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[helpdesk_hero]

This is David Alleyne, I'm not available at the moment.
Please leave your name, contact information, and what this is regarding after the beep.

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[unkindled_madness]

Hm.

Perhaps you should work on that.

[Actionable advice!]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Yeah, he knows. David groans.]

Now you sound like Balthier.

[unkindled_madness]

Well, he seems like a sensible man.

[He doesn't mind the comparison.]

[helpdesk_hero]

Yes, and for that I love him. One of us should be sensible.

[unkindled_madness]

Indeed.

Ideally he'll help to keep you out of trouble.

[helpdesk_hero]

[See, that's what Balthier thought too. Which didn't, in fact, keep David out of trouble at all.]

He will. I just hope I don't overwork him in doing so.

[unkindled_madness]

You feel it's that much of a challenge?

[helpdesk_hero]

[He gives a small, sad frown. Yeah, he does.]

You haven't known me long, but I think you've known me long enough to know that I get into trouble.

[unkindled_madness]

One doesn't have to know you long. You're remarkably open about it.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Oh Sephiroth. David shakes his head and looks at the man.]

I'm not, though. I'm open with you.

[unkindled_madness]

As far as I'm aware, I don't have any particular power to inspire that.

[helpdesk_hero]

[But doesn't he? His power is called 'history'.]

You knew me before, in another world. I considered you a friend if I told you the things you said you knew. Therefore I run on the assumption that you've already seen me at some of my most foolish and pig-headed. Basically, you're grandfathered in on honesty.

[unkindled_madness]

That only explains your behavior now.

Not when we first met.

[helpdesk_hero]

I can't explain that. I don't remember it. Those answers are beyond me. I'm sorry for that, but I will just do my best to continue on.

[unkindled_madness]

[Sephiroth shakes his head.]

I'm not seeking an apology or an explanation. I am suggesting greater caution, when it comes to sharing your vulnerabilities.

[helpdesk_hero]

You're not the only one that would suggest such a thing of me. Too bad I'm terrible at listening to said things.

[unkindled_madness]

Perhaps hearing it more often will help you absorb it.

[helpdesk_hero]

And I don't even have time to make a list of every last person who knows me that you sound like right now.

[Still, he's smiling.]

Thank you for caring.

[unkindled_madness]

[Wow, David, you're not supposed to call him out on that.]

We are allies.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Perhaps they are allies, but he's acting as a friend.]

Call us what you will from your side, but from mine, you're a friend. And I thank you for all that entails.

[unkindled_madness]

...I don't believe it should require thanks.

[helpdesk_hero]

Yeah, it shouldn't. But I want the people I appreciate to know that I do.

[unkindled_madness]

Ah.

...I understand that.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well, at least he gets that much.]

I'm glad to hear it. I hope one day you can see me as a friend too.

[unkindled_madness]

...you have my trust.

[Give him space, he'll get there.]