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 Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 10:45 am
Jett didn’t really think it was fair to be betting to himself on whether or not Kaelan would make it here first from across town or if the lunch he’d ordered from down the street would arrive first. He’d called Kaelan first, but that was hardly a head start because he knew he’d have to pack up from the work he was doing at the library, but given that Orien was the subject of the call, Jett knew he’d be rushing over here.
He’d been brief on the phone. He’d had to call and ask if Kaelan could come get Orien to take him home after he’d hurt himself. Naturally, Orien had protested and argued that he was fine, that he could keep working, that Jett shouldn’t call Kaelan–the works.
But, Jett was confident that he knew best, so he’d done what he’d wanted, anyway. He told Orien to sit quietly and tip his head back while he bandaged up his arm, and when he was certain that Orien wasn’t going to bleed all over his office, he’d left him with a sugary soda and called Kaelan while he went to clean up the blood and glass.
He didn’t even blame Orien for this, not when there was something weird going on with the mirrors. He’d ordered lunch to be delivered afterwards, because he knew these boys would probably forget how to take care of themselves in the face of anything stressful and emotionally demanding.
As expected, the sandwich shop down the road arrived before Kaelan, who he’d half-expected to power up and mirrorwalk right into the shop, but to his credit, Kaelan seemed to have run all the way across town and arrived just as the delivery boy was heading out. They passed each other in the door frame, and he could see how disheveled he was from the effort.
Kaelan had been apologetic and explained that none of the buses were going to come by for several minutes, so he’d just bolted across town. Typical. Jett told him to fix his hair and breathe for a few seconds. He passed him one of the drinks he’d ordered and Kaelan had downed half of it. If Kaelan weren’t so red, Jett supposed he’d have been white. He didn’t keep him from Orien, but he sent him in with the bag of food and drinks.
Hurriedly, Kaelan had opened the door and immediately made his way to where Jett had told Orien to lay down. “Orien!” He hardly had time to set things down before he was sitting himself down next to the couch. “Are you okay? Jett said you got hurt, I came as fast as I could.”
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Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 12:40 pm
Despite trying to chug the sugary drink, but having to stop because he felt nauseous, Orien was still pale by the time Kaelan made it to the back office.
He groaned. Not because he didn’t want to see Kaelan! He always felt better when Kaelan was around. But because he knew Kaelan must have dropped everything and rushed there, at risk to his own well being.
“I’m fine,” he promised, although it sounded less confident than he wanted to sound. His arm had been patched up, but his hands were still twitching. He was doing his best to ignore it, and even crossed his arms over his chest so Kaelan wouldn’t have to worry about that, too.
Oh, but he would probably want to see his arm.
“You didn’t have to drop everything to come here. I told him I’d keep working. I just needed to sit for a bit.”
And make sure he didn’t throw up or pass out or both.
But then he sighed, and turned over on his side as he laid on the couch to pout at Kaelan.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get hurt.” He didn’t even know how it happened. He didn’t remember touching the mirror but… that didn’t mean anything.
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Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 1:04 pm
The first thing Kaelan looked at when he came into the room was Orien’s hands, and it was easy enough to infer that they were trembling if Orien thought it necessary to try and hide them. He resisted the urge to reach out and take them, if only because he didn’t know how badly Orien had been cut, or where.
“It was an accident, Jett already said so. He said this isn’t even the first mirror that’s broken in a very weird way in the past few days. He said it probably wasn’t even your fault. So don’t worry. He even told me to bring you lunch.”
It was so nice just to see his face, and Kaelan could tell that none of that was cut, so he rested a hand against Orien’s cheek gently and leaned forward to kiss him softly.
The bag of food smelled good, but Kaelan didn’t bring it any closer. It was on the ground next to him and he’d have hand fed Orien if it meant he could relax a bit. He was so pale. Maybe he was just nervous, but Kaelan immediately worried about just how much blood he’d actually lost.
It was a bit of a struggle to keep his voice even but he was doing his best. He was breathless from running and worry but the last thing he wanted to do was pile onto Orien’s stress.
“He told me I needed to come over because he wasn’t sure if you’d actually stop working. I’m supposed to take you home, too. He wants you to rest.’
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Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 5:53 am
Orien was busy pouting when Kaelan touched his face and kissed him. Which of course perked him right up. Or as much as he could while also feeling like garbage.
He didn’t want Kaelan to worry about him! But the attention was nice. And he wouldn’t ever refuse kisses from him.
“I told him that I can keep working. I just need a break and then I’ll get back to doing whatever he needs. Probably staying away from glass,” he said while making a face that clearly said he also didn’t want to be around glass.
