IC contact for wethelost

[devoutish]

Solomons & Melborn
1108 Sweet Cream Street

[Feel free to use this space for letter/package deliveries as well as visits/knocks on the front door!]

Comments

[bywolves]

Yeah. [ A little embarrassed: ] One of the songs from Prince of Egypt. It was all I could manage.

[devoutish]

[That really is very sweet, and Alfie sends him a quick little snip of gratitude.]

It was a good choice. I wish I had been awake for it.

[bywolves]

I think it helped a little. [ He squirms slightly. ] You weren't as pale when I got you out of the water.

[devoutish]

Don't be embarrassed.

[He nudges his forehead into Royce's.]

Thank you.

[bywolves]

It's ridiculous. [ Royce grumbles, but. Okay. He'll try. ]

You're welcome. Can I go get you water, now?

[devoutish]

Yeah. Can I come along?

[bywolves]

[ His jaw works. ]

I'd prefer you didn't, but I'm not going to stop you.

[devoutish]

If it'll make you feel better, I'll wait. But tomorrow, I would like to try a longer walk - to the bulletin board, perhaps.

[bywolves]

[ A tinge of frustration. ]

You can't even hum without reducing yourself to a coughing fit.

[devoutish]

That's my throat being ticklish from the, you know--

[He gestures vaguely, miming a long tentacle.]

It'll heal, and so will the ribs. The ribs what need to be stretched and exercised by walking a bit, as long as I don't overdo it.

[bywolves]

[ That's not ticklish!!! Royce's connection shuts off. ]

Fine. I'm not your handler, you can do what you want.

[devoutish]

Royce, for fuck's sake; I'm trying to be understanding and reassuring, but you are not trying very fucking hard to see my side of things.

[bywolves]

[ His lips purse. ]

There aren't sides. You're injured and I want you to heal properly. If you think it'll help you to walk to the bulletin board, then do it. I just worry.

[devoutish]

[Alfie grunts, leaning back into the cushions.]

I can't heal by lying around forever. I'm not suggesting I sprint down to the beach. These are small steps I'm taking, little by little, with you at my side more often than not.

I don't want to make you angry, but a walk to the bulletin board is not going to kill me.

[bywolves]

I'm - I'm not angry. [ Well, he is, but. It comes out as frustration when really he's just concerned. ] Or I'm not meaning to be. It scares me when you're hurt.

[ He fidgets, and then pushes himself up to stand. ] I turned my side off because I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I can't help what I feel sometimes.

[ He'll go get Alfie some water, now. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie nods, slowly, letting out a sigh. Yeah.]

I don't like being made to feel as if I'm being reckless, Royce.

[bywolves]

[ He brings back the water, and sits down, handing it to Alfie. ]

I didn't mean to. [ :c ] Sorry.

[devoutish]

And I know you're only worried.

[He pauses to take a long pull of water.]

Just trust that I know my limits, eh?

[bywolves]

[ He nods a little, rubbing at his chest absently. ]

I know you do. Promise you won't go without me.

[devoutish]

I promise.

[Carefully, he presses his palm into Royce's chest.]

And I know I do push my own limits sometimes; I see no reason to be very, very careful all the time. But not now, while I'm already injured. You have my word on that, as well.

[bywolves]

[ A beat, as he realizes what he's doing, and then he drops his hand. He lets Alfie keep his there, though. ]

I suppose I push mine as well and worry you just as much.

[devoutish]

[Alfie pulls his back, a little unsure; he hadn't wanted to make Royce think he was doing something wrong. You rub your chest if it makes you feel better, buddy; it's okay.]

Yeah. But you wouldn't be you if you weren't climbing seventy feet up a tree, mate.

[bywolves]

[ No, Alfie's hand is good there - Royce reaches to take it, resting it over his chest. It makes him feel better, like rubbing at his chest does. ]

Mm. The trees here aren't even that tall. [ But it's mostly a joke, and he smiles a little in Alfie's direction. ]

[devoutish]

[Well, okay; he'll just keep his hand there, then, his fingers curling lightly into Royce's shirt.]

But if they were, you'd climb them, wouldn't you.

[bywolves]

Of course I would. They're not going to climb themselves.

[ Royce keeps his hand over Alfie's, holding it loosely. ] We've gotten much better at this, you know.