#chatzy log

Moderator left this message 55 seconds ago:

You open your eyes to find yourself in an unfamiliar setting. The sky stretches out above you. Vast, unending. Your ceiling, the familiar view you fell asleep under last night, is gone. You move slowly, testing your limbs. You are unharmed. You look around and see a vast maze before you, thick walls of greenery stretching as far as you can see. Around you others are waking.

Moderator joined the chat

Moderator: Begin.

Bobby Drake: "I get the feeling we're not in Kansas anymore..."

Tommy: Tommy sat up with a grimace, rubbing his temples. He knew from the moment he felt the wind on his face that something wasn't right, but this...what the hell was this? He scrambled to his feet, looking around at the others nearby, suspicion all over his face. "What the hell is this place?"

Alison Blaire: Alison felt groggy, like a concert after party gone horribly wrong. At least there were a few familiar faces around her. It was better than facing whatever was coming next alone.

Darcy Lewis: "Hooooly fuck I need to lay off the hooch." Darcy groaned as she sat up. She covered her eyes with her hands, keeping the light from bugging her. When she heard other people speak, she looked around, brows raised. "What the fuck?!"

Bobby Drake: Bobby was among the first to his feet, taking his organic ice form out of pure instinct and shattering his pajamas in the process. If something was going to happen, he had to be ready.

Loki Laufeyson: The moment Loki opened his eyes his senses were sharp and awake. Quickly rising from the position he had no memory how he ended up into his gaze went around and took in the people around him. By their reaction it seemed that they too were confused by the situation.

Tommy: Tommy's eyes darted in the direction of the familiar voice. "Darcy?" he asked, taken aback. Of all the people he would have expected hear, she was not one of them. He darted over to her. "What are you doing here?"

Alison Blaire: "Bobby? Wade?" Alison said pushing herself up. "Where are we?"

Wade Wilson: Wade woke with a gasp, patting at his face to make sure the mask was still in place. He grimaced a little when he felt a few gaping holes. Nothing too serious, but still there was some open spaces. Springing up to his feet, he gave himself a quick pat down to make sure all of his gizmos and gadgets were in place. Looking around, he whistled lowly when he saw everyone around him. "Hey peeps. What kind of game show did we get ourselves into?"

Darcy Lewis: Darcy grinned when she saw Tommy, waving at her friend. "Hey. Yeah. No idea. I decided to have a Tequila Darcy night and then I fell asleep somewhere and apparently that somewhere was here?" Grabbing hold of Tommy's hand, she gave it a squeeze. "What are you doing here? "

Loki Laufeyson: Gathering his feet under him, Loki stood up and shook his head, light ache pounding against his temples. Where was he and why were these mortals here as well? How did he end up there? The last thing he remembered was a silent street and an odd feeling that someone had been watching him. Other than that... nothing.

Alison Blaire: "Game show?" Alison said, cringing. Mojo? Was this his handiwork or was Wade joking? He had more insight than he often realized.

Tommy: Tommy looked around at the others. There was nobody else he recognised, except—oh, yeah, he knew Wade. And...wait, was that the Dazzler? The singer? Plus, he was pretty sure he recognised Loki at a glance. Battle of New York and all. Okay, that was definitely suspicious. "Hey," he said, directing that at Loki in an accusatory tone. "This is you, right? What is this?"

Bobby Drake: Bobby took a few steps away from the group, trying to see what he could without venturing too far. He could see a huge maze of greenery before him. Game show might not be too far off, he thought. But this wasn't flashy enough for the likes of Arcade or Mojo.

Moderator: "YOU AREN'T SO FAR OFF." A voice echoes around them. High, half manic sounding. The sky shivers, stretches, a face forms. A man, youngish, with red hair. His grin arcs across the horizon.

Moderator: "Welcome to my little death trap. Or, well, not so little this time."

Bobby Drake: "Ahhh shit," Bobby said. "Aren't you tired of trying to kill me?"

Tommy: Tommy started at the new noise, whirling around and then craning his head up at the noise. Before he could stop himself, he shouted, "Thanks, I hate it!"

Loki Laufeyson: The God of Mischief looked at the young man, knowing the tone was directed at him when hearing it. He was already going to answer but was interrupted by the booming voice.

Alison Blaire: It was only Arcade, Alison thought. A strange sense of relief came over her.

Wade Wilson: "Woooooooah. Someone tell me I'm not the only one that hears the big voice in the sky. Jay Z is that you?" Wade called up before he moved to where t seemed the group of people came together. "Okay cool. This is cool. We get to play through a booby trap."

Remy LeBeau entered for the first time

Tommy: "Who's this clown?" Tommy asked, directing this at nobody in general. A few of the X-Men seemed to recognise him.

Darcy Lewis: Darcy grabbed hold of Tommy when the voice sounded from above her, jumping dramatically. "If I click my heels do you think I'll end up back in the lab with Jane?" This had to be some sort of nightmare. Then again with who she'd been hanging around with as of late, she knew the chances of that being true were slim to none.

Bobby Drake: "It's Arcade. He's basically like the killer in Saw, but he looks like a Ron Weasley reject," Bobby said.

Tommy: "Worth a shot, right?" Tommy said to Darcy in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere. She was the only one here without powers. He couldn't imagine what some...crazy sky demon would want with her, but since this was their lot they would have to make the most of it.

Moderator: Arcade's smile morphed into a frown. "We'll see who's laughing at the end of my maze, frosty."

Loki Laufeyson: Loki's eyes looked at the new individual, scanning the man and rising one eyebrow. Arcade was this man's name obviously by the way the mortals spoke about him. "And who might you think you are by sending us here?" he finally spoke.

Moderator: The smile was back, as fake and malicious as ever. "My name is Arcade and in a way...I suppose you and I have quite a bit in common. You're the god of lies, you might call me the god of games."

Wade Wilson: "Ooooh. Arcy dude. How goes it my mans?" Wade called up to the sky, waving at him. "Tell me why you picked this motley crew to come here? Cuz I mean, while some are fun as fuck, Hey Bobby!, others are all broody and grumpy. Not fun right? Lookin at you tall Dark and Asgardian."

Remy LeBeau: Remy let out a small sigh of annoyance. Of all the things that could happen they'd ended up in another death trap. Wonderful. "Dr one saving grace is dat it ain't Viper or Mojo," he grumbled. Remy stood and hugged his jacket tighter around himself, thankful that he still had his hear with him. "But I t'ink I'd take Viper over did clown."

Darcy Lewis: True to her word, Darcy clicked her heels, if only for the easing of the tension. She was terrified, naturally, but she stuck on her brave face and pushed her glasses up her nose. "Yep. Nope. Not working. This is balls."

Moderator: Arcade face palmed at Wade's antics, unable to keep his cool in the wake of absolutely no one taking his most impressive death trap seriously.

Tommy: Tommy still wasn't convinced that Loki wasn't somehow a part of this. He could just be trying to throw them off. But hey, who was he to pass judgement. "This is stupid," he announced. "There has to be a way out of here, right? That's the idea. I'll just go and find it. Wait here, Darce," he added, patting her once on the shoulder before taking off in the direction of the nearest exit.

Loki Laufeyson: "Hmh," Loki let a sound pass his lips. "I don't see anything that would make you a god. Building a pathetic little scene does not make you one." With that he rolled his eyesand crossed his arms in front of his chest.

Alison Blaire: "Remy?" Alison said, turning to see the Cajun coming from behind them. She smirked. At least she had a few teammates to coordinate with. She wasn't so sure she'd have managed with a pack of strangers. But what were Arcade traps if not just a not-holographic version of the Danger Room?

Bobby Drake: "A speedster?" Bobby said as Tommy flew past.

Moderator: "Powers might make for a god on Asgard, but on earth its money. Something I have plenty of."

Darcy Lewis: "Hey! Don't leave me!" Darcy called out, but he was already gone. Wrapping her arms around herself, she looked for someone she could buddy up with. "Hey uh. Anyone need a cute brunette to take under their wing and keep safe as she's just a wee human intern?"

Alison Blaire: "Why can't you just finance Republicans like normal maladjusted billionaires?"

Moderator: Arcade sighed loudly. "Predictable." He waved his hand and walls came up ahead of and behind Tommy. Trapping him in a small coridor.

Wade Wilson: Wade moved to the group of people, smiling as he saw Bobby and Remy, and even Alison. "She's funny." He said, pointing at The Dazzler. "But he's psychobabble crazy. Trust me. I know. Takes one to know one. I mean, this is kind of genius. We're like his little ant colony."

Moderator: Arcade's glance tracked back to Alison. "That is a gross overgeneralization. I felt the Bern."

Remy LeBeau: Remy smiled at seeing Alison. "Good ta see ya, cher," he greeted. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders. "Dis looks like it might be fun, no? Sure as hell beats dealin' wit' someone scary." He motioned for Darcy to come closer.

Loki Laufeyson: "Aha," the prince nodded, still not looking at all impressed. "And what are you then trying to prove with this?" His arms spread a little to point out the scene around them. "If you wanted, you could be using that money to make you powerful instead of making yourself look like a fool."

Moderator: He shot an irritated glance at Remy. Then Loki. "I'm not trying to prove anything. I'm trying to kill you, and be entertained in the process."

Remy LeBeau: "An' you ain't de only one wit' money, Arc! You jus' use it fo' dumb games. Least de likes a Viper had style!" He didn't care that he was amassing Arcade. He had a few friends around him. They'd be okay.

Remy LeBeau: *sassing

Loki Laufeyson: "Well we are not going to entertain you, so feel free to let us go right now," Loki replied quickly back. He would not be a toy this madman could play with.

Tommy: Tommy ground to a halt, spinning around and looking back in the direction he'd come. Crap, so a shifting maze? Like in the movies? He knew he could keep going, but he needed to test the walls first. Frowning, he placed his palms against it, starting to vibrate. If he could break the wall down or pass through it, this would be easy, but it was make of some kind of weird material. His speed wasn't affecting it. Not good.

Darcy Lewis: As soon as she heard the familiar Cajun accent, Darcy was right over to Remy, practically super gluing herself to his side. "Hey so you're totally gonna blow this motherfucker sky high with your boom boom shit right? Cuz I don't know how confident I am about my tazing abilities right now." She mumbled. "And I'm really really scared."

Moderator: That startled a laugh out of him. "That isn't hwow this works, Trickster." Another part of the sky showed Tommy attempting to vibrate through the walls of the maze. "You either play my game, or you die." He didn't mention the fast that they would die regardless.

Remy LeBeau: He held Darcy close. "No worries, Darcy. I ain't gonna let dis fool hurt you. Might have ta see exactly what we dealin' wit' befo' I make it all go boom."

Alison Blaire: Alison and Bobby glanced at each other and to the closed off corridor where Tommy was being held. Alison nodded, taking off toward the enclosed walls while Bobby covered her flank.

Wade Wilson: "So I've played a lot of games. And I've died a lot of times. So I mean, I'm practically a master at this by now. Right?" Wade asked, still looking up at the sky to where Arcade's voice was coming from. When he saw what was going on with Tommy, he inserted himself with Alison and Bobby. "Hey. X-Dweebs. I'm comin' too!"

Tommy: Tommy scoffed. He'd heard plenty of that before, at juvie. He could explore this maze, but he had a feeling that if this guy was serious then they'd have more than walls to worry about soon enough.

Alison Blaire: "Hey, kid," she said as she neared the walls. "Pound hard so I know where you are."

Loki Laufeyson: "You wish," Loki sneered. This one was such an annoying imbecile that it was not worth it to stay and talk with him. With a challenging look in his eyes, Loki gathered his magic and prepared to teleport himself away.

Bobby Drake: "Dweeb? I thought you said I was a queen," Bobby said to Wade, shooting him an icy grin.

Darcy Lewis: "So, Magic Sky Man? Boy? Person? Quick question. Why are we all here?" She asked, grasping Remy's jacket tightly. Her head snapped to Loki when she heard him speaking. "Hey. Listen dickhead. Not a good idea to piss of the magic voice in the sky with the ability to make us all die here with a little twitch of his nose."

Tommy: Tommy stopped vibrating for a second. Oh, crap. The Dazzler was talking to him. Despite everything, he had to remind himself to play it cool. "Hang on," he said, backing up and then running at the wall, hitting it in the centre. He didn't really have super strength, but a certain amount of it came with his powers—mass times acceleration, and all that.

Alison Blaire: When Alison heard a hard clang, she aimed at a different part of the wall with her hand a let loose a shot of light energy in an attempt to blast a hole for Tommy to escape through.

Remy LeBeau: "Jus' keep watchin' yo'self, Wade! Dunno what's gonna go on in dis so called death trap," he called out. He knew Wade could take care of himself, but he still worried about his friend.

Moderator: The walls were thick, as least three feet of what looked like dense foliage, but the shine to the leaves, the shade of the vines, something wasn't quite right.

Moderator: The hard light blasted a hole through the wall, but the vines rippled and slithered, rapidly closing the hole.

Wade Wilson: "You're my ice queen definitely. But an X-Dweeb is an X-Dweeb." He teased, winking at his friend before he turned to the wall. "Just be careful with the powers. You don't know what kind of shit this guy has around here. He's got us all here for a reason. He knows what we can do."

Alison Blaire: "You'll have to move quick," Alison said, attempting to blast another hole in the same place as before.

Moderator: While the others were distracted with freeing Tommy, Loki was left outside the maze. "Have you ever heard the phrase 'magic is just science we don't understand yet', trickster?"

Tommy: Tommy saw the hole, but he hadn't been expecting it to appear. He was just about to ask her to try again but she beat him to the punch. This time, the hole remained open for a fraction of a second longer, but that was all Tommy needed. He dived for it, but the vines started closing again just as he was passing through, snagging his leg on the way down. Tommy let out a startled noise as they wrapped around his foot, causing it to twist as he hit the ground. "Crap," he muttered, untangling it from the vines. It ached. Seriously? Now?

Loki Laufeyson: The green gaze was sharp. "Mortals seem to keep repeating that, yes," he replied, voice calm but ready to call his magic in case he needed.

Moderator: "Let's just say that I have a better understanding than most. And that your powers wont be worth much here."

Darcy Lewis: Darcy grabbed hold of Remy's hand, interlacing their fingers. He was a good anchor to have. "So uh....are we supposed to just sit here, or are we supposed to like....you know, walk through the maze? Try to beat it?"

Loki Laufeyson: Loki almost laughed at that. "Many mortals have said the same, what would make you different," this was just a clown trying to be something he was not. Pathetic.

Bobby Drake: "Ouch," Bobby said, looking at Tommy's leg twist as he sprang out from behind the wall. "Better put some ice on that. But where will we find ice in a place like this?"

Moderator: "Let's just say that some Asgardians are more impressed by money than you are. By the way, Lorelei says hello."

Wade Wilson: Sliding out the katanas from behind him, Wade made quick work of the vines that were wrapped around Tommy's leg, helping the speedster get free of them. "So these vines are definitely fucked. Like, some crazy shit." Wade mumbled, grabbing hold of Tommy's hand to help him up. "Come on Speedy Gonzalez, let's gimp you back to the group."

Alison Blaire: "Cool it on the ice jokes, Bobby. Arcade's a B-villain but that doesn't make him any less dangerous. Can you move your leg, kid?"

Tommy: Tommy looked at Bobby pointedly, wondering if that was a joke. "It's fine," he muttered, ignoring Wade's hand and getting to his feet. And yeah, it was mostly fine. He could stand by putting his weight on the other leg, but he definitely couldn't run, at least not like he usually did. "Let's just find this guy and punch him. That's how this works, right? Make our way through the maze, boss fight?"

Loki Laufeyson: This time there was a small pause before Loki replied. But during that pause there went probably a thousand different thoughts in his head. Lorelei? By Norns, what did that sorceress do this time? "What does she have to do with this?" he asked with lightly bored tone.

Remy LeBeau: Remy squeezed Darcy's hand. "Guess we gotta play de game if we wanna get out. Can't say I'm eager ta do so, but I don't t'ink we got much choice here. Stick close, cher. We'll be okay."

Alison Blaire: "I can think of a few things more than punching, but yeah. What's your name? Or your alias if that's what you're more comfortable with."

