*** BlackHat has joined 333.07.333.06 <BlackHat> ^J help <BlackHat> help <BlackHat> J <BlackHat> Official business with Black Hat only. Don't waste my time.
"No, nonono! I-I'm grateful, really! I'm just surprised. I wouldn't think you would have bothered--"
[Buuut he is only going to annoy Black Hat further by keeping on this level of conversation.]
"A-anyway y-you're right! I'd be much more exhausted if you hadn't."
[He did still feel exhausted of course, extremely so. It's obvious in the sluggishness of Flug's movements, despite the animated manner of his speech. Properly cared for or not, no one bounced back from death 100% right out the gate, even a death said victim is unaware of. He attempts to rise, grasping quickly for the table to support himself.]
"Heh. I don't even remember the last time I ate. We.. came back from the tea gathering. You wanted me to work on the oil and then we..."
[For a brief moment a look dashes across Black Hat's face. Alarm? Mortification? Something... parallel to the guilt he can never feel? But then it's gone, because he's still clinging to the desperate chance that Flug doesn't remember. Still, he wants to steer the conversation away from the direction it's going, and cuts in briskly.]
Yes, the oil. You should refine it some more. Learn more about its properties.
"Suppose I should check up on it." [Flug manages to get to his feet, only to stumble a few times down the hall, each limb taking turns locking up to impair his mobility. It's a rather noisy traipse; miraculously the doctor avoids knocking into anything.]
"At least it's only been three days." [A flick of the switch.] "Any more and it might be harder to work wi--"
[And yet here the oil is. Congealed in a state that would have taken far more than three days to reach. Not impossible to salvage, sure, but the sight stirs the discomfort that has been steadily building in Flug's gut. The sense of something being off he hasn't been able to shake.]
"..We were on the bed." [His memory still feels fuzzy. Why does it feel so fuzzy?]
"We were on the bed and I pulled you in close. And then you… you.....oh my god." [He slowly turns to look back to where the suspicious demon is standing.]
Behold, the greatest evil to ever exist, standing stock still and wrestling with what may be one of the most embarrassing missteps of his life. His face is twisting again, and this time he's not able to get the expression back to stoic before Flug is facing him and well, he's going to have to face this head on, isn't he.
"You DID!!!" [Yeah, if anything that excuse only convinces the scientist faster. Flug balks in horror at Black Hat's fakest face yet.]
"You actually ate me!"
[Ohhhh of all his years of faithful service! All the dangers he evaded, tantrums he appeased and THIS is what did him in?! Flug yells in his hands, wandering aimlessly before whipping back around.]
Not intentionally! [No use trying to hide it anymore: Flug has it figured out.] I wasn't rooting around in your guts, slurping your intestines like pasta! You weren't even properly dead!
[That must count for something, correct? He grumbles and pinches the space between his eyes.]
...over a week. It's been over a week. But! Look at yourself, Flug, you're perfectly intact! I have taken the utmost care of you, and this is how you're treating me in turn?
[That has to matter. That has to. In fact, it should count for a great deal, coming from Black Hat! Enough to erase this mistake on his part, this little failure to control himself!]
"Oh GOOD, so I should be glad you left me only MOSTLY DEAD!" [Flug snaps back.] "What if this had happened back at the manor?! Sir, I don't have endless regenerations there. I warned you not to be so careless!"
[And he should have warned himself not to be so careless either. What had Flug been thinking, letting his guard down? Isn't staying alive despite the dangers of BHO part of his job?!
It has been over a week… just like Flug had endured waiting for Black Hat to revive. But Black Hat didn't give into despair waiting for a revival likely never to come. Instead he… actually took care of him. The spider takes a subtle glance at himself. No mystery scars or incision marks that he can see, no bite wounds.
Black Hat could have done anything to him and he would have been absolutely powerless to stop him. The man obviously expected he would incur Flug's wrath regardless, so why didn't he take it a step further and just profit off the loss as well? Not selling your partner's body while they are comatose shouldn't be particularly noteworthy in a relationship but damn it all for Black Hat it was.
It shouldn't count... but it does..]
"So you just.. propped me up in a chair and kept me there all week?"
Careless? Careless?! I'm not the one who went about pushing people over onto beds, clambering around and stripping them, then leaving me with only a disappointing wank because you-!
