[YEAH SURE. THIS IS WHY ZACK CAN'T GET ANY.
AND HES DOING IT. Does he get something for his efforts?
Looks like he gets to hold Zack's hand. He can't tell how hard or light his grasp is, either. This time he's not gripping back hard, but very light.
Zack, he can't hear the words coming out of your mouth. He does see the nodding, and that's enough for him. When they get to the couch, Zell plops down rather ungracefully. LOOK HE MADE IT WITHOUT FALLING ON HIS ASS.] Thanks man. Where are the others?
[His attention seems caught on the floor again. Pulling up his legs so he's not touching it.]
AND HES DOING IT. Does he get something for his efforts?
Looks like he gets to hold Zack's hand. He can't tell how hard or light his grasp is, either. This time he's not gripping back hard, but very light.
Zack, he can't hear the words coming out of your mouth. He does see the nodding, and that's enough for him. When they get to the couch, Zell plops down rather ungracefully. LOOK HE MADE IT WITHOUT FALLING ON HIS ASS.] Thanks man. Where are the others?
[His attention seems caught on the floor again. Pulling up his legs so he's not touching it.]
[ EXCUSE YOU IT'S NOT LIKE HE'S LOOKING FOR ANYTHING ANYWAY DAMN IT.
...And he'll get some dog biscuits. DOES THAT WORK? DOES IT? HUHHUHHUH?
In the meantime, Zack will be at least relieved to get Zell somewhere more comfortable. ...Even if comfort is probably subjective considering... But whatever! He seems happy to get his feet off the floor at least.
For now, he plops down on the couch next to Zell if not before first yanking back out that tablet. Leaning forward, he taps casually along its screen before he holds it out for Zell to see again. ]
in the other room. they're okay. kuns has us covered.
why'd you wanna know?
...And he'll get some dog biscuits. DOES THAT WORK? DOES IT? HUHHUHHUH?
In the meantime, Zack will be at least relieved to get Zell somewhere more comfortable. ...Even if comfort is probably subjective considering... But whatever! He seems happy to get his feet off the floor at least.
For now, he plops down on the couch next to Zell if not before first yanking back out that tablet. Leaning forward, he taps casually along its screen before he holds it out for Zell to see again. ]
in the other room. they're okay. kuns has us covered.
why'd you wanna know?
[SUUUUURE.
OH GOODY DOG BISCUITS.
He's not in any weird positions and is in one piece, so it's as good as it gets. The only thing weird is the sensation happening under the floor. He shouldn't be feeling anything, and this is probably the work of the frickin admin or whomever is interfering, but he can still feel it.
For a moment his vision flickers, but there is Zack with the tablet.
He rubs his eyes before reading.] Okay, good. Was thinking of checking on them.
[It's weird not being able to do stretches or training with Tifa. It was weird not talking to Jim] How long do you think it'll be like this for?
OH GOODY DOG BISCUITS.
He's not in any weird positions and is in one piece, so it's as good as it gets. The only thing weird is the sensation happening under the floor. He shouldn't be feeling anything, and this is probably the work of the frickin admin or whomever is interfering, but he can still feel it.
For a moment his vision flickers, but there is Zack with the tablet.
He rubs his eyes before reading.] Okay, good. Was thinking of checking on them.
[It's weird not being able to do stretches or training with Tifa. It was weird not talking to Jim] How long do you think it'll be like this for?
[ I KNOW RIGHT. GET EXCITED.
He catches the way Zell rubs his eyes like that. Uncomfortable but then... well, he seems good. Alright, good. They're good. ..Maybe. In the back of his mind, he has to wonder if this is all another side effect of MN poisoning? If it is, well... It's certainly a trip. As in he doesn't like it at all. At least he knew the risks and procedures with mako.
As it stands though, all he can do right then is remain as calm as possible if at least for the sake of the others. Which is why he simply nods- then pauses and taps away at the tablet again. ]
I dunno. but it's not the first time weird things like this have happened.
we'll get through this.
[ Even if it feels like another trial run. Another way to toy with them. Another tapping of keys and: ]
you need anything?
He catches the way Zell rubs his eyes like that. Uncomfortable but then... well, he seems good. Alright, good. They're good. ..Maybe. In the back of his mind, he has to wonder if this is all another side effect of MN poisoning? If it is, well... It's certainly a trip. As in he doesn't like it at all. At least he knew the risks and procedures with mako.
