[It comes in suddenly, all in a rush, the transference of pain and fear and exhaustion catching Koby by surprise, in the middle of breakfast. He drops something -- a plate, a glass, something, steps on the broken bits when he turns to leave, breath catching. He'd thought -- it was after the holidays, Tim had gone all out for them and there was the matter of Alicent's recent death, he was just tired. He'd felt tired, when Koby had reached out, before.
But now, it's like a veil's lifted and Tim isn't just tired, he's hurt, he's hurt and Koby hadn't known and--]
What happened? [Sent as he's walking, as he's on his way to Tim and Hawk's rooms.] You're hurt.
[ Honestly, he's surprised he got a full 24 hours before a check-in. Which he's grateful for, not because Koby's fussing is unwelcome, but because it'll be easier to convince him he's okay. Maybe. ]
Hey.
It's okay. I'm okay. There was an incident. I'm just taking it easy, recovering at home.
["Maybe" nothing -- Koby's presence is there, like a rush of light, warm and fretful and heavy enough that the windows around Tim rattle a little, shivering with the force. The air is tight, crackling, an energy that's more intense than Koby's let his haki be around -- anyone, actually.
And it stays, curling around Tim like a blanket, like a shield, something protective and watchful and dangerous.]
What happened? Who was it? I can feel you, I can feel you're hurt.
Louis, that's Good, that's good. [Why in his head, his chest, leaping to conclusions, why would Louis know best, what had happened, Tim still isn't saying who or why--]
Do you need more supplies? I grabbed them anyway, I don't know why I'm asking, I'll be there soon. Soon. Okay. Okay.
[ Tim's wrapped up in his bed, under enough blankets to keep him warm while he's anemic. He smiles at Koby wearily, no longer the dazed and confused mess he was the night before, but off, clearly. There's a bandage on one side of his neck, and on the other, bruises, marks in the shape of the fingers that had squeezed around his throat. His skin's pale, and there's more bruising around his ribs that's blessedly covered by his sweater. The knot on his head is darkening into purple, but perhaps worst of all...his glasses are missing. ]
Hey.
[ Not unlike the way he sounded after he was attacked by Eddie, even if he didn't make it quite that close to death this time. ]
Don't freak out. I just need to rest, but I'm okay.
I won't freak out. [It comes out soft, as Koby moves to sit beside Tim's bed -- and he doesn't, though the concern is palpable in his eyes, in his tight expression. But panicking won't help anything, it won't make Tim feel any better, and it won't give Koby any sort of answers.
So instead he scoots closer, reaches out for one pale hand and squeezes it in both his own.] See? No freaking out. This is a freak-out-free zone.
[ He definitely believes you, Koby. Tim smiles, though it doesn't reach his eyes, and squeezes his hand back, though his grip is weak. ]
I told the person who did this I wouldn't tell anyone, so nobody goes looking and gets hurt. There are people working on fixing it, though. Just...tell me about the New Year's party.
[ Tim didn't attend, spending it here with Hawk instead. ]
[There’s a flicker of something – hurt, exasperation, youthful frustration – across Koby’s face, but he shutters it quickly. He’s had his own reasons for keeping secrets in the time they’ve been here, and Tim’s injured. Arguing about being kept in the dark isn’t going to help. So he swallows it, boxes it up, away.]
Can you tell me if it was on purpose or the house? [Danny or the wolves, deliberate or compelled. One is worse than the other.
Then, huffing a little, looking down at Tim’s hand in his:] It was weird. Everyone ended up naked, but it wasn’t in Otherworld, so it felt…bizarre.
[ Can he? It's hard to know for sure. Alicent was angry with him before she died. Maybe all it took to come at him the way she did was the strength to do so. Teeth in the side of his neck, hands too powerful for their size squeezing the air from his lungs.
Would she?
No. She wouldn't.
Tim squeezes his eyes shut, blinking back tears. ]
It was the house. It'll come out eventually, just don't...don't be mad at them.
[ He shifts, scooting back to make room for Koby on the bed, and tilts his head. An invitation. ]
Glad I missed it, then. That awful nurse outfit was bad enough.
Okay. [Frustration, curiosity, the urgent need to know now gets firmly shelved, because Tim’s squeezing his eyes shut in that way Koby knows, and moving on the bed, in silent invitation. So there are important things to be done.
Ducking, untying his shoes, Koby toes them off, then carefully climbs onto the bed – he might be bulkier now than he was six months ago, but he’ll always be slight, small, not taking up too much space or rocking things too much. He settles next to Tim, warm and close, but not stifling, hand reaching for his again and squeezing.]
I thought you looked nice. In the nurse outfit, I mean. I know you didn’t like it, but it didn’t look bad. [Cheek resting lightly on Tim’s shoulder:] This party was all suits, until they melted.
[ It's good right now that he's smaller, at least for him, who doesn't pay any mind to the idea of being stifling or too much, instead turning on his side and wrapping an arm around Koby's chest like a teddy bear. A friendly intimacy, and an invitation into his space, as his presence is more frequent in Koby's than the other way around. ]
You were in Otherworld. That's sort of the point of it, there.