[He sputters off, agitated. Flug started it! Flug pushed it! Flug tapped into that vein of Black Hat he didn't know about, and Black Hat is the careless one? Flug should be glad he didn't die fully! He should be, not arguing back about this!]
This wouldn't have happened at the manor! [For multiple reasons, really. The most glaring and unspoken one, of course, being that without the events of the last year, none of whatever this is would have occurred. Black Hat would have been in control, would not have died, would not need to feed on souls, only partaking when he wished. And if the worst had come to pass... well, it wouldn't be the first time he shoved a stolen soul into a vessel.
Black Hat is still on the defensive. He glowers, interpreting the question through his own lens. Coming off the scolding, he can't help but take it as a critique of his handling of the aftermath.]
Why, would you rather I'd shoved you under the bed?!
[He snarls in frustration - why is Flug being so difficult - and paces back and forth in place.]
"NO I would NOT have had you shove me under the bed!!" [Well there's that olive branch thoroughly burnt to a crisp. He just wanted to know if there were any other details he might have missed but OKAY if Black Hat wants to get into it! Flug braces against the table to approach the demon, staggering to his several wobbly feet.]
"How do you know that? It shouldn't have happened here!"
[And therein lies the first real sliver of fear in all of this confusion. What if this is what will always go down? One memory wipe was all it took. Is Flug always doomed to fail at this? Will the company forever fall into ruin because Flug won't be able to prevent Black Hat from killing his most brilliant scientist?! okay maybe that's the ego talking.]
"For your information, I AM surprised I'm intact. I AM grateful you watched over me. But you're also you. D-don't think I didn't notice you trying to c-cover your tracks! You can't blame me for asking for specifics, whe--O-ohhhsuddenlylightheaded."
[Of course he wants to get into it! Fighting is so much easier than confronting the reality that Black Hat's own lack of control was responsible for this whole affair.]
I never killed your sorry arse back then, did I?!
[So much opportunity to as well, and yet he never did.
An additional snap back is on the tip of his tongue, ready to demand to know what Flug wants from him when the scientist suddenly sways and begins toppling over. Nearly a week's worth of interventions when Flug's body began listing to one side kicks in, and Black Hat surges forward to make sure the idiot doesn't split his head open on the ground and undo everything again. He's not waiting who knows how long again for another resurrection!
When Flug hits something, it's Black Hat's chest, his hands whipping up to clamp down on the man's shoulders and hold him steady.]
[And suddenly there is warmth. The soulless husk of a person might not be able to perceive things with any cognitive input in their vegetative state, but the body still logged down detail, muscles had their own memory, and Flug can't help but be struck by how familiar this current action feels. Black Hat moved so automatically, caught him so swiftly. His claws aren't even digging in too harshly. It feels natural. Safe.
Flug reaches his arms up to squeeze Black Hat for support. Selfishly taking his time. In many ways it's like their moment at the altar but Flug isn't about to fall through him. Black Hat isn't going anywhere, not this time. Not if Flug has anything to say about it.
The longer they remain like this the more distant the bad taste of Fairwell and the doctor's ire become. Flug finally fixes Black Hat a look, contemplating.
You can't expect apologies from an entity manifested from cruelty itself. You can't rightfully thank them either. What you can do is offer a compromise.]
[For a moment Black Hat is still, the irritation he's been harboring shifting its focus to the still arachne planted against him. Has Flug somehow lost his soul again? It would be just like him, wouldn't it, unable to keep his grip on the bloody thing-
Then Flug's arms reach up and squeeze him in turn.
He doesn't particularly like this sort of contact, closeness for simple closeness's sake, and he tenses up, bristling. It's not just that alone, though. Flug isn't the only one who is drawing parallels between this and the moment between them prior to... to that tree's taking of him. It's far from a pleasant recollection, but Black Hat doesn't shove Flug away. There's a sense of something, something he can't quite put a name to, a feeling that a small void in what he is, one he hadn't quite noticed, has been refilled again. A bit of himself, returned properly.
And he's somewhat certain Flug is doing this on purpose, and would intentionally drop like a log if he let go. The last thing he needs is for Flug's skull to split open on the floor.]
...in a sense.
[He concedes. After all, were they not responsible for one another's demises? Somehow, that thought is comforting. There's no imbalance leaning in Flug's favor now - the scales are properly stacked once more. More even than he's used to, but that doesn't bother Black Hat quite as much as it should.