As it stands though, all he can do right then is remain as calm as possible if at least for the sake of the others. Which is why he simply nods- then pauses and taps away at the tablet again. ]
I dunno. but it's not the first time weird things like this have happened.
we'll get through this.
[ Even if it feels like another trial run. Another way to toy with them. Another tapping of keys and: ]
you need anything?
[He's already expecting his vision to probably fade at some time. It's pretty scary, but he's doing his best not to worry about it. What happens will frickin' happen. It doesn't really help to fret over it now.He just hopes whatever this is, it'll stop and he'll be back to normal soon.]
Yeah. I know we will. [He's giving a grin. Rubbing the back of his head as he thinks if he needs anything.]
Nah, but thanks man. [The plus side to all of this is he's not in the mood to really eat.]
Yeah. I know we will. [He's giving a grin. Rubbing the back of his head as he thinks if he needs anything.]
Nah, but thanks man. [The plus side to all of this is he's not in the mood to really eat.]
[ Zack simply nods in confirmation to that at first. Then pauses and hums to himself. A bit more tapping later and: ]
no problem.
so what now? I can stick around if you want. not doing anything important.
[ He figures Kunsel will give him a holler if anything urgent comes up with Tifa or Jim. ...He's hoping that won't be the case though. Let's avoid that potential awkward, shall we? Although Zell had mentioned something about... oh, right! Mochi! Maybe he should... Well, he'll wait for an answer first. ]
no problem.
so what now? I can stick around if you want. not doing anything important.
[ He figures Kunsel will give him a holler if anything urgent comes up with Tifa or Jim. ...He's hoping that won't be the case though. Let's avoid that potential awkward, shall we? Although Zell had mentioned something about... oh, right! Mochi! Maybe he should... Well, he'll wait for an answer first. ]
[Leaning over to watch him type out the message.]
We can try to do another round of tic-tac-toe if you want.
[Grinning] After you get to Mochi. You can offer him some of my rations as a peace offering.
We can try to do another round of tic-tac-toe if you want.
[Grinning] After you get to Mochi. You can offer him some of my rations as a peace offering.
[ Oh, right. Mochi. That darn cat.
Zack nods a little before tapping away again. ]
alright. gimme a second then.
[ He offers Zell his tablet back first. He might need in the meantime. Then, he'll be standing up and scooting along to go find Mochi shortly after collecting a little bit of those rations Zell was pretty keen on giving to him. BE RIGHT BACK. DON'T GO ANYWHERE. ]
Zack nods a little before tapping away again. ]
alright. gimme a second then.
[ He offers Zell his tablet back first. He might need in the meantime. Then, he'll be standing up and scooting along to go find Mochi shortly after collecting a little bit of those rations Zell was pretty keen on giving to him. BE RIGHT BACK. DON'T GO ANYWHERE. ]
WHATS THIS THERE IS WHITE THINGS IN THE AIR (also we can just wrap this up or call it done?)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
swatsflies
2016-01-23 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
[He'll give a nod.]
I'll be here. [Unless something distracts him and he manages to roll off the couch.
Taking his tablet back as he decides to mess around on the paint program until Zack gets back.
Or you know... eventually go blind. NBD.]
I'll be here. [Unless something distracts him and he manages to roll off the couch.
Taking his tablet back as he decides to mess around on the paint program until Zack gets back.
Or you know... eventually go blind. NBD.]
[ Jim sees the obituary about the same time as Zell, but his response is quieter. He stares at the names in quiet shock - Al, who's been here as long as any of them, who had tried so hard to keep everyone together. Ed, Jim's friend. It hurts like a punch to the gut that leaves him curled up and teary-eyed before the numbness can set in. Another friend dead. Maybe they'll be back in a few days. Probably they won't.
The sound of Zell going to town on a wall startles Jim out of his thoughts. He missed the meltdown last time, which means he's half panicked as he goes to find the source of the noise. ]
-Zell?! What the h- what are you doing?!
The sound of Zell going to town on a wall startles Jim out of his thoughts. He missed the meltdown last time, which means he's half panicked as he goes to find the source of the noise. ]
-Zell?! What the h- what are you doing?!
