invoking | 『 capeandcowl • contact 』

[ It's about twenty minutes later that Nelson shows up, armed with a stocked first-aid kit, some ice, and some tea (just in case). Maybe he's being a little imposing, but he sees this as the perfect excuse to both get out and spend some time with Gil, both things temporary patches to his maddening loneliness.

He knocks, fiddling with his tie restlessly as he waits for Gil to answer. Hoping that Gil does answer. ]

[ He's gripped by a heavy sense of dread when he hears the knock. He quietly slips out of the bathroom and towards the door, but he doesn't answer just yet.

It's in bad manners, he knows, but he doesn't want Nelson to worry about him or discover the truth behind the injury. It would hurt him more than it hurt Gil.

But maybe if he doesn't say anything, Nelson will leave. ]

[ Nelson waits about a minute or so, before he knocks again, patiently though a bit more loudly. ]

Gilbert, please let me in. I've got ice that's melting.

[ Damn it, so much for that.

He stumbles his way forward. There's a crash that can be heard near the door and a "GAH!" before the door finally opens and a disheveled looking Gil appears. ]

Hello...

[ Eyebrows raised, Nelson steps instead -- taking a brief moment to admire the penthouse -- and examines Gil with concern, taking his chin in hand. ]

Does it still hurt at all? Here.

[ He passes Gil the icepack. ]

[ It's well kept and tidy. Gil may feel awkward about his living situation, but he'll keep the place clean and organized as long as he's here.

He takes the ice pack, his face flushed a deep red. ]

Not too much... thank you.

It's no trouble. I'll help you to set it, just tell me if I do anything that hurts you.

[ Frowning a little, he goes through his first aid kit to find the splinting material. ]

I have to say, it really looks as if you got punched in the face.

[ So he doesn't know anything. That's good, he wants to keep it that way. He shuts the door and presses the pack to his nose for a second. ]

It... was an awkward fall.

It must have been. How many stairs was it?

[ With his fingers, he carefully reaches to touch Gil's nose and make sure it's sitting straight; if not, he might attempt to judge it. ]

I brought some pain medication along, by the way. In case you need any.

You don't have to... [ He's not comfortable with being touched by others, even if they are friends. Upon reflex he pulls back.

There's also the matter of the scars he doesn't want Nelson to see. At least he can't see the one on his torso, but he made sure to button up his collar all the way again before he answered the door.

All in all, it's an uncomfortable visit. ]

[ Nelson pulls his hand back a little. ]

Sorry. You've probably already taken care of most of it; let me just help you with the splint so that the bones can't shift while it finishes healing. [ He purses his lips slightly, getting the materials together. ] It's really no trouble, I've done this plenty of times.

[ His stomach is already twisting with anxiety. ]

Will it hurt...?

Uh-- [ A little guiltily: ] Somewhat, but not too much. It doesn't look like it needs to be snapped into place, only held.

[ He passes the pain killers and the tea over to Gil. ]

Here, this will help.

[ That doesn't assure him at all. ]

Maybe I should see a doctor instead.

I know what I'm doing, Gilbert. [ He's a little indignant. ] You have to expect a little pain when setting something broken. It won't be so bad, just close your eyes and count to ten.

What if you make it crooked? Maybe it's fine the way it is!

I won't make it crooked, Gilbert, you can trust me! My nose isn't crooked, is it?

[ He indicates his own face. ]

Just relax. I'm only going to put the splint on.

[ That minimizes his concern somewhat. ]

Are you sure?

I promise. I'll be as gentle as possible, Gilbert.

[ Nelson looks at him, his expression a bit stern, before he reaches forward to quickly -- but carefully -- set and splint Gil's nose. ]

[ The rush of heat and pain shooting up his face returns for a quick second, but it's in that second he pulls back screaming. ]

Gyaaaaaa!!

Oh dear, I'm sorry.

[ Nelson jerks his hands back, looking concerned. ]

I'm almost done, but you do need to hold still.

[ He hadn't meant to flail so much, but it hurt. The pain slowly subsides and he looks over at Nelson with watery eyes. ]

I-I'm fine!

[ Nelson looks at him apologetically, before he reaches again -- carefully -- to apply the final touches. ]

There, it's all done. Here.

[ He passes Gil the tea and ice again, looking at him with worry. ]

Be careful with those stairs next time. It looks like you must have landed right on it, the surrounding areas weren't bad at all.

Ow...

[ He thinks back to that night and grimaces while taking the ice and tea and applying the ice to his face. ]

I was clumsy, that's all. It won't happen again.

Accidents happen. Just try to be more careful.

[ Nelson attempts to give him a warm smile, though it's halfhearted. ]

It could be worse. At least you didn't get it from a fight.

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