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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 26, 2011 19:56:39 GMT
Blinking as Arthur moved, Alfred watched him before he cocked his head at him stopping near the cupboard once again. Still, he perked to see that he got something, his eyes curiously on it while he attempted to see it...But he wouldnt touch it with his hands still kind of bloody, he'd wait.
"Mm..? Well, I guess..." He nodded, watching as the other arm was cleaned up as well then wiggled his fingers faintly in response. "Hey Arthur, how old were you when your first book was published?" he asked, just to keep up the conversation and not feel as awkward about Arthur cleaning him up like this.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 26, 2011 20:22:18 GMT
Noticing Alfred avoiding picking it up, Arthur chuckled, and used an edge of the blanket to do it instead so Alfred could see. "It's nothing important, and I could always get blood stains out anyway." He reassured him as he continued to clean him up. It still worried him how much Alfred had bled but... well, he was still alive and seemed all right for now. If only he could think of a better way to try and help Alfred deal with the pain.
"I was...eighteen. It wasn't long after I finished school." It was just as well he had got that first contract, even with his inheritance he had struggled a little for two years on his own. For a while, before he'd gotten the contract, he'd thought that he'd have to go back home, but he'd first got that, and then a few weeks later his column, and he was now relatively safe, and with a fair amount of savings building up again. "A while ago now." He added, softly.
"Hmm... I should try and move the TV in here after this so we can watch a film." He said, as he moved onto Alfred's chest, being even more cautious and careful not to lean over Alfred so he didn't feel trapped. "Unless you're tired, of course. You should sleep all you can. That will help you heal." And then he wouldn't have to deal with the pain, and that could only be good.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 26, 2011 20:29:20 GMT
Looking as Arthur did that, Alfred smiled at the design then just hummed in response, not wanting to do that stil anyway. "It's cool. Reminds me of something I saw in one of the history books too..." He said, looking thoughtful as he looked at the details, it distracting him a bit from what Arthur was doing.
"Yeah? THat's pretty good, right? Cause from what I remember usually it's around 22 or something that peoples books get noticed." He smiled, looking up at him as he let him move on, of course watching where he was and forcing himself to relax, but the idea of the television here made him hum happily in thought. "If you don't hurt yourself doing it.."
He would feel bad if the other hurt his back or dropped it on his foot or something. "Well watching a movie would help me sleep too." The familiarity of it would help anyway. Lightly his foot stretched out, then his toes popped and he made a happy noise, pushing the blankets down so he could get his stomache as well but leaving them at a line, kind of showing him how far he was allowed to go down. It was barely past his navel.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 26, 2011 20:58:10 GMT
"Oh, I based it on the old British arms." He told him with a chuckle. "You know, 'the lion and the unicorn were fighting for the crown'. I didn't have any better ideas of what to do, and it was just to relax." He told him, though he still wasn't entirely comfortable with it, expecting Alfred to mock him for it still.
Nodding, Arthur smiled back at him, but his eyes were on the task at hand, not wanting to accidentally rub over one of Alfred's wounds and hurt him more. "Well, you've read it. It wasn't that good. I don't know why they decided to pick me up, but... Well, I suppose I'm glad anyway." He said.
He was about to shift the blanket when Alfred did it himself, and Arthur nodded in thanks, taking note of the line and making sure to stop before it. He was doing his best to make sure that Alfred didn't feel too uncomfortable. "I think I'm strong enough to carry the TV though, Alfred." Arthur said, frowning a little that Alfred didn't think him capable. He wasn't some pansy that couldn't look after himself! "I'll bring it through once you're clean then, and maybe some snacks too? I still have some microwavable popcorn left over from last time."
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 26, 2011 21:28:24 GMT
"Ahh ok, that makes sense then." Alfred murmured, still happily looking at it though. "It kinda fits you, in a way...Dunno why, but." he shrugged his shoulder, then looked up at Arthur, not mocking him but just of course finding the thing interesting. His mother used to do that when she was relaxing as well, and he smiled a bit. "I remember my mom did embroidery too though...Um, she made me this one when I was...around...Five I think, it was of these two bunnies snuggling."
"It had it's points. For a first published it wasn't so bad though, don't be too hard on yourself." Contently he shifted, humming out fainty in response as he nodded, then grinned lightly at him. "I assume so, but accidents do happen." Arthur kind of seemed like he'd be a bit clumsy to him...He didn't quite know why. The thought of snacks made his stomache churn a bit though, but he appreciated the thought.
