ϡ - Chapter TwentyOne; Return [action/voice]
[ There’s the sound of shaky uneven breathing coming over the transmission and then a cough or two. It’s almost as if the person on the other side is a bit startled, a bit confused and a bit in pain. The sharp intake of breath and the murmured exclamation of surprise doesn’t really yield anymore good results for those listening in. ] I-I can’t
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As a result, he makes it to where Helios is within five minutes, spurred on mostly by adrenaline, fear and concern for his friend. As he moves towards Helios' location, he's already giving orders. Tersely, because this is an emergency.] We need to get you to a clinic as soon as possible. Get you out of the cold and somewhere safe. [As he sees the blonde man - COVERED in blood - his stomach clenches. God damn what had the Malnosso done to him?]
... Alright. He hesitates only a moment in front of Helios, glancing over the man's body - he can't tell if those wounds are deep or not.] That bleeding has to be staunched. [And ignoring the cold and the fact Helios would see his scars, Robert takes off his heavy coat and undoes his lab coat.] If you have your knife on you, I can use it to bandage you - else I'm going to have to think of some other method. [Helios might notice the detached calculating look in Robert's eyes that shows his logical and rational mind has totally trumped his emotional panic.]
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The clinic is closer. I should get you there immediately. [Robert gently - but firmly - takes hold of Helios' arm, pulling his labcoat over himself with the other to stave off the freezing air on his now-bare chest.] The Malnosso did this to you. [It's not a question, just a disgusted statement.]
How did you injure yourself? I heard you cry out in pain. [Robert is trying to brace Helios as well as possible, keeping him steady to compensate for his obviously-damaged right eye. He's weak and small, yes, but it's better than letting Helios topple over, and panic is making him stronger than he usually is. He continues to usher the headmaster towards the clinic, as fast as they're both capable of going.]
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My...it--it shouldn't have done this. [ He sounds so confused and just generally disbelieving. How could they possibly do this to him? Why did they do this to him? It was his magic the one thing he used a good deal and now it might quite possibly be a threat to him. He's silent as they start moving towards the clinic however, his answer not really helpful. But Robert probably gets the gist of it. ]
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He feels Helios flinch slightly at the touch - figuring it's from pain, he weakens his grip somewhat, but enough to still keep Helios steady. The clinic's within sight now, and Robert manages to maneouvre Helios awkwardly through the door frame, getting him into the clinic proper.]
Your what? Your magic? [Normally this question would sound ridiculous, but Robert has no idea what the Malnosso are capable of.] ... I hope there are doctors at the clinic, but if not, I... well, Doctor Mizuno showed me how to use the basic equipment here. Somewhat. Enough that I might be able to do something. [Still, Robert hopes there's a doctor around... or maybe he could call one.]
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Yes. [ It's a low tone of voice. Not being able to use his magic... ] It...it backfired on me. That's never happened. I just--I don't understand how. [ He'll swallow thickly before nodding a small but fleeting smile on his face. ]
I have faith in you. I-I'm sure you'll be able to figure something out.
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... I cannot say I would know, Helios. But perhaps they know a means of which to reverse the physics of your magic. Were you perhaps trying to heal yourself, then? [Because that seems like the most logical conclusion to the situation.]
I certainly hope so. [Robert draws up a basin of warm water.] ... Ah, Helios. [He drops his voice low, briefly, realizing that this might be an uncomfortable topic.] ... what with your, er, skin temperature - that's... that's typical, right? For you. [It's obvious Robert wants to ask, but he doesn't, merely continues his train of thought.] I simply would like to know how that might affect your perception of the water temperature - I wouldn't wish to burn you whilst cleaning your wounds. [And Robert's already fetching a clean, sterile cloth pad to do this with.]
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[ His eye widens and oh good lord. His skin...the other knew about his skin. Of course he did they kissed only a week ago and how could you forget someone feeling several degrees colder than you? More embarrassing was that Robert apparently remembered Valentine's Day. This was just wonderful. His mind raced as he jaw clenched and unclenched. Swallowing again he'll answer as steady as possible. ] It's f-fine. Hot water I mean...it doesn't do much. I just...can't handle extremely hot things.
[ He is just too embarrassed to even look at the other anymore. This was so not how he expected things to turn out. ]
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[Then those... reactions. Helios looked downright panicked that Robert had asked. Though Robert could barely fathom why...]
