Blue's heart won't stop racing, but he doesn't have it in him to flail about in desperation to get his bearings. instead he's braced, still shivering in harsh waves, but more aware of the pressure on his shoulder and the voice at his ear.]
Yzak...?
[he's still here. he holds his breath for a few beats before letting it out in a shaking huff. only after this does he turn his head enough to seek out Yzak's shape in the dark.]
[ First an answer to his name, and then an affirmation to his presence. He gives Blue's shoulder a gentle little squeeze, leaning in and over him some so he can be seen clearer. ]
[some of the tension leaves him at the assurance, and he gradually stops panting and quaking so much, letting out an exhausted sigh and resting his head back down on the sweat-soaked pillow.]
Just...a dream... And this is reality. I understand.
Just a dream. Though not a very pleasant one, clearly.
[ A small frown. ]
Here, take mine.
[ Though dark with the windows of their place drawn, there's still the slightest aura of red from the outside that gives the faintest taint of color to the surroundings. Unsettling, really.
Yzak reaches down to nudge at his own pillow with the offer. He doesn't look like he's planning to settle back down himself. At least, not immediately. ]
[for a moment, Blue doesn't move to accept or refuse, just laying and trying to feel present - as present as he can feel in such a state. he exhales, slowly turning to lie on his back and look up at Yzak.]
I don't think...I want to sleep anymore. But I'll be quiet, so you can.
[ Staring down at Blue with some concern etched on his face, Yzak is silent for a couple of beats. He feels wide awake now, too, even with that small spike of adrenaline from the sudden start awake receding.
That bad? he thinks, What the hell was it?
...
...
...
Ah. That gaze at Blue stretches out for a longer, and thus more awkward moment as a result of the realization. ]
You can't hear me right now, huh. [ A statement more than a question, because it's obvious.
Yzak sits up straighter, stretching his back out before he turns and swings his legs off of the side of the bed. ]
I'll sleep again in a bit. [ Because it'll take a bit either way, but part of him doesn't want to leave Blue alone here in the dark silence right away. ] I'll be right back, though. You want something to drink? I'll make some tea.
Edited (I reread and i change things) 2022-04-13 20:59 (UTC)
[it goes without saying, so Blue doesn't say anything. he can't hear it and it's miserable. he's miserable. but he's trying to recollect after such an aggressive scare.
he doesn't speak up until Yzak's gotten to his feet; he watches his figure in the dark - still present, not a figment.]
...Alright. [he'll start to shift, to prop himself up by his elbows and sit up.]
[ It's another one of those self-reflection moments, when he glances back to Blue with a small nod and takes note of his face. It's not as though Yzak doesn't look at anybody else he likes enough and wishes he could do something more than he is for them if they're not doing very well. But Blue is different, special, so that urge within him is stronger. Thus, the odd feeling of helplessness is stronger as well.
Again, he thinks of Dearka cutting into the silence with a joke or a stupid remark to attempt to cut the tension; even if it fell flat, the attempt would have been made. But that's simply not who Yzak is, so instead his own attempt is focused toward the immediate task ahead: the tea.
One hand runs fingers through his hair while the other reaches and turns the light up in their room before he exits - not too bright because it's late, but enough that it's not so sullen - and he isn't gone for long after he slips out of the room. Because he's also using a bit of fire Charter magic to impatiently speed up the boiling process.
He returns with two cups of tea, nothing else added to it (since he knows Blue can't really stomach it, and Yzak himself likes it this way, too). Yzak's cup has the smallest of chips on the handle, but otherwise they're just fine to drink from. Many items in Sedorum have been through it as much as the people have.
He steps back over to the bed and hands the other one out for Blue to take. ]
Here. This one is pretty good for this time of night.
