ishotyouuu | IC Inbox

[They squeeze Chara's hands blindly, but their gaze stays on Wade. If they keep concentrating, it helps. If only just a little. Past the dust coating their skin, the bloody knife on the ground. Their own- their double's corpse on the ground, not more than a few feet away. Less.

They told Chara they'd be there when they needed Frisk, too. So they're here.]

...Okay. [A slow nod. Then they turn their head to the other child; the living one, squeezing their hand once more, calling for them. If only quietly.]

Chara...? Sans' friend wants to help.

[Is that okay?]

[Frisk's hand over their own is really the only thing that keeps Chara here. Focus on that. Not on the dust on their skin, in their clothing and hair. Not on the blood clumping due to the dust and ruining their sweater. Frisk's blood and Sans's dust covered them both.

Ahahah...ahah! No. nonononono, focus.

Chara takes a deep breath. It's sickening, but they reach for the Real Knife with their free hand, run a finger along the blade before it disappears into their Inventory. Never go out unarmed. Never.

Then they look up at Frisk, then at Wade. There is someone here.]

...okay. Okay.

[It's okay.]

[Frisk's twin looks more the worse for wear, and for a moment, Wade struggles with the urge to take them both into his arms; to rest his hands on their heads-- anything to assure them that things are going to be okay. But it's ultimately a futile gesture. He doesn't know enough about their plight to assure them of anything, and he's very much against lying to children.]

Okay. Good.

[A pause.]

Um. Thing is, this kinda thing only works with physical contact. [He winces.] Sorry-- I know how that sounds, but it's the truth. You're gonna have to touch me for it to work. Not anything big, just like... a hand on my arm or something.

Is... is that still okay? I mean, it's fine if it's not. We can always find... y'know. Another option. But this's the fastest way I know. Only takes a few seconds, I promise.

[...Mm. Problem. It's nice to know; nice that he said, asked and didn't just show, deal with the consequences later. Chara's here; they heard that. Frisk hopes. They can take the lead for a little longer.]

Okay. [Okay. They start to get to their feet; suck in a breath, pretend that the protest in their ribs in their shoulder and their neck isn't a burning pain that builds the more they try, find their hand gripping Chara's shoulder tightly, mumble a soft apology under their breath. Sorry, sorry.

Their fault, sorry.]

I can-

I'll hold your hand.

[It is a problem indeed, but Wade asks rather than just grabs them both and moves on. They heard and the part of them that is paying attention doesn't want to do it. Chara already has dust and blood all over them. They don't need more things.

But at the same time Frisk needed help and this was the fastest option. They don't address Frisk's sorry and instead allows themselves be used as a support until they are able to stand too.]

I will hold your other...if that is fine.

[Trust. They're trusting him, and for a second Wade finds himself back in another time, in another place, where two small children just like these two had taken the risk to trust him. The thought causes his heart to clench inside his chest, and so he doesn't dwell on it for long. He merely glances down at the two of them with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.

He doesn't reach for them; doesn't take their hands, but merely outstretches his hands slightly to indicate that each child should grab hold of them on their own.]

Whenever you're ready, kiddos. Ol' Wade's gonna getcha outta here.

[Thoughts and memories are dangerous. There's little difference between a man offering his hand, and turning in the snow. T u r n..a r o u n d..a n d

Don't think about it a̗̤̤n͚͕̭̘͈̻̩y̘͎̥̦͝m̠o̤̺͜r̬̣͇͟e̪

They feel like they're going to collapse. The threat's there, in weak knees and a sickly sense of heat that wants to bubble up out of their mouth; if they speak, it's going to. One hand stays on Chara's shoulder, knuckles white from how hard they clutch the fabric, trying not to be a burden as they steal support they never asked for.

The other takes Wade's hand as carefully as possible. Fingers curling to hide the shakes. They- there's some kind of sound, quiet. Directed at Chara.

S'ok, Partner. He knows a ṣ̴̼̹̺͖̖h̨̫̼̦̙̗o̷͍̻̱̩͖̳r̛̞̼̟̝̥̜t̡c͇͔̬͚̜͠u̵̖t̮͖͍͖̘̫.