His tolerance has limits, though, and Black Hat begins pushing Flug's shoulders, giving the man a hint that he would very much like to not be a resting board much longer.]
[Oh no boss, he's earned this hug and you're paying it back with interest! You can tolerate it a little longer. Flug doesn't budge, more than aware of Black Hat's discomfort. Words aren't doing the job of conveying what he needs them to right now. This is one way to show his gratitude; it just happens to be doubly enjoyable when Flug spitefully considers it isn't one the man favors.
Despite the simmering traces of aggravation, Flug can't help but note Black Hat isn't sulking anymore. Guess that was one way to breathe life back into the abomination. With his own. Not the worst deal Flug has ever made.]
"I still want answers." [He gave you a recap when you came back from death.] "I'll just end up with questions later." [You really expect he won't? It's better if he hears there's something or nothing else now.]
"But I'm not.. mad." [So calm down, all right? He breaks the hold, instead clinging with one hand still wrapped around, while other attempts to fix Black Hat's tie.] "This week must have been strange for you." [He finds himself regretting that this is taking place here instead of back in the living area where he might see any further evidence of that. How long had it been since Black Hat stayed in a place truly by his lonesome?]
[It likely speaks worlds that Black Hat doesn't force the issue beyond a second, more insistent nudge. It's probably the closest he's capable of to getting to an apology; granting Flug this moment. He won't hide his distaste for it, though.]
What else is there? You sat about like a marionette with its strings cut for days, only moving when I took the time to make you. [He grimaces. There was one thing - well, hiding it won't get him anywhere, will it?] I'm sure you'll be pleased to know your absence was noted by one other person. Something about Jiro wanting wheels for her feet.
[Just when he feels like his tolerance for this... this hug is about to snap, Flug breaks it. Not entirely, of course, but the straightening of his tie is a peace offering he can accept. Flug mussed it in the first place, by falling forward.]
Of course you aren't. [He scoffs, forcing it just a bit too much.] I took very good care of your body. [Gratitude for Flug's understanding? What is that? But no, there is a relief to knowing that he's not royally screwed the pooch between them and driven off his most loyal companion. Dismissiveness is merely how he expresses it.
There's a noticeable pause before he speaks again. A strange week? What an apt description.
Black Hat is no stranger to solitude. Even at the manor, prior to all this, he often kept himself apart from the minions living in his domicile. That they were allowed to live with him at all was a matter of convenience - keep the inner circle closest, and you can keep a tighter hold over them. But here... he can't claim to have missed Flug, not in a way that would be understood by him. He knew Flug would come back - he had to, that was how things worked in this place - but the arachne's absence and the knowledge of why he was absent had felt off. Something was misplaced, and he couldn't find it. He could only keep its container in decent shape.]
Aside from that, it was... [He trails off again, looking for the right words.] ...unusual. I don't like to be kept waiting, Flug, you know that. But the fog clearly had other ideas, didn't it.
[When he's satisfied that Flug has corrected the tie, Black Hat draws back a step, still keeping a hand on Flug's shoulder just in case.]
Besides, it's not like the whole thing was a waste.
"Ah she did, did she?" [Flug breathes out a weary laugh. It's a nuisance sure but he can't deny it's somewhat flattering too. To think he lives a life now where someone outside the manor might actually notice or care if he was ever gone. Sure he liked to fantasize the world might without his brilliance but an actual real example for it doesn't go amiss. That's his Jir-ita. "I-I'll have to message her." [Okay, not the worst fire to put out.
It's a smart move on Black Hat's part to keep his arm on that shoulder, as the doctor does appear to be taken by surprise when he sways a moment later. Not going anywhere for the moment then, that's fine.]
Yes, do that. I don't need her storming back here again now that the fog's rolled in and she still hasn't heard from you. Rehashing the details of your demise to her won't be quite as amusing the second time around.
[She had asked, and he had delivered. At least he was able to make Jiro regret her inquisitiveness to a certain degree. Isn't it nice to return to life and learn your partner has told your teenaged kind-of robo-daughter about some of your bedroom activities?]
And on that note - I don't expect it from you right away, you're clearly not up to snuff at the moment [Black Hat briefly loosens his grip, just enough to let Flug sway alarmingly before clamping down again] - but whatever it was that possessed you to order me around like that? Dig it up again.
