#mor3

Stranger: What?! RB Yes. Yes. RB

You: One is en route to you-JM I'm sorry, for what has happened-JM

Stranger: Do you know how long he's supposed to be in surgery for? RB

You: Not much longer, but he'll likely sleep for at least another hour-JM

Stranger: Okay... RB

You: It'll be alright, Richard-JM

Stranger: I hope so. RB I mean... at least he's alive. RB

You: He's alive. That's better than the alternative-JM

Stranger: I know. I know. RB I think I'll be able to be calmer when I see him. RB You know, make sure he's alive for myself. RB

You: Yes, I know-JM Has the car arrived yet?-JM

Stranger: Ummmm... No, not yet. RB

You: Right-JM It should be there soon-JM

Stranger: Oh oh wait. It just got here. RB

You: Good. I'll be waiting for you up front-JM

Stranger: You're there? RB

You: Yes. I was given the call, I headed over to make sure he was alright for myself-JM

Stranger: Okay. RB I just didn't expect you to be there. RB

You: Someone needed to be-JM Sebastian doesn't even have service where he's currently at, I can't notify him until his job is done-JM

Stranger: Oh god. Seb. RB

You: It might be best he doesn't know yet-JM

Stranger: Yeah... RB

You: Just focus on getting here, yes?-JM

Stranger: Yeah... RB I mean.. I don't have to do much besides sit here and not make the driver nervous. RB Who is this driver anyways? I've never seen him before. RB

You: He's new. I had to fire the one you usually get-JM

Stranger: Why? What happened to him? RB

You: Don't worry about it, Richard-JM

Stranger: Oh... okay.. RB

You: I'm out front, for when you arrive-JM

Stranger: The car pulled up to the hospital minutes after Jim's last text. He /knew/ this job was dangerous for Rin, far too dangerous than what it was worth but Rin loved it and seemed to be good at it so Rich didn't say anything and now he was injured. Possibly severely hurt and it took possibly all he had in him not to think that maybe if he had pushed for him to have not gone out today just a bit harder none of this would have happened. Muttering a small thank you to the driver, Rich quickly got out of the car and ran to Jim. "Is he out of surgery yet?" He asked, running a hand through his hair which was already standing up on its own.

You: Richard was a mess, but quite honestly, Jim was too. He was not expecting this, not in the least bit. Severin showed great combat skills, and his hearing was almost as good as it could be. He was one of Jim's better men, and yet, this had happened. And now he had to deal with the repercussions, with Richard's worrying, and having to tell Sebastian when he was in reach again. It was bad, and Jim was just trying to piece it together. Holding an arm out, allowing Richard to take his embrace if he wished, Jim sighed. "He should be soon" he promised, stroking back some of Richard's hair. "Come. The waiting room is just down the hall. I'll see if I can find you a cup of tea"

Stranger: Rich ignored the offer for a hug knowing that if he took it his emotions would take over -more than they have already- and he'd cry, so instead he just took his hand and silently followed him. It wasn't until they were in the waiting room, tea in hand, when Rich softly asked, "Do you know how it happened?" He swallowed down the forming knot in his throat and looked down to the tea. Only looking back up when he felt a bit more in control of it. He was /not/ going to cry here. No. Not in the waiting room at least. Maybe the loo. But not here.

You: Richard was trying so hard to be strong, and Jim had to commend that. He wasn't sure, however, if Richard would be ready for the story of how it happened. Grappling with the idea of telling him, Jim eventually sighed. "You're not going to want to know" He said, shaking his head. He waited for an okay to speak before giving the story, of how Severin had found himself in hand to hand combat, and in a moment of weakness, someone had found something, we're not positive quite what, and hit him in the back with it, leaving him on the floor and helpless. Luckily, he had a panic button that he was able to activate before falling unconscious, how he's been ever sinse.

You: since*

You: Hey baby, Sorry this is a late letter. Sorry the handwriting's shaky. I don't know if you got a letter or not, but I'm going to come home early. Kind of, I think. They won't let me go home, but they're letting me go to London, or so they say. I don't know when this is happening, in a few days probably. Has Sebastian told you? They're supposed to message next of kin. He's my only blood left.

You: I'm so sorry, I'm coming back home though. I love you. All my love, Severin

Stranger: Richard had not gotten a letter. Technically if they'd actually gotten around to a real wedding before Severin had been sent off, he'd have gotten the letter first. But Sebastian got it. It was nearly a day later, but Jimmy came around to drop it off and then left very quickly. Sebastian needed to be taken care of, he said. Richard cried loudly into the empty apartment. He didn't eat or sleep well for the next two days, but he did manage to get a bag of things together for Severin at the hospital. That's where he went on Wednesday, red eyed and exhausted. A very old nurse lead him up to a room where he was let in. His hands shook and he sat down next to the bed, putting the bag on the floor. "Rin?" He whispered, scooting a little closer to the bed and barely touching his lover's arm.

You: Early in the morning they had taken Severin's bed and wheeled him onto an air craft. They strapped him down to things, doctors waited with him, a nurse read to him for a bit, but mostly he slept. That's what he'd been doing recently, because when you can't hear in one ear, your arm doesn

You: ((Sorry!))

Stranger: ((All good:D))

You: Early in the morning they had taken Severin's bed and wheeled him onto an air craft. They strapped him down to things, doctors waited with him, a nurse read to him for a bit, but mostly he slept. That's what he'd been doing recently, because when you can't hear in one ear, your arm doesn't move, and you have shrapnel in your side, there's not much you can do. He was lucky, he was told, but he knew that when he got home, he wouldn't be lucky. There wouldn't be happy tears and the kisses would be laced with fear. It wouldn't be the happy reunion he'd been looking forward to. Still in a sleepy haze, pleasantly numb on a slew of medicines, Severin barely noticed Richard. It wasn't until he'd been there for a few minutes that he noticed the presence and began stirring. "Hmmm?" He asked, slowly opening his eyes. Richard was there, his big brown eyes were puffed up and red, and his hand was trembling lightly. He looked a wreck, and Severin wanted nothing more than to fix it. "Heey...bunny" He said, his voice gruff, but solid. "When'd you get in?"

