ledbythewind | [Action]

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.]

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

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

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

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

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

If you didn't deserve it, I wouldn't be helping you. So shut up.

[There isn't enough fight left in him to protest, so he's going to be obeying whether he wants to or not.

And then he freezes, going pale as he chokes on another mouthful of blood. He can't help but wonder just how long this part is going to last; he's not sure how much more of this he will be able to handle.]

[Pulling a tissue from his pocket, Isamu hands it over to his friend, waiting patiently for the coughing to subside.]

[Richard nods his thanks and presses it to his lips to absorb the blood, cringing at the memories it brings back. Once he manages to stop coughing, however, he's moving on without another word, intent just on making it to the bed so he can lie down.]

[Easing their way inside.]

If you need more water, I'll get you some.

Please.

[Water is good. He's pretty sure he'll be able to keep that down, at least. He hopes.]

Alright.

[He helps Richard get settled before leaving again. This time he brings up a couple bottles of water, as he's sure his friend will want more later.]

I cracked the seals on these already, so you shouldn't have much trouble with the lids if you want to open them on your own later, I hope.

Thank you.

[He sits up a little from where he's propped himself up against the pillows to ease his coughing and reaches out to take one. So thoughtful, Isamu.]

Please don't feel like you need to watch over me. I'll be just fine if you want to go do something else.

Oh right. I have all those scantily clad ladies waiting for me downstairs. Better not keep them too long.

I'm sure they're all far prettier than I am, at least.

Of course. You clearly set the standard they have to surpass to get my interest.

I'm flattered. It wouldn't do for someone such as myself to be anything less than that.

Listen to our vain little king here. Haha.

Get some rest now, your highness.

[Richard is quite good at putting on a mask when it's needed, such as now.]

And leave you alone with those ladies? Is that really wise?

Think they'll take advantage of me?

I would hardly consider it 'taking advantage of' if you're a willing participant.

Then there's nothing to worry about.

Just try not to be too loud so that I can get my rest. After all, you're the one insisting that I need it.

No wild parties. You know me.

Yes, I do.

[Richard smiles a little as he tugs the blankets up over himself, though if Isamu looks closely enough, he's still shivering despite them.]

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musubi - 2012-03-22 20:00 (UTC) - Expand

ledbythewind - 2012-03-22 20:04 (UTC) - Expand