[ In a stunned shock his mouth opens and closes around silence. Nikolai fails even to react to the touch to his hair. It's the muffled thump of the ushanka landing on soft dirt which shakes the jester from his postponement. ]

So you left it up to a gamble? Your well-being versus my ability to discard my feelings for a beloved friend.

[ Softly spoken, heart broken in its twisted way. Gogol slips a hand under the hanged man's neck and gently pulls him from the Overcoat's hold to lift him into his arms bridal style. Holding a demon hostage in a gingerly way now Nikolai coos delicately as he looks down on him. ]

It doesn't please me Dos. This wasn't a test I devised for myself. On the contrary, this was a test you devised for me instead.