Fortieth Hex - [Written/Action]

[hisdarkmark]

[When he first opens his eyes, he's immediately blinded by the sunlight and he hisses loudly, rolling over in the dirt to shield his eyes. He doesn't move for a moment, barely bothering to take in what was going on. It was obvious he was back. His clothes were still torn and disgusting from the last draft, and he had a few dried scabs on his arms, but otherwise...he seemed fine.

Sitting up, he gropes around the area for his journal to check the date.

Shit. Just how long was death supposed to last in this place? He supposed it wasn't too entirely unusual, considering how long Arumat was gone when he had been murdered. He adjusts himself on the ground, shifting the way he's sitting and reaching in his pocket for a pen. The writing is scratchy and scrawled, but the words are legible.]

So that's what it's like.

[He doesn't care. He doesn't care to read through everything and find out what he's missed. He's on his feet and carefully walking toward house 25, already knowing that Tsuzuki and Hisoka were waiting for him and most likely could kill him again for being dead for so long.

The thing was, however, was that he couldn't figure it out. He couldn't seem to wrap his mind around what he's lost as a penalty. Maybe he got lucky and they didn't take anything at all. That would be nice, wouldn't it? But it seemed highly unlikely, especially considering the nagging in the back of his mind that something was missing. He'd just have to work it out later.

Hmm...hello house 26. You seem awfully familiar, and not in the way that it was the house some of Draco's friends live in now. He used to spend a lot of time in that house, didn't he?

No. Maybe not. He couldn't imagine why he would...must be mistaken.

It isn't until he's almost at his front door that he takes his journal again, scrawling out a few more words.]

...am I the last one to come back then? Suppose they really do save the best for the end.

[ooc: Death penalty explained briefly here]

Comments

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

...'lo, Grune. [Sob. Hello Grune. There's a brief pause as Draco thinks of how to handle this, if only because he actually doesn't want to upset her.]

I've had better days, I think, but I'm fine. How are things here?

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

Oh, everything is very good here. [And then she actually hesitates.] Are you sure you're feeling okay?

[Normally, she would never question what a friend told her, but--well, she's worried. Between what Leonhardt had told her and the shape Kain and Steve had returned in...she has reason to be.]

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

Feeling better now than I was a few days ago, at least. Why do you ask?

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

[She hesitates once again, but only for a bit. Grune can be surprisingly blunt at times, and this happens to be one of those occasions.]

Tsuzuki said that you had died. [She gives him a quiet smile.] I'm glad you're back now and everything is all right.

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

...he did, did he? When was this? ...and anyway, thanks. I'm fine.

[Voice] 1/2

[lostinmyway]

[Draco, you really should know better.]

Hmm.... I think it was a little while ago.

[Voice] 2/2

[lostinmyway]

[But then she blinks a couple of times and the vague cast to her expression disappears.]

Draco? Can I come for a little visit?

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

[There's a long pause, if only because he's not sure he can deal with visitors at the moment. But then again, it's Grune. Grune's usually an exception to most things related to Draco.]

...you remember where house 25 is?

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

Hmm....

[Better remind her, Draco.]

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

...through the forest, Grune. Maybe it's best if I come to you, yeah?

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

Oh, I don't mind coming to see you at all. I'll be there very soon, all right?

[Speak now or forever hold your peace, Draco--she's about to close the book.]

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

Grune, no. Just...just stay where you are, okay? Besides, I can apparate. That's much faster than you walking.

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

Apparate?

[Whoops, she's distracted.]

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

I've never told you about Apparition?

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

[Come on, Draco, you should know better by now.]

Hmm....

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

Don't move. Can you promise me that?

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

All right. I promise I won't move at all.

[For as long as she remembers she made the promise....]

[Voice]

[hisdarkmark]

[Give him a few moments before there's a loud crack and he appears at her side. That should be long enough, right?]

That's all I ask.

[Action]

[lostinmyway]

[Grune probably isn't the most satisfying person to Apparate in front of, because she's rather lacking in a startle reflex. The most she does is blink.]

Oh, my. Hello, Draco.

[Action]

[hisdarkmark]

[...and he laughs.] Not even a blink. Thanks, Grune.

[Action] 1/2

[lostinmyway]

You're welcome.

[She sounds a little confused. Thank you for what?]

[Action] 2/2

[lostinmyway]

[But then she stops wondering about that. There's an important reason why Draco is here, after all.

So she steps forward and folds her arms around him in a hug.]

[Action]

[hisdarkmark]

[Oh well hello there, boobs Grune. Draco's just going to awkwardly pat her on the top of the head while he tries to figure out what this is for.]

...has it really been that long?

[Action]

[lostinmyway]

[She doesn't let go--not just yet.]

Yes, it's been a little while. I missed you.

[And, well, he died. Anyone experiencing that level of trauma is going to need a few hugs to remind them they're safe now--or at least, that's what she thinks.]

[Action]

[hisdarkmark]

[Eventually he realizes that she's not letting go anytime soon so he drapes an arm around her. Still very loosely and awkwardly, but it's the thought that counts.]

Sorry...if it helps, I don't plan on making this a habit.