hugtopia | How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,

[Hythlodaeus blinks, looking to Teo and then back to Faust, cupping his chin in thought.]

I'm not sure that's my place to say. Ultimately, it's Teo's decision.

[Hythlodaeus closes his eyes and cocks his head to the side.]

But to speak to mine own desires, I should like to continue to converse. The more, the merrier, as they say, and a new friend is always welcome.

[Teo's assurance is wasted on him. At Hythlodeaus' response he relaxes just a little. He finally takes a sip of his tea, taking a moment to quietly savor it. He may have left it up to Teo, but-]

...Teo could use more friends. But it's important that his condition not become common knowledge. I don't trust that he will be safe here if that happens. Do you understand?

[He feels strangely detached from the conversation then. What's being said doesn't bother him beyond the subject itself of the threat over him, in fact it's kind of... strangely flattering having people interested in his company and his survival. But something...

He listens to the caseworker talk while he sits, arms folded sullenly, at the back of the room.

"And you believe you'll be a good fit? Despite what I've told you?"

"We know this kind of thing takes a lot of care. We believe we can do this."

He scoffs in disbelief, "Not even going to ask me anymore?"

He makes a faint whine, pressing a hand to his head and then giving it a shake.]

... Sorry... [What was he saying?] I, uh... I told him that... I'd be in trouble... if people knew... He said that... there were others... able to sense...

[Hythlodaeus nods to Teo.]

Indeed, and I shall tell Faust the same thing that I told you: there is another I know with the selfsame abilities as my own, and should he ever learn of Teo's condition, I swear him to the same silence I myself shall uphold.

[And because he can't quite tell if Teo's uncomfortable with the conversation (he did seem to zone out there, but with the glassy eyes it could simply have been Hythlodaeus's imagination), it seems a change of subject may be in order.]

But come! I would know more of the two of you. You met in a previous world, did you not? How exactly did that go?

[He glances over at the quiet whine with a small frown. Maybe he remembered something? But he doesn't press.]

...I see. I suppose I should have expected as much, with this many people here from different worlds...

[Maybe he can fashion a charm to help conceal him from that sort of detection... something to think about later. Right now he's being unwillingly dragged into small talk.]

...There isn't much to know about me. There isn't much to say about how we met, either... I had been there about a month or so when he arrived, and he revealed his affliction to me the same day.

[He's still a bit nervous about this other person. He's still nervous about Hythlodaeus in truth. But so far, things have been okay and for that he's grateful and his faint smile likewise.

And then he outright snorts.]

That's just... plain not true...

[He shakes his head. Faust's life is his to give out, but he knows there's plenty more to Faust.]

I was stuck... on an island... he rescued me... I was both... an ignorant human... and... clearly worse...But still...

He asked me... what he sensed... and I thought... I didn't have... a chance against... magic people... but... maybe...I could plead for... his trust... if I told... the truth...

[He beams at Faust.]

He's been... looking out for me... since then...

[Ah, yes. Now this is familiar.

Hythlodaeus grins from ear to ear.]

Oh dear, whoever shall I believe?

[He covers his mouth as he laughs]

By all accounts, the two of you seem close. Full glad am I to see so wonderful a friendship come to be, even in the dark times the two of you had to live through.

...

[He just looks the other way and drinks some more of his tea as Teo tells his more detailed version of events, still doing so as Teo beams at him.]

[Hythlodaeus' response gets a faintly flustered noise from him, though.]

You're getting the wrong impression. It was more of a practical arrangement than anything like that... yes, I looked out for him, but in turn that was to ensure he didn't lose control of his hunger and hurt anyone.

[Which is still the case, although some things have changed since they first met...]

[Hythlodaeus's comments make him grin, though he still peeks at Faust to be sure no line's been crossed. His amusement in the moment is tempered by what Faust follows with.]

That's true... too... [His head bows a little.] I can't be... allowed to hurt... anyone... even if it... means I must be... killed...

[And Faust had said he would do that for him. Not that it really matters who. Just as long as it's taken care of.]

But... that's something... I appreciate... as well...

[Hythlodaeus lowers his head.]

I see.

[Or so he says. But how could he possibly? How could he know about any of this? Never has he had to face the trials the two of them have gone through. Never has he had to make a decision like theirs. Never has death been so... so complicated. So painful.

He can barely wrap his head around it all.]

'Tis an unenviable task, and one that I hope is unnecessary. For both of you.

[Faust doesn't seem bothered by the idea, if a tad somber, but that could just be his usual gloominess.]

...At the least, his hunger should be easier to manage here. There's no need for him to hunt.

[Considering winter was approaching in the last world they were in, the timing was fortunate as well... he looks over at Teo.]

Which leaves ensuring you aren't at risk of being discovered by the natives, or anyone who would deem you an immediate threat... as well as preventing your infection from spreading.

[He ducks his head with the reminder of that. Indeed, winter had been close. In his own world, he could simply expand his hunting grounds, but the island was contained in itself. The reality that he might need to his time had loomed.]

The replicator... can make... interesting things...

[Even explaining what Faust means as cryptically as that he still feels a wash of shame for it. Still, he looks up to meet Faust's gaze.]

I'm careful... You know I am... I never touch... anything... without the gloves... I only showed him... because he knew... and asked...

And because I threatened to wear my own mask if he continued to wear his.

[A cheerful reminder, and a weak attempt to lighten the mood.]

For what it's worth, the both of you have my aid should you ever need it. I know little of the condition, but you have my utmost support. Mayhap with time and proper resources we may even be able to put together a proper disguise--something that lends itself to considerably less layers of clothing.

[It seems to fail to lighten Faust's mood, but his response to Teo is a little softer, at least.]

I know. You've been doing well.