Stranger: His head snapped up and he sniffled. Oh. That voice. That stupid beautiful voice he had been desperate to hear mumble in his ear every morning when the alarm went off. "Hey, Lion," Richard said and was very proud of himself as an actor that he could say that so evenly. "Only a moment ago," He lied. "I brought you some things from home though - I thought you'd like them," Carefully, and on Severin's good side, he put his hand on the man's forearm and ran his fingers up and down the cool skin. Usually the man was like a human radiator, but hospitals were known for being cold. Clearing his throat, he tried to make a joke, "And here you said you wouldn't do some big surprise when you came home," Which was true. Richard wanted to know the exact moment, but that plan had very much changed.

You: Shivers running up his spine as Richard ran down his arm, Severin smiled lightly. "You brought stuff here?" He asked, a little slow to the world, but for good reason. That was very sweet of Richard, he really was a wonderful person. Severin loved him so much, he was glad that he had Richard to wake up to. "Sorry. Didn't mean to....surprise you" He said quietly, looking over at the other, feeling so much love for him. "You're so lovely. I....love you. So much......Thank you....thanks for being here."

Stranger: "I brought you some sweets and I brought you a blanket and some warm socks and some of your favorite movies," He explained and gently squeezed the man's arm. "I don't wanna be anywhere else, silly. I love you," He smiled and sniffled a little more, wiping at tears before they could fall with his free hand. Sebastian came in then and Richard left to let them have their alone time. "You idiot," Sebastian mumbled and wiped at his eyes, "You scared me half to death," He put his head down to rest his cheek on Severin's thigh. "You fucking bastard,"

You: Everyone was coming in and out so fast. He'd barely had time with Richard before he was gone, and he was reaching out for the man to come back. But then Sebastian walked in, and he was upset. More upset than he'd seen Sebastian.....maybe ever. He was pretty sure he was crying, and Sebastian didn't do that often. Frowning, Severin tried to sit up a bit more, trying to blink the fuzziness out of his brain. Taking his good hand, he ran his fingers through the other's hair, trying to show him that he was there. "Jus' doing my job, Bas" He muttered, taking a deep breath. "I'm gonna live. What'd the letter say?" He asked, curious as to how much information his family had been given.

Stranger: Sebastian nodded and honestly smiled at the feeling of fingers in his hair. God, how could he have let his brother get into so much trouble. It was supposed to be his job to protect him, for Fuck's sake. He was older by like thirty minutes! Closing his eyes, he sighed, "They said they were regretted to inform us. Ha. And then, uh, jeez. Then they said that you were severely injured from an IED. They said that your, uhm, condition wasn't exactly like able to be told at the moment and that you'd be staying in this hospital."

Stranger: ((brb))

You: Christ, that wasn't a lot of information. Though, at the time that he'd woken up, they didn't answer many of his questions either. He hadn't thought to ask too much, though. He was so drugged up, most of his time was sleeping or playing cards with the nurses that would let him. He wrote one letter to Richard, but he knew his hand shook. Frowning, he looked down at his brother, looking more distraught than he ever had. "Did they tell you more now?" He asked, looking over at the other. "I uhm, my left ear doesn't work, and I don't think I'm allowed to use this arm for a while" He said, trying to think it over. "They said they did surgery on my side. That stuff was in it. Did they get it out?" He asked, looking down, but seeing nothing with his hospital gown on. "Richie's here. Is Jim?" He asked. "Did you all come to visit? Or just you two?"

Stranger: Sitting up a little, he cradled his brother's hand to his face. "A doctor told us more. They said you're arm broke in a lot of places. So they set it, but I guess they like can't put a cast on it right now," Sebastian nodded and coughed a little. "And uh yeah. You're probably always going to be deaf in that ear. And you had shrapnel in your side, but they did surgery to get it all out... they said they're really amazed how well you're doing," He smiled gently. Severin was too fucking stubborn to die like that. "Jim's here. He's probably out there with Richie. He wanted to make sure you were getting the best care,"

You: They were all here checking in on him. That was pretty comforting, really. They all seemed to care, and as he looked up at his brother, he could see just how much he cared. Smiling lightly, he smiled. "Well, they're really good at drugging me. Can't feel a thing, it's...really nice" He said, turning his hand over to squeeze the other's. "I've been sleeping a lot" He added. He really had very little to report, he didn't remember too much. "Wonder if they're going to put pins in my arm. 'S already the bad one" He hummed, closing his eyes again. He was tired, he was drugged, he really didn't know how to pay too much attention.

Stranger: Sebastian smiled, stood, and kissed Severin's hand. "Go to sleep, ya bastard. You'll be seeing more than enough of us over the next few days," He left the room and Richard peeked his head inside, walking quietly over to the chair and taking his place again. "No, shh. Go to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up," He promised. Curling up on the chair, the actor forced himself to close his eyes and actually try to get some rest. ((we can stay here or we can time skip if you want))

You: ((We can timeskip. When would you like to skip to?))

Stranger: ((I don't know, but I feel like Severin definitely like would be really really self concious about how he looks, so Richard wants to see and I could see how that would start an argument once Severin comes home. Also like eventually he'd probably refuse to keep going to therapy and stuff))

You: He'd been home for two weeks now, but it wasn't like how he wanted to be home. Richard had been hovering over him, making him meals and putting his socks on, petting his hair back and remembering to take his medicine. Sebastian had been dropping by, driving him to therapy and making sure he was getting out of the house. They were all very nice gestures, but it was suffocating. He didn't want to be reminded of what happened to him, of the ugly scar, wrapping it's way around his side like lightning, except it wasn't smooth and beautiful. It was twisted and warped and not at all how skin should look. He hadn't let Richard see, even though it was technically a risk to shower without help, he'd managed. He kept a shirt on at all times, tried to hide the lighter scars that crept up his neck or across his cheek, where he'd skidded across the ground. He didn't want to go to therapy in any means, and he only left the house so Richard would stop babying him, but Sebastian was only mildly better. At least he understood Severin's need to do things. This morning, he was protesting a shower, despite it having been three days. "I'll take one tomorrow, Richie. I just want to drink my coffee right now. Sebastian took me out shopping yesterday, my arm's sore" He said, looking down at the mug in his hand. It had a picture of the two of them, before Severin deployed, a gift he'd given Richard as a way to remember him. Now, he just wanted someone to understand, but it didn't look like he'd be getting that any time soon.

