fabian aramais seacaster (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
maximumlegend) wrote2024-04-26 08:23 pm
maximumlegend) wrote2024-04-26 08:23 pm
etraya ic inbox.
▶︎၊၊|||||၊၊၊|။||||။၊|။ 0:20
You have reached a MAXIMUM LEGEND!
[ It's kind of rare to see Gorgug being the one acting like this, huh. It's not like he hasn't seen Gorgug freak out before, but usually when it comes to topics like this, Fabian is the one freaking out. It seems like the tables have turned here.
Fabian knows how to deal with those turned tables though. Especially in a situation like this. There's obviously something bad going on, and if Moorecroft taught Fabian any lesson, it's that he shouldn't try to tackle the bad things here by himself. It just makes it harder.
So if a bro needs a hand, even though he can't ask for it..
.. well, then he simply has to do what he does right now. He steps closer to Gorgug, grabs his friend's hand, and just holds it in his own when he starts walking again. It's truly that simple. He doesn't even say anything ahead of grabbing it. He just does it. ]
Yes, maybe I want to hold your hand. [ He even dares - despite the circumstances! - to give the other a rather cheeky grin as he says it. ] Is there a problem with that?
Fabian knows how to deal with those turned tables though. Especially in a situation like this. There's obviously something bad going on, and if Moorecroft taught Fabian any lesson, it's that he shouldn't try to tackle the bad things here by himself. It just makes it harder.
So if a bro needs a hand, even though he can't ask for it..
.. well, then he simply has to do what he does right now. He steps closer to Gorgug, grabs his friend's hand, and just holds it in his own when he starts walking again. It's truly that simple. He doesn't even say anything ahead of grabbing it. He just does it. ]
Yes, maybe I want to hold your hand. [ He even dares - despite the circumstances! - to give the other a rather cheeky grin as he says it. ] Is there a problem with that?
[ This is not what should be happening in the nightmare forest.
No, this isn't the Nightmare Forest, but it's angling for the same thing. And instead of Gorgug being challenged by his deepest fears and securities, what he's instead being challenged by is his embarrassment of fear itself: that he is being comforted by it at all.
Because when he's dragged into walking again (a half drag, a small drag), there is the start of a dark colouration around his cheeks that makes itself right at home as Fabian throws him that grin and that bold confidence. He's ducking his head and refusing to meet his friend's gaze or even the road's gaze, a rather unwise choice under the circumstances. But at least he trusts Fabian's sense of direction?
He mutters out a 'no', anyway, that's tiny and small under his breath, eventually letting his fingers curl around Fabian's hand after it. There's still the forest around him that he should be scared of, and he will be! He'll get back to that! But right now, fluster has won: the horrors have been bested by a half-orc's shyness
His voice has continued to lose his volume too, as he puts out there, like a mumble: ] If you start seeing a lot of bugs, that's-- [ my fear? he can't admit that!! ] Uh, well, just watch out.
No, this isn't the Nightmare Forest, but it's angling for the same thing. And instead of Gorgug being challenged by his deepest fears and securities, what he's instead being challenged by is his embarrassment of fear itself: that he is being comforted by it at all.
Because when he's dragged into walking again (a half drag, a small drag), there is the start of a dark colouration around his cheeks that makes itself right at home as Fabian throws him that grin and that bold confidence. He's ducking his head and refusing to meet his friend's gaze or even the road's gaze, a rather unwise choice under the circumstances. But at least he trusts Fabian's sense of direction?
He mutters out a 'no', anyway, that's tiny and small under his breath, eventually letting his fingers curl around Fabian's hand after it. There's still the forest around him that he should be scared of, and he will be! He'll get back to that! But right now, fluster has won: the horrors have been bested by a half-orc's shyness
His voice has continued to lose his volume too, as he puts out there, like a mumble: ] If you start seeing a lot of bugs, that's-- [ my fear? he can't admit that!! ] Uh, well, just watch out.
[ It's definitely unique enough circumstances that Fabian - for this once, just this once, because so many shirts have gone missing from his closet before and he knows whose fault that is - doesn't really mind Riz taking one of his shirts. It's true that the other can't really walk around in a battle-torn suit. And-- really, even Fabian isn't enough of a drama queen to throw a fit at his friend when said friend can only manage to slowly hobble down the hallway.
.. with Fabian hobbling right after him, mind you. He walks a little bit better since he's not quite as short, but the exhaustion and ache is still obviously stuck deep inside of the boy's limbs. Thankfully he can just take it easy while moving after Riz, considering he's not really moving fast either while he's like this.
Fabian presses his lips together when he hears the exchange between the other two, wondering if he should make a joke to lighten the atmosphere a little - yes, Riz told him he doesn't have to do that, but habits die hard!! - or if it's a little inappropriate right now.
In the end he does stay quiet as he moves though. At least for a moment, giving Riz and Gorgug the opportunity to share words while Fabian rests his voice. (His throat still hurts from last night, honestly.) ]
.. with Fabian hobbling right after him, mind you. He walks a little bit better since he's not quite as short, but the exhaustion and ache is still obviously stuck deep inside of the boy's limbs. Thankfully he can just take it easy while moving after Riz, considering he's not really moving fast either while he's like this.
Fabian presses his lips together when he hears the exchange between the other two, wondering if he should make a joke to lighten the atmosphere a little - yes, Riz told him he doesn't have to do that, but habits die hard!! - or if it's a little inappropriate right now.
In the end he does stay quiet as he moves though. At least for a moment, giving Riz and Gorgug the opportunity to share words while Fabian rests his voice. (His throat still hurts from last night, honestly.) ]
[ It's definitely an abrupt and sudden topic. And-- well, it's not like Fabian is going to kid himself to think that's what Gorgug was really doing in here. Maybe back when he first got the lab, when Fabian was busy throwing fits about robot hand holding and all, but he knows that recently nothing can have consumed Gorgug's days other than the very obvious problem they are dealing with in this place.
