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[ Just from her expression, he can see that she also appreciates them in a similar way. The horror of them is probably too abstract, especially when he’s showing them in this kind of light, but that’s fine. It’s their strange beauty and just how present they are in life in New Eridu that he’d wanted to highlight through these drawings. He’d drawn them because he wanted a vision and reminder of home, and there are few places in the city that wouldn’t include a view of a Hollow. ]

Well, if you have any ideas, do let me know~. If we go back [ which he doubts, but, ] then it could almost be worth all of this for a way to drive back the Hollows. Not that it’s my job, mind you, but I could pass it along.

[ He just truly doesn’t have the self-sacrificial streak that’s necessary to work for HANDS… Which. He shakes his head to her question as his expression falls a little. He clearly still feels bad about the whole situation, but that’s hardly surprising. ]

…But no, I didn’t. That’s for the best, I think, even though being piloted by a puppet wasn’t pleasant. It’d be worse if I came “to” and discovered that the monster I thought I was fighting was actually a friend.

[ frankly, she is already thinking of angles to solve the hollow crisis because that's just who she is -- just as she's thinking of ways to heal takasugi from that which ails him, since disease can be eradicated with enough inorganic parts. though, she doesn't know how he'd feel about it. ]

Tell me about it. It's not a great feeling at all, from someone who's got a few experiences under her belt.

[ not just here, put against rinne back in october, but back home too... malkuth stares at the collected pieces on the side, a question in her mouth that she swallows in favor of something else. ]

Do you think we can go back? And if we do, do you think these souls will come with us? I personally don't mind, but I know not everyone feels the same -- especially those that've died because of them.

[ Hugo makes a discontent little noise as he closes his Syntrofos, since obviously, he doesn’t like to hear that!! He’d found the experience bad enough, but as someone who tends to put more care towards others than himself, it bothers him to hear that she understands. It’s not surprising, since he sincerely doubted that was Patho-Gen’s first time trying something like that at this point, but. He also gets the impression that it’s not just here that she’s referring to.

He opens his mouth to ask, but she beats him. His question becomes a little “ah” instead. There’s a temptation to lie (there always is), but Malkuth seems to have a good head on her shoulders… He doesn’t think she’s the sort where a comforting lie would be the kinder thing. Sitting next to each other like this, his answer is almost physical as his posture softens. ]

…Maybe it’s possible. I’ve heard a few things that at least make me think it’s theoretically doable that we could go back, but…

[ He thumbs over his phone idly as he glances down at it instead. He’s still smiling, but it’s more somber. ]

I also think what’s done is done. Even if we pried these Souls out, it doesn’t make sense to me that it would undo what changes we’ve gone through. That’d be difficult for plenty of people, I’m sure.

[ He thinks of Heinrix first. Just from what he’s explained, Hugo is sure that staying here would be the far better choice, and he’s also sure that it’s not the choice Heinrix would make. That dutiful idiot would march right back home to his execution, and he feels like there’s plenty of others that would fall into that category.

People like him, though.

He pauses for a moment, since he doesn’t like to say it, obviously. But he shakes his head. ]

So, you can’t undo death. I’ve personally been under the assumption that Karteria is my home now.

[ ...

dante might not be able to return, then. when they're needed by the people that rely on them. malkuth lowers her head a little in thought, playing with a lock of her hair. death... is, and isn't permanent in the city, but-- it's better for it to be, since the alternative hasn't ended well for anyone. ]

I've been thinking lately about how much I enjoy what I do here. Walking the streets, helping who I can, managing an idol group... Eating fresh bread and sitting by the docks, watching the sea.

[ small, simple things. nothing terribly grand. ]

It might sound odd, but I've never been able to do anything like that before. The sea was too far from each place I stayed, a leisurely walk through my Nest was nothing short of sneer-worthy, idols as a cultural phenomenon don't exist in The City -- and helping others was what I always wanted to do, but the effects weren't tangible the way they are here. It was more like planting a seed and knowing I'd never see the fruits that'd grow from the tree as it rose.

[ but she doesn't seem sad about that fact, it just is what it is. an acceptance that she wouldn't see the end result of something she had a hand in. it was something they all knew back then, and had since understood and accepted again in their new lives. the future doesn't belong to the dead. ]

But I do have to return. There's still things I need to see through, so while I'm glad my soul doesn't require it... I'm also a little jealous. I hate that you don't get the choice, but I don't think I'd be upset if I wasn't allowed it.

