firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

A most unusual form of self-reflection then.

[Squeezing his fingers and stretching his legs out.]

And thank you for spending the time with me. I imagine there is a veritable list of other tasks you have to accomplish.

Maybe.

But they can wait, and none are as important as you.

And Lahabrea's snitching! Do trust I will not fall apart, and if I did I would seek you out long before it became severe.

But do not think I am belittling the gesture. Having you here means more to me than I can put into words.

Well. Just because you can handle yourself doesn't mean you have to do it on your own. I'm aware you're capable, and that you'd be more honest than I would be, if you needed the help.

But I still don't want you to be alone, regardless.

[Resting his head against him.]

I would hope so! Those were the words we did utter to each other were they not. A life removed from solitude. I know you'd never forget such a promise.

[Absolutely being cheeky, but he truly appreciates it.]

[ he laughs at that ]

Wow, excuse me for caring. You're right, though. I'm not forgetting it.

You can thank Absinthe and Vergil and their actions for using up all my serious moments for the time being. You are left with nothing but quips and teasing.

Which you are handling quite well. Where do you get the time to practice?

With you, actually. If I let you get ahead too much I'll be swept up by your pace and there's no way I'm ever allowing that.

I have to keep you on your toes too.

So competitive, but I did already know that.

Well, you can put your ruler and spectacles away for the next few days. I plan to do nothing but lounge goad as you might.

I don't care much for sportsmanship, so I'm going to go ahead and consider that a victory for myself.

But so long as you take the time to rest, that's good enough for me. I'm going to go back at Taisho, tonight. But if you do need me, well. You did say you'd seek me out, if you needed. I'm holding you accountable for that.

[He simply chuckles at that.]

I will take much as I'm allowed. Lahabrea is still a mess, I will not let him feel as if he's not surrounded by those that would support him. I failed him once and plan to not repeat my actions.

Good. Just do keep in mind he worries for you just as much as you do for him, so. Don't make it worse.

[ he's going lean in to kiss the top of his head, soft and gentle ]

[He simply closes his eyes.]

Under normal circumstances I would take such words under advisement. But... 'tis no normal injury. And I do make him worry intentionally with little cruelty. It gives him something to fret over despite his own situation.

He's remarkably like you. A puzzle provides a distraction.

He won't leave you alone even if you don't make him worry further, Hades.

But you're right that something to put his mind to work could help. I'm sure there's no short amount of projects to pick from, if you'd like.

The problem is his level of energy, but I would like to hear your suggestions.

He will worry about me even if he has no reserves. This is true for both of us. And so I let him to help prevent his mind from wandering to other topics. I will admit it isn't the best strategy, but my options are limited.

I've provided him with something during our prior conversation — that should keep him occupied for a bit.

Aside from that, well.

It might be an insult to his intelligence to assign a task like that to him, but maybe you can try to come up with a new upgrade for Baritones together. A special room to buy as a gift — or a place that could be important to the both of you, where you can rest and relax.

It might be frivolous, but I imagine trying to come up with the best possible choice would at least keep his mind distracted for a few hours.

You can increase the complexity of the puzzle to give him as he responds to it. A new book - or a new formula to combine our knowledge. The notes from Noah's memories, or Absinthe's condition. They're bound to keep him interested.

[He listens and does pause before answering.]

What puzzle did you provide him?

Your suggestions are sound, and I might try a few. However, it is a delicate balance of keeping his mind occupied but not overworking him. Not to mention he would be upset if he learned I was manipulating him in such a way. Not truly upset, but I would be spared no small amount of ire, plus fondness, and then he would simply double down my care thus exhausting his own.

Well. I have no problem taking on the manipulation, if you'd rather.

As for what I've already given him, it's my first draft of the formula to use to travel between worlds. I mentioned before I thought it possible with both my powers and Vergil's, and though the Ideal world may have been an illusion, the theory behind it wasn't garbage.

I've put down some ideas based on what my mind had already come up with in that world - obviously it's unlikely it'll be achieved so simply, but it's worth looking into. And I would like the assistance of the both of you, but right now he was the one who needed a puzzle.

As much as I appreciate the thought, I could not give this to anyone else. Even you to whom I trust above all others. And it isn't for your lack of skill but the guilt for not putting for the effort.

[He pauses to think.]

Omega was simply one way to traverse space. There would be more, and I hadn't considered Vergil's sword. How foolish.

[He smiles.]

A good distraction. One that is appropriate. I thank you. And I will look over the notes in due time after he has inked it all in red as he is wont to do when he gets overly focused.

Good. I'll look forward to the input you'll both be giving, and a second round of suggestions once I revise the formula based on them.

If we work efficiently enough, there's a high chance Hell's powers won't be necessary for that. And I do want you to meet my family, so. We'll have to make it work.

I would not put your world under Hell's domain. Not when you strive to save it so.

[He sighs.]

I do wish they'd give us a proper test bed, but there is not much to be done about that.

No, but you mentioning the color of my soul was slightly off in your dreams does mean we can expect and adjust for fluctuations.

Buy paint for what you currently see as well - that'll help me better gauge the difference.

Your single minded ability to even turn gifts into work is absolutely astounding.

Edited 2020-08-13 17:59 (UTC)

[ He laughs at that ]

You find it charming, admit it.

I do. Feel free to be as smug about it as you please.

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