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[inthebiblicalsense]

[In a very serious, business tone, Abel's answering machine sounds after any attempted calls that aren't responded to right away.]

You've reached Abel. I am not available at the moment, but I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If this is urgent, leave the line open.

And if this is Fitz I hope you're having a good day.

Comments

[everythinglost]

Maybe take a second unless where he'd been looked exactly like a hallway here.

[He'd think Joel's response was stupid no matter what, but the layers of stupidity makes it... not 'worse', necessarily, but a specific pinch of irritation. Malicious ignorance is common, but that doesn't mean he has to like it.

He sighs.]

You know, I think it's stupid that people accept someone stabbing first as a response to suddenly arriving here, but I can get it. Blah, blah, fucked up people brought here from a dramatic situation. It's not the same time and premeditation that go into torture. If John's not going to say something, someone should.

[If Joel had just killed him, he would hold a grudge forever. There's still a difference between that and what had happened.]

[inthebiblicalsense]

[Ethan can agree, completely. There is a difference between interrogating a defenseless stranger and tying a man to a chair, harming him further, and asking questions after the fact.

There is some understanding he has about violence, but the degree indicated to him that who ever this man was, he was dangerous in how his anger or frustration played out in the people around him.]

I'll make a statement. But, I'm going to ask John to introduce us first. I can at least show him the courtesy he couldn't afford you and give him some warning...while also calling him out on his bullshit if he comes up with some kind of excuse for his behavior. [His fingers curl into the material of Fitz's fresh shirt, resting his head on his shoulder.]

He tied you to a chair for gods sake... what sort of threat were you then?

[everythinglost]

I wouldn't bet on there being any excuse. If he says anything at all I'd imagine it boils down to the old 'I'm a hard man from a hard world doing the hard things' blah blah heard every day of the week. It's pathetic, but there you go. You can tell him anything you want, but if you get anything other than the usual self-absorbed bullshit superiority you get from those types I'll give you a dollar.

And he stabbed me in the stomach. To kill me, I mean. There are a lot of other ways you can kill someone with a knife. I wouldn't be applauding any of them, but the petty vindictiveness of going for that says all you can expect.

[inthebiblicalsense]

[Ethan is thinking that he's not going to get a cent out of Fitz, but there is still some glimmer of hope. Maybe this stranger will surprise him, but he doubts it.]

Either he truly is an idiot, or he's a sick bastard... What purpose- [He shakes his head, biting his cheek to stop himself from trying to rationalize it. If he was going to kill to cover his tracks, he should have done it quickly, something that wouldn't just have Fitz in that god damn chair, slowly dying. He takes in a slow breath, eyes closed and rubs his forehead into his shoulder.]

I'm sorry... I know I can't just be there all the time, but that must have hurt like hell.

[everythinglost]

[He squeezes Ethan's shoulder.]

If you're gonna talk to him, I'd try not to get riled up by his bullshit. Like I said, I've met no end of guys like that. They're not worth caring about. Aren't you lucky you got me instead? [Who manifestly is worth caring about and much better company.]

Gotta invent a new level of hell that's even deeper, to get how much it hurt.

[inthebiblicalsense]

It's a little late for that... And it's not that I care about him, I care about you. And sometimes it's really hard to fight the impulse to let my temper go. He'd deserve it... [Ethan truly has tried his best not to let it get the best of him since the whole thing with Jacob, but it wins out in little moments here and there.]

I am lucky though. And...I know I probably shouldn't mention it, but thank you, for telling me? I worry about you...and even if it's terrible, knowing what happened? It makes the 'what if's' a little quieter.

And now you don't have to sit with this by yourself.

[everythinglost]

I mean, don't let him see. [He was tortured and stabbed! He doesn't mind Ethan being angry about that. As lightly as Fitz treats a lot of things, he always cares when Ethan gets hurt. Even if it can be complicated with other things. And there's nothing complicated with a stranger.] Not that he'll necessarily notice anything much while 'adjusting'. [He wishes as an unpleasant as possible adjustment to the ship.]

If I didn't tell you, who would make the tea?

