[It’s repeated but not with any accusation, just trying to wrap his head around it. He pushes himself up a little more when Isaac starts explaining, giving the discussion his undivided attention.]
Apparently this stuff is kind of hard to get your head around if you're human. [A little warning. He shifts a little, turning so that he can look at Dagny properly, see if he's following.] It... belongs to death? Not an afterlife, it's more like where death comes from. Sometimes other things leak through it on their way out of wherever they come from, but they don't usually stay long.
[He's not actually sure that makes sense, fuck knows he barely understands it, but he just pushes on for the moment, trying to get the basics out.]
They covered it up, so nobody knew for a while. My sister realized something was weird, she figured it out eventually and found me. But I was stuck there for a while.
Are you not human? [His eyes widen slightly but he doesn’t seem otherwise upset about it if Isaac is somehow other, unsure if his statement included or excluded him.]
Like an underworld or something? [It’s impossible for him to really understand, but he can at least try to relate it to something he knows. Hercules is the first thing that comes to mind. Truthfully that part doesn’t matter as much as the fact Isaac was there and apparently there for awhile.]
Who is they and why did they cover it up? [Puts his hand on Isaac’s leg, far more concerned with this story than whatever the hell he himself has going on.] Are you okay? How long were you there? [Looks a little sheepish, apologetic for all the questions he is asking.] Sorry, it’s just, a lot to take in.
It's okay, I know it's... weird. And I've only told a couple people, who knew a lot more about all this than I did. So, uh, I'm not sure how much sense it's all going to make.
[He shrugs a little, apologetic, covering Dagny's hand with his own.] I don't know who did it. By the time Genie got me out, it was already all taken care of. I know they were trying to fuck with stuff, I don't know, it's a weird... cult thing. They covered it up so that nobody got suspicious, so it just looked like I died.
[The next part's harder to explain, and he pauses, before offering slowly:] And I'm not exactly not human? I'm just not normal, either. A lot of things changed while I was there. I'm not actually sure how long it was. Time doesn't work exactly the same in other places. But it was seven years here. I don't think it was that far off, I didn't really keep track.
[Nods occasionally as he listens to Isaac, not necessarily understanding but at least comprehending what he’s saying and to show that he’s listening.] So they won’t try to come after you now?
[If they did, he’d figure out a way to keep Isaac safe. He’s sure about that. Hell, apparently his drunk self was sure before his normal self ever caught up. He’s in this for the long haul, whatever that might mean.
He looks excited again at Isaac’s last reveal, but also like he’s trying to not look excited. Like he’s trying to be respectful.]
What things changed? Do you have super powers? Can you read my mind? [So maybe not doing a great job holding back his excitement. His eyes widen as he thinks of something else, his hand moving out from under Isaac’s, taking his wrist carefully instead.] Hold on, how old were you when this happened if it’s been seven years. And how long have you been back, has it actually been less than a year?
No. I didn't really matter to them, I was just an accident.
[He's about to start answering when Dagny changes gears and he stops to listen, offering a little lopsided smile.] Most of what I told you about, um, waking up was true. Except it's more like since I've been back? It's been about seven months. I did have to learn how to read again. And I did forget a lot of stuff from before. Most of it, actually. I was nineteen when it happened. Only things that belong there age there, so...
[So he's still nineteen, sort of, and also sort of not. He makes a little gesture with his free hand, not even trying to do anything to explain how weird it is, and then shrugs, tone apologetic.] I told you it was weird.
[Said with far too much fondness and a little bit of awe. He also leans forward to kiss the corner of Isaac’s mouth, because he is glad to have him here, and to let him know that he still likes him.]
Okay, still young, still hot, I’m still a cougar. [Waves his hand at that point since it hasn’t changed much in light of new information.] You were about to tell me about your cool powers. Like lasers for eyes.
[He smiles a little at the kiss, leaning in to try and draw it out for a few extra seconds. It's just a relief to be able to tell him the truth. Hiding things isn't Isaac's strong suit.]
They're not that cool, most of it doesn't affect anyone else. I can make people feel things, a little bit, and that's it. Um, and I'm pretty good with ghosts.
[He seems to be genuinely trying to figure out if he's missing anything for a second. He doesn't actually do anything with most of what he can do, a lot of the time he honestly forgets about it.]
