he's not sure what to expect...]
My. This is quite the selection.
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[He's very excited, as per usual when the goal is food. The held hand is abandoned so that he can grab a sugar cone, immediately stuff it into his mouth, and grab a second one that he treats a little more delicately while he hovers over the flavor selection.]
Don't worry, there isn't anything spicy. I'll pick something I think you might like.
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I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
[As for himself, he wanders around to the other side so they don't get in each other's way. He goes down the line, carefully placing one scoop onto another here and there until he has a nice stack of three flavors: strawberry, cake batter and vanilla. Beelzebub can later find him drizzling some chocolate syrup and sprinkles on it.]
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His eyes light up at seeing the fudge and the sprinkles, and the laugh he gives could almost be a giggle for how lightly it bubbles out.]
You're making it look so good... are you sure you haven't tried doing this before?
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Once upon a time, perhaps. But even if I don't indulge in ice cream very often, I've seen it prepared enough to have an idea.
[Who would have guessed that his keen eye would be useful for something like this?
His gaze drifts toward the cone that Beelzebub prepared for him.]
Oh, raspberry and almond. That sounds delightful.
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[Carefully holding that out to him while eyeing Temenos's creation .]
Mine smells like a strawberry cloud cake... I don't know if I can wait.
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[He takes the cone with one hand and passes Beelzebub's over with his other.]
Well, I won't make you hold back. I simply must warn you that I might be a tad slower with mine.
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[True to what Temenos probably expects, Beelzebub's charging straight through the cone the second it's in his hands. But thankfully, he leaves some behind - they still have to talk, and he can't carry the whole ice cream buffet with him (yet) - and holds out his free hand.]
Come on. I know where we can go.
[Off to the waterfall.]
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He easily slots his hand in with Beel's and nods.]
Lead on.
[He gets to be the sheep being shepherded in this instance? Incredible.
Anyway, he's made decent progress on his cone once they make it to the waterfall...and he can't help but peer around for any lingering threats.]
I see they really did clean this place up well. The destruction would have blemished the lovely views here otherwise.
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