Darcy Lewis: "Okay. So Mr. Arcade guy? Hi. Darcy Lewis here. Extremely ordinary, okay maybe not s? Io much, but extremely ungifted human here. Y'know, intern for a genius. So quick question. Is this a real thing? Or like, are we in a virtual reality and we're actually just sleeping. Cuz this is really too movie-like for me and I'm about pissing my pants." She said, squeezing Remy back. "Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Let's play? Okay. But like, can we all do this together? Strength in numbers and all that jazz?"

Moderator: Arcade just laughed, a crazed a gleeful sound.

Tommy: Tommy scratched the back of his neck. "I'm Speed, basically an Avenger. Hi," he said nonchalantly. Nailed it.

Wade Wilson: Wade's eyes rolled under the mask, but he let Tommy do as he pleased. Slinging an arm around Bobby's shoulders, he realized it was maybe not a good idea since the man was in his ice form. "I think I could go for a good boss fight. What about you?"

Loki Laufeyson: It unfortunately seemed like his teleportation would not work right now, right here. Maybe in some other part of the place. Or maybe not. But by the way this fool was acting he was not going to make a show and simply stay here. So instead, as much as he disliked it, he walked where others have gone, deciding to join them for now. Though in the same time the same thought repeated in his mind: what did Lorelei had to do with this?

Bobby Drake: "I'm definitely down for giving Arc a lil frostbite," Bobby said, forming and dropping ice cubes from his palm.

Moderator: When Loki entered the maze the wall closed behind them, boxing them in. now the only way out was through.

Tommy: "Yeah, and I'm down for giving him a—speedbite," Tommy said, cringing internally. Oh, thank god none of the Young Avengers had to hear that. "They say always stick the the left wall, right? Eventually you'll make it out."

Moderator: The walls that had closed around Tommy dropped and they were left with two options. Turn right or head straight where the cooridor ended in a left turn.

Loki Laufeyson: The prince did not look behind his back. By the sound he could tell that there was no way he could walk back anymore. How annoying this person could be?

Alison Blaire: "It doesn't matter which route we take,"    Alison said. "There's deathtraps waiting on either end. We need to    stick together if we're going to survive."

Wade Wilson: "You can give me frost bite, or any bite, that    you want." Wade openly flirted, despite the situation. "I say we    just march head on. You know, go with the simplest route. I like simple. I    feel like simple causes some kablooey."

Remy LeBeau: "Jus' don't tell me we're gonna split up    here," he said, eyeing both paths. "Dat's how all horror movies    start an' dey always end up wit' ev'ryone dead."

Darcy Lewis: "I'm done. I'm fucking done." Darcy said,    throwing her hands up in the air. "This is crazy. Like. I'm here with Deadpool    Ice man, An Asgardian Prince and god of magic. I'm out of my element    and a sitting freaking duck. I don't even have my tazer."

Tommy: "And me," Tommy said, winking. /And really,    me's all you need./ "I'm going straight ahead," he said, starting    forward. He was limping, yes, but he was /power/ limping.

Loki Laufeyson: "By splitting up we only increase the chances of    letting this fool humor himself," Loki spoke as he reached the group.    "Whatever direction we choose, we're going to go there as a    group." Hearing Darcy almost scream her frustration there was a light    smile tugging the corner of his lips. "You might be out of your    element but you can always make this your new element. Take what you have    and use it as your weapon. Don't let that idiot scare you."

Remy LeBeau: "I can give ya a knife if it makes ya feel    better. Or my bo staff. Y' can hit anythin' dat comes at ya," he    offered. Remy started walking after Tommy. "Will ya wait two seconds?    Ya gonna hurt yo'self rushin' along like dat. Arcade might be a hack, but    dat don't mean he ain't somewhat dangerous."

Moderator: Straight ahead leads them to a left turn. That leads    them a short way before forcing them left again. From there they can go    left (to a path that runs paralell to the path they entered on), or to the    right.

Darcy Lewis: Darcy nodded at Remy's offer of his staff, making    grabby hands at him. "Yep. Always wanted to play with it." She    joked half heartedly. "Speed Boy you better slow your roll buddy.    You're not leaving me in the dust. Nope nope. I'm surrounding myself with    my guys. Mmkay?" As Loki spoke to her, she looked at him, chewing on    her lip. "Yeah, well, that Idiot runs this joint. And I'm already    freaking scared. But uh. Thanks. For the words of encouragement."

Moderator: For his part, Arcade was watching them, a pleased    smirk on his face and his chin resting on his hands.

Alison Blaire: "Let's take a right turn. If he's trying to    wrangle us in to the center for a showdown, then I think this path should    lead us there. Stay alert. There's more traps here than an Indiana Jones    opening scene."

Tommy: "Hey, so am I," Tommy said, still walking.    They'd already established that it didn't matter which way they went.    Still, after two left turns it looked at though they were going in a    circle. Maybe this wasn't his brightest idea. He came to a halt, looking back    at Darcy and then sighing, leaning against one of the vine-covered walls.    "No offence, but why are we still teaming up with this guy?" he    asked, glaring at Loki again. "How do we know you're not behind this    whole thing?"

Moderator: The right turn leads them to a dead end. They have to    backtrack snd go left.

Moderator: It leads them to a long path. They hit a turn that can    take them right, or they can carry on until the path forces them right.

Wade Wilson: "Because this is Arcade and he's kinda his own    little lone wolf. He likes to play his games on his own. You know. Like    that dickhead that has to have the highest score on Dance Dance Revolution.    He doesn't let anyone play because he has to fill up the scoreboards."    Wade said, shrugging a little as he looked at Tommy. Looking at the    speedster, he didn't take note of the wall in front of him until he was....    well acquainted with it, his face hitting against it solidly.

Remy LeBeau: Remy pulled out the collapsed staff from one of his    many coat pockets, extended it to its full length, and handed it over to    Darcy. He hoped it would make her feel at least a little bit better.    "There. Now ya can beat de shit outta Arcade once we find 'im. An'    believe me, cher, we're gonna find 'im." Remy ruffled Tommy's hair.    "Jus' deal wit' it right now. Loki might be an ass, but in somethin'    like dis it's best ta at least try an' trust 'im." He gave Loki a    stern look. "B'sides, he probably wants ta leave, too. So he'll be    good. Ain't dat right, Lokes?" he asked with a small smirk.

Bobby Drake: Bobby snickered as Wade planted face first into the    wall. Maybe someone else should lead, he thought. Alison wasn't Ororo or    Scott, though at times she certainly tried to be.

Loki Laufeyson: Loki nodded his approval when Remy let Darcy have his staff.    Any kind of weapon would be better than nothing at all. Hearing her speak    he looked at Darcy. "Being scared is normal, though you can't let him    see it. It only makes him feel like he is winning." Starting to walk    then he managed to take only a couple of steps before hearing Tommy speak.    Loki's expression turned into one of annoyance. "By Norns..." but    Remy was faster this time. Letting the man speak, Loki considered the words    before finally replying: "If it was my plan, I would not be here but    up there somewhere watching this scene. So yes, I am merely wanting to    leave this place."

Tommy: "Yeah," Tommy said, "but how do we know    Arcade's even part of this at all? It does all be one of his tricks,"    he muttered, turning a little red when Remy messed up his hair. He hated    being treated like a kid, especially by Clint's sexy roommate, but it did    seem like he was the youngest person here. Maybe he was posturing just a    little bit. "Let's just go," he muttered. "Let's go straight    ahead."

Darcy Lewis: Darcy curled around the staff like it was a lifeline. In a lot of ways, it was. "Okay uhm. Yeah. Thanks. Loki. Maybe you're not too bad." She mumbled. He was actually kind of good with this whole support thing. And knowing that he had powers made it a little bit more....comfortable in the maze they were stuck in. "I'm not making any decisions on the direction we go. I'm just following."

Wade Wilson: "Because the guys a wackadoodle. And so is Daddy Issues over there. But they're two different brands of crazy. If he was gonna run this game, then we'd be fighting a hell of a lot more than the vines at this point. We'd be exploding and decomposing and blah blah." Wade said, waving his hand. "But I like what you're getting at. A good dose of paranoia is good for the soul."

Loki Laufeyson: "He might or he might not be," Loki replied mysteriously, leaving out the possibility that Lorelei was part of this right now. He couldn't be sure and Arcade might be only playing tricks when mentioning the sorceress. Then the idea came to him. If teleportation wasn't possible, then maybe just maybe he could turn into a bird and see where they should go. "Perhaps there's a way to find a way faster," he voiced his thought.

Tommy: "This guy gets it," Tommy said, pointing at Wade. "How's Ellie, by the way? She like that hat I got her?" Tommy added lightheartedly, realising he'd never asked.

Remy LeBeau: "Cher, even Loki's tricks ain't dis messed up an' ridiculous. Trust me, dis is de real deal." He noticed Tommy's little blush and smiled, though he didn't bring any attention to it. "Best we jus' focus on survivin' dis maze an' not fightin' each other right now." Remy looked around, still not liking the way the walls shone and... moved. This was all unsettling, but he reminded himself that he'd dealt with worse before.

Wade Wilson: "Wears it every day." Wade grinned. The mere mention of his daughter making him light up underneath the mask. "She loves it. Thanks." Rubbing the back of his head, he walked on, pausing only when Loki said he may have a faster way. "And what way would that be Rudolph the Green Nosed Reindeer?"

Darcy Lewis: "Hey...uh....Loki? Be careful. Okay? You're uh....you're not too bad. And uhm....Thor would be sad if you kicked the bucket. So can you please just uhm, be careful and okay?" She called out, gripping the staff until her knuckles were white. "Uhm. Which way are we going?"

Loki Laufeyson: Blinking a couple of times Loki looked at Wade. "Have you spoken with Stark since you too are fond of using the name 'Reindeer' on me?" he asked, not at all getting the reference.

Tommy: "You guys are killing me," Tommy said, rolling his eyes and starting to walk again, making a management decision and going straight. The others would follow, he was confident.

Loki Laufeyson: Shaking his head as if shaking the confusion away, Loki started speaking: "I could shapeshift and see which way we should go. That could save us time and effort, and prevent us from meeting this fool's traps."

Moderator: going straight leads them down a winding path that takes them past a visable dead end to a branch where they can go straight or to the right.

Tommy: "Sure, do that," Tommy said, over his shoulder. He didn't care if Loki left the group, whether it was to go up or back.

Moderator: As Loki transformes the high walls begin to arch inward above them, vines weaving together, sealing them off and blocking the daylight.

Wade Wilson: "Probably gonna get fucked up." Wade said, more to himself than anything. If Tommy had already gotten his ass cornered going as fast as he was, then he was pretty sure that Loki flying around as a magic bird would have the same thing happen to him. As the vines weaved together and made it dark, he sighed and took the mask off, needing to have his vision cleared of all obstacles in order to stay as sharp as possible. The damn thing was ripped up anyways.

Alison Blaire: Alison created an orb of light, using it as a lantern to light the now darkened path.

Loki Laufeyson: It was not their acceptance he needed. This was just to get himself out of here as fast as possible. Or so he told himself. So he focused on the shape of raven and let the transformation take over. Wings spreading and his form getting smaller the bird shot up from the green glow and towards the sky. Only to be met by vines that blocked his way. There was a lightly frustrated sound that escaped his beak.

Tommy: Tommy hoped he didn't come off too smug as the attempt failed. The little ball of light that Alison made, though, that was pretty cool. "Which way, bird boy?" he asked loudly.

Darcy Lewis: "Okay. So little known fact. I'm scared of the dark. Crazy I know. But I am. So you, pretty lady,-" She cut of to point at Alison. "You're my new favorite." She sighed in relief, moving closer to the orb of light. "Tommy! Be nice. No inner fighting. Have you ever watched a horror movie?"

Remy LeBeau: Remy blinked at the sudden bright light emitting from the orb Alison made. "Ow... Little bright there, c her. Warn a guy next time, oui?" It hurt but Remy wasn't mad at her for making it. As far as he knew he was the only one of the group who could see in the dark. He was also the only one with photosensitivity. But he supposed they all needed to see, and Alison's orb was brighter than Remy's energy charging a card. He watched Loki fly off, really hoping the god found something good. "What d'ya see, Loki?"

Loki Laufeyson: With his beak he tested the vines, wishing he could perhaps go through those somehow. But no, not with such a tiny weapon could he make any good progress with these. Frustrated was a little bit understatement. So Loki let himself drop and landed to the ground, green glow surrounding him as he changed back. His jaw was mildly tightened. "Nothing," was the answer.

Wade Wilson: "I think maybe I should go up front?" Wade said, covering his eyes with his hand as he walked past Alison and her orb. That was way too bright for his tastes. But he'd live. "Cuz you know. If I die I get to come back. You guys....eh not so much."

Moderator: When Loki transformed back, the vines parted again and sunlight poured back in.

Alison Blaire: Alison released the light energy from her hand as the    walls parted above them, letting the sunlight in.

Tommy: Tommy gave an exaggerated shrug, blinking at the    sudden change in lighting. "Worth a shot," he said, looking    between the two paths. His instinct was to keep going straight, but by now    he'd lost all sense of where they were relative to their starting point.    "It's been a while without any more traps. That seem weird to any of    you?"

Loki Laufeyson: There were many things Loki wanted to say when seeing    the vines part again. But he was taught by the Queen of Asgard, Frigga, and    he would not voice his thoughts right now. This maniac was definitely    getting to his nerves. But could he get even a short glimpse if he was    faster? Now at least he knew what would happen.

Darcy Lewis: Darcy relaxed when the light flooded back in.    "This guy is totally getting his rocks off on freaking us out. And I'm    totally gonna taze him in his balls for this." /If I make it out of    here/ She thought to herself, holding tightly onto the staff. "yeah.    It's really weird. And I don't like it."

Remy LeBeau: "I don't like it an' I don't trust it. Dis is way    too calm an' easy. Don't make sense of Arcade's jus' tryin' ta kill    us." The lack of traps was putting Remy on edge. Things were never    this calm, at least not in any of the death traps he'd been in before.    Something was off, but he wasn't sure what. Part of Remy hoped he was just    imagining things.

Bobby Drake: "Do we keep going straight, or make a right at    the fork?" Bobby asked Wade since he was walking at the head of the    group.

Wade Wilson: "He's getting the suspense going. He wants us to    get comfortable just to fuck us over. I think. That's what I'd do    anyways." Wade shrugged. "Uhm. Let's gooooo RIGH"

Moderator: Right leads them to a dead end.

Loki Laufeyson: If Arcade was controlling these things, then he was    probably watching them. So... Loki let his posture relax, looked around    like he was looking at the group and started to walk where others were    going. But after like six steps he called his magic again and let it    surround him, flashing green light coloring the scene for a second before    he shot upwards again in his raven form. If he just could be fast enough    and see something up there.

Darcy Lewis: "I really hate you." Darcy groaned. Whether    it was directed at Arcade, or Wade, she didn't know. But either way she was    tired of walking and she was tired of being scared. "Remy do you want    to piggy back me?" She joked, putting herself under his arm. "Just    kidding. I don't want to get in the way of your boom boom stuff."

Wade Wilson: "Shitballs." Wade mumbled, shaking his head.    "Okidoke. Do a U-Turn people. Completely legal in these parts. I'm the    law now." He joked. "Bobby babe! You got my six right?" He    asked as he walked forward to the head of the group again.

Tommy: Tommy rolled his eyes as they turned around again, and    then turned his head sharply in Loki's direction as the guy suddenly    changed again, darting upwards.

Moderator rolled a die with 20 sides. The die showed: 15

Bobby Drake: "I've got you," Bobby said to Wade, forming    an ice javelin between his hands as he followed behind the group at Wade's    lead.

Loki Laufeyson: It seemed to do the trick, the vines didn't start    closing right away and soon Loki was up at the level of the top of the    walls. As fats as he could he took in the scene, turning and memorizing as    well as he possibly could. He doubted he had much time.

Loki Laufeyson: *fast

Remy LeBeau: Remy was grateful for Darcy's jokes at a time like    this. He eased up a bit, doing his best to relax as he walked with the    group. It was interesting how quickly Wade and Bobby were taking command.    Remy had to smile. "Mebane once we're outta here, Darcy. Gotta keep a    few cards ready jus' in case." He pulled out two, but didn't charge    them just yet. "What's it lookin' like up front, Wade?" he called    out. They weren't very spread out but maybe Wade caught something that Remy    might've missed with being in the middle of the cluster.