[ It’s a depressing answer, and he knows it. It’s why he keeps his eyes down, since even if he feels like telling the truth was the right thing to do, it still really brings down the mood. He really doesn’t like to be so melancholy and serious, so before she answers, he’s thinking about how they could possibly segue to a better topic. Thankfully, it’s not necessary with her response.

He looks up again and listens attentively as she speaks, and it’s first met with a soft, gentle smile as she describes those simple pleasures. Well, maybe not all simple, because he can’t imagine that word could describe managing someone like Takasugi… But it’s all still nice things. ]

It’s not odd at all. I actually understand it fairly well, since there was a time in my life where my circumstances were very restrictive too.

[ He feels the need to say that first, even if he doesn’t elaborate on what he means by “restrictive.” That’s a worse topic than death and returning home, ironically, so he’s not exactly inclined to share details. But much like how he’d decided to open up to Gregor, it’s not the specifics of what came before that matter so much. It’s the feeling of freedom after, because it’s something that very few people that Hugo have met understand. ]

Maybe you and I could switch~?

[ He jokes first, but obviously, it doesn’t work that way… ]

Well, that’s if it’s possible, of course. Who knows? Maybe this is home for all of us now. Honestly, minus Patho-Gen’s interference in things, it’s really not a bad one.

[ of course she's curious and wants to know his own circumstances then, but she won't push. not that the people she's come to know open up all that easily... but it's fine. things come out one way or another, and it isn't as if she's forthcoming about certain parts of her life even to those she knows now.

the joke makes her smile a little, though-- he's right too. that it might be home for all of them now like it or not. too bad for mr "rat" silco. ]

It really isn't! It doesn't have the things my boys are used to, but that just means they can be reinvented. I like this place a lot.

[ it just feels like abandoning her cause all the same, even if she hasn't a say in it. she never does. ]

... I wonder if they'd stay too. I don't think I can ask them, [ takasugi's living beyond his years now anyway, ] but I promised to make those three idols renowned the world over. Just Karteria isn't enough for me. So... I might take you up on that trade if we can. My life for yours, for whatever it counts.

[ “Her boys”… That’s cute, and his thoughts are clear on his face just with how the corners of his eyes lift into more of a smile. He really does need to make it to one of their shows one of these days, since even if idols and idol culture aren’t really his thing, he’s at least a little charmed by proxy. Between Malkuth and Sariel, the dedication is very cute!

He laughs as he shakes his head, complete with waving his hand to accentuate his words, but he’s still clearly joking around. ]

Oof, don’t put it that way! Phrased like that, it makes me sound like a truly spooky Spectral that will steal your soul~.

[ He’s not that kind of Spectral!* So, it’s easy to laugh it off, especially since this is a fun topic.

*to his fellow Augmented ]

At least as long as they’re here, that’s fun ambition, I think! Having something not dreary to do day-to-day is so important, I swear… And I really only know Takasugi, but I can only imagine that it’s never boring trying to see that promise become reality. They don’t work you too hard, do they?

No, no, not at all. I work myself too hard for them.

[ but this is always a topic that brings a genuine, warm smile to her face no matter how terrible she'd felt before, resting back on her hands. ]

They could ask for anything in the world and I'd find a way to give it to them. I even made sure they were the first Augmented to star on the Peacock's stage -- with Patho-Gen's help, since they were in their PR recovery period, [ yes she took advantage of it, ] but still. Everything they've accomplished is by their own merit, and I couldn't be happier helping them shine best.

[ no matter how many commitments it might make her take on. no matter how hard she has to work. no matter who she has to bow her head to, shake hands with, as long as it benefits 3kon in the end.

her voice grows softer, fondness in every note. ]

... They saved me, after all. Time and time again. But I've pushed myself so much that lazy boss of ours is actually stepping up to do some of the boring work he usually lets me handle. [ a huff. ] They're all good men, even if two of them act like fools.

[ Her deep care for them is obvious, and he can’t help but smile warmly too. ]

Then I’ll revise my statement slightly. Don’t overwork yourself too badly for them~.

[ He says it with a playful wink, but from the tone of his voice, it’s very clear that this is something that he completely understands, one workaholic to another. It’s easy to be when you’re working for others, in his experience. He may not have an equivalent here, but he’d poured all of himself into Mockingbird for a reason.