[while Yzak's doing that, Blue is working to sit up properly, bring his legs around to facilitate that. it makes a bit of a mess of the covers, so he tries to smooth those out, all the while his stomach is roiling and brain still swirling from the disruption of that nightmare and from it being so, so quiet in his own head.
is it...pathetic? that Yzak's only disappeared to a nearby room for but a few minutes, and already Blue's aching for his company? humans are so much more used to being isolated in their own heads, right? but anxiety is rife in Sedorum - echoes of those things still linger in his memory even in the silence of his mind. to be afraid to be alone...that's human enough as it is Mu. it must be.
there's relief in seeing him again, and he quietly accepts the cup, going still until Yzak's sat himself back down.]
...Thank you. Yzak. [for a lot. for the tea right now, and for being present.]
[ When Yzak replies, it's with the tone that usually comes along with that feeling of investment, excitement over something that he actually enjoys speaking about. If Blue's picked up on that along with how he feels when he gets like this, it's pretty easy to note. ]
It's a blend from Giva that managed to find its way into my hands through one of the more secure shops. [ He takes a seat next to Blue once the other takes the cup from his hands. ] I forget the names of the plants it comes from, but I was told that it was a good choice if one were looking for relaxation and a good rest. Sort of like chamomile or lavender, where I come from.
And I enjoy both of those! [ He crosses his legs and brings his own cup to his lips, taking a small sip. ] So I can confirm that they were correct about this one. It's good.
[hearing Yzak speak with interest and insight is a balm; Blue listens while he brings the cup to his lip, still too hot to drink, but he can take the time to smell it and enjoy the warmth wafting up to tickle his nose.]
There wasn't much variety...on Shangri-la. With our resources being so limited. So between you and Sabriel...my exposure to teas has grown quite a lot.
[ Whatever sort of scent it is from this mix of foreign plants, Yzak enjoys it as much as anything else he's had before. It's strong, but not overwhelmingly so, so still calming ]
Her taste is distinguished, so you're in good hands where the right kind of exposure is concerned! [ He gives an assured little nod. ]
I've got a number of good ones back on the station. Christmas gifts from others, as well as some blends I picked up back on Braccia. Some of those are even slightly infused with some magic with different attributes. One if you're only looking for a specific timeframe of rest, one to prevent bad dreams.
Unfortunately I didn't bring those along with me, otherwise you could turn back in with little issue.
Because you've always been around the others, right? On the Shangri-la. Within proximity to always hear them. [ Always in hiding, unable to be truly alone in a sense, on that ship, close enough to at least pick up psionically on the others. That's what Yzak wonders at least. Were things different for Blue and his fellow Mu, having the freedom to live, to settle, to scatter, the occasional quiet from distance might have been possible in a way where this change might not be so difficult to deal with.
... but that was never the case for him, huh. And thus. ]
[after another small sip:] I don't...entirely remember. I know it was unpleasant, but then...we're in a land where everyone's minds are in some layer of distress. That much...seems inevitable.
[he looks over.]
It's gotten to you in its ways, hasn't it? That atmosphere.
Of course it has. I wouldn't consider it close to an idea of what "hell" would actually be like ... but it's bad enough in its own right!
Everyone seems pretty dragged down, being here. But considering we were only allowed a couple of week's worth of rest after Badrock ... I'm not surprised. I am used to the nonstop, which might give me a slight edge. But that might not be the case for the others.
[ Fingers curled into and around the handle of the cup, his free hand rests on the bed so Yzak can lean back some and return the look. ]
Of course, I'm not able to feel those things like you're able to.
I will manage. [he must. but more than that:] There was once a time...when I never had this sense of the world. I don't remember it anymore, but there was a time before this power was awake in me. So I certainly fared well without it.
There is little I can do to keep from getting caught unawares in sleep, however. I know you don't need to hear it, but...I am sorry. For frightening you.
Hmph, frightened? Slightly surprised at most! And I've woken up to much worse than an unpleasant dream. [ He takes another small drink from his own cup, eyes still on Blue. ] It's fine. If anything I'm glad it was just that.
...
Not that it's great, obviously! But, sitting here having tea isn't a terrible situation to end up in, is it?
[with a faint smile on his lips:] No, it isn't. Just don't...lose too much rest on my account; no matter how strong you are, you won't do yourself any favors...in cutting corners for my sake.