Oh… oh, but the idea of going home and spending the rest of the day with Kaelan sounded nice. But only if Kaelan wasn’t just going to go back to the library.
“Are you mostly done with your work? Sorry you got pulled away,” he frowned as he looked from Kaelan to where the bag of food was on the floor, and then tried to push himself up a bit.
“Come sit with me. I don’t want you on the ground. You’re more comfortable than a pillow, anyway,” he insisted, giving Kaelan a sad, pathetic look that he surely couldn’t resist.
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Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 7:01 am
Kaelan couldn’t resist. He stood up and moved the bag so that it stayed within reach by his feet, but he settled down on the couch. He shrugged off his jacket and balled it up in his lap before he moved so Orien could rest his head.
It took a moment, but Kaelan was dedicated to carefully maneuvering his boyfriend into his lap, and once they were both settled he began to comb his fingers through his hair. He was doing his best to stay calm, but his heart felt like it was in his throat already. Of course he was going to worry about Orien, how could he not? It was good to see him, good to hold him. Good to know he was okay, even if he was in a little less than perfect condition.
It was okay. They didn’t have to go to the hospital. Jett bought them food. Orien was going to be able to rest. It wasn’t like that job in the kitchen that tried to work him to death. Kaelan was still waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under their feet, and he’d been very serious about squirreling away as much money as he could for when it happened, but…
Jett was making it very difficult to keep all of his walls up.
“I checked out some books from the library. And I got lucky, they had a laptop available. I have to return it by three tomorrow, but that’s okay because I’ll just stop in on my way to class and drop it off. I’m going to come home and take care of you and then finish my work while you’re resting. And Jett already said that you’re not allowed to stay here, I have to take you home. He might even give us a ride if we look pathetic enough, but I figured I’d see how you were doing before I told him anything. Oh, he said that you can’t argue, either. He’s going to clock you out when he leaves, so you’re still getting paid for this. So you have nothing to worry about, it’s a paid day off. Are you hungry right now? You can keep laying down, I can feed you. I think there’s fries.”
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Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:42 am
Orien was just going to lean on Kaelan’s shoulder, but being able to rest in his lap was definitely an upgrade. He sighed contentedly and closed his eyes as Kaelan worked his fingers through his hair.
Eventually, Orien uncrossed his arms to lift a trembling hand up to Kaelan’s cheek, brushing the loose hair from his face. It wasn’t his hurt arm, at least, but he knew Kaelan would be fussy about it, so he held it up for him to see as well.
The glass really got him good. He didn’t know how it managed to slice him up like it did, but his hand and arm had been expertly bandaged up by Jett.
“Oh, you’re going to spoil me by feeding me? And a paid day off, too?” he laughed, clearly disbelieving, but Kaelan wouldn’t make something like that up, and Jett seemed to be the type to do that kind of thing.
“I don’t know,” he hummed thoughtfully, although he hated how weak and tired his voice sounded at the moment. “There’s plenty of things I’d rather be doing than laying around the office, especially if he’s going to make me go home. And yeah, you’re one of those things I’d rather be doing.”
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Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 11:43 am
Orien knew him so well. Kaelan held his breath while Orien adjusted himself, like he was worried if he breathed too hard he might hurt him. Even as he leaned into Orien’s good hand, he gently took his injured arm into his hands and looked it over.
There wasn’t much to see, not with the bandages, but there were a lot of them and it made his stomach flop.
His cheeks were pink but he didn’t have the heart to tell Orien to stop teasing him.
“Well, look. I have no idea what he ordered us but it smells good.” He leaned over so he could fish through the bag and was glad to find a cup full of fries. They were warm and salty and he could tell they’d be good. He ate the first one, only to make sure it wasn’t too hot, and then he held the next one to Orien’s lips. “And there are drinks. And you have to rest, because I need you to be okay, Orien. I was really worried about you, are you okay? I mean, really okay.”
The cut would heal, he knew that physically he would be fine since Jett hadn’t called for an ambulance or anything, but he was more worried about the damage that he couldn’t see.
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Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 6:03 am
He didn’t answer right away, but that was also because he took a bite of the fry that was given to him. Orien looked up at Kaelan to search his expression. He knew Kaelan knew him well. He could recognize all of his little ticks, all of the little flags that warned that he was about to do something.
He didn’t want to upset Kaelan more than he already was. Was he okay? That was a complicated question if anyone wanted more than just a simple answer. It wasn’t black and white. Orien was happy with Kaelan. He was content working for Jett. He was curious but eager to figure out everything Dark Mirror.
But he’d had such an unsavory past that he was still fighting the side effects of that he doubted he would ever really be okay.
