[The last thing on L's mind is moving. He could, and may, sit here all night in his own blood in a state of shock that may no longer be physically dangerous, but consumes him all the same. No one would be the wiser, if the Emperor just takes Paul home.
Of course it won't be so simple and swift a departure, because Paul has an order-plea of his own. It's unexpected though perhaps it shouldn't be; they are not strangers or enemies in spite of the gulf. They're only here at all because both of them cared a little too much; it stands to reason that Paul would care, now.
So, he tells him, nodding with such overapplied energy that his teeth rattle.]
I will... of course. I'll do it.
[It's not a lie if the intention is there. It's not a lie if he perhaps can't; this was a safe place by his standards, after all, until it wasn't.
Hopefully it's enough. His eyes flick meaningfully back to the Emperor. Please, go. Now.]
no subject
Of course it won't be so simple and swift a departure, because Paul has an order-plea of his own. It's unexpected though perhaps it shouldn't be; they are not strangers or enemies in spite of the gulf. They're only here at all because both of them cared a little too much; it stands to reason that Paul would care, now.
So, he tells him, nodding with such overapplied energy that his teeth rattle.]
I will... of course. I'll do it.
[It's not a lie if the intention is there. It's not a lie if he perhaps can't; this was a safe place by his standards, after all, until it wasn't.
Hopefully it's enough. His eyes flick meaningfully back to the Emperor. Please, go. Now.]