Wade Wilson: "Like where we just were." He called back to    Remy. This was a little crazy. Even for him. But instead of being afraid,    he found it oddly amusing. He wasn't sure he was afraid of much of anything    anymore. "Hey! Asgard! You wanna tell us what you saw up there? Which    way should we head babycakes?"

Moderator: "Very clever, trickster. I can promise you, that    wont work again."

Loki Laufeyson joined the chat 5 seconds ago

Darcy Lewis: "I love you." Darcy said to Remy, kissing    his cheek. It was definitely helpful to have him around. He was a good    support system. "Quick question, in the event of booby traps, what do    I do?"

Loki Laufeyson: If birds could form a sneer, this bird definitely    would have done so. But when the vines started to close again, Loki let    himself fall towards the ground and transformed in the process, landing on    his feet and quickly rising up. "We have to return a bit, not long way    though," he replied, pointing at the direction where they had come    from. "Better be quick, so that the idiot won't get so many ideas    during the time."

Moderator: They come to a four way intersection. Which way do    they go?

Tommy: Tommy didn't say anything at first, considering the    massive tangent he'd led them off on last time. He still wasn't sure he    trusted Loki's directions, but they had no other options at the moment. If    he betrayed them, they'd deal with it. "We want to get to the centre,    right?"

Remy LeBeau: "Love you too." He really did love Darcy.    She was a little spitfire and more capable than she realized. "Don't    worry. Jus' stay alert an' be ready ta move outta de way. If anythin' I'll    jus' carry you away from danger." He winked at her. Remy then scoffed    and glared at the ceiling. "Gettin' lazy, Arc. Thought ya had mo' fo'    us, since you braggin' about bein' so amazin'. Nothin' but amateur hour if    ya ask me." Remy figured that annoying and frustrating Arcade might    get him to make a mistake that would help them escape this labyrinth    sooner.

Wade Wilson: Wade nodded. "Yeah. Let's get to the center. Then    we can figure out where to get from there." Since when was he a    leader? He didn't know. But, he would feel bad if some of the people    in company would get hurt. He could come back. They couldn't.    "Alright. Let's get a move on kids. Daylight's a wastin'. Actually I    don't know if this is daylight or not. Hey Arcade, what kind of light is    this? Real or nah? Just give me a little hint bud?"

Loki Laufeyson: "Yes, that probably is the best idea right    now," Loki replied back to Tommy, not turning to look at him but    trying to remember the best direction. Brows furrowing a little he was not    sure what the clown would attempt next or would he make them pay for his    little stunt.

Moderator: "If you're asking if this is the sky, clearly    not. if you're asking if you can die here, you'll find out soon."

Tommy: Tommy huffed. "I say we go left," he said, since nobody else was. "It's the longest visible path."

Darcy Lewis: "You know, I'm getting really sick and tired of you." Darcy grumbled to the guy above them. "You're ridiculously cocky and annoying and you know what? You aren't even cute. Look at Loki. He's a villain. He's cute. You look like the Joker and a Weasley tried to procreate." To say she was irritated was an understatement. Whether it was the hangover, or the impossibility of the situation that was getting to her, she didn't know.

Alison Blaire: "I'm with Speed. Let's hang left, Wade."

Moderator: Arcade's grin faltered for a moment.

Wade Wilson: "Left it is!" He turned as directed, keeping himself ahead enough that if something were to pop out, he'd get the brunt of it, but close enough behind that if something were to happen to the group behind them, he could join in.

Tommy: Without waiting to see if the others followed, Tommy powered on, trying not to let the discomfort of his sprained ankle show. He got tons of scrapes and bruises, virtually every day, and they always healed quickly. They reached a corner, which turned to the right, and he paused, looking over his shoulder.

Moderator: They turn left and head down the path until it forces them right. With Loki's knowlege they make it to an impossilbly long path.

Loki Laufeyson: In the middle of his concentration and attempts to remember what direction could be the best Loki almost missed Darcy's words. A look of utter surprise flashed on his features before he was able to mask it and return his expression to neutral again. Despite not being exactly sure, he followed the group. After all, there could be multiple ways to the center.

Moderator: The path seems to cut across nearly the entire maze and it looms before them, somehow sinister even in the summer light.

Remy LeBeau: Remy looked over to Loki, noting the God's surprise. It wasn't every day that Loki was surprised. "Guess we're growin' on ya a bit, Lokes," he muttered to the god. "We ain't so bad, an' neither are you, cher."

Loki Laufeyson: If only they could move faster, someone could attempt trying to go ahead and see what's in front of them. Though last time someone attempted... Loki looked at Tommy. Would it be wise to try it again?

Wade Wilson: "I can run ahead if you want. If I come back, then we know to go on. If I don't, assume I died and I'll be back in ten. Well. Depending on how fucked up I get." Wade offered. Scratching the top of his head, he stepped closer to the path and unsheathed the two swords behind him.

Moderator: Wade makes it a couple feet before he begins to sink into the ground, the grass and dirt beneath him turning fluid.

Tommy: Tommy had a better idea of his bearings now; he was about to power on ahead before the sudden quicksand made him grind to a halt. God, though, this would be so EASY if he had full use of his powers, but as it was, he had to reluctantly admit that they were better off together. He'd already gotten sealed off once and he couldn't guarantee he'd be able to find them again. "

Remy LeBeau: "Shit, Wade!" Remy moved closer, staying just on the edge of the fluid ground and doing his best to get Wade free. It wouldn't be good to just let him sink, even if he did have a healing factor.

Darcy Lewis: "Hey hey! No! I read this in an article! Don't move! Grab this." Darcy extended the staff Remy gave her out to Wade. "Everyone grab the fuck on and pull ."

Tommy: Reacting quickly, Tommy darted forward and grabbed Wade's arm as well. "Everyone pull," he said, wincing as he was forced to brace himself on the ground with his sprained ankle.

Bobby Drake: Bobby quickly grabbed hold of the staff and Speed, pulling to keep Wade from sinking even deeper. Alison did the same, keeping a careful eye out to be sure there wasn't another trap activating around them.

Darcy Lewis: Darcy tugged, and because of how nervous she was, felt her hands slick with sweat, slip from the staff, causing her to fall backwards and smack her head, rendering her unconscious for the time being.

Moderator: They are able to pull Wade free.

Loki Laufeyson: Taking a hold of the staff Darcy was holding as well, Loki pressed his heels to the ground and with his stronger-than-human strength pulledas well

Wade Wilson joined the chat

Tommy: As Wade came free, Tommy fell backwards, landing on his butt a few feet from the sinkhole. "Well, we're probably going in the right direction," he pointed out. Maybe that was why they didn't encounter any traps on the other route. "How long do you suppose this goes for?"

Bobby Drake: "Arcade's Murderworlds tend to be quite, uh, elaborate," Bobby said.

Wade Wilson: "I always did fantasize about everyone having a hand on a staff while im rendered immobile." Wade smirked, wiping hinself off. This was gonna be fun. "The traps or the path? The traps, definitely until the end."

Alison Blaire: Alison bent down to Darcy, making sure she didn't have a concussion. "She's out cold. Think you can carry her, Remy?"

Remy LeBeau: Remy swore when Darcy fell back. She was out cold but otherwise unharmed. He put away his staff and slung Darcy carefully over his shoulder. "Oui, I got her. Hopefully she ain't gonna be too annoyed wit' de bump on her head."

Tommy: "Figures," Tommy muttered, wondering what Kate would do. She would probably have some kind of grappling hook arrow to make a zipline. "We just need a..." he paused. "Hey, I'm borrowing this," he said, plunging the staff into the quicksand to see how deep it went. "I might be able to dry it out," he suggested. "Assuming this place obeys the laws of physics."

Loki Laufeyson: Loki shook his head. "Not certain, I was merely able to see a part of the labyrinth and it is hard to figure out when you've seen the place from the sky." Turning to Remy and Darcy he saw that there was no visible signs of injury on her so he hoped it was just a brief timeout.

Moderator: [This place totally obeys the laws of physics]

Wade Wilson: "Alright. You got the girl. Lets figure out what to do." He could probably scale the vines if he tried. But Tommys idea sounded better. "Sounds good. Justbe cautious."

Loki Laufeyson: "Whatever you do, you better do it fast. The element of surprise seems to be the key here," Loki said, eyes looking around and feeling annoyed that Arcade could be watching them from anywhere without them seeing him.

Tommy: Frowning, Tommy withdrew the staff, and then, ushering everyone to stand back, knelt and stuck his hands into the quicksand. Agitating it would raise the viscosity, but if he did it enough the water in it should turn to steam and evaporate. Vibrating his hands, Tommy watched as the ground started to bubble, steam rising off the surface. Grinning, he moved forward, stepping into the quicksand while still vibrating enough that he resembled a blur. The heat from the friction didn't bother him—it never did—and he started wading out a little. The temperature was definitely rising though. Barely a minute later, he was standing in the edge of a shallow pit of dry sand.

Bobby Drake: "Nice one, dude!" Bobby said, fist pumping.

Moderator: There was an irritated noise from Arcade above.

Alison Blaire: "Alright, let's move quick before Arcade has a chance to set something loose on us."

Remy LeBeau: Remy smiled. "Tommy, you're a genius." He patted the younger man's shoulder. It really was amazing what he could do. "Alison's right. Best ta get movin' b'fire Arcade gets wise an' throws somethin' else at us."

Tommy: Tommy grinned, looking down briefly. He still had a few tricks up his sleeve, after all. "How's Darcy?" he asked, looking back over to the unconscious woman. They'd have to carry her the rest of the way.

Loki Laufeyson: There might have been a light smile tugging the corners of Loki's mouth but that was just maybe. Now they could continue on their way. "Quickly, lets continue moving," he replied and started to walk forward again, hurrying past the pile of sand.

Iann "So? Did you call him?" Iann asked, as he barged into Miguel's place. Well he knocked first, but then just tried the front door and it opened for him, as Miguel was expecting him. And if they were going to be brothers or whatever, Iann figured barging in without waiting was par the course. As was, Iann belatedly realized, leaving the front door unlocked. Iann came over to the side window, peering through as if he could catch a glimpse of Lilo living his life. Iann had no issues with being a peeping tom. "Is he coming over? You realize this is going to be fucking nuts, right? If he reacts worse than I did, don't be surprised. Or upset."

Miguel made a small surprised gurgle noise and jumped a little as Iann opened the front door wide. "Yes, yes I called him. He seemed a little confused but he said he'd come over. I said it was neighbor stuff... that's not a lie right?" Miguel had nervously cleaned the whole house. The idea of telling someone you were long lost siblings going badly didn't occur to him until Iann had done it - but now it was all he could think about and he was worried. "Why would he take it worse?" Miguel asked sadly. "Of course I'll be upset if it goes badly. I like Lilo. I was devastated when I thought you didn't want to be my brother." He pouted a little, playing up the little brother thing just a bit. Though... he was the middle child. Technically. Of the three of them. Of the three brothers. Wow three brothers. It was so new and exciting and Miguel didn't know why everyone was taking it so badly.

Iann "No not a lie," Iann said with a slight smile at the smaller man. He did appreciate that at least, that Miguel wanted to let Lopez know as soon as possible. No lies from him, and he never felt upset about Miguel taking a while to come tell him either. Particularly as Iann didn't take it very well at all. He shrugged at Miguel's question. "Everyone's got their reasons, Miguel. Especially when it concerns family issues. You don't know what his life was like." None of them really knew what their lives were like, and yet here they were, thrown together by genetics and one horny fucker. He did note the pout though, and clapped Miguel's shoulder. "Place looks clean, smells like Pine Sol."

"I just want everything to be... okay, it doesn't have to be perfect, just not bad." At the clean comment Miguel scoffed. "What am I? A gringo? It smells like Fabuloso, not Pine Sol," he said 'Pine Sol' in the most white nasal American accent he could do. "I know where to get it in Washington even." Might as well start deflecting his feelings with humor. He stopped joking when he heard Lilo walking up the front steps. "Okay okay, be nice," he said pointedly at Iann.

"Fabulosooo," Iann sighed, chucking a fist into his open palm. "I knew it smelled familiar." Of course Miguel managed to find it here - but then when they heard the door, Iann held his hands up in deference. "I'll be super nice. So nice, I'll let you do all the talking, hm? I'll just stand behind you and glower."

Lilo walked up to the front door of his neighbor. Not suspecting anything life changing he has some makeshift Tupperware in hand. Had he suspected more for tonight he may have noticed the shifting body of Iann trying to get a look at him before, or Miguel's strange caginess. Lilo tried the door, unlocked of course, opening it more gently as he called out. "Oye! Amigo, we made some soup and had extra? You want soup? It's got kale and meat in it and stuff... soup stuff..." Lilo sniffed the air and blinked in confusion before even laying eyes on the other men there to greet him. "Sooo... neighbor stuff?"

Miguel glared quickly at Iann. "No. Glowering." Before he walked toward the door to greet Lilo. "Hey, amigo. Soup sounds great thank you." Cassie and Lilo had been spoiling him with leftovers, especially when they knew he was on call for the ER, which made his life so much easier. He loved his neighbors and he really didn't want to upset Lilo. "Yes well... a little more than neighbor stuff... magical neighbor stuff." He glanced again at Iann, he could expect no help from the gruff older man. "You might want to sit down for this. I mean it's not bad, but it's a lot to take in and... I don't want to upset you."

If only because Iann knew something that Lopez didn't, instead of glowering the human couldn't help smirking, just a bit smugly. He folded his arms, and sat on the armrest of the couch, and stared at the werewolf. "Hey pal," Iann said, not intending his greeting to sound like a taunt but...he really couldn't help himself.

Lilo frowned. Iann was looking smug, and if there was one thing he hated it was a smug Iann. The man was already too clever then he had a right to be and Lilo hated that it looked like the human knew something he didn't. "Okay..." To preserve the peace Lilo handed off the tub of still warm soup. He sat down on the couch, gently as if there might be something hiding in it that would bite at him. "Uhuh, hey," He eyed Iann, the pulling his face to one side. "So what kind of magical neighbor nonsense did you get the nice town doctor into anyway? And why's it involve all of us here?"

Miguel couldn't bring himself to sit on the couch with them.... with his brothers. Instead he stood in front of Lilo and wrung his hands. "Well, Iann didn't get me into it so much as, I got him into it. Or we're all in it and I just... figured it out uhm." He needed to stop stalling and just spit it out. So he closed his eyes tight and let it fly out of his mouth. "We're half brothers!  All of us. The three of us. We have the same dad. I found out with magic."

Iann was grinning so tightly his jaw was flexing and twitching, teeth clenched as he watched Lilo react to this. To add an extra measure, Iann unfolded his arms and spread his hands out. "This isn't a joke, no prank. Unless Miguel's lying or something - I haven't found a way to verify this claim, and he's the doctor and the witch, so. Hermano."

Lilo went to open his mouth, eyes darting from the grinning Iann to the hand wringing Miguel, then closed it and thought better of it. He sat for a while, letting the sudden shattering revelation settle in. He stared forward and shook his head. "I... I mean. No. That's" He shook his head, laughter spilling out in breathy awkward bursts. They said it wasn't a joke, but Lilo just couldn't manage to take it seriously. "Seriously? Guys? You call me over here, to what feels like a very weird and sad intervention at first with just two guys here. And tell me this?" He laughed again, head shaking as he moved to stand. "Okay, sure sure. Hermano, that I don't believe."

Lilo didn't believe them... and Miguel didn't know if that was better or worse than taking it badly. Maybe denial was a form of taking it badly. "No, Lilo. En serio." He sighed. "I started to suspect some things when a magical tome that's attuned to my family accepted Iann as one of its owners. I asked a blood witch to do a spell to let me find blood relatives and it said you two, and Addie of course, but less for her. And even then I wasn't sure, I thought the other witch might have messed up the strength and it was just showing me the closest Chicanos but... then I did a paternity test spell from my abuela." He put down the glass that Lilo had used the night he was drunk and talking about his feelings in Miguel's house. "I used my blood and your spit," he explained. "We're brothers. All of us."

Lilo shook his head, standing but shifting back and forth from his prosthetic. "Okay, hermano. I believe you." He looked at Miguel, taking his words more seriously. The doctor seemed adamant and animated as he spoke, and it was hard arguing against that kind of energy. "You, I can understand. Miguel. I can wrap my head around you and me, long lost finding each other here sure. But Iann?" His laughter pitched higher. "This guy?" His thumb gestured back to the couch. "I know this guy, known him for years. There's no way. I mean we can't be. I would have... I feel like I would have picked up on something. I mean look at him! He's gigantic! So tall" His hands gestured up and down wildly, as if measuring his fellow chicano in the air. "How is he related to us shorties, huh? Is his mother huge?"

