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"Because you doubt that you'll ever reach that goal, or because you doubt my obligation?" Hakkai says, crossing his arms on the tabletop and watching Sebastian thoughtfully.

"If it's the latter, there's nothing I can do to prove it other than -- to continue.

"If it's the former... I have my own opinions on that."

"I will not be so insulting as to suggest you do not mean to be true to your word."

At least not right now, when Hakkai has just proven that he'd return as promised.

So in other words... mostly the former? But also the do not mean to be true probably suggests it's at least a little of the latter too.

"Of course not," Hakkai agrees. Not when he's just proved that he does mean to be true to it; Sebastian tends to reserve his severe insults for times when he sincerely means them. Although it's true -- as he's taking mean to mean -- that a warden's determination only means so much in the face of often capricious disappearances. After a moment, he refolds his hands on the table, neat and precise.

"...You've changed considerably since I first met you. You're willing to accept help, you've formed multiple emotionally meaningful connections with others: there are people on board who you care about. So much change, so quickly... I think you'll be surprised by how soon you do graduate, Sebastian. At this rate, you may surprise me too."

The reply is different from the last time they had this talk. Then Hakkai said that the changes in Sebastian were 'subtle' and that he didn't think this would be a quick process. The obvious interpretation is that Hakkai is exaggerating in order to encourage his inmate. For all of Hakkai's aggravating flaws, however, Sebastian doesn't consider that kind of dishonesty one of them.

His shoulders go up slightly, defensively, and he clasps his hands harder. Whatever Hakkai says, Sebastian knows that he'd kill everyone on this sorry ship in a heartbeat, permanently, even the people he likes, if that somehow meant going back to his young master. Going back to slowly, indulgently, consume his young master.

Completely dismissing Hakkai's words to his face feels too much like fishing for reassurance, however, and that's... not even what Sebastian wants.

"--You sound quite certain that I am not simply playing at those changes."

Edited 2024-04-02 20:43 (UTC)

"Are you?" Hakkai inquires, gentle and direct. After all: Sebastian isn't stupid. Falsehoods are a waste of both their time.

And he does, in fact, think that Sebastian's not lying or playing at change. Perhaps it's that he admitted to a meaningful connection that does it. Perhaps it's simply that Hakkai himself has been away, and -- recalibrated.

He'd half forgotten the set of mind that he'd needed for the casual brutality of battle; he'd been on board far too long. It had come back, though.

The fact that Sebastian would even bring up the possibility that he could be pretending is likely also an indicator that he is, in fact, not.

"Well... who knows?"

And if he were, chances are he'd be much more open about Of course I am; how did you ever believe otherwise once asked directly about it.

"...I do know we have talked about this before. I apologise; I had not meant to be repetitive."

Translation: 'This is a sensitive subject and I don't enjoy talking about it; let's drop it for now.'

Who knows means no, and Hakkai does understand that. He inclines his head.

"Of course," he murmurs. "I don't want to bore you by repeating myself, either."

The changes that Sebastian has made are indeed considerable, and Hakkai isn't about to change his mind on that. But he'll respect Sebastian's request to let it lie for now.

...What in the world. It's only been a couple of days, and still it's almost a relief to once again speak to a person who understands unspoken things. How ridiculous.

"Indeed; how tedious that would be on both accounts."

A pause.

"Thank you very much for the tea. I presume you have catching up to do with others today as well?"

"A little," Hakkai admits, and smiles at Sebastian genuinely, the corners of his eyes creasing in a way he deliberately doesn't bother with for his placeholder politeness. "But you were my first priority. Thank you for coming by.

"And... I think we may as well meet here from now on, don't you? If you don't mind that Jedao may walk by."

Needless to say, the genuineness of the smile doesn't go unnoticed.

"I would not mind; I like Instructor Jedao."

Now, if Sebastian ever feels the urge to kill Hakkai again, perhaps having Jedao around would not be ideal... but he supposes they can sort that out when the time comes. Sebastian rises, and offers a hand to shake. Yes, he knows it's not the custom where Hakkai is from, and Sebastian himself tends to favour bowing as well, but surely Hakkai's been on the Barge long enough to recognise a handshake for what it is.

"Thank you for having me, sir."

The custom still isn't natural to Hakkai, but it's hardly unknown; he reaches out to clasp Sebastian's hand with only a little awkwardness.

"Thank you for coming," he says softly.

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Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse

Re: After he and Jedao return from Saiyukiverse