Stranger: How could he understand? He hadn't been there, he'd been home, thinking everything was fine and that his Severin - the most important person in the world to him - was going to be home in three months. Then all of that came crashing down and he felt like he had to keep Severin in this bubble so he'd be okay. Richard just wanted to keep him. And he really did try to sympathize, but it was so /hard/ not to baby him. But the therapist had mentioned to him the other day that he really ought to back off, which hurt to hear. He'd made a comment about a shower at the sight and smell of Severin. Biting his lip, he nodded and picked up his own tea mug to bring it to the sink, "Did you maybe want to take a painkiller or..." He knew for a fact that the last painkiller had been taken almost five hours ago. It was when Severin was changing shirts - something he insisted Richard not help with because he didn't want him to see. But Richard desperately wanted to see the scars, he wanted to know what that damage was. He felt terribly guilty for feeling bad, he knew he was supposed to be strong here and that he had it much better than Severin, but he was so sad all the time now. "What do you want for dinner later?"

You: Things were tense now. Richard was either worrying incessantly or trying to shy away from him. He thinks it was because the therapist had told him to back off, because it's all Severin talked about. But the shrink was a quack, and was filling Richard and Sebastian's head with nonsense about how he needed this or needed that, or that a new set of pills might help ease the transition. But he knew he didn't even have reason to complain. Men died, men came back with missing legs or arms. All he had was an elaborate cast, a dead ear, and the scar to prove that he'd been an idiot. Looking over at the other, he sighed, trying to think about what to say. He wasn't really hungry, not when his arm was throbbing. He'd have to message Sebastian and ask him to pick up more, if he'd let them. He wasn't supposed to get a new bottle until next week, but his arm hurt now. It'd hurt more than he wanted it to, he wondered if he wasn't letting it heal correctly. Sighing sadly, he shook his head. "I don't know, Richie. I'm not really hungry" He said. "You don't need to work so hard. We can have leftovers tonight. We have plenty of those"

Stranger: Richard rinsed out his cup and sat back down at the kitchen table, "Yeah. We can do left overs," Prior to this, he'd been so excited to cook Severin all his favorite meals, was anticipating the reaction to the first bite of good homemade food, but dinners were awkward and the cooking never seemed to be just right. "It'll be kind of a hodge podge of food," He mumbled, thumbing the edge of the magazine he'd been reading. He'd been reading a lot online too - lots of women were saying the things they had to deal with when their husbands came home and some of it seemed a lot worse than what Richard was dealing with. But he really didn't want to let Severin know that he was studying his condition online. "We can watch a movie later," He suggested quietly, still looking down at his magazine, but not really reading the articles.'

Don't send a doctor, you're out enough money on this job. I'll manage just fine-SM As soon as I find him, I'll get us a way back, alright?-SM

Stranger: Richard will be rather upset if either of you die. I can send help if you need it. What went wrong? JM

You: Someone found us, we were ambushed-SM Sev was smarter than to get captured, but I don't know where he is. My tech is broken-SM I'll find him. We'll come back alive-SM

Stranger: If you say so, we'll work out details of it later. Tell me if it gets worse, I can have a few people on standby. JM

You: Right-SM [Three days later] Can you get my location?-SM I have no idea where we are, but I need evac now-SM I found Severin-SM

Stranger: Good, you're alive! Richard's been worrying. Yeah, I'll track you. Give me twenty minutes to get someone there. Medic needed? JM

You: Very-SM A few if you can squeeze-SM

Stranger: How bad? I'll start making calls. JM

You: I will bet you one thousand pounds he's going to need emergency surgery-SM I think I'm better than that, but not by much, I'm sure-SM

Stranger: Details. Bad enough we need to go hospital over our doctors? If you think so, I'll start working IDs. JM

You: Yes, bad enough that we need a hospital-SM Severin does. I can be okay with our men, but unless you have a fully equipped surgery room for him, he needs a hospital-SM

Stranger: Lovely. I'll get to work, team's coming. Fifteen out. are you any worse off than three days ago, or has it been festering? JM

You: Festering is certainly an accurate word to use-SM Besides being dehydrated, I think I'm not too much worse off than three days ago-SM

Stranger: Do either of you have an infection? JM

Stranger: I'll make up a cover for you, too, just in case. JM

You: Likely-SM

You: Thanks boss. How far out is the team?-SM

Stranger: Wonderful. Please tell me you haven't been crawling around sewers or garbage heaps? JM

Stranger: Ten minutes, by my timer. JM

You: Not really, no-SM Alleyways, yes. Garbage heaps, only occasionally-SM It's infected, Jim. Okay?-SM

Stranger: If you've got an infection, you're going to the hospital. What got infected? On both of you. What was the original injury? JM

You: Sev's right leg is...not good. I've got it in a tourniquet. My side is the bad part-that was a last minute escape situation, originally a blade-SM

Stranger: How long have you had it in one? Enough blood still going he isn't going to lose it? JM

Stranger: Five minutes out. Is he awake? JM

You: I don't even know. I don't know what time it is. Keeping it is 50/50. He was bad when I found him-SM Barely. I've got him answering questions, talking about Richard. I'm too afraid to move him-SM

Stranger: How long ago did you find him? JM

Stranger: Still, conscious is good, if nothing else. Speaking of Richard, I'll talk to him after you're picked up. JM

You: Not long before I called you-SM

You: Okay. I'm so sorry I let this happen-SM

Stranger: Have you been sticking it out longer than necessary to find him? JM

Stranger: Shush, worry about that later. JM

You: What?-SM

Stranger: Could we have picked up just you earlier, but you didn't call because you couldn't find him? JM

You: [....] The medics arrived. Are you meeting us at the hospital?-SM

Stranger: I'm breaking it to Richie then coming. JM

You: Okay-SM Be gentle with Richie, I know how he gets-SM

Stranger: I know, I know. I've been dealing with him longer than you have. I'll see you there in a bit, keep texting if you like. JM

You: They're taking us in different cars-JM

Stranger: I'm going to guess more room, but ask why for me. JM

You: You're right-SM I don't like it-SM

Stranger: I don't either, but go with it. The hospital isn't far. I can tail around Severin and Richie can go to you, if you like. JM

You: I don't care-SM Just make sure he's safe-SM

Stranger: I will. Richard will calm down more with you, anyway. JM

Stranger: Give me a moment to get him, we'll be there soon. Tell me if anything else strange happens. JM

Stranger: ((brb!))

