thirteenth incision ෴ video

[prideofwisdom]

[Stein's sitting on the edge of his bed, his back a little stiffer than normal, but seeming pretty normal other than that. He takes a few deep breaths and tries to relax his back into a more typical curve.]

They're lying.

[He sounds so resolute, so matter-of-fact when he says it, it's almost tempting to believe him

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[marriedatoilet]

[ Guess who is pushing open the door to your bedroom? It's your favorite dissection subject! ]

Stein...

[prideofwisdom]

[Marie's soul pops up as a tiny blip on his mental radar before it gets shut out by more panic than Stein really knows what to do with.

Slowly, sheepishly almost, he raises his head as she says his name.]

...I didn't mean to make you worry.

[marriedatoilet]

[ She smiles, but it's awkward and forced. She's doing her best to put on a strong front for him. That's what he needed at this point. ]

You didn't worry me. I was just... concerned. That's all.

[prideofwisdom]

Thank you.

[If he notices the forced smile, he makes no indication of it. He just wants to be selfish and get comforted for now.]

Though I didn't mean to make you concerned either. I just panicked.

[marriedatoilet]

Mm. It's fine. I understand.

[ She's pretty unnerved, so who knows what it is like for Stein. She hesitates in the doorway for a second, unsure of what to do. ]

May I come in?

[prideofwisdom]

Of course. [He moves over to give her a space to sit on the bed if she chooses.] I should have invited you in straight away. Didn't mean to be rude.

[marriedatoilet]

[ She walks in, gladly accepting the space next to him. ]

I'm the rude one, coming over unannounced like this.

[prideofwisdom]

No, I appreciate it. A lot.

I feel bad always making you take care of me like this, though. It's not exactly fair.

[marriedatoilet]

You shouldn't feel bad. It's my job to take care of you...

[ There's a pause, and then her voice is much softer. ]

I don't think I could stop myself if I wanted to anyway.

[prideofwisdom]

[He smiles a little.]

Thank you. For everything. You could probably use the mass panic to find yourself a good husband before everything goes to shit in a few days. But here you are, taking care of me instead...

[marriedatoilet]

[ Marie's smile becomes a little more genuine as her tone becomes more playful. ]

Do I really seem like the kind of girl to run off and get married to some guy I met only a few days before? Besides...

[ She leans over, gently resting her head on his shoulder. She didn't care if she was being too bold or too forward. This was probably going to be the last time she would see him while she was still lucid and she wanted to make it count. ]

I wouldn't rather be anywhere else besides here by your side.

[prideofwisdom]

[Stein puts his arm around her shoulder, smiling a little.]

I'm just trying to protect you. I always have been. I know you're strong, but I've always known I could find a way to hurt you, so I always wanted to keep you safe from me. ...Fucked that up spectacularly, didn't I?

[marriedatoilet]

[ When he talked like that, it was hard to believe that Stein didn't love her. Marie didn't know if that was her desperation kicking in, but she found herself strangely apathetic to her doubt. Who cared? Stein was here, wrapping an arm around her. Wasn't that enough? ]

It means a lot... that you've tried to protect me all this time. I know I've messed up as well, but even if I hadn't I would still forgive you. I couldn't stay angry at my partner, let alone you.

[prideofwisdom]

[He wonders if she really wouldn't be angry, or stay angry, if she knew everything going on inside his head. He wants to believe she wouldn't be, but it was hard to really assume so, and he figures it was just wishful thinking.]

Thanks. You taking care of me always means a lot too. I should show it more often, I know.

[marriedatoilet]

You are right now.

[ Perhaps she would, but most likely not. It was hard to stay mad at the man you loved. She nuzzles deeper into that shoulder as her wavelength reaches out, gently brushing against his. ]

[prideofwisdom]

[He smiles, gently rubbing his thumb on her shoulder.]

I know, but I still feel like I should have been saying something all along.