XOqNI

[tongueamok]

Hello, this is Carlisle. I mean, it's not Carlisle as in I'm actually answering you right now, so if you're trying to reply to me at the second, you should probably save your breath because I'm not really here. This is some kind of a recording of my voice, but this is my communicator. I'm going to assume these devices are as common here as they are in other places — not my world, but others, ones more technologically advanced than where I come from— so if you'd like to leave me a message, then you may do so here, or er... Right. Here is fine. So just leave yo— [beep]

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[tongueamok]

[Carlisle lets Atem busy himself, using the silence between them to simmer in his own guilt. He accepted his impending demise long ago: he has had years to do so, after all, having been cursed since he was 14. However, he cannot help but feel the weight of what it means for those around him, for those he has damned to watch him die just by association. Every time that guilt presses upon him anew, he wonders if it was worth it -- if connections and friendships with him, of all people, are worth the suffering they endure from his loss.

He knows a couple of individuals who would say that the impact he has left upon them was worth the trouble; for others, he is not so sure. As someone who has lost those closest to him, he knows he wouldn't envy their positions.

Accepting the tea with a quiet word of gratitude, he says nothing else until Atem speaks again, knowing he cannot change the lad's mind. As always, he feels powerless, out of control of his own life and choices. He has no choice in them even in death -- a pathetic fate for a pathetic man.]

We are.

[He pulls in a breath, inhaling the steam of the drink before him.]

Thank you... for all you've done today. Let us hope our efforts were not in vain.

[puzzlingly]

「Despite the tension in the air, Atem gives a sigh and a small smile at the older man. His frustration only shows how much he cares about him, he's not about to stay mad at his stubbornness. His hopes are his as well after all, they worked so hard — if only Carlisle allowed him to work that hard for him.」

They won't be.

「He's got faith in themselves, for a change. In Carlisle and his abilities, that much he had been able to hopefully show all over these days, following his instructions to the letter, studying with passion and dedication. This was not a hobby or a game, there would be time for that...

He can only hope.

Atem gives his mentor a less sour glance, wondering if he should stay longer, but decides against it. It'd be harder on Carlisle than it'd be on himself.」

How lucky am I, no homework today.

「He taunts him, mildly, as he goes get whatever he brought with him (his notes, his sword, presumably) and walks quietly to the door.」