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You dip into a low curtsy- a part of you instantly doubted his story, but on the off-chance he was just man crippled by the blood of his line, you decided to show due deference. Instead of merely lifting the edge of your skirt in a deferential, but not overly reverent way, you lift it up enough to expose your calves, so he could see the crossing of you legs as you lower yourself. “I am Lebesnati A-414, current initiate of this temple.”
Flashing you a brief, almost bemused smile, he gave you a single nod. “Lovely to meet you, A-414.” He held his hands up. “Now, we know each other.”
“I... suppose we do, Lord Lovelace.” You couldn't help but feel slightly wary.
The man made a face. “I'd prefer if you just called me Buddy."
“...Buddy?” You didn't let the consternation you felt at the idea show, but you did raise your eyebrows slightly.
“Oh, it's just what everyone calls me. I'm not one for fancy titles, you see.”
“Ah. As you wish, Lord... Buddy.” You finish, folding your hands on your lap and waiting expectantly. Buddy stared back at you, seemingly content to let the silence hang for the moment.
Dear Emperor and Omnissiah, what you would give to be literally <span class="mu-i">anywhere</span> else right now.
“...is there something you wished of me?” You prompt gent-
“Why did you lie to me?” Buddy asked, his relaxed expression not shifting at all.
“Lie to you?” You ask, not shifting or moving a millimeter, staring back at Lovelace with the passive expression you always wore.
“I didn't come over just because I could recognize you from the side.” With your hood up? “I was picking up some food for a few friends of mine. Lovely folks, very generous with their time if you know how to ask- same as you, I think.” His tone became more even as he spoke, less peaked with a subtle strain you hadn't realized he put on it usually. “Which is why I'm so shocked you lied to me, Leb. Now, I'm sure you had a very good reason for lying to your buddy like that, and it's not fair for me to make any assumptions, so I figured I should go straight to the source.”
Your mouth opens slightly for a brief instant, and then you close it, expression still as impassive as ever.
To be honest... what <span class="mu-i">was</span> the truth?
>You just didn't think he was trustworthy.
>You were already a flawed, rejected creation. What right did you have to interfere with your creator any further?
>He just didn't seem like he would value a tankborn servant.
>In all honesty, he just seemed kind of weird even before you learned he talked to rats.
>Even back then, you didn't like the implication that he offended the Mechanicus.
>[Write-In]