"Oh Black Hat you didn't!" [Sure she at least KNEW of their relationship but come ON! It's miracle enough he managed to keep 505 as uncorrupted as he is! Now he NEEDS to contact her immediately. Flug's eyes dart around to the rest of the room, while purposefully lifting his bosses grip off his person to grouse in displeasure.]
"Oh I'll dig it up again, all right. Now where did I..? Should have something to use as a walking stick..."
[YUP. Thank you, boss. NOW things feel back to normal. Ugh. Where did he leave his laptop.]
She was belligerent. [He doesn't stop Flug from brushing away his hand, but he will be sticking close to make sure the arachne doesn't pitch forward again. He'll grab a leg or something, keep him upright.
Still, he glowers at Flug's tone.]
Not like that. If you're doing it out some sense of revenging yourself on me, I'll flip you over and bend that tail of yours back until it touches your head. And I will know.
"Yes, yes, I don't doubt it." [There isn't a fear to be cowed by at the threat, both men knew it took more than this to actually invite any serious harm on the other, but Flug drops back to a weary neutral tone nonetheless; a sign of respect and a show of willfully sliding back to where they stand.
Flug makes it to the hallway before he slumps over against the wall with a noise of disgruntled distress. He doesn't try to move again.]
"I don't remember the last time I've felt this exhausted. Was it like this for you?"
[He knew Black Hat had understandably been out of it, but he could be so hard to gauge when he wanted to put on a front. And to think Flug had chided the man for carelessly dragging his open wounds in the rubble.]
Hmph. [Black Hat can't deny he's grown rather appreciative of this spine Flug's developed, but a little shiver would be nice!
Still trailing behind Flug, he freezes at the question, stiffening. Was it like this for you? The deadening exhaustion, seemingly feeling the weight of eons finally bearing down on bones he shouldn't have to rely on at all. Putting on a front is what he did. Flug couldn't see the wear, the exhaustion, the tumult, not the full extent of it. He couldn't see Black Hat in that state, only glimpse it.
[The silence is not reassuring, but for what reason, Flug couldn't say. Either Black Hat was disgusted by his vulnerability, or the demon did in fact relate but was unwilling to share. The silence lingers.]
"..Probably not." [Let his master keep his pride. It's just something Flug will keep tucked away for now, to examine later, not that either of them should be in the business of reviving from a death ever again.]
"I've heard reviving in this place has a cost. If you die too many times, you forget more of who you were. I don't feel like I've forgotten anything..." [But how would he know? How much of himself could he afford to lose before it affected his impeccable mind?]
[When Black Hat finally speaks again, it's in a quiet voice.]
...it was.
[And he'll not say anymore on the subject - the admission alone is a struggle. He holds back a moment longer, then straightens, whatever momentary vulnerability was present covered up again in an instant.]
You've only gone once. Hardly 'too many times.' If you've lost something it'll come out in time, and I'll remind you of it.
[Granted that would only cover Flug's time in Black Hat's employ... but really, nothing else from his life matters. It stopped mattering when he signed his life over.]
[Confirmation, Flug actually got it. The doctor freezes, unsure he heard it right, before bracing the wall to turn back around. Unsurprisingly Black Hat is back to looking as though he said no such thing but it doesn't matter.
Not even an hour ago Flug was convinced the man he came back to would torture him without remorse; infallible and all powerful, above whatever puny excuse his mortal subject had to give! And now here he was, confessing to a moment of weakness, solely because Flug asked.
Flug missed this, he realized. He missed him. Even if three days is all Flug felt he had recollection for, the weight of it being apart for over a week feels all too real. Even if it goes against where he was trying to go, Flug uses the hallway to make his way back over to his employer.]
"I'll hold you to that." [There is solace to be taken in the idea. Black Hat wasn't offering to remind him for Flug's benefit. No, the horror of a boss would ensure Flug stayed useful because he was Black Hat; because HE deemed it necessary. Of this Flug could be assured.
And if Flug ever did forget so much that not even Black Hat could remind him? Well, he wouldn't be Flug anymore by then, would he?]
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evilopportunityemployer) wrote2019-04-25 07:38 pm
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[Buuut he is only going to annoy Black Hat further by keeping on this level of conversation.]
"A-anyway y-you're right! I'd be much more exhausted if you hadn't."
