[ Matt finds beauty in almost everything, and in (almost) everyone. Beauty as a self-contained universe, set apart from any sort of scale or comparison. That said ... the relative lusciousness of lips has been noted. ]

None taken, [ Matt notes in a dry mutter, gaze focused on the knot. He's so close to getting this thing ... ] If I had to rule a world, I'd throw myself into a volcano.

[ He didn't even want to run his father's company. Matt hasn't seriously contemplated either future, Zenith's or Meridian's, but if Zenith really did win and manage to execute its vision, Matt supposes he imagines himself dissolving. Passing on his energy so the new world can thrive.

Anyway. That thought passes fleetingly, as Matt focuses on the gods and their impossible hair.

I earned it. I sold myself for it. Matt frowns. He already knew Set was carrying pain and loss with him (Matt seems to have a knack for stepping on it). But this is a new complication. Set and Tezca both seem to have tragic qualifiers attached to them.

So where does that leave him? Back where he already was, as far as he can tell. Fighting Oblivion, which starts with researching Oblivion. Which probably begins with getting some quality time with these hungry shadows, testing a few hypotheses. ]

I don't know if I'd need to bargain with you in turn for some of those truths and motivations, [ Matt says to Set, ] or if it's even in the cards to tell me any more of them ... but I do want to know.

[ He gives one more jerk of the comb, wincing as he realizes he's tugged way harder than he meant to. But finally, finally, finally, the knot comes free, and the gods are separated.

Physically, at least. Metaphysically is another matter. ]

... Okay, who wants brushing first?