[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's the rain that finally pulls Richard back to consciousness from where he's lying on the forest floor amidst the new greenery. He blinks his eyes open and tries to lift his head to see where he is, memories of the past week filtering slowly back to him as his grip on consciousness gradually grows more firm. He's about to move to attempt to sit up when a sudden stabbing pain in his abdomen causes him to double up with a sharp gasp, and as he does so, he chokes on an all-too-familiar coppery taste and panic floods his mind in turn, because it's just like--

It's a long moment before he's able to calm down enough to think rationally. He's not going to die. The Malnosso didn't want to kill him. But he needs to get home somehow and get help. A nearby tree works well enough to help get him upright (albeit with considerable effort); after another moment to steady himself, he sets out in what he hopes is the direction of the village.

He can be found making his unsteady way towards House 28, pale and leaning on nearby objects to help him remain upright, one arm wrapped gingerly around his stomach. It's pretty clear that he's not in the best shape, though he's determined not to ask for any assistance. Once he finally makes it to the house, it takes the last of his energy to open the door. That's all he can manage-- he staggers a few paces inside, then collapses on the floor, too tired to go any further.

'Sup housemates, he's home.]

Comments

[ledbythewind]

A glass of water... please.

[He'd really like to get that taste of blood out of his mouth if possible.]

[musubi]

Yeah, okay.

Give me a sec and, uh... stay awake.

[He hovers around his friend one more moment before moving off to get the water. Returning shortly thereafter, he holds the glass out carefully.]

[ledbythewind]

[A tired nod of thanks is all Richard can manage as he takes the glass and sips at it, not wanting to drink too much at once in case it sets off another coughing fit.

But now that the adrenaline from trying to make his way home is wearing off, he's starting to shiver as the chill from the rain soaking his clothes sets in.]

[musubi]

[Isamu notices and begins to gently help removing Richard's outermost layers.]

Don't talk too much if you don't need to.

[ledbythewind]

[Richard nods, setting the half-empty glass down on the floor before his shivering lands it there in a manner that isn't under his control.]

It's all right.

[musubi]

It's not all right.

...But I'm glad you think you'll live through this.

[ledbythewind]

This time I will.

[He did say he'd been through this before, after all.]

[musubi]

"This time?"

[ledbythewind]

My uncle.

[Hopefully that should be enough explanation for right now. Once his wet clothing is off, he rubs his arms in an attempt to warm himself up.]

[musubi]

[Whether it is or not, Isamu doesn't ask any further questions. this isn't the time.

He holds up a finger, a silent command to stay put for a moment, as he goes off to retrieve a blanket. Upon return, he lays it around the king's shoulders.]

[ledbythewind]

[He'll get a smile of gratitude in return as Richard pulls it close around himself, settling back down in a half-sitting, half-slumped position while he tries to regain his energy. It's not long before he winces and doubles over again, though, albeit without coughing blood this time.]

[musubi]

[Isamu rubs at his back some more.]

If you think you'll be able to get up at any point, I'd like to be able to get you somewhere more comfortable.

But there's no hurry.

[ledbythewind]

I think... I can manage, as long as I can lean on you. It just might take some time to get there.

[Yeah, he's still pretty shaky. But the floor isn't exactly comfortable.]

[musubi]

[Nodding, he stands and waits. He's not going to rush his poisoned friend.]

[ledbythewind]

[And Richard moves to get to his feet... only to discover that his legs don't have the strength to push him upright on his own. Sorry, Isamu, he's going to need a hand here.]

[musubi]

[Isamu is quick to grab him around the waist, pulling one arm over his shoulders.]

Ah. Easy there.

[ledbythewind]

Thank you.

[His legs almost buckle for a second before he manages to stabilize himself enough to stand up the rest of the way, leaning heavily on Isamu as he does so.]

[musubi]

[He just tightens his grip, supporting as much of the blond's weight as is necessary.]

We'll do one step at a time, alright? As slow as you need to.

[ledbythewind]

[Fortunately there's not that much weight to support; Richard has always been on the slender side.]

All right.

[And he'll be making a very determined effort! One foot in front of the other, he can do this. It's not as hard with Isamu helping like this.]

[musubi]

[Luckily it's just that short flight of stairs up to their room. Living in the apartments at this time would have been hell.]

You need to stop showing up like this, you know.

[ledbythewind]

I'm sorry.

[He feels like he's been apologizing for a lot of things lately, and it bothers him. It bothers him that he's done so many things that (in his mind) need apologizing for, even if they weren't really his fault at all.]

[musubi]

More importantly, stop apologizing. I'm just teasing with you, you know.

[ledbythewind]

[Richard does indeed stop apologizing and remains silent, though his grip on Isamu's shirt tightens just a little.]

[musubi]

You're a piece of work, you know that?

And before you start feeling bad again, I say that in a fond manner.

[ledbythewind]

... thank you. For staying by my side in spite of everything, even though I don't deserve it.