Too much work.

[inthebiblicalsense]

[That gets him to start, blinking from his comfy spot cuddling Fitz when he realizes that he probably should, you know. Finish making the tea.]

Oh...I completely forgot about it. Give me a second, I'll be right back.

[And rather reluctantly he'll get up with a glance at Fitz before he's off to actually finish the job.]

[everythinglost]

[It's enough to get him a smile from Fitz.

It's still a little sickly - just as he's still a little too pale - but the amusement is real.]

[inthebiblicalsense]

[He hadn't meant to be funny, but it's nice to see him smile.

He's watched both Norton and Fitz enough to know how to make a proper cup, well. Enough that he's sure Fitz will like it. He comes back with two cups, setting them on his nightstand.]

Okay. Much better.

Anything else while I'm up? Put a record on?

[everythinglost]

Yeah. Got the Jimi Hendrix Blues album out, put that on.

[Even if it doesn't match his shirt, now.]

[inthebiblicalsense]

That isn't the one with that weird, experimental track on it, is it?

[He asks with some hesitation, but he does go to put it on, reading off the track list from the album cover as it starts.]

[everythinglost]

Who can say.

[He takes his tea, letting himself enjoy the warmth as he listens to the music.]

[inthebiblicalsense]

Its your album. You dont know the track list?

[Is it nerdy to say he now knows the Super Trouper Album front to back?

He comes back to the bedside, but doesn't take his tea just yet, too hot for him.]

Do you want me to call Maggie or Justine for you when I go?

[everythinglost]

[He shrugs. It's not that he doesn't know the track list (though picking up albums across time can sometimes through in some surprises), but it's about how he defines the music depending on his mood. The same song isn't always the same song.

Including songs he sometimes picks to tease Ethan.]

Could you just let them know I was hurt? I probably won't be going out for a while.

[inthebiblicalsense]

Thats understandable. You let me know if you need anything. I'll make you breakfast tomorrow if Maggie doesnt beat me to it.

[And while he is glad that Fitz will be safe in here, he is a little bummed.] It will feel off, going back onto that creepy station without you. I was starting to feel like maybe it wouldn't be so bad, being on one of those wild adventures of yours since you'd be there with me.

[everythinglost]

[That makes him smile again, close to his normal grin.]

Don't worry, I'll be back soon enough. And by then it'll probably be time for the part of the wild adventure where stuff starts to look really bad so it makes you glad I'm there.

[inthebiblicalsense]

Glad your there so long as I can see you and make sure we're both getting out with our lives, Fitz.

I like you lazy, don't show up at the last minute trying to be a hero. [He'll lean forward, hesitating just a moment before he kisses his cheek.] You play the scoundrel with a heart of gold better anyway.

[everythinglost]

Don't worry, I hate playing the hero. It always ends with tramping around in forests, just like in the fantasy books.

[He laughs, flicking his fingers at Ethan as if splashing him with invisible water.] Heart of pure iron, here. I have a great coat for it.

[inthebiblicalsense]

Thankfully there are no jungles in space. [At least none that he's ever seen.

Squeezing Fitz's knee, he stands again, feeling just that bit lighter despite the weight of everything.]

Alright, Fitz. I'm going to go see John, I'll let Maggie and Justine know on my way. And- [He manages a smile, a real one despite everything.] you take care of you, rest.

I'll be back later with something for dinner, alright?

[everythinglost]

That's what you think.

[But that's a tale for another day. He always has another story.

He returns the smile, sliding down in his bed again now that he's finished his tea.] Make sure it's something good.

[inthebiblicalsense]

[He doesn't quite tuck him in, though he might have if he was tolling, rolling his eyes at him.]

Manwhich it is. [squeezing his shoulder in a tease, he finishes half his own tea in one and sets it down. He'll clean up in here later, when he isnt about to go yell at a stranger.]

Sleep tight.

[everythinglost]

[Fitz manages one last honest smile for him, before retreating back towards sleep.

The hum of the TARDIS he feels in his cabin is fake, he knows, but it provides some of the same relief even so.]