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]

[Robert sees those tears in Helios' eyes - both his usable one and the blinded one - and his metaphorical heart bleeds. Helios, don't cry. It's alright.

Robert shakes his head, not understanding.] ... not... anymore? [Why not? That's the unspoken question.] B-but, but Helios... you... you deserve to be loved...

[Used to be. Used to be. Helios was alone, just like he had been.] ... There was a someone for me, before here... b-but... but then I... ... I ruined it. [Somehow Donatello still wanted him but he'd ruined his last relationship and feeling this again maybe he'd ruin it for him too and he didn't want to ruin it for a wonderful person like that... And Helios. Helios looked exhausted.]

Th-that's not true, Helios. You... y-you're certainly worth someone's time... I don't understand why you don't f-feel that way. There's... nothing wrong with you in a-any way at all that I can see. Just, just a kind, gentle, w-warmhearted... [He trails off, his voice low. He's beautiful. How could Helios ever feel like he wasn't deserving of love

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

I see... [Somewhat disappointing. Almost annoying to Robert, actually... though he knows Helios was serious about magic, it's harder to take this concept seriously without proof. Still...] Perhaps one day I may be able to visit your planet and see them directly.

[Robert listens to Helios' explanation with interest, though he also seems confused by the concept.] I see... well, it's not as if Terrans do not wear clothing, but it's generally only to maintain professionalism and to safeguard against damage from the elements. Nudity being an inherently sexual thing... hrm. [Such a strange world that Helios has...]

... I can see why you would react that way to the prospect I suggested, then, if that is how your view is; though I thought nothing of the sort, I assure you. Not as if you... aren't attractive, of course. But... certainly not in this situation; you are injured and require assistance, and assistance is what I meant to provide. [Robert offers a small, kind of awkward smile.] However... if you have objections, I certainly won't

[Action]

[folkloristic]

That would be something! You'd definately find them interesting at least.

[ Helios might nod smiling just a small bit. ]

That's...kind of you Robert. And-and I appreciate that. But I'm fine really! You cleaning out my wounds is far more than I could ask for. [ No but really he just doesn't want to show anyone his arms. ] I'll certainly be able to manage on my own!

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

If you insist, Helios... [Robert still looks a bit troubled by the whole thing. Especially the fact that Helios seems so uncomfortable. And that rejection is still mildly bugging him... though now, more than anything, Helios strikes Robert as being averse to sexuality somehow.] However, if there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask. None of this is a burden for me; on the contrary, I wish to be of assistance.

At any rate, I should be helping you to return to your apartment. [The scientist kind of braces Helios' side with his small shoulder and helps him walk out of the clinic, if he's ready to leave.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios does notice that but he's very grateful that the other isn't asking why. But he's probably got the wrong impression by the whole thing too. You can never win in some cases it seemed. ] Alright, thank you again Robert. For...well for all of this.

[ Helios will nod bracing himself against the scientist and he'll start off towards the door. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert is still curious, of course. But it's something that he'll likely ask about later, when the situation isn't so grotesquely uncomfortable. For now, he's just dwelling on everything that he's learned so far and wondering what it means about Helios - though part of him still has trouble fathoming how such a wonderful person could be so alone.

The walk to Helios' home isn't too far from the clinic, so aside from Robert's uncomfortable weakness and Helios' half-blind, half-weakened state, there probably shouldn't be much happening unless Helios trips and falls on Robert or smashes into a tree or something like that.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios trips on things even with two eyes so it's no surprise when he actually falls as they're walking towards the apartment. He also might take the Robert down with him...accidentally. Whoops. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Yes, Robert is indeed going down. He isn't strong enough to hold both Helios and himself up, and the sudden pitch of balance throws him off entirely. He makes a small yelp of surprise as he lands bodily on the ground, very possibly pinned under Helios in a grotesquely uncomfortable position.]

... Ah! ... e-er... ... a-are you alright, Helios? [Robert squirms awkwardly underneath him, looking like he isn't quite sure if he should find the situation embarrassing or pleasant. Though Helios is probably heavy enough to put some disquieting pressure on his lungs...]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Robert is indeed pinned under Helios who managed to break his fall with his arms though his right side might be a little shaky now. He will look down at Robert for a few brief seconds before it finally registers. Oh...Robert is underneath him...underneath him. ] Ack! R-Robert I'm um...sorry. I-I trip enough as it is with both eyes, you know? [ A small laugh. ] This makes it even worse I'm afraid! But--I'm fine, fine!

[ He will get off of the other very quickly standing abruptly and wincing at the action. Too much movement for him even if he's feeling better. He'll offer a hand to Robert awkwardly and slightly embarrassed. ] Are you alright?

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert isn't hurting too much. His wings are kinda crushed, but nothing serious occurred, and the fact Helios is alright is a good thing. Though... the fact he was underneath Helios...] D-Don't apologize, it's hardly an issue. [Robert cautiously pulls himself to his feet, taking the offered hand to help steady himself.]

... I'm quite fine. Just... I didn't expect you to suddenly stumble like that. You're certain that you will be alright to take care of yourself with this kind of condition?

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Does he look pale to you Robert? Of course he does. He'll give a flippant wave of his left hand. ] F-Fine. I'm fine. I'm usually about the same when it comes to tripping on things. [ Derpy derp. ]

No need to worry; I'll just mind the floor some more. Of course you'll have to direct me away from any trees. I can't tell you how much those hurt to walk into. [ He might or might not have walked into a few in his time. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

At least you are alright. That is the most important thing.

[Robert shakes his head to himself and gets back into position to assist Helios some more. Luckily they aren't too far from the community building, and the area has relatively few trees to smash into, so they make it there hopefully without consequence... assuming Helios doesn't fall again.

If/when they get to the community building itself, Robert opens the door for Helios and helps him inside.] ... Ah. The stairs are going to be something of an issue, aren't they.

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios won't fall again, he's making sure. He can do this! Those stairs however... ]

I think you're right. [ Sigh. If only he could use a teleportation spell. ] We...can manage somehow. It'll take a little longer than usual. But it's certainly doable. [ Optimism is always a nice medicine for the down and out. ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Strange to think that only a few weeks prior, it was you helping me up these stairs. [Robert can't help but say this a little wryly as he carefully assists Helios up the staircase. It's especially laborious because he has to support Helios as well as himself while trying to climb them, and so the going is painfully slow, but Robert is determined to get Helios up there. He occasionally pauses to rest.]

... W-We're about halfway there by now. And, er, you're... alright, correct, Helios?

[Action]

[folkloristic]

It is a bit. Very ironic I figure. [ And Helios will response in an equally wryly tone even a small smirk on his face. On the way up the resting helps for both him and Robert. Usually he'd have little to no problems with these stairs but obviously with everything that's happened it's proving to be a formidable foe. He'll simply nod. ]

Yes I'm-I'm alright.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

I am glad to hear it. [Eventually, despite the exhaustion of clambering up the stairs, they make it to the door of Helios' apartment.

Robert finds he's strangely reluctant to let go of Helios.]

... Ah... well. I suppose that, if you would want me to leave you at this point, it would be an option - th-though, I would like to make you some tea, if Mr. Chopin hasn't. [Robert sort of wrings his fingers together, flushing lightly. Is it obvious, still, that how he feels is filtering through his actions?] ... Though, it would be quite understandable if you would simply wish to rest now.