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He...

[ Nelson pulls his own hand back, looking sheepish. ]

I told him about his death.

[ His eyes widen and silence lingers between them longer than he means it to. ]

... Oh.

[ Nelson glances away, guilty. ]

I know it was a mistake, but I-I thought... I didn't think he should find out from anyone else. [ He bites at his thumbnail. ] He was angry with me. I'm sure it's related.

[ It's hard to digest this brand new information so suddenly. Hooded Justice is dead in Nelson's time and yet he goes out of his way to shield him from the burden of truth.

Out of romantic obligation, he supposes. Nelson did seem to be a man in touch with his emotions.

He thinks about Oz -- unsurprisingly -- and the things he keeps from his master, like Zai's involvement in the Coming of Age ceremony. He could never blame Nelson for what he's trying to do, because Gil's been doing the same ever since he was able to get Oz back from the Abyss. ]

You did what you could.

[ He pauses. ]

I'm sorry about... him.

Please don't be sorry. None of it is your fault.

[ He sighs again, looking at Gil a little sadly. It is complicated, measuring his feelings of what's "right" versus what's easy; Nelson should have avoided the truth he feels like, if it meant he'd be less miserable right now.

Then again, when it comes to Hooded Justice it's impossible to guarantee something else won't go wrong. Nelson gestures to Gil's face a little idly. ]

I shouldn't even be troubling you with my problems in the first place, here I came by to help and all I'm doing is talking about myself. [ He shakes his head. ] Let me get you some more ice.

I've got it. [ He waves a hand and moves back toward the fridge. Everything in the kitchen is rather sleek and modern, not really suiting Gil.

He opens up the freezer to fetch the ice pack again. Most of the swelling has gone down over the past few days, but there's still an ugly discoloration around his nose and near his eyes. ]

Has he done this before?

[ Nelson watches uneasily, following Gil though not interrupting his motions. The kitchen jars even him slightly, though he says nothing, simply crossing his arms. ]

I can leave, if it's starting to bother you again. [ His fingers drum against his arm. ] Yes. Something similar. It was the last time I ever saw him, back home.

It's fine... really. [ He presses a finger against his temple and shuts his eyes in thought. He doesn't like the idea of Nelson running around on his own looking for HJ, but if he's the only one who can get that idiot to listen... ]

If you need help, just remember you can ask.

[ Nelson shakes his head, stepping a little closer just in case Gil wants any help. ]

I can handle it on my own. Besides, I know you don't like him -- I wouldn't ask you to get involved under those circumstances.

[ Is he that transparent?! (Yes, he is.) ]

I never said anything like that!

[ Nelson raises his eyebrow. Yes, Gil, you are... ]

Gilbert, I don't take it personally. I could hardly blame you, either. He doesn't particularly make any effort to be liked -- or to like anyone in return.

[ He rubs the side of his head sheepishly, avoiding Nelson's gaze. ]

Even people with annoying personalities have someone who cares about them. I deal with that idiot clown all the time...

... I'm sorry. I know he's important you.

I wish I could prove to you that he isn't as bad as all that. But unless he comes back I suppose it's a moot point either way.

[ He just misses him. ]

Don't worry about him. You might not even ever have to see him again.

It's not really him I'm worried about. [ He pointedly stares at Nelson, indicating who he's concerned about. ]

[ Nelson stares back at him, clenching his jaw. ]

For the last time, Gilbert, you need not worry about me either. No matter what happens, I can handle it. You're the one that's falling down stairs.

[ That's like a direct blow to his gut. ]

I didn't fall -- I mean I did! [ Close call. ] It was just once!!

[ He still has some scraps of his honor to defend. ]

[ Similarly, Nelson's only being prickly because his own capabilities were put into question... he doesn't aim for cruelty, but he takes on a very mildly defensive tone. ]

I'm only saying that between the two of us, I'm hardly the one who needs to be more careful. [ A pause. ] And also the one who knows my way around a broken bone.

[ He waves his hand defensively. ][ He saved Reim's life not too long ago back home thanks to his knowledge. ] I'm not that hopeless!

I never said you were hopeless. I think very few people are hopeless. But that most don't know their own limits, either.

I know my limits as well.

A broken nose isn't a big deal. It'll heal in no time.

It'll certainly go faster now that it's on the road to healing properly.

[ He gives Gil a mildly skeptical look, but sighs. No sense in arguing, they do that enough. ]

Well. If you say so.

[ He rubs the back of his neck a tad nervously and gestures to the entrance. ]

I should see you out.

Right. Uh -- I can see myself out. Thank you for the water.

[ He heads over to the door before Gil can, stepping quickly. ]

Feel better soon. Make sure you take it easy, there's only so much the body can recover from.

It's fine. It's only right if I do. [ He doesn't want to be a rude host or whatever. He follows Nelson, though he keeps the distance between them just in case Nelson needs it. ]

Thank you and sorry for troubling you. I'll [ the corner of his mouth twitches ] be more careful in the future, of course.

[ Nelson turns to give Gil another slightly worried look over, before he nods and pats his shoulder once. ]

Don't apologize. Just let me know if you need anymore help with it, all right? Or at least take yourself in to see a doctor. [ He touches the doorknob. ] Um -- yes, I'll see you later.

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invoking - 2013-07-26 08:24 (UTC) - Expand

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