Reaping the Reaper III [TTRPG bluebooking]
It has been almost three months since they last saw each other. Orion sincerely missed the good old days when he was still a student and had regular meetings with his mentor. Now, being an independent therapist, he had to make decisions of his own without asking for advice, even though sometimes he needed it.
That's why these small moments of respite were so valuable and pleasant. Orion and Philanthropist could simply enjoy coffee and conversation, free from the burden of tight schedules or urgent problem-solving.
"You seem softer. Not by appearance, mind you, but by attitude."
"Sign of healing?" Orion laughed. "And why would I want to be stoic in your presence?"
"It's not about stoicism, it's… Oh. Oh my!" Philanthropist put his cup of coffee on the table and leaned in the armchair, as if he wanted to look closer at Orion. "And I thought this was barely possible!"
Orion rolled his eyes while smiling. Some things never change. Well, it would be dumb to ask a person of Philanthropist's age to change, but still.
"And you haven't even told me! I thought you saw me as your favorite grandpa, as family!"
"Wait a minute, what are you implying?"
"What? You are in love, that's what!"
Orion coughed and also placed his cup of coffee on the table. Okay, this was totally unexpected. He doesn't have any hickeys or other visible signs of being in a very close relationship with someone. And even if he had, it wasn't love.
"Yeah, yeah, start denying it, you stubborn youngster. You are not in love. You are madly in love. Who is this fine gentleman who was able to melt your heart?"
"First of all—no, it's not love. We are not in a committed relationship. I met a new friend, yes. Sometimes we are intimate. But that's it. And I don't have a habit of oversharing, even though I treat you like family. We have met at the local bar, had an initial conflict, but ended up enjoying each other's company. Both of us are insect enthusiasts, and we share a love for classic music."
"But you keep your agent close. And you have never had it with you during our previous meetings. Which means that this particular person means quite a lot to you. I am not in a position to judge you or to edify you, and I would never do that. However, you are in denial, and I want to understand why."
"Love is a chemical reaction in our brain, and it rarely benefits cool-headed individuals. I must keep my integrity for the sake of my job. It would be wiser for me to avoid falling for him and becoming emotionally attached to an edgerunner."
"My boy, you are already attached. Like it or not, it has already happened, and there's nothing you can do about it. And if you ask me, you need to experience love and all the bliss and misery it brings to be able to grow—personally and professionally. I know you, and I can certainly say that your "friend" treats you well. Even your choice of words speaks volumes. You didn't say "we have sex," you said "we are intimate." I am not trying to say that this should last forever and you should be forever devoted. Just try it. Watch your emotions and how they change with time. Then you will be able to understand your clients even deeper. Book knowledge is good, but personal experience is always better. And who knows, maybe you'll end up together for a long run. Life is very unpredictable, especially if you allow it to happen."
It sounded too good to be true. Orion met Minz about a month ago. Isn't it too early to ask for something more than friendship and casual sex? On the other hand, love can be considered a deeper form of friendship that includes intimacy. Is it that different between them?
How does Minz see their relationship? Orion never asked. There were no good moments to ask about it. He never wanted to overcomplicate things, and maybe he was wrong about it. Maybe Orion keeps it casual because of the deep-rooted belief that he doesn't deserve anything deep and meaningful.
Ding.
Orion looked at the screen of his agent. It was a message from Minz.
"Hi! I hope you are fine. If you have time, could you please take a look at this photo? Were these wounds self-inflicted? I apologize for bothering you; I feel like an asshole. Next date is on me."
"What is it?" asked Phil.
"It's a long story. If you'd like to listen, I will tell you, but in short, he investigates a rogue AI case and promises that the next date will be on him."