"Hmnn....Maybe later, I'm not really hungry at all right now." He settled down furthur then, looking up and kind of looking at Arthurs eyebrows. They had kind ofamazed him before, but now he was at the point that he wanted to touch them to see what they felt like.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 26, 2011 22:15:22 GMT
Humming at that, Arthur nodded, eyeing the embroidery. "I like unicorns... well, all mythical creatures, really, but I like unicorns. I used to have some more that I did when I was younger, but..." A lot of his things had ended up being thrown away, as he'd left his father's house with just what he could carry. "Oh? What colour rabbits?" Arthur asked. That sounded like an interesting thing to try, though he didn't know if Alfred would appreciate it or not.
Arthur smiled a little at the praise, a soft blush on his cheeks. "Don't flatter me." He complained, lightly. "You don't have to. But at least I'm getting better." Arthur rolled his eyes at Alfred's point. He wouldn't drop it! For a start, it was bloody expensive... "I'm sure I can manage." He said, a little huffily.
Frowning, Arthur looked at Alfred, but nodded. Really, as far as his experience when Alfred was always hungry but... Maybe he could get him to eat something once the film was over. He finished washing his chest, and then pulled away, dropping the rag into the now bloodied water and starting to dry Alfred off again, dabbing his chest dry. "There. That's a bit better at least." He said, pulling the blankets back up for Alfred. "Do you want to lie down again now, or do you still feel sick?"
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 26, 2011 22:46:44 GMT
"Hmn..Well the idea of unicorns is at least neat, I guess. I still never got the whole being attracted to virgins thing though.." Blinking at the question, Alfred frowned as he attempted to remember. "Um...They were white, and their ears were black." Yeah that sounded about right.
"I'm not, it's true. It really is better than most books I've read that were authors first ones." He smiled, settling on back. "Haha! Well I hope so, then I'd feel really bad." Once Arthur was finished, he lightly scratched a now clean spot with a content noise then nodded in agreement, giving him a bright smile. "Mmn...Laying down sounds nice..." Alfred responded after a moment, then held his arms out kind of like a child asking to be picked up, apparently guessing that he wouldnt let him do it by himself.
As soon as he was down though, he pulled the pillow in a bit more to support his head so he could see when the television came in. "You sure you don't mind moving it in here? Cause I can wait for it and just read or something.."
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 27, 2011 18:09:05 GMT
"Given the rest of myth and legend seems to have been affected by Christianity, I wouldn't surprised if that was the same. But the theory is that they're pure creatures, and so are virgins." Arthur said, easily. He obviously knew a bit about it. He frowned when Alfred told him what colour they were. That would be a little bit of a challenge... but that just made it more fun.
Smiling and still blushing a little at the compliments, Arthur ran his fingers through his hair to try and hide his embarrassment. "Ah, come on then." He said, smiling and leaning over. He gently slid his hands under Alfred's back and supported him to help him lie back down. He shifted the pillows as well so that Alfred wouldn't have to try and reach up to rearrange them himself. "There, better?" He asked, smiling at him.
"Mm? No, it's fine. I wouldn't mind relaxing in front of a film for a bit as well." Arthur admitted. He was still a little tired and he'd feel bad if he left Alfred by himself. "I'll be back shortly." He reassured him. Slipping off the bed, he picked up the bowl to empty out the bloodied water, and padded off. In the sitting room, it took him a while to unplug everything, but the TV wasn't too heavy, so once it was free he hefted it up relatively easily, carrying it through. He placed it on the chest of drawers, and then disappeared. He returned with the DVD player, the cables and a couple of DVDs balanced on top. Once he'd put them down, he handed the boxes over to Alfred. "Pick whatever one you want." He told him with a smile, before he sat down and started to plug everything back in.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 27, 2011 18:28:43 GMT
The blush was a little cute on the older man, so he didn't really say anything about it before he faintly held onto his shoulders as he was moved, making sure not to throw him off balance or anything before he nodded. Faintly he stretched, and then he tugged the pillow a little closer before pouting. "I feel like a baby.." He mumbled, sulking while he ignored the twinges of pain.
Alfred just nodded and watched the older go before his eyes closed slowly, and he let his head rest to the side, yawning softly. He was still resting his eyes by the time that Arthur returned, but he opened them when he returned with the cables and player. Eagerly snagging the choices, he looked at them, humming softly. "Man these movies are old.." Was heard, but he sounded happy.
"These are some of my favorites when I was little." Looking at them, he eventually decided on The Lion King, holding it out to Arthur with a bit of an excited look in his eyes. He hadn't seen these since he was young!