I'd cut more than just corners for your sake...! [ He'll cut mfing people. He has. ] But I get what you mean. I'll get my rest in just fine, so don't concern yourself about that!
[ He looks thoughtful for a long moment after he says that, before asking, simply curious now. ]
Was it at least good? The tea you had on your ship.
[Yzak's assertion only makes Blue smile all the more. even without being able to read the intentions behind it, the Mu can tell more or less the meat of it.
the smile wanes to something gentler, more thoughtful, as his eyes cast down upon the remains of his cup.]
...I think so. It's been a while...since I last had it. Fifteen years...
I remember the taste of synthetic whisky more. It's sharper. My friend, Harley...it was his go-to. Now and then, we'd share some together.
Well ... that's reassuring to hear at least. Shitty tea is the worst! But that can be any tea if it's not prepared properly, and they're all unique in that sense!
[ He's taking his own time sipping at his, allowing himself to indulge and enjoy, relax a bit so he can eventually get back to sleep. But truth be told, he's far more interested in Blue. ]
Harley...? That's a name I don't think you've mentioned, before.
William Harley... [Blue's expression grows more reflective in its fondness.] He's the only one of us who...remembers his name. From Ganymede.
He came to the laboratory a few years older than the rest of us. He'd already had his examination; his powers...they didn't manifest until later, it seems. So he's always been something...of an elder figure, whether he wished to be or not.
He commands the Shangri-La. Helped commandeer it. He'd been at my side...the entire time. One of my most trusted friends.
[he pauses to have another sip.]
When my psionics return...when...we return to the station... I can show you. What I remember of him.
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he's not...
Blue's heart won't stop racing, but he doesn't have it in him to flail about in desperation to get his bearings. instead he's braced, still shivering in harsh waves, but more aware of the pressure on his shoulder and the voice at his ear.]
Yzak...?
[he's still here. he holds his breath for a few beats before letting it out in a shaking huff. only after this does he turn his head enough to seek out Yzak's shape in the dark.]
Ah... There. You're here...
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[ First an answer to his name, and then an affirmation to his presence. He gives Blue's shoulder a gentle little squeeze, leaning in and over him some so he can be seen clearer. ]
Take it easy for a second.
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Just...a dream... And this is reality. I understand.
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Just a dream. Though not a very pleasant one, clearly.
[ A small frown. ]
Here, take mine.
[ Though dark with the windows of their place drawn, there's still the slightest aura of red from the outside that gives the faintest taint of color to the surroundings. Unsettling, really.
Yzak reaches down to nudge at his own pillow with the offer. He doesn't look like he's planning to settle back down himself. At least, not immediately. ]
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I don't think...I want to sleep anymore. But I'll be quiet, so you can.
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That bad? he thinks, What the hell was it?
...
...
...
Ah. That gaze at Blue stretches out for a longer, and thus more awkward moment as a result of the realization. ]
You can't hear me right now, huh. [ A statement more than a question, because it's obvious.
Yzak sits up straighter, stretching his back out before he turns and swings his legs off of the side of the bed. ]
I'll sleep again in a bit. [ Because it'll take a bit either way, but part of him doesn't want to leave Blue alone here in the dark silence right away. ] I'll be right back, though. You want something to drink? I'll make some tea.
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he doesn't speak up until Yzak's gotten to his feet; he watches his figure in the dark - still present, not a figment.]
...Alright. [he'll start to shift, to prop himself up by his elbows and sit up.]
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Again, he thinks of Dearka cutting into the silence with a joke or a stupid remark to attempt to cut the tension; even if it fell flat, the attempt would have been made. But that's simply not who Yzak is, so instead his own attempt is focused toward the immediate task ahead: the tea.
One hand runs fingers through his hair while the other reaches and turns the light up in their room before he exits - not too bright because it's late, but enough that it's not so sullen - and he isn't gone for long after he slips out of the room. Because he's also using a bit of fire Charter magic to impatiently speed up the boiling process.