Ah, that's good to know. I wouldn't have wished to cause any more trauma. [Now why won't Helios look at him anymore? Robert carefully wets the cloth pad and washes Helios' skin - well, whatever skin he can get to.] Please tell me if any areas are too tender, Helios...
... Is there something wrong, by the way?
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[ Helios will bite back a hiss at the stinging pain brought on by the scientist's ministrations. He also will shift in his seat as if the constant touching is rather uncomfortable. He's used to being banged up so it's not so bad but he's also used to fixing his wounds by himself. ]
Wrong? [ A nervous twitter of a laugh. ] No-No of course not. [ You just know about his skin and remember kissing him a week ago. And he remembers kissing you. Nothing wrong whatsoever. His vision is still diverted from Robert instead he will focus on the floor of the clinic some more. This is probably going to get more awkward, isn't it? ]
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Ah, my apologies. These cuts must be extremely painful. [Robert washes carefully, slowly, wiping away the crusted dried blood around Helios' abused eye. The touching is almost sensual - well, it might be in another, less painful situation.
That, and the fact Helios laughs awkwardly - awkwardly enough that Robert can tell he's uncomfortable, just barely - are enough to make Robert ask.] Are you certain? Because, there's, er... last week. [And a flush crawls over Robert's cheeks at the memories. Some of them had been downright exciting.]
I-I... meant to talk to you about that. But, b-but not at the moment. Right now you're injured. [Robert's voice is so very awkward when he says that, but he's still methodically cleaning Helios; gently, carefully and tenderly.]
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It's f-fine. I'm used to getting banged up. [ Usually working with mythica is a dangerous job so there's that and magic can be tricky. There's also the scars on his arms. He groans a little at that.
Oh dear why did he have to mention it. ] You...you remember then. [ Helios will look downright embarrassed now there's no way of hiding it at this point. This was just a very bad time to talk about it because he was so tired and he often said things he wouldn't normally say when he's this tired. The last time this happened he let slip to Giles about Nero. ]
You don't seem surprised about my...skin. N-Not that I mind. It takes people by surprise so I-- [ never touch anyone. Haven't had contact with anyone for three years. It all sounds so ridiculous in his head so he doesn't say anything more. ]
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[Robert frowns at the next part. It hurts to know that Helios gets injured often enough to be used to it, but he continues cleaning him.
And that next part makes Robert glance up, mildly embarrassed himself.] ... H-How could I forget? It was... wonderful. [That just kind of slipped out, and Robert flushes darker as he mumbles it. Touching Helios to clean him... it's making all the desire evident again - not as intense as it was, yes, but certainly enough to make his stomach lurch with anxiety.
As for Helios' skin temperature...] Ah, well, my only worry was that you were perhaps experiencing hypothermia, but if it is normal for you, then that is all that matters. Though I am curious as to why... [Robert looks at Helios then in a questioning way. Was it maybe related to Helios' magic?]
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I-I don't know. I just thought it might not have been anything worth remembering. [ Honestly he almost doesn't catch the last of Robert's response. He actually liked it? Helios wasn't expecting that. Helios had come to not expect a lot of things this was one of many. He himself almost looks apologetic because the fact that Robert liked it, and to what degree he still isn't certain, will make this whole thing so much worse. ]
N-No it isn't anything like that. [ Helios will wince; he doesn't want to talk about it especially not right now. ] Nothing. It's just me you know? [ A nervous laugh as his eyes go to Robert's arm. ]
Ah, Robert...your arms.
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Helios' tone of voice seems to betray something - Robert wishes it was a message he could understand.] O-of course it's worth remembering, Helios... I mean, I would hope it was enjoyable for you as well - even though the Malnosso were responsible for most of my, er, forward behaviour... [And Robert blushes again, glancing downward. Part of him really, really wants to ask Helios - since Donatello essentially gave him the go-ahead to do so.
Helios just keeps sounding uncomfortable about the whole topic of his skin, too.] Is that so? What with all these different worlds, and the fact you have magic, I would hardly know what to expect from typical human biology. Still, if the temperature of this blood is anything to go by, your internal temperature seems to be close to a typical human range - I suppose it's only your skin, then? [Robert is blissfully oblivious to Helios' discomfort.
... And then...]
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...
Well. Of course. He hadn't thought about it at the time - or rather, he had but deemed Helios' safety more important - but Helios had gotten a damn good look at those scars.
Robert's expression turns to something like panic.]
... Y-yes? What... what about them? [As if it wasn't obvious. But Robert's mind wants to be evasive about it.
What would Helios even think...?]
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