Open: And they're gonna bend their branches down to lay their fruit upon the ground

[vineleaves]

Dionysus is in a kitchen, apron tied over a purple dress with vine details, singing to himself as he uses a melon baller to scoop out a watermelon. The large bowl next to him is already full of honeydew melon and cantaloupe, and he's got a few other ingredients nearby ready to add in once he's done with the watermelon. Mint leaves, some honey, some lemon juice, and some lime juice.

It has been quite an eventful time lately, but overall his life is pretty great right now.

Comments

[vineleaves]

"...Okay, fair. Right now my goal is to snuggle with you. And I've accomplished that. Good job, me."

[futaille]

He laughs and gives Dionysus a kiss. "You have the best goals."

[vineleaves]

He appreciates the arm around his shoulders, and leans into Claudius a bit. "I don't want you to feel like you have to tell me anything, dear. But -- I would appreciate it, because I might be able to help, and -- y'know. I want to keep you safe."

[vineleaves]

"Mmmm, yes, this is definitely one of the best goals anyone's ever had."

[futaille]

A little smile, then. "I'm so glad you like it."

[vineleaves]

"What, snuggling you? What's not to like? Snuggles? Good. You? Good."

[futaille]

"I conveniently agree. Snuggles good, you good."

[vineleaves]

"It is convenient! It would be terrible if one of us hated snuggles."

[futaille]

"What a strange and unsettling world that would be."

[vineleaves]

"Let's hope we never end up in that universe."

[futaille]

"Worst universe, absolutely."

[vineleaves]

"An actual nightmare."

[futaille]

"Even worse than the universe where I'm a snail."

[vineleaves]

"I would still love you if you were a snail, don't worry."

[futaille]

"Would you still cuddle me?"

[vineleaves]

"Of course. Very gently." He cups his hands and holds them to his cheek (which is easier said than done, considering they're cuddling laying down in a bed, but he manages) as if to demonstrate how he would cuddle with Escargrantaire.

[futaille]

"I would give you the slimiest cuddle back."

[vineleaves]

"I could carry you around in my pocket!"

[futaille]

"That sounds very comfortable. I'd love it."

[vineleaves]

"I would make sure you were the coziest little pocket snail who ever lived."

[futaille]

"Which is why that is definitely not the worst universe."

[wickedwit]

Claudius hesitates, puts on a flickering smile, and says, "When I was in grief, I think I spoke some nonsense to thee about having been a sacrificial lamb. Properly speaking, it's called a scapegoat. As a rule, Danish Catholics don't practice animal sacrifice anymore, but it's the idea of taking an otherwise innocent creature, pushing all of the community's sins on it, and either killing it or releasing it to take those sins somewhere else. It separates a society from its own failing and shortcomings." Realizing he's start to ramble, he dryly continues to the point, "I'm not used to this. Having people I can trust in when I'm not safe. I assume any person I talk to will tacitly endorse whatever suffering I go through, or explain why it's necessary to endure it. But I do trust thee, and would like to trust thee with more of my cares."

[vineleaves]

"A pretty nice universe, all in all, aside from the things I'd miss being able to do with human you."

[vineleaves]

"That is what I'm here for, you know," he presses a little kiss to the side of Claudius's temple. "But it's not just me. There's so many people here who love you, and who also want you safe. I don't think there's anyone here who wants you to be suffering."

[futaille]

"Yes. I would unfortunately lack hands as a snail."