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 Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 6:58 pm
Quote: Firework displays are common this time of year, especially for the duration of the festival. By all accounts, the fireworks lighting up the sky seemed perfectly ordinary--until, suddenly, a light flashes so brightly that it immediately blinds everyone who was watching. For those staring directly at the explosion, they may find that their vision takes 2-3 days to return; for those who caught only a glimpse of it or were further away, they may still be affected with less severe vision loss. (Please see tomorrow's prompt for more information on vision recovery! You may respond to this prompt at any point in time or backdate, but this event will always have ICly occurred on the night of June 20th) To anyone who viewed the firework, it was unlike any other firework before; it was a beautiful array of colors and was accompanied with a loud boom and a strange gust of wind. Destiny City has reported that it was not an approved display but do not have further information on the firework’s origin.
The phone call came just a little before Alexei was supposed to head home, but given the state of things there really wasn't any way he was going to be getting any work done. Something had been prickling at the back of Alexei's mind and the hair on the back of his neck was standing up. He'd been agitated and was pacing through his office as he read some of the files in his hand. It was a pure fluke that he'd been in front of the window when the fireworks were going off--and he shouldn't have been interested.
He never was.
He didn't care for fireworks at all--and then one lit up the sky in a way that he'd never seen before.
...And then he couldn't see.
A searing pain had blasted through his eyes and he reached quickly to rub at them. He was close enough to his desk that he was able to reach out for it with his other than and set the papers down. He rubbed at his eyes for a few moments, trying to ease the pain and relax the oddly sore muscles. By the time he lowered his hand he was hopeful--but still, nothing.
It wasn't foggy vision, it wasn't strained vision.
It was no vision whatsoever.
Alexei gave it a few moments, but when he couldn't see anything by the time he counted slowly to three hundred, he'd dialed 911.
He didn't know the condition of his desk, but meticulous as ever he took the opportunity to slowly try to straighten up his room. He moved slowly, cautiously, trying to pick up the spilled papers and arrange them as best he could. He hoped for the best, but he didn't want to waste time--didn't want to risk someone coming into his room and messing things up. Instead, he focused on making sure he had the necessities--phone, wallet, keys.
He managed to make it to his office door; he'd done this so many times, he didn't need his vision to find the key and lock his door. He knew the halls as well as any in his own home. His steps were slow and cautious, but he walked with his head high; he couldn't risk someone seeing him as anything but the proud judge he had to present as.
He made his way to the front door, carefully down the steps, and he stood there and rested against the railing and waited.
They'd arrived in three minutes. He'd been at the hospital for forty five.
They had run tests but they didn't have any answer--and Alexei wasn't the first or only person to come in with a similar issue. Which meant the only thing for him to do was take some medicine, go home, rest, and hope for the best.
He was sitting in the hospital waiting room with a bag of ice pressed to his eyes. He could have a cab home, but he'd kill two birds with one stone; he needed a ride home, and he needed to talk to Shiloh. Sitting in the corner of the crowded room, he held his cell phone in his hand and listened to the trilling of the call as he waited for Shiloh to pick up.
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Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:45 am
Fireworks for Shiloh came with a very fond memory... It was a night like tonight, quiet and dark where he met Alexei.. Of course, that was on New Year's Eve, so it wasn't exactly the same, but fireworks meant so very much to him.
Part of him truly wanted to go into the city, into the party, on Alexei's arm, and watch the fireworks up close. While once he had been so anxious he dared not leave his house unless it was dark, the young man had grown. Bit by bit he came out of his shell and worked on improving himself, with all thanks given to his lover.. Once before the judge had said he'd make Shiloh his 'project', to bolster his confidence and make him far more confident, and it had worked. That directionless, fearful way he lived his life wasn't entirely gone, but with his lover, he found his way.
Even without Alexei there to comfort him during the nights, he no longer felt incapable of doing anything.
Tonight's 'doing something' was specifically studying. He had plenty of credits to graduate, but needed a few more specialized courses for child care... And he had always been very studious; time flew by as he studied and worked on his project so much so that he hadn't even noticed how late it was when his phone rang.
Naturally a smile came to his face at the call, and his voice came through softly as he answered. "Hello Alexei... Will you be coming home late tonight?"
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Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 6:26 pm
"Earlier than I anticipated, actually," he answered, voice as calm as ever. He tried to keep his hand up over his phone, as if that would help muffle some of the noise from the room behind him.
"As it turns out, I've found myself in a bit of a predicament, I'm afraid. I need to ask you for a favor."
He waited, a brief pause, so that Shiloh could let it sink in. "I'm having some trouble seeing. I went to the hospital to get it checked out, but I'm not in any condition to drive. I was going to call a cab home, but I'd rather be in a car with someone I trust."
He may not have said it outright, but there was a part of Alexei that was overly cautious--if not paranoid--to put himself in any position where he was vulnerable. But then, his father had been murdered. He didn't want to be blind, in the back of a stranger's car, hoping he wound up at his destination.
"Would you be able to pick me up? I'm at Destiny City Central Hospital, the one close to my office."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2019 2:23 pm
There was no sign at all in Alexei's voice that anything was wrong, and the need of a favor from him had Shiloh making a curious sound.