[Koby's caution relents a bit when Tim tugs him closer, mostly worried about aggravating his injuries, but taking cues from his affection. One hand moves, smooths Tim's hair back from his forehead, slowly, again and again, a soothing, repetitive gesture.]
If you think penguins are cute, maybe. It was almost a relief when it melted. We all got dared to do different things by this big...New Years ball thing. I got lucky, I just had to answer questions honestly. Some people had to go down on each other or do other things, right in front of everyone. [He prattles on, trying to be distracting, comforting, silly and mindless. Tim's lingering horror, fear, pain is still tangible, especially this close, and Koby can feel his injuries, the throbbing wound in his neck, the ache in his head. He can feel the need to think about something, anything else.]
[ And it seemed important, then. The resurrections, the reveals, the puking in the bathroom once he realized that it was Eddie instead of Danny who almost killed him. You know. Important. ]
Of course I think penguins are cute. Who doesn't?
[ It's working. Koby's good at soothing him in a way that many who try are not - they're similar enough that if Koby can remain calm, then it feels safe for him to do the same. ]
It's not so bad if it's like...on a date. [Going by himself would be different, would probably result in Koby's awkwardly wallflowering like he had when he'd first arrived. Having Quentin there provides a security, a safety that Koby's come to depend on. Also yes, he likes to see his boyfriend having a good time, so sue him.]
They're okay. I prefer ducks, if we're talking about birds. [We know, Koby.
He stays calm, he breathes in, out, stays solid and secure and safe, feeling out what's helping, what's soothing -- haki's good for a lot of things, but being able to read the subtle shift in emotions, being able to actually help the unhelpable was...up there.]
Yeah. I had fun. It was nice to just sort of talk to people, hang out with them. It would've been more fun with you, though.
[ It’s fine with a date, but when he shows up there without one, he tends to find one anyway. A stranger, a temporary comfort that turns sour in the light of day. He hasn’t sought out anything like that in months, at least – there's no need, while he’s content with the relationships in his life. Hawk and Koby and Quentin will all be there for him if he needs it.
Like now. Tim snuggles in closer still, laying his head on Koby’s shoulder. Not as roomy as what he’s used to, but cozy and calm, exactly what he needs. ]
I would have complained the second the clothes came off. Ruined everyone’s fun. I’ve got a new lookalike, it would have been embarrassing.
Do you dance the same way I've seen you dance before? When you're tequila-tipsy?
[Koby's been the same, for the most part -- the crew, Tim, Quentin making up the center of his world, though a few other entanglements have experienced some...development lately. Case in point:]
You do, yes. I met him at breakfast the other day. He's very...effusive. [Charming, noisy, confidence projected to cover something, something that perplexed and compelled Koby.] But nice. I think you might get along, actually.
[ He says with a laugh, which is...not pleasant, given the bruises around his neck. And so it's followed by a groan, as he nestles further into Koby's shoulder, like a puppy stomping on a pillow until it's perfect. ]
He's too much. I could barely handle Anthony, and he was...quiet.
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timeasmymeasure
post-vampire weekend | un: koby
Date: 2025-01-04 05:51 am (UTC)But now, it's like a veil's lifted and Tim isn't just tired, he's hurt, he's hurt and Koby hadn't known and--]
What happened? [Sent as he's walking, as he's on his way to Tim and Hawk's rooms.] You're hurt.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-04 05:59 am (UTC)Hey.
It's okay. I'm okay. There was an incident. I'm just taking it easy, recovering at home.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-04 06:35 am (UTC)And it stays, curling around Tim like a blanket, like a shield, something protective and watchful and dangerous.]
What happened? Who was it? I can feel you, I can feel you're hurt.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-04 06:42 am (UTC)I'm past the worst of it. I got bitten and lost a lot of blood, and got banged up in the process. A concussion, a few more good hits.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-04 06:59 am (UTC)[The heaviness abates, like turning down the volume on a radio.]
You're not telling me who. Or how. Or
Did you go to the doctor? You were BITTEN?
Do you want me to
Can I please come see you?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-04 07:14 am (UTC)I called Louis. He'd know best, and he said I'd be okay. And Hawk's taking care of me, obviously.
I'd like you to. He'll let you in.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 01:40 am (UTC)Good, that's good. [Why in his head, his chest, leaping to conclusions, why would Louis know best, what had happened, Tim still isn't saying who or why--]
Do you need more supplies? I grabbed them anyway, I don't know why I'm asking, I'll be there soon.
Soon. Okay. Okay.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 03:36 am (UTC):)
[ Tim's wrapped up in his bed, under enough blankets to keep him warm while he's anemic. He smiles at Koby wearily, no longer the dazed and confused mess he was the night before, but off, clearly. There's a bandage on one side of his neck, and on the other, bruises, marks in the shape of the fingers that had squeezed around his throat. His skin's pale, and there's more bruising around his ribs that's blessedly covered by his sweater. The knot on his head is darkening into purple, but perhaps worst of all...his glasses are missing. ]
Hey.