You: Okay-SM

You: [Ten minutes later] We're here. I don't know where Severin is. I can't hear him anymore. Tell me you have him-SM

Stranger: We're just getting there. I'll go find him, but stay calm. They probably just sedated him, yeah? JM

Stranger: Do you know for-sure he's in the hospital? JM

You: I think so-SM He better be-SM We followed him. I'm so sure of it-sM

Stranger: Call me paranoid, but you recongised at least some of both teams, right? Johnson should've been there, and Alejandro. JM

Stranger: Richard might then you're Severin when we get over there. Had to lie to the nurse a bit so I can get access to him. JM

You: I had Alejandro-SM Johnson was with Sev. I told him to take him. Sev likes him more-SM

You: Okay. That's okay. Can I tell him I'm not or...?-SM

Stranger: Go ahead, just keep him there. He's panicy enough as is. JM

You: Yeah, I can try and do that-SM

Stranger: I have to stand outside the room, but I found him, I believe. JM

You: Okay-SM

You: Is he safe? What are they doing?-SM

Stranger: At the moment, figuring out what to do about his leg from what I can see. They might close the curtain on me. JM

Stranger: They put him out, by the way. JM

You: Fuck-SM

You: Okay, at least he can't feel it-SM

Stranger: He doesn't have an allergies I don't know about, right? JM

You: No, you should know everything, and this should be okay-SM

You: Tell me he's going to be okay-SM

Stranger: Okay. They shut the curtain on me, but they just do that for gorey things. If he's survived this long, he'll be fine. JM

You: Richard's nearly hysteric-SM I've told him I'm okay probably 20 times already-SM

Stranger: I didn't let him freak out too much earlier, he's dropping it on you now. Sorry. JM

You: It's okay-SM He keeps muttering my name and trying to touch me, but refraining-SM Then he'll mutter Severin's, then hide in his hands-SM I'm going to hold his hand. Message me with any and every detail you can-SM

Stranger: Good. You're good with him. JM

Stranger: The curtain is still closed, my guess is he'll be in there for awhile. Just tell me when they're done stitching up your side. JM

You: I don't know how I am, but he calms down with me-SM Is he in surgery? Or just in a room?-SM

Stranger: Surgery, sorry it wasn't clear. JM

Stranger: You comfort him. He likes it, it isn't as common. JM

You: Okay-SM

You: I'm doing my best to comfort him, but I'm really tired-SM Can you get here so I can ask Richie to get me something to eat?-SM

Stranger: Yeah, Severin will be fine in there. And I suspect in there for awhile. JM

Stranger: I'll be there in a moment, go ahead and send Richie off. JM

You: Yeah? Alright-SM

You: Thanks Jim-SM

Stranger: He's probably going to go sit outside Severin's room the minute he leaves, though. JM

You: I told him I was really hungry, he looked determined to get me soup and a piece of bread-SM After that though, yes. He'll probably be gone for hours-SM

Stranger: I shoved a blanket in our bag. Are you cold, or can I leave it with him? JM

Stranger: Have the doctors left you? JM

You: Leave it with him-SM Almost. They're bringing in an x-ray machine to make sure nothing's broken or bleeding, they stitched my side up though. I've been informed I'm very ugly-SM

Stranger: I'm always willing to slice up a few nurses when they're being rude. JM

You: Don't worry about it, they bring good drugs-SM

You: It was your brother. I think his words were "That looks really, really horrible"-SM

You: Which, you know, is the same thing-SM

Stranger: Nah. Richie means the cut looks bad, not your face. JM

Stranger: Probably painful. JM

Stranger: Looking, I mean. Painful, infected, etc. JM

You: Yeah, I hear it's really gross-SM I'm not supposed to wear a shirt for like, two more days at least-SM

Stranger: I don't mind. ;) JM

Stranger: Do you know when you'll be released, though? JM

You: My entire side is a swollen, puss filled cut of infection-SM

You: When my fever's gone and I can walk, if there's not more damage-SM

Stranger: They'll put a bandage on it. JM

You: Not for a bit, no-SM

Stranger: Well, then be glad I have a better stomach than Richie. JM

You: I am-SM

You: They just have to finish other tests first I think-SM

You: Or maybe they want it to crust up, I don't really know-SM

Stranger: I don't either. Nurse pointed me in your direction, I'll be there in a moment. JM

You: Wonderful. Thank you-SM

Stranger: ((To paragraph?))

Stranger: Mhm. JM

You: ((sure! Do you want to start or should I?))

Stranger: ((Could you?))

You: ((Sure!))

You: It was bad. That's all Sebastian could really process at the moment. He'd gotten ambushed on a mission, a simple mission, then lost his brother. The next three days were spent in panic, with little resources and eventually, little food or water. He'd almost gotten caught on the second day, which he figured meant he was close, but to no avail he escaped with only a large gash along his side, mostly across his ribs. He didn't mind that so much, he was more concerned about his brother and what was going to happen to him. He had seen how weak Severin looked, he had every reason to be worried, and he was. A fever higher than it should be, strapped to too many monitors and wires with no food in his stomach, Sebastian was exhausted and more than irritated with life. He hoped that Jim would be able to soothe that irritation, but he was doubtful that he would be able to help much at all until Severin was out of surgery, which would be in quite a long time.