He returns with two cups of tea, nothing else added to it (since he knows Blue can't really stomach it, and Yzak himself likes it this way, too). Yzak's cup has the smallest of chips on the handle, but otherwise they're just fine to drink from. Many items in Sedorum have been through it as much as the people have.
He steps back over to the bed and hands the other one out for Blue to take. ]
Here. This one is pretty good for this time of night.
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is it...pathetic? that Yzak's only disappeared to a nearby room for but a few minutes, and already Blue's aching for his company? humans are so much more used to being isolated in their own heads, right? but anxiety is rife in Sedorum - echoes of those things still linger in his memory even in the silence of his mind. to be afraid to be alone...that's human enough as it is Mu. it must be.
there's relief in seeing him again, and he quietly accepts the cup, going still until Yzak's sat himself back down.]
...Thank you. Yzak. [for a lot. for the tea right now, and for being present.]
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It's a blend from Giva that managed to find its way into my hands through one of the more secure shops. [ He takes a seat next to Blue once the other takes the cup from his hands. ] I forget the names of the plants it comes from, but I was told that it was a good choice if one were looking for relaxation and a good rest. Sort of like chamomile or lavender, where I come from.
And I enjoy both of those! [ He crosses his legs and brings his own cup to his lips, taking a small sip. ] So I can confirm that they were correct about this one. It's good.
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There wasn't much variety...on Shangri-la. With our resources being so limited. So between you and Sabriel...my exposure to teas has grown quite a lot.
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Her taste is distinguished, so you're in good hands where the right kind of exposure is concerned! [ He gives an assured little nod. ]
I've got a number of good ones back on the station. Christmas gifts from others, as well as some blends I picked up back on Braccia. Some of those are even slightly infused with some magic with different attributes. One if you're only looking for a specific timeframe of rest, one to prevent bad dreams.
Unfortunately I didn't bring those along with me, otherwise you could turn back in with little issue.
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I'm still...not used to it. The quiet of my own mind.
[he blows on the drink before taking a small sip.]
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... but that was never the case for him, huh. And thus. ]
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And even...being outside of the ship...when I was searching for others, I could at least...sense the humans around me.
But as far as resting...complete silence is so strange.
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What was it? That you dreamt about.
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[he looks over.]
It's gotten to you in its ways, hasn't it? That atmosphere.
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Everyone seems pretty dragged down, being here. But considering we were only allowed a couple of week's worth of rest after Badrock ... I'm not surprised. I am used to the nonstop, which might give me a slight edge. But that might not be the case for the others.
[ Fingers curled into and around the handle of the cup, his free hand rests on the bed so Yzak can lean back some and return the look. ]
Of course, I'm not able to feel those things like you're able to.
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There is little I can do to keep from getting caught unawares in sleep, however. I know you don't need to hear it, but...I am sorry. For frightening you.
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...
Not that it's great, obviously! But, sitting here having tea isn't a terrible situation to end up in, is it?
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[ He looks thoughtful for a long moment after he says that, before asking, simply curious now. ]
Was it at least good? The tea you had on your ship.
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the smile wanes to something gentler, more thoughtful, as his eyes cast down upon the remains of his cup.]
...I think so. It's been a while...since I last had it. Fifteen years...
I remember the taste of synthetic whisky more. It's sharper. My friend, Harley...it was his go-to. Now and then, we'd share some together.
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[ He's taking his own time sipping at his, allowing himself to indulge and enjoy, relax a bit so he can eventually get back to sleep. But truth be told, he's far more interested in Blue. ]
Harley...? That's a name I don't think you've mentioned, before.
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He came to the laboratory a few years older than the rest of us. He'd already had his examination; his powers...they didn't manifest until later, it seems. So he's always been something...of an elder figure, whether he wished to be or not.
He commands the Shangri-La. Helped commandeer it. He'd been at my side...the entire time. One of my most trusted friends.
[he pauses to have another sip.]
When my psionics return...when...we return to the station... I can show you. What I remember of him.
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cw emeto mention
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