[There's a short fifteen seconds of silence while Zahliya considers this, and it almost looks like a "no" for a second... and then he nods.]
I'm sure there are scratches there. Be gentle.
[As if Luca hasn't been this entire time, he reminds himself.]
And very well. I would only borrow your clothes until my own can be fixed, but I do hope that doesn't bother you. They are still functional. It isn't like they're falling off my body. [Haha...] And no, they were just swords. I've gone through many over the centuries. I just hate it every time.
[Thankfully, Luca doesn't seem bothered by the request. Yes, he's been gentle, but that doesn't mean the reminder puts him on edge. With as many wounds as Zahliya has gathered, he can hardly be faulted for his hesitation.]
I will. I promise.
[The soiled rag is set aside for now, and replaced with something newer and cleaner. With a thumb and forefinger placed feather light against Zahliya's chin, Luca begins to delicately tilt his head this way and that as he dabs at the wounds. His brows are furrowed, concern written into his features even in spite of his best efforts.]
It doesn't bother me. You should be comfortable while you rest. Once we're done here, I'll fetch something.
[Since there's now hands moving in front of his face, his eyes fall shut, and he stays still as best he can.]
You are kind to do so, Luca. I shouldn't have to rely on help, but...
[Were his head not being lovingly cradled, he'd shake it.]
I do these things, normally. I go into the forest and take out threats getting too close to the fog wall. If I come back injured, it's negligible. I simply go onto the roof and rest. ...to be honest, I do not know why I came here. I simply wanted to say "hello" to you after a few days.
[His voice is almost soft. Bordering on the tender, even. Something wells within his chest that he doesn't care to place, and yet that doesn't keep him from speaking it aloud into the air between them.]
One might think you missed me.
[He... doesn't mind that thought. It's a problem, but one he'll find time to deal with later. Thankfully, he manages to swallow down any of the other words that might try to come out. Someone has to save him from making a fool of himself, right?]
In any case, it's good that you came to me. It isn't the first time I have had to clean a few bloodied wounds. Usually they're just on me.
[One might think. Yeah, that's probably it. Missed him, huh... Zahliya can say with confidence he misses a lot of people. There are people that were here once that never came back. People that were here that came back before disappearing again. Stone remembers the hand which carved it as much as it remembers the various faces that passed it by throughout its lifetime.
This, though, feels like a different sort of "missing". Like maybe he's less superglued to the past and that the haze in his brain is starting to clear somehow... ah, he's bad with emotions, so he can't really understand it either way. Maybe all the yelling Irene used to do is getting through to him belatedly.]
I would normally go to Add for medical treatments. [Which begs the question: Why not go there now?] Of course, he is a bit pokey with his needles, and I do not like his sleep-drugs he uses. ...I prefer this.
[Why not go there indeed. Luca might have thought to question this much, but Zahliya's comment regarding those needles and drugs promptly silences him. It was only natural for the gargoyle to shy away toward something gentler.
(Luca tries not to think about the fact that Zahliya had no idea how gentle Luca would be. Or if he would offer care at all.]
There's no need for sedation in this case, at least. [Especially with the way Zahliya's body seems to be burning away everything else. It only takes a few more dabs to thoroughly cleanse his face, too. Certainly not worth the fuss Add might have kicked up.]
There. If you want to use the washroom to strip down, go ahead. I can grab some clothes while you're at it.
I will do this, though I do not understand the human need for privacy, as I don't have anything you don't.
[Z...Zahliya you can't just make that claim, you definitely do not have normal anatomy can we help you
Anyway, he stands and stretches and ow that was a mistake, some of the worse cuts on his side are protesting that motion, but he'll be fine. That internal furnace of his will fix him within the next day or two, theoretically.]
I'll be back, then.
[To the washroom he goes, though, to strip down and await further clothing. Do not let the garg walk around naked.]
[Is that a bitter laugh on Luca's part? It must be, considering the wry smile that he offers the gargoyle.]
Let's not make assumptions, yes?
[He waits for Zahliya to retreat behind closed doors, before digging out an extra shirt and a pair of trousers. Once he's better acclimated, he might take the time to ask Heimr for some better clothes that actually came from home, but that was something that could be dealt with later. For now, he was content with the basic, loose fitting clothing he had dug up.
(And if he just so happens to pick up the nice, burgundy one that looks near to his hair, well... surely that was just coincidence.)
Satisfied with his selections knocks on the door. The clothing his held off to the side, while Luca glances the other way. He's a very polite young man, thank you.]
[Yes, surely it's just a coincidence :) Anyway, Luca does not get to see Zahliya's various battle scars in that case, but a little purple hand does snatch the clothing before the door shuts and he changes. They're comfortable, if almost imperceptibly too large on him. Zahliya is very petite.