Iann "You haven't known me for years, stop being dramatic," Iann said, standing up and scoffing at Lilo. "....okay you do kind of know me for a couple years, I guess, but not well, Not since - well - that time - you know what I mean," Iann waved a hand in the air, simultaneously calling up the past and dismissing it in one fell motion. Iann was so far highly amused at all of Lilo's confusion, and ironically he also agreed that yes - Miguel made sense for Iann too. But Lilo Lopez?? Then Lilo had to go talk smack about Mala and Iann's face got an immediate mottled red. "My mother was perfect!!" he hollered. "I can't help it if I got all the good genes."

Lilo threw up his hands, shoulders following suit. "I'm not saying anything bad about your Mama. I was just wondering if she was also six foot maybe."

Iann pointed a finger. "You just watch it Lopez or you'll get six feet up your ass."

Miguel had thought that Lilo and Iann got along. But apparently that wasn't super correct. He glanced between the two of them and had a selfish thought about how it would probably be okay if they both liked him but didn't get along with each other. He sighed and shook his head. "Already fighting like siblings I see," he tried to force the mood to be light, even though they looked ready to pitch two fits. "I would have been tall if I was cis," he mumbled softly, more to himself than to Lilo, but the wolf would hear him. "Okay okay okay," Miguel said as he put his hands up too, but he put his hands up between the other two. "Stop."

Lilo jutted up his chin just a bit, an ingrained reaction to Iann's tone. "You just try it culero. Try it. I would like to see." He was prepared to stare Iann down, but Miguel was being much more practical and calm. It shamed Lilo into backing down slightly, head nodding in agreement to stop. Picking up partly on Miguel's admission. He looked more thoughtful, a look that belied his concern but not that it was more directly related to being the shortest cis-man in the group of brothers than anything else. Concerns could be petty.

"Okay we're all brothers and I think it's great and I like you both a lot. I'd like it if you'd get along with each other but I'd settle for you not fighting until you get out of my house,” Miguel warned them. 

Iann was all smiles and terse cheer when Miguel intervened, and he shoved his hands into his pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels. "Who's fighting? We're just having a nice talk," Iann stated, giving Lilo a wink over Miguel's head. "So what do we do now? Have a beer and...make it official?"

Lilo settled down, wanting to sit. It was actually starting to sink in that he had more brothers, of course he did, but- "Oooh wow. This is real? This is really real, huh?" He breathed out, eyes widened, head shaking. He took a long look at Miguel. No longer using his easy irritation at Iann distract him. "We're related? We are like that joke, about chicanos not being all related but now are all related and oooh wow. This is exciting? It feels exciting? But also maybe making me a little dizzy-sick. Sick and dizzy" His eyes darted to Iann, stomach threatening to flip.

Miguel chuckled a little. Lilo was so sweet, and relief was washing through him, making him a little giddy. "You sit, Lilo. I'll get you a water. Iann and I can have the beer." He bumped Iann's shoulder on the way to the kitchen.

Iann "That's a joke?" Iann piped up, looking to Miguel for confirmation. If it was, it certainly wasn't one Iann had heard, oddly enough...but not really that oddly. Iann lived a large part of his life white-passing and code-switching depending on the company. "Why don't you take a seat, guey. Before you upchuck kale meat soup all over Miguel's nice clean floor."

Lilo first reaction was to glare at Iann's suggestiong, and stay standing just to spite him. Some part of this announcement felt like it flung him back into childhood, when he was a lonely moody teen just finding his standing and dealing with his mom having more kids with a step-dad he hated. Lilo hated this feeling, but not upchucking kale soup was good advice. He sat. "Ay, thanks Miguel. A big water if you got it..."

Miguel just laughed some more, grinning even, two brothers and they were all joking and grumbly but they were there, with Miguel. "I mean, you know how we joked about the gringos mistaking us for each other just because we're chicano? Kind of like that I'm assuming." Miguel shrugged. "Just cleaned," he said with a nod. "With fabuloso," he added with a smirk. He got the water for Lilo (a big water) first and handed it to him.

Iann returned to the couch armrest, watching as Miguel returned. The grin on the witch's face, Iann had no idea what to do with it. Granted, at least Lilo handled the news better than Iann did...so far anyway. Iann guessed that Lopez would have his meltdown later, once it all sunk in. For now the werewolf would just keep face. "Ah, I gotcha. Gringos," Iann said, taking the beer. He didn't drink immediately, and just fiddled with the label, thinking about Miguel so tastefully saying 'the other witch' when he explained the spell. Ciara, of course - Miguel told Iann, but maybe Lilo had never met Ciara. Why would he. But Iann's thoughts were digressing. "So...what now?" he asked, looking up between the two of them, suddenly serious and grim.

Miguel opened his own beer. He glanced at Iann and took a deep breath. "I have no idea."

Lilo shrugged, water in hand and threatening to spill on the freshly fabulos-ed floor. "I mean what now? What are we supposed to do? Go on a brother vacation? A brother journey to discover lost treasure? What should we do..." He paused to take a couple gulps of water. Wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "I mean... anybody actually know our dad. What he's like besides the fact that he gets around a lot..."

Iann "Who cares," Iann dismissed the dad question brusquely, then got up to look out one of Miguel's windows at the birds in the back yard. He took a swig of beer. "I guess we just go back to normal life. You tell Pegs, I tell...Bellamy, well. I've already told Bellamy. And Miguel - you tell that kid of yours at the University? Then that's that. What more is there for us to do, I don't - I don't think we need to find out more. " Iann glanced over at them both, then back out the window. "At least, I don't want to, personally."

Miguel pursed his lips. He already knew how Iann felt about it, but it sounded like Lilo was a little more on his page, a little more curious. It was odd, and Miguel wanted to know why it had played out the way it had. He was also a little surprised by how close Iann thought he was to Hawthorn, they may have been in the same coven but the only reason they were getting along was because the kid had a concussion and needed coven help, at least that was what Miguel had assumed. The idea was enough to send him into a spiral. He didn't have a fiancee or a best friend even, he had a coven member. There wasn't a way to tell Lilo that they could talk about it after Iann left, at least not a polite way. "We don't need to, but..."

"But it might be nice to know." Lilo finished for Miguel. Stopping to take another drink of water. "You can't tell me you are not at least a little bit curious. C'mon Iann! You're the human out of us. Aren't you worried about heart disease or baldness. Horrible things like that." He shrugged, unaware of Miguel's spiraling or the source of Iann's tetchiness about their shared father. "It's a fucking mystery. Three guys, all different, all in the same town. How does all of these coincidences not worry you?"

Cooper: Cooper flicked on the lights to his tiny studio apartment as he pulled Blaine's suitcase inside and gave a smile as he turned to his little brother, "Well, this is it. Casa de la Cooper." He beamed, letting Blaine look around as he shut the door and shrugged his jacket off, laying it on the counter and followed Blaine further inside, "It's small, but a lot of actors feel that their art flourishes in confined spaces. You know? You can really bounce ideas, and concept off these walls." He spoke confidently, as if he really knew what he was talking about, after all he was the big Hollywood actor and Blaine was a kid from a suburb in Ohio. There was so much his big brother could teach him. And hopefully would, over the course of the next few week. He couldn't begin to describe the horror he'd felt when he'd heard about 'the incident', the images of his baby brother beaten half to death, lying in a hospital bed, those fears had brought so many emotions to surface. Feelings he thought he'd long since put to bed, and having Blaine here, in close proximity only strengthened them. This summer he would make clear that his brother never felt alone again. "So...what do you want to do first little brother?" He asked, his smile bright as he looked down at Blaine, who'd somehow grown up over the course of the last few months since they'd last seen each other. The sight of him, almost a man now only further solidifying his feelings, his determination for letting them be known.

Blaine: Blaine looked around the small apartment, nodding, wide-eyed at what Cooper had to say. The flight had been exhausting, the mix of the crowded airport and everything else, the stress of LA traffic which was HORRIBLE compared to Ohio-- all of it had taken its toll. "As boring as it sounds, maybe we could just lay down for a little bit? I'm a little wiped out from everything," he said, a crooked smile on his lips as he looked up at his big brother. "Maybe... you know... we could lay together like we used to?" he asked quietly, recalling all the times Blaine had snuck into Cooper's room just to be closer to his brother, cuddling up next to him despite Cooper's request for him to go away, even though the threats were always empty and ended with them cuddled up together, fast asleep.

Cooper: 's face pulled into a smile and he nodded, touching a light hand to the small of Blaine's back, "You feeling okay little one?" He spoke gently, eyes surveying Blaine's, searching for any sign of pain or discomfort - his mother had repeatedly warned him that Blaine was still recovering from his injuries. "Come on." He encouraged, and couldn't help the way his heartbeat picked up at the idea of being so close to Blaine again, curled up against him like that used to before. Only now Blaine wasn't just a kid. And Cooper was different too, no longer under the rule of a father who was intolerant at best. He'd lived. He'd come to terms with the twisted thoughts in his head. "I figure we could share the bed? It'll be more comfortable for you. The couch is there, but my chiropractor would kill me for sleeping on it. Plus my psychic says that if I get my beauty rest this month, I'll be sure to nab an audition at have coming up."

Blaine: Blaine smiled brightly, followed by a shake of his head at the psychic. "Okay, okay. Come on," he said, taking off his sweater vest and polo shirt, leaving only his white undershirt as he kicked off his shoes and climbed onto Cooper's bed. He moved to one side, patting the bed for Cooper to lay next to him with a wide smile.

Cooper: beamed and followed suit, kicking off his shoes and climbing into the bed, moving close to Blaine on his side, his head propped up on his hand as his elbow rested against the bed. Blue eyes met hazel as they stared at each other for a moment and Cooper's eyes only left Blaine's to flick across his face and study the changes that had occurred since they'd last been this close. A soft brush of his thumb across a scrap that was still healing on Blaine's jawline and he frowned deeply, "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you baby brother." He whispered breathlessly, his brow knotting in remorse, "I should have been there to protect you."

Blaine: Blaine shook his head. "You couldn't have known that would happen... <i>​I</i>​ couldn't have known that would happen..." he paused for a few moments, eyes locked on Cooper's. "It was scary... and dad..." he laughed dryly. "I thought he hated me <i>​before</i>​," he frowned for a moment before smiling again. "I'm so happy to be here with you," he smiled.

Cooper: let out a soft breath and in a moment of boldness he pulled an arm around Blaine and pulled him closer, pressing a gently kiss to his forehead, "I'm really glad you're here too." He murmured, his mind drifting as Blaine spoke, his father had always been an intolerant man, he'd seen glimpses of that his whole life, but surely after he'd almost lost Blaine he's come around? "I love you baby brother." He whispered, his words meaning so much more than an older brother should feel. His love so much deeper than anything he'd felt before, for anyone.

Blaine curled into Cooper easily. It felt so right, so perfect. He sighed, probably taking it a step to far and letting his leg slide over Cooper's, his arm resting on his chest. "I love you, too, big brother," he sighed, looking up at Cooper. His words meant more than they should, too. He'd <i>​never</i>​ felt so safe and comfortable and <b>​happy</b>​ as he did in this very moment. "I love you a lot, Coop," he added, desperately wanting to kiss him like those few times they had in the past, but realizing that it was probably not something that was possible these days. It didn't stop his eyes from landing on Cooper's lips and wishing, though.

Cooper: let out a soft sigh of satisfaction as Blaine melted against him and he kept his arm tight, his hand resting against Blaine's back, a thumb gently caressing it, lifting the back of his shirt just enough to touch the slightest bit of skin. "I know you do kiddo." He murmured, a careful kiss pressed to his cheek, another to his jaw, another against his forehead again before he let his lips land tentatively on Blaine's and stay there. Still, awaiting reaction from his brother.

Blaine: blushed under the kisses, his heart skipping a beat as his breath was taken away at the feel of Cooper's lips against his. Instinctively, he reached for Cooper's face, his tongue licking at his lip, wanting to taste him, wanting so much more as his body pressed against his older brother's.

Cooper: let Blaine lead, afraid to take advantage of his vulnerabilities, ashamed to admit what his heart and body felt, but before he knew it Blaine was licking against his lips and Cooper couldn't help but have his tongue flick out to meet Blaine's, pulling a moan from himself, lustful and completely inappropriate. It didn't stop him, nothing would now. Except for Blaine of course, if he decided to do so. He pressed his body tight against his younger, smaller brother and kisses him deeply; pulling, sucking, licking Blaine's tongue into his own mouth, his hand now slipping completely under Blaine's shirt, openly tracing his finger tips across his surprisingly muscular back.

Blaine: moved to straddle Cooper, kissing him deeper, letting his tongue explore Cooper's, moaning at the way he tasted. His hips rolled against Cooper's out of pure instinct, breathing against his lips. "Fuck..."

Cooper: grunted, watching Blaine's movements, silently but closely studying his reactions, of course his body would react to Cooper's touch, but was that all it was? Or perhaps Blaine felt the deep pull between them that Cooper had long felt was present. Maybe he wasn't just twisted. Maybe there was some sort of fate or higher power that had instill this deep sense of love withing Cooper. "I love you little brother." He whispered again, his voice urgent as he moaned at the way the curse fell out of innocent lips.

Blaine: whimpered, kissing Cooper as though his life depended on it. "Coop... I love you, too... I... I love you more than anyone else," Blaine said in a whisper, voice desperate, wondering if Cooper knew what he meant as he pushed up his older brother's shirt to sigh dreamily at the skin exposed there. Hazel eyes met blue again and Blaine couldn't help the words that spilled out in a hushed whisper, blush flooding over his cheeks. "Can we... um... make love?"

Cooper: nodded and cupped a hand to Blaine's face, letting it pull back to run his fingers through the curls he'd let loose on this rare occasion, "My beautiful boy." He murmured, he knew he'd always been seen at the beautiful one, but he'd always thought that wasn't quite true. All the beautiful in the world was held in the tiny package that was Blaine Anderson, that was the way Cooper saw him, beautiful, innocent, and sexy in this moment and many moments before. "Yes, my love." He breathed, his eyes clouding with tears, far too many years of built up tension, passion and love, ready to burst through walls he'd put up for their own good. "I'd do anything for you." He strained voice choked out and he managed to flash a sincere smile, up at his brother.

Blaine: 's eyes were misty, too, to hear Cooper say 'my love' had his stomach flipping in the best of ways. He huffed out a laugh before pressing his lips to Cooper's again. "Just be careful with the back of my head, it's still tender," he whispered, kissing over Cooper's jaw and down his neck. He eagerly pushed his brother's shirt all the way up, letting his tongue drag over his skin, eyes watching to see how he liked it.

Cooper: nodded and let his eyes flutter close, weak from the way Blaine's lips brushed across his jaw and whimpering, his back arching as he felt the wet warmth of Blaine's tongue against his abs and let his eyes open to meet Blaine, "Oh wow...have you done this before baby brother?" He whispered, both terrified and aroused by the thought that this very well might be his brother's first time.

Blaine: shook his head. "No... is that... is that not good? I mean... I, umm... I watch a lot of... stuff online," he blushed, ducking his head. "Most guys seem to like that... do you? Like my tongue on you?"

Cooper: smiled and let out a laugh, "It's perfect. You're perfect Blaine. It feels so good. I just need to know this is really what you want." He spoke more seriously, "You know that brothers aren't supposed to love each other like this." He reminded him gently, not trying to deter him, but needing the reassurance that he wasn't taking advantage, that Blaine knew what he was doing and why.

Blaine: Blaine moved back up, straddling Cooper's hips again, his hands on his chest. "I know... I know they're not... but I can't help it, Cooper... I love you... I love you like this. More than anyone in the world. There's no one that could compare to you, big brother. I <i>​want</i>​ this... you, I want you, big brother. Like this... is it... bad... that I do?" he asked, eyes wide and questioning at his big brother who always had all the answers to the hard questions like these.

Cooper: took Blaine's hands in his own as he spoke and smiled gently, "I think that real love can never be wrong." He spoke softly, letting any pretense drop, because in this moment it wasn't just a man and his younger brother. It was lovers. Soulmates. Passionate and honest. "I was meant for you." He whispered, kissing Blaine's fingertips one by one until he'd tasted each one with the tip of his tongue. "I want you to do what makes you feel good baby boy. Tonight is all about you." He sighed out a happy breath, unknowingly handing over his heart and all his control to his younger brother in that very moment.

