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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]

I believe the goal is to survive together.

[helpdesk_hero]

[yes, it is, and yet...]

I didn't grow up seeing that happen much.

[unkindled_madness]

Why should that have any impact on what happens now?

[helpdesk_hero]

[David... sighs.]

It's hard to not want to save them even at the cost of myself at this point. Because I can't handle losing them, burying someone else I love.

[unkindled_madness]

...is that how love is meant to work?

[It's an honest question, not a rhetorical one.]

[helpdesk_hero]

No. But it can be how fear works. And as a mutant, I'm full of that. Far too full.

[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.