And maybe there is a logical explanation as to why the other's thoughts ended up at this topic. Or maybe it's just that Gorgug is so tired right now that all of his thoughts are blending together. Either way-- ]
Of course a bangle is fine.
[ --of course he has to reassure his friend first. Gorgug looks so worried and tired and kind of sad right now that doing anything else would feel like kicking a small puppy. Absolutely unforgivable. It doesn't matter that Gorgug is one of the few people that can tower over him, or that Fabian would lose every single arm wrestling match that didn't involve some sort of cheating from Gorgug. He seems weirdly vulnerable in this moment, and it's Fabian's natural instinct to take care of that, to lift up his friends when they are low.
Still, given what the situation is like, part of said reassurance has to be: ]
But I also think I'm about one of the last people you should be thinking about right now. [ No matter how much Fabian whines for attention at.. well, any other given time, let's be real. He's not going to be the sort of asshole that demands for it when Adaine is trapped, when Gorgug is letting himself fall apart right in front of Fabian's eyes. ] I think we can both agree to put Adaine on the first place of the list of people you should be thinking about right now, but I feel like Gorgug should be second place on there, don't you think?
[ He counts on his fingers in a way that's clearly that Fabian brand of dramatic and play-acted, before adding with a tone that's just as light as the act itself. ]
I think I can settle for.. you know, maybe seventh or something. Just this once.
[ Sure, it's touching that Gorgug wanted to make anything for him at all - just because he hadn't been around for the birthday party, something he's sure no one blames Gorgug for at all - but there's no time to linger on that before Gorgug thinks he really has to take Fabian into consideration when the half-orc looks like he could pass out right here in his lab. ]
And maybe there is a logical explanation as to why the other's thoughts ended up at this topic. Or maybe it's just that Gorgug is so tired right now that all of his thoughts are blending together. Either way-- ]
Of course a bangle is fine.
[ --of course he has to reassure his friend first. Gorgug looks so worried and tired and kind of sad right now that doing anything else would feel like kicking a small puppy. Absolutely unforgivable. It doesn't matter that Gorgug is one of the few people that can tower over him, or that Fabian would lose every single arm wrestling match that didn't involve some sort of cheating from Gorgug. He seems weirdly vulnerable in this moment, and it's Fabian's natural instinct to take care of that, to lift up his friends when they are low.
Still, given what the situation is like, part of said reassurance has to be: ]
But I also think I'm about one of the last people you should be thinking about right now. [ No matter how much Fabian whines for attention at.. well, any other given time, let's be real. He's not going to be the sort of asshole that demands for it when Adaine is trapped, when Gorgug is letting himself fall apart right in front of Fabian's eyes. ] I think we can both agree to put Adaine on the first place of the list of people you should be thinking about right now, but I feel like Gorgug should be second place on there, don't you think?
[ He counts on his fingers in a way that's clearly that Fabian brand of dramatic and play-acted, before adding with a tone that's just as light as the act itself. ]
I think I can settle for.. you know, maybe seventh or something. Just this once.
[ Sure, it's touching that Gorgug wanted to make anything for him at all - just because he hadn't been around for the birthday party, something he's sure no one blames Gorgug for at all - but there's no time to linger on that before Gorgug thinks he really has to take Fabian into consideration when the half-orc looks like he could pass out right here in his lab. ]
[ Seventh place. Fabian doesn't deserve seventh place, or at least, he wouldn't truly want that, right? When Fabian's felt so vulnerable about his place in their relationship already. They talked about it, they sorted it out, but it's there in the not-so-far back of Gorgug's mind now that Fabian's bringing up his place in Gorgug's considerations. He's reassuring him that's it all okay, but Gorgug looks at him like he's trying to figure out if that's the truth, while also trying to hide what he's doing, too.
Which means he doesn't really figure anything out before he looks away. The verdict in his head is doubtful, deciding that Fabian probably cares more about getting him back to the apartments and rested--so he can get back to helping Adaine, and nothing else. That's why he wants to be seventh, right?
(He doesn't care about a bangle, does he? Thinks the voice in his head further. He thinks you're lying. He just wants you to save Adaine and be done with it, and a bangle's a stupid present. You didn't even say what it does, and he wants you to put him at seventh because you don't matter to him.) ]
...Okay. [ He pauses, wants to say more--'I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you', 'I want to put you closer to first', or even 'I'll put you at seventh, if that's what you want'--but his jaw refuses to unlock, and so he stands up onto his feet instead than try. Pulls a smile tight on his mouth, even if he doesn't look Fabian in the face when he does, quickly busying himself with his computer so he can put it in a powered down state.
It gives him an excuse not to look at Fabain, and that helps. ]
Can I get a ride with you? I can walk, [ he hurries to add. Did Fabian already offer? Gorgug can't remember, his head feels heavy, and he shouldn't presume. Maybe he should walk anyway. You know, even if Fabian is right there. Even if it's kinda far. ] Or I could just sleep here.
[ Because Fabian just came to tell him to stop, or something. His train of thought is very good and smart right now. ]
Which means he doesn't really figure anything out before he looks away. The verdict in his head is doubtful, deciding that Fabian probably cares more about getting him back to the apartments and rested--so he can get back to helping Adaine, and nothing else. That's why he wants to be seventh, right?