[He did still feel exhausted of course, extremely so. It's obvious in the sluggishness of Flug's movements, despite the animated manner of his speech. Properly cared for or not, no one bounced back from death 100% right out the gate, even a death said victim is unaware of. He attempts to rise, grasping quickly for the table to support himself.]
"Heh. I don't even remember the last time I ate. We.. came back from the tea gathering. You wanted me to work on the oil and then we..."
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Yes, the oil. You should refine it some more. Learn more about its properties.
[You should go do that right now and get to work!
Maybe that's a bit too quick a response.]
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"At least it's only been three days." [A flick of the switch.] "Any more and it might be harder to work wi--"
[And yet here the oil is. Congealed in a state that would have taken far more than three days to reach. Not impossible to salvage, sure, but the sight stirs the discomfort that has been steadily building in Flug's gut. The sense of something being off he hasn't been able to shake.]
"..We were on the bed." [His memory still feels fuzzy. Why does it feel so fuzzy?]
"We were on the bed and I pulled you in close. And then you… you.....oh my god." [He slowly turns to look back to where the suspicious demon is standing.]
"Oh my God you ate me..?"
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Behold, the greatest evil to ever exist, standing stock still and wrestling with what may be one of the most embarrassing missteps of his life. His face is twisting again, and this time he's not able to get the expression back to stoic before Flug is facing him and well, he's going to have to face this head on, isn't he.
...Not without one last weaseling attempt.]
Ate you? Why would I eat you?
[Even he can tell it's a horrible deflection.]
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"You actually ate me!"
[Ohhhh of all his years of faithful service! All the dangers he evaded, tantrums he appeased and THIS is what did him in?! Flug yells in his hands, wandering aimlessly before whipping back around.]
"How long has it really been?"
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[That must count for something, correct? He grumbles and pinches the space between his eyes.]
...over a week. It's been over a week. But! Look at yourself, Flug, you're perfectly intact! I have taken the utmost care of you, and this is how you're treating me in turn?
[That has to matter. That has to. In fact, it should count for a great deal, coming from Black Hat! Enough to erase this mistake on his part, this little failure to control himself!]
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[And he should have warned himself not to be so careless either. What had Flug been thinking, letting his guard down? Isn't staying alive despite the dangers of BHO part of his job?!
It has been over a week… just like Flug had endured waiting for Black Hat to revive. But Black Hat didn't give into despair waiting for a revival likely never to come. Instead he… actually took care of him. The spider takes a subtle glance at himself. No mystery scars or incision marks that he can see, no bite wounds.
Black Hat could have done anything to him and he would have been absolutely powerless to stop him. The man obviously expected he would incur Flug's wrath regardless, so why didn't he take it a step further and just profit off the loss as well? Not selling your partner's body while they are comatose shouldn't be particularly noteworthy in a relationship but damn it all for Black Hat it was.
It shouldn't count... but it does..]
"So you just.. propped me up in a chair and kept me there all week?"
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[He sputters off, agitated. Flug started it! Flug pushed it! Flug tapped into that vein of Black Hat he didn't know about, and Black Hat is the careless one? Flug should be glad he didn't die fully! He should be, not arguing back about this!]
This wouldn't have happened at the manor! [For multiple reasons, really. The most glaring and unspoken one, of course, being that without the events of the last year, none of whatever this is would have occurred. Black Hat would have been in control, would not have died, would not need to feed on souls, only partaking when he wished. And if the worst had come to pass... well, it wouldn't be the first time he shoved a stolen soul into a vessel.
Black Hat is still on the defensive. He glowers, interpreting the question through his own lens. Coming off the scolding, he can't help but take it as a critique of his handling of the aftermath.]
Why, would you rather I'd shoved you under the bed?!
[He snarls in frustration - why is Flug being so difficult - and paces back and forth in place.]
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"How do you know that? It shouldn't have happened here!"
[And therein lies the first real sliver of fear in all of this confusion. What if this is what will always go down? One memory wipe was all it took. Is Flug always doomed to fail at this? Will the company forever fall into ruin because Flug won't be able to prevent Black Hat from killing his most brilliant scientist?!
okay maybe that's the ego talking.]"For your information, I AM surprised I'm intact. I AM grateful you watched over me. But you're also you. D-don't think I didn't notice you trying to c-cover your tracks! You can't blame me for asking for specifics, whe--O-ohhhsuddenlylightheaded."
