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[sealeted]

portal.


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"You've reached Hakuno Kishinami. I'm a bit new to using things like this, but I'll get back to you as soon as I can!"

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[sealeted]

That's only half an answer. When?

[babbylon]

I am uninterested in retreading this conversation.

[Here, his inflection does warn: no.]

But I will tell you it is not the first heart I acquired in such a manner, and that was long before I ever arrived here.

[sealeted]

That isn't my question. I don't care as much about the origins; I'm trying to make a demonstrative point. I'll rephrase my question.

[She sighs.]

When exactly did you obtain the heart and plan to force it upon me? Before you were cursed, or after?

[babbylon]

My memories are unusually hazy.

[Rather, he can remember, but examining in retrospect was...]

I will confess it is likely because corruption was seeping through my veins long before I ever realized it... not that I would have acknowledged it regardless.

[sealeted]

It was rotting.

[There's a strain in her voice, vague enough that it could be from anything.]

It had been in your treasury long enough to start to rot, Gilgamesh.

[babbylon]

Inappropriate preparation on my part.

[sealeted]

Before the incubus ever hit you, you were planning something along those lines. That's why I keep you at arms' length, right now.

[babbylon]

This world appears to feed off negative emotions. And, with that energy, an individual can become twisted by their own weakness.

It was not the incubus; it was never the incubus. It was me and my own failings that led to this fate.

[sealeted]

I still don't understand exactly what you want from me. I can't give my whole heart—

[Except she can, can't she? Archimedes' admission of that dream world is a Pandora's box which can't be shut, the knowledge that she can love one above all, above everything, above humanity and the Moon Cell and her own, loving Servants—]

...what do you want, Gilgamesh? You healed my face, you're making amends. What's your ideal endgame?

[babbylon]

I desired a worthy Master and a mutual contract. I suppose these wishes were both granted, simply not in the way that lived up to my foolish expectations.

[He laughs a little, but Hakuno will know the sound for what it is, for what she feels right now: tired.]

But, beyond that, isn't it obvious what I might want? That you of all people would understand... I seek to piece myself back together again, and become the individual I once was, the King I was always destined to be. The King that I am in all but physical form. The beautiful "me", good and graceful and whole.

[sealeted]

I made the mistake of thinking I knew exactly how you thought once. And yet, it... it's easy, with your other self. I feel like some strange gear clicks into place, like we understand each other. Somewhere along the line, I lost that with you.

[She blows out a measured breath.]

...if you think your form is the deciding factor that makes you unsightly, it's no wonder you haven't changed back yet. Your own rot was far beneath your skin. I'm going to be brutally honest, a part of me has been wondering if that's not why Enkidu walks again, called back for the same initial purpose as before: to humble and balance you. ...but, the timing was off. If it was that reason, then you wouldn't have been struck down by—anyone else, in Campina.

[babbylon]

I am more than aware of what confines me to this curse—the pieces I refer to are of body, mind, and soul. It is why I contacted you, in fact.

[She may notice he purposely skirts the topic of Enkidu. It's still too raw, too present to acknowledge.]

Grant me a chance, an opportunity. Grant it to me, tonight. I shall will be the one to ease you.

[sealeted]

My fragmenting was more literal than metaphorical.

[...it's not an outright no.]

'Ease' me?

[babbylon]

...I have not been entirely honest. I possess another form, one granted by dreams, but I've yet to practice much with it.

[Mostly out of shame, but if it can better his prospects, he'll utilize it anyway.]

I believe it may be of comfort to you. And I owe you more of my story, besides.

[sealeted]

...I'll lift the ban for a night. For a start.

[If anything should happen, she has Servants who will be only too happy to come down upon him. She doesn't think they'll need to, but she still hasn't regained confidence in her own judgment, regarding him. Not yet.]

[babbylon]

You are worn.

[It is the kindest thing he has said to her in quite some time, in that is the most observant thing.]

Prop open the window. I will come.

[sealeted]

Somebody I love told me they don't feel the same. ...I'll get over it.

[Still, when the time comes, she does open the window.]

[babbylon]

[He has to wonder if she will, though.

But Gilgamesh, at least, has come a long way since when he first stumbled through her window, cowering and pathetic and all but begging forgiveness. Now, he slips in like a shadow, almost silently through the smallest space despite his large body. Standing before her, he appears healthy and focused.

...however, he's cognizant enough to understand that it's probably best not to boast about himself here so he just eyes her evenly instead.]

It must've been troublesome to run even the likes of you ragged.

[Whatever happened to make her feel so blue, he means.]

[sealeted]

Isn't it always?

[She's dressed the same as she was the last time his twin spent the night, in the loose, gray pajamas originally designed for the grown Altera. Too big for the little one back at home, but a private comfort to Hakuno while unable to return. She gives a soft shrug, but his book is gently balanced on her lap as she sits on her bed.]

It was... a long time coming. I've suspected for a while, that his feelings and mine don't... coincide.

[babbylon]

It is not my business.

[It's not said to be rude; quite the opposite, he's embracing the idea that some topics were simply beyond his ability, or his better judgment, to intercede in. Which isn't to say he doesn't recognize he must go about this very carefully, and very deliberately. Hakuno is as generous as ever but still in none so soft a mood she'd forgive callousness or cruelty.

And he can't say he blames her for that.]

Did you look after it well? [Gesturing to the book.] As I asked you to?

[sealeted]

[It's not his business, but it's his fault, in part. Just like a part of her still smoulders in selfish resentment, in a childish desire to hate him, for every monstrous, disgusting, reprehensibly selfish thing he's done to Masamune no matter how warped around to civility their relationship may be now. But only a child would think her problems would disappear if only he would, and he has been trying to be better.

Hakuno is at least still soft enough to help with that.]

I did. Kept it dry and out of direct sunlight, since it's so old.

[babbylon]

Your respect and diligence have been noted.

[Nodding.]

You still like surprises, do you not? Then, close your eyes.

[sealeted]

I've had a few unpleasant ones lately, but yes.

[She doesn't think he can top the one Archimedes gave here, even if he does drag her into a kiss, too, so she obediently shuts her eyes.]

Let me know when.

[babbylon]

[He's not so foolish. Their mouths don't belong anywhere near each other—for now.

In truth, it's a simple power, just something he's never bothered to tinker with since it's fallen into his possession. He scorned what it was and dismissed it as useless, but... no matter what Hakuno might claim, to him it is obvious that seeing the form that traumatized her so must cause some degree of anxiety. Certainly, the monster beneath inflicted a much deeper wound, yet he's confident: he's on the path to betterment, and this will help.

At the very least it can't get much worse.

Gilgamesh shuts his own eyes, as well, and draws upon his focus. A bright light envelopes his body, visible even behind Hakuno's shut eyelids, and then it all shrinks down, down, down, into the shape of an animal. A great hound with a ruffled mane, golden fur, and the sharp scarlet stare that so defines the King of Heroes. Soft, warm, and faintly aglow with light.

He pads forward and nudges at her hand with his maw.]

[sealeted]

...!

[When she cracks open her eyes, her expression immediately melts into one of wonder. It's an almost childish fascination, and she can't fully reign it in when she tries to compose herself. Carefully, she reaches out and smooths her fingers over his snout, letting her palm settle lightly on the top of his head. The ears are similar enough to Caster's that she starts rubbing the more vulnerable spots without realizing it.]

...goodness. Just between you and me, I might like this one better than your natural form.