(He doesn't care about a bangle, does he? Thinks the voice in his head further. He thinks you're lying. He just wants you to save Adaine and be done with it, and a bangle's a stupid present. You didn't even say what it does, and he wants you to put him at seventh because you don't matter to him.) ]
...Okay. [ He pauses, wants to say more--'I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you', 'I want to put you closer to first', or even 'I'll put you at seventh, if that's what you want'--but his jaw refuses to unlock, and so he stands up onto his feet instead than try. Pulls a smile tight on his mouth, even if he doesn't look Fabian in the face when he does, quickly busying himself with his computer so he can put it in a powered down state.
It gives him an excuse not to look at Fabain, and that helps. ]
Can I get a ride with you? I can walk, [ he hurries to add. Did Fabian already offer? Gorgug can't remember, his head feels heavy, and he shouldn't presume. Maybe he should walk anyway. You know, even if Fabian is right there. Even if it's kinda far. ] Or I could just sleep here.
[ Because Fabian just came to tell him to stop, or something. His train of thought is very good and smart right now. ]
No, I just need you to tell me that I am hot!
[ It's that simple, Gorgug! Very simple instructions! Forget that you already said yes a moment ago, apparently Fabian needs.. another yet?! More elaboration on said yes?! Who even knows.
Maybe it's not that simple after all. ]
You can't think that I'm not hot, Gorgug! [ Because that's clearly what he was doing, right. He thinks Fabian ruined all his chances with Aelwyn because Fabian isn't hot enough or something. Right?! F-Fabian can't let that thought exist in anyone's mind! Absolutely not!
At least he isn't touching Gorgug's cereal bowl, so that's safe.. But Fabian seems weirdly intense aside from that. ]
[ It's that simple, Gorgug! Very simple instructions! Forget that you already said yes a moment ago, apparently Fabian needs.. another yet?! More elaboration on said yes?! Who even knows.
Maybe it's not that simple after all. ]
You can't think that I'm not hot, Gorgug! [ Because that's clearly what he was doing, right. He thinks Fabian ruined all his chances with Aelwyn because Fabian isn't hot enough or something. Right?! F-Fabian can't let that thought exist in anyone's mind! Absolutely not!
At least he isn't touching Gorgug's cereal bowl, so that's safe.. But Fabian seems weirdly intense aside from that. ]
[ It doesn't matter if Fabian's forgotten the bowl of cereal exists. Gorgug's wrapping an arm around it and holding it close to him. He knows how his friends can get when they're intense! His bowl of cereal might still be on the line! ]
You want me to think you're hot for the rest of my life? [ Is this the request? The mission? They may have been talking about Fabian and Aelwyn, but the Aelwyn part has been thrown out of the conversation, in Gorgug's mind. ]
I have to call you hot. [ ???? That is a question. This is now a 100% about Fabian and him being hot and Gorgug is too scared to ask why. He just needs to know the details of this contract where things don't end badly (for Gorgug specifically). ]
You want me to think you're hot for the rest of my life? [ Is this the request? The mission? They may have been talking about Fabian and Aelwyn, but the Aelwyn part has been thrown out of the conversation, in Gorgug's mind. ]
I have to call you hot. [ ???? That is a question. This is now a 100% about Fabian and him being hot and Gorgug is too scared to ask why. He just needs to know the details of this contract where things don't end badly (for Gorgug specifically). ]
Gorgug.
[ Rather than an answer to the other's questions, there's this - his name being repeated again, a little bit more insistently this time around. It doesn't necessarily sound angry, because this is the most Gorgug-like the other has sounded in a while, despite the odd questions. But it a little stern, in that sort of way that's really trying to grab the half-orc's attention right now.
He doesn't even really think about the questions. Doesn't think about Leviathan, about the burning Seacaster Manor. It doesn't matter. He only thinks of his friend right now, and how last time around he failed to help Gorgug. This time, then-- ]
Tell me where you are. I'll come.
[ Rather than an answer to the other's questions, there's this - his name being repeated again, a little bit more insistently this time around. It doesn't necessarily sound angry, because this is the most Gorgug-like the other has sounded in a while, despite the odd questions. But it a little stern, in that sort of way that's really trying to grab the half-orc's attention right now.
He doesn't even really think about the questions. Doesn't think about Leviathan, about the burning Seacaster Manor. It doesn't matter. He only thinks of his friend right now, and how last time around he failed to help Gorgug. This time, then-- ]
Tell me where you are. I'll come.
[ There's silence over the line, perhaps excluding the sound of a breath coming through once. A long pause, before: ]
If you bring anyone but the Hangman, I'll get really mad. And I don't really want to get mad right now.
[ It's a warning, though he doesn't phrase it like a threat. If anything, there's something tired about it, but it sounds...like Gorgug. ]
You promise you won't?
If you bring anyone but the Hangman, I'll get really mad. And I don't really want to get mad right now.
[ It's a warning, though he doesn't phrase it like a threat. If anything, there's something tired about it, but it sounds...like Gorgug. ]
You promise you won't?
[ Oh no.
It was a little easier to not think about any of this during the act itself. Easier to just lie there and let it happen, especially since it's not like Fabian needed to do anything for that. Even if he'd lie there completely still, Gorgug would just keep going and maybe-- maybe Fabian wanted him to, or something, or-- well, that's the not thinking part. He can't exactly recall what went through his head, or maybe he doesn't want to.
But with Gorgug suddenly pulling away - Fabian letting out a pained hiss when the tusks move out of his skin, a painful sting no matter how careful his friend is being - reality is dawning a lot harder on Fabian.
Especially when he sees the blood on the other. And the darkness in Gorgug's face. And the way Gorgug sounds so like-- well, like Gorgug again, without any of the rage. It takes away the momentum that was at least keeping some of Fabian's embarrassment about the entire situation at bay, but the way it is so suddenly over means that he's only getting smacked in the face harder by it now.
He doesn't want to think about it. He doesn't! He's not going to! He's simply not going to think about it!