So, as she explains further, he does wonder if that saving is figurative or literal. Perhaps both. There’s more reasons to need that sort of camaraderie than normal here, isn’t there?

Regardless. His overall conclusion is easy, so he says it with gentle, sincere warmth. ]

They’re very lucky to have you. I hope they realize that and dote on you often.

[ He may not know Niki or Rinne, but if Takasugi is ever mean to her, then he better watch out!! ]

[ from one workaholic to another... she really appreciates the understanding. it's so easy to lose oneself in their work, especially if it's fun or something they love, and it's both for her -- the doting comment makes her snort a little though, shaking her head. ]

I don't think I'd know if I was being doted on if someone told me to my face I was. But I think they know they're lucky, even if I didn't really agree... Logistically speaking, anyone can do what I do. The difference is that I love them so much no one else could persist as much as I do.

[ this is something she fully believes, right or wrong. a 3kon managed by anyone else doesn't exist in her mind; it'd look so startlingly different than what they look like now, it just-- wouldn't feel right, to her. but that's because she doesn't know anything else but what she does too. ]

Sorry, I'm prattling on now. I could live here without them if they really felt the need to leave or wanted to, but I'd probably go off into the woods again for a little while.

[ Hugo’s eyebrows raise in surprise about the doting, but there’s also a small twinkle of good-natured mischief in his eyes. Duly noted! If they’re not the types, then Hugo certainly is, and he loves to spoil people he likes. He’ll just have to figure out the best way to do it… But when she apologizes, he soothes the worry with another laugh and a wave of his hand. ]

No, no, not prattling at all. Or, if you are, then I’m enjoying it.

[ He loves talking to people, and truly. One workaholic to another, this has been a good way to get out of his gallery for a while rather than drowning any brooding he might otherwise be inclined towards in work. ]

I’ll just hope for you that it’s not a necessary worry. You clearly love it and them, so it’d be a shame in multiple ways for any parting. [ But rather than focus on that sad subject, he’s quick to follow: ] The woods, though? Is that where your Soul likes to go, I’m guessing?

[ oh, that's... good. that's good, actually. it makes her feel a little better, tail swishing behind her more like a fox's than an actual deer's. malkuth knows she can talk a lot, and while most don't seem to mind it-- being told that it's enjoyable is different. because she also likes talking to people. ]

Yeah. The parks are preferable in general, but when my Soul gets particularly stressed it's not enough. Dante said there's a little place outside the barrier I could get away to for a few days when I need it, but it feels a little too tempting...

[ ... ]

Or it did, when they told me about it before... But I'm not really feeling that way right now.

[ maybe because talking really is helping. dante, ereshkigal, him... takasugi, niki, and yesod before... culmination or not, it's a relief. ]

Honestly, I feel like it has the right idea, though! I might not be an outdoorsy type, but with the way that Karteria and Kelesis are both prone to acting up? Maybe being anywhere else is better~

[ He’s clearly joking, though, since the dangers outside of the city are their own problem. Hugo is probably more comfortable with that than most, since he thinks of it as a bit akin to the Hollows, but… That’s not where his Soul’s impulses send him. It’s always the macabre instead, which is why he just keeps that little detail to himself. ]

I’m glad you’re feeling better, more seriously. While I would certainly understand, I’m sure I’m far from the only one that would be worried if you went out there alone.

No, you've got plenty of company in that camp. I really racked up a lot of friends without realizing it.

[ just because that's the sort of person she is, and it's been nothing short of a relief. ]

Anyway, I won't keep you any longer. [ even if she... no, if rafayel taught her anything it was acceptable partings. ] I'll come by when I'm better to help you set up the exhibits, and if you have a spare easel... maybe I'll paint something while I'm there.

[ maybe. it's still hard to think about, with the person she wants to show it off most to being gone. ]

[ He’s not surprised to hear it, because indeed, in the brief time he’s known Malkuth, he’d agree that she has the sort of personality that’s easy to befriend. Even so, he’s glad to hear it, and his smile says as much.

He nods lightly and stands, then starts to collect the pile of art and very gently roll them up for easier transport and protection. There’s at least no worry that they’ll be in good hands with Hugo, since his care in how he handles them is very clear. ]

Of course. You’re welcome any time, so just send me a text. I live at the gallery too, so I’ll happily bring my easel down~.

[ Or maybe build another…? Hm. He’ll have to keep that in mind, since that would be a nice gift once her inspiration returns. ]

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