[ IC ] Traumaprom

[thexfactor]

[ Looks like it's that time again ]

Comments

[thexfactor]

. . .

[grandstanding]

I'm angry, and I'm scared. But I'm resolved.

[thexfactor]

[ bows his head a little ]

I couldn't care less about dying. Which is pathetic in its own way, but I rather do that than watch someone die in front of me again.

This is my version of running away.

[grandstanding]

...then I want you to promise me something.

[thexfactor]

. . . What is it?

[grandstanding]

After this is over, you start caring again. You start living. And you don't look back.

[thexfactor]

I don't even know if I can promise that!

[grandstanding]

[he leans down again, brushing his hand against Charles's cheek.]

I'm sorry; that was probably asking too much. But I'd like it if you tried. We're going home soon. We shouldn't take death lightly again. And if you were to die, you don't know how many hearts you'd break.

But mine would certainly be one of them.

[thexfactor]

It's not that I -- I don't want to be left behind.

[grandstanding]

You won't be. Not anymore.

[thexfactor]

[ falls quiet ]

[grandstanding]

Not today.

[thexfactor]

. . . No, not today.

[grandstanding]

And we can only do this one day at a time.

[thexfactor]

I know.

[grandstanding]

We can talk about it later.

[thexfactor]

. . . Okay.

[grandstanding]

[he kisses him lightly.]

[thexfactor]

[ kissing back ]

[grandstanding]

Think about it, at least.

[thexfactor]

I will.

[grandstanding]

[he's silent for a moment.]

The least they could have done was provided us with chairs.

[thexfactor]

I know. But that would be too much.

[grandstanding]

[he sighs, and moves to sit down on the ground next to Charles.]

[thexfactor]

[ . . . grins and pats his head ]