So he doesn't. As Fabian half-sits up, he doesn't think about the sore pain in the exact area where Gorgug bit him. He doesn't think about how there must be a mark. He doesn't think about the other on him only a moment ago, or the blush on his skin. None of it. Not thinking. Just asking, subtly, smoothly-- ]
Doyouneedmetohealyou?!
[ So smooth.
So subtle.
HE'S NOT THINKING ABOUT IT!! ]
It was a little easier to not think about any of this during the act itself. Easier to just lie there and let it happen, especially since it's not like Fabian needed to do anything for that. Even if he'd lie there completely still, Gorgug would just keep going and maybe-- maybe Fabian wanted him to, or something, or-- well, that's the not thinking part. He can't exactly recall what went through his head, or maybe he doesn't want to.
But with Gorgug suddenly pulling away - Fabian letting out a pained hiss when the tusks move out of his skin, a painful sting no matter how careful his friend is being - reality is dawning a lot harder on Fabian.
Especially when he sees the blood on the other. And the darkness in Gorgug's face. And the way Gorgug sounds so like-- well, like Gorgug again, without any of the rage. It takes away the momentum that was at least keeping some of Fabian's embarrassment about the entire situation at bay, but the way it is so suddenly over means that he's only getting smacked in the face harder by it now.
He doesn't want to think about it. He doesn't! He's not going to! He's simply not going to think about it!
So he doesn't. As Fabian half-sits up, he doesn't think about the sore pain in the exact area where Gorgug bit him. He doesn't think about how there must be a mark. He doesn't think about the other on him only a moment ago, or the blush on his skin. None of it. Not thinking. Just asking, subtly, smoothly-- ]
Doyouneedmetohealyou?!
[ So smooth.
So subtle.
HE'S NOT THINKING ABOUT IT!! ]
[ The itchiness is becoming worse.
Gorgug can't concentrate on how Fabian looks, seems. He hears his fluster about healing, but the pain in his hands is growing by the second, and his mind starts focusing a lot more on that--on cutting himself against a magical sword like Fandragnor, and a cut somewhere near his abdomen, and how being hutched over Fabian isn't probably a good idea right now, either. Even though he looks down at Fabian again, he doesn't say anything immediately.
But Fabian will get a sight as his face twists into a pout, before Gorgug starts to try and shuffle himself off and away from the other without using his hands, falling back somewhere on his own ass and off Fabian's legs. Lamely, as he does this: ] It hurts.
[ All that cool, violent rage is being erased from the environment as Gorgug's softer side begins to show itself....the one that can still be a baby over the smallest, simplest things. Like gashes across his hands from an elven blade.
Very small, indeed.
But it's also a good distraction, away from the heat that's still sticking to his face and reaching around his ears. A warmth in his body that has nothing to do with anger, and how he's glad for his hoodie. How he's hovering his arms and hands and wanting them to take precedent: to the rest of his body, to everything that came before this moment. Fabian's name in his ears, his tusks buried into Fabian's skin, and how good it felt to be there.
Gorgug closes his eyes. Fabian asked something about healing, but he doesn't want to do anything but cup his hands together, mumbling and circling them and trying to get a Cure Wounds spell going, than to think about Fabian (and what they were doing? maybe?) right now. The pain is easier to focus on, and process. The pain should both go and stay.
Because he just thought about something really, really embarrassing, and he's probably the worst friend in any world ever. Oh no. ]
Gorgug can't concentrate on how Fabian looks, seems. He hears his fluster about healing, but the pain in his hands is growing by the second, and his mind starts focusing a lot more on that--on cutting himself against a magical sword like Fandragnor, and a cut somewhere near his abdomen, and how being hutched over Fabian isn't probably a good idea right now, either. Even though he looks down at Fabian again, he doesn't say anything immediately.
But Fabian will get a sight as his face twists into a pout, before Gorgug starts to try and shuffle himself off and away from the other without using his hands, falling back somewhere on his own ass and off Fabian's legs. Lamely, as he does this: ] It hurts.
[ All that cool, violent rage is being erased from the environment as Gorgug's softer side begins to show itself....the one that can still be a baby over the smallest, simplest things. Like gashes across his hands from an elven blade.
Very small, indeed.
But it's also a good distraction, away from the heat that's still sticking to his face and reaching around his ears. A warmth in his body that has nothing to do with anger, and how he's glad for his hoodie. How he's hovering his arms and hands and wanting them to take precedent: to the rest of his body, to everything that came before this moment. Fabian's name in his ears, his tusks buried into Fabian's skin, and how good it felt to be there.
Gorgug closes his eyes. Fabian asked something about healing, but he doesn't want to do anything but cup his hands together, mumbling and circling them and trying to get a Cure Wounds spell going, than to think about Fabian (and what they were doing? maybe?) right now. The pain is easier to focus on, and process. The pain should both go and stay.
Because he just thought about something really, really embarrassing, and he's probably the worst friend in any world ever. Oh no. ]
[ Old? Old?? Please, Gorgug, some of us over here are trying to navigate adult life! You try doing what he does!
Thankfully those thoughts remain in the other's head though, so Fabian doesn't have to know and doesn't have to throw some dumb fit about it. Instead he's much more focused on what Gorgug's actually says here, giving the reading idea a little nod. It's not something he's tried himself yet, but hey, if it might work.. ]
I'm fairly sure there were some books for children in the house when I showed up here.. [ Maybe in the nursery? Honestly, Fabian has been so busy after arriving that he hasn't really thought about them again, nor bothered to look for them..
He contemplates it for a moment until he shakes his head to shake himself out of the thought. They can just go look. Which-- yes, they, because-- ]
I will go look with you. [ And then, quickly added, like he's worried about there maybe being some sort of protest from Gorgug: ] Come on, I can't possibly just go nap while you are stuck taking care of my robot baby. It wouldn't be fair.
