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[lonelysmiles]

You're reached 666 AM, Alastor the Radio Demon! Please leave a message!

((OOC: Format can be action, prose, or whatever!))

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[lonelysmiles]

Oh absolutely! Improper grammar, terrible pronunciation. I grew up in the bayou, and I sounded like it. The city folk regarded me as an inbred hick. It's one reason I focused so strongly on learning proper English and my understanding of Creole is rather lackluster.

The first time I heard the man on the radio, I was enthralled. He spoke so cleanly, so eloquently that people would stop and listen. There was just this immediate response of respect as people tuned in. I wanted to be heard and respected like him.

Every chance I got, I listened to the radio, practicing the man's pronunciation and cadence. When I was old enough, I got a job at the radio station and worked my way up, honing my voice until I finally got my big break.

[He grins.]

And then the trick was shutting me up.

[lethechained]

[ Naminé's face scrunches a little more at Alastor's description of his past self. On the one hand, it's good to hear he was so successful, but at the same time, she can't help wondering how he must have felt about himself to put in so much effort. A bit torn about how to feel herself, the lass is quiet for a few beats.

Her expression eases gradually, though, until his grin finally prompts a brief flicker of her own smile. ]

That sounds sort of like how it felt when I met you. Or-- that is-- [ A touch embarrassed, ] I don't think I could ever really be anything like you, and it's not because I wish people would listen to me, but... you've always made me want to learn to do things I never could before. Like singing, and dancing, and making people laugh...

[ For her, it's not about respect, it's about spreading joy - both for others and for herself. Admitting as much appears to have taken up most of her boldness, however, and she curls a hand close to her chest as she pauses, looking thoughtful. ]

I guess even now it's still hard for me to imagine working toward something so far in the future. Up until recently, I didn't think I'd have a future.

[lonelysmiles]

[Namine, he's spent about 120 years total ignoring his issues. That's probably not going to change any time soon.]

Well, my dear, I'd love to see the future you're starting to look forward to! And help in any way I can!

[The little darling had won over the big bad Radio Demon. God help anyone who tried to hurt her when he was around.]

[lethechained]

[ It's fine, she'll worry about his issues for him. That's practically her job at this point - fretting over people who aren't worrying for themselves as much as they should be. In any case, her eyes sting a little but pleasantly at his encouragement, unaware though she is of how deeply rooted it might be. ]

Thank you, Alastor. I'd like that too - for you to be a part of it. And-- well, [ A little bashfully, ] I'm sure I'll need the help, even if that's not the reason why. I'm always grateful to have you looking after me.

[lonelysmiles]

[Sweetie, no. You'll give yourself an ulcer.]

Aren't you a sweet little belle?

[And there's the stream! He bends over double, turning his head this way and that to take in the flower crown.]

Why, that was just what this new ensemble was missing! Thank you, my dear!

[lethechained]

[ It's her solemn duty as a spiritual guide! Someone has to have all the ulcers while everyone else in her worlds is off jabbering on about friendship and light as if they can fix every problem...

In any case, Naminé waits at Alastor's side, bending far less to peer into the water along with him despite being fully able to see him directly. She hardly glances at herself, more interested in what he's seeing, and straightens up with a brightening expression at his thanks. ]

Really? [ She sounds awfully relieved about that - looks like she was half afraid of a worse reaction. ] That is, I'm really glad you like it...! Not everyone is all that fond of flowers.

[lonelysmiles]

[At least Alastor isn't going to be busy jabbering about friendship and light. He'd likely be more concerned with making sure Namine doesn't die.]

Oh, I love flowers! Marvelous plants! Not just beautiful to look at, but many of them have a wide variety of uses! Unfortunately, back in Hell they don't like me much.

[He reaches up to brush a glove-covered claw against one of the crown's lovely petals.]

Before coming here, it's been almost ninety years since I last was able to touch one without it wilting. Fortunately, that isn't the problem here or your lovely work would go to waste!

[lethechained]

[ Her initial, smilingly made mental note about Alastor's feelings regarding flowers is followed by a pause, then less cheerful addendum as she tilts her head slightly, quietly echoing, ]

They 'don't like you'...?

[ His explanation is forthcoming even without her asking after it, and at it she wilts a little, herself. ]

Was it only you? Or-- did they not like anyone?

[ Both options seem cruel, but one more so than the other. ]

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor shrugs.]

None that I've met but that doesn't necessarily mean there weren't any other Sinners that were cursed that way.

[lethechained]

Ah - right. I suppose there must be too many other people to know for sure.

[ Given the population density of his world. ]

Still... it must be nice for things to have changed so much. Especially on a day like this, when there are flowers everywhere...! Now I'm even more glad that I made something for you.

[ He should get to experience it to the fullest! A beat, then, thoughtfully, ]

Although I am a little surprised no one else had already given you a flower crown.

[lonelysmiles]

Perhaps they're afraid I bite. Honestly, I do back in Hell but not here.

[He gives a playful fanged grin.]

[lethechained]

[ Her quiet, giggled, 'Who, you?' becomes a hum instead at his honesty. Tilting her head, ]

I guess some people could think you're scary, [ she admits. ] But the fairies are pretty brave when they want to be. And besides, you've been here for such a long time already, and nothing really terrible's happened because of you, right?

[ Clearly, he's been on his best behavior. That should count for something by now! ]

[lonelysmiles]

[He gives a melodramatic gasp, clutching at invisible pearls.]

Why, who would ever think that I would cause mischief of any sort? I'm an upstanding member of the community!

[Though he's teasingly playing a few bars of "Let's Misbehave" for added comical effect.]

[lethechained]

[ Naminé can't catch her laugh in time to prevent it from sounding, though she does manage to curl a hand to her mouth and cover it down into giggles. ]

Of course you are...!

[ As if she weren't fully aware of what tune he's got on at the moment - that's probably why she's still fighting the laughter as she says it. Even smiling so broadly, her own teeth don't show, but she lifts a hand to point at her lips all the same for her, ]

It must just be the teeth. You have to admit, they are pretty sharp.

[ And he's not at all shy about showing them. ]

[lonelysmiles]

[That was the point of playing it!]

Hmm...perhaps I should consider filing them down? I certainly can't go around underdressed without a smile!

[lethechained]

--!

[ Naminé looks perplexed by the very thought, peering up at Alastor with wide eyes as her hand flattens into place against one half of her lips, as if experiencing a sympathetic pain. ]

Can you do that...? [ She doesn't like the idea, it seems - and shakes her head a beat thereafter. ] But-- you'd look so strange if you did. Besides, don't they say it's not good to change yourself for others?

[lonelysmiles]

I can, but they'll just grow back soon enough!

[And he grins.]

And I did! And you're also right that I'd look strange without my full fangs. Not to mention how tough it would be to get through my meals! Ha!

[lethechained]

[ Despite his grinning, the response makes her huff a small, 'Well, then--!', and a, ]

'Better not, if that's the case...!

[ Naminé thoroughly disapproves, and even fixes him with a scrunched up look on her face for moment. ]

You don't want to have to eat things like-- like... [ Give her a second, she's trying to think of appropriately mushy foodstuffs. ] Porridge, all the time, right? You'd get so bored of making it.