"So... it really was true?" Nolan's voice was lower than before. "You're planning to leave."
As he spoke, his eyes reddened, and tears gradually gathered.
He was a warrior of the Viltrumite Empire, the great Nolan. He shouldn't show weakness before anyone, even Sparta, who stood before him.
Yet this was Sparta, the captain who had been both father and brother to him, the one he had missed for so long. They had finally met again, only to part once more.
Sparta watched Nolan grit his teeth and struggle to control his emotions, unwilling to let his tears fall. He remained silent for a long time.
"There are still people there who need me, Nolan."
"You're there, along with Clayton and Duken. There's also Regent Thragg. Viltrumite needs me, and so do they."
"I knew from the beginning that I was destined to return. You know I'm not good at expressing my feelings."
"When Digger and Kaden fell, I failed to arrive in time. Before my father, Jayce, died, I never got to see him one last time. Thragg shouldered the burden of the Regent alone, bearing the fate of all Viltrumite..."
"The future of this universe will stabilize, and I should return to where I came from."
Nolan said nothing. He drained the entire bottle of liquor in one breath.
Silence fell between them. Neither took the initiative to speak again. Instead, they ate and drank on their own, leaving only the sounds of chewing and drinking in the entire living room.
They didn't say another word to each other before Nolan finally left.
The door closed behind Nolan with a dull thud that lingered for a long time.
The living room fell silent once more, save for the comedy show playing on the television, its ridiculous sound effects