Alexei rarely needed anything from anyone... So he was more than happy to help him when asked!
"Of course, anything you need."
What came next... Completely unexpected, and quickly pushed Shiloh into a panic. "W-what...? Are.. Are you okay? What happened...? O-of course, I can come get you, I'll be right there!" Even while waiting for a reply, he was rushing around the house. Keys, shoes, wallet, he was halfway in the car before Alexei said another word.
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Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2019 6:52 am
"Relax," Alexei assured; he could hear the panic in his voice, the way he was rushing, moving too quickly. "It's not worth endangering yourself by going into a frenzy. I'm at the hospital, I'm in the best place to be. I'd rather you focus on driving safely and taking it easy."
He was wondering if he shouldn't have just called a cab so Shiloh wasn't out there worrying while he came to get him.
"They think it's ocular sensitivity to overexposure of light. There's no evidence that this is permanent." There wasn't any that it was going to be short term either, but he'd never heard of someone going permanently blind over something like this. "There was a firework by my window, outside. It was just very bright. Apparently there are others who are experiencing the same issues. I'm not concerned."
He was, though, even if he wouldn't say it, wouldn't let it show.
He just couldn't have Shiloh being worried, too.
Obviously this would be a huge issue if he weren't able to see; he didn't want anyone to take it as any sort of weakness. He had enough sway that he was certain he could convince them to let him keep his job, but powering up? Mamertine would be a dream, that was far too dangerous.
...He didn't want to be helpless, and that deep, sinking feeling twisted in his stomach, gripped him tightly.
He didn't let it show and wore the same calm, almost impassive expression. His voice didn't betray him.
"So calm down," he soothed, almost tenderly. "I would just feel better going home with you than a stranger. So I need you. But everything is fine."
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Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 10:08 am
"... Alright." Shiloh took a deep breath, trying his best to steady his hand as he reached for the car door. Alexei certainly wasn't one to sugar coat things... He always told the honest truth, and it was that fact alone that calmed the poor boys frazzled nerves. That didn't make his worrying cease at all though as he got into the car.
"If you aren't concerned then I'll try to keep that in mind... Thank you for worrying about me, but I do hope you're worrying for yourself as well..." His voice became softer, thankful that he could atleast enjoy the fact that in this case, he was able to be helpful to his darling...
"I'll be there soon, okay? Just... Sit tightly. I'd suggest asking for a cup of coffee, but we both know that cafeteria coffee is awful." There was the slightest bit of jovialness in his voice now, hoping that if he kept up the charade of being relaxed, it would lessen Alexei's own worries. "... I love you."
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Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 4:33 am
Alexei played his own role in this, trying to sound at peace and unconcerned as possible. There were too many problems that could arise if his vision stayed gone forever and, ever the calculating man, he was already trying to find workarounds. Perhaps he was paranoid, perhaps he was just sued to expecting the worst.
"It's going to be fine, Shiloh," he said, softly smile on his face as he massaged his eyes. Even if he couldn't see with them, he was certain he could imagine Shiloh's face, brows knit and seeping with worry. "I love you, too."
He gave him a moment to let it sink in. "...I'm sure after some rest I'll be fine. Loathe as I am to take a break from my duties. I've got another appointment with the doctor tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. As long as I'm with you, I'm sure I'll be fine."
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Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2019 2:22 pm
"You certainly know how to flatter me." As much as he wanted to keep speaking to Alexei, he still didn't feel safe speaking and driving at the same time. Atleast not on the phone. "I'll be there soon. And I'll be the best nurse for you..." His voice lowered, as if he was afraid of someone hearing him, even though he was alone in the car. "I already have the outfit picked out."
Not that Alexei would be able to see it... But maybe he could focus on the image in his imagination as a distraction until he arrived.
"I'll talk to you later." Shiloh had become mushy over time, and a little more bold, making a kissing sound through the phone before hanging up.
The entire ride there was in silence, his mind racing about what would happen next.
Alexei was his rock, the very foundation of his confidence... He had been there for him for the many times Shiloh found himself breaking... And now he was helpless.
It was scary, but if Alexei wasn't nervous, then he wouldn't be either.
Soon enough, he arrived at the hospital, and did his very best not to rush right in. It didn't take long to find his lover, after all, no one sat as regally as he did, even when he was hurt.
"Alexei, I'm here, it's Shiloh." He took his time coming closer, not wanting to startle him. After making sure they were relatively alone, Shiloh placed his hand on top of the other man's, lacing their fingers together. "... I'm here to take you home."
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Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2020 8:27 am
The conversation had been enough to allow a faint smile to grow on Alexei's face; it was a welcome distraction to the otherwise nerve-wracking situation he was in. He sat stoically afterwards and kept an impassive face. His eyes were closed and he almost looked as though he were meditating when Shiloh arrived.
"Excellent," he said, rising carefully. It wasn't out of caution for himself; he simply didn't want to bump into Shiloh and hurt him. In his other hand he gripped his briefcase, protective as always over the confidential work inside.
