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[swatsflies]

@ZD
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((OOC: Zell may show messages to Jim Hawkins. If you do not want Jim to see/know, then please let me know.))

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BURIES YOU

[swatsflies]

[On today’s episode of fucked up in Snowhell, Zell can’t feel Zack’s hand on his shoulder. He’s planting a hand against the wall to keep himself steady as he stares at the floor. It feels like there is something alive down there. He can smell and taste something metallic and gross. It reminds him of all the deaths and injuries that came from the Battle of the Gardens.

He really, really needs to move. Needs to get off the floor. The couch might be a good place, or maybe upstairs? Or even the attic? Should he get the others up there too? He’s not sure if Jim and Tifa could navigate the steps while trying to chase or interact with imaginary people.

The couch will do, and he starts to turn and finally sees someone behind him from the corner of his eye. Instinct kicks him and he jerks to the side, already forgetting the WALL WAS RIGHT THERE. He’ll hit the side of his with a loud thud against it, but he doesn’t react to the impact as he turns around to look at Zack with wide eyes.]

WHOA! Man, you scared me! [And just like that, all phantom senses of something being really wrong and terrible were gone. Most of his senses were still on a vacation though.]

DON'T YOU DARE.

[heroproceeding]

[ He was expecting to maybe catch Zell a little off guard with that touch to his shoulder because, really. He knows he can't hear at this point. Anyone would probably jump to suddenly feel something on their shoulder when they couldn't hear that someone coming up behind him.

But the thing is there's not even a reaction when he first places it there. Nothing at all. No, instead he had continued to look at the floor. Which had earned a squeeze out of Zack at first- but then that hadn't amounted to anything either. No, nothing had occurred until Zell had finally caught sight of him and- ouch, that looked like it would have smarted just a bit.

...Except Zell just gives him this big, confused look. And Zack gives him this big, confused look in turn because what the hell. ] Sorry, man! I thought you knew I was- ...there. [ Right. ...Right, Zell can't hear him- he scratches the back of his head sheepishly although his concern doesn't vanish. Going to just reach over and squeeze Zell's shoulder again while he points at it with his other hand. ] I was trying to get your attention.

WITH BLANKETS

[swatsflies]

[Some words were easy to figure out like “you” and “man”. Some words he was having a hard time figuring out what Zack was saying. Zell was pondering on pulling out his tablet for them to use to communicate, but then he saw Zack reach over and touch his shoulder.

He knew how it should feel, but he wasn’t feeling that at all. Just like he really didn’t feel the wall. He thought maybe it was just a frickin’ episode of creepy shit the place cooked up, but that was over. Looking from his shoulder to Zack, and then back again.]

I can’t. [It comes out louder with an edge of panic in his voice. He can’t hear how low he’s being. He can’t feel the vibration from his throat when he was talking before. Reaching up to clasp his hand around Zack’s arm to see if he can feel that]

I can’t feel it. THE HELL? [His arms might start shaking as he stats to go further in panic mode. What if this was forever? What if he couldn't feel anyone ever again? He wouldn't even know if he gets frost bite like those dumb losers on the frickin network! He could wind up losing his hands! Don't mind Zell's inability to actually breathe because he's pretty much going full panic mode.]

......

[heroproceeding]

[ He can't, he says in that tone that betrays him with its fear.

That's the first sign of trouble. Something begins to dawn on him despite a little part of him hoping that he's completely and utterly wrong. A little part of him that wants to deny this to be the case, too. But that little part comes crashing down as soon as he feels the pressure- harder than Zell might have intended -on his arm as Zell grabs for him. As he hears Zell's confirmation.

His own eyes widen marginally as the full tilt possibilities slap Zell, himself, across the face. But then Zack's eyes narrow- because he can't afford to panic, too. That's not going to help Zell. Instinct kicks in and he's got his hands on the young fighter's shoulders before he can think to realize how little that might actually help as he presses urgently. ] Zell, breathe. You need to breathe and calm down. Look at me.

PILLOWS TOO

[swatsflies]

[Sorry for the finger shaped marks later on. Zell isn’t letting go oh his arm. His gaze might be looking towards the contact, but he wasn’t really seeing it any more. Just cycling through his head how screwed he will be if his hands are messed up. How he won’t be useful to anyone. How he wouldn’t be part of SeeD any more.