You: ((did that go through?))

Stranger: ((Yes, sorry. My phone forces me to type slowly some times.))

You: ((oh that's fine I just wanted to make sure!))

Stranger: Three days of suppressing panic. Three days, he could do. Jim could make dinner and pretend everything was fine to Richard for three days. The stress was getting to him, piled on top of running his Empire. He kept it going normally, not letting it seem a blow had been taken to them. Weakness wasn't good, especially in this game. As of today, things were worse. Jim knew he was ready to crack, but now wasn't the time. He was walking quickly down the halls, listening to the click of his shoes and trying to ignore just how much he wa affected by this. He found the right door and pushed it open, eyes scanning quickly. Taking things in helped him relax, helped him think more logically and step away from the emotions. Jim stepped forward, finally turning his gaze to Sebastian. He took a deep breath before walking forward, the sharp smell of the hospital tingling his nose. He needed a joking sense to get him off edge. Leaning across the other to get a look at his side, he frowned. "Nah, not that ugle," Jim shrugged, before meeting Sebastian's eyes and wincing, "Your face on the other hand..."

Stranger: Yeah, sure. You're still upset? SvM

You: Ahh, yeah a little bit-RB Someone threw a rock through our window-RB I just..I'm leaving that-RB

Stranger: Someone what? SvM Is Jim sending someone to pick you up? SvM

You: I climbed down the fire escape, I'm just kind of running...in the opposite direction-RB

Stranger: Shit, Richie, okay. I'm coming to you. How far are you from Jim's? SvM

You: Ten blocks maybe?-RB I'm going to stop at that coffee shop I asked you to bring me to a few months ago-RB And I...might hide-RB

Stranger: Okay. I'm going to meet you there. Go inside, stay where people can see you. SvM

You: Okay, okay-RB I'm sorry-RB

Stranger: No, Richie, it's fine. Don't apologize. SvM I've told Jim I'll do the reconnaissance later. I should be there in twenty minutes. SvM

You: Are you sure?-RB Your jobs are really important-RB

Stranger: Not as important as making sure you're safe. SvM

You: I mean, Jim has a guy coming eventually-RB You don't have to abort your mission, you've spent a lot of time on it-RB But...I do miss you-RB

Stranger: Eventually isn't good enough. I just want to make sure you're somewhere safe. SvM I can pick up on it later, it'll probably be okay... SvM

You: Are you sure?-RB

Stranger: Yeah. I'm sure. SvM I texted Seb, he's gonna handle it from here. SvM

You: Okay, thank you-RB Thank you so much-RB

Stranger: Yeah, Richie. Of course. Are you in the coffee shop already? SvM

You: Yeah, I got a hot cocoa-RB

Stranger: Good. Just stay where people can see you until I get there. And uh...we're gonna go to one of the safehouses. Just until we figure out what's going on, okay? SvM

You: Oh. Okay-RB I'm sorry, I don't know what happened-RB

Stranger: No, Richie. Whatever it is I'm sure it's not your fault. SvM I just want to make sure you're all right. We'll just stay somewhere else until we find out who threw that brick okay? And if it's connected to the guy you saw earlier. SvM

You: Okay, okay we can do that-RB And you'll be with me?-RB

Stranger: Yeah, of course. Unless there's anything pressing I have to take care of. SvM But if I have to leave someone will stay with you. SvM

You: Okay-RB Thank you. I'm so sorry-RB

Stranger: Richie, seriously. You don't have to apologize okay? SvM

You: I just feel really bad-RB Like I caused all of this-RB

Stranger: Well you didn't. And besides, it could be nothing, just a coincidence. SvM I just don't want to take any chances where you're concerned, that's all. SvM

You: You're so sweet to me, Severin-RB Thank you-RB

Stranger: Of course, Rich. SvM I'll be there in five, okay? You're still fine right? SvM

You: Yeah, yeah. I've been keeping an eye out-RB

Stranger: Good. See you soon, then. SvM

You: Good-RB Thank you-RB

Stranger: Severin hurried the rest of the way to the coffee shop. He had been trying to keep calm for Richard's sake, but he was honestly a little bit worried. A brick through the window could be nothing, but it could also be any number of other things. He got to the shop and went inside, scanning the place for Richard's familiar head of dark hair.

You: Richard was hidden in the corner, where the barista and one lovely couple could see him, but he wasn't terribly visible from the shop front. He was still shaking a bit, but the cocoa and the cookie he ended up buying were good, they were a distraction. He just kept telling himself that Severin would be here soon and he would make everything better, that Richard didn't have to panic. He was busy fussing with his napkin when Severin came in. He didn't even hear the bell chime.

Stranger: Severin panicked for a moment when he didn't immediately see Richard, but then he spotted him in the corner and let out a relieved sigh before going over to him. "Hey, Richie," he said softly, kneeling down next to him and putting his hands over Richard's where the man was fidgeting with his napkin.

You: Richard jumped as the other touched him, panicked eyes looking up at Severin for a few seconds while he scanned the danger. Realizing he was fine, and had been in his own world for too long, Richard nodded, swallowing thickly before standing up and immediately putting his arms around the other. "Hi Sev" He said quietly, burying his face in the other's chest.

Stranger: Severin felt a pang of guilt when he saw the look in Richard

Stranger: 's eyes, realizing he should have warned him that he was there first. He stood when Richard did and wrapped him up in his arms. "Sorry, Richie," he murmured as he started to rub soothing circles into his back. "Let's get you out of here, yeah?" he said softly as he pulled back, offering the other man a small smile.

You: Richard didn't quite want to pull away yet, but did regardless. Sighing, he nodded and took the other's hand, gripping it tightly. "Yeah" He said quietly. "Does Jim know...all the details?" He asked as he started to slowly walk out of the shop, thanking the lady at the counter with a smile and a nod. "I just told him that something bad was happening and I needed help. I didn't have time to explain much more"

Stranger: Severin interlaced their fingers together and started to lead Severin out of the shop. "I sent Seb a really quick text but haven't talked to him since. I'll give him a call once we get to the house and get you all settled in, though," he explained. "He said Jim was sending a team over to our flat to look into it, though." He'd parked a car out front, not the usual one he drove, just to be safe, and helped Richard into the passenger seat.