[He freezes as soon as he hears Jim. It's Jim this time, not Tifa.
Gripping his fists tight before he turns to look at Jim. He's trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill out as he swallows hard.]
They are gone. [And not really waiting to get any indication that it's okay, Zell is taking quick strides over to invade Jim's space and wrap his arms around him. Hopefully he doesn't mind the feeling of gelled hair against his neck because he's trying to bury his against Jim's shoulder.]
Ed, Al, and Greed. They are gone. [No more checking in randomly. No more plans about catching monsters or trying to figure out Ed's automail. No more Al's big heart trying to care and protect everyone.]
Gripping his fists tight before he turns to look at Jim. He's trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill out as he swallows hard.]
They are gone. [And not really waiting to get any indication that it's okay, Zell is taking quick strides over to invade Jim's space and wrap his arms around him. Hopefully he doesn't mind the feeling of gelled hair against his neck because he's trying to bury his against Jim's shoulder.]
Ed, Al, and Greed. They are gone. [No more checking in randomly. No more plans about catching monsters or trying to figure out Ed's automail. No more Al's big heart trying to care and protect everyone.]
I know.
[ His voice cracks horribly around the words as he catches Zell's hug. He can't really run his hands through the blond hair now that it's gelled, so he rests a hand on Zell's neck instead. ]
I saw the announcement a few minutes ago.
[ His voice cracks horribly around the words as he catches Zell's hug. He can't really run his hands through the blond hair now that it's gelled, so he rests a hand on Zell's neck instead. ]
I saw the announcement a few minutes ago.
[And some how it's even more wrong with them in a house covered in red. Rubbing Jim's back in slow circles as he breathes in his scent trying to calm down. Maybe it'll be like Jim. Maybe they will come back. Maybe things will be okay?]
What the hell even happened for all of them to go out like that? Frickin' hell. [He's turning his head to press forehead against the younger teen's neck. Stephanie wasn't with them, right? She was with Angel and Rhys last he knew. She missed all of that terrible, right?
He'll message her later. Then he remembers how upset Ed was over the news about Jim's death. Jim was close to them, too. He can hear it from his voice and they spoke about the Elrics.]
Let's sit down before you really have to catch me.
[He's not making a move to actually do as he suggested because he really doesn't want to move.]
What the hell even happened for all of them to go out like that? Frickin' hell. [He's turning his head to press forehead against the younger teen's neck. Stephanie wasn't with them, right? She was with Angel and Rhys last he knew. She missed all of that terrible, right?
He'll message her later. Then he remembers how upset Ed was over the news about Jim's death. Jim was close to them, too. He can hear it from his voice and they spoke about the Elrics.]
Let's sit down before you really have to catch me.
[He's not making a move to actually do as he suggested because he really doesn't want to move.]
Someone on the network said they ran into a monster. One that flew and could take out three of them at once.
[ Jim's talking even as he's shifting from hugging Zell to having an arm wrapped around his back, under his arms, and gently guiding him over to a dilapidated couch where Jim can awkwardly draw Zell back into a hug. He pulls Zell's head down toward his chest, ear close to Jim's heart.
He can see the red tips of Zell's hair easy from that angle, and it's hard to believe they were messing around with stuff like that just yesterday. Everything'd seemed so good when he could see again, and now... ]
Al... back when I arrived, Al was one of the first people I talked to. He was the first of us on the network, too, a few weeks before I got here.
[ Jim's talking even as he's shifting from hugging Zell to having an arm wrapped around his back, under his arms, and gently guiding him over to a dilapidated couch where Jim can awkwardly draw Zell back into a hug. He pulls Zell's head down toward his chest, ear close to Jim's heart.
He can see the red tips of Zell's hair easy from that angle, and it's hard to believe they were messing around with stuff like that just yesterday. Everything'd seemed so good when he could see again, and now... ]
Al... back when I arrived, Al was one of the first people I talked to. He was the first of us on the network, too, a few weeks before I got here.
Shit.
[That’s about all he can say to that revelation. They can now add flying monsters on the list. It’s a losing fight, but he’s actively trying not to imagine how big the thing has to be to take down Al.
He’s thankful one of them can manage to navigate still. He lets himself be led and before he knows it, they are both on the couch together.Look he’s topping Jim. His ear is pressed against his chest as he keeps a good hold on the other. He’s warm and his heartbeat is helping drown out the negative thoughts. He frees an arm from around his friend.]