When the door opens, he's decent, so Luca won't have to turn away and Zahliya can theoretically shut his mouth and not make things super awkward. Probably. In either case, his hair is down, and he's brushing out the waves with his fingers.]
[The way those words twist at his chest. Unfamiliar as genuine kindness and friendship have become, their warmth nearly burns him from the inside out. He glances to the side after Zahliya speaks, unsure, at first, if he should say anything at all. It would surely be better for them both if Luca only nodded and let things be.
Instead, he opens his stupid mouth, letting all those halting and stammering words spill out at will.]
I am glad you are here as well. If only because it means you are not being poked and prodded elsewhere. [He really, really doesn't want to deal with this Add guy, he's realizing.
He moves past Zahliya, heading toward the bed. He peels away one single blanket and a pillow for himself, then moves to set up a little nest for himself on the floor.]
The bed is all yours. I have slept far worse places than the floor.
Not if you're going to make a big deal out of it!! [what] I thought it may be nice for neither of us to have to sleep on the floor! Have you never hugged someone in your life?
[ZAHLIYA, YOU'RE TERRIFIED OF TOUCH. WHAT???]
I just— perhaps I enjoy having you around and missed you for two days! [what are we fucking arguing about]
[What is he supposed to say to that! Nothing, apparently. He just plops down onto his pseudo nest on the floor, arms crossed over his chest and chin tipped toward the sky. A muscle within his jaw works, the tension evident in his frame even as he tries to work through it.]
I was never... around people like that back home. [His words come out slow, almost through gritted teeth.] And over the last few years, companionship has been far less... compassionate.
[His arms finally loosen, falling down into his lap.]
But. I suppose I can admit it was... quiet without you around.
[Well, Zahliya, you stab anything that wanders out of the fog, so...]
...sorry, Lu. [Oh, we have a nickname now.] I don't mean to yell or assume. But I do think it would be nice if you were to be up here with me. ...that's all. You don't have to, of course.
[Zahliya only sang to him once, but he finds himself humming the melody without thinking when he works.]
I'm sorry too. [And as if to prove it, he picks up his little nest and... pitter-patters over to the bed. The blankets are set down, before he promptly - turns his back to Zahliya.]
[Zahliya decides "look away" means "roll over and face the opposite direction". He doesn't want Luca to think he's peeking through his fingers, therefore, he flips over. There's a hiss when he lays on an injury, but beyond that...]
[Really, it would have been smarter to strip this particular layer off while Zahliya was changing earlier, but Luca nor I thought about that so...
He quickly unbuttons his shirt and pulls the binding strip of fabric over his chest off. A deep breath follows, loosening aching muscle and allowing relief to the bones trapped beneath. He tucks errant strip back beneath the bed before turning back once more. He makes quick work of the buttons there before allowing his shoulders to relax.]
Okay. You're good.
[The shirt is loose enough, at least, that he doesn't feel that any differences are immediately obvious. It should, at the very least, buy him time to get tucked into the miles of blankets that would otherwise cover his torso.]
[Oblivious because he's been looking at a wall and maybe a pillow or something, Zahliya carefully flips back over and faces Luca without much preamble. He could hear the sounds of fabric rustling, yes, and assumes that Luca was just changing into something or doing... a human thing? The gargoyle is still unclear on the human things.]
Hello. [...why is that the first thing out of his mouth, he wonders. What's wrong with him.] Mm... you aren't going to find the green lights in my skin difficult to sleep around, are you?
[It's a very silly thing to say, and yet Luca is smiling at it all the same. Shyly, but smiling nonetheless. Why was he so worked up earlier, anyway? It's not like he hasn't shared a bed with someone before. Granted, he hasn't done so on good terms in close to seven years but... who's counting, really.]
Hi. [And then a laugh. He shakes his head as the sound trickles out, throwing the noise this way and that.]
Not so long as you do not mind me waking up in flames in the middle of the night, speaking in tongues. [A pause, and then a second bout of laughter.] That... will not actually happen. Not unless something attacks us.
[Is it good terms if he's injured (but somewhat-rapidly healing)? Maybe not, but at least Zahliya is fond enough of Luca to be here in the first place. That must count for something.]
I am immune to flame. [He is rocks.] If we are attacked all the way up here, I would be shocked, considering the number of creatures I eliminated. Any stragglers wandering through will be caught by Moder.
[Or any number of the other freaks here with wild powers. Mizuki tends to eat them, for example.]
...in the meanwhile, consider me something of a nightlight. If it does keep you awake, bury me under the blankets. I'm sure that will fix it.
[Anything is better than Fishy hate sex, at least in Luca's book. Probably in Kiera's too.]
Sounds as if I have nothing to worry about. [It's more relieving than he lets on to know that Zahliya won't be singed if Luca does manage to lose control. It's not something that happens often, generally in the wake of him dying more than anything.]
