InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "...Except how to dance."

Lacus Clyne (fields_of_hope) wrote in marinanova,
@ 2013-08-12 10:54:00

Entry tags:

lacus clyne, sam merlotte, sougo okita, tyki mikk

[Action/Voice]
((OOC: Otherwise entitled 'Sougo and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.' Anyone who notices Lacus' very conspicuous absence is welcome to call her or drop by her place in the afternoon, though they might have to contend with a grumpy roommate who's having the worst day ever!))
***

[Waking in an unfamiliar place isn't half as troubling as knowing that she can't, at the moment, leave under her own power. Gingerly, Lacus assesses herself, grateful for the bandages on her neck and less so for the tender side of her face that is doubtless an ugly, mottled purple. Even less encouraging is how weak those few moments of movement have left her. Coordinators are quick to heal, but still human.]

[A quick assessment of the morning's postings tells her that the visitors from yesterday were indeed temporary. If that's in any way a relief, it's tinged with bitterness nonetheless. Indignation for this place and its constant manipulations will have to wait, however, as she has calls to make. It won't do for people to worry that she too has vanished without a trace.]

[Voice/Private - Sougo Okita]
Sougo? [Immediately, she regrets making the call herself. Her voice is weak and thin, no way he won't worry. She hates to do this after he's lost his sister. But surely Data's close by, she trusts that he wouldn't leave her alone like this, so he can help her explain things.]

[Voice/Private - Sam Merlotte]
[She waits until afternoon to call Sam, when perhaps she could sound a bit less upsetting. Unfortunately she can't muster much more energy and so probably sounds just as worrying, but she can't wait any longer before she's late for her shift.] Sam? I'm sorry, but [she has to take a breath before she can go on] I won't be able to come to work for a few days.

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fields_of_hope
2013-08-13 09:04 pm UTC (link)

[Eyes closed, she leans heavily against him. Almost there, right? And she can rest for a while, and warm up under five blankets and fall asleep on her favorite pillow, and when she wakes up and reaches out he'll be right there. That's all she wants in the world.]

You always take care of me. [Lacus makes an attempt to reach her hand up toward his face, only making it a few inches.] I have to be okay. So one day I can take care of you.

[A long pause. She's shivering pretty steadily, now. The longer she's awake it's like her body just gives out little by little.] Almost there...

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sadistfaction
2013-08-13 10:08 pm UTC (link)

[He's not entirely sure that he always takes care of her, but it was nice to know that she felt that way.]

All right. Here we go.

[He enters their residential building and heads right on over to their apartment. For a moment he debated on trying to enter as quietly as possible, so as not to startle her, but being faster was far more important than being quiet.]

Just a little more.

[He opens the door, then kicks it in attempt to shut it, not that it was as effective as it could have been. It wasn't that important.

He makes his way over to her room, slowly and carefully placing her on her bed.]

There. In a second I'm going to get you more blankets and some water. Is there anything else you need?

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fields_of_hope
2013-08-13 10:28 pm UTC (link)

[Less careful with her expression now, Lacus winces as the scrapes down her back burn when she's laid down. Minor compared to her other problems, true, but not easily ignored when her focus is all but gone. She curls up on her side, as if in self protection, tries in vain to stop shivering.]

Just don't leave me alone. [That may be the only thing in the world she truly fears, and only when she's this far gone would she ever voice it.]

[Mercifully and despite her shaking, as he puts blankets over her she lapses into a fitful sleep, and for the next while the occasional urgent murmur is all she voices. Her breathing slowly evens out into a much more reassuring, normal sound.]

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sadistfaction
2013-08-13 11:31 pm UTC (link)

[He sits on her bed, taking a breather now that he has a chance.

When it sounded to him like she was finally falling asleep, he slowly makes his way to the edge of her bed, not wanting to disturb her. He had to leave her alone for a moment as he goes to the kitchen to fetch some water for her.

He places the glass on her nightstand, and seats himself nearby on the floor. While he wanted to sit by her on the bed, he felt like he could burst into tears at any moment. If there was anything he wanted now, it was to be comforted by his sister. It really, really hurt knowing that the only chance he would ever have to see her again is in this place. It had happened twice already. This could never, ever happen back home in his real world.

He understood that Lacus was injured pretty seriously. He understood that the events of yesterday were only temporary. Knowing all of that didn't matter because he still felt incredibly lonely and desperate for any sort of comfort.

