[62] [voice/action]

[offallingsnow]

[It's quick when it happens.

After a long and tiring week Nephry is enjoying a moment to herself, heating up water in the kitchen for tea.

There is a slam, a crash, half a cry, and then nothing.

House one residents will find the kettle all over the floor, along with its almost-steaming contents.]

Comments

[soreplaceable]

[She's already gone by the time Ion makes it to the kitchen. But he knew there was nothing he could do... there never is, after all. And only a few days after Tear...]

[Not even two weeks after sending everyone against their will to fight in a war they still know so little about...]

[It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair...!]

[He stands there for a moment before walking over and picking up the kettle, miscalculating just how hot it might have been, and quickly dropping it again.]

[its_rose_damnit]

[The moment Dist heard Nephry yell, as subdued as it was, he jerked up from his chair, knocking it over in the process and scrambling toward the kitchen. No, no, no, no, no! Why did they have to take Nephry?! And so soon after that idiotic war...which they lost--damn it! If this was because they lost, Dist would show those imbeciles no mercy once her found them.

Of course, that won't be happening any time soon and he knows it. His pace slows to a halt as he approaches and stands beside Ion, expression grim.]

...Leave it, Fon Master. I'll tidy up the mess myself.

[soreplaceable]

[Ion doesn't say anything. Instead, he kneels back down and picks up the kettle (by the handle, this time) and walks it over to the sink. He keeps his back turned to Dist.]

...it's not fair.

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist sighs, heavily, and moves over the mess on the floor to get a washcloth to wipe whatever was in the kettle before it spilled. He makes a noncommittal sound then brushes his hair back. Rrgh...how does he even deal with this? Especially after the draft. Damn those stupid idiots.]

...They'll return, Fon Master, don't worry. [Said for his own benefit as much as Ion's.]

[soreplaceable]

I know they will. I know, but... [He grips the edge of the counter and sighs. It was hard not to worry about them. He knew what the Malnosso were capable of. Even if they were miraculously returned unharmed, the experience alone of being held captured and held captive was so terrible...]

[He turns and looks at Dist. Only for a moment before he turns away again, but it's clear enough by the look in his eyes what he's thinking. "What if they take you, too?"]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist can hear the tone in Ion's voice and it actually makes his raise a brow in mild shock and a bit of confusion. How--why in the world was Ion still caring about him?! Hadn't he seen what kind of person he was in that experiment?! Was he really that naive? ...Or maybe he had been affected from the imprinting? What a troublesome predicament...and there was no way out, either. Not unless the Malnosso really did take him away. And, honestly, Dist would prefer to stay with Ion, if possible.

After dropping the soaked washcloth into the sink, Dist makes a face and hesitantly reaches out and pats Ion's head, quickly, before jerking it away and clearing his throat.]

Don't overwork yourself, Fon Master. You've yet to fully recover from your head injury, after all. It'll do you no good to concern yourself with....unnecessary things.

[soreplaceable]

[Did Dist just... pat him on the head? Ion glances up just as Dist jerks his hand back. In spite of himself, that manages to bring a small smile to his face. He knows Dist would probably deny it, but his words show sincerely enough that he's worried about him.]

...I'll try. [Not to overwork himself, of course. There's little he can do that could stop him from being worried.]

Perhaps it would be best for me to go lay down. I don't want to encourage another headache...

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist glances away awkwardly when he locks eyes with Ion, and doesn't address him for a few minute afterward. He occupies himself with cleaning and refilling the kettle, setting it on the stove top (beautiful thing, that), to make something to calm his nerves. Who knows how long Nephry and Tear would be gone, and though he could take care of himself, Dist now had to do the same with Ion.

What a mess. He never should have stayed...but then Ion would be alone, and he'd been injured and--]

Hm? Oh, y-yes, of course. How are you feeling, Fon Master? You appear well, but perhaps you should take something to dull the pain, just in case. I can prepare it with tea.

[soreplaceable]

I would really appreciate that, Dist. [Another smile, though perhaps not as genuine as his usually are.] My dizziness is nearly gone now. I only feel it whenever I get a headache. They're... more infrequent, but still rather painful.

[An admission he'd probably only make to Dist without prompting. He knew the intensity of the headaches would stay consistent far longer than the frequency would. There was no reason to worry Nephry or Tear any more than necessary... but with Dist, there was no reason not to be completely honest with him.]