Blaine: breathed a sigh of relief. "You feel it, too? Have you always? I've always loved you, Coop... I wanted to be the best I could for you. More than mom or dad... I always wanted to make you happy, make you proud of me... when I say I love you.... it's not like I love mom... it's something deeper. Something I've only ever felt towards you... and as for what I want... there's some stuff I want to try... and I... I want to..." he sighed,blushing, kissing Cooper again deeply. "I want to fuck you," he breathed against his lips.

Cooper: nodded, "I used to think it was just...older brother stuff. You know? I'd be like so proud of you when you score a goal or won a science fair. Probably more proud than mom and dad. And then was you got a little older it was like, I got super protective when ever you talked about your crushes or whatever." He spoke, his words carefully chosen, "But the last couple years, I began to see it was something much deeper. I fell so in love with you." He let out a breath that felt like it had been stuck inside for decades, "You are my world. All I want is to make you proud. Can you see how hard I try with you? You're the only one that ever mattered." He felt his own face heat with a blush at Blaine's admission, kissing him, holding him close as he nodded again, "I'd like that little brother."

Noah took in a shuddering breath as he shut himself into his bedroom and carefully removed the dark colored hoodie that was now covered in blood. He bit his lip against the pain as the movement caused tiny pieces of glass to feel like they were embedding themselves further into his skin but at least the cuts didn't seem to be bleeding as badly as he had feared. He wasn't sure he was ready to attempt removing the tee-shirt though. He closed his eyes for a moment before raising a hand to his face, gently poking at the split lip and what was rapidly becoming a black eye. He had no idea how he was going to explain this one away. After a moment, he pulled out his phone and did the only thing he could think of. 'Can you come to my house? I'm in my room. I just left Lorelei's and I need some help. I'm really sorry about this.' he texted to Warren.

Warren was getting together a few items to do some prep work for a course when he heard his phone sound. Often he ignored texts in favor of studying, but so early in the semester, he allowed himself to look. He also knew if it was Maia checking in with him, she might grow more concerned if he didn't reply fast enough. It wasn't her, but the message turned out to be far more urgent, and he was already grabbing his things and heading out of his new house as he texted back, "Of course. Be right there." Thanks to the setup of the shared houses, Warren was knocking on the front door only moments later. He wasn't entirely sure who opened it and let him inside, but he thanked them as he hurried up to Noah's room with an excuse that he just got some awesome news he wanted to share with the other guy. A quick knock was all Noah got. "It's Warren. I'm coming in," he warned, figuring time was of the essence as he slipped inside.

Noah pulled out the first aid kid as soon as he got the response from Warren, though he was worried that it might not be enough for this. He sat nervously, trying to decide if he should try to take the tee-shirt off himself or if that might be a really good idea since he was pretty sure there was still glass in his back. He tried his best for force himself to stay calm enough to handle the situation, even as he knew that things were completely falling apart now. When he heard Warren's voice he looked up sharply seeing his friend enter the room and he relaxed slightly at the knowledge that there was someone else there now. "I don't ... I don't know if this is something you can do or not." he said, biting his lip and hoping Warren wasn't too freaked out by the blood and the bruises. "She just ... she had this glass coffee table. She pushed me and... um, it shattered." he managed to say.

Warren entered the room and looked immediately down at Noah. Unfortunately, what he saw was every bit as bad as he feared on the way over there. He hurried over to his friend and looked over both his front and back, trying to weigh the possibilities as he listened to Noah's explanation. "I don't... I've pulled things out with tweezers before, but this is a lot of glass, Noah. I don't know if I could safely get this out of you. In fact, I really doubt I can, especially since there might be pieces already imbedded under your skin we can't see, and the last thing I want is to make any of this worse." For a moment, he hesitated, aware his next question was going to be extremely hypocritical. "How do you feel about going to the hospital? I don't need to... the doctor's don't need to know what happened. We can think on the way there."

Noah closed his eyes tightly at the words from his friend, trying to fight back the panic that came from the suggestion. "That's what I was afraid you were going to say." he said softly, taking in a careful breath before nodding, "Yeah, yeah okay. I can't ... I can't just walk around with glass in my back." he admitted, running a hand over his face and wincing when it came into contact with a bruise. "This is ... this is so crazy, Warren. How did it get to this point? I don't ... I don't understand." he said, his mind still replaying the cold look on her face when she realized what she had done. It was the first time things had gotten that bad and she hadn't even shown remorse.

Warren looked on in concern as Noah replied, knowing how risky it was, but also not wanting to let this worsen too quickly. "Hey, listen to me. One problem at a time. First, we get you dressed and to the hospital, then we have experts get out all of the glass." But even as he gave Noah time to prep himself to get to the hospital, Warren's worry increased. "Do you want to tell me about what happened?"

Noah nodded carefully, "Yeah, yeah okay." he said as he moved carefully around the room. He had never managed to actually get the tee shirt off and so he settled for carefully pulling a clean black jacket on, to at least hide the blood on his back. He didn't want to advertise what had happened to his roommates yet. He let out a bitter sounding laugh when Warren asked what happened, "She actually thinks I'm cheating on her with Lila. Can you believe that? She even asked if the baby was *mine*." he said, shaking his head in disbelief at the situation. It was so screwed up. "She just ... nothing I said could convince her. She just kept ... pushing, and hitting and, ... kicking, and throwing things. Then she just ... shoved me, and I lost my balance, fell on the table." he said softly, wiping angrily at the tears that formed in his eyes. He wasn't going to cry about this. He wasn't.

Warren watched vigilantly as Noah put on his jacket, ready to hurry forward and help at the smallest sign that his friend was going through too much pain. Already Noah had been through far too much. Warren was surprised by the story to say the least, but he kept his expression neutral and serious as he listened. The last thing he needed at the moment was to somehow betray the way his stomach was twisting in a horrific manner at Noah's explanation. Yet as easy as it would be to dismiss his girlfriend's actions as ridiculous, that sort of unfounded suspicion and blame was all too recognizable for Warren. "Have you ever considered ending your relationship and finding someone or an organization who could keep you safe from... all of that?" Warren asked it in the gentlest possible tone, not wanting to assume Noah wanted his relationship to end since he had likely at least had feelings for Lorelei at some point, and might still harbor them now, despite her abusive behavior.

Noah let out a slightly shaky breath. "I don't know, I don't know." he said softly. "I ... I love her, but this is so crazy. It's too, much I just ... I don't know what to do. And the election's next month, if anything, *anything* leaks ... the media will be all over it." he said, shaking his head softly, "And she gets so angry, I don't know ... she could lie. She could lie and it could end up all over the news." he said, terrified of the idea of her trying to go public with this supposed scandal of him cheating on her and having a baby with Lila, or if she was really furious ... claiming he had abused her. "But then .. stuff like this happens and I just ... I don't know what to do." he admitted softly.

Warren knew it wasn't easy to get out of a bad situation just because you knew it was unfair. Whether you were emotionally invested or stuck in it some other way, there wasn't ever necessarily an easy escape, so while he wanted to free Noah immediately, he was prudent enough to know that wasn't how life worked. "Are you more worried about things getting out of hand and that leaking or ending your relationship and her making up stories people might believe?" Warren had no place inserting his opinions, so he just tried to understand what Noah was saying as well as possible. "What do you want to do?" Though they needed to leave for the hospital, Warren looked his friend directly in the eyes when he asked, thinking about how much he might've tried to change in the past if he had asked his younger self that exact question rather than denying the possibility of answering it.

Noah closed his eyes for a moment at that question, trying to consider it. "I don't know, I guess ... I guess about her making up things and people believing them." he said after a moment. He desperately didn't want the world to know about what had been happening, but it would be worse if they all believed some lie she told and he cost his father the election, and had himself branded as a cheater or an abuser for life. There was a long silence after Warren asked his question, because Noah knew what the answer was, but actually admitting it was terrifying. "I ... I want to leave." he said after a moment, "But I don't know how, I don't know how I can leave without her ruining my life." he added, staring down at the floor for a moment before sniffing, trying to get himself together. "We should ... we should go." he said softly.

Warren nodded and listened, aware that was most of what he could do to help for the time being. "What about after election? Would that change anything?" Warren sighed, albeit barely emitting a sound once Noah said what he truly wanted. He could easily hear in his voice how truthful the statement was, but he also was fully aware that wouldn't be a simple feat. "If that's what you want, then I'll help you find a way to make it happen, if you'd like. It may take time, but you shouldn't have to deal with any of this, especially if you know you want to get out somehow." Taking the hint it was time to depart, Warren gave Noah an encouraging look, not sure reaching out in a physical manner would actually be comforting, before leading the way to the very old truck Warren had recently purchased and making sure Noah was able to get safely inside without letting the seat press against his back.

Noah slowly let out a breath as he thought about that question, "Maybe? Maybe if the media backs off and loses interest? But I don't know ... cause I'm sure if she sought them out..." he trailed off. He hated this, he felt like he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, like there was no right answer. He didn't know what to do. He nodded carefully at his friend's offer, "Okay. Okay. Maybe we can figure something out. There's got to be something..." he said softly, even as he fought not to let himself get too hopeful. That was dangerous. He followed Warren out to the truck and carefully climbed inside, leaning forward so that he didn't press the glass further into his glass. "This is so messed up." he muttered softly.

Warren allowed his friend to think through the situation, aware he had no such knowledge of publicity, himself. He could only imagine how tricky all of this might feel. "There does have to be something, and we'll find it, even if it takes time," he promised. Warren didn't make promises he couldn't keep, and he was fully ready to do anything in his power to get Noah safely away from his girlfriend, even if he wasn't yet ready to share why he was so easily invested in the matter. Humming in agreement with his friend's comment, Warren was thankful he'd saved up for the truck and bought it at last for moments like this. Fortunately, they weren't too far from the hospital, and it wasn't long before they were hurrying into a parking space there.

Noah stared at the floor of the truck, trying to ignore the pain from the bruises and the glass in his back, and rapidly rising anxiety over actually going to the hospital. There was no good excuse for this, trying to claim he tripped and then somehow fell backwards wasn't going to fly. Especially with the bruises as well. No matter what he claimed, they would know someone else did this. "Thank you, Warren." he said softly as they began to pull into the parking lot, "I'm sorry I keep dragging you into this mess." he added as they parked before he opened the door and climbed out of the seat ready to head into the hospital and try to deal with whatever happened there.

Warren tried to drive as carefully as possible, but was still relieved when they arrived. "I'd rather you drag me into it than try to handle all of it on your own," he replied seriously, walking into the hospital with Noah, before moving immediately over to the counter and explaining the issue. "They said it'll be a minute. You have to fill out all of this paperwork." The only two times Warren ever entered a hospital were for Bryson's surgery and to visit Maia after her accident. Of course, his father might still be in one now, but he refused to think about that, since he was settled on the decision to never return. Instead, he just found two empty seats and took one of them, glancing over worriedly at Noah to see how he was doing.

Noah gave his friend the best smile he could manage before walking into the hospital, trying to pretend like it didn't hurt to move. He was a little embarrassed to let Warren take charge like this, but honestly he was grateful for anything that meant a delay in actually talking to the medical staff about what had happened - or the version of what had happened he needed to make up. When Warren returned with the paperwork, he took the clipboard with a small sigh, "Yeah, you always do." he muttered as he began quickly filling it out, claiming that he needed help removing the glass because he fell on the table because he didn't know what else to say this time. It obviously wasn't true, but there really was no better option. "Can ... can you call Sarah?" he asked Warren after a moment, "I was supposed to meet her for dinner just ... tell her where we are, but make sure she knows I'm alright?" he asked, knowing that he couldn't just stand his sister up but also not sure he was up to lying to her over the phone just yet. At least if Warren called, maybe she'd save the questions until she saw Noah in person, and maybe he'd have a better story by then.

Warren did his best to just sit still. Running his hands over his knees, he thought about Maia wanting to help him, and his own stubbornness in reply. Still, he wished he could do more for Noah than simply sit there with him. But oftentimes you were the only one who could get yourself out of such a tough situation, especially mentally. "Of course," he nodded, hearing the request. Warren fished his phone out of his pocket, having Sarah's number from when they talked about summer job possibilities for her. Walking away for a moment, he gave her a call, letting her know where Noah was but also reassuring her he wasn't in any sort of drastic state. "She said she's coming here immediately," he let the other guy know as he sat back down. "I just said you were hurt but not too critically and that you would have to explain. She seemed to realize I wasn't going to tell her anything." He sighed, hating that Noah was stuck in this situation, and hating the familiarity of it.

Noah finished up the paperwork while Warren was on the phone, carefully standing back up to hand it in at the desk before moving back to his seat. When Warren returned, he let out a small sigh, part of him incredible relieved that Sarah was coming and another part somehow even more nervous. He knew he was going to have to tell her now, but he had known that for a week now. She trusted him with her secret, he needed to trust her with his. And he couldn't hoping that maybe his big sister could somehow figure out how to fix this. "Thank you." he said softly, "I ... she's got to know now, I think. But I need to do that in person. Maybe ... Maybe Sarah will know what to do."

Warren gave a serious nod, knowing Noah deciding to tell his sister was a big deal, since opening up, especially about something so hard to put into words or get other people to understand was never simple. "I hear siblings are great at that. My unofficial brother always seems to know how to make things better," he thought aloud, thinking of Bryson and how much his best friend had helped him over the years. "And if you think it's time to tell her, then that's what matters most. That and getting you help."

Noah blew out a careful breath, trying to think about anything but the glass shards still in his back and the rapidly forming bruises. "Sarah ... she's really great." he said softly, "We didn't used to be close, but we are now and ..." he shook his head slightly, "I think she's figuring it out anyway." he added, knowing there was very little chance he could come up with a story that Sarah would actually believe now. He didn't know if he could come up with a story that *anyone* would believe.

Warren listened quietly, taking in what Noah was saying. With what he hoped was an encouraging look, he glanced over at his friend and sighed. "I doubt any of this is going to be easy for you, but I know you can do it. Just the fact that you've made the decision to get out and settle yourself into a safer life counts for so much." Looking down at his hands for a moment, he returned his gaze to Noah's. "Plus, if you need anything along the way, I'm just a phone call or a short walk away."

Noah gave Warren a slightly shaky smile, "I just ... I don't know how that's going to work." he said again. He had no idea how he was supposed to get away from Lorelei. Wanted to didn't mean much if it wasn't possible without giving her the perfect opening to completely ruin his life. "Thank you, Warren. You've ... you've really helped a lot."

Warren had no immediate solution for Noah. Warren knew how he got away from his own horrors, and even then they'd come back to haunt him. Beyond that, everyone's situation was different. "The uncertainty isn't... It can't be easy to handle. But that doesn't make the solution impossible. It may just take time." Warren shook his head as he wished for a doctor to help Noah sooner rather than later. "You don't need to thank me. I wish I could do more to help."

Noah looked up sharply as he heard a nurse call his name and he carefully stood up, turning to look at Warren, “Can you ... can you come back until Sarah gets here?” he asked before before walking over to her and allowing himself to be led back to a room where he would wait to be seen by a doctor.

Warren headed back with Noah per the other student's request, having agreed to stay with him until his sister arrived. He didn't have much to add as they entered the room, and he simply took a seat in the empty chair, figuring he would fidget less if he just plopped himself down there. It didn't appear there was too much for them to say as the waiting commenced, aside from verifying how Noah was feeling. However, it wasn't long before someone else arrived.

