[log] Holding Close to You [closed]

[jumpthegun]

Characters: Watson and Alfie
Location Building 125
Date: Day 130 (morning)
Summary: Watson and Alfie wake up together after a very long and very difficult ordeal. Neither of them are terribly happy with the other.
Warnings: Brief mentions of the Holocaust.

Passing out suddenly is getting very, very old of late. It's especially getting old when there is a familiar ache in his chest. They'd lost a soldier. Another man had given his life to protect John and everyone else. He hadn't seen what happened to Haurchefant, but the fact that the monster had been so delayed... the elf had saved them all.

He takes a shaky breath when he wakes and there's a warm body next to his own in the dark. In fact, he's clinging to it at the moment, probably some sort of reflexive need for touch and reassurance in his sleep in spite of what horrible conditions might exist. His clothes seem to be dry, so that's either some thanks due to the Admin or he's just dried off overnight. Overnight... here! The basement. Then that means-

"Solomons?" He lets go of what he assumes to be Alfie and hurriedly backs off. John fumbles for his keys and the mini-torch there. His other hand goes instinctively to his fruit knife. Fool me once, Alfie Solomons.

Comments

[devoutish]

That's an attitude Alfie can respect - move forward when you have to, and deal with your feelings only when you have the time and luxury. He lets his eyes drift shut again.

"How did Frisk do at the end of it?"

[jumpthegun]

"Enoch grabbed them along with Quark. They made it back to the room all right. Haven't had a chance to touch base." What with being mildly preoccupied. "Planning to do that while I head down to the hospital, but I'm guessing if I'm back, then everyone else is, too. It'd be nice if the Admin stopped knocking us unconscious when they move us around..." But that's not likely to happen.

[devoutish]

Alfie frowns, starting to dig into the second can of beans. "Hope her mum ended up all right. With the way things went, I wouldn't be surprised if some ended up dead, or close to it."

[jumpthegun]

There's a quiet conviction in John's voice as he replies. "You survived, and you were in some of the worst conditions, I reckon. There's no sense worrying, though. Maybe just give her a ring. They're downtown, so they're probably been through that house you're interested in, yeah?

"I'll check in with you later tonight, see where you are and let you know if we found anything that might be able to help. Dunno if we'll be heading north today or tomorrow. Tomorrow's more likely."

[devoutish]

"Nah - it's all right. Enough others will be checking up, I expect."

He closes his eyes, wanting to rest just a little bit longer before he moves on. "Sure, yeah. Thanks for the assistance."

[jumpthegun]

"Mm..." It's a noncommittal sound. Alfie's right, but it wouldn't hurt for him to take more of an interest. He's clearly capable of the empathy he was pretending not to have when he first arrived here... worrying after Toriel in the first place.

"Right, then. I'll fill this tin up with water for you. Sink and the loo are right over there." He points toward the restroom. "You can get yourself cleaned up a bit, too. Cold water, but I imagine it's better than nothing just now." He goes over to do that along with filling his own water bottle up. Then, he brings the tin back for Alfie and sets it down nearby him. "I'll be seeing you around, then. I'm still expecting what you've got there to find their way back to the proper owners. Just let me or Fiona know when you've got your own things.

"Thanks again, though. For your help. I know you weren't in much shape to be giving it."

[devoutish]

"Yeah. But it worked, didn't it," he says wearily, eyes still shut. "To an extent. Most of us lived to fight another day. To keep working towards a way out."

[jumpthegun]

"It worked," he agrees. "At least give Frisk a call. They'll want to hear you're all right straight from you, I reckon. Keep warm and well-hydrated, Solomons. And call me if you need something. I'll be nearby."

With that, unless Alfie stops him, John will square his shoulders and head for the door. He pauses with his hand on the door, though, holding it open. "You could be a better man if you tried to be, y'know? I can see it there. Guess we've got more pressing matters, though." Return quip or not, he'll leave Alfie with that.

[devoutish]

Alfie just snorts derisively, and doesn't say anything in response. That's a conversation for another day.