For the sake of his arm and hand getting cut up, he glanced at it as he chewed on his fry, and then stroked his hand along Kaelan’s face again.
“Shaken,” he admitted, because it was true. “Worried that the next time I won’t be lucky enough to have the excuse that the mirrors just break on their own. I don’t want to mess this up, Kay. I like working here, even though I’m pretty sure Jett has to pick and choose where to drop the bull in his china shop,” he grimaced and then sighed.
“You work so hard. I don’t want to add to your stress.”
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Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 6:36 am
For as much as Kaelan wanted a simple ‘yes’, he also knew how impossible it probably was to get that. There was too much going on–even before this–for it to be easy. Of course he was worried about Orien. No matter how well he could hide the concern on his face, he knew Orien would just see through him.
He tried, at least. He put on a brave face and tried to look like he hadn’t just been in a panic as he recklessly bolted across town just to be here with him. He was lucky he hadn’t gotten hurt himself, but he definitely wasn’t going to tell Orien that.
Kaelan leaned into Orien’s hand with a sort of modest desperation, because he was trying not to be too clingy or pathetic about how much Orien and his well being meant to him.
“You work so hard, too,” he reminded. Did Orien add to his stress? Yes, all the time. Kaelan couldn’t imagine life without him, though, and he was pretty sure the good massively outweighed the bad. And if Orien wasn’t here? Kaelan would have probably been even more stressed. He didn’t have the energy to articulate such a thought, so he just nuzzled into Orien’s palm.
“Jett didn’t seem upset. He said if we had any mirrors at home that we should take them down, and that he was going to do the same thing for the ones in the shop until he figured things out.” He drew another fry up for Orien. “If something breaks…I don’t know, we’ll figure it out.”
He wanted to think that Jett would be sympathetic. He wanted to think that he would understand how hard they were trying and give them another chance or help them figure out something else. It was a lot of pressure to put on Jett, though–and that was assuming he did actually want to help them, anyway. It was best to have a backup plan. Just in case.
“You’ve been doing really good here. And I’m really proud of you.” This place was good for Orien–and not just because of the paycheck. It was a real job. And Jett seemed to believe in him. He gave him normal tasks, and trusted him with important things. Any time Kaelan had been stuck, Jett had explained what he needed to do and what was expected of him, and–
Well, Kaelan was a people pleaser, sure, but Orien wasn’t. And he hadn’t chased Jett off yet. In fact, Jett probably had to like him–to some degree–if he was paying him to go home, and buying him lunch to bribe him out the door.
“Is there anything I can do to help? Don’t think about my stress or anything like that, if you’re feeling shaken, or worried, or hurt, or anything, I’m here for you. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
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Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 10:27 am
“Didn’t seem upset,” he scoffed about the comment about Jett, but it still seemed more like a pout when he took another fry in his mouth, and although he didn’t care if he talked with his mouth full, he at least tried to keep it mostly closed. He wasn’t that gross. Just impatient when it came to talking to his boyfriend.
“It’s not as though I wake up in the morning and think of how many things I can destroy. Oh yes, my goal for the day is to compromise my employment by being reckless,” he grumbled, but he was still clearly shaken about the situation. He knew Kaelan was proud of him. He was always proud of him, even when Orien didn’t think he deserved it.
But as for anything that would help him, Orien sighed, and turned in Kaelan’s lap so he could press his face against his stomach.
“I know you’ll do whatever you can. And I’ll do whatever I can, too. I’m trying, I promise,” he insisted. Sometimes he got riled up about things, but he really was trying to do his best. Even though he was certain at some point Jett was going to decide he definitely shouldn’t be working around breakables.
“I love you,” he said, turning his face enough so it wasn’t muffled. “I’m sorry you had to drop everything to come get me. “Being with you helps.”
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Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 10:48 am
“Don’t be sorry,” Kaelan said, trying to figure out how he was going to feed Orien if his face was buried. Orien wasn’t trying to tickle him, at least. He secured another fry and waited for Orien to be ready for it.
“I love you, too. I know you’re trying. And you’re doing a really good job. I know how hard you work.” He didn’t say it out loud, now didn’t seem the time, but he’d pull a few more books and see if there was anything he could find about helping Orien with what he was going through. Maybe different fruits or vegetables, or maybe some exercises or something to help him get a bit more control over his body. Not while he was hurt, though. Kaelan was going to insist that he rest, and he’d do everything he could to keep him laying down and taking it easy.
“If you get hurt, I want to be there with you. Nothing is more important to me than you. And I know you’d have done the same if I got hurt.” Oh, so he probably shouldn’t have rushed like he had. The adrenaline was almost completely faded and he felt exhausted. He was glad Jett had such a comfortable couch in his office and slouched a bit against it while he had the chance to.