[ Especially when Gorgug already went out of his way for him in the first place. Coming here when he didn't have to, offering to help. ]
Thankfully those thoughts remain in the other's head though, so Fabian doesn't have to know and doesn't have to throw some dumb fit about it. Instead he's much more focused on what Gorgug's actually says here, giving the reading idea a little nod. It's not something he's tried himself yet, but hey, if it might work.. ]
I'm fairly sure there were some books for children in the house when I showed up here.. [ Maybe in the nursery? Honestly, Fabian has been so busy after arriving that he hasn't really thought about them again, nor bothered to look for them..
He contemplates it for a moment until he shakes his head to shake himself out of the thought. They can just go look. Which-- yes, they, because-- ]
I will go look with you. [ And then, quickly added, like he's worried about there maybe being some sort of protest from Gorgug: ] Come on, I can't possibly just go nap while you are stuck taking care of my robot baby. It wouldn't be fair.
[ Especially when Gorgug already went out of his way for him in the first place. Coming here when he didn't have to, offering to help. ]
[ There's something about the reaction that Fabian finds himself liking. He doesn't care to examine why - especially since he figures that it's likely just that he's feeling glad for being able to bring some comfort to one of his friends in the middle of these circumstances, defying what this place is surely trying to make them feel.
Still, he stares at Gorgug's slightly darker cheeks for a moment longer than absolutely necessary before Fabian looks ahead of them again, wanting to make sure he's guiding Gorgug along in a way that doesn't involve either of them just walking right into a tree. ]
.. bugs?
[ He may not be looking back just yet, but Fabian does sound pretty puzzled about that one. It just feels like such a specific mention, and he's pretty sure Gorgug never talked about a forest with bugs in this place before.. ]
Is that what they are saying about this forest? That there are bugs here? [ For a moment he considers asking if they're big bugs.
Then again, with Fabian's confidence in fighting anything, it doesn't matter. Small bugs, big bugs, he can handle it all. Especially if Gorgug is there. Fabian is pretty sure there's nothing that huge axe can't squish. ]
Well, not like a lot of bugs could hurt us in any way that matters! I imagine there are much more worrisome things we could run into here.
Still, he stares at Gorgug's slightly darker cheeks for a moment longer than absolutely necessary before Fabian looks ahead of them again, wanting to make sure he's guiding Gorgug along in a way that doesn't involve either of them just walking right into a tree. ]
.. bugs?
[ He may not be looking back just yet, but Fabian does sound pretty puzzled about that one. It just feels like such a specific mention, and he's pretty sure Gorgug never talked about a forest with bugs in this place before.. ]
Is that what they are saying about this forest? That there are bugs here? [ For a moment he considers asking if they're big bugs.
Then again, with Fabian's confidence in fighting anything, it doesn't matter. Small bugs, big bugs, he can handle it all. Especially if Gorgug is there. Fabian is pretty sure there's nothing that huge axe can't squish. ]
Well, not like a lot of bugs could hurt us in any way that matters! I imagine there are much more worrisome things we could run into here.
Yeah. Yeah-- yeah, yeah, yeah.
[ It's a collection of Yeahs that comes as a singular agreement, a pause, and then more thinking taking place in the span of a couple of seconds to lead to the further agreements taking place. Like Gorgug responded without thinking, and then actually thought about it.
As if Gorgug would ever do that.
But he does have bugs on the mind now, which is kinda bad. He's deliberating on if bigger bugs are better than a collection of smaller bugs, since the part that Gorgug dislikes is their small size and quantity, and how they get anywhere and everywhere. It's not a beautiful mind palace up in that head of his right now, when those straightforward thoughts take a turn into cramped spaces, heavy breathing, and memories of how it felt like when he couldn't move when going forward inside the Nightmare Forest.
They're vivid, more vivid than they have been in a while. This is what this place makes him want to go through again: it wants him to break and beat him down like he's already had done to him before, just to prove to some force that he belongs here, fighting for his family. It wants to chew him up and spit him break out, and no part of this train of thought reminds Gorgug of ever coming out on the other side--how he met Fabian in the forest, a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Right now, Gorgug doesn't remember Fabian next to him as they walk, whose hand he's holding. The trees distort in his vision, look a little strange; not like the Nightmare Forest, but somewhere else. Somewhere--
The sky above seems a little darker, the canopy of the trees blocking out sunlight from view. Rustling of wind through the trees is dying down, despite a chill that's present in the air, that tickles at Gorgug's face. The area is quiet, initially; but then there's a whispering, a whimpering--a shriek from somewhere far off into the distance in the direction they're walking, and it's calling back to him a place he doesn't want to think about. He refuses to make the connection.
To Fabian, he sees nothing different: the forest is already an eerie, haunting place they've found themselves in without it needing further changes. But Gorgug is quiet, save for the sound of his breathing. Nothing unusual for the half-orc...
...but his grip on Fabian's hand is beginning to tighten the longer they walk, and he isn't looking at Fabian.
And he eventually stops, saying nothing, not even if the other speaks, looking off somewhere else. ]
[ It's a collection of Yeahs that comes as a singular agreement, a pause, and then more thinking taking place in the span of a couple of seconds to lead to the further agreements taking place. Like Gorgug responded without thinking, and then actually thought about it.
As if Gorgug would ever do that.
But he does have bugs on the mind now, which is kinda bad. He's deliberating on if bigger bugs are better than a collection of smaller bugs, since the part that Gorgug dislikes is their small size and quantity, and how they get anywhere and everywhere. It's not a beautiful mind palace up in that head of his right now, when those straightforward thoughts take a turn into cramped spaces, heavy breathing, and memories of how it felt like when he couldn't move when going forward inside the Nightmare Forest.
