[Video]

[beefaroni]

[It's taken Asterios a few tries to get this thing to work - technology is still beyond him, really. But he's pretty sure he got it working this time, though he gives the screen a few more pokes just in case. Holding it in one hand, he tries to angle it so it only shows his face, and not his giant horns and his scarred body. He figures the less they see the better his odds. Anyway...]

... It is clear. Staying... a while.

[He speaks slowly, his voice surprisingly soft if you don't know him.]

While here... I am, thinking, maybe... learn, more words. Easier to... communicate? Want to learn words. Any words. But... can offer. Little, in return.

[Pause, trying to think it over.]

 Am strong. If need strength... I can, lift. Carry. Break. Fight. In exchange.

Okay. Thank you.

[A beat. Is he missing anything?]

... Asterios. Name is... Asterios.

Comments

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[momsboy]

Ey, hello.

[ Peter doesn't feel like talking much to people lately, and he still looks like he needs 3 days of sleep, but he wants to help Asterios, he owes him a big one. He gives the man a smile and hopes that the other doesn't mention the slightly dark circles under his eyes. ]

I can help if you want, consider it payback for helping me the other day. One of the best ways to learn new words and remember them easily is by listening to music and singing along.

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[beefaroni]

[he sees 'em and doesn't mention it. bros gotta bro.

But the suggestion completely throws him off for several reasons.]

Music... and... singing? ... Have never...done singing... Before.

[momsboy]

[ Thanks, man. You're the best o7!

Peter's eyes widen, obviously taken aback. ]

I can't believe you've deprived of the glory that is music. We need to fix this tragedy as soon as possible. With the god's help, I added all my music to the network and some others had started adding their own songs. You can now play music with it, We've got a lot of songs, 300 or so!

[ That's a lot for his standards, ok. ] Let me play you one of them...

[ He has no idea what sort of music Asterios might enjoy, so he goes to find one of his favorites and hopes that the other might like it too. After a minute or so, I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany starts playing. ]

[beefaroni]

[Asterios goes silent, politely listening. He's not really sure he understands the song's story (that's a thing, right?) but it's not a bad sound.

As the tune goes on, he slowly moves his head back and forth, not even consciously realizing he's doing it. When a bop is on, you gotta bop.]

[momsboy]

[ Not all songs make sense even if more than a few tell good stories. They're more like sung poems, in Peter's opinion. He keeps quiet as the song goes on, his small smile from before growing when he sees Asterios starting to bop his head. He waits until the song is over to speak again. ]

There's a whole lot more songs available, some faster than this one, others slower and sadder...lots of style and moods. You can have fun listening to them and learn at the same time.

[beefaroni]

Mmm.

[He doesn't smile, but his face looks a heck of a lot softer.]

Will listen... to all, the songs. New song. Every day.

[momsboy]

[ Isn't that a sweet view... ]

Let me know which ones are your favorites once you figure it out. We can talk about them and maybe you can even give singing a go.

[beefaroni]

... Why would. I sing?

[momsboy]

Music helps with vocalitzation. It's a great memory retention tool and singing can cheer you up.

Also it's fun.

[beefaroni]

Vo...cal...ization...?

[Time to learn a new word, apparently!]

[momsboy]

Vocalization is what we call the sounds a human makes. If they have a clear one, they're easier to understand, such as singers or teachers. Others, like people with thick accents, might need to practice it.

The more you talk the easier it will get.

[beefaroni]

Sounds... human, makes.

[Slow nod of understanding!]

I need... to have... clear. Vocal...ization.

[momsboy]

That's it. It's all about practice so don't stress over this too much. I'm sure we can find ways to make saying difficult entertaining.

You didn't have a lot of people to talk back home or...?

[beefaroni]

[Shakes head no.]

Before... Euryale... talked. To no one. Had no one... to talk to.

[Not like the people you're eating are much for conversation.]

[momsboy]

Oh. Can I ask how exactly did you two meet?

[ No they're usually not up to chat :| That with being a meal. ]

[beefaroni]

... She was, trying to hide. From people... who wanted. To hurt her. I found her.

I protected her.

[momsboy]

See, this is why I called you sweet.

[beefaroni]

[Makes a long 'hmmmmmph' sound while not making eye-contact.]

[momsboy]

Maybe she will arrive to Asgard one day. People come and goes at random.

[beefaroni]

... Would be better. To stay at... Chaldea. To be with... her sisters.

[momsboy]

In that case, you're probably right. It's better to stay with family if you have one.

I used to hate living here but going back is not an option for me anymore.

[beefaroni]

...

[That's definitely not something he's going to pry into.]

We will do... what we can. And the rest... will happen. Some things... difficult. To fight. To avoid.

[momsboy]

[ Probably for the best, Asterios doesn't need the headache that the explanation might give him. ]

Good plan. We can't do much but live int he present moment.

I also didn't want to talk to you about something you mentioned when you were carrying me after the battle. My brain was mush back then so I didn't think of it but...I'm only half human too.

[beefaroni]

... Mmmm?

[Slight interest. Trying to pretend he's not caring. But he does care a little.]

[momsboy]

My mom was human and the sweetest person you could ever meet.

But father....I didn't know about it until a few years ago but my biological father was this being made of energy, called a Celestial.

Also he was a planet.

And a huge jackass.