And it takes a moment before he sees Zack’s mouth moving again. He sees Zack’s other hand on his shoulder. Zack was touching him, and he could almost feel the pressure of the hold. He’s looking back at Zack and meeting his eyes. He can see the look on Zack’s face and know he’s trying to help him. Look at me was easy to figure out, unless he was trying to say Look acme, but that didn’t make a lot of sense given the context.

Instead of concentrating on Zack, he’s going to finally let him go to fish for his tablet. He can still see, so… opening up a blank doc and handing it to Zack.] We should probably use this. [Still talking too loud.]

QUIT THAT

[heroproceeding]

[ It takes a moment to realize how stupid he's being, trying to do what he just did. By that time though, at least he still has managed to get Zell's attention... even if Zell looks kind of lost at first. Lost but thinking on things which means he also looks less panicked. So, perhaps mischief was still managed there if not unintentionally.

That doesn't entirely dismiss the fact that anything he would usually do is virtually worthless there and for a moment, he's at a loss of what to even do past what he did- at least until Zell digs out his tablet and after fiddling around with it, offers it to Zack. Zack reaches out, intending to take it-

before vanishing suddenly from view. That also might mean Zell's tablet is left to the clutches of gravity and the floor below if Zell doesn't move fast enough. ]

NOOOoooooo

[swatsflies]

[Zell isn’t going to think he’s stupid at least?

He’s expecting Zack to take the tablet, and loosens his grip as he sees Zack going for it. Then, he simply poofs out like he wasn’t there in the first place. The tablet clatters to the floor noisily, but Zell can’t really hear it.

For a moment he doesn’t know what to do. Zack is gone and Zack was acting as a visible anchor.] FRICKIN HELL!

[Sorry Kunsel, Tifa, and Jim, if they aren’t busy with their own inflictions. Zell is going to leave his tablet there to back up to the wall. He doesn’t notice he’s against it until he realizes he’s not moving any further. Making a frustrated sound before plopping down there and probably getting Mochi’s tail in the process.

And it takes a moment before Zell even notices. GOOD JOB AGAIN ZELL. Does he get a gold star for his trouble?] Shit. Sorry Mochi! [The cat will scurry away to someone who will appreciate him.]

YESSSSS

[heroproceeding]

[ One moment, he's looking a frozen Zell right in the eyes and freezing uneasily, himself. The next? Zell's sitting back against the wall, Mochi's yowling and scurrying away, and Zack, himself, is letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding in as time seems to resume. He takes a few more breaths to steady himself before he shakes his head and starts towards Zell before hearing the distinct start of a crunching sound under his-

Oh shit.

He backpedals and maybe just in time because- oh... right. There's Zell's tablet. Which he had been on the cusp of taking when he'd... and now he'd... Zack reluctantly bends down to collect the tablet and assess the damage done and... ] Damn it...

YOU CANT TAKE ME ALIVE

[swatsflies]

[They both get gold stars now.

He watches the cat depart forlornly. Good bye Mochi my old friend…
From the corner of his vision, he’ll notice a Zack shaped thing. Glancing over and relief settle over his features that he was back from where ever him and Kunsel poofed to. He’s not going to move from his position, mostly because he isn’t even sure how to frickin move just yet. When he’s not thinking about it, he can do it, but when he actively tries to think about it… tries to think about what to move or placement, then he’s a complete failure.

He tilts his head as he watches Zack though. Oh. Oh yeah his tablet is right there.]

Welcome back. Something wrong?

IT'S TOO LATE --TO APOLOGIZE--

[heroproceeding]

[ Something... wrong, huh.

Ah-haha... Hah.... haa..... That's definitely a crack there. Not a big crack. It's still possible to read off the screen easily and when he punches buttons around it, it still senses his fingers, but... Yeah, that's still not exactly something Zell's gonna be pleased about. Zack frowns as he taps up something on it before he proceeds to face the music.

Yep, just gonna cross the rest of the distance and kneel down in front of him, offering Zell a look at the screen. He's already got a repenting grimace on his face. ]

sorry about that. didn't mean to scare you like that or crack this. you okay?

