Questions, and Revelations

Kate had left for work by the time Lillian got up the next morning, but Ruby was found eating a bagel on the couch as breakfast. She was still wearing the oversized tee shirt that she slept in, the perks of being a freelance designer.

Lillian poured herself a bowl of cereal and joined her roommate. "Hey. I added a bit more to the Book, and invited a coworker to join. He seems excited, so that's cool."

"Mmmphh!" Ruby swallowed the bit of bagel in her mouth, "Nice! I told Kate about it as well, she's kinda sceptical about it, but I'm sure she'll come around and at least try it. What did you add?"

Lillian passed the notebook over for Ruby to read. "Zach also asked if we have a meeting time. I'm going to see what works, but right now I think Sunday night would work for most of us."

Ruby nodded as she read the newest passage. "Yeah that'll work... I'm glad I asked Kate to join, I feel better about it now. You know, the usual barista at the shop down the road has highlights, I should ask if she wants to come."

Lillian furrowed her brow slightly. It's odd that Ruby would be so eager to invite someone she barely knows... But Ruby has always had a good intuition when it comes to making friends, so maybe they're closer than she thought.

"Sure... I'm going to head to the shop, I need to pick up some dye for myself. Should I go pink again or do something else?"

"I liked the pink, but you're the color prophet here. Do whatever calls to you." Ruby jokes as her roommate prepares to head out. "If we can get a hairdresser to join, we can do some crazy stuff! I'll get to work on finding one, have fun shopping!"

Okay something's up. Lillian paused outside her apartment. Ruby is WAY too eager to grow this cult joke, it's getting out of hand.

Reaching the store, an idea came to her as she is browsing the shelves. _I_ added that sentence about recruitment, and now she's recruiting. Zach's text sounded like he really believes he won't have to wear a work uniform.

What is going on?

She grabbed a bottle of pink dye and made her way to the front of the store. The cashier has natural looking brown hair, which Lillian finds almost disappointing for a moment.

Lillian continued to think on the way home. It would be best to confront Ruby about this first, Zach... well she'll get to him tonight.

Back at the apartment, Lillian found it empty. She figured Ruby must be out getting lunch.

Lillian put away the dye and started surfing social media on her phone. Her eyes kept flicking to the notebook left on the coffee table, equal parts curious and apprehensive.

"Might as well give myself some authority." She reached out and grabbed the Book of the Dyed.

Pastel's Prophet acts to guide Her children to live as She would. As such, followers of Pastel should follow advice given by Her Prophet.

The Prophet may promote followers to higher positions within the Church, detailed later in this text.

The Prophet may physically manipulate the Faithful in any way they wish, including grabbing, pulling, rubbing, licking, and tickling.

Lillian found herself getting wet thinking about the last section. The sound of a key in the door breaks her out of it just as a hand slipped into her pants. She quickly pulled her fingers from her wet snatch, and sat up straight.

"What's got you so jumpy?" Ruby walked over to the table, setting down a tray of coffees and a takeout bag from a fast food place. "I got you your usual, caramel with oat milk. Do you want to dye your hair today or tomorrow?"

Lillian was too distracted to respond, eyes glued to Ruby's pearly thighs. She was still dressed in her sleep shirt, and as she bent over the table to grab her hamburger the moon she flashed at her roommate proved that was all she was wearing.

"Did... Did you go out like that?"

Ruby sat down, taking a bite of french fries. "Uhh, yeah? Why?"

"You're practically naked!"

Ruby looked at Lillian as though she had said the obvious. "Sure. I felt like staying in pajamas today, what of it? Pastel teaches that we shouldn't be afraid to show who we are, you should know better than anyone."

Lillian couldn't believe what she was hearing. Ruby actually believes that it's a legit religion. "But... Nobody said anything? About wearing that in public?"

Ruby set her burger down, concerned for her roommate. "Why would they? Wearing whatever we want is fundamental to the Faith. It's like, freedom of religion, so they can't stop us right?"

Shit, it really is real? "Yeah, I guess you're right. Sorry, just a little out of it right now." Lillian assured the blue-haired acolyte and began to eat her own lunch in silence.

Ruby cleared up her garbage, pausing to read the open Book. She looks back at Lillian and nods slightly, getting up to throw out the bag. Lillian refocused on the Book, realizing what she just wrote that she could do.