[It's a support they never asked for, but Frisk is something that Chara will support regardless of the weight.

One hand sneaks around to grab Frisk's sweater. They can grip harder, grab more. It's fine. An exception to the rule and they're your humble servant to the end.]

It's okay Frisk. We...are okay.

[They're not. Neither of them are okay or will be okay for a long, long time. But sometimes you just have to say it. It'll be fine for now.

Chara reaches for Wade's hand. Here we go.]

[Wade says nothing, betrays nothing except the gentle way his fingers close around the two tiny hands as if cupping a small bird; a fragile insect. He swallows the lump in his throat before he can even wonder why it was there to begin with, and there's a sudden rough rawness to his voice as he speaks.]

Bodyslide by three.

[He's suddenly awash in the familiar vertigo of his physical form disintegrating into the ether, and his fingers reflexively tighten their grip as if to prevent his two small charges from slipping away from him. A split second goes by-- little more than a second-- and suddenly they've rematerialized outside of Wade's house. He could think of no other place to take them. Hopefully it's all right.

Shaking off the residual dizziness that comes from matter displacement, Wade immediately looks down to check that his passengers made it through the trip just fine.]

Sorry if that was rough. You two okay?

[He hasn't yet let go of their hands.]

[The fact that there is something to feel- almost instantaneous, but note quite- has Frisk returning that squeeze; too tired for alarm, too tired to want to let go. Under the dirt and blood, their skin is waxen, belatedly lifting their head as they realize they aren't still standing in the street. Carpet, under their shoes. Four walls on all sides.

The immediate compulsion is to take off their shoes and stop getting said carpet dirty, and reflexively, they try to bend. A flinch puts a stop to that motion.

Okay. They will be, won't they? Like Sans says; not really okay yet, but they will be. They will be.]

He was trying to help.

[A blank repeat; like it hasn't quite registered yet. Part of them expects to look to their empty left and see him.

Part of them is aware their pockets are stuffed full of dust.]

[It has the opposite effect on Chara, the sudden urge to pull away because someone was holding them and that never, ever ended well. Exceptions to the rule existed. Wade wasn't one of them.

But they know why they're going along. Frisk. Please, at least let them protect one person in this whole mess.

It takes Chara a moment to come to the same realization as Frisk, but their flinch gets them going, moving to hold onto their Partner. It's....well, it's not okay. It won't be okay for a long time. But they can have a semi-okay for now.]

I know Frisk. He came...when we called for help.

[Metaphorically. It was always metaphorically because it was only when things became like this that children like Frisk and Chara would call for help. Only then.

And they now know what happens when they do.]

[Wade observes the two children's interactions like someone observing animals in the wild. It's probably not the most flattering of comparisons, but it's honestly how he feels-- as if he's watching the mannerisms of two small and skittish creatures. Wade's always prided himself on being able to read people, and whether these two know it or not, they're giving him quite a bit to pick up on.

Frisk's fingers tighten around Wade's hand, and so he doesn't let go. Their friend's grip, meanwhile, is stiff and uncomfortable, and so after a few seconds Wade loosens his hold on them, allowing them to let go if they wished.

He still doesn't understand what they're talking about. Or maybe he just doesn't want to. Better not to think of the worst. Better to focus on the immediate needs of two scared children who look more the worse for wear.]

Are either of you hurt? D'you need anything?

[It's-

They guess, after a moment, that it must be a little hard to tell. Two dusty children next to a bloody body, both of them covered in blood themselves. It'd be hard to tell.

They don't want to tell him, don't want to be a bother. Know Chara won't just let them ignore the question, won't let them pass it off as if their Partner is the one who needs all of it. They let out a quiet noise, something between an um and a I think, not up for an argument. Certain that Chara isn't either.]

...Ribs hurt a little.

[Saying that much feels like intruding. They're intruding. How can they say that when Sans'-
Don't think about it anymore. Don't think about it anymore.
Haha. His ribs probably hurt too.]

[Chara is not up for an argument, no. But they do agree that it's hard to tell the exact nature of their injuries when they're both covered in dust and blood. Various nicks where Frisk's double must have caught them with their knife and the back of Chara's knee where they were kicked ached. Not to mention the swarm of bruises and scrapes they must have under their clothing after jumping out of a collapsing building. It was a miracle Chara hadn't broken anything on the way down.