He gave Shiloh's hand a discrete squeeze before drawing his hand away and holding out his arm, clearly intending for Shiloh to link arms with him. "If you would be so kind as to escort me out of this establishment. You have my upmost trust and faith. I hope the drive here treated you well?" he asked, as if he really weren't the least bit concerned that he couldn't see.
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Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 7:01 am
Shiloh, as dutifully as ever, immediately linked their arms together.
“I have you. Your trust will not be displaced.” Step by step he guided Alexei back to his car, giving nods to the hospital staff that he was fine.
That they were fine.
“Yes, it was peaceful, besides my worries... I’m glad you are looking well. If anything, you only seem tired, and perhaps need to sleep, or perhaps a very strong coffee.” He laughed softly, squeezing that arm he held lightly before sneaking a kiss to his lover’s cheek.
“I can’t say that I’m wholly unhappy with the situation. As long as you get better, I feel as if this is a long deserved break... I hope you will let me tend to your ever need.”
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Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 7:05 am
Alexei rested against Shiloh as the younger man guided him out. "You know me so well," he laughed, once seated. Sleep, coffee...
Yes, that was usually all he needed to keep himself running.
He trusted Shiloh enough that he wasn't even worried that someone had seen the tenderness Shiloh treated him with, or the kiss he'd planted on his cheek.
"I suppose the only reason to slow me down is to take me out of commission." But he wasn't going to stop trying to work; he didn't know how to just sit back and relax. But with proper distraction, at least...
When Shiloh had settled into the driver's seat, Alexei reached over to rest his hand atop the man's arm and breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'm lucky to have you, Shiloh. Thank you for this. I don't think I'd be able to trust anyone else but you."
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Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 11:19 am
”As I said... I’m not terribly worried. Things will get better, and hopefully I can be enough of a distraction To encourage you to relax and not find a way to still do your work. A night or two of delay will not kill you... But if you do find yourself wanting to work, I will assist, as long as you feel like it doesn’t compromise secrecy.” He could talk himself blue trying to convince his workaholic Alexei to relax, but he understood the importance of his darling’s work and wouldn’t fuss or be disappointed in it if that’s what he desired.
There was something to be said about all of this though, especially that feeling of warmth against his arm as he started to pull out o the parking space.
“You do know I’m just as lucky as you are, if not even more so. But we can get into the argument of who is luckier and whom loves whom more once you get better. I’m sure it’s an argument someone as learned as you could take on for a life time, and I’m excited for that to be the case. Hehe, it’s funny though, how much has changed. I would have never expected I’d ever be so useful to you, and now that I can be, I’m thrilled to bits, despite the circumstances.”
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Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2020 7:42 am
"A night or two of delay might kill me," Alexei muttered, briefly wondering if he could slip out and power up if it would have had any impact on his ability to see. He'd noticed that injuries always seemed to feel a little better, heal a little quicker, when he was powered up.
If this was something that could be healed, he wanted it taken care of--fast.
"I don't want to introduce you to my world of work."
Shiloh wasn't simple by any means, but Alexei always thought of him as pure. He didn't want him to deal with the cases, the information he had to review.
He found Shiloh's arm and gave it a reassuring pat, as though he were the one who needed comfort. "You've always been useful to me. You shouldn't downplay your importance. I appreciate your consideration for my argumentative abilities. They are extensive. And I am very stubborn, I hate to lose. So perhaps it is best to accept that we are both fortunate and better off for having each other. All right?"
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2020 12:43 pm
"Oh dear... Well, we can't rush your health, no matter how urgent it is... I know you don't want to expose me to those sorts of things, but... A few cases won't hurt me, especially if it allows you to continue working without stressing about being far behind. I don't have school right now either so..." A brief thought crossed his mind, a notion that Alexei might not trust him to help came to pester him.
And while it felt like a little stab to his confidence, he couldn't be upset by it. This wasn't something as simple as paperwork or checking 'yes' or 'no' on a box. People's livelihoods could be at stake. And there was potential to see rather gruesome things.
... Maybe it was for the best Alexei doubted him, given how prone he was to outside influenced nightmares.
"Yes... Yes, you're right, I'll think no more of it... But atleast take tonight off. It is a holiday and... I'm sure there's plenty of things we can do to pass the time until it's time to sleep." Despite those uncertain feelings, Shiloh had found a different sort of confidence at times, this one motivated with his free hand placed onto Alexei's thigh. "That is, if you'd be interested in it."
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Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 7:16 pm
Alexei paused at the sudden sensation on his leg; it hadn't been something he could have predicted or prepared for so he sat a little straighter at the sudden sensation. It wasn't unpleasant and he relaxed into the seat afterwards. It took him a few seconds but he managed a soft, short laugh. "I suppose. One night off couldn't hurt. We'll see how the morning goes. I forget how to enjoy holidays, sometimes. I'm glad I've got you to remind me."
He placed his hand atop of Shiloh's, lacing fingers with him and giving his hand a firm squeeze. "I'm sorry, this isn't how I wanted to spend tonight. But." He lifted the hand to his lips and lightly kissed the back of it. "I'll make it up to you."
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