They're vivid, more vivid than they have been in a while. This is what this place makes him want to go through again: it wants him to break and beat him down like he's already had done to him before, just to prove to some force that he belongs here, fighting for his family. It wants to chew him up and spit him break out, and no part of this train of thought reminds Gorgug of ever coming out on the other side--how he met Fabian in the forest, a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Right now, Gorgug doesn't remember Fabian next to him as they walk, whose hand he's holding. The trees distort in his vision, look a little strange; not like the Nightmare Forest, but somewhere else. Somewhere--
The sky above seems a little darker, the canopy of the trees blocking out sunlight from view. Rustling of wind through the trees is dying down, despite a chill that's present in the air, that tickles at Gorgug's face. The area is quiet, initially; but then there's a whispering, a whimpering--a shriek from somewhere far off into the distance in the direction they're walking, and it's calling back to him a place he doesn't want to think about. He refuses to make the connection.
To Fabian, he sees nothing different: the forest is already an eerie, haunting place they've found themselves in without it needing further changes. But Gorgug is quiet, save for the sound of his breathing. Nothing unusual for the half-orc...
...but his grip on Fabian's hand is beginning to tighten the longer they walk, and he isn't looking at Fabian.
And he eventually stops, saying nothing, not even if the other speaks, looking off somewhere else. ]
No, no, we got this! [ He thrusts a thumbs-up towards Gorgug. Even if he can't exactly pretend like he's not hurting right now, he's doing a damn good job at pretending like he wasn't just whining at Fabian that he wanted to stay asleep thirty seconds ago, ferociously positive for Gorgug's sake.
He hadn't really thought about Gorgug and Adaine until Fabian had mentioned them, but he can imagine how much it sucked to be left behind to putter around worrying and waiting, and... meal-prepping, apparently. ]
The coffee smells good. [ Not a lie. But then again, Riz has been sighted cheerfully eating instant coffee granules out of the container on the odd occasion, so he's not one to talk. ] You can tell me all about your guys' side of things, uh... maybe after some breakfast.
[ He does want to talk shop. Desperately. But on the odd occasion, Riz can read the room, and realizes jumping in immediately probably isn't good for general morale. Or, frankly, his own health. He could do with a cup of coffee first. ]
He hadn't really thought about Gorgug and Adaine until Fabian had mentioned them, but he can imagine how much it sucked to be left behind to putter around worrying and waiting, and... meal-prepping, apparently. ]
The coffee smells good. [ Not a lie. But then again, Riz has been sighted cheerfully eating instant coffee granules out of the container on the odd occasion, so he's not one to talk. ] You can tell me all about your guys' side of things, uh... maybe after some breakfast.
[ He does want to talk shop. Desperately. But on the odd occasion, Riz can read the room, and realizes jumping in immediately probably isn't good for general morale. Or, frankly, his own health. He could do with a cup of coffee first. ]
[ Of course Fabian has absolutely no idea of everything going through Gorgug's mind right now. He's not Adaine. He has no fancy Detect Thoughts spell.
But what he does have are his instincts. That, and his knowledge of Gorgug as a friend. Even if he doesn't fully know what's going on, it feels like there's something wrong. Something more than just Gorgug being exhausted, because Fabian is pretty sure anyone could tell that about the other guy right now even without having to know him on a personal level. It's the way he's-- making excuses, almost, the way he asks for something and then immediately reduces it to something unnecessary, like helping Gorgug is an unnecessary thing right now.
As if Fabian would mind giving Gorgug a ride on the Hangman when there's clearly room for two on his bike.
He can't guess what the hell specifically is wrong though. So rather than even trying to figure it out, Fabian opts for the more direct route. The one where he reaches out, a hand landing on Gorgug's arm as the other is fiddling with the computer. ]
Hey. [ Fabian starts, and then pauses - like he's hoping his friend will look at him.
Even if Gorgug doesn't do that though, Fabian will still continue to talk after a second. ]
What are you thinking about? You can tell me if something is wrong. [ The last thing they need is another dumb misunderstanding. ] And don't say nothing is wrong. I can tell you are thinking about something.
But what he does have are his instincts. That, and his knowledge of Gorgug as a friend. Even if he doesn't fully know what's going on, it feels like there's something wrong. Something more than just Gorgug being exhausted, because Fabian is pretty sure anyone could tell that about the other guy right now even without having to know him on a personal level. It's the way he's-- making excuses, almost, the way he asks for something and then immediately reduces it to something unnecessary, like helping Gorgug is an unnecessary thing right now.
As if Fabian would mind giving Gorgug a ride on the Hangman when there's clearly room for two on his bike.
He can't guess what the hell specifically is wrong though. So rather than even trying to figure it out, Fabian opts for the more direct route. The one where he reaches out, a hand landing on Gorgug's arm as the other is fiddling with the computer. ]
Hey. [ Fabian starts, and then pauses - like he's hoping his friend will look at him.
Even if Gorgug doesn't do that though, Fabian will still continue to talk after a second. ]
What are you thinking about? You can tell me if something is wrong. [ The last thing they need is another dumb misunderstanding. ] And don't say nothing is wrong. I can tell you are thinking about something.
[ One dramatic boy and Gorgug is fearing for his life.. Or at least for his cereal.. ]
You don't have to tell me it! [ .. because it might be kind of weird? Fabian feels like it'd be kind of weird to have a bro calling him hot, even if the acknowledgement might be nice at the same time. ]
You just-- You only have to think it!
[ Is this any clearer now, Gorgug?
(It probably isn't.)
Fabian does not realize as much, but thankfully for the other, he is still rambling. And there might be a bit of an explanation in the rambling. ]
You absolutely cannot think that things did not work out because I am not hot enough! That's not it! That would never be it!