[ Not unlike the way he sounded after he was attacked by Eddie, even if he didn't make it quite that close to death this time. ]
Don't freak out. I just need to rest, but I'm okay.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-05 10:57 pm (UTC)So instead he scoots closer, reaches out for one pale hand and squeezes it in both his own.] See? No freaking out. This is a freak-out-free zone.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-06 06:10 am (UTC)[ He definitely believes you, Koby. Tim smiles, though it doesn't reach his eyes, and squeezes his hand back, though his grip is weak. ]
I told the person who did this I wouldn't tell anyone, so nobody goes looking and gets hurt. There are people working on fixing it, though. Just...tell me about the New Year's party.
[ Tim didn't attend, spending it here with Hawk instead. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-07 04:26 am (UTC)Can you tell me if it was on purpose or the house? [Danny or the wolves, deliberate or compelled. One is worse than the other.
Then, huffing a little, looking down at Tim’s hand in his:] It was weird. Everyone ended up naked, but it wasn’t in Otherworld, so it felt…bizarre.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 07:29 am (UTC)Would she?
No. She wouldn't.
Tim squeezes his eyes shut, blinking back tears. ]
It was the house. It'll come out eventually, just don't...don't be mad at them.
[ He shifts, scooting back to make room for Koby on the bed, and tilts his head. An invitation. ]
Glad I missed it, then. That awful nurse outfit was bad enough.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-10 04:25 am (UTC)Ducking, untying his shoes, Koby toes them off, then carefully climbs onto the bed – he might be bulkier now than he was six months ago, but he’ll always be slight, small, not taking up too much space or rocking things too much. He settles next to Tim, warm and close, but not stifling, hand reaching for his again and squeezing.]
I thought you looked nice. In the nurse outfit, I mean. I know you didn’t like it, but it didn’t look bad. [Cheek resting lightly on Tim’s shoulder:] This party was all suits, until they melted.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-10 08:09 pm (UTC)[ It's good right now that he's smaller, at least for him, who doesn't pay any mind to the idea of being stifling or too much, instead turning on his side and wrapping an arm around Koby's chest like a teddy bear. A friendly intimacy, and an invitation into his space, as his presence is more frequent in Koby's than the other way around. ]
Aww, you were probably cute in a suit.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-11 04:26 am (UTC)[Koby's caution relents a bit when Tim tugs him closer, mostly worried about aggravating his injuries, but taking cues from his affection. One hand moves, smooths Tim's hair back from his forehead, slowly, again and again, a soothing, repetitive gesture.]
If you think penguins are cute, maybe. It was almost a relief when it melted. We all got dared to do different things by this big...New Years ball thing. I got lucky, I just had to answer questions honestly. Some people had to go down on each other or do other things, right in front of everyone. [He prattles on, trying to be distracting, comforting, silly and mindless. Tim's lingering horror, fear, pain is still tangible, especially this close, and Koby can feel his injuries, the throbbing wound in his neck, the ache in his head. He can feel the need to think about something, anything else.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-11 06:54 pm (UTC)[ And it seemed important, then. The resurrections, the reveals, the puking in the bathroom once he realized that it was Eddie instead of Danny who almost killed him. You know. Important. ]
Of course I think penguins are cute. Who doesn't?
[ It's working. Koby's good at soothing him in a way that many who try are not - they're similar enough that if Koby can remain calm, then it feels safe for him to do the same. ]
...did you have fun?
no subject
Date: 2025-01-12 04:23 am (UTC)They're okay. I prefer ducks, if we're talking about birds. [We know, Koby.
He stays calm, he breathes in, out, stays solid and secure and safe, feeling out what's helping, what's soothing -- haki's good for a lot of things, but being able to read the subtle shift in emotions, being able to actually help the unhelpable was...up there.]
Yeah. I had fun. It was nice to just sort of talk to people, hang out with them. It would've been more fun with you, though.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-17 07:00 pm (UTC)[ It’s fine with a date, but when he shows up there without one, he tends to find one anyway. A stranger, a temporary comfort that turns sour in the light of day. He hasn’t sought out anything like that in months, at least – there's no need, while he’s content with the relationships in his life. Hawk and Koby and Quentin will all be there for him if he needs it.
Like now. Tim snuggles in closer still, laying his head on Koby’s shoulder. Not as roomy as what he’s used to, but cozy and calm, exactly what he needs. ]
I would have complained the second the clothes came off. Ruined everyone’s fun. I’ve got a new lookalike, it would have been embarrassing.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-19 05:36 am (UTC)[Koby's been the same, for the most part -- the crew, Tim, Quentin making up the center of his world, though a few other entanglements have experienced some...development lately. Case in point:]
You do, yes. I met him at breakfast the other day. He's very...effusive. [Charming, noisy, confidence projected to cover something, something that perplexed and compelled Koby.] But nice. I think you might get along, actually.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-20 05:10 am (UTC)[ He says with a laugh, which is...not pleasant, given the bruises around his neck. And so it's followed by a groan, as he nestles further into Koby's shoulder, like a puppy stomping on a pillow until it's perfect. ]
He's too much. I could barely handle Anthony, and he was...quiet.