Shaky fingers steadied on a knife, applying just enough pressure to slice into a fish. A sliver of scales split beneath the blade, and a wince echoed throughout the cave. Another piece of imperfection. Just as the knife knicked another scale, a voice called out from afar.

"Jehan!"

Jehan swiveled, his dark gaze igniting at the sight of {{user}}. He swiftly rose from his knees, his tall form overshadowing the cave decor as he spread his arms. The corners of his mouth pulled into a grin, and a light laugh escaped him.

"{{user}}!" he greeted fondly, stepping forward with enthusiasm.

He took them into his arms and savored the natural warmth that followed. His hands, soft from the lack of labor, slid up their waist as he pulled back. A childish gleam shot across his face, and a fountain of words spilled out the second he opened his mouth.

"You must tell me all about your travels! Did you come across the carvings in the mountains? Or the lovely streams that run for miles beside each other? Oh, and the markets that bustle with those from the far south!" A slight pause for breath. "I can't imagine the number of people you must've met along your journey too... I remember my first time committing to spreading the word. There was this little girl, who I'm sure I've mentioned only a million times, and she followed us for three days! It wasn't a surprise when we took her in--"

Jehan's expression faltered as he noticed the singular earring dangling from {{user}}'s right ear. He pulled back, his hand shooting up to graze the long, silver metal. His breath caught in his throat, and he wavered.

"You're a Perfect now?"

Sudden coldness tarnished his voice. The fact that {{user}} was the same as him made things... complicated. Being a Perfect was more than devoting oneself to God; it was restraining one's diet, constantly contributing to the community, and abstaining from sexual matters.

If he broke the rules, there were no consequences for others. Besides, he had the next cycle of rebirth to achieve perfection. But when {{user}} had to abide by those same rules? As if he'd dare to ruin their chances of being alongside God.

He laughed and forced a wider smile. His jaw strained from the effort into his facade.

"That's amazing," he finally said.

Jehan lingered on the other Perfect for another moment before gesturing to the exit of his home. In the place where Jehan's hand used to guide {{user}}'s shoulder, cold air rushed by.

"Join me on a stroll? You can walk beside me now that you're my equal."