[swatsflies]

you break it you bought it mother fucker

[heroproceeding]

EXCUSE YOU HE WAS JUST A BIT DISTRACTED WITH NOT EXISTING IN TIME AND SPACE FOR A MOMENT THERE

[swatsflies]

UH HUH EXCUSES. ANGEAL TAUGHT YOU BETTER MAN

[heroproceeding]

LIKE HOW TO RID OF ALL THAT CAUSES SUFFERING RIGHT


SOB

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT

[swatsflies]

[It's pretty concerning watching Zack as he picks up his tablet.

. Zack is enough of a distraction, so Zell isn't over thinking his movement and is crossing his legs. Planting an elbow on his leg to rest his chin on his palm.

When Zack shows him the screen, it takes a moment to see the crack.

Snort. Pssssh. He's going to laugh for a moment. Sorry, man. It was a combination of how silly it seems to be worried about his tablet and just this whole fucked up situation just all coming out in the worst way possibly.]

You're worried about that? [He reaches over to run his thumb over the scratch.] It's not a big deal. You couldn't really help it. [On both things...vanishing and the frickin tablet.

And not even going to feel that he cut his thumb open. W h o o p s. He's a mess and this place is a frickin' mess.]

GOD PAN I FUCKING SWEAR

[heroproceeding]

[ ....

Dude, is he seriously laughing at him? RUDE. He was just being considerate, okay!!

Seriously, he can't help but stare at Zell at first in bewilderment before what he says finally catches up to him and... yeah, okay. Zell does have a point and it's enough to get him sheepishly rubbing at the back of his neck, even if relief finds his features, regardless. Really, the tablet shouldn't even be something to worry about here considering all the worries they're already dealing with... ] Yeah, I kn-

[ ...Right. Going to just go about borrowing that tablet back to type up something else and show it to Zell. ]

yeah I know. just felt bad you know?
hey you want help getting over to the couch? figure it's better than sitting on the floor.

[ He shrugs a thumb over his shoulder in emphasis. Yep. Completely oblivious to that bleeding so far. ]

/sits here

[swatsflies]

[Sorry, man.

At least he’s smiling and feeling less freaked out about the whole situation.]

It’s cool! If it bugs me I can eventually find something to fill it in with. [Or pop out the screen from Hiro’s to swap.]

Yeah, help would be nice. [He’s going to try to get up, but again…he’s over thinking it. He’s moving like his legs are asleep and stiffly sliding one out from the other before shakily trying to get up.] The floor is frickin weird. Well, not really the floor. But whatever the hell is under it all.

[heroproceeding]

[ Let's talk about taking more things from Hiro at another point. Okay, Zell?

In the meantime, he'll at least be relieved to see Zell calming the hell down. That certainly helps him settle down further, too. He starts to say something again- pauses. Right. He'll just nod instead if not with a bit of a humored smile through the concern as he tucks that tablet into his back pocket first. And then he'll be standing up and offering out a hand to Zell. Come on, man. Let's get you over there before you embarrass yourself anymore with your baby giraffeisms. ]

[swatsflies]

[Gotta break the mood and bring up fallen Hiros, man.

Taking Zack's hand without a hint of hesitation. With his help, he'll finally get up without falling on his ass or crashing into Zack. Look, he's doing it. He's doing the thing.]

Thanks. [Are they...going to have to hold hands to the couch? Not that he minds really, it's just a little silly needing your hand held.] Oh, can you check on Mochi afterwards? I saw on his tail. [Feels bad, man.]

[heroproceeding]

[ LOOK IT'S NOT LIKE HE'S TRYING TO MAKE THE MOOD CRAP OKAY.

BUT YES. GOOD. HE IS DOING THE THING. GOOD JOB DOING THE THING. GAWD. GAIA.

All the same, he nods again at that note of appreciation, even as his smile falls shortly after. Now, it's just a matter of navigating him over- which yes, Zell. That does entail holding hands. Hope you don't mind. He's just trying to help a brother out here. At the mention of Mochi, he blinks... Then slowly nods. ]

Yeah... I'll make sure I do. [ And probably pet Mochi a lot for that matter. Poor fuzzball. Lost Tadashi. Now Hiro...

...Zack's forgetting the can't-hear thing again, isn't he. ]

[swatsflies]

[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.]

[heroproceeding]

[ 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?

[swatsflies]

[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?

[heroproceeding]

[ 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?

[swatsflies]

[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.]