You: Richard nodded, getting comfortable in his seat and waiting for Sebastian to get in the drivers side before speaking again. "That's nice of them" He said quietly. "Can they send over some clothes too? And a bottle of wine or something?" He asked, wanting to relieve his nerves, as well as keep clean clothes around. He didn't know what the safe houses all had.

Stranger: Severin slid into the driver's seat and pulled them away from the curb, heading towards the safe house. It was one of the ones a little bit out of town, in a quiet area. "Yeah, definitely. I'll have them grab some of your clothes from the flat. Anything else you want? Last time I was in one of these Jim had it pretty well stocked. DVDs, food, wine, liquor. Plenty of stuff to keep us entertained if we're going to have to stay there for awhile."

You: Richard nodded, sighing as he thought it over. He'd been on edge for what seemed like days. "Do you have any cigarettes?" He asked. It wasn't something he did, smoking, but he knew Severin occasionally would if he was stressed. It seemed to help momentarily, and he needed some relief. "I just....I need to not...I need to not be thinking right now"

Stranger: Severin glanced over at Richard with a small frown but nodded, reaching into the inside pocket of the jean jacket he was currently wearing and handing over a cigarette and lighter. He wasn't pleased that Richard was smoking, as it indicated just how on edge Richard really was. He pulled onto a quiet stretch of road and glanced around, to ensure they weren't being followed before turning down the lane that would eventually take them to the safe house. "Well when we get there I'm all yours. We can do whatever you want, get you nice and relaxed and distracted."

You: Richard thanked Severin and with shaky hands, started on his cigarette. Closing his eyes after a few drags, he sighed. "Okay" He promised, swallowing thickly. Severin would have them safe, he would keep them safe and sound and happy. He would make everything better, and taht was good. "Watch movies?" He asked, taking another drag and sighing. "Or....something, I don't know"

Stranger: Severin smiled softly at Richard, reaching over to run a hand through his hair, giving him a soft scratch on the back of his head. "Yeah, sure, Richie. We can watch a movie and cuddle up on the couch, all right? I just want to give Seb a call first, make sure he's got all the info and see if he has any updates." After a while they pulled up to a modest house and Severin pulled them into the garage, closing the door behind them.

You: Richard understood, and nodded, relaxing as Severin scratched his scalp. He finished his cigarette in silence, waiting to be brought to the safe house. When they arrived, he waited for Severin to get the door before following him inside. It was nice, certainly well stocked and livable. That made Richard happy. "This is...nice" He said, staying close to Severin regardless. "I like it"

Stranger: Severin smiled down at Richie. "Good, picked this one out of a couple cause I thought it would be the most comfortable for you," Severin smiled, putting a hand on the small of Richard's back as he led him inside. He led them into the living room and sat Richard down on the couch. "Be right back," he murmured, going into the kitchen for two glasses and grabbing a bottle of red wine from the rack. He poured them each a glass, bringing them back into the living room and handing one to Richard. "Here," he said softly. "I'll be right back, just going to give Sebastian a call. You okay for a minute?"

You: Richard thanked Severin for the glass of wine and nodded, though he didn't see why Severin couldn't make the call from the sofa with him. "Make your call, but...can you stay close?" He asked, taking a sip of the wine gratefully. "I just....it's new and...we don't know if people are hiding or something. I mean, I know that's stupid but..."

Stranger: "Yeah, okay sure," Severin answered. He'd wanted to go into the other room just in case Sebastian had some bad news. He didn't want Richard overhearing it on the phone. But the other man seemed shaken, and Severin didn't want to leave him alone yet either. He sat down next to him and put an arm around Richard's shoulder, leaning him against him. "There's no one hiding here, I promise," he said softly before taking out his phone and dialing his brother.

You: Richard nodded, cuddling into Severin's side and trying to relax. He hoped this wine would help with that, so he took another sip. He closed his eyes, listening to the phone call Severin had, trying not to decipher what was being said too much, just trying to focus on Severin's voice. Severin's voice was always calming, always cool. Just being able to hear it sometimes would calm him down.

Stranger: Severin spoke to Sebastian for a few moments, his hand around Richard's shoulder drifting up to toy with the other man's hair absently as he spoke. Once they'd caught each other up on the details he ended the call, putting down his phone and picking up his wine and taking a healthy sip. "Okay, so...they don't know much yet. But it looks like we're gonna be here for at least a few days," he told Richard carefully. "Seb said they grabbed you a couple changes of clothes, I told him to get some of your favorite sweaters, and he's going to bring them by later tonight."

You: Richard nodded and sighed, curling up even more in Severin's lap. His glass was already empty, he wanted to make more. "Okay" he said quietly, moving up so that he was sitting in Severin's lap. "Thank you, Sev" He said before kissing the other, one thing he'd desperately needed this whole time. When he pulled away, he sighed and nodded, looking down. "I'm going to get more wine" he confessed before standing up and moving to the kitchen.

Stranger: Severin shifted under Richard as the man crawled into his lap, wrapping his arms around Richard carefully so as not to spill his own wine. He kissed Richard back softly and giving him a small smile when the man pulled away. "Okay," he said quietly as he moved his arms away so Richard could get up and refill his glass as he took a sip of his own.

You: Richard was back in moments with the whole bottle, something he knew he was going to finish tonight. Hopefully another as well. "Okay" He replied when he came back, pouring himself another glass. "Thank you" He said, kissing Severin's cheek before sipping on his second glass. "For all of this. Thank you all of you"

Stranger: Severin took a big swig of his own wine and topped off his own glass with the bottle Richard had brought, if only to keep Richard from getting too drunk too quickly. He wrapped him back up in his arms again. "It's fine, Richie. I already told you, nothing's more important than keeping you safe," he said softly, one hand coming up to cup Richard's cheek softly as his thumb brushed over his cheekbone.