[Scientist going down in three, two..!]
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I never killed your sorry arse back then, did I?!
[So much opportunity to as well, and yet he never did.
An additional snap back is on the tip of his tongue, ready to demand to know what Flug wants from him when the scientist suddenly sways and begins toppling over. Nearly a week's worth of interventions when Flug's body began listing to one side kicks in, and Black Hat surges forward to make sure the idiot doesn't split his head open on the ground and undo everything again. He's not waiting who knows how long again for another resurrection!
When Flug hits something, it's Black Hat's chest, his hands whipping up to clamp down on the man's shoulders and hold him steady.]
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Flug reaches his arms up to squeeze Black Hat for support. Selfishly taking his time.
In many ways it's like their moment at the altar but Flug isn't about to fall through him. Black Hat isn't going anywhere, not this time. Not if Flug has anything to say about it.
The longer they remain like this the more distant the bad taste of Fairwell and the doctor's ire become. Flug finally fixes Black Hat a look, contemplating.
You can't expect apologies from an entity manifested from cruelty itself. You can't rightfully thank them either. What you can do is offer a compromise.]
"Guess this makes us even, hm?"
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Then Flug's arms reach up and squeeze him in turn.
He doesn't particularly like this sort of contact, closeness for simple closeness's sake, and he tenses up, bristling. It's not just that alone, though. Flug isn't the only one who is drawing parallels between this and the moment between them prior to... to that tree's taking of him. It's far from a pleasant recollection, but Black Hat doesn't shove Flug away. There's a sense of something, something he can't quite put a name to, a feeling that a small void in what he is, one he hadn't quite noticed, has been refilled again. A bit of himself, returned properly.
And he's somewhat certain Flug is doing this on purpose, and would intentionally drop like a log if he let go. The last thing he needs is for Flug's skull to split open on the floor.]
...in a sense.
[He concedes. After all, were they not responsible for one another's demises? Somehow, that thought is comforting. There's no imbalance leaning in Flug's favor now - the scales are properly stacked once more. More even than he's used to, but that doesn't bother Black Hat quite as much as it should.
His tolerance has limits, though, and Black Hat begins pushing Flug's shoulders, giving the man a hint that he would very much like to not be a resting board much longer.]
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Despite the simmering traces of aggravation, Flug can't help but note Black Hat isn't sulking anymore. Guess that was one way to breathe life back into the abomination. With his own.
Not the worst deal Flug has ever made.]
"I still want answers." [He gave you a recap when you came back from death.] "I'll just end up with questions later." [You really expect he won't? It's better if he hears there's something or nothing else now.]
"But I'm not.. mad." [So calm down, all right? He breaks the hold, instead clinging with one hand still wrapped around, while other attempts to fix Black Hat's tie.] "This week must have been strange for you." [He finds himself regretting that this is taking place here instead of back in the living area where he might see any further evidence of that. How long had it been since Black Hat stayed in a place truly by his lonesome?]
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What else is there? You sat about like a marionette with its strings cut for days, only moving when I took the time to make you. [He grimaces. There was one thing - well, hiding it won't get him anywhere, will it?] I'm sure you'll be pleased to know your absence was noted by one other person. Something about Jiro wanting wheels for her feet.
[Just when he feels like his tolerance for this... this hug is about to snap, Flug breaks it. Not entirely, of course, but the straightening of his tie is a peace offering he can accept. Flug mussed it in the first place, by falling forward.]
Of course you aren't. [He scoffs, forcing it just a bit too much.] I took very good care of your body. [Gratitude for Flug's understanding? What is that? But no, there is a relief to knowing that he's not royally screwed the pooch between them and driven off his most loyal companion. Dismissiveness is merely how he expresses it.
There's a noticeable pause before he speaks again. A strange week? What an apt description.
Black Hat is no stranger to solitude. Even at the manor, prior to all this, he often kept himself apart from the minions living in his domicile. That they were allowed to live with him at all was a matter of convenience - keep the inner circle closest, and you can keep a tighter hold over them. But here... he can't claim to have missed Flug, not in a way that would be understood by him. He knew Flug would come back - he had to, that was how things worked in this place - but the arachne's absence and the knowledge of why he was absent had felt off. Something was misplaced, and he couldn't find it. He could only keep its container in decent shape.]