Normally Chara would take care of their own injuries in private and keep the focus on Frisk. But that would lead to a debate. So they speak up, tone flat. Answer the question Chara.]

Frisk was kicked around by their double, for how long I do not know. As for myself I likely have cuts from a knife and the back of my knee hurts.

[Nobody needs to know about the end result of their battle with Sans's double, so Chara doesn't say a single thing. But that's the extent of it.]

[They're handling themselves well, and that's what worries Wade. This is not the attitude of children who are hurt, or even children who are free of hurt. It's the attitude of children who are hurt and are trying not to show it. Have had practice in not showing it, in fact. Wade files it away for future reference. The two of them look too done in to be called out on it now.]

Would it be okay if I... y'know. Took a look? I've got some... some stuff here--

[His hands dig into the pouches at his belt, bringing out some bandages and band-aids that he'd been saving for... well. For a rainy day, he guesses. Lord knows he never needs them.]

I promise I ain't gonna lay a finger on either of you without your say-so, okay? Cross my heart. I just wanna make sure it's not too bad. Your injuries, I mean. Sometimes it's hard to tell when you're the one who's hurt. Believe me, I know.

...Izzat okay?

[He keeps asking, and Frisk is inclined to believe that...if they said no, he'd listen. He'd listen, if they shied away for any reason- if they told him he'd helped too much.

It's nice. They don't think anyone's ever done that before. And with Chara at their side (holding them up, holding on) it's easier to feel a little more brave, easier to think of what, maybe, he would've wanted them to do, if he was here and not just pocketsful of dust. They think of a 'dog and their lips twitch.

It's not the happiest expression they've ever had.]

...I guess.

[He's...

There's an out. This man was giving them both an easy out and given his actions thus far, even Chara is inclined to believe him. Rather than pull them around, he took the time to explain things first and asked permission. I promise I ain't gonna lay a finger on either of you without your say-so, okay?

Chara has no reason to believe something as flimsy as promises. They have their own memories and Reset after Reset to back it up. It never ended well. Putting your faith in someone who could turn around and betray that didn't go over so well either.

But they could say no. Chara could draw a line in the sand. And maybe...things wouldn't go sideways if they did.]

...Frisk first and then me. And I would like to request to remain by their side during, sir.

[It's a little selfish and an odd demand, but they'll feel better if they knew where Frisk was. Chara refuses to lose someone else.]

[They're both not happy about this arrangement, that much he can tell. Honestly, Wade's not too pleased with it either-- having to breach a child's comfort zone is a delicate matter even in the best of times, but he knows he needs to make sure that they aren't going to be suffering some other problems somewhere down the line. He could always send them to the clinic, of course, but... they'd asked for his help specifically. It feels wrong to pass them off to someone else, at least right now.

He turns to Chara with a reassuring smile, once again suppressing the urge to tousle the kid's hair in an attempt to comfort them. It's harder than he'd expected.]

Of course you can stay, kiddo. I'm gonna need an assistant, after all. Always good to have an extra pair of eyes to point out what I might miss.

[He returns his gaze to Frisk.]

Okay if you lift your shirt up a little bit? I just wanna take a look first.

[Every time he speaks to Chara, they warm up to him a little more. People always say that first impressions are the most important; but Frisk has to wonder why, when their own first impression of a guy in heart boxers doesn't seem to have been accurate at all.

Sans really does have good friends.

They nod slowly in response, nerves automatically drawing their gaze towards Chara, before they stop themself. Let go of their Partner with both hands, lean against their shoulder as they grasp at the bloody patchwork of their sweater, lift it up to show their ribs.

They can't see it for themself. It's kind of bad, because if there's something to see (the bright, angry redness that covers their sides like a haphazard pattern; the discoloration too vivid and heavy not to turn into bruising- something that matched their cheek and chin, or would, when the blood was washed off), then they can't. They don't know how bad it seems, even if having their arms raised at all makes it a little harder to breathe, puffing out soft breaths into the dirty fabric.

The benefit to this is being capable of ducking their head down, and knowing Wade and Chara can't see their face, either.]