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 27, 2011 20:26:54 GMT
The grip on his shoulders was oddly nice, like Alfred was starting to feel more comfortable around him. "It's not so bad." He said. "And it's only for a little while. Until you're better again." He reassured him softly. "Besides, it'll probably do you good to have a break and be looked after for once."
Rolling his eyes at the comment, Arthur focused on the cables. He wasn't so good with technology and he needed to make sure that he got it right. Luckily he had a good memory, so he was going on that for now. "Oh, that's good." He said, a little distracted, before he finally switched it on, and made a pleased noise to see that he'd got it right.
Turning back, he moved to take the DVD and nodded when he saw what he'd got. "I thought it looked good." He said, as he went to put it on. Taking the remote then, he returned to the bed, and perched next to Alfred again, tucking his legs underneath him, and pressed play.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 27, 2011 22:53:43 GMT
"I guess...But it's still really annoying.." He sighed out, faintly itching his leg on the bed as wel as he could before he stuck his tongue out at him. "I'm even less used to that!" He pouted, then snuggled down in the blankets.Nodding at the comment though, eventually he attempted to kind of change positions, ever so slowly, and soon he was faintly more levitated to see better.
Smiling at the other, the younger male just nodded and then eagerly watched as the movie started, his eyes wide and...well similar to a childs really. He even held onto a pillow after a bit, automaticlaly wanting something to hold onto, especially at certain parts. One of those was Mufasa's death, and he almost looked like he was going to cry at that.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 28, 2011 0:03:02 GMT
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Just because you're not used to it, doesn't mean that it's not good for you." He pointed out. He noticed Alfred trying to itch his leg, and almost said something, but didn't want to panic him again, so left it for now. He felt that he was constantly having to rethink his actions, but... better that than a repeat of earlier. And he didn't mind too much if it kept Alfred from getting scared again. He just wished that Alfred trusted him enough that they could talk about it, so that maybe he could help him move on, but perhaps it was too soon for that.
Snuggling into the bed just a little, Arthur's hand rested by Alfred's side as he relaxed to enjoy the film. Having not seen it before, he was easily caught up into it. He enjoyed the songs in particular, humming along softly. But he was also hit hard by Mufusa's death, biting his lip hard. At some point his hand found Alfred's, holding onto him.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 28, 2011 0:08:31 GMT
"But what if I get fat from laying around all the time?" He asked, eyeing the other. Then again he droppped that quickly enough when the movie started, his blue eyes glued to the screen intently, hugging the pillow in with one arm a bit harder. To be honest, he didn't even notice the hand, because he just squeezed back unconciously a bit, just thinking it was something to hold onto with his other hand.
By the time the movie was over though, he did notice that and he blinked before flushing deeply and quickly releasing him, thinking it might have been him. He did get emotional at movies like this he liked, even if he didnt like contact much...But then again he was pretty relaxed... "S-sorry..."
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 28, 2011 0:46:25 GMT
Rolling his eyes, Arthur cast his eyes to the muscled stomach that he knew lay under his blankets. "It'll take more than a couple of days of recuperation to get you fat, Alfred." He told him. "Besides, your body is going to be putting all of it's energy into healing rather than putting weight on." He wasn't actually sure if that was true or not, but he hoped that it would make Alfred feel a little better. He didn't want him trying to starve himself when he should be resting and healing!
Arthur barely even noticed the contact - it was comfortable and comforting enough that it felt natural. He clung on a little tighter at all the dramatic bits, and then as he relaxed again, stroked on the back with his thumb. He was a little startled when Alfred pulled away so suddenly. "O-oh, no, that was me. I'm sorry." His cheeks reddened, and he licked his lips nervously. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 28, 2011 8:45:25 GMT
That still made Alfred pout, not quite believing him, but he supposed that he did at least feel slightly better at the thought. Blinking in surprise at Arthur admitting he did that made him faintly cock his head, looking at his hand faintly. He hadn't quite noticed when the other had done that, so it was possible that they had been holding hands the entire movie almost...
He didn't feel the usual....Panic accompanied by that though, and faintly he nodded before looking at the other male, then his hand, before cautiously he reached out and held on again for a moment, making sure it wasnt a fluke. He felt tendrils of slight nervousness, but the grip was light...Eventually he let go again though, looking up at Arthur. "Can I have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, please?"