Sougo opted for sitting there as the tears start to fall again, and waiting for Lacus to regain consciousness.]

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fields_of_hope
2013-08-13 11:51 pm UTC (link)

[The first hour is the worst, her body's search for equilibrium has her shaking and sweating, almost feverish, and she's constantly grabbing the water glass and downing it like she's near dead from thirst. Finally the brilliant design of her Coordinator's body kicks in and, having the necessary warmth and hydration, goes to work. She settles and sleeps soundly for a time as her core temperature stabilizes and her system starts making new blood cells at an impossible rate. Within two hours the blue tinge to her lips and fingernails is gone, in three she's looking significantly better.]

[Lacus finally becomes aware of herself again, much later. She sees an empty water glass on the bedside table and knows she must have drank it, but she doesn't recall it. In fact, she can't recall much of their arrival back home; a few blurry images here and there and that enveloping, all-over dread are all she can immediately remember.]

[Immediately, she looks around for Sougo and, seeing him seated on the floor, reaches to brush his cheek with her fingertips. The gesture is at once grateful and apologetic; she can only imagine what this day has been like for him. She's not in perfect shape but good enough that she wants to start making it up to him right away.]

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sadistfaction
2013-08-14 12:17 am UTC (link)

[He's not entirely sure how long it's been. It had to have been hours, though at the same time it seemed she was up sooner than he had anticipated. He thought it would be a day or two, at the very least.

Sougo looks up at her when he feels her touch, wiping his eyes as quickly as he can. He wasn't embarrassed about being in tears, it was more that he was hit with guilt.]

Hey...

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fields_of_hope
2013-08-14 12:25 am UTC (link)

[She won't be up and about for a day or two, however her eyes are much clearer. She wouldn't make Sougo wait days for the comfort he needs and deserves.]

[And just in case he needs to hear it,] I feel much better. [Not entirely better, not even mostly. Comparatively though, she's improved leaps and bounds.]

[She's unsurprised to find him upset, and so she smiles through it. A sad smile, heavy with regret and sorrow, but a smile. Her fingers gently brush through his hair, since that's all of him she can reach.] You didn't have to stay down there.

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	sadistfaction 2013-08-14 12:54 am UTC (link)
	[He gets on his knees for her to have a better reach, resting his head on her bed.] Sorry. [He puts his hand over his nose and sniffles.] Glad you're feeling better, Lacus. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fields_of_hope 2013-08-14 01:00 am UTC (link)
	[Oh Sougo, you hit all her grief and sadness buttons at once with that pose.] Don't apologize. [Lacus curls onto her side to face him and shifts closer, the movement halting though stronger. Her hand continues to stroke his hair, and her voice is almost back to its regular soothing tones.] Just tell me what I can do, if there's anything at all. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	sadistfaction 2013-08-14 09:11 pm UTC (link)
	I should've insisted that my sister come to meet you. [He's really upset that he didn't think of it sooner.] Someone who can actually tolerate my bullshit... She would have been glad. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fields_of_hope
2013-08-14 09:11 pm UTC (link)

[Lacus smiles over at him, undeniably fond.] Tolerates isn't the word I would choose. I love you for who you are, not in spite of it.

I'm sure she wouldn't have been surprised. [She keeps stroking his hair, trying to get him to relax a little if possible. Poor thing's had a trying day to say the least.] She knows better than I do all the good things about you.

['Knew the good things' is probably the more accurate way to put it. Lacus chooses not to phrase it that way for reasons she doesn't care to tease apart just now.]

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	sadistfaction 2013-08-14 09:22 pm UTC (link)
	[He sniffles, putting his hands to his face.] But why can't they let visitors stay a little longer? Why? A day... It's just not enough time. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fields_of_hope
2013-08-14 09:27 pm UTC (link)

It isn't. [In this instance, anyway. Lacus is aware that Neil was here yesterday and between everything else she's trying not to think about how afraid she was to see him. She doesn't know whether she was more afraid that he wouldn't remember her, or that he would.]

[For Sougo though, he had nothing like that to fear, and a day, a week, months wouldn't be enough. Lacus would do anything to give his sister back to him now.] And it isn't fair. I'm so sorry, Sougo.