You: Richard smiled and blushed lightly, curling into Severin happily. "I know. I just love that" He said. "That you care, and want to make me feel better" He admitted quietly. "I really appreciate that. I wouldn't have had this without you" He promised, closing his eyes for a few moments. "And I appreciate that"

Stranger: Severin nodded, starting to relax himself now that Richard seemed to be calming down. "Yeah, well. I just want you to be happy, that's all," he admitted with a small shrug. He sat quietly for a little while, just holding Richard and listening to the sound of the other man's breathing. "Did you still want to watch that movie?" he asked quietly after a little while.

You: Richard nodded, slowly pealing himself up, topping off a little bit more of his glass with wine. "Yeah" He said, going towards the television, where he saw a bunch of movies. He picked something that looked stupid enough and put it in before returning to the other. "I hope you don't mind. Just to...forget about. You know? Something I don't have to remember"

Stranger: Severin shifted a little bit when Richard got up, rearranging himself so they could be more comfortable to snuggle up and watch the movie. "Yeah,

Stranger: Come here then, Richie. Tell me what's wrong. SvM

You: Yeah, I'm coming-RB ((Sentences?))

Stranger: ((Sure))

You: Richard rubbed his eyes and yawned before walking towards the bedroom he knew Severin was going to be in. He really hadn't been feeling well all day, mentally or physically. He wanted the comfort of someone with him, and he wanted to stop feeling paranoid that every noise this house made was someone else in the building. Knocking gently, Richard opened the door to the bedroom he'd arrived at, giving Severin a small smile and sitting down on the bed with a definite sigh. He'd stolen a little bit of everyone's clothes. Jim's pants, Severin's shirt, and Sebastian's sweatshirt. It made him feel a little bit better, but not completely.

Stranger: Severin was sitting up in bed, phone sitting on the bedside table, a book folded beside it, and he shot a smile at Richard as he came in. It had been an early day for him. His work gathering intel for Jim had wrapped up fairly quickly, and he had slipped back into the flat, intent on making a lazy day of it. He had not realized that Richard was feeling lonely, or that he didn't have anything else to occupy him, for that matter, but he was happy to offer what comfort he could. Taking in Richard's outfit, he laughed. "You stole something from everyone," He observed, before scooting over in bed and patting the mattress beside himself. "Come here, Bunny. Tell me what's bothering you."

You: Richard chuckled lightly as Severin observed his stupid outfit and nodded, curling up quickly beside Severin, resting his head against the other's chest. "My head hurts" he groaned, sighing gently. "Everything kind of hurts, actually" He admitted, closing his eyes and getting comfortable with this position. "And this place makes too much noise. I...might have had a bad dream and now every creak this place makes, I think it's someone breaking in" He admitted, hiding in the other's chest as he admitted that. "And I'm really tired and don't feel like doing anything I'm just exhausted" He frowned. He really didn't know what he wanted, he just wanted to feel better.

Stranger: The moment Richard had settled in at his side, Severin put his arms around the smaller man, drawing him in close and secure, content in the other's warmth, and the familiar weight of his body. He breathed out an empathetic hiss at the description of pain and fear. Bad night of sleeping, then. Stress. His fingers moved beneath the hem of Richard's stolen shirt and sweatshirt to trace gentle circles into the other's skin. "Let's fix that, Richie. Let's help you relax... What do you want?" He considered briefly before beginning, "I could give you a bubble bath-- wash your hair. I could give you a massage. I could read to you. I could..." His fingers were still circling gently, "Make us some tea. Or we could cook something together. A cake, maybe. Something sweet. Or... we could just take a nap. That's all I can think of. Any of those options appeal?'

You: "I don't want anything" Richard admitted, huffing at the mentions of all the things they could do. He wrapped his arms around Severin and cuddled close, where he was safest, strong arms wrapped around him, large hands to rub soothing circles in his back. He considered it for a moment before sighing and climbing so he was on top of Sebastian, hugging him with everything he had. "I like the idea of reading. That's minimal effort, yeah?"

Stranger: "Okay," Severin murmured back, leaning down to kiss the top of Richard's head as the smaller man clung closer to him, the slender body moving directly on top of his-- the weight was not inconsequential, but it was comforting, somehow. Not nearly enough to pin him, but heavy and warm enough to convince his body to relax beneath him, just stroking, regulating his breathing to something slow and even. "Yeah, it's easy." He agreed, "What do you want me to read?"

You: Richard had to think about that again. Severin slowed down his mind, made him comfortable, willing to settle down and relax. He liked being with Severin, there was just something about him. Jim would have given him a sleeping pill, Sebastian would have given him a drink, but Severin just let him slow down. After a long pause, Richard spoke up. "Of Mice and Men" he requested, knowing Severin liked the book. He liked it too, and it was short.

Stranger: Waiting for Richard to decide wasn't exactly difficult. Eyes closing lightly, Severin made a low, pleased sound in his chest, just breathing in the scent of Richard's hair, and taking in the feel of his skin beneath his fingers. It was pleasant, lying here like this with Richie. When the actor finally answered, Severin quirked a smile, blue eyes opening again. "Alright then." The novella had a permanent spot in his bedside table drawer. Opening the dogeared book, Severin pulled himself up a few degrees on the pillows before he started to read, one arm still tight around Richard's back, hugging him tight. " A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green..." He began, and then kept going, voice calm and easy, already very familiar with the words.

You: Richard giggled as he felt Severin move. Even though he was being a bit invasive and detrimental to easy moving by laying where he was, it didn't feel awkward or wrong when the other moved to grab his book or adjust the two of them. He only buried himself deeper in Severin's body, his face finding a comfortable spot in the crook of his neck, where he smelled the warmest and most comfortable. Closing his eyes as he heard the beginning of the story, Richard willed his body to relax. The first time he had read the story it was Severin reading to him, the book only had warm memories to him. He listened intently for a good while before he felt safer, in a world that wasn't scary or stressful. Once his body realized it was safe, he drifted off into sleep, completely limp on top of the Moran twin in a peaceful sleep.