He's been here a long time, huh? He’s one of the first for me, too. [Lightly tracing his finger along the lapel of Jim’s coat as he talks.] I’m supposed to play a song for him. [I was supposed to? He can’t think in the past tense with them. They can come back. Jim did, do they can.]
[That’s about all he can say to that revelation. They can now add flying monsters on the list. It’s a losing fight, but he’s actively trying not to imagine how big the thing has to be to take down Al.
He’s thankful one of them can manage to navigate still. He lets himself be led and before he knows it, they are both on the couch together.
He's been here a long time, huh? He’s one of the first for me, too. [Lightly tracing his finger along the lapel of Jim’s coat as he talks.] I’m supposed to play a song for him. [I was supposed to? He can’t think in the past tense with them. They can come back. Jim did, do they can.]
Yeah.
[ Jim shudders at the talk of the monster, his arms tightening compulsively around Zell as he takes a shaky breath. It's a long moment before he speaks again. ]
Maybe -
[ He can't bring himself to lie. 'Maybe you'll get the chance.' The odds are too long, and he's not going to hope. He can't. Instead he just lets it hang awkwardly. ]
[ Jim shudders at the talk of the monster, his arms tightening compulsively around Zell as he takes a shaky breath. It's a long moment before he speaks again. ]
Maybe -
[ He can't bring himself to lie. 'Maybe you'll get the chance.' The odds are too long, and he's not going to hope. He can't. Instead he just lets it hang awkwardly. ]
[Shit. Giving him a squeeze in return. Stupid, he knows Jim probably is haunted by his death. It hasn't even been that long since it happened. Even Zell still sees it, and seeks confirmation that Jim is still breathing when he holds still.
Reaching up to cup Jim's cheek gently.]
Hey...[He's keeping his voice soft as he looks up at him.]
Sorry. [Caressing his cheek bone slowly.] I'm here, okay.
Reaching up to cup Jim's cheek gently.]
Hey...[He's keeping his voice soft as he looks up at him.]
Sorry. [Caressing his cheek bone slowly.] I'm here, okay.
No, it's - [ Jim waves his hand, though Zell can't see it behind his back, and grimaces. ] - It's okay. I'm okay.
[ Fine, he's fine. They'll make it through this one the same way they had every other death. It's just going to suck, in the mean time, except: ]
I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you stayed, Zell.
[ Not least because if Zell hadn't - if he'd stuck with Al and Ed and Steph - maybe it would be his name on the obituary right now. ]
[ Fine, he's fine. They'll make it through this one the same way they had every other death. It's just going to suck, in the mean time, except: ]
I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you stayed, Zell.
[ Not least because if Zell hadn't - if he'd stuck with Al and Ed and Steph - maybe it would be his name on the obituary right now. ]
[He knows Jim’s hand is missing, but that’s all he can tell. He’s too comfortable to really move beyond feeling up Jim’s face.]
It’s not okay. [It sucks and the admin can go eat an entire ass. The admin and anyone else who is perpetuating this whole thing can eat monster ass. Combing his fingers through Jim’s hair as he breathes in deeply.]
It’s not okay, but we have to keep moving. [Just not right now. Right now, Zell is perfectly fine with pretending they don’t have to do a supply run at the school.]
You know you’re stuck with me for as long as you want me. [The corners of his mouth go up just a little bit.] I’m glad, too. [He doesn’t regret staying even with all the heartache and the latest confusion.]
It’s not okay. [It sucks and the admin can go eat an entire ass. The admin and anyone else who is perpetuating this whole thing can eat monster ass. Combing his fingers through Jim’s hair as he breathes in deeply.]
It’s not okay, but we have to keep moving. [Just not right now. Right now, Zell is perfectly fine with pretending they don’t have to do a supply run at the school.]
You know you’re stuck with me for as long as you want me. [The corners of his mouth go up just a little bit.] I’m glad, too. [He doesn’t regret staying even with all the heartache and the latest confusion.]
-No, it's not okay.
[ Jim doesn't really know what to do with the hand on his face, but he's too distracted right now to give it much thought. He runs the hand he'd gestured with earlier through his hair.