He just wanted some time on his own to think though...But also he was a little hungry, and since that didnt really seem like such a big thing he figured that it would be alright on his stomache.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 28, 2011 19:53:14 GMT
Arthur blinked as Alfred took his hand again. He hadn't expected that after Alfred's reaction. He stayed perfectly still, trying not to startle him, until he felt that Alfred was relaxing a little, when he softly stroked the back of his hand with his thumb, watching him for any signs of discomfort.
The question came soon afterwards though, and Arthur wondered if he'd gone too far. "Of course. I'll be back in a moment." He told him, before pulling away, taking the glass as well so he could refill it for Alfred.
In the kitchen, he paused for a moment, leaning against the counter and closing his eyes. He wasn't an affectionate man - or at least, he assumed he wasn't, but he hadn't had much of a chance to find out. But it was comfortable for him to be close to Alfred, since the other boy seemed so familiar. Eventually, he sighed, and set about making the sandwich, something that he could at least just about manage. Cutting it in two, he plated it up, took another breath, and then returned to Alfred. "Here. I hope it's how you like it." He said, a little nervously.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 28, 2011 20:36:53 GMT
Nodding, Alfred sat on back against the pillows, then as soon as Arthur was out he stared at his hand for a moment, eyes half closed. That was...weird. He still felt the familiar nervousness and kind of fear of it...But there was also something else that made it more endurable than other people. Maybe he knew Arthur but forgot him cause he was little...
The hand dropped, and he idly pondered the idea, staring at the ceiling while he waited for Arthur to return. Glancing up, he smiled at him then shifted, managing to slowly squirm up so he was sitting up enough to eat. "Thanks Arthur." And with that he took one of the halves, biting into it. Soon after a small happy noise was heard. "How did you know I like globs of peanut butter and only a little jelly?" He asked, teasing. But it really was how he liked it--he loved peanut butter.
While he idly nibbled the sandwich, not really that hungry, he went back to his pondering, then looked at Arthur faintly, wondering if he'd be seen as crazy if he mentioned that the other man felt familiar to him. Yeah, most likely. "I dont think I can finish both halves, would you eat the other one so I don't feel bad about it..?" He requested, attempting to be sneaky in getting Arthur to eat as well.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 28, 2011 20:49:59 GMT
Leaning over a little, but careful as ever not to loom over Alfred, Arthur put one hand under him to help him, but let him move mostly on his own, not wanting to make him feel too helpless and useless. Once he was up, or at least mostly up, he passed the plate over and perched on the bed again, picking up the embroidery that was still there from earlier and fiddling with it a little.
He glared at Alfred for the gibe about his sandwich. "Git. If you complain too much, I'll leave you to starve." He huffed, sulkily, but he wasn't serious about it. He didn't like the thought of causing any form of discomfort to Alfred. Something made him sure that if he pushed Alfred too far the young man would leave, and he didn't want that.
Blinking at the request, Arthur shook his head lightly, putting the embroidery down for now. "I don't really like peanut butter." He said. He only had that jar for Alfred. "But I can put the other half in the fridge for later if that makes you feel better?" He suggested, with a soft smile. Fortunately for Alfred, he missed the attempt to get him to eat, oblivious to the trick for now, and it probably would have worked had the sandwich been something other than peanut butter and jam.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 28, 2011 20:56:45 GMT
"Hey, I'm serious, this is the way I like PB and J sandwiches." Smiling at him, he tore some of the crust off carefully, nibbling it before he hummed a bit in disappointment at him,but nodded a bit, agreeing to that at least. Well at least he'd have it for later that way, and he wouldnt feel as bad making Arthur do things for him.
"...You've looked like you've wanted to ask me more stuff for awhile now." He finally stated, glancing at him with a playful look. He could ask, but that doesnt mean that he would answer them. Lightly he rubbed his hand as he finally finished the last part of the half, settling down again.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 28, 2011 21:10:18 GMT
"Oh... Well then." Arthur relaxed a little at that. Sometimes he didn't know whether Alfred was teasing or not, but it was good to know that he was this time. Standing up with the embroidery, he carried it over to the cupboard to put it away, wanting to keep things a bit tidier than the mess that was starting to accumulate.
Surprised by the comment, Arthur looked back at Alfred, before crossing back over to him. "No, it's all right. I know you're not... comfortable talking about your past." He said, smiling. "I'd rather wait until you are. There's no point in bringing back bad memories for my sake." He told him, pleased to see that he'd finished half of the sandwich at least.
"I'll go and put this away for you." He said, leaning in to take the plate and smiling at him. "There's nothing else you want from the sitting room while I'm up, is there?" He asked, just to be sure.
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