[Well, he can't really argue with that. He's the one who said he was going to stay, and then said he was going to leave.
But really, he's just afraid. He's scared of being the reason Gil falls apart, by going now or by going later. He's scared of being vulnerable by loving someone. He's scared of having to say goodbye again, but he's also scared of dying all over again in general.
When he thinks about it, the scariest thing of all might be dying alone again, having betrayed people he cares about. But he's not sure what he's supposed to do about that now, so he just stands there with his hands balled into fists so tight his nails cut his palms (and wishes it wasn't a double-edged sword that he's solid enough for them to do so).]
[Gil waits. And he waits. And it registers in his mind that perhaps Tokiomi is lingering because he isn't as resolute as he seemed, and that gives Gil's mood a sadistic sort of boost.
At the same time, he's annoyed that Tokiomi just won't finish it and insists on prolonging Gilgamesh's collapse. Get out and leave him to the tantrum he very much needs.]
Aren't you leaving? You were so intent a few moments ago.
[Of course he is. Is that even a question? Every part of him has been unraveling for reasons he can't even grasp - He wanted to stay "good" and truly aid the world with his wish. But when he's mired in the violence and the intrigue, he forgets all those noble goals and cannot think of any greater joy than indulging every part of him that screams for base, bloody enjoyment.
He'd wanted to hang on to Tokiomi, to make sure he didn't lose himself completely to that. But if his hold on all that was going to crumble, then there was no point in agonizing over the inevitable fall.]
I told you already - I'd just be back where I started. That includes my plans to take this on my own. It won't be anything out of the ordinary.
[And what in the world is Tokiomi supposed to do about that?]
...I wanted to go so that wouldn't happen. But if you're already that far gone, there's no point, is there? And I--
[It's really inelegant to let his voice crack. Really, really inelegant. But it's kind of out of control. In all these 40 years, he's never had a moment where he's had to confront what he felt when he died.]
[He ignores that first part - there's no point in denying it, but it's the palpable fear that draws his attention even more]
Then you're scared of dying, right? Why participate in the war at all, if that's the case? If you just look at the numbers, the odds of survival are terribly low, you should know that already! Are you a fool to force yourself through something you can't weather a second time?
I died a long time ago, Gil! I only still exist now because I wanted to fight, knowing I'd disappear! If it's just ceasing to exist, I can do that any time, even if it's a little frightening. I'm scared of dying alone.
[Even with that metaphorical blood in the water, that scolding snaps him back to his senses, makes him want to dig his nails back in and hang on for a little longer. Right.... that's why he accepted Tokiomi in the first place, isn't it?
It is...
And so he goes quiet for a moment, trying to remind himself that he doesn't want to go to pieces just to terrify Tokiomi. He didn't want to lose him, right? So isn't it strange that he's driving towards just that, as well?
...you can do it, Gilgamesh. You can put your foot down and think this through rationally.]
...that's what I feared. That's what I wanted to prevent. If you weren't here, I don't think I could do it.
[And that's the problem, isn't it? He was trying to pull away before Gilgamesh became dependent on him for his sanity. But it really is far too late for that. So what is there left to do? He can go and ruin everything now, or he can stay and try to build up Gil's strength in the next few days. Maybe he can help, and in the meantime neither of them will have to feel the sting of parting when they've just admitted to being attached.]
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[Well, he can't really argue with that. He's the one who said he was going to stay, and then said he was going to leave.
But really, he's just afraid. He's scared of being the reason Gil falls apart, by going now or by going later. He's scared of being vulnerable by loving someone. He's scared of having to say goodbye again, but he's also scared of dying all over again in general.
When he thinks about it, the scariest thing of all might be dying alone again, having betrayed people he cares about. But he's not sure what he's supposed to do about that now, so he just stands there with his hands balled into fists so tight his nails cut his palms (and wishes it wasn't a double-edged sword that he's solid enough for them to do so).]
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At the same time, he's annoyed that Tokiomi just won't finish it and insists on prolonging Gilgamesh's collapse. Get out and leave him to the tantrum he very much needs.]
Aren't you leaving? You were so intent a few moments ago.
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He'd wanted to hang on to Tokiomi, to make sure he didn't lose himself completely to that. But if his hold on all that was going to crumble, then there was no point in agonizing over the inevitable fall.]
I told you already - I'd just be back where I started. That includes my plans to take this on my own. It won't be anything out of the ordinary.
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[And what in the world is Tokiomi supposed to do about that?]
...I wanted to go so that wouldn't happen. But if you're already that far gone, there's no point, is there? And I--
[It's really inelegant to let his voice crack. Really, really inelegant. But it's kind of out of control. In all these 40 years, he's never had a moment where he's had to confront what he felt when he died.]
I am afraid. But it's not of you or Kariya.
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Then you're scared of dying, right? Why participate in the war at all, if that's the case? If you just look at the numbers, the odds of survival are terribly low, you should know that already! Are you a fool to force yourself through something you can't weather a second time?
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[He snaps, defensive and feeling cornered.]
I died a long time ago, Gil! I only still exist now because I wanted to fight, knowing I'd disappear! If it's just ceasing to exist, I can do that any time, even if it's a little frightening. I'm scared of dying alone.
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But it's only for a second, before he covers it with the same cool grace he had when they first met.]
...Then you're really unworthy of your wish, aren't you?
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It is...
And so he goes quiet for a moment, trying to remind himself that he doesn't want to go to pieces just to terrify Tokiomi. He didn't want to lose him, right? So isn't it strange that he's driving towards just that, as well?
...you can do it, Gilgamesh. You can put your foot down and think this through rationally.]
...that's what I feared. That's what I wanted to prevent. If you weren't here, I don't think I could do it.
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Then I can't leave. ...And I'm sorry.
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[He goes to take Tokiomi's hand to keep him close]
You'll just have to promise you'll help prop me up
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But close is good. He'll even lean in and rest their foreheads together because hey. The word love has been used.]
Of course. As long as I'm able to, I won't let you fall.
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