"Oh." He blinked, looking out the window. "I'm...not sure. I haven't explored that much yet."

"That is very fair."

"Thank you... I...honestly am very happy."

"Well, if you want to see the bathroom, better for last. There's other places. Toy shops, restaurants, a bookstore, places that serve only sweets to go, the traditional teahouse. Not all are traditional, just in preserving the original buildings. Like there's model shops and a manga store..."

He couldn't help a laugh at that. "I would hope it wouldn't get that big."

"And it's such a relief..."

"You did... And trying not to sound like a broken record by constantly thanking you."

"It is... The other side of the family is where you get the 'fun' gods. Wine, passion. The kind of stuff I wasn't allowed."

"You did, though. By directing me to the shrine."

"Not a demi. He's one of the godly children of the sun and the earth. The...stricter side of the family. Aunt Luna and Uncle Marino are a lot...more gentle."

"Maybe someday... Right now, the people fear them. More my half-brother that is allowed to curse mortals...."

He couldn't help a soft laugh, smiling brightly. "I think I'll like that. I mean I think it would be great for you. I certainly find it very soothing."

"...Should be mine dying. I-I mean....my birth one... ...Feels weird being able to even think that without pain."

"How aren't you? With all you've done for me so far."

"That explains why you seem so comfortable with this multiverse stuff."

"The man that helped me find a new purpose in life... Not much confusing about that."

there was so much more he wanted to say 、so much he wanted to do 、but time was not on his side .

"I know... It feels weird. Everyone version of me was so...certain. On the same path. Now it's unsettling being aware of alternates..."

He gave a soft laugh. "I likely will."

"Exactly. The very reason I don't want to test it. Not even sure how to without risking someone."

"He's out of my life now. But...I suddenly felt a little pang of guilt knowing there's versions of me still under his thumb. Can't do anything about it, though..."

i hate my dad, i hate my mom! but mostly, most of all, i hate myself! i hate this! i can't stand it anymore! why do i have to do this! why me?!

"I'm working on talking to others... I'm not used to...being popular. No one wanted to talk to the demigod back home. Like they were scared of my father..."

"Not sure if it's safe to with me. I know I can still travel but...I don't know if it's the same magic as John's. He was born with it. I was blessed with it when I asked for help to follow him." More likely what actually happened was it was forced on him by his godly father to follow...

"It is peaceful, isn't it? I used to be a wanderer but I have honestly found peace in this job. Don't forget to ring the bell. I'm not sure if it's magic but I know I feel lighter when I do."

Joking but Alex was still blushing like crazy. "Right. I mean...I still don't even know if I can travel universes with someone."

"So I was right...the tail through me off... Well, I'd be a shit son of a goddess of love if I attacked you when you didn't attack me."

"Yeah..." They were about to talk in circles. "Not sure if I can have you meet her... Never tried traveling with someone else."

He sighed, a blue gauntleted hand coming up to pinch his nose. "...I mean you backing away."

"Thank you. I do love my mom...I truly think she raised me well. Especially as a single mom."

He gave a shy laugh at that. "...I would hope she did well...."

"I mean I can believe that. She was a great mom."

//Thinking of a three-legged kitten I met today that jumped straight onto me after I cleaned her cage. TT She was purring while I was trying to get her down without squeezing her stitches.

"Exactly...and of all people to teach me that it was John. Guess my mom didn't think she'd have to explain that..."

"Not going to hurt you. As long as you don't mess with me..."

"More an example of praying and just expecting to get your wish with no effort." The priest went quiet, deciding to join the moment in prayer as he folding his hands in front of his chest. A nice, comfortable silence until Saffire was ready to ring the bell.

"More like half a god. Have a problem with it?"

"We did date for six years... Only relationship. Only real friend until now... I guess it makes sense that that could happen." He shrugged softly at that. "Feel like he gave me that lecture once about a drunk in town..."

"I know at least with alcohol and drugs it's usually to dull something... Of course, that doesn't excuse it. Even if they're not a violent drunk. Sometimes good people find life too painful." He gave a weak laugh, smile strained. "Sounding like John, now..."

"That's certainly fair. I don't pray everyday just hoping something will happen. I think...a good god doesn't listen to those that do nothing, you know? Like...if someone prays for good health but just sits at home and eats junk all day, you're not earning it. But if you're trying to change, maybe+

"It's fine. I guess you don't meet a lot of people that actually understand there's a difference so you're just used to the misunderstanding?"

"Of course. And only if you want to. Have you ever prayed at a shrine? You drop the coins in, pray, and ring the bell."

"I know. That's why I said a good person, not without sin. There's some horrible people who's only sin is...well, being horrible to others."

"Not saying I will forever he free of sin but...someone serving a god should be a good person at the least."

He couldn't help a soft laugh. "Wouldn't be much of a priest if I did."

"Never going to stop me from being grateful."

"I...guess I do feel happier and calmer. And again, mostly thanks to you." A man of god...that was a strange thought.

"I mean more...there was nothing wrong with me being a wanderer. And other than that, not much has realy changed..."

"I...I guess I have. In terms of living..."

Alex gave a polite bow to any newcomers he saw before turning his attention back to Saffire. "Now. Unless you want to leave an offering at the grant under the bell, what else would you like to see around town?"