Stranger: Richard's breath was humid and familiar on his throat when the actor finally found the customary spot he rested his head, and before he was through with the second chapter, Richard's body was relaxed against him, and Severin was yawning. He paused in his reading, listening for a moment to Richard's unchanged breathing pattern, before carefully folding the page of the book and setting it down again, wrapping both of his arms around Richie and just holding him, eyes closed, until he too was drifting into a doze.

You: Richard stayed asleep for a good couple of hours. And that was good for him recently. He had been under so much stress, from Jim needing him to pose in certain situations, and from trying to find a job. It didn't help that Sebastian had recently gotten injured not far from here, and even though it didn't persistently bother him, his unconscious loved to remind him. He needed today to sleep and rest, he needed to recover but his body was still stressed. He had work he had to do, he wasn't finished, he wasn't allowed to relax. After a few hours of sleeping peacefully, Richard's dreams started to turn dark again, and before he knew it he was thrashing in bed, waking up with a jolt and a few beads of sweat down his face. He could hear his heart in his ears, and for the life of him wished that this time he could remember why he was so afraid.

Stranger: Severin was by nature a heavy sleeper. While Sebastian's work had long since forced the younger twin to sleep with one eye cracked, Severin still nodded off and stayed that way for hours. He would have slept longer had Richard not jolted in his arms, twisting and turning, the sweat of his forehead damp on Severin's shirt. He opened his eyes dazedly, and then, realizing the situation, roused himself in earnest, drawing Richard close again as he saw up, running a hand through his hair. "Hey, hey, hey..." He murmured, brow furrowing, "S'alright, Richie. I'm here. You're safe. Just a nightmare."

You: He wanted to cry, he honestly did. This was almost every time he was sleeping now, tormenting him about something, or about nothing. Like right now, he was shaking, hyperventilating as he tried to calm down but couldn't and he had no idea why. He felt sick, detached from the world but so solidly stuck in place. And he had no idea why. Leaning into Severin, Richard whimpered and shook his head, taking all the strength he had in him to wrap his arms around the other and not be balled up into himself. He didn't know why he was scared, and that's possibly what scared him the most. He wanted his safety, and he had none of it. Even with Severin's promises, they all felt hollow.

Stranger: "Hey--" It took effort not to sound as worried as he felt with Richard shuddering in his arms, breaths coming too shallow and too fast. His hand gently cupped Richard's cheek before his fingers began to trace gently over his skin-- delicate patterns over his cheeks, nose, chin, brow, "Look at me. You'll be alright, I promise. Take a deep breath with me." He stole that from Sebastian-- had noted his twin regulated his breathing in times of anger and stress. "Okay?" He took in a breath for demonstration, counting slowly up to seven, then exhaling to a mental count of eleven. And then another, in the hopes Richard would imitate him as best he could.

You: It took everything inside of him not to break down and cry, but when he felt Severin's hands so gently run over his skin, he couldn't help tears from falling. He wasn't crying, no, nothing else had changed. When Severin ordered him to look at the other, he did. Eyes locking, Richard had never before felt so helpless. He wasn't supposed to be this terrified but for some reason he was, and Severin had to watch it all unfold. It took a little bit, but after a few trials, Richard put a shaking hand over the other's chest, trying his hardest to breathe along with him. It hurt, it took concentration, it made his entire chest ache, but after a few minutes he was able to breathe regularly, even if he was still tense.

Stranger: Richard's tears leaked hot over his fingertips, and Severin wiped each away as they fell, eyes never leaving Richard's once they met. He let Richard's hand press into the center of his chest, and when finally Richard began to breath with him, he continued for a few more breaths without speaking, and then, maintaining the rhythm as best he could, spoke gently. "I love you, Richard. And I know you feel afraid right now, but I promise you, you're not in any danger. You're safe. Tell me what you need. I'll do it. Tell me what you need."

You: It was hard for Richard to express what he needed, it was difficult to explain the churning in his stomach and the numbness in his body. It was hard to tell Severin that every noise around him he was hypersensitive to and though he knew it was possible, he didn't think he was capable to move. He had no idea to explain to Severin the ache inside his chest and the anxiety swarming around like bees. He had no idea how to feel safe or comforted or good again. He had no idea how to feel sane again. In truth, he didn't even know what he needed, but hearing Severin say those things made him feel a lot better. When he was calm enough, Richard gently leaned in and pressed his face against Severin's chest, taking in a deep breath as he did so. "I need to know why I'm scared" He eventually whispered, feeling numb. It was as if he was floating, but reality was weighing him down. "I need to know"

Stranger: Severin nodded slowly, still breathing slow and deep as Richard's wet face pressed into his chest. "I think you might be having a panic attack," He said after a moment, "I'm not sure, but that's what it seems like. You won't always feel like this. You'll feel better soon. You just have to get through it. It's scary, I know, but you're doing so well, Richie. And you're safe, I promise. You're safe, and I love you, and I will stay here with you, okay?" His hand moved to rub gentle circles against Richard's back again, "I love you so much, Bunny. Just sit still and focus on breathing with me." That was all Severin could think of to do, for the time being.

You: Richard nodded mindlessly at Severin's words, staying exactly where he was in the other's arms, concentrating on breathing deeply and trying not to feel inadequate or like he was weighing someone down. After many long minutes, he was able to hastily pull away. "I don't....get panic attacks" He said, trying to force himself to believe that, that he had never once before had one and that he would never get one. "It was just....a bad dream. It was a bad dream, and I can't remember a damn thing"

Stranger: Shrugging, Severin loosened his grip a little to let Richard pull away from him if he wanted, unable to smoothe the lines of concern from his brow. "I don't know, Rich. I'm not really familiar with these things... Maybe you want to see a psychologist about it.Whatever it is, though, I'll do whatever I can to help you, alright?" He leaned forward to brush a kiss over the brunet's cheek. "Now, do you need anything? A drink? Should I stay close, or do you want breathing room?"