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[untiltheend]

This is Sebastian Michaelis. I am unavailable at present, but please leave a message. Should a response be needed I will reply when time permits me. Please do keep your message brief.

Comments

[reformedsinner]

Progress isn't always measured by success; it takes time. But Hakkai does understand Sebastian's frustrated perfectionism.

Because he understands, he simply bows again, and smiles slightly as he straightens up.

"Please don't worry that I won't return," he murmurs. "I'm very stubborn."

[untiltheend]

"Mm, is that not contradicting what you said just now, about how anything might happen?"

He half-turns to look at Hakkai.

"Considering you are not the first... hm, in fact, you are the third Warden to make such promises, please forgive me my doubts."

[reformedsinner]

"It's possible that I'll be killed and the Admiral will lose track of my soul," Hakkai says after a moment. "I'm not fully in control of those risks. But those are both risks that exist whether or not I stay here on board with you.

"And I don't want to go back to live in my world, not even when I'm ready. It's simply that there is a task I'm obligated to complete."

[untiltheend]

Sebastian tilts his head.

"You realise you need not justify your decisions to me, yes? I am hardly in a position to chain you to this place."

[reformedsinner]

"You realize that I also have an obligation to you, I hope," Hakkai points out; he's standing next to his chair, one hand resting light as a butterfly on its back as he watches Sebastian.

"Preexisting obligations don't invalidate later ones. So, although I will be gone for a short time, I would have to be both dead and abandoned by the Admiral not to come back. And I want you to know I do take my obligation to you that seriously."

[untiltheend]

Sebastian's smile remains fixed in place as Hakkai speaks, and for several long moments after he's done.

Hrrm. That level of commitment is... acceptable, perhaps. Even so, proclaiming something is easy; actually living up to one's promises is another thing alltogether.

After a few long moments, Sebastian's smile... doesn't disappear, but at least it softens.

"...Thank you, sir. I appreciate the assurance."

He's still angry, but. less so.

[reformedsinner]

Hakkai ducks his head in a small bow. Claiming something is easier than living up to it, and while he's spoken to the Admiral already... he can only hope he won't be made a liar.

"I'll see you soon."