[its_rose_damnit]

I see... Has the pain been relatively less agonizing than the prior few days? Or is it about equal? I need to know to determine if your head injury is more serious than I first perceived.

[Dist speaks as he lets the tea brew, and begins scrounging up some medicine from the cabinets. It's not something he'd really do, preferring to mix medicine himself, but it'll do for the moment, and it was a good and effective painkiller. So, in a few minutes' time, Dist emerges from the kitchen with a steaming cup of tea on a saucer, and a napkin with two pills on it. He lays both on the coffeetable with care.]

Take care not to burn yourself, my medical talents can only go so far... [Translation: Don't give me more of a mess to clean up.]

[soreplaceable]

[Meanwhile Ion had moved to the sofa in the living room, keeping his eyes closed and his head leaned back. It was a good thing Dist was still here. It's strange... for all the horrible things that the Malnosso are to blame for, if not for his own previous kidnapping, Dist might not have come back to House 1.]

It seems to be getting better, but that could just be because they don't last as long. I'm not used to getting headaches likes these... though I'm hoping I won't have to.

[He sits back up when Dist returns with the tea, taking a small sip of it first before picking up the pills and swallowing them down. That done, he leans back with a tired sigh.]

...thank you, Dist.

[its_rose_damnit]

Unfortunately, all I can do for you is tell you to rest, and prescribe strong enough medication to dull the pain. You haven't experienced anything worse than headaches, have you, Fon Master? No memory loss? Dizziness?

[Dist nods at Ion's thanks, watching him somewhat closely, before they travel to his head. He can't see a bruise or a bump, but that might be obstructed by the boy's hair. He's curious to see if the bruising has subsided somewhat, but he won't do anything Ion may be uncomfortable with. So instead, Dist goes to make himself a cup of tea, and to grab a book or two. Knowing Ion, he'd want company close by, and Dist wasn't overly busy this time around. He could spare an hour or two reading until the boy fell asleep.]

Keep your journal with you at all times, and inform me immediately if you require any assistance medically, understood? Until then, I suggest you rest, Fon Master, you look terrible...

[soreplaceable]

[The fact that Ion hadn't already retreated to his room is sign enough that he wants company. He's debating it, knowing he'd be far more comfortable laying in bed, but he didn't want to make Dist uncomfortable by asking him to stay with him in his room. A few hours on the couch wouldn't hurt him.]

I haven't had any trouble with my memory, but I have been feeling dizzy. Though it's not as bad as it was a few days ago...

[A pause. He takes another sip of his tea.] ...and I'm still having trouble concentrating on anything. I can't get through more than a chapter or two of a book before I get frustrated and give up.

[It may be a normal side-affect of a serious concussion, but that didn't make it any less concerning. Especially for someone like Ion, who usually spent so much of his time reading.]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Dist nods as he takes a seat in a chair near to Ion, making a mental note of what he said. He frowned, unable to mask his concern. If Ion was still experiencing dizziness and strong headaches from his injury, then the concussion may be more severe than anyone first anticipated. He doesn't want to send the boy immediately to the hospital, as his symptoms were getting better, but still...they persisted, and that was cause for some concern.]

You shouldn't be pushing your mind too hard, Fon Master. If it's a book you desire, I've found quite a few exceptional novels at the library. Truly brilliant, if I may so say! I can read you a few pages from one of the novels I picked up, if you'd like. I believe you'll enjoy it.

[He may not be a story-teller, but Dist is more than willing to share a good book with one who'd be willing to listen. And Ion did share his passion for reading, thankfully.]

[soreplaceable]

Really? [Ion hadn't expected the offer, as was clearly evident by the look on his face, but he certainly appreciated the thought. He really did miss reading; he hadn't realized just how much of his time was spent reading until he found himself unable to do so.]

[He takes another sip of his tea before setting the cup back on the table with a small smile.] I would really like that, Dist.

[its_rose_damnit]

But of course, Fon Master. [A good story should be shared, after all.] The story is a mystery, told from the perspective of a famous and brilliant detective's assistant. I can't account for how well I'll do reading this aloud, I'm afraid...and I'd hate to give too much of the book away with explanation, but I'll do my best to be clear enough. Stop me if I'm going too fast.

[And Dist opens the book, removes the slip of paper he used as a bookmark (folded ends were horrendous things to do to a book), then begins picking up where he left off on page 217. He does well enough, and isn't too dull, getting into the story as he goes along. It's obvious Dist is enjoying it as well, and because he's reading this chapter for the first time himself, his voice picks up and drops at key parts.]