#armedandneutral

“Basch?” His voice came out a panicked whisper. “Where-- Where are we? What has happened?” There were bits of hazy memories floating about in his mind, but Roderich couldn’t quite piece them together yet. Basch’s instructions had also been missed in his slow attempts at waking up. 

“...Have you seen a drunk man in blue scrubs and a pink hairband?”

“I get it,” Gavrill murmured. “I get wanting that. But there’s a point where the pain is going to break you. Will you let someone in to help mend the wounds? Not every foundation can be fixed by just you alone, Basch.”

“I don’t know. Why do you?” He asked softly, rolling over in his bed. “Do you like to just hear my voice? Is something the matter?” 

Roderich paused, glancing outside. It really was growing dark quickly. He likely wouldn’t make it back before the sun finished setting. He paused, then sighed and looked back to Basch. “...If you’re certain, I... I suppose I could stay the night.”

Roderich hesitated, moving his gaze away as he did his best to keep a neutral expression, not wanting to give away his thoughts so easily. “...What does it matter to you whether it is true or not?”

“Oh, ah-- nothing!” Roderich answered much too quickly. “It’s nothing. That’s a nice pen.” Lord help him.

“So, I’m curious,” Gavrill began, two cups of coffee in hand as he approached his guest. He handed one to Basch, and moved to settle himself in his seat as he looked over the blond, his golden eyes warm and smiling. “You’re a pretty private guy. We haven’t really ever talked about personal beliefs and such. Sure, we’ve gotten philosophical but I was wondering your opinion on—“ He stopped, clucking his tongue in thought. “Well, on things… natural yet abnormal. Like paranormal I guess-- spirits, magic to say the least. I don’t know a lot about you and your peoples’ relationship to natural forces.” The Russian leaned forward. His elbow rested upon his knee, and his chin rested against the knuckle of his hand. “You’re free to tell me to fuck off and it’s none of my business of course. But I find people’s belief of other natural forces fascinating.”