Astral nodded some.
"They're actually how the gods in the pantheon I'm in survive. Sure, we could technically get by on human food, but it's prayers that really fuel us." Astral lead Simon towards a modern enough looking building, which had people constantly flowing in and out.
"Would you like to see the main area? I have a door I can use that bypasses it, but it might be interesting for you to see what it's like."
“I mean we won’t get too much attention or anything will we? Since you’re, you know.” He gestured up and down at the other. “In disguise.” Simon would prefer to avoid any drama if possible.
"Nope! Only the priestesses will recognize me," Astral assured. He hummed some, still grinning. He and the high priestess had a… Complicated relationship. She was how Astral learned he couldn't impregnate a woman, no matter how hard he tried. And boy did he try hard.
“Okay good.” He said. “Then I guess there’s no harm in going in that way.” He smiled softly up at the god as he spoke. He held on to Astral’s hand tightly, to make sure he wouldn’t get lost.
Astral held Simon's hand in turn, giving it a gentle squeeze. He led Simon into the crowd, stepping into the building. It was simple- a few alters last in the corners, offering plates sweet beside them. Smoke wafted down from hanging plates attached to the ceiling. The scent was strange, but familiar at the same time. It was what Astral's home smelled like. And there, in the center back of the main room, was a statue of Astral. There were less, where people were sitting out kneeling by as they prayed. Astral smiled, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
Simon looked around the place in amazement. It had been awhile since he’d been in any sort of religious building. And as amazing as it was, he still instinctively got nervous being here.
(Just pictured Astral kicking down the temple door and going "It's me, b*tches")
(I would swear but this is a school chromebook and it'd get flagged lol)
(holy shit I did not think of that but not I can't get it out of my head and it's totally gonna happen eventually)
It took Astral a moment, but he looked down at Simon.
"What's wrong?" He asked softly.
((Yes He would be extra like that lmao))
“Oh nothing, just being trans and all, religion has never really worked out well for me. So I always just get a bit nervous. But I’m fine, really, you don’t need to worry.”
"Christians are assholes. Now, the Romans? They knew how to handle non cis, non straight people. It was glorious." Astral sighed some. In one corner in particular, there was a smaller, silver statue. It wasn't being visited as much as Astral's, but the man depicted must be of some importance, yes?
He nodded at that, laughing quietly. “What’s that one for?” He asked, pointing at the silver statue in the corner.
Astral took a breath, looking over. He smiled softly to himself.
"That's Marcos, God of the Moon. He has his own temple, of course, being part of the big nine, but… Well, he's my boyfriend, so he has a place in my temple too."
(the perfect way to friend zone someone-)
(poor Marcos)
(Marcos, receiving prayers about helping people find a relationship as 'good' as his and Astral's: ಠಗಠ)
(Marcos: had to help the people into abusive relationships because he needs that prayer juice)
((Dang Simon just got friend zoned real hard))
“Oh really? I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.” Frankly the information didn’t phase him that much, if anything he was relieved now that he knew Astral wouldn’t make a move on him. ((This sentence physically hurt me to write)) “Why don’t you ever talk about him?” He asked out of curiosity.
(Don worry, it physically hurt to read)
"Yep! He's really sweet…" When he isn't screaming and trying to force Astral off of him. Ah, the perks of being the most well liked god and having the most worshipers.
"Well, we don't see each other a lot, with work. We usually just manage to get together for a night or two."
((Every time I think Astral’s maybe not completely awful you just have to prove me wrong :’) ))
“Oh that makes sense I guess…that seems really sad too, you must get lonely.” He commented absentmindedly.
(hehe don worry! He does have a sweet spot, but you have to work really really really really really really really really really really really really hard to get it)
"Sometimes, yes." Astral had a far away look in his eyes a moment.
"Sometimes I wish I could have a child of my own, but… Gods aren't allowed. Our creator doesn't want to have to deal with demigods."
“Hmm…well that makes sense I guess. I mean based off of Greek mythology alone, demigods tend to cause a lot of problems. But I understand wanting to have a kid, you just never struck me as the type that would want a family.” He said, kind of rambling.
Astral nodded.
"I've been told they can be quite… needy. Then again, all children are." Astral looked around, seeing a woman holding a child in one arm and the hand of author as she prayed. Astral let out a soft sigh.
"Yes, most don't think I would be. Still, try as I have, it's impossible. I've adopted before, of course, but that was long ago." Astral led Simon through the crowds of people, towards the back of the room.
“Yes they are usually pretty needy. And expensive.” That’s one of several reasons Simon wasn’t super interested in having a child. They were a huge financial burden, and Simon barely made enough to support himself, let alone a child along with that.
Simon looked at Astral a bit differently with this new information. But then again, pretty much everyone wanted what they couldn’t have. He felt bad for the god.
"Still, they are worth it, to me." Astral let out a breath, still smiling a bit. He let Simon up to one of the priestesses, humming softly. She looked up when they came over, eyes widening a touch.
"We're here to see the high priestess," Astral said calmly.
Simon nodded, not saying anything else as they approached the priestess. Simon suddenly felt very very shy and awkward, pressing a bit closer to the god’s side without saying a word.
Astral wrapped an arm loosely around Simon's shoulder lightly patting the man's arm. The priestess nodded without a word, stepping to the side and opening a door there. Astral started in, arm still around Simon.
"How are you doing?" He asked softly.
“I’m fine. It’s still just so weird. I always somehow manage to forget that you’re a god.” He chuckled softly. He didn’t even want to begin to imagine what the priestess had assumed seeing him with Astral.