You don't have to tell me it! [ .. because it might be kind of weird? Fabian feels like it'd be kind of weird to have a bro calling him hot, even if the acknowledgement might be nice at the same time. ]
You just-- You only have to think it!
[ Is this any clearer now, Gorgug?
(It probably isn't.)
Fabian does not realize as much, but thankfully for the other, he is still rambling. And there might be a bit of an explanation in the rambling. ]
You absolutely cannot think that things did not work out because I am not hot enough! That's not it! That would never be it!
[ Gorgug doesn't look. He makes a show like he might, when there's a second of silence where Fabian doesn't keep speaking; turning his head, but not making eye contact--just a sound, a 'mm?' to show he's paying attention.
But regardless, the fact that Fabian says what he does--he feels stupid. He isn't sure if anything going through his head makes sense, or--does he believe any of that? Is he being weirdly emotional for no reason? Gorgug can't get his thoughts straight, even with Fabian there beside him asking him what's wrong.
The crystal computer shuts down, and he exhales; tries to find in his own mind what's reasonable to even bring up or say without dismissing Fabian's concern entirely. But none of it, reflecting back, feels right. ]
I'm a little-- I'm a lot tired. My head feels weird. Sorry, I, I kinda don't know what I should be doing right now.
[ He turns to Fabian as he says it, his gaze hard to keep on the other at first. But he rubs at his face like it might help his situation, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes to give them a good rub, too.
Then he looks at Fabian, standing there, the same old Fabian, and tries to not think about any places, sixth or seventh or eighth. It doesn't matter. He's being stupid right now. ]
I'm okay. Let's get Adaine, then-- I'm gonna sleep. I'll sleep for a week.
But regardless, the fact that Fabian says what he does--he feels stupid. He isn't sure if anything going through his head makes sense, or--does he believe any of that? Is he being weirdly emotional for no reason? Gorgug can't get his thoughts straight, even with Fabian there beside him asking him what's wrong.
The crystal computer shuts down, and he exhales; tries to find in his own mind what's reasonable to even bring up or say without dismissing Fabian's concern entirely. But none of it, reflecting back, feels right. ]
I'm a little-- I'm a lot tired. My head feels weird. Sorry, I, I kinda don't know what I should be doing right now.
[ He turns to Fabian as he says it, his gaze hard to keep on the other at first. But he rubs at his face like it might help his situation, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes to give them a good rub, too.
Then he looks at Fabian, standing there, the same old Fabian, and tries to not think about any places, sixth or seventh or eighth. It doesn't matter. He's being stupid right now. ]
I'm okay. Let's get Adaine, then-- I'm gonna sleep. I'll sleep for a week.
[ It's hard to figure out how to interpret that tone. Because everything else sounds a little bit more like the way Gorgug has sounded lately, ever since something seems to have crept into him that Fabian has been trying to hunt him down to help get out, but the tone doesn't match. Gorgug has sounded so much angrier than this. Sharper. Like his tongue was only yet another axe to use against others.
This doesn't sound like that. Is what came over him weaker right now? Fuck, Fabian realizes he knows so little about it that he's got no clue.
But that only gives him a greater incentive to see Gorgug and find out, right? Maybe this is the perfect moment to help the other. Maybe Gorgug himself realized as much too, and that's why he tried to contact Fabian in the first place. ]
Yeah, I promise.
[ Who would he have brought, anyway? It's not like he's going to take along Riz when the other seems to have been impacted so much by what's been going on in this place - especially everything surrounding Gorgug. He's not going to put his friend through that again.
This is just something between him and Gorgug now. ]
Only the Hangman. Just let me-- [ help you, he wants to say, but that didn't go over all that well last time around, and Fabian doesn't want Gorgug to shut it down already. Before Fabian even has a clue where he is. ] --see you.
This doesn't sound like that. Is what came over him weaker right now? Fuck, Fabian realizes he knows so little about it that he's got no clue.
But that only gives him a greater incentive to see Gorgug and find out, right? Maybe this is the perfect moment to help the other. Maybe Gorgug himself realized as much too, and that's why he tried to contact Fabian in the first place. ]
Yeah, I promise.
[ Who would he have brought, anyway? It's not like he's going to take along Riz when the other seems to have been impacted so much by what's been going on in this place - especially everything surrounding Gorgug. He's not going to put his friend through that again.
This is just something between him and Gorgug now. ]
Only the Hangman. Just let me-- [ help you, he wants to say, but that didn't go over all that well last time around, and Fabian doesn't want Gorgug to shut it down already. Before Fabian even has a clue where he is. ] --see you.
Okay.
[ He says it easily. Closes his eyes and lets the word out, and tries to keep his mind blank. It's better if he doesn't let himself get excited, though the emotion hits against the state of his thoughts dully, like a fist thudding against a barrier it can't break. The same barrier that he'd like Fabian to break, to be able to push through, even though Gorgug knows it could go wrong: being emotional makes him angry, and then all he'll get is Fabian's blood smeared across the floor, and the rest of him in pieces that aren't attached the way they should be.
It's a possibility. He doesn't think about it. Because there's the chance that he can get Fabian on his side, and that would change everything: it would be like it is when he's around Vanessa, and he misses the contact.
He wants an anchor to keep him grounded. ]
I'll send you a pin. I'll know if you don't come alone.
[ He drops the call with that, not bothering to listen to anything further that Fabian might want to say, but he does keep his word: he drops a pin that may or may not show on Etraya's map where it leads to: The Daily Planet. Out of the way from anywhere useful to most people, and yet when Fabian gets there, it's easy to tell visible the outside world is to the one inside with its windows repeated on multiple floors. Multiple places where Gorgug could be, watching from above.
