folklorist | ϡ - Chapter TwentyOne; Return [action/voice]

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ϡ - Chapter TwentyOne; Return [action/voice]

[ 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…

[ Helios can’t see more specifically he can’t see out of his right eye and it’s very troublesome if not startling. As if he didn’t run into things frequently enough—now this was just added to it. Next will come a painful humorless laugh very odd and uncharacteristic from his lips. But how could a man who has perfect vision not laugh at now only having half his vision. The Malnosso have a sick sense of humor indeed. ] Oh how very ironic of them. [ A sigh. ]

I’m back. I’m terribly sorry…to have worried anyone. But I'm fine.

[ Such a lie. It’s said in a very tired voice not the usual flair or characteristic upbeat tone the man usually has. ] I-I’ll be back to the apartment shortly, in a moment, I just need to-- [ It was supposed to be a healing spell and yet it went so very wrong. There's a sharp yell of pain on his end before a breathless confused one worded exclamation. ] Wh-what!?

[ The transmission will be abruptly cut off and if you’re anywhere in the town square today you can see a blonde haired man slumped against a building his right hand over his right eye and half of his face covered in freshly drawn blood, no thanks to a healing spell backfiring on him of course, also his entire right side seems to be bloodied like the Malnosso only worked on that half of him. If he wasn’t in pain he’d be making it back to the apartment by now but as it stands the blood lose plus lacking sight isn’t helping any. The feed is turned on again after he’s gotten a fair handle on himself. He really just doesn’t want to alarm anyone right now that’s just how he is. ] I’m going to need some...some more t-time. Perhaps some...assistance as well. My apologies.

[Helios is not going to say what’s wrong but you’ll probably find out through his voice alone something unforeseen has occurred, because it’s riddled with confusion. How could this have happened; he was just trying to heal himself and now…this. They did something his spells that was the only clear definitive answer. Now he just needed to figure out how to fix it. Helios will be staggering to his feet and leaning against the side of the building as he makes his way back to C7. ]

(( ooc; No posting order and time and space are broken. Who needs chronological events anyway? So multiple people can help him. He totally needs it anyway. ))

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But it doesn't seem like that will be an option anytime soon.

[ Helios will smile softly. ] I wouldn't mind the prospect of visiting yours either actually. Even if I am a bit behind on technology. But learning is apart of the experience when it comes to going to differing planets and even dabbling in different cultures. [ Helios will start to get from his seated position. He's a bit wobbly at first but he gets his bearings quick enough. ]

Ah...yes you're right. You're absolutely right. [ He'd certainly do it for the other. ]

[ Helios' smile widens at that. ] A bath, hm? I'm not opposed to the idea now that you mention it. [ He looks at his hands and clothes almost sheepishly. ] I could certainly use one.

That is quite true. Likewise, I suppose your world would be a very... fascinating one for me to experience. To say the least.

[And Robert reflexively shifts so that Helios can kind of lean on him again. Even if his adrenaline-powered strength is gone by now, he still wants to help Helios out if he can.]

And I'd be glad to assist, if you needed it. [Robert blushes just slightly, his own expression a little sheepish as well. It's probably obvious what undertones that has, hence Robert's mild embarrassment.] Er, especially with your right side being as weak as it is right now...

Oh yes fascinating is one way of putting it. Shocking too I'd imagine and not just because of the magic.

[ Helios might actually willingly do that now because his right side is still in poor shape, albeit not as bad as before, it's still giving him trouble and he'll never get back to the apartment at this rate. ]

Ah-Assist? [ Helios stammers looking taken aback. Did Robert mean what Helios thinks he means? Embarrassed, him? Never. Though that's a nice light shade of red on his face. ] N-No that-that's alright!

[Now that's a curious statement.] Oh? How so, exactly? One could hardly shock me much more than by showing me a world with magic and souls.

[It's that bad-shape-ness that led Robert to suggest the whole "assisting Helios bathe" thing in the first place. Which is why Robert looks a little surprised at the reaction he gets.]

Well, what with the fact you're having trouble merely standing, bathing is certainly going to be a problem. And I assure you I don't mean anything... untoward. [Even if he's attracted to Helios, Robert's lack of a nudity taboo means that he isn't mentally equating said state with sexuality. Though the flush on Helios' face is certainly telling.]

... I, er, apologize if that was the impression you got. [Robert glances away a moment. It's not like he doesn't like that idea, but that wasn't actually what he had been thinking of - especially not in a serious situation like this.]

Hm how much do you know about mythological creatures?

[ Helios will wave him off with his left hand. ] O-Oh! Er. Yes...we-well I...I would be naked and it just seemed with everything that happened before this plus everything you said and-- [ He will stop muttering to himself a little shade of color still on his cheeks. ]

It-It's fine. But I can manage on my own, really!

[That takes Robert slightly by surprise.] ... Mythological creatures? Do you mean cryptids, perhaps? Or something else? Cryptozoologists are... well, understandably disdained. It's been beyond established that they don't exist, after all. [Unless...] ... But I suppose things might be different in your world?

[Cue Robert giving Helios a sort of blank look for a moment.] And what would your nudity have to do with anything? I'd hardly expect you to bathe with clothing on; that would be unnecessarily complicating the matter. [But Helios being all blushy and stammery about it is odd.]

... Are.... are you equating nudity and sexuality? [And Robert gives Helios a look like that's a fairly strange thing to do.]

Yes those! And other such things like gods, demons, angels all sorts. They all very much exist in my world.

Ah! W-well it's just that... [ Scars mostly his scars but also...other things.

Helios will just...shift onto his left side. ] Um, yes. You-You don't? [ And Helios will give Robert an equal look as if him finding this strange is...strange. ]

[Robert blinks at this.] ... Well. ... I see. And you... wouldn't happen to have any proof of this, right? [Because Helios had proof of magic and Robert is having trouble conceptualizing this without proof.]

... I don't see why anybody would. They're hardly the same thing - in fact, they rarely even correlate. [Robert sort of adjusts his glasses at this.] Besides, it's not as if there is anything wrong with bodies. Simply organs and all. [Robert is quite serious when he says this. It's not like he's oblivious to Helios being attractive - on the contrary, he finds the man very much so - but more that he simply doesn't get why Helios being naked would necessarily make him more or less sexually attractive.]

Proof? Ah...well no not really. You'd definately have to be there to see them for yourself! Or if one showed up here but dear I'd never want one of my students to come here. [ Just the thought makes him frown some. ]

Well-Well most people are usually only seen naked when in the general vicinity of their partners or...during sex. Or something sexual. I guess the general populace has taken to correlating nudity with it. [ Helios is looking at the floor when he says that. ] It-it seems your world has a differing view on the matter.

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 force you - just that I fear that it will be difficult to properly clean yourself in your condition, and I would hardly wish for these injuries to become infected.

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!

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.]

[ 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. ]

[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~~.]

[ 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. ]

[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...]

[ 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?

[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?

[ 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. ]

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.

[ 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. ]

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?

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.

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.

[ Helios does note how Robert's acting and he can only smile lightly at it. He won't comment on it however. He'll open the door for the other motioning for him to come inside. ] Tea sounds wonderful actually. It'll probably help me with sleeping too.

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