invoking | 『 capeandcowl • contact 』

[ 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.

[ Haha... the corner of his eye twitches, but he's quick to compose himself. ]

Thank you, Mr. Nelson. Would you like anything to eat or drink?

Well -- maybe just some water, I won't presume you have anything stronger.

[ He rubs the back of his neck, though his expression indicates that latter is mostly a joke. ]

I'm in no rush to get back, but I don't want to impose on you too much.

Sorry, I don't keep alcohol. I gave the last bottle to Kenzi a while back. [ He turns to head into the kitchen, which is just as grandiose as the rest of the place.

He puts the tea on the table and heads to the fridge to get out the water. His nose is actually beginning to feel a bit better, which surprise him. ]

I figured as much. Water will do just fine, thank you Gilbert. [ He sits finally, resting his hands on his knees. ] And I apologize for dropping by so suddenly.

[ He gets a clean glass out from the top shelves and pours him a glass before placing it on the table before Nelson. ]

It's okay. I only didn't want you to see me like this. It's depressing.

Oh, it's quite all right. I do understand, but I don't mind. And a little company can really help you take your mind off your troubles.

[ It does quite the opposite; he worries Nelson is going to catch on. ]

[ But that suddenly reminds him... ]

Ah, are you alright, though? You seemed upset on the phone. [ Really upset. ]

[ Nelson carefully sips his water, stalling his answer for a moment or two. ]

Yes, I'm fine. A little lacking in company myself, I suppose, nothing quite so urgent as a broken nose.

[ Just a broken heart!! ]

Did someone you know get ported out?

[ It can't be Hooded Justice. ]

Um. No. [ He tugs on his collar nervously and takes another sip of water. ] Moved out, not ported out.

Moved out?

[ It only takes him a second to figure it out. ]

Hooded Justice?

Yes. So-- [ He gestures casually with his hand. ] You don't have to worry about ever stopping by now.

[ He doesn't look at Nelson yet, attention somewhere else in the kitchen, or at least pretending he's contemplating cooking.

That night he ran into HJ could have been the night he left the apartment. It could explain his behavior.

But he remembers Nelson's confession and his heart sinks a bit. He doesn't understand it, but he's not that cold. ]

Are you alright? Since you two...

[ Nelson takes another stalling sip of water, slow and thoughtful. ]

Don't worry, Gilbert, I'm fine. Just getting used to the quiet. [ Well. Hooded Justice is already quiet... ] The emptiness, I mean. You know how it is -- an adjustment, that's all.

[ He leans back against the counter, crossing his arms. ]

What happened?

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