And the pin only leads to the building itself when Fabian first arrives. The reception is large and as massive as the exterior of the building would suggest, and the only other company will be the sounds of Fabian's feet, and whatever he might say to echo against the walls.
Gorgug isn't there. Or doesn't appear to be. ]
[ He says it easily. Closes his eyes and lets the word out, and tries to keep his mind blank. It's better if he doesn't let himself get excited, though the emotion hits against the state of his thoughts dully, like a fist thudding against a barrier it can't break. The same barrier that he'd like Fabian to break, to be able to push through, even though Gorgug knows it could go wrong: being emotional makes him angry, and then all he'll get is Fabian's blood smeared across the floor, and the rest of him in pieces that aren't attached the way they should be.
It's a possibility. He doesn't think about it. Because there's the chance that he can get Fabian on his side, and that would change everything: it would be like it is when he's around Vanessa, and he misses the contact.
He wants an anchor to keep him grounded. ]
I'll send you a pin. I'll know if you don't come alone.
[ He drops the call with that, not bothering to listen to anything further that Fabian might want to say, but he does keep his word: he drops a pin that may or may not show on Etraya's map where it leads to: The Daily Planet. Out of the way from anywhere useful to most people, and yet when Fabian gets there, it's easy to tell visible the outside world is to the one inside with its windows repeated on multiple floors. Multiple places where Gorgug could be, watching from above.
And the pin only leads to the building itself when Fabian first arrives. The reception is large and as massive as the exterior of the building would suggest, and the only other company will be the sounds of Fabian's feet, and whatever he might say to echo against the walls.
Gorgug isn't there. Or doesn't appear to be. ]
[ Would it not be fair? After Gorgug tore off said robot's baby arm off and kinda made a mess after it in Fabian's house? ...Gorgug isn't sure about that, but he also doesn't feel like protesting about it, since he doesn't care that much. Fabian can't be feeling that old and needing a nap that bad if he's willing to find a book with him. ]
Oh, okay. [ So while he doesn't sound enthused, it doesn't mean anything deep. He's just about which way to go where for the books, although- ] I'll go take it to its bed, and you... do you have a bookcase? I can look in its room.
[ He's just kinda wondering where everything is and which direction he can go in. But he would also like to go in the direction he's going in, anyway. Maybe the crib room has a bookcase? Gorgug doesn't remember anything that doesn't involve screaming and hospital hallways. ]
Oh, okay. [ So while he doesn't sound enthused, it doesn't mean anything deep. He's just about which way to go where for the books, although- ] I'll go take it to its bed, and you... do you have a bookcase? I can look in its room.
[ He's just kinda wondering where everything is and which direction he can go in. But he would also like to go in the direction he's going in, anyway. Maybe the crib room has a bookcase? Gorgug doesn't remember anything that doesn't involve screaming and hospital hallways. ]
Okay. [ Gorgug isn't going to protest if there's no real reason to, but he does think, considering how their missions usually go and what they might prefer: ] You can eat on the sofa and chairs. I'll make sure everything's hot if you both wanna sit there instead of the kitchen.
[ Like he owns this home (then again, Fabian barely owns it, either...). But who doesn't like plush seating instead of a hard surface? He'll listen to any protests that might come, but if there's enough agreement, or even if there isn't, Gorgug's destination will be the kitchen again, most likely.
He needs to let these two come down and get settled in whatever direction they're going! He has food to shove in microwaves!! ]
[ Like he owns this home (then again, Fabian barely owns it, either...). But who doesn't like plush seating instead of a hard surface? He'll listen to any protests that might come, but if there's enough agreement, or even if there isn't, Gorgug's destination will be the kitchen again, most likely.
He needs to let these two come down and get settled in whatever direction they're going! He has food to shove in microwaves!! ]
[ Fabian's comms device alerts him to a call in the middle of the night. If Fabian doesn't answer right away, the call keeps coming, repeated until he picks up. When he does, he's greeted with the sound of someone struggling to catch their breath. ]
Hey.
[ A ragged swallow, gulping down air. ]
I need to talk to you.
Hey.
[ A ragged swallow, gulping down air. ]
I need to talk to you.
[ The first call definitely goes unanswered. Of course Fabian doesn't really pay the amount of attention he should to his crystal - or his earpiece, now - and even less so when it's the middle of the night.
But after a few calls even Fabian must realize that some situation must be dire, because he finally does pick up then. ]
Krouse..?
[ His voice sounds a little slow and thick, like he was sleeping - or trying to, more like, with the state of things.
After a moment he seems to realize something about the way Krouse sounds though, and Fabian's tone shifts closer to awareness, something sharper in there. Worried, almost. ]
What's going on? Where are you?
But after a few calls even Fabian must realize that some situation must be dire, because he finally does pick up then. ]
Krouse..?
[ His voice sounds a little slow and thick, like he was sleeping - or trying to, more like, with the state of things.
After a moment he seems to realize something about the way Krouse sounds though, and Fabian's tone shifts closer to awareness, something sharper in there. Worried, almost. ]
What's going on? Where are you?
[ Krouse makes a rough, breathless sound like a bad imitation of a laugh. Count on Fabian to worry, after all the shit Krouse has pulled. ]
Outside the woods.
[ On the grass, panting in the glow of the Kwik Trip's exterior lights. ]
Doesn't matter. [ He pushes up on his elbows, wincing silently, and reaches down to his pockets to fumble out his cigarettes and lighter. ] You - seen Gorgug, lately?
Outside the woods.
[ On the grass, panting in the glow of the Kwik Trip's exterior lights. ]
Doesn't matter. [ He pushes up on his elbows, wincing silently, and reaches down to his pockets to fumble out his cigarettes and lighter. ] You - seen Gorgug, lately?
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