If the sight of mortal souls had sickened him, he's sure it would disappoint Hythlodaeus even more. His friend would have been able to see every imperfection, every flaw. No, indeed, Hythlodaeus would not enjoy a prolonged time in the mortal world.

He sighs, closing his eyes again as the other man's fingers knead his scalp. That said...that said, he thinks that if they had been together from the start, the ordeal would not have been so harrowing. Does he believe that mortalkind will persist? He's not sure. How can anyone be sure of such things? All he knows is that the world is theirs to make better or worse and he can only hope for the former.

"...I'm sorry," he repeats, but this time it is a great deal calmer. Or rather, quieter. He pulls away from the embrace to pick up his phone, switching it off without looking at the screen. He doesn't want to know if Venat had remained online, waiting for him to acknowledge her. "Do you think I'm running from my guilt...? Be honest, 'Daeus. I don't want you to spare my feelings."