At least I know I won't bash my toes in if I have to fumble around in the middle of the night. [Curse those midnight toilet runs.
Anyway... is he snuggling just that little bit closer? Maybe.]
[Maybe he is snuggling closer! And maybe Zahliya acknowledges it with a momentary surprised blink, and perhaps he even reaches out to try taking one of Luca's hands in a loose, noncommittal hold. You don't have to hold his hand, but something in the way they're laying now makes him want to.
He can't figure it out. Zahliya is not, by nature, a nervous person, and yet... Luca makes him feel light, like he could float off at any moment. Instinct tells him to run off. Something makes him stay.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 01:36 am (UTC)I'm sure there are scratches there. Be gentle.
[As if Luca hasn't been this entire time, he reminds himself.]
And very well. I would only borrow your clothes until my own can be fixed, but I do hope that doesn't bother you. They are still functional. It isn't like they're falling off my body. [Haha...] And no, they were just swords. I've gone through many over the centuries. I just hate it every time.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:27 am (UTC)I will. I promise.
[The soiled rag is set aside for now, and replaced with something newer and cleaner. With a thumb and forefinger placed feather light against Zahliya's chin, Luca begins to delicately tilt his head this way and that as he dabs at the wounds. His brows are furrowed, concern written into his features even in spite of his best efforts.]
It doesn't bother me. You should be comfortable while you rest. Once we're done here, I'll fetch something.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:45 am (UTC)You are kind to do so, Luca. I shouldn't have to rely on help, but...
[Were his head not being lovingly cradled, he'd shake it.]
I do these things, normally. I go into the forest and take out threats getting too close to the fog wall. If I come back injured, it's negligible. I simply go onto the roof and rest. ...to be honest, I do not know why I came here. I simply wanted to say "hello" to you after a few days.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:58 am (UTC)[His voice is almost soft. Bordering on the tender, even. Something wells within his chest that he doesn't care to place, and yet that doesn't keep him from speaking it aloud into the air between them.]
One might think you missed me.
[He... doesn't mind that thought. It's a problem, but one he'll find time to deal with later. Thankfully, he manages to swallow down any of the other words that might try to come out. Someone has to save him from making a fool of himself, right?]
In any case, it's good that you came to me. It isn't the first time I have had to clean a few bloodied wounds. Usually they're just on me.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 04:55 pm (UTC)This, though, feels like a different sort of "missing". Like maybe he's less superglued to the past and that the haze in his brain is starting to clear somehow... ah, he's bad with emotions, so he can't really understand it either way. Maybe all the yelling Irene used to do is getting through to him belatedly.]
I would normally go to Add for medical treatments. [Which begs the question: Why not go there now?] Of course, he is a bit pokey with his needles, and I do not like his sleep-drugs he uses. ...I prefer this.
GUESS WHO POSTED THIS AS A NEW TOP LEVEL INSTEAD OF A REPLY.
Date: 2024-02-26 03:54 pm (UTC)(Luca tries not to think about the fact that Zahliya had no idea how gentle Luca would be. Or if he would offer care at all.]
There's no need for sedation in this case, at least. [Especially with the way Zahliya's body seems to be burning away everything else. It only takes a few more dabs to thoroughly cleanse his face, too. Certainly not worth the fuss Add might have kicked up.]
There. If you want to use the washroom to strip down, go ahead. I can grab some clothes while you're at it.
SCREAMS LAUGHING I SEE
Date: 2024-02-26 05:52 pm (UTC)[Z...Zahliya you can't just make that claim, you definitely do not have normal anatomy can we help you
Anyway, he stands and stretches and ow that was a mistake, some of the worse cuts on his side are protesting that motion, but he'll be fine. That internal furnace of his will fix him within the next day or two, theoretically.]
I'll be back, then.
[To the washroom he goes, though, to strip down and await further clothing. Do not let the garg walk around naked.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 01:04 am (UTC)Let's not make assumptions, yes?
[He waits for Zahliya to retreat behind closed doors, before digging out an extra shirt and a pair of trousers. Once he's better acclimated, he might take the time to ask Heimr for some better clothes that actually came from home, but that was something that could be dealt with later. For now, he was content with the basic, loose fitting clothing he had dug up.
(And if he just so happens to pick up the nice, burgundy one that looks near to his hair, well... surely that was just coincidence.)
Satisfied with his selections knocks on the door. The clothing his held off to the side, while Luca glances the other way. He's a very polite young man, thank you.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 01:32 am (UTC)When the door opens, he's decent, so Luca won't have to turn away and Zahliya can theoretically shut his mouth and not make things super awkward. Probably. In either case, his hair is down, and he's brushing out the waves with his fingers.]