Sarah kept pushing a strand of her hair away from her face as it kept blowing back. She had decided to walk over to Ashworth a little early to see if Noah was ready for to go and because she liked to get some fresh air. The evenings were so beautiful here in Montana. The stars nearly always visible on the sky. She was nearing the entrance when her phone buzzed. She frowned at the caller ID. Warren? She hadn't spoken to him since the beginning of summer. Putting the phone to her ear she spoke in a light tone. "Hi Warren. Whats up?" As bits and pieces of information were given, she felt her hands start to shake and her breathing catching. "What the hell happened? What do you mean you can't say more I-" No, what was she doing? Hell this was crazy. Just crazy. "Never mind I'm coming. Bye." Showing her phone in her jacket pocket, Sarah felt her purse slip off her shoulder as she moved, but didn't care to pick it up. She simply left it there, breaking into a run as she practically flied down main street working her way trough the town until she reached the hospital. Flushed and out of breath she halted at the reception. "Devin. Noah." She wheezed to the nurse behind the counter. When she simply looked at Sarah with a confused expression, the girl lost it. "NOAH DEVIN WHERE THE HELL IS HE!?" She screamed at the woman, who mumbled something about lack of manners and gave her a room number in a stiff tone of voice. Sarah simply ignored her as she was off once more running down the corridor and nearly kicking open the door to the room she had been sent to. Staring from one boy to the other her gaze flipped over Warren as she silently examined her brother. He looked horrible. The black eye and clearly busted lip made him look so pale. And why was he wearing a jacket instead of a hospital gown? Having caught her breath somewhat, the brunette sat down a little awkwardly at the end of the bed. "What happened?" She asked, her eyes big, her tone quiet but clearly scared. Scared for him.

Noah looked up sharply as Sarah burst into the room, instantly feeling guilty at the look on her face. "I'm - I'm okay." he said quickly, not wanting her to think anything too serious was going on. "I just ... I, um, I fell on a glass table, and it kind of shattered? I don't think anything's deep or anything I just ... you know, they need to make sure they get all the glass out." he said carefully. before carefully shrugging the jacket off now what he was in a room. There was no point in hiding the bloody shirt from people who knew - or would soon know - what had happened. It would have to come off when the doctor arrived anyway.

Warren watched carefully as Sarah entered, looking to Noah and giving the other guy a nod, waiting for confirmation he should go. On that note, he took his cue to slip out of the room and leave the siblings alone, knowing he'd make sure to check in with Noah later and see if he needed anything else.

Sarah pressed her lips together in pure disbelief. Fell? Was she supposed to believe he'd had yet another accident now too? She swallowed hard. Her concern was making her feel lightheaded and mildly dizzy. But that might also be from running non stop, even if she was in flats. Silently reminding herself that she was the older one, that she did not have the right to simply freak out and that the last thing her brother could possibly need was her yelling, she took a deep, forced breath. "You fell?" She asked, her voice serious, her eyes pinned to him. As he removed the jacket she could see that his shirt was bloody from where the glass must have pierced his skin. Pushing some of her hair, which had scrambled loose of her low rise ponytail, away from her face in an hurried motion Sarah started chewing her lip. She often did so when she was nervous or stressed. This had to be a high point for her nerves. "Noah.. I am begging you, don't give me another story. Please, just tell me the truth. These aren't the first bruises you've had or the first accident to happen. I know somethings not right. Its not adding up and I'm sorry, but I am not going to just sit back and pretend anymore. This is serious. You shouldn't be looking like this, hurting like this I-" She had to cut herself off, wanting to slap herself because tears were pressing behind her eyes wanting to get out but she couldn't let them. This wasn't about her. She didn't get to break down. Scooting closer she took his hand. "I will be here for you no matter what. Whatever you need me to do I will do. Just please."

Noah nodded at Warren, giving his friend the signal to leave and let him talk to Sarah alone. He knew that he needed to tell her, but it was so hard to get the words out. He took in a slow breath, as too much movement hurt his back. He tried to make himself look at Sarah, but he turned his face back to the ground quickly, deciding he couldn't see her face when he told her. He already hated that he had upset her this much, but he couldn't keep lying to her. He had told her no more secrets and now he had to make good on that promise. "I did fall, but, um ... Lorelei pushed me." he managed to say softly. "Sarah, I don't know what to do." he added, blinking back tears.

Sarah barely noticed Warren leaving. She'd have to find him later, to thank him, to express how much it meant that he had taken care of her brother tonight. But right now her top priority, and probably for a while too, was going to be Noah. The most important thing was making sure he was going to get trough this, even if she was vaguely unsure what 'this' was yet. Sarah had her suspicions. She'd had them all of last semester and all summer. Thought Rian was the only one who knew about them, the only one she'd dared voice them to. She kept his hand in hers, her eyes on his face, biting her lip so hard she was sure to draw blood within minutes. Lorelei.. It was like something clicked, like finding that last horrid piece to a gruesome puzzle. Sarah's brain was working a million miles per hour. First she wanted to reach for her phone, call the police. Then she wanted to demand to know how Noah could have possibly put up with a violent girlfriend for this long.. then she wanted to kick that bitch ass.. Thought none of these actions were hers to make. "You.. you're leaving her, right? You can't stay with her anymore, please tell me you know that?" She was trying to keep her panic hidden as she spoke, wanting to hug him but not doing so because of his injuries. "You don't deserve this Noah. This.. she should be arrested. This.. this isn't love."

Noah took in a shaky breath, wincing slightly as the movement jarred the glass still in his back. He squeezed his sister's hand gently, wanting her to know that he appreciated the support. "I ... I want to." he said softly, "I just ... I don't know how I can, Sarah." he added carefully, using his free hand to carefully wipe at the tears on his face. "It all happened so slow and I ... I really did love her. And then she started saying if I left she ... she'd kill herself. I don't think she really would anymore." he admitted. Seeing the cold look on her face after she pushed him ... she didn't love him anymore, she couldn't. And surely that meant she wouldn't be so hurt by him leaving that she would do something like that. "I'm just ... this happened cause she's decided I'm cheating on her. And I didn't, Sarah, I promise. I wouldn't. But she thinks I'm with Lila, she even thinks Grace is mine!" he exclaimed. "What if she took that to the media? What if ... what if she even tried telling people I hit her?" he asked in a near whisper. "She could ruin the election ... she could ruin my life. I don't ... I don't know how I can get away from her."

Sarah tried not to flinch as he was clearly still in pain. It made her heart drop to her stomach, her insides churn with worry. Where the hell was this doctor? Shouldn't they have taken this glass out by now? Fitting her urge to grab a nurse and yell, Sarah listened to what Noah was saying, her frown only deepening with each word. "She's clearly mentally unstable." She injected shaking her head a little, her eyebrows rising as he told her more. Cheating? Holy crap this girl was insane. Literally, out of her mind crazy.. "Thats unbelievable! You would never cheat and of course Grace isn't yours. Oh my god.." Honestly it seemed to be a miracle that this had went on for this long with only minor 'accidents' and bruises. The girl clearly needed some serious professional help but that was neither her or Noah's responsibility. Her only responsibility was him, how best to make sure he was protected from this psycho. "Noah, we have to act first. Before she can do anything, before she can twist this story around." Squaring her shoulders a little, she realized she might have to do some convincing, for his own good. "First of all, we should call the police. Get a restraining order. We should also call dads lawyer. He'll make sure you're protected legally, so she can't claim anything or try to turn this around on you. If we can get the police here tonight you'll have all the proof on your side. They'll see the damage she's done first hand. The lawyer can help ensure that she doesn't have a case, that if she attempts to go to the media they won't have rights to use your name. That way she can't do any harm to the election or to your future."

Noah nodded slowly at Sarah's reaction to what Lorelei thought about him and Lila, "I ... I think she really is." he admitted carefully. He didn't think someone who was completely mentally stable would act the way that Lorelei did. And maybe it was easier to think that it wasn't entirely her fault, that maybe some part of her really did love him. He closed his eyes as he tried to consider what she was saying, as much as he absolutely hated the thought of telling more people about Lorelei, and getting her in trouble ... a part of him was finally beginning to realize that there was no excuse for her behavior anymore. Maybe she needed to get in some trouble, maybe she could even get help instead. He relaxed a little though, even through his worries because right now, he knew he couldn't do this by himself anymore and handling it his way certainly wasn't working, so letting his big sister take over was a relief. "That means we have to tell mom and dad, doesn't it." he said softly, not even wanting to consider dealing with that tonight. He didn't have time to say much else though, before a nurse was stepping into the room, reading what he had said had happened off a chart and sending a questioning look at the bruises on his face. He looked back over at Sarah nervously before closing his eyes and giving a small nod. She was right. There was no other way anymore. He looked back to towards the nurse, unable to look her in the eye as he spoke. "It ... um, it was my girlfriend." he admitted, "It-it's not the first time. And I'd like to report it." he managed to say, his voice shaking slightly.

Sarah just wanted what was best for her little brother. She did have a lot of questions, like how long this had been going on for and how Lila was involved. Because as crazy as Lorelei might be, she couldn't have invented this whole 'Lila's baby is Noah's' without some sort f interaction happening. Of course she knew Lila and Noah were good friends and they'd met several times. Sarah had even been in the waiting room while Grace was being born. Right now thought all that mattered was helping Noah the best she could. She wouldn't force him to report this. She couldn't, it had to be his choice. But she would use all her abilities of convincing if she had to. "Not tonight. And I can even tell them for you if you want. They don't need much in terms of details. We wouldn't want to have them fly here.." She said, grimacing slightly at the thought of their parents rushing here. Not that their dad could just up and leave in the middle of his campaign but.. they did have a jet so getting here was far too easy. When the nurse came in Sarah nearly blushed as it was the same one she had been screaming at before. Oh well the woman seemed far to busy with her work to hold a grudge, which was good. When Noah nodded at er Sarah felt a flood of relief crashing down on her, making breathing a little bit easier. Thank the gods. She squeezed his hand reassuringly. He could do this, she knew he could. And she would be with him every step of the way.

Noah nodded carefully at Sarah's words. "Could you?" he asked, "I ... I'll talk to them in a couple days, and you can tell them that. I just ... I can't right now." he admitted. He had been preparing himself to tell Sarah for days now, but telling his parents was another mess altogether. And he definitely wasn't anywhere near as sure that they would understand. He was terrified of how they might react, terrified of disappointing them. The nurse nodded gently and said that she would make the call once she had him ready for the doctor and he winced as she moved to cut off his shirt, exposing the cuts on his back and the bruises both old and new that were scattered around his torso. He blushed bright red as he knew that both the nurse and Sarah were seeing just how bad things had gotten. He knew that the bruising from Lorelei had kicked him earlier would be far from pretty. "You really think dad's lawyer can make sure no one else finds out?" he asked Sarah in a shaky voice.

Sarah was nodding as he asked. "Of course." She said, impressing herself being this calm when feeling very less than inside. "Don't worry about it they will just have to understand and be okay with the information they are given." She assured him, being firm and big-sisterly right now was both fitting and surprisingly easy for her. Even if the idea of breaking such news over the phone, especially to her mother, made Sarah nervous she would do it without a second thought. She'd do anything for Noah, anything to make sure he was protected and could slowly recover. She realized that would take a lot of time, but she knew he could do it. Sarah was so indrecidlfby proud of him for doing this, for standing up for himself. He was being so brave and she could not even begin to imagine how hard this all must be for him. Sarah nodded thankfully at the nurse when she promised to make the call. Sarah couldn't help but glance at his back when it was exposed. The sight made her stiffen all over and murderous thoughts towards Lorelei returned in full force. But she managed to look away, to rather fix her gaze on Noah's eyes and listen to him. "I think dad pays him a ridiculous amount of money because he's the best there is and he's also an expert with the media. He has to be. I don't know exactly how it works but I do believe that when you're the victim of a crime like this, there are laws in place to protect you, not just from her but from the media as well." She said, trying to remember back to one of the cases they'd studied last semester when it came to journalism and ethics.

Noah let out a small sigh of relief at the confirmation that he wouldn't have to deal with his parents immediately. He hated to put this on Sarah, but he knew he would be dealing with doctors, nurses, and police officers all night and he didn't think he could add his parents on top of that. When the nurse stepped out of the room to make the call to the police and get the doctor he turned so he could look at Sarah better, "Thank you." he said softly, "For ... for helping me with this. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." he added carefully. He felt incredibly guilty about hiding this from her for so long. "I just ... I didn't know how to leave her. I didn't know if I ... if I really wanted to yet. But after tonight ... I've never seen her be that cold before, Sarah." he admitted. It had been jarring to see the girl he had loved so much look at him like that, but it also brought home how messed up everything had become. He couldn't keep doing this. This was already the second time she had sent him to the hospital. "I really hope so. And if ... if the police already know, and there's a restraining order ... she'd have to know no one would believe it, right? Maybe she won't even try anything..."

Sarah offered him a small smile. She imagined the only parent she would be talking to was her mother, as her father rarely picked up his phone. He was always at some meeting or press conference or in his office busy with the campaign. Despite the stress of being at home, she'd really liked catching up with her dad, seeing him at meals an stuff like that. Redirecting her brain to slip back into the present, Sarah nodded a little at her brother. "I can't really be mad about that.. its not like I gave you lots of reasons to come running to me before and I did wait a year to tell you about my own night from hell so.." She shrugged a little. "I know its not the same. I wasn't in love with any of the men who hurt me, its a different set up all together but.. I do know what its like to be hurt by someone and not know how to handle it. How to keep upholding a secret and being terrified anyone will find out. I am so sorry you had to go trough all of this." She said, keeping her eyes on his. Listening to him describe it, her, Sarah had a hard time sitting still. She didn't know what to do with herself. Should she yell? Cry? Throw something? But she couldn't. And to do any of those things she'd have to leave the room, and the thought of Noah being out of her sight was even worse. "You thought she could change? That each time would be the last?" She asked, both curious and apprehensive at the same time. "She has no case. As long as we beat her to this, she's got nothing on you. And if she is smart she'll let it go and leave us all alone." Oh she better.

Noah let out a shaky breath, "I just ... I wasn't ready to leave. And I didn't want ... I didn't want to make you know what was happening if I wasn't going to leave her yet. Lila and Warren ... they found out by accident. And it was hard enough to put them through that." he told her, looking down at the floor. It was hard to believe that it really was over now. He knew that it had been building to this point, but it still felt so sudden. Even then, he knew that this couldn't happen anymore. Someone that sent him to the hospital didn't actually love him. "Since you told me ... I knew I had to tell you about ... about me too. I just ... that day was about you, and I didn't want to make it all about me. And ever since ... it just never seemed like a good time. I never knew how to say it." he told her, staring at the hospital floor as he waiting for the doctor to come in. "At first, at first, I did. She was always so sorry, and it didn't happen much. And it was ... at first she'd just yell, then just ... just a slap, or she'd shove me. It didn't start like this. Back then she'd cry after ... she'd be so upset that she hurt me. She doesn't anymore." he admitted softly. "I just ... I just want this to be over. I don't want her to be able to make things up, I don't want people to know what actually happened. I know ... some people act like it's so stupid that - that a girl could hurt a guy but ... what was I supposed to do? If I, If I tried to stop her ... how was I supposed to stop her without hurting her? I didn't want to hurt her and even if I did... if she had a bruise and told people I did it..." he trailed off, wanting Sarah to understand why he had felt so stuck in the situation.

Sarah held back a sigh. It was hard for her to wrap her brain around how he'd chosen to stay for this long. Then again physical abuse could be as sneaky and appear in flashes just like psychological abuse. She'd been with enough bad boys, super-jerks to know how hard it was to turn them away when they came back after a nasty episode, crying and begging for forgiveness, reminding you why you'd fallen in love with them, making you think there was no one better out there for you. "You didn't want to worry me. I understand." She nodded a little, her voice still managing that same tranquil calmness that was so unfamiliar to her. She must be experiencing some serious kind of shock. "I'm sure they didn't think of it like you were putting them trough a hard time. They probably just wanted to do whatever they could for you. They're great friends." If she'd been grateful before it couldn't compare to how grateful for these two she was feeling now. He was clearly feeling some sort of shame. The way he was looking, how his eyes were glued to the floor. This was all hard. He was being terribly brave for opening up completely. "Its never a good time for such a conversation.. and you just weren't ready. You should never have to tell anyone anything you're not ready to disclose with them." He'd told her something similar when she opened up to him last. Still she'd felt guilty for holding back. This sort of made them even. "Well then maybe its a little easier.. knowing she can't possibly love you at this point, she's just out of control and hurting you." She suggested in a gentle tone. "No its not stupid. Its sexist thats what it is, like the girl is always the weaker sex. Thats so not true." Sarah took another deep breath before speaking. "You loved her and there seemed to be no way out. Not without hurting her.. you put her first. Which makes you nothing short of a saint Noah. You're incredibly kind and loyal. And you're brave.. so brave for finding the strength to leave her. You need to put yourself first now." She could see how he must have felt boxed in, cornered, faced with impossible situations and lack of choices.