[It is warm...this man was kind. They say that humans didn't need kindness to live. And Frisk thus far was the only exception to the rule. But this man gave them both an out if they needed it. A stick to draw that line. Something kind. And perhaps it was time to--

It's gone when Chara sees the pattern of bruises on Frisk's ribs where their boot - no, Frisk's double's boot don't think about that - connected. Repeated kicks. It stopped at four. No, you're mixing things up the double didn't stop. It wouldn't have stopped until C - Frisk died and--

Stop. Just stop. Breathe. It's not about you Chara. It's not. Just look at the bruises and then at the man. It's okay.

It's not.

But Chara does stare at Wade, trying to keep some semblance of calm.]

...what would you like me to do?

[They're both taking this so seriously that Wade's sure he would be stifling a laugh if this had been any other situation. As it stands, it's not at all funny. Wade feels a surge of sympathy rise in his throat at the way Frisk's friend-- Chara, was it?-- takes a calming breath; glances at Frisk and then back at Wade as if they're an actor practicing their blocking in a play. It causes Wade's smile to once again grow gentle, as if calming down a frightened animal.]

Oh, you get the most important job. Stick close to your buddy here. Make sure they're doin' okay. I'm gonna be looking for broken ribs and I'm gonna try my best to be gentle, but depending on what the damage is, it's gonna hurt.

I'm gonna do my very best to stop before things get too bad, but if it looks like they can't take any more, you need to tell me, okay?

[He glances up at Frisk, doing his best not to wince at the large bruising pattern he already sees on their stomach.]

That goes for you too, champ. Don't try to be brave here. Looks like you're gonna be pretty sore regardless, but if somethin' hurts really bad I need to know about it. Otherwise I might hurt you more, and I really don't want that on my conscience, y'know?

[A nervous laugh; quickly cut off with a clearing of his throat.]

Okay. You're still okay with me touchin' you, right? I-I just wanna make sure.

Edited 2017-03-04 14:02 (UTC)

[They're glad their face is hidden behind their sweater, because if it wasn't, they'd have to explain the wobbly smile that graces their lips. Especially when nothing he's said is funny.]

It's okay. Chara won't let you hurt me.

[Nothing they have to say is funny either. They don't think it sounds all too intimidating, but it's a warning, all the same.

He really should try not to hurt them.]

[He really shouldn't. Chara has no way of knowing about Wade's abilities and skills, how he could easily outpace a child. But that would not stop them.

Determination is a hell of a drug, and hurting their Partner was the worse thing you could do.

That said, Chara does understand what Wade is going to be looking for and how poking bruised and broken ribs would hurt. They'll give him that and not much else.]

I will keep an eye on you both. Please, proceed.

[Wade nods to them both, and the thought occurs to him that this is a more serious situation than he'd initially thought. Not that he'd been making light of it to begin with, but... something about Chara's strange red eyes boring into his gives him the impression that's there's much more at stake here. He swallows hard, suddenly feeling oddly intimidated by the two small and injured children, and lets out a breath.]

Okay. Here goes.

[He's gentle, like he'd promised-- he doesn't prod the heavily bruised areas more than he needs to, doesn't linger too long on any particular spot; constantly checks in with a glance upward to see how Frisk is dealing with the pain. The child's ribs seem to be intact from what he can gather, which is a good thing-- he doesn't have much medical background beyond what he's learned in the army, but he's pretty sure the only treatment for a broken rib is to just let them heal on their own.

Doesn't mean the injuries don't bother him any less, though. Wade shakes his head in disgust.]

Man. Somebody really roughed you up, huh. You said it was a double of yours?

[He's as gentle as he can be; even so, the touches aren't so much causing pain as they are an announcement to what's already their. Frisk sucks in a breath, and tries not to let it go, flinching under fingers that seek out the worst of it, biting their lip hard.

It hurts. It's not his fault.

All they can do, is slowly lean into Chara a little more. Take a bit of strength that the other doesn't really have to give; neither of them do, right now. Sorry, Partner. They need you, and it's not fair.]

...m-mhm.

Chara and Sans- didn't want it to kill me.

IC Inbox - hadriel

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[cw for child abuse]

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[cw for self-harm]

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