He seems just as content to sit there with Zell forever. The school will be there. They're not going to starve. Right now they can stop moving and mourn absent friends for once.
He offers a weak smile at the implied promise, but if anything this is another reminder that there are no promises. Jim won't get the choice to send Zell or keep him; Norfinbury will. He's seen so many obituaries. ]
I'm not going to stop. We'll keep moving together, all of us. [ Hesitantly, he nestles a hand in the back of Zell's hair, where it's softer from sleep. ]
[ Jim doesn't really know what to do with the hand on his face, but he's too distracted right now to give it much thought. He runs the hand he'd gestured with earlier through his hair.
He seems just as content to sit there with Zell forever. The school will be there. They're not going to starve. Right now they can stop moving and mourn absent friends for once.
He offers a weak smile at the implied promise, but if anything this is another reminder that there are no promises. Jim won't get the choice to send Zell or keep him; Norfinbury will. He's seen so many obituaries. ]
I'm not going to stop. We'll keep moving together, all of us. [ Hesitantly, he nestles a hand in the back of Zell's hair, where it's softer from sleep. ]
[He’s feeling pretty handsy.
He’s going to do his best to keep the promise. The only way he’ll ever break it is if Jim’s safety is at risk. Not going to say that out loud. Lazily sliding his hand down to Jim’s chest to tap along with his heartbeat.
Problem with Snowhell is you can’t stop no matter how much you might want to. The moment you stop long enough to try to pick up the pieces, you can become Norfinburied.
Smiles a little at the touch. Maybe he shouldn’t gel up his hair every day.]
If you ever do want to stop though… I don’t mind waiting for you. [To pick up the pieces or pick himself back up. Whatever it took. Just like Jim is doing for him now by letting him pretend he can nestle against him all day.] I can probably carry you and all of our bags, too. [Grinning a bit as he tries to imagine carrying all of that.] Mochi, too.
He’s going to do his best to keep the promise. The only way he’ll ever break it is if Jim’s safety is at risk. Not going to say that out loud. Lazily sliding his hand down to Jim’s chest to tap along with his heartbeat.
Problem with Snowhell is you can’t stop no matter how much you might want to. The moment you stop long enough to try to pick up the pieces, you can become Norfinburied.
Smiles a little at the touch. Maybe he shouldn’t gel up his hair every day.]
If you ever do want to stop though… I don’t mind waiting for you. [To pick up the pieces or pick himself back up. Whatever it took. Just like Jim is doing for him now by letting him pretend he can nestle against him all day.] I can probably carry you and all of our bags, too. [Grinning a bit as he tries to imagine carrying all of that.] Mochi, too.
[ The hand on Jim's chest might normally make his heart go crazy, but right now... well, it's good. It's quiet, and it makes them both feel better, and Jim doesn't want him to stop if it helps. ]
Heh. I think maybe Mochi weighs more than I do. How strong are you?
[ Speaking of. The cat is hovering around, looking hopefully at the both of them. Jim huffs a little and pats Zell's knee until he jumps into his lap, completing the huddle. ]
Heh. I think maybe Mochi weighs more than I do. How strong are you?
[ Speaking of. The cat is hovering around, looking hopefully at the both of them. Jim huffs a little and pats Zell's knee until he jumps into his lap, completing the huddle. ]
[Mochi obviously knows his name. He does smile at Jim getting Mochi to join them. Reaching down to pet the calico. Jim is okay with sharing, right?]
Look, both of my favorite guys are here. [Scritching behind Mochi's ears and watching the cat eat up all of the attention.]
I'm pretty strong. Do you want me to show you? [He doesn't mind showing off especially to Jim, but at the same time that means moving.]
Look, both of my favorite guys are here. [Scritching behind Mochi's ears and watching the cat eat up all of the attention.]
I'm pretty strong. Do you want me to show you? [He doesn't mind showing off especially to Jim, but at the same time that means moving.]
[ Jim smiles at the 'favorite guy' comment and nudges Zell a little, but then he frowns. He doesn't want to move, either, but... ]
Later?
[ He looks toward the door and shifts with a little sigh. ]
We should... go check on the others, maybe. Zack and Al were friends, maybe Kunsel and Al too.
Later?
[ He looks toward the door and shifts with a little sigh. ]
We should... go check on the others, maybe. Zack and Al were friends, maybe Kunsel and Al too.
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