Noah gave his sister a small, sad smile. "Warren and Lila are amazing." he said softly, "They ... they've been great. I just hated worrying them." he said, shaking his head. Honestly none of this completely felt real. He didn't know why it was so easy to open up to Sarah, maybe because she had already told him about her rape, or maybe he was just ready for this all to be over. Either way, just feeling like he actually had a way out was more of a relief then he knew how to explain. A small, childish part of him felt like he should have known all along that his big sister could fix it. He glanced down again as she echo'd his own words back to him. It was just what he had told her, and maybe it did apply to him too. He really hadn't been ready, it had taken a long time to get to this point. He had been with Lorelei for nearly two years and thinks had been going downhill for most of that. This night had been a long time coming. He nodded softly at her next words, "Kind of." he admitted carefully. It was hard to think that she really didn't love him anymore, but it did make it easier to leave. He knew there was no excuse for her behavior anymore, and if she didn't love him, leaving her wasn't likely to make her hurt herself. He looked back up at Sarah, trying to give her another shaky smile, but it was hard when he didn't believe what she was saying. It took him a year and a half to leave and he was still sitting here in an ER, terrified and knowing he wouldn't be doing this without his sister to help him. He certainly didn't feel very brave or strong. "I just want this to be over." he said softly.

Sarah: It was horrible to see him like this, to know that he had suffered for so long and there was nothing she could do to change it or make it better. Sarah had slowly rid herself of her own helplessness this summer. Going trough the motions, opening up in support group, training with Ella and falling in love with Rian. It had all helped her move on. And it wasn't like she was selfish enough to let this set her back, to use Noah's pain to reignite her own. But the fact was that feeling like this reminded her of her own issues a lot. She hated feeling helpless. But unlike in the past, she wouldn't settle for it, not now. Not anymore. "Its good that you had someone. Even if it was by accident that they found out." At least he had not been entirely alone for the duration of this. "You've done all you can for her." Sarah insisted. Yes it was great that he was willing to report this and have a restraining order filed. But more than that it was so important that he would be able to let her go on his own. She would be forced to stay away but the matter of moving on was still entirely up to Noah. "It will be. We'll have all the police stuff cleared away tonight, and then you can stay with me and we'll call the lawyer in the morning. It will be all be dealt with before Lorelei even knows whats going on. She won't have time to do anything about it." Sarah said. She'd promised to take care of everything and she would. All he needed to do was, thought it would probably not be a walk in the park, talk to the police. It wasn't hard to see that he didn't fully believe her. Squeezing his hand once more, she held onto his gaze. "Hey, you are. Lots of people in similar relationships never find the courage to leave. It might not feel like it right now but doing this makes you stronger. You can do this, and you'll be okay." Her words were laced with fierceness. She believed in him. This wouldn't be easy to recover from but he would.

If there's anything that can make Adam go from zero to alert in a matter of seconds, it's this sort of situation.  At least here, he knows what needs doing and knows how to do it.  Noticing the way Elijah stumbles, he takes the guy's uninjured arm and leads him towards the little table near the mini-bar.  "Sitting down would be more convenient for me, but suit yourself."  Even as he says it, though, he's guiding him to sit down.  It's difficult to tell exactly how bad the wound is among all the blood, but Adam leans over to scrutinize it, plucking at the material of Elijah's shirt.  "Can you get this off without hurting yourself, or do I need to cut it?"  Straightening while he waits for an answer, he goes to collect general first-aid supplies and a towel, which he spreads on the table as a makeshift operating surface.

Reluctantly, Elijah strips his shirt off. A soft but constant stream of 'ow' passes his lips while moving. It's a coping mechanism, at least that's what he's gonna call it. "I'm going to need a lot of booze if you plan to stitch it up... I'm really fucking terrified of needles, Adam." Just the thought made his stomach churn and he had to look to the floor and breathe deeply. "I really wish you could just kiss it better and then magically it would go away..."

Returning to the table with an armful of necessities, Adam piles them all haphazardly on it, inspecting the wound again, scowling some in sympathy.  "Damn.  That's a mess."  Which unfortunately means that yeah, he'll have to stitch it.  So he looks around, finding a half-empty bottle of rum, which he passes to Elijah before dragging another chair over to sit down.  Alcohol does thin the blood, but not enough to make a difference before he gets done.  "Sadly I never got far enough in my studies to master the magical-healing-kiss technique.  But I can make sure it doesn't hurt.  You probably wanna look in another direction for a minute."  Because he's hunting down a small bottle of anesthetic from the stuff on the table and puncturing the lid with a syringe to fill it with the liquid.

Elijah whimpered, not caring he sounded like a giant baby. It's a little difficult to get the bottle open but he takes three huge gulps of it before taking a breath. He nods softly and looks to the side away from his arm. God damned crazy people. Not only did they damage his bat but him as well. "Just hurry," he mumbled, knowing in the back of his mind that a needle was about to be a very prominent object soon.

Adam might not have the world's best bedside manner, but he's not about to mock Elijah's unnecessary fear.  "I'll do my best."  Leaning in, he cleans the area perfunctorily with some gauze before taking up the syringe; rather than immediately administering a shot, he uses it to spray a portion of the anesthetic directly into the jagged wound.  Given a few moments to work, it should numb the area enough that the following shots won't even be felt; in turn those will ensure the stitching isn't painful.  Adam cleans the area more completely while waiting for the drugs seep into the tissue, throwing a brief glance at Elijah's face.  "What got you, anyway?  I didn't get the impression that you're the sort to go looking for a fight."

Elijah did not like waiting for impending pain. It made him want to throw up. The feeling of liquid on his cut made him want to look but instead he whined again, curling and uncurling his fist on the knee of his pants. Then he could barely feel it. Like nothing was wrong. Elijah still couldn't look though. "I, uhm, Well... I needed more essentials and I thought the place was clear and I got jumped. There was two huge lumber jack looking guys and this little girl. The little one had a damn big knife. I almost broke my bat on one of the bigger one's skulls... I might need a new one. But the girl got me good when I tried to escape through the stock room..."

Once he's got the area mostly clean (it's still bleeding, but he can work around that), Adam experimentally pokes at the wound, watching Elijah's expression again.  "Feel that?"  Judging by the lack of reaction, he imagines not, but it's best to double-check.  Once it's confirmed, he actually gets to work, applying the rest of the anesthetic with a couple of shots then taking up one of the curved suture needles and threading it.  While distracted by this work, Adam's listening to that explanation, sympathetic scowl becoming more pronounced as it goes on.  He lets the silence stretch for a couple seconds after Elijah goes quiet, before replying, noticeably subdued.  "Just people, then.  That's always the worst.  I'd take anything else over that."  He doesn't ask what became of them; he can guess, but he'd rather not.  After a moment, something else penetrates, and he looks up from his careful stitching briefly.  "Did you say your bat?  Like, a baseball bat?"

Elijah frowned a little. "There are other things?" Of course he knew of some things. Like demons, Angels, werewolves but that was all from the website he'd trolled before stumbling upon mention of the Winchesters. His leg bounced softly, curious as to what Adam has encountered before and if he was done yet. Elijah opened his mouth to ask if they were close to done when Adam spoke. "Well... Yeah. An actual baseball bat. It's really all I have besides two hunting knives and a switch blade. But they aren't as good as my bat."

Again, Adam pauses his work for a second to glance at Elijah, trying to decide if that's a real question.  "Yeah..."  Presumably people still exist who aren't aware of the supernatural, but Adam wouldn't expect to find any of them in this town.  The place is more affected by whatever the Hell (literally) is going on than most, and that means over-run with inhuman creatures. But he's distracted again when Elijah confirms that he uses a bat to take people out, shaking his head with horrified awe and turning back to the sutures.   "It's...well, nothing makes it easy, but maybe it's a little less traumatic if you just shoot them, y'know.  Plus they have trouble getting close enough to carve you up that way."

 Elijah frowned a little. He knew that killing was hard. Gods how he knew the difficulty it brought. "I don't know how to shoot a gun. Neither do I own nor want to own one. It could be easily used against me..." Elijah didn't really care a lot for guns. He knew they were easier to use and carry around but by now... No he still wasn't used to the sounds, smell or feeling of bones and carnage being created by his bat. "Maybe I'll try to learn one day," he relented softly.

That defense gets a distracted motion somewhere between a nod and a shrug in return.  "It could, but anyone who might want to shoot you is probably already armed.  I was kinda against them when I...well, before, but there's been times now that I'm really glad I learned."  But he doesn't need to give the guy a lecture; plainly Elijah does well enough with his bat.  So instead he just adds without much emphasis: "If you decide to, I could show you how.  We even set up a firing range in the basement."  Finishing the last of the sutures, Adam knots the surgical thread deftly, then has to hunt through the pile of supplies for scissors.  "You got any other injuries?"

Elijah nodded. "That'd be nice. I'd rather learn from you than a stranger," he said as he fiddled with the hole in his pants. He didn't have any other injuries but... A cheeky smile crossed his features. "My mouth hurts, will you kiss it better?" Elijah couldn't help the small smile on his face as he glanced to Adam, pointedly avoiding looking at his arm.

It's a little surprising to know he's not thought of as a stranger, but it's a pleasant surprise, and true enough: with the world in its current state, friends or allies are usually made quickly.  And usually lost quickly as well.  The thought makes Adam scowl slightly as he tries to push it from his mind, finally finding the scissors and snipping the excess thread.  Then Elijah responds and the scowl is replaced by a brief blankness, which in turn only lasts until Adam glances up to meet the other guy's look.  Then he's fighting a grin, without much hope of conquering it.  "I guess I should take it as a compliment that you're still able to flirt after that, with your terror of needles."

Elijah chuckles a little. "You're kidding right?" Did Adam not pay attention at all the last time they hung out? "Wait... Do you think that I'm just flirting with you for fun?" He asked softly. That kind of made him feel like a jerk but he knew he would never do that. Especially since it was a lot for him to even be able to say half the things he's already said to Adam. "You know I really do like you..." Elijah's face was slightly red but he tried to ignore it. "Maybe I should shut up, huh?" He gave a half smile as he looked away.

Adam gives another small half-shrug for the first question and busies himself cleaning up, dismantling the hypodermic and putting the parts, along with the needle he used, in a jar of sterilizing fluid; he's grateful for the tasks because he knows he'd be fidgeting otherwise. "Well, you seem to have fun doing it...but no, I didn't think that."  While the guy was notably inebriated when they spent time together before, he didn't seem the type for frivolous teasing.  "I just...well, let's say taking compliments gracefully isn't one of my many charms.  That doesn't mean you need to stop, though."  A brief, self-depreciating smirk flashes across his face.  Realizing he's pointlessly folding and re-folding the blood-spattered towel, Adam forcibly stops his hands and instead stands up to toss it across to a small laundry pile.  Then he looks back to Elijah, nodding towards his injured arm.  "You wanna clean up before I bandage that?"

Elijah listened to Adam, smiling a little. "I could tell and I don't plan on it. Why be lonely when I can be around you?" He tried to play that off as a line, but he meant it. He'd much rather be in Adam's company lately then staring at his fort of computers or murdering digital baddies. His attention diverts to his arm and he makes a soft gagging noise involuntarily. "C-Could you?" He mutters, looking away now that he's paler than before.

The question could easily be taken as playful, but the sincerity is apparent enough that a more lasting smile forms on the kid's face.  It was probably rhetorical, too, but Adam answers in the same maybe-playful tone:  "I can't think of a single reason."  The way the blood drains from Elijah's face is obvious, and that retching noise makes Adam scowl in concern.  "Yeah, 'course.  Can you make it to the bathroom or are you gonna collapse if you try to stand up?"  He rounds the table himself, extending a hand to help Elijah to his feet, if he is in fact capable of gaining them.

Elijah rolled his eyes a little at Adam. "And I could probably think of 100 to counter it." He glanced at Adam's hand and took a deep breath. Elijah could stand, sort of. He wobbled a little but held tightly to Adam's hand with his uninjured one. Once he was steady he slowly released Adam's hand only to move his own up to the other's face. Before he could chicken out, Elijah leaned forward to press his lips to Adam's in a soft kiss.

Not having actually expected Elijah to be so unsteady on his feet, Adam instinctively grasps the guy's uninjured arm to keep him from reeling more.  Not for the first time, he considers relocating to a lower floor of the hotel, just so people don't leak away extra blood climbing the stairs.  Once he seems more securely upright, the grip on that arm relaxes a bit.  Adam glances up to ask if the guy is all right, but...oh.  It isn't unexpected at all, but when that mouth covers his own, the kid still tenses slightly.  That only lasts a second or two before easing, and he leans towards Elijah, free hand coming up to curl gingerly around the back of his neck.

Elijah contemplates that he's overstepped when he feels Adam tense but then he's being kissed back and all thought outside of the action is gone. Carefully he shuffles a little closer, so his chest barely brushes against Adam's before the need to breathe burns at his lungs. Elijah pulled back a little, a stupidly goofy smile on his face. "For a moment, before I got here, I was sure I was going to die of blood loss... So I promised myself I'd learn what it's like to kiss you before anything bad happens again."

Though it's been a while since he's kissed anyone (well, not counting heavenly delusions), instinct fills in for lack of habituation well enough so that when he feels Elijah drawing away, the hand around the back of his neck tightens momentarily as if to prevent him.  Only for a second, though; then Adam nips at the guy's lower lip and leans away. Watching him thoughtfully for a moment, those words make one corner of his mouth quirk upwards.  "And you said all your pick-up lines were shitty."  Leaning away a bit more, he looks him over with a more clinical interest and shakes his head.  "You did lose a lot of blood, though."  A good portion of it seems to still be on him, for all the good that does, and there's splatters of the stuff on his face and clothes that Adam imagines came from someone else.  "C'mon, you're a mess."  Using the hand still gripping Elijah's arm, he guides him to the bathroom.

Elijah shivers when he feels the nip to his lip. He's also pretty sure his face is bright red despite the smile. "If that really worked compared to anything else then I've got to be dead," he joked softly. He almost wants to kiss Adam again, to turn off the worry and doctor drive in him but he doesn't, not yet anyways. He simply follows Adam to the bathroom. "Need me to strip for you?" He teased with a wink.

That shiver doesn't go unnoticed; it makes the smirk threaten to widen into a grin. "You're not.  I checked."  Turning off the triage instinct would likely be too big a task for Elijah to accomplish in his current state, so not trying is the smarter choice.  Directing the guy to lean against the counter, Adam wets a washcloth - a shower would be better, but the ‘patient’ is obviously too wobbly for that.  There's a faint snort of amusement for that teasing offer.  "Not just this second.  Probably oughta avoid strenuous activity for a while, y'know."  Starting with the injured arm, since it's the bloodiest, Adam uses that cloth to gingerly clean the skin.  By the time he's done with the appendage the cloth is covered in enough blood that he doesn't even bother rinsing it, only tossing it in the sink and acquiring a second one. 

Elijah chuckled. "Good because I'm very sure I'd fall on my ass in a very unsexy way." He can't watch as Adam wipes at his arm, the stitches and angry red skin make it all too real for him to handle yet. Elijah does however look at the washcloth with disdain. So much blood and there's still some plastered onto his skin that soaked through his shirt. Even some in his hair and on his face that he hadn't noticed till now. "Think I can crash with you for a little while? I promise to keep my good hand to myself."

"And then you'd have a bruised tailbone on top of everything else."  Back to the typical focused mode, he tilts Elijah's chin with the back of his free hand to clean the few splatters of blood from his face - there might be some in his hair, too, but Adam decides it's best not to mention that or investigate more until the guy is capable of showering - before moving onto the mostly dried smudges on his chest.  An eyebrow lifts as he glances up.  "If you're trying to be persuasive, that's not the way to do it.  Of course you can stay."  Leaning over, he rinses out the washcloth to start over.  "Being all alone on the edge of the town is dangerous enough even when you're not incapacitated."

Elijah let Adam move his head as he needed, humming softly at the almost soothing cleaning of blood from his skin. He grinned a little and shook his head. "I was just saying I wouldn't get all in your space without permission. Unless you wanted to kiss more, then I claim no control over my good arm or hand." Elijah knew he was asking for trouble if he went home just yet, especially alone. "Maybe tomorrow you can drive with me out there, get away from here and help me make sure my home didn't get looted."

