[ and doesn't he just suspect it? makes him crows out a laugh in barely contained amusement; the sound surprised out of him. Who else would Fyodor pick that particular habit up from? There are possibilities, yes, but maybe it's okay to think about a spiritual connection strong enough that Dos is trying to mock and tease and rebuff him in this way. Goes to reason the clown turns his head away as his complexion flushes with a boyish joy. ]

Aah! Just as I thought—it won't be that easy! Okay, alright, it can't be helped. You can keep your secrets Dos... until the next time, that is.

[ Gogol pulls himself together well enough to snap his fingers into a point in Fyodor's direction. ]

Come back, he says. How should I do that when my dear friend won't even say anything like "let's stay in contact"!