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[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Guess who's been wandering the plane since he woke up after the fight with Ryotarou, trying to find a place where people aren't? Okay, more like staggering, but you get the point.

In any case, after several attempted refuges--each abandoned in turn after someone appeared at a distance--Firo has settled on the old theater. He's sitting with his back to the stage under the projector, his feet against the first row of chairs. Healthy he is not. He's shivering non-stop now, his skin unnaturally hot to the touch, his eyes completely unfocused. There's still a massive slash in his clothing where Ryotarou's sword-thing cut him.]

I can't... I won't... not goin' back... don't want to hurt....

Comments

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

I-I'm sorry, I just wanted to see if you were all right. I'll go. I'm sorry. [ She backs away, looking upset. ]

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[His expression clears. He looks worried, now, and somehow more child-like. When he speaks, it still sounds very much like him--but also very much younger.] Ma? You okay?

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ Crap. Good going, Angela. He sounds like a kid, she doesn't want to know what the outcome would be if "ma" took off now. She knows she shouldn't, but she goes to him, and sits, resting a hand on his head. ] I'm fine. Don't worry.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[He goes down on his knees and lays a hand on her forehead. His hand is far too warm to be healthy.] Oh ma... You dosed again?

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ Angela frowns with worry. He's burning up, just like she was... ] No, no, I'm all right. You're the one I'm worried about.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

Don't worry about me, ma. [He rubs her hand between his, looking tired.] Dad's at the lines--he'll come back tonight. He said. We'll get some food in you, fix you up, yeah?

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

The lines... [ Something about this conversation rings a bell. Angela looks at Firo as realization dawns on her, and she can't help gathering him in her arms and holding him close. ]

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Surprised face now.] Ma?

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

Mothers... Mothers are supposed to hold their children, right? So let me hold you for a little bit. [ You're getting cuddled whether you want it or not, Firo. ]

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

Ma, don't cry. He said he'd come back tonight. I still got some of my lunch left--saved it for you just in case.

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

I'm not crying for myself, you ninny, I'm not... [ Yeah, try to convince yourself of that, Angela. ]

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[He rubs his face, and then brightens a bit.] Oh! I found you somethin' at the factory today. Fell off the belt, nobody noticed...

[He shoves a hand into his pocket and frowns.] Nobody... nobody noticed...

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ Oh crap, there's nothing in his pocket. She still doesn't want him freaking out and snapping out of the memory painfully, so she takes his hands. ] Why don't you show me after your father gets home, hmm?

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[The confusion doesn't go away, but the glassiness leaves his eyes. He frowns at her, squinting, and then his eyes widen.] Angie! No I... Don't... did I do?

[Collapsing now.]

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ Angela's quick to catch him, she reassumes the same position behind him she'd had the first time he went memory-crazy on her, letting him rest back against her. ] You didn't do anything, Firo. You didn't hurt me at all.

[ She kisses his forehead. ] It's all right.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

Not just... sayin' that? Please, don't lie...

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't lie to you, Firo. You didn't even try. [ Have more cuddles, Firo. You need them. ]

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

...really? [Relieeeved. He even manages a little bit of a smile.]

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

Really. You've never tried to hurt me. Just get friendly with me. [ And call me mommy but LET'S NOT GO THERE, OEDIPUS. ] It's almost like you're sweet on me or something, mister.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Sad Firo is sad.] But you didn't want to. You... [Fading in and out now.]

[witchmaker.livejournal.com]

[ She hugs him close, blushing. ] Well, if you're going to kiss me like that, I want it to be you, kissing me, not someone else.

[ She runs her fingers through his hair, gently. ] Enough of that, though. You should sleep.

[immortalmistake.livejournal.com]

[Says something that sounds like 'amumphle' and conks out.]