These will do. Thank you, Luca.
[Tail swish.]
I'm glad I came here.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 01:58 am (UTC)Instead, he opens his stupid mouth, letting all those halting and stammering words spill out at will.]
I am glad you are here as well. If only because it means you are not being poked and prodded elsewhere. [He really, really doesn't want to deal with this Add guy, he's realizing.
He moves past Zahliya, heading toward the bed. He peels away one single blanket and a pillow for himself, then moves to set up a little nest for himself on the floor.]
The bed is all yours. I have slept far worse places than the floor.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:03 am (UTC)Why are you sleeping on the floor? [explain to him your strange human habits.] You do realise I sleep on a roof every night, yes?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:05 am (UTC)[Petulant and matter of fact as can be.]
Get comfortable. I will not be arguing this.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:10 am (UTC)[......and then he just. Gets into the bed. Gets under the mass of blankets. Rolls around... scoots over... looks at Luca.]
There is room for you. See?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:20 am (UTC)[Hang on, what -]
You... want me to... Sleep with you?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:38 am (UTC)Not if you're going to make a big deal out of it!! [what] I thought it may be nice for neither of us to have to sleep on the floor! Have you never hugged someone in your life?
[ZAHLIYA, YOU'RE TERRIFIED OF TOUCH. WHAT???]
I just— perhaps I enjoy having you around and missed you for two days! [what are we fucking arguing about]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:45 am (UTC)[What is he supposed to say to that! Nothing, apparently. He just plops down onto his pseudo nest on the floor, arms crossed over his chest and chin tipped toward the sky. A muscle within his jaw works, the tension evident in his frame even as he tries to work through it.]
I was never... around people like that back home. [His words come out slow, almost through gritted teeth.] And over the last few years, companionship has been far less... compassionate.
[His arms finally loosen, falling down into his lap.]
But. I suppose I can admit it was... quiet without you around.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 03:13 am (UTC)[Well, Zahliya, you stab anything that wanders out of the fog, so...]
...sorry, Lu. [Oh, we have a nickname now.] I don't mean to yell or assume. But I do think it would be nice if you were to be up here with me. ...that's all. You don't have to, of course.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 03:21 am (UTC)[Zahliya only sang to him once, but he finds himself humming the melody without thinking when he works.]
I'm sorry too. [And as if to prove it, he picks up his little nest and... pitter-patters over to the bed. The blankets are set down, before he promptly - turns his back to Zahliya.]
Look away. Just for a moment.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 03:24 am (UTC)Okay. I'm looking away.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 03:31 am (UTC)He quickly unbuttons his shirt and pulls the binding strip of fabric over his chest off. A deep breath follows, loosening aching muscle and allowing relief to the bones trapped beneath. He tucks errant strip back beneath the bed before turning back once more. He makes quick work of the buttons there before allowing his shoulders to relax.]
Okay. You're good.
[The shirt is loose enough, at least, that he doesn't feel that any differences are immediately obvious. It should, at the very least, buy him time to get tucked into the miles of blankets that would otherwise cover his torso.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 03:37 am (UTC)Hello. [...why is that the first thing out of his mouth, he wonders. What's wrong with him.] Mm... you aren't going to find the green lights in my skin difficult to sleep around, are you?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 04:12 am (UTC)Hi. [And then a laugh. He shakes his head as the sound trickles out, throwing the noise this way and that.]
Not so long as you do not mind me waking up in flames in the middle of the night, speaking in tongues. [A pause, and then a second bout of laughter.] That... will not actually happen. Not unless something attacks us.
But no. It will not keep me up.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-29 09:29 pm (UTC)I am immune to flame. [He is rocks.] If we are attacked all the way up here, I would be shocked, considering the number of creatures I eliminated. Any stragglers wandering through will be caught by Moder.
[Or any number of the other freaks here with wild powers. Mizuki tends to eat them, for example.]
...in the meanwhile, consider me something of a nightlight. If it does keep you awake, bury me under the blankets. I'm sure that will fix it.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-01 01:55 am (UTC)Sounds as if I have nothing to worry about. [It's more relieving than he lets on to know that Zahliya won't be singed if Luca does manage to lose control. It's not something that happens often, generally in the wake of him dying more than anything.]
At least I know I won't bash my toes in if I have to fumble around in the middle of the night. [Curse those midnight toilet runs.
Anyway... is he snuggling just that little bit closer? Maybe.]
Good night, Zahliya.
no subject
Date: 2024-03-02 10:21 pm (UTC)He can't figure it out. Zahliya is not, by nature, a nervous person, and yet... Luca makes him feel light, like he could float off at any moment. Instinct tells him to run off. Something makes him stay.
Guh. He'll think about it in the morning.]
Goodnight, Lu. Wake me if you need something.
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