Aside from that, it was... [He trails off again, looking for the right words.] ...unusual. I don't like to be kept waiting, Flug, you know that. But the fog clearly had other ideas, didn't it.
[When he's satisfied that Flug has corrected the tie, Black Hat draws back a step, still keeping a hand on Flug's shoulder just in case.]
Besides, it's not like the whole thing was a waste.
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It's a smart move on Black Hat's part to keep his arm on that shoulder, as the doctor does appear to be taken by surprise when he sways a moment later. Not going anywhere for the moment then, that's fine.]
"What do you mean?"
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[She had asked, and he had delivered. At least he was able to make Jiro regret her inquisitiveness to a certain degree. Isn't it nice to return to life and learn your partner has told your teenaged kind-of robo-daughter about some of your bedroom activities?]
And on that note - I don't expect it from you right away, you're clearly not up to snuff at the moment [Black Hat briefly loosens his grip, just enough to let Flug sway alarmingly before clamping down again] - but whatever it was that possessed you to order me around like that? Dig it up again.
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"Oh Black Hat you didn't!" [Sure she at least KNEW of their relationship but come ON! It's miracle enough he managed to keep 505 as uncorrupted as he is! Now he NEEDS to contact her immediately.
Flug's eyes dart around to the rest of the room, while purposefully lifting his bosses grip off his person to grouse in displeasure.]
"Oh I'll dig it up again, all right. Now where did I..? Should have something to use as a walking stick..."
[YUP. Thank you, boss. NOW things feel back to normal. Ugh. Where did he leave his laptop.]
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She was belligerent. [He doesn't stop Flug from brushing away his hand, but he will be sticking close to make sure the arachne doesn't pitch forward again. He'll grab a leg or something, keep him upright.
Still, he glowers at Flug's tone.]
Not like that. If you're doing it out some sense of revenging yourself on me, I'll flip you over and bend that tail of yours back until it touches your head. And I will know.
[Back to normal indeed!]
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Flug makes it to the hallway before he slumps over against the wall with a noise of disgruntled distress. He doesn't try to move again.]
"I don't remember the last time I've felt this exhausted. Was it like this for you?"
[He knew Black Hat had understandably been out of it, but he could be so hard to gauge when he wanted to put on a front. And to think Flug had chided the man for carelessly dragging his open wounds in the rubble.]
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Still trailing behind Flug, he freezes at the question, stiffening. Was it like this for you? The deadening exhaustion, seemingly feeling the weight of eons finally bearing down on bones he shouldn't have to rely on at all. Putting on a front is what he did. Flug couldn't see the wear, the exhaustion, the tumult, not the full extent of it. He couldn't see Black Hat in that state, only glimpse it.
For the moment, Black Hat remains silent.]
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"..Probably not." [Let his master keep his pride. It's just something Flug will keep tucked away for now, to examine later, not that either of them should be in the business of reviving from a death ever again.]
"I've heard reviving in this place has a cost. If you die too many times, you forget more of who you were. I don't feel like I've forgotten anything..." [But how would he know? How much of himself could he afford to lose before it affected his impeccable mind?]
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...it was.
[And he'll not say anymore on the subject - the admission alone is a struggle. He holds back a moment longer, then straightens, whatever momentary vulnerability was present covered up again in an instant.]
You've only gone once. Hardly 'too many times.' If you've lost something it'll come out in time, and I'll remind you of it.
[Granted that would only cover Flug's time in Black Hat's employ... but really, nothing else from his life matters. It stopped mattering when he signed his life over.]
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Not even an hour ago Flug was convinced the man he came back to would torture him without remorse; infallible and all powerful, above whatever puny excuse his mortal subject had to give! And now here he was, confessing to a moment of weakness, solely because Flug asked.
Flug missed this, he realized. He missed him. Even if three days is all Flug felt he had recollection for, the weight of it being apart for over a week feels all too real. Even if it goes against where he was trying to go, Flug uses the hallway to make his way back over to his employer.]
"I'll hold you to that." [There is solace to be taken in the idea. Black Hat wasn't offering to remind him for Flug's benefit. No, the horror of a boss would ensure Flug stayed useful because he was Black Hat; because HE deemed it necessary. Of this Flug could be assured.
And if Flug ever did forget so much that not even Black Hat could remind him? Well, he wouldn't be Flug anymore by then, would he?]