headfons: (Default)
Luke fon Fabre ([personal profile] headfons) wrote in [community profile] rekindleme2014-09-03 11:01 pm

The heck just happened...?

Who: Luke fon Fabre and you
Where: Hospital, and then various areas of the city.
When: Backdated to yesterday (9/2), and then today.
Summary: Luke wakes up and it's a month later.
Warnings: TBD?

{closed}

At first, he didn't even open his eyes.

Then, after several seconds, they blinked open. His initial thought was a question of whether, or not, he'd wound up on a new world. Had he been dreaming that? Wait...where was he, though? A powerful sensation of confusion was pressing down on him, for a few minutes. The last thing he thoroughly remembered, was that he'd suddenly felt...weak. No, more like unbearably sleepy. If asked, he wouldn't be able to so much as recall his last thought, prior to everything going black. And, upon his waking, he didn't feel much better than he had.

Strangely enough...there were some vague memories. He could remember hearing the sound of familiar voices. One telling him stories (although, he couldn't begin to remember what they'd been about), one simply talking to him about various things, and...another telling him he was slacking off on training...

After sorting through his thoughts, his body shifted. Man, he felt...stiff.

{open}

The next day, he was taking a walk to clear his mind -- as well as to get his body back into the routine of moving around. He could be found in pretty much any of the districts...at some point throughout the day. Of course, he wasn't doing a ton of walking. Ugh, it was kind of annoying what a month of lying in bed could undo. Also, he was trying not to think about how worried the coma thing made him. Worrying wouldn't do anything, damn it. Still...since he'd fallen unconscious even with the whole...keeping up with the touch requirement...thing, that meant it could happen to anyone, right? Even if they, too, were being adamant on meeting the requirement.

Gaara...Diarmuid...his brother, Cu Chulainn...Kit...hell, everyone he'd come to know...

The replica let out a sigh as he cut that thought off, his expression tensing as he scrubbed a hand through his hair. Of course, he did try to take comfort in the fact that the place wasn't anything like the last world he'd been in. Expression softening, he folded his arms behind his head and began heading back home. It wasn't even dark outside, but he was already...tired.
no_dreams_for_you: (pensive)

[Closed]

[personal profile] no_dreams_for_you 2014-09-04 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
It was fortunate that no one was around to witness his initial reaction.

At the facility, comatose victims were put in that state for a specific purpose: experimentation. They would disappear for at least a week, and they usually returned in a weaker position. There weren’t any of those sadistic Doctors in this world, but Gaara still felt apprehensive. He had experienced a number of his friends disappear before, as well as Sai and his siblings, at one point or several more. To have it happen to Luke here…

A small sense of relief calmed his anxiety upon catching a glimpse of Luke in the hospital. In spite of his state, at least he wasn’t kept captive to be tortured. As a matter of fact, one of the possible symptoms for contact withdrawal was a coma, wasn’t it? Well, if it was energy that he lacked, then Gaara could generate a source of it for him. Clasping a hold of his hand, he would sit in silence for hours at a time, patiently waiting and watching. Whenever Luke had other visitors, he left the room and observed the activities within, through usage of his Third Eye.

On this particular day, his head lifted when his senses detected movement. He had thought he felt a faint twitch passing over his fingers, which were firmly gripping onto Luke’s motionless digits. Or was that simply his imagination, longing for his…ally…to regain consciousness?

“Luke…”
no_dreams_for_you: (>:|)

[personal profile] no_dreams_for_you 2014-09-04 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
“…!”

Rapid movement was a very stupid idea. Frowning, Gaara immediately stood up and pressed his other hand to Luke’s chest, firmly pushing him back down onto the bed. What the hell was he thinking, behaving so rashly like that? (Then again, to be perfectly frank, he had come to expect this type of action from Luke, given their prior amount of interaction.)

“Don’t be foolish,” he chided, all the while keeping his hand on that same area, to ensure that the idiot didn’t move again. In the meantime, his sand was off retrieving a glass of water to bring over to Luke. Surely his body was dehydrated, by this point. “Some of your muscles may have atrophied, during your comatose state.”

