“Hey, Retvik, can I ask a question?”
The Raptor and the Rethan glanced at each other as they stared out into the night sky. At the Kinigi Life Oasis, it was always technically night time, but many of the lights were dimmed during off-hours, making everything seem more peaceful.
As for Phovos and Retvik, it had been a while since they had both sat with each other. The two of them had similar jobs, located on opposing sides of the universe. Thankfully, there was a wormhole system that allowed them to visit each other, but due to their work, they simply lacked the time.
At least they had the evening off work. Phovos did need to leave soon, but as far as she was concerned, arriving a little late wouldn’t be the end of the universe. Mostly because the universe ending had technically already happened.
“Of course, what is troubling you?” Retvik calmly replied. Being a particularly powerful Rethavok, Retvik did somewhat tower over Phovos, but she didn’t mind.
“I kinda wanted to ask, who are the two other Rethavok that you hang around with?”
“You mean, Livtir and Kuta?”
Phovos nodded. “Yeah, those two. They seem… weird.”
Retvik let out a snicker. “That is true. They are weird. But in the same way you and I were forcibly made into deities to fight that damn Voidborn army, Litvir and Kut were too. Well, Litvir was.”
“So they got picked up by the Decay Lords like you did?”
Retvik shrugged. “Somewhat, yes. At least, that was how it was like for Livtir. How Kuta is here… That is a whole can of darkness that I do not want to open right now.”
“Fair enough…” Phovos trailed off. “Uh, would it be inappropriate to ask if you and Litvir are in a relationship?”
“There is a relationship but it is… not a romantic one. Litvir and I were… manipulated by another Life Goddess, and she made us want each other.”
“Another Life Goddess?” Phovos exclaimed. “Who? I thought the only Life Goddess here was Kinisis?” Phovos paused for a moment. “Wait, the white being that Kairos is dating…”
“Seimeni, yes. She was the one who manipulated us. ‘For a joke’, apparently.”
Retvik leaned back, looking into the darkness. “We are both over that rather awkward mess. The situation is more a ‘friends with benefits’ sort of thing, but Litvir is no longer interested.”
“So you are single?”
“Yes.”
“What about Gath?”
Retvik sighed, then turned his attention back to Phovos. “Gath as moved on. He is in a relationship with someone else, and they now have a kid together.”
“Oh…” Phovos had no idea how to respond. “Uh… sorry.”
“It is fine. He is much happier now and I am glad for him.”
“Still…” Phovos lowered her voice. “You were… married.”
“We were. But now we are not.”
“What about… me? I, uh, don’t want to make any moves or anything until we’re both more comfortable. Since I’m, kinda in a rut as well.”
Retvik smiled a little. “You are very sweet, and things have been very stressful. We can move at any pace you want.”
Phovos smiled too, then shifted herself closer to Retvik. “Thank you.”
“Thank you too… It has been a pleasure chatting with you.”
“Yeah, it has, actually. We need to do this more often.”
Retvik smiled some more as he delicately placed his arm around Phovos. “Yes, we do…”