[Even if he can make some impulsive decisions, sometimes. Hythlo's suggestion reminds him of something he's been meaning to bring up to Teo...]

...That would be good, yes, if possible. Or at least some new clothes in the interim.

Speaking of which... [He looks at Teo again.] It wasn't an option before due to how the world we previously resided in affected my magic, but- I should be able to transform you to look the way you did when you were human.

[It's something he's had in the back of his mind since he had the chance to see what he used to look like, but...]

It would not serve as a suitable disguise, however. The magic would not last very long.

[He's not offering for practical reasons, though.]

[There's the faintest hint of smile for Hythlodaeus' joke. Good try, buddy. Don't take Faust personally.

In total subversion of that thought, Faust's soft assurances mean everything.

Doesn't stop him from faintly muttering-]

I like... my clothes... [Besides, he's not exactly sure how he could have less. He supposes he doesn't need four layers... But he does need the mask and goggles. And the hood helps.

He blinks at Faust.]

You could... do that...? [His eyes are wide, almost afraid to hope.] How long...? [Except there's a problem and it makes his face fall.] If people think... I'm normal... I won't have... as good an excuse... to hide otherwise...

[He hums thoughtfully]

If not a disguise, then what do you intend to use it for?

[He sets down his tea to cross his arms.]

What else? For when he's here. [He makes it sound like it's obvious, whether or not it was- and to Teo,] Your body is beyond saving, but your heart remains. To look in the mirror and see yourself the way you feel you should, even if it's only in private- that can be healing in its own way.

Of course, if you feel otherwise, then forget I said anything.

[It's clear on his face that he hadn't expected that. He goes from confused to completely disarmed. He's muted, overwhelmed by the gesture and Faust's full understanding of what it would mean to him.

He laughs a shaky laugh and pulls his gloves down on one hand to press the ball of his bare palm at his eyes then pull the glove back over. No tears. good.]

No, that... that would be... really nice... Thank you...

[He bows his head, trying to settle himself, but still smiling.]

Just so long... as it doesn't... cost you... [Even if Faust has more power here, he won't be one to use without thought.]

I don't mind... disguising... outside... It's how things are... but it's nice to... go uncovered... here...

[Hythlodaeus looks between the two, the faintest spark dancing in his glowing, purple eyes. He doesn't bother hiding his smile--there's no need, with such a touching scene before him.]

An excellent idea.

[He beams over at Faust]

And may I say how lucky he truly is to have such a dear friend at his side.

[He touches the brim of his hat as he nods at Teo.]

Then simply let me know when you would like to give it a try.

[If his stamina is limited more than it should be here, he hasn't used enough magic to find out yet. But as for Hythlo's reaction, he returns to crossing his arms as he scowls.]

What I said is true enough of anyone... my offer has nothing to do with being friends.

[Though he's not directly denying that they are...]

We could... try now...?

[It would probably spare Hythlodaeus some discomfort. And there's no reason not to test it out.

Between Hythlodaeus and Faust's denial of friendship, he can't help smiling wide again.]

He's... a very good friend... it's true...

[Hythlodaeus agrees with Teo]

And modest to a fault. How nostalgic.

[He takes a long sip of tea, savoring the flavor of a proper cup.]

But I should like to see this magic as well. Once again you have my curiosity.

[Nostalgic? ...He should perhaps consider trying to learn at least a little more about Hythlodaeus as well, if he's going to be a friend of Teo's. But for the time being,]

...Very well. This should only take a moment.

[He sits up a little straighter, and though he doesn't otherwise move his mirror appears in a subtle glow of magic to float beside him. He pulls one arm free from where he has them crossed to hold his hand out to Teo.]

This will be easier if you take my hand.

[Any contact would do, but may as well use the excuse to provide some minor contact to the gods as well... once his hand is taken he takes a moment to just look at Teo, and he closes his eyes, recalling the face and hands he saw in their shared dream. And then he opens them to calmly speak his spell.]

Satillquinart Mullcreed.

[There's a brighter glow around their hands that softens as it cascades over Teo's body, radiating out like fairy dust or the echo of fireworks with the accompanying colorful sparks, if much more transparent and brief. But the end result is Teo, the living human, no scars or dull eyes, skin, or hair, and his clothes have transformed as well to match what he remembers.]

...There. What do you think?

[His mirror tilts toward him so he can get a look at his reflection.]

[He, too, casts a curious look Hythlo's way, his head tilting out of habit with his usually hidden expressions. Nostalgic. So he knew someone like Faust then? At least in the sense of being reluctant to take any sort of credit.

He'll have to ask later. There's the mirror that he wants to flinch away from... as well as the hand he doesn't. It's a wonder to not have to hesitate when he lays that hand in Faust's. He can feel the warmth, even through booth their gloves. His fingers curl around. They meet eyes for just a moment.

Light sparks. His breath is caught. The lights dazzle in his eyes, turning their pale glassiness to a brown that's deep and dark. The color returns to him, his hair shortening and his torn face smoothing over. The hoodie and jacket vanish, replaced with a purposefully shredded black tee and a long striped shirt beneath.

The shine disappears and he reaches up slow to touch his face. His smile is something rapturous.]

It feels... real...!

[He clears his throat and looks sheepish then.]

Still... rough inside... but... [What does he say? How can he express what this means?] ... You're lucky... it's still not safe... to hug you... Thank you...

[Even in this world where people live such short, fraught lives... Even in the midst of death and decay... There is still beauty in the world. Far from perfect, never eternal, but a shimmering star in the darkness nonetheless.

He shuts his eyes for only a breath, committing the sight to memory.]

Much better. Even if I don't quite understand the fashion, this suits you much better than all those layers of clothes ever did.

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