…Actually, did Luke even know what a coma was?

“You have been unconscious for approximately one month,” Gaara informed him in a cool and controlled tone. He paused briefly, and then followed up with, “Did you fall ill from contact withdrawal?”

Normally, he and Luke relied on each other to meet that requirement. Or at least, the ninja did, because he scarcely interacted with any individual, in general. Since Luke mentioned a couple of names before, Gaara presumed he had other sources to draw physical contact from, if he needed it.
no_dreams_for_you: (confused)

[personal profile] no_dreams_for_you 2014-09-05 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
“It means your muscles have weakened, due to lack of usage,” he explained in simpler terms. How fortunate that it hadn’t been even longer, or Luke might have required physical therapy. Nevertheless, a month was a considerable amount of time for the human body to remain inactive. Had the energy requirement been fulfilled, at the bare minimum?

“Yes,” he reaffirmed, expression still remaining stoic, in spite of the relief that he felt, “Your friends were concerned.”

…Hmm. So Luke hadn’t needed contact from him, after all. Calmly, Gaara began to withdraw his hand, feeling just mildly foolish for being so presumptuous. He didn’t personally know the identities of Luke’s visitors, and it wasn’t his main concern in the first place. He only cared to see Luke wake up and recover from his coma. There had been brief instances when he wondered if the other redhead would be taken away without warning, like the victims at the facility.

“Then it could have been caused by… other reasons, I suppose.” Not that they could make such an abstract determination on their own. When Luke started coughing, he leaned forward, light turquoise eyes watching him intently.

“…?”

Gaara was surprised to hear that expression of gratitude. He hadn’t done anything extraordinary to deserve it. That redness on his cheeks was likely derived from heat accumulating in his body, during the comatose period. Blinking, he glanced at Luke with some confusion on his face. “Were you… expecting your other friends, perhaps?”
no_dreams_for_you: (are you certain?)

[personal profile] no_dreams_for_you 2014-09-06 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Gaara had no intention of clarifying how he knew about his other friends being concerned. Most civilians didn’t agree with the concept of spying, in general. And… he hadn’t exactly told Luke about this particular ability before.

In some ways, he was equally ignorant. Just… he didn’t have Luke’s justifiable reason. He hadn’t been confined inside a manor for years, after all. He had watched people interacting, tried to pick up visual and intellectual cues on how to respond in social situations. But it was… difficult. He couldn’t always predict people’s reactions. Books served as a decent guideline; still, reality wasn’t exactly the same.

“I don’t understand why you would express gratitude, for that reason,” he explained in a serious tone. He hadn’t done anything special, or out of the ordinary. Was it not common for… people that shared this type of bond… to express concern toward one another? Luke was his ally, at the very least. Their ties were… possibly deeper. He couldn’t be completely certain.

“…I am glad you have awakened.” Even if his expression didn’t explicitly display it. Gaara couldn’t eliminate that inherit distrust of comatose conditions, after his experiences at the facility. “Do not apply additional stress to your body.”
no_dreams_for_you: (internalize)

[personal profile] no_dreams_for_you 2014-09-06 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
…Silly Luke indeed, thinking Gaara was the social type. Or that he would actually admit he was spying on his friends, while they were visiting him in this room.

“I wanted… to ensure that you were all right,” he admitted in a soft tone, turning away for a moment. Luke was right; he could have spent his time doing other more constructive activities. But… he had felt worried about his… companion. Luke was the only person in this new city that he remotely cared for, even if he didn’t know the extent of those feelings. He shook his head, though, at one verbalized part. “You shouldn’t waste your time, Luke.”

Gaara paused briefly, wondering when he should mention resuming their training regimen. That would help restore his body at a faster pace, but his muscles weren’t strong enough yet, most likely. He wasn’t expecting that hug, and his eyes widened with mild shock. His body froze, on instinct, arms remaining stiff by his sides. Why was Luke embracing him? Out of relief? An emotional response, derived from relief or spontaneity?

