IC Contact Post

[maddest]

[You rang?]

Comments

[al_truism]

... I owe you an apology for my part in that.

[maddest]

No, I owe you one. I never really was able to do much to help you.

[al_truism]

I was too stubborn to accept help until it was too late. You can't take responsibility for that.

... I'm guessing that you were up most of the week?

[maddest]

Mmhm. Ukitake and I slogged through it.

[Muffling a cough.]

[al_truism]

[Al half-lifts a hand, eyes widening. He shouldn't still be coughing.]

[maddest]

[He recovers quickly, and sips his tea.]

It was a long one. But we kept everyone fed and watered.

[al_truism]

Did you get enough sleep?

[Stupid question. Of course not.]

[maddest]

Enough to survive.

[Except he's coughing again.]

[al_truism]

[Al gets up and gets him a napkin. That doesn't sound good at all.]

[maddest]

[It gets worse, this time, settling deep in his lungs. He spits blood into his white sleeve, and curses softly.]

Time to go back to the black and blue coats.

[al_truism]

... Break-

Come on. Back to bed with you. You can bring your tea.

[maddest]

I'm fine, I need to get moving for the day.

[al_truism]

You just coughed up blood. I can't remember the last time that happened.

[He picks up Break's mug.]

The world will function without you while you rest, I promise.

[maddest]

All the benefits of angel-healing.

[Soft laughter.]

[al_truism]

[Al doesn't laugh. Too worried. Instead he gently shoos him to his feet, back up to his room.]

[maddest]

I'm fine, Alphonse!

[Outright exasperated.]

[al_truism]

Please. Just for a little while.

[maddest]

[Casting him a look.]

I will tolerate this, this once. And then you will recall that you didn't extend me the same courtesy last week, so you don't have a leg to stand on.

[al_truism]

[Al gives him a warm hug in response.]

I appreciate it.

[maddest]

But honestly, this isn't going to get better, and I'm not going to put up with fussing.

[al_truism]

Not even a little?

[Al presses the mug into his hands, leading the way.]

I could curl up with you for a while and read to you.

[maddest]

Only today.

[Shrugging.]

But I'm not an invalid. I kept this city running while you were all comatose, and don't forget it.

[al_truism]

I couldn't forget it.

[He means that.]

Only today, I promise.

[maddest]

Wonderful.

How are you recovering?

[al_truism]

Slowly. I'm trying to take it a little easier.

No late nights. No long patrols when it's cold.