Finishing cleaning Elijah's chest, Adam half-steps back to look for anything he missed, only finding another small splatter on his neck.  "Ahh.  Nice of you to be so considerate of my virtue."  Though he sounds entirely sincere about it, he has trouble getting that out without grinning and has to bite at his lower lip to prevent it from forming afterwards.  Tossing the second cloth into the sink as well, he turns the faucet on to soak them - the blood will surely stain either way, but maybe a little less this way.  "That'd be nice.  It's been a minute since I've left the building, my brother's kind of a dick about it."  

"Anything for you," he returned, smirking at Adam. He could tell that he wanted to laugh and honestly, Elijah wouldn't have minded. A glance to the soaking clothes makes him grimace a little before focusing on Adam again. "Really? You're not a kid... Will he even let you leave with me then? Or do I have to sneak you out because I can totally do that." It actually sounded fun. Trying to sneak Adam out like they were in high school and trying to meet up to drink or screw around.

"Careful, I might hold you to that."  The grin finally wins through after he says that, so he turns to wash and dry his hands, partially hiding the expression.  "Yeah, tell him that.  But no, I'm sure I can go - easier to apologize afterward, anyway, than tell him beforehand."  Maybe his conscience pricks him, because he feels compelled to add: "He's not that bad about it, really.  Just I have a propensity for getting myself into situations, and...I'm not great at killing things, yet."  Which is something of an understatement, in both cases.  Setting the towel aside, he turns back to Elijah and looks him over thoughtfully.  "Do you want to borrow some clothes?"

"You can hold me to you instead," he said with a soft laugh. A look of concern crossed his face and since Adam wasn't looking, Elijah doesn't have to hide it. A twinge of minuscule jealousy poked at him but Elijah's family had gone crazy so there was no use dwelling on it at all. When Adam looks at him again, Elijah reaches out to hold his hand. "I suck at killings things obviously," he mumbled softly before nodding. "If that's okay. If not, I don't mind chilling in my boxers."

That actually gets a faint laugh from Adam, as well.  "There's the suave innuendo I remember."  He didn't lose any family members to the crazy, but having lost his mother in an incredibly traumatic way - and having been lacking any other family for so long - he's definitely grateful for the recently acquired brothers.  Even if one of them is kind of a dick about stuff.  "You lived through it, at least.  Can't be that bad at it."  He lets Elijah take his hand, long fingers curling over the back of his in turn and squeezing reassuringly, heading back into the other room.  "Probably better not.  Never know when I might get more walking wounded visitors.  Then again, it might be a good distraction if they do..."  He tilts his head like he's actually considering it, but undoubtedly he isn't sincere.

Elijah can feel a blush start and move toward his bare chest as Adam looked at him. "Do you really get a lot of visitors that bleed profusely? I need to step up my game." He responded, to try and pretend he was only blushing because he might be slightly cold. "So are you still wanting to bandage this?" Elijah asks, gesturing to his arm with a jerk of his head. "We can take a nap after, right?"

Adam begins to answer that question, but the following statement makes him pause, giving the other guy an admonishing look from widened eyes.  "Don't.  You don't need to get yourself injured just to have an excuse to visit."  Probably Elijah was only joking about that, and Adam's own tone seems serious, it could just as easily be facetious.  "No, there really aren't that many...more than enough, though."  He nods for the following question, then motions to the bed in invitation.  "Yeah, it needs a bandage, but you can nap while I do it if you want."  He's a little surprised by the suggestion, since it seems napping is no one's favorite pastime anymore, but he doesn't bring that up.  Probably it's only an excuse to get him into bed, and he's absolutely okay with that.

Elijah blinked at Adam a little, feeling bad for seemingly upsetting him. "I know, sorry that was a really callous thing to say." He had only been kidding about napping, he would prefer to just lay and relax with Adam. "I'm not really tired, so I'll just sit here, make it easier on you," he amended softly as he shifted about a little in the chair.

That response makes Adam arch an eyebrow.  "It wasn't that bad.  And I didn't really think you'd get yourself beat up again so you could come see me."  It isn't the first time recently that someone has taken flippant or sardonic words as earnest - people who know him well can usually tell the difference, but there's no one left who knows him well.  No point trying to explain that now.  He finds the roll of bandaging on the table, but shakes his head at Elijah's following words.  "You really ought to lie down, actually.  I don't think you lost enough blood for...that, thing, the kinda shock you get from massive bloodloss..."  Unable to recall the precise medical term, he waves a hand descriptively and gives it up.  "Whatever it is.  But you lost enough, it'll help to lie down.  You should eat too, but I doubt you got much of an appetite right now."

Elijah sighed and nodded at Adam. "Okay, I can lay down, but I'm actually not tired. And you'd be right about not hungry too." He carefully moved over to the bed and laid down softly. "Hurry up and cuddle me."

The demand makes Adam snort in amusement.  "You remind me why calling a person needing medical attention 'patient' is an oxymoron."  He unearths a clean pair of pajama pants for the guy to change into, since it seems lots of lying around is in the immediate future, before crossing to sit on the edge of the bed.  Reaching across to position the injured arm for bandaging, somehow he ends up planting his own forearm on the mattress and leaning closer than intended.  Without thought, his head dips and he closes his teeth almost delicately around Elijah's lower lip.

He watched him lean closer, relaxing at the closeness. Though the movement of his arm kind of made him flinch and glance toward it. That's why he didn't notice just how close Adam was until there were teeth closing around his lip. Before he could stop it, a moan left his lips.

The noise from Elijah makes him grin a bit, which in turn results in the bite becoming harder, sharper, but the pressure eases off soon enough.  Adam starts to suck slowly on the trapped flesh while the hand against the bed moves, curving around the nape of the other guy's neck once more, thumb brushing back and forth over the sensitive skin beneath one ear.  This wasn't exactly a plan, though he had been intrigued by the way Elijah shivered when he used his teeth before, but it at least seems an effective distraction. 

Elijah can't help the noises now, or the way his body shifts and arches as the bite becomes harder. Damn Adam. He trembles when Adam starts to suck on his lip. Elijah is doomed. He can already feel blood running south and he can't help but moan again. His good hand reaches out to find purchase against Adam's side before sliding down to slip under his shirt. Fingers dance over the warm skin, teasing and caressing.

Those suggestive sounds and movements are almost too effective a distraction, and the hand against his bare skin is even moreso, causing him to shiver pleasantly and give a quiet noise of his own, a  groan that gets trapped in his throat.  He retracts his teeth from Elijah's lip, but only backs away minutely before leaning back in and covering the other mouth with his own, his tongue immediately snaking out, soothing the faint indentations his teeth left in the sensitive flesh.

Elijah can barely even remember that his other arm is out of commission but he still doesn't move it. No, he grips at Adam with his good arm, pulling him closer without hurting himself. The minute he feels Adam's teeth release his lip, Elijah whines softly. Though the noise doesn't last long as he feels a tongue slide along the marks. Without hesitation, Elijah's lips part and his own tongue slides out to gently move against Adam's.

Something behind Adam's breastbone catches in reaction to that quiet whine, the hand around the nape of Elijah's neck flexes in response, and he angles his head to the side to deepen the kiss, using the tip of his own tongue to trace along the outside edges of the other playfully.  He shifts his weight to free up the opposite hand (there was a roll of bandaging in it, but it's been thoughtlessly discarded somewhere) which moves to the Elijah's side, long fingers splaying across his ribs.

A shiver runs through him as Adam's hand touches his skin. It's warm and soft and makes him ache a little. Okay more than a little, a lot. His head was a little dizzy but he continued kissing Adam like he needed him to breathe. He had noticed Adam had shifted himself until his hips arched a little and he felt the other above him. Another soft whimper because this was torture.

Though not as vocal as Elijah about his enjoyment, Adam can't quite help releasing another deep groan.  Feeling the way he arches, the hand on his side edges beneath him and drifts towards the small of his back.  As pleasant as it is, Adam also notices the contrast in temperature between his own skin and Elijah's; the guy is markedly colder than he ought to be, and Adam struggles with his sense of (semi)professional duty briefly, then regretfully draws away from Elijah's mouth.  Dropping his head to rest on one of his collarbones, for a moment it's all he can do to breathe, regardless of the knowledge that he needs to finish his job - and the knowledge that this is not the best activity for someone in Elijah's condition.

When Adam stops and pulls away, Elijah gripped at him a little more. He didn't want to stop and he whined about it. "Adam," he said breathlessly, nosing at the side of his head a little. His arm gently holds Adam close as he calms down some but he's still shivering some. "M'alittle cold," he murmured as he held a little tighter to Adam. "By the way, that is going to happen again. Hopefully soon."

The way the guy grips at him and the way he says his name - Adam has to bite down on his own lip, this time, to resist the urge to go right back to what he was doing.  His hands tighten their grasp thoughtlessly in return, but Elijah's next words remind him of his purpose.  "You're more than a little cold."  He might ask about other symptoms, but since dizziness, rapid breathing, and general weakness are the most common ones...hell, Adam is experiencing those, right now.  With a supreme exertion of will, the kid forces himself to sit back and retrieve the bandaging, Elijah's words making a smirk appear briefly.  "As soon as you're not at risk of hypovolemic shock - hah, I remembered it."  As if Elijah gives a damn that he recalls the exact medical term.

Elijah frowned. What did he mean by... Oh. Blood he had lost. Oops. He sighed as Adam sat up, not that the view was bad or unwanted but all he wanted was to kiss and hold Adam not worry about his stupid arm. His stupid arm that he got injured all because he couldn't handle a supply trip. He blinked at the word than smiled at Adam. "Good job, Nurse Sexy." He teased softly.

For that mocking praise, Adam gives a wide smile, bright and false as brass - but faking it comes a hell of a lot easier than usual, and once even once it fades the corners of his mouth remain upturned like he's forgotten it's there.  The bandaging doesn't take much time or attention, though he's as careful with it as he'd been with everything else, securing the gauze with a strip of tape.  It seems imperative to get away from Elijah, if only for a moment, before he crawls over the guy completely and picks right back up and to hell with hypovolemic fucking shock, so Adam offers the clean pants he'd found by setting them on Elijah's stomach, then stands up with the explanation: "I'm gonna get the light."  Right now, lying about lazily and affectionate sounds nearly as good as whatever else he might be tempted to do, with the added bonus that the guy might not suddenly lose consciousness.

Elijah frowned at the pants. "I have one arm," he whined softly as he shift to try and stand without wanting to fall over. It took him some moments to put the pants on then he carefully rolled onto his good side and pouted at Adam. All he wanted was kisses and to be close. That and he didn't mind light, kept inner demons away. At least he pretended it did. When the dark engulfed the room, Elijah shuffled around. "Gonna sing me a lullaby?" He teased.

For that whine and what it suggests, Adam's face goes remarkably blank.  "You're not honestly asking me to take your pants off for you.  Like this isn't tough enough already."  It's a little joking, but only a very little.  Continuing on his course, he flips the light off; there's enough sunlight edging around the curtains that the room isn't completely dark, only pleasantly dim.  He has to steel himself before returning to the bed, because it is difficult to behave, and he doubts it's going to get easier - but the kid's pretty sure it's worth it.  That request draws a low laugh from Adam as he draws back the rumpled duvet and stretches out beneath it.  "Nah, you've suffered enough for today, you don't need to hear me sing."  Pushing the blanket back farther with one hand, he stretches across to curl the other around Elijah's side and draw him beneath that cover, too.  "C'mere, you're freezing.  's an order."

Elijah pouted more. "No, I wasn't but help putting them on would have been nice," he mumbled with a hidden satisfactory smirk. Good Adam was still as needy as he was. Very good. They can suffer together. He obliges Adam, scooting closer until he can rest his head on the other's chest. "M'not that cold. Just chilled. You're lucky I like your face enough to let you order me around."

Adam only snorts quietly; obviously helping him put pants on wouldn't be much easier, since that would mean he'd be pantsless to start with.  But this is a conversation he should probably stay away from for the time being.  Looping the arm around Elijah's back when he's close enough and tugging the blanket up to cover him, his mouth crooks up on one side at the sass.  "And this is the thanks I get for taking care of you."  He doesn't sound like he minds too much.  It's hard to be bothered by anything at the moment.  The duvet tucked in comfortably, Adam's free hand returns to the nape of the other guy's neck, thumb lightly stroking down the side of his throat.  Much belated, he adds:  "Only my face?"

Elijah chuckled softly. "Would you have let me bleed out though? I think I thanked you very sufficiently earlier." Of course he was referring to the heated making out that got rudely interrupted by his stupid arm and lack of blood. A shiver runs down his spine at the hand on his neck and the thumb stroking his skin. Weakness number two was his neck. His eyes flutter a little but more out of being comfortable than being tired. "Mmm not just your face but I didn't get to explore very much. So disappointing."

Adam gives a noncommital sort of hum.  "You wouldn't have bled out anyway. Came pretty close to nicking your brachial artery, but it was in tact."  Which wasn't exactly the question, but it's whatever.  That Adam wouldn't have let him bleed out goes without saying.  The following question makes him smirk a little more broadly.  "Pretty self-serving way of saying 'thank you'."  He notes the way Elijah shivers, not sure if it's because of what he's doing or just a side-effect of being down quite a bit of blood, but he definitely files it away for further experimentation.  As there's no reason not to, he also lets his eyes drop closed, sinking into the mattress more and just enjoying the other guy's proximity despite any frustration.  "So you want me for my brain, is what you're saying."

Elijah is not relieved by the information. He just frowns in the dark, curling closer to Adam. "Yeah, but you know you want more." He teased softly as he took a deep breath and melted into the embrace. "Of course. Intelligence is sexy. Hearing you say hypovolemic makes my blood boil. Instant boner alert." A soft laugh left him before he yawned a little. "You do anything besides be smart and own a gun?"

It's not reassuring information; at least Adam doesn't add the part where he'd die anyway from some side effect of losing so much blood, rather than the blood loss itself.  The only response he's got for that first statement is an exaggerrated, long-suffering sigh, like, don't fucking remind me, but he turns in towards Elijah a tiny bit more, tucking the guy's head beneath his chin.  It's been a very long while since Adam's been this comfortably close to anyone, it's nearly enough to make him forget how the world is falling apart - a distraction he has no desire to fight.   When Elijah goes on, he makes a peculiar choking noise as he bites back laughter, waiting until he can control it to reply - in a very serious, solicitous tone:  "That's not good.  Experiencing either pyrexia or priapism while suffering from hypovolemia could be really dangerous."  And, dammit, he can't even get all of that out without his voice shaking with amusement.  He ducks his head a bit more, grinning irrepressibly, and skritches his nails gently over Elijah's neck until he regains enough composure to answer the next question more normally.  "I used to, but no, lately that's about it.  I read and I shoot and I sew people back together and I try to avoid falling asleep.  What about you?  How do you pass the time in your stolen old lady house?"

Elijah can't help but giggle at Adam's weird noise. He knows he's trying to remain serious but then he starts spouting more words Elijah has never even read let alone heard before. It's hysterical really and just to go along with it, Elijah playfully moves his hips against Adam. "Oh baby, talk medical to me," he fake moans before a real one tumbles out due to the nails scritching at his neck. The avoid sleeping thing hits home and Elijah sighs softly. "I play video games on one of my 17 monitors, I hack the government to find contingency plans and I eat M& M's until I have a stomachache. Aside from getting attacked and hitting things with my bat."

"Ahh --!" It's not exactly a pleased noise, nor exactly panicked, somewhere in between; Adam startles a bit, just a twitch really, for the sudden 'playful' movement, and the arm around Elijah's back tightens convulsively as if to restrain him.  "That's dangerous, too." As is the sound of that moan and, really, Adam is sure that this is not the path to quick recovery at all.  But like hell is he going to move away.  He is relieved, in a way, when the conversation turns in a different direction.  "...wow.  Your life's almost as exciting as mine."  Honestly, life is a little too exciting at times, which is why he spends so much time holed up in this damn hotel reading and shooting et c. et c. Elijah chuckled as he curled and settled against Adam again. "No it's not. It's fun and distracting," he said around a yawn. He shrugged his good shoulder a little. "My life sucks," mumbled Elijah as he closed his eyes again. "Mmmm not gonna leave right?" He didn't want to sleep if he was going to end up alone.

Fun.  What a novel concept.  Adam can't argue with that, but agreeing at the current moment is not the best idea, either.  He can tell Elijah is fading out, and - obvious risks of nightmares aside - it's the better path to recovery.  Moving the hand from his neck to lightly pet through his hair, instead, he gives a quiet hum of agreement.  "Barring imminent catastrophe, no.  Staying right here."