As tension slowly eased out, he finally responded, lifting his limbs to hesitantly wrap them around Luke. He had experienced hugs before, at the facility, but they still surprised him, to present day. He exhaled evenly, eyelids drifting down, as his brain attempted to rationalize this simple gesture. His chest tightened with an inexplicable emotion, heart pounding slightly faster at their close proximity.
no_dreams_for_you: (cold)

[personal profile] no_dreams_for_you 2014-09-07 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
“Because you have other responsibilities to tend to,” he answered in a reasonable tone. He knew Luke had a job, a number of friends, and training, on top of everything else. His time was far too precious to waste on something that he couldn’t actively affect. “Don’t be foolish.”

Feeling Luke’s intense stare on him, he turned his face away. It was uncomfortable, almost as though he had been exposed, and from a simple gaze alone. He didn’t want Luke to know how strong of an impact he had on him… what kind of attachment he was starting to form. Nothing could ever happen between them, regardless of their personal desires. Even if… he could feel happiness, it would not last. It was elusive and fleeting, like every other positive emotion he had experienced before.

“......”

Luke’s face was still red. Lingering aftereffects of his condition, most likely. Gaara ordered his sand to refill the glass of water, then stepped back from the bed. “After you have recovered, we can resume training. For the time being, you must rest. Your other friends will be visiting soon.”

He turned to leave, but paused at the doorway, briefly. “Contact me if you need anything.”

The sand that had carried the glass of water over to Luke, suddenly unraveled to wrap around his wrist, bearing the appearance of a bracelet. It was warm, humming lightly with the chakra of the sand wielder. In the next instance, Gaara walked out of the room and vanished into the shadows.
smallspot: Dia-Happy (Happy)

[Open]

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-09-06 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Luke! There you are!" Thanks to the fact he had been stopping by the hospital each day Luke was 'sleeping' to tell him stories, Diarmuid knew when his friend had woke up. He hadn't hunted him down right away, though, because he had a feeling Luke might need some time to recover. Now, though, he really just wants to give the red head a hug and make sure he is doing okay.

"How are you feeling? Are you getting enough hugs? They will make you feel better quicker! You missed so much, and I missed you so much!" It's too bad that Diarmuid's excitement can't easily be transferred to Luke. It might help him feel less tired...
smallspot: Dia-Pika Boy (Pika Boy)

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-09-26 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"A lot of things! Look! I have a magic bracelet now!" Diarmuid holds up his arm to show off the bronze bracelet he is wearing, "It makes me a little stronger and it protects me from attacks! I got it from the Candle Man! Err..." The boy suddenly looks a little sheepish himself, "I mean, Zeloph. He and the Rangar..."

Diarmuid pauses again then, realizing that Luke probably doesn't know who Zeloph or the Rangar are. Time to backtrack!

"What is the last thing you remember before falling asleep? I will try to fill you in from there!"
smallspot: Dia-Look Up (Look Up)

You mean the first of August, right?

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-10-02 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
"You missed the whole month then..." Diarmuid nods and looks around them, making sure no one is really close to overhear them. The most important thing is probably to fill his friend in on Zeloph and the Rangar, but it will also be dangerous if the wrong people hear them talking.

"Do you think we can go to your room and talk? I...am a little uneasy talking about some of this where everyone can hear..." And, oddly enough, the boy does look uneasy, which should get across how important what he has to say is. He pulls on the strap of the violet bag that is slung across his back as he waits for his friend's answer.

Hopefully, Luke won't mind...
smallspot: Dia-Story Time (Story Time)

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-10-02 11:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thank you," Diarmuid really seems to relax when Luke agrees. Even if Zeloph said that the scientists won't hurt Rhea, it doesn't mean they should take risks. After all, there is a chance that if the scientists can't turn on Rhea, they might turn on the residents instead.