“I wish you didn’t get hurt, but of course I love to get the chance to spend a surprise day with you.” He didn’t totally understand what was going on with the mirrors, though. Destiny City had been strange enough to him even before they’d learned about magic, so this was still a lot to take in.
“You just have to promise me you’re going to be careful. It looks bad. So don’t push yourself, I might pass out if I see too much blood so you have to be gentle with yourself.” Would he pass out? Probably not. Would he use his own delicate constitution to try and convince Orien to be very kind to himself? Of course.
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Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 12:50 pm
Orien huffed in response to… everything, but took a bite of the fry that was offered.
“Then we should definitely see if Jett will give us a ride home. Do you think he’d carry me upstairs?” he half joked, because Jett definitely didn’t look like he was a pushover, but how many people had he carried up seven flights of stairs recently?
Besides, he could feel the fatigue from Kaelan as he slumped more against the couch.
“I’m going to be careful,” he pouted, but wanted Kaelan to know that he was at least going to try to not push himself. He didn’t want Kaelan stressed out, and Orien knew he already stressed him out a lot.
“You need to eat, too. Here, I can sit up. It’s no problem,” he promised, making an attempt to sit up again although he really didn’t want to.
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Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 2:02 pm
Kaelan really didn’t give Orien the chance to sit up. As he leaned over to pick up another fry, one hand gently, but firmly, rested atop Orien’s chest to keep him in his lap. It wasn’t enough to restrain him, he’d never want Orien to feel helpless or like Kaelan was making any effort to steal his autonomy, but he did not need to be getting up right now.
Between the two of them, Orien was physically stronger. Kaelan wasn’t useless, he just wasn’t really much for fighting or throwing his weight around, anyway. Unless it was important.
He passed over another fry in an effort to appease him. “I like you being here. Don’t get up unless you have to. I’d play with your hair but my fingers are greasy right now so that’ll have to wait a little longer. And I’ll eat in a minute, I’m just cooling off first. It’s really hot outside. I’ll ask Jett if he can give us a ride home but if anyone’s going to carry you upstairs, it’s me.”
Even if Jett was married with kids and Orien probably wasn't his type, Kaelan didn’t want anyone else’s hands on Orien unless there was no other option–and he could definitely make it up to their apartment. Just, with a lot of breaks along the way.
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Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2023 5:19 am
With the hand on his chest, preventing him from sitting up, Orien whined and whimpered, but gave up easily and instead decided to pout pathetically up at Kaelan.
It was fine. He wasn’t going to fight against Kaelan, anyway. If his boyfriend didn’t want him moving yet, then he wasn’t going to move. Besides, Kaelan promised he would eat, so that was good enough for him.
“You’d carry me up? But you’re already exhausted,” he pointed out, although he seemed to perk up a little at the idea. He didn’t want Kaelan to force himself, but it was sweet to know that he would want to do that for him.
“Not that I don’t think you’re strong and capable, but I’ve definitely gained a few pounds since Jett started feeding us.” Not too much, but he didn’t feel like he was skin and bones any more. It had been rough for a while, but things seemed to be at least better for them for now.
Until something inevitably went wrong.
“I don’t care if you get my hair greasy. I’ll just wash it when we get home. Oh… I guess I’ll need some help since I don’t want to get my bandages all wet.” Not that he expected Kaelan to mind.
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Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2023 6:47 am
“I’m never too exhausted to carry you,” Kaelan said firmly, but it seemed like he was willing himself to manifest the energy to follow through on his promise.
He fed Orien a fry and then ate one himself. “And I’ve gained a few pounds, too, so it balances out.” Not really. He needed to do some more exercises too, if he really wanted to make sure he could carry Orien, but they were healthier! And powering up! Even if he wasn’t lifting weights, carrying about his backpack had to be doing something for his upper body strength!
And, Orien didn’t care about greasy hair, so Kaelan began to gently massage his scalp as he reached for another fry. He wanted to give him something nice to feel, especially after all this hurt to his arm. Of course Kaelan was going to help him shower, he’d do everything to take good care of him.
“And I love you, so that gives me the strength to do whatever I need to take care of you.” Things didn’t work like that, but the world would have been a better place if they did. He was already mentally calculating what he could shift in his schedule and what he could sacrifice altogether. Orien was his priority and he always would be, and Kaelan would stretch himself so thin that he snapped before he gave up. He was going to do his best–in this, and all things.
And if he had to have a breakdown in the shower here or there, at least he was multitasking.
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