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	sadistfaction 2013-08-14 09:50 pm UTC (link)
	[He gets up off his knees and sits at the edge of her bed.] I hate knowing that this will never happen at home. I hate feeling like I never want to go back home because I won't ever have the chance to see her ever again. [Sougo wipes his eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling.] I hate that I'm not strong enough to be without her. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fields_of_hope
2013-08-14 10:12 pm UTC (link)

[If a heart can break from reflected grief, Lacus' is doing so now. With a great burst of adrenaline she pushes herself up and wraps her arms around him, ignoring the way her head violently spins by closing her eyes and leaning it against him.] Sougo...

I wish you never had to feel like this. If I can give you any bit of comfort, or lend you my strength to get you through, I'll do whatever I can. I can't give you what you need and deserve, but you're not alone. I promise.

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	sadistfaction 2013-08-14 10:33 pm UTC (link)
	[There was a moment where he thought about wrapping his arms around her too, but he decides against it. It was too upsetting.] I'm sorry. You're hurt really badly and here I am being shitty and self centered, just like I always am. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fields_of_hope 2013-08-14 10:38 pm UTC (link)
	You're hurting, and I'm your friend. This is the only thing I should be doing. [She steadfastly ignores her lightheaded nausea and keeps her arms around him.] My wounds will heal. Yours are much deeper and have been there much longer, and worry me far more. Let me take care of you as best I can. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	sadistfaction 2013-08-14 11:52 pm UTC (link)
	[It is then that Sougo wraps his arms around her.] Thank you. [He holds her.] Thanks for listening to me, and letting me cry. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fields_of_hope
2013-08-14 11:57 pm UTC (link)

[With her eyes still closed -- she's afraid she'll faint if she opens them -- Lacus stretches up to kiss his temple, then rests her forehead on the same spot.] Thank you for trusting me enough to let me.

[She's quiet for a long moment, both from emotion and from the lurching feeling from her vertigo.] Maybe we should spend the next few days taking care of each other. [Because it goes without saying that she needs him just as much right now.]

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	sadistfaction 2013-08-15 12:16 am UTC (link)
	Sounds good. Here- [he releases her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.] Lie down and I'm gonna get you more water. I'll lie next to you when I get back, okay? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fields_of_hope 2013-08-15 12:19 am UTC (link)
	[She nods, eyes still closed, and allows him to guide her down. Once she's resting on the pillow, she slowly opens her eyes. The room tilts to and fro, but it's much better than it was while sitting upright.] That would be very nice. And I'll tell you everything you want to know about what happened. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

sadistfaction
2013-08-15 08:35 pm UTC (link)

[Sougo nods, putting her blanket over her.

He makes a quick trip over to the bathroom first to wash his face. After he is patted dry he heads to kitchen, refilling the glass of water he had left for Lacus. He again sets it on the nightstand before crawling onto the bed on the other side of Lacus.

He runs his hands through his hair with a long sigh. So emotionally drained.]

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fields_of_hope
2013-08-15 08:58 pm UTC (link)

[Lacus glances over at the water, she's afraid she'll faint if she sits up to drink, and she's frightened poor Sougo enough today. She turns over to rest her head on his arm. And, without much thought about what she should say, starts talking.]

I wasn't planning to come home until very late last night, even if I hadn't been attacked. I wanted to give you the time with your sister... I told myself that, but I was also afraid to walk home earlier. Neil was here yesterday and I don't think I wanted to see him.

That's why I was out so late, alone. [Part of her did indeed want to see the man who she thought loved her, even if it meant having to hear it confirmed that he didn't. Maybe it would have been best to get that closure. It hardly matters now.]

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	sadistfaction 2013-08-15 09:30 pm UTC (link)
	I see. [He felt a little awkward, not sure how to comfort her, so he settles for patting her head very gently.] Thanks for that, I guess. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fields_of_hope
2013-08-15 09:55 pm UTC (link)

[She doesn't think she deserves any thanks, it was as much selfish as selfless after all.]

I thought someone was following me home from the hot springs, but I lowered my guard when he spoke to me. We've talked before, and he was perfectly friendly.

And then out of nowhere he grabbed me. I tried to fight back and I got him to release his hold, but he was too fast for me. He tackled me to the ground and pinned me down and...

[Remembering it is upsetting, so rather than detail what happened Lacus gently pulls the bandage off her neck, wincing a little as the dried blood sticks to the gauze. By the twin puncture wounds on her neck, it's all too obvious just what attacked her.]

[She clutches at his arm, trying not to think about her body getting cold and her pulse slowing as Spike gorged himself on her blood.]