"I just want to be careful. People are already getting hurt and I can't help them right now. I don't want anyone else getting hurt!" He follows Luke toward his apartment. While they walk, he thinks about what else he can fill Luke in on while they walk. However, it's a little hard to come up with something because people spent most of the month really focused on finding out what all they had learned meant.

"I met a boy a little older than me. He's a warrior even though he's so young. I haven't seen him lately, though. I wonder what he is up to..."
smallspot: Dia-Pika Boy (Pika Boy)

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-10-03 10:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"He didn't tell me his real name. He just said to call him Robin!" Even though Luke slows his footsteps after he speeds up, Diarmuid picks up his walking speed to show his friend it is okay to go faster. He will keep up! He is just glad Luke seems to understand how important this is.

"He had a fancy outfit on. I think he's a superhero or something like that! I wonder if he will make friends with some of the other ones in the city..." There aren't as many as there once were, but there are still a few, "I think he came here from a big fight since his outfit was torn. I hope that he will be okay..."

Diarmuid doesn't mention he is half afraid that the boy might have been sent away already and who knows what he went back to...
smallspot: Dia-Look Up (Look Up)

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-10-05 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Diarmuid gives Luke a small but grateful smile. The red-head's words are comforting, but they don't drive away all of his worries about his friend. Still, he can't do anything about that right now.

"As far as I know, everyone is doing okay. I haven't seen Pilouette recently. I need to go see here again soon! Kit was worried about you too, you know! I ran into her one day and took her to see you in the hospital. I hope the stories she and I told you helped. We didn't want you to be lonely or bored!" He leans toward Luke to give him a one-armed hug, before he continues, "My brother is doing well. Hey, do you think you can help me help him to pick out his birthday sword soon? I don't want to put it off much longer!"
smallspot: Dia-Happy (Happy)

[personal profile] smallspot 2014-10-12 10:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"Okay, I will soon! I just need to make sure that he doesn't have any plans first! I will leave you a note when I make the decision," Diarmid follows Luke into the building and to his room, rambling on about how the puppies are getting bigger and how Lir is too. "I still need to figure out what I am going to do to give him a place to swim when the winter sets in. I need to figure out how to do his food too, since he eats when he goes swimming. The lake will freeze and I won't be use it for either thing. I really need to go talk to Professor Oak and see if he has found out anything."

"Can I have a drink?" He's not really hungry, so he doesn't ask for anything to eat. Instead, he just looks around the apartment and waits for Luke to be ready to sit down. There is no reason to start his explanation until they are both able to focus on it completely. He doesn't want there to be any confusion.
alley_kit: (Hug)

[open]

[personal profile] alley_kit 2014-09-09 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
Kit knew that Luke was better for similar reasons to Diarmuid, and like Diarmuid, she'd given Luke a day or so to get his bearings back. But now? This kitty was on the hunt. And it wasn't long before she spotted her prey, sitting under a tree near the pond.

"Luke!", she called out, scampering over to him. The only thing that saved him from a full-on pouncing was the fact that Kit was concerned he might not be fully recovered yet. Hope you wanted a big, slightly-clingy kitten hug though Luke, because you're getting one regardless.

"I'm glad you're OK," she said, half muffled by her face being smooshed against him.
alley_kit: (OK)

[personal profile] alley_kit 2014-10-06 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
She's just gonna... snuggle into that hug. Because hugs, especially here, are good. "It's OK," she said. "Not your fault you fell asleep like that. Just... don't do it again, OK?"

"I've been pretty good," she replied. "I've been keeping up with practicing so when you woke up I could show you how good I'd gotten. I went and talked to Rhea about some stuff, and made some new friends."
alley_kit: (OK)

[personal profile] alley_kit 2014-10-18 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
"Good," Kit said. "I'm gonna hold you to that." By which she means that if this ever happens again you are so getting pouted at and getting a serious scolding before she'll give you your 'welcome back' hug.

"Mostly about the Ragnar, and about Zeloph's message," Kit said. "Stuff we can't really talk about over the comms, especially after that message was taken down. I still don't know what all the scientists her are up to, but they're definitely up to something sneaky."