SPRING CATCHALL

[pyronic]

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[pyronic]

[...That's your takeaway, Gaku? Well, it's the one Diluc was hoping for, but it's nonetheless surprising enough to tug his lips into a little smile.]

So you're willing to overlook the fact that I'm a murderer, then? What a noble man you are.

[That might or might not be mildly sarcastic. It's hard to tell with Diwuc, but he appreciates Gaku nonetheless.]

[associative]

What the hell would I do about it?

[ That, ultimately, is why he's decided to put his own mind at ease and push the reality of other's worlds to the back of his mind... until he tells other people. At least he doesn't mention Diluc by name. ]

What good is arresting you or telling you you're a terrible person going to do here?

[pyronic]

[That question isn't begging for an earnest answer, but it gets one anyway.]

Nothing. If you had the authority, you'd be a fool not to go after those here who intend to harm others for their own gain.

[Diluc can think of one off the top of his head, but what good are theoreticals to them now? Diluc waves off the topic with a hand.]

Tell me what your definition of justice is, Gaku. Perhaps I can learn from you and your view of the world.

[associative]

[ He appreciates the earnest answer, honestly. ]

Justice...

[ Gaku honestly isn't sure, as he hasn't had to think about it as more than just a concept beyond the courts. How would he put it?

Hm. ]

I guess it's when people are wronged get the kindness they deserve.

[pyronic]

That's a rather on-the-nose interpretation, but you aren't incorrect. I get the impression you aren't a bad man yourself, but I believe every man ought to be judged on his own merits.

[Gaku can do as he pleases, but Diluc believes he's soaked in the bath long enough, getting out of the spring to dry off with the towel he'd brought. As soon as that's taken care of, he puts on his change of clothes.]

Regardless, I appreciate your humoring me. Everyone's view on what counts as "justice" varies, but you can't surmise a person's values at a glance. Everyone deserves a turn to say their piece.

[associative]

[ He tries not to eye Diluc Jr. as he gets out— ]

Yeah, they do. It's not fair if you don't let someone express what they want or need.

[ Figuring he might as well, Gaku gets out too and... changes into the clothes he brought. It's fine. ]

[pyronic]

Good. Diluc Jr. might've eyed him back if he did. He's about to respond to Gaku, but??? Is he putting on the clothes he wore here...?]

...Did you not bring a change of clothes?

[Wow, never mind. Gaku might be useless after all.]

[associative]

[ SHUT UPPPPPPP

Anyway. Gaku shoots a glare at Diluc. ]

I didn't know we were coming here, so stop looking at me like that.

[pyronic]

[make me bench

He's used to being the recipient of ugly looks, so he regards Gaku only with a flat stare.]

And you didn't consider turning back to grab a change of clothing once you knew where we were going...?

[Stop complaining, bitch boy. Diluc tosses his nice warm jacket at Gaku. Wear that while you consider the consequences of your own actions.]

[associative]

[ He's about to grouse at Diluc somewhere when there's suddenly a jacket in his hands. ]

...Thanks.

[ Gaku slips that on over his (old) clothes, instantly feeling warmer. ]

You're a weird guy.

[pyronic]

[Once he's properly dressed, Diluc takes ahold of Gaku by the bend of his elbow. Stay close, bitch boy. You'll be warmer if you hang off Sir Pyro.]

And you're awfully rude for a man whose career hinges on his relationship with his fans.

[Not that Diluc is anything resembling a simp, but! Just saying!!]

If you're so bothered, feel free to ask me anything you'd like. I don't mind answering, so long as your questions are reasonable.

[associative]

Onstage and offstage are two different things.

[ He frowns as he's manhandled, but he doesn't move away. Diluc is way too warm for that.

Speaking of... ]

Your body heat. I can feel it coming off of you from even a few feet away. Is it because you can make fire?

[pyronic]

[Gaku isn't too far off-base, so he'll give him an actual answer... as a treat. He motions to the Vision on his hip as they head back towards camp.]

This is what allows me to use Pyro magic. As a consequence, I'm rather warm to the touch.

[associative]

[ He stares down at it, eyes squinting the symbol. ]

What is it?

[pyronic]

It's called a Vision.

[Diluc removes it from his belt and places it in Gaku's hand. It's warm to the touch.]

A Pyro Vision, to be more specific. It allows me control over fire, but it seems the Goddess has taken it upon herself to handicap me. I could no doubt obliterate her in a single strike otherwise.

[diluc no one asked]

[associative]

[ Huh. It's weird, holding something that practically radiates warmth like this. ]

You think so? I feel like a god is on a different level...

[ But he's not going to rain on Diluc's parade!! ]

[pyronic]

[No offence taken! On the other hand, Diluc is perpetually offended. He takes his Vision back from Gaku and slots it back onto his belt.]

Perhaps she would be if she were not so weak. Simply being a god doesn't make one powerful. Where I'm from, a god is only as powerful as the number of devotees who lend them their strength.

[associative]

Really? I thought people worshipped regardless of strength. That's how it is in my world.

[ He pauses, letting that thought roll around in his mind. ]

Whether or not they're actually real where I'm from is up for debate, though.

[pyronic]

[Sir Jesus F. Christ ain't shit in his world, Gaku. He shakes his head.]

How fortunate for the gods of your world.

[Insofar as strength, but that's another thing.]

Ours make their presence known even if you won't catch them walking among men often. Put another way, they won't let you forget them. It's thanks to those gods that we enjoy relatively easy lives, or so many believe.

[associative]

But you don't believe that, do you?

[ What he knows about Diluc and the way he phrased it... Gaku thinks it's a fair assumption for him to make. ]

[pyronic]

[Astute observation, Gaku. The answer is complicated, but he humors Gaku regardless while tending to the tent and assuring it will hold for the night. The wind's begun to pick up, growing rather frigid.]

It's as I said: not all gods are created equal. That extends to their temperaments. I'm just fortunate Mondstadt's archon cares for his people when he could just as easily follow the path of his ilk and wage unnecessary wars at the cost of human lives.

[associative]

[ He'll hold down whatever Diluc directs him to. ]

I see. I guess you are lucky.

[ He pauses, looking up to watch Diluc before getting back to whatever task he was assigned. ]

Your world sounds interesting.

[pyronic]

[Lucky... He doesn't deign that with a response, entering the tent once it's been properly secured to prepare for the night. That basically means tucking in to sleep, though if Diluc is lucky in any way, it's that he doesn't need as many blankets as someone like Gaku might.]

My world has its own share of problems. We lack much of the technology you're used to, but even someone with your skillset would be able to find work if you looked hard enough.

[associative]

[ Should he take offense to that???? With a man like Diluc it's practically impossible to tell. ]

...I'm good at a lot of things, so yeah. I would.

[pyronic]

[Honestly? He wasn't supposed to, but Diluc sees that he has and doesn't deliberate long on whether or not to humor Gaku's childishness. Gaku can stay up if he wishes, but Diluc's getting comfortable under the blankets.]

I'll believe you when you sound confident in your own words. I'm not the one you need to prove yourself to.