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[ There's another brief pause, almost brief enough to miss if Viktor isn't paying close enough attention. But, again, they decide against the lie. ...Mostly. ]

We have it under control, but...stay away from Woden.

From Woden? The helmet-wearing one?

Yes. He's...not a good person.

Like ... kicking puppies level of not a good person or like ... murder level?

[ Not that there's much difference between those in Viktor's eyes. ]

[ They open their mouth. Close it. Finally looks away with a tight, pained expression. ]

We need you not to tell anyone about it. He doesn't know that we know, and... We don't know what he'll do if he realizes how much we know.

[ Viktor's eyes widen a bit as he slowly realizes it's the latter sort of level Inanna isn't saying outright. But he nods at what they're saying to him, agreeing not to tell.

... Then he leans in, wrapping his arms around them again, giving them a tight hug. ]

[ Inanna all but collapses into the hug,wrapping their arms around him and clutching at the back of his shirt. ]

[ He has to take a couple breaths before he can be sure his voice is steady, murmuring into their shoulder. ]

At least you're here now, with friends, right?

[ They nod slowly, needing a few deep and calming breaths of their own before they can find it in them to answer. ]

A lot of friends. Almost...no, actually half of them now.

Half ... from home?

Yes. There's 12...13 in the Pantheon, and 7 of us here now. So, half.

There's the friends you made here too, you know. Or did you forget about us after all?

[ His tone is light and teasing, more pouty than actually cross. ]

I...of course not. I could never forget about you, Viktor.

Would you believe I actually forgot about Yuuri for a while? This place can be mean sometimes.

[ With a brief tightening of his arms, Viktor slowly pulls back from the hug to look at their face more directly, arms still wrapped around them like before. ]

You're kidding. I can't imagine you ever forgetting him.

[ Inanna looks...possibly the most upset they've ever let Viktor see them. They're always so careful to keep a smile up, or at least a neutral expression. It's important to appear truly divine for their fans, less affected by the difficulties in their lives than a human would be. But now there's obvious strain pulling at their expression; hints of fear and pain at the edges of it and a rare wetness in their eyes. And, of course, a worry for Viktor now. ]

It was some memory thing happening at the time? I don't remember now.

[ Hah.

But Viktor sees the expression, his own turning downward into a frown for them. One arm releases its embrace around Inanna's shoulder, bringing his hand to their cheek and gently brushing the pad of his thumb over their cheek just under their eye. It was rare for Viktor to be so physical and direct in close contact with anyone other than his Yuris, but their friendship before Inanna left was so similar to his own friendship with Chris that he felt comfortable enough for it. ]

At least it didn't last.

[ They lean into the touch, a little confused, and reach up to lay a hand on his arm. ]

Do I look that bad...?

[ He offers a timid smile. ]

Mmm. You look very human.

Ah... It's been a while since anyone said that.

Is it offensive?

Did you mean it offensively?

There's nothing wrong with being human, but I... I'm not one.

[ Viktor shakes his head lightly. ]

I know you're not, but that's kind of what I mean? You look ... vulnerable right now.

...I suppose it would be strange if I didn't after all this.

What can I do to help?

I don't know if this is something that can be helped.

[ Sometimes things just suck forever!! ]

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