ϡ - Chapter TwentyOne; Return [action/voice]

[folkloristic]

[ 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

Comments

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

That's alright. [Robert knows he doesn't have the strength to tear his shirt's material. Instead, he fashions it into a sort of faux-bandage against Helios' bleeding face, applying steady pressure for a few seconds (which would give Helios a very close look at those lovely scars Robert has, by the way). Even now, Robert's thinking as to whether the clinic or Helios' apartment is closer.]

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.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

Thank you...Robert. [ There's an obvious look of surprise as Robert's scars come into view he might only have use of his left at the moment but he's still about to discern them on the scientist's skin. He's also clearly remembering...Valentine's Day and what happened. Oh dear now is not the time to be thinking about that, so his left eye will divert to the floor. He doesn't say anything however, it's not the time nor is he any position to be asking such personal question. They do however make his own scars itch and hurt a little along with the other pain as well. Helios will flinch at that motion of Robert grabbing his arm. He's almost about to pull away but he's far too tired to do so. ]

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. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert remembers Valentine's Day too, oh so well. Every poignant detail. He remembers Helios' lips, cold against his own like the rest of his skin but still achingly beautiful - but he shouldn't be thinking about that right now. There are far, far more important things to be focusing on - like getting Helios to that clinic.

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.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ And Helios remembers Robert's lips how they sparked something in him he hasn't felt for...well three whole years. How just the presence of the other caused him to have feelings he should not have been able to have. Those feelings he only seemed to have with Elise. He honestly despised them for doing that. Allowing him to feel again when she was not here. Yet he could do nothing because the Malnosso played him and everyone else like well kept instruments. Now they were simply a burning memory. He no longer felt anything and he was back to being the empty husk he would always be. His musings almost made him miss Robert's next question. ]

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.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert hadn't had these feelings for eight years - not that he couldn't, though, so much as he never had wanted to allow it - and they were uncomfortably new but at the same time something he really, really wanted again now.]

... 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.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ That is probably the most logical explanation enough to get a nod out of him. ] Curses, hexes they usually give similar results but the Malnosso... [ He merely shakes his head. They probably just messed around with his magic as Robert suggested. ] I...was. [ He motions or tries to it results in a very pronounced wince and a slight hiss of pain. ] Instead it did this.

[ 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. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

I could learn to despise the Malnosso quite thoroughly at this rate. [Robert's tone is grim.] They have been nothing but the most hideous imbeciles for this past week... ... I'll certainly have to fill you in on that.

[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?

[Action]

[folkloristic]

They don't make it very hard to do so. [ A light laugh? Yeah he'll just laugh a little because this is all so very ridiculous and only measuring up to get more awkward. ] Fill me in on what?

[ 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? ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Ah, well, the Malnosso drafted many villagers lately into some barbaric war, including Doctor Mizuno Ami. [Robert gnaws his lip anxiously.] I only hope that she is... faring well. [Because he doesn't really want to think about her fighting.]

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.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

Another draft? I'm sure she's alright, everyone does look after one another after all. [ Another less obvious wince and he almost pulls away at the close proximity. At least he can open his eye now--not that it matter. Helios will do so and it'll look cloudy as if he has a cataract. ]

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. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert's saddened to see the abused eye, milky instead of its normal pristine green.] So they did blind you in that eye. It looks as if you have a cataract.

[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?]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios brings up one hand to touch just beneath said eye a frown finding its way onto his features. ] It's rather funny because I have perfect vision normally. I suppose they like the irony of the situation. [ Helios however does not, at all. ]

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.

Re: [Action] 1/I have no idea

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert flashes a quick smile at that.] So you are like me then, in a way - I too have no need for my glasses, but I find them to be a comfort. [Still, it is pathetic that the Malnosso would do this, which makes Robert shake his head a little.

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...]

Re: [Action] 2/derp

[semper_cogitans]

[Wait. Wait. Did... Did Helios just ask about that? Robert freezes mid-wipe.

...

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...?]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios' eyes widen. Oh dear did he actually ask that out loud? Damn his tiredness and damn the Malnosso for doing this to him, to them. Last week was just making this so much harder because he couldn't stop thinking about it and he couldn't stop remembering it. ] Robert I-I'm so sorry I didn't mean to ask that...

[ Another laugh, almost bitter. He gives the other man a tired worn look. ] I sometimes say things when I'm this tired. It's none of my business--I shouldn't have.

I shouldn't have asked. I apologize.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

... N-no, it's alright. [Robert knows his cheeks are burning a little.] I... I a-appreciate curiosity. It is most... admirable.

[He glances down. Part of him wants to trust Helios... he does care about the man a lot, and...] W-Well, it's, er, related to the mental issues I mentioned... B-But... it's... ... d-difficult, to talk about. [Unconsciously his fingers flicker to his wrists, stroking the old scars a little. Feeling where the skin puckers gently. Remembering needles sliding into flesh...]