It's more like it changed me. I can tell when people are dying, for one. That's what confused me when you.... [He just lets it trail off, gesturing vaguely towards where the bullet wound is.] I knew you died. I've never seen someone come back before.
[Another brief pause, as he blows out a breath as he considers what else to mention.] My heart and my breathing both got screwed up? I'm pretty hard to hurt. And really hard to poison, but that's probably because of one of the things that bit me while I was there. Most of it's stuff like that.
Feel things? Like what? [Even if it’s not a lot, even if it was nothing, he’s still in awe of everything Isaac can do.
When Isaac mentions him dying again, he gives another apologetic look, his hand releasing Isaac’s arm to reach up, resting against his neck, tracing over his jaw for a moment, he still feels bad.]
Your heart and your breathing are screwed up how? [He also wants to ask about what bit him but he’s trying to just do one thing at a time. He feels like all he has are endless questions.]
Whatever I want, in theory. But it only really happens by accident, so usually it's whatever I'm feeling. Angry, or afraid. It's not very strong, though.
[He doesn't look bothered to bring it up, but he leans into the touch anyway, giving Dagny a little smile, his hand coming up to touch the back of his wrist. He doesn't seem to mind the questions either; it gives him a place to start. He doesn't answer immediately, taking hold of his hand instead, tugging it over so two fingers rest against the pulse in his neck and Dagny can feel for himself. It's a sluggish rhythm, distinct seconds of silence between each beat.]
I can hold my breath for a pretty long time before it starts to do anything. I can go a while without sleep too. It took a while to get that way, I just started... getting used to it, eventually. It might go back? Living people don't usually get back out again, nobody's really sure.
[He looks confused at first when Isaac pulls his fingers to rest against his pulse, then he slowly leans forward as he notices the difference, the pauses in between beats, he smiles before it turns into something cheekier.]
Does anything make it speed up? [It’s like a challenge, see if he can get Isaac’s heart back to normal, to beat faster. He’ll have to think of more ways to test that theory.]
I’m pretty sure all of those qualities just make you hotter. All I got was lousy eternal life. Who wants that? [It’s mostly a joke, realistically everything Isaac does is attractive, it would be hard for him to think of anything he does as otherwise.]
Sometimes. [He quirks a little grin, before admitting:] Pretty sure you would've noticed by now if you weren't so good at that, so.
[He's laughing quietly at the joke, shaking his head.] Right now I wouldn't knock it, you're still here. [It's still light, but he absolutely means it, too. It's hard to be anything but grateful for whatever makes that true, right now.]
[His smile widens at that, proud and a little flattered, now that he knows about Isaac’s heart rate, he’s going to be paying more attention to it, just so that he can note when it goes normal. He presses another kiss to Isaac’s mouth, this time on his lips instead of to the side.]
I never thought I’d say this, but I think the bigger miracle is that you are here. [It seems like whatever happened to Isaac in those years, it was bad. He feels so grateful to everyone involved in getting him back, he can’t even bare the thought of him still being there.]
[He leans into the kiss, fingers stroking softly over Dagny's wrist. Lingering because it's easier to do that now that they're home again, because he's glad everything's out in the open, just because he has the option and he doesn't see why he wouldn't take it.]
I got lucky. A lot. [It's an agreement, not an argument.]
[Also an agreement, just expanding on the luck. It’s not just Isaac but extends to him as well.]
How did you not go crazy? [Said softly, a little sadly. Being stuck in another dimension, plane, existence for seven years, he doesn’t know how Isaac did it.]
I don't know if I didn't. [Matter-of-factly. He shrugs, glancing down.] It was rough. When I came back -- it took a while to remember how things work here. I'm still not great at remembering how you're supposed to deal with people. Didn't really see any while I was there.
You do okay with me. [More a reassurance than an argument against his point. He might not handle everything the way Dagny would but he’s never been put off by that.]
If you need me to help you remember anything, just let me know. I’m happy to help. [He might not always be the best judge of what is normal, but he’ll do the best to make Isaac feel more comfortable around others. ]
[His expression is genuinely grateful, and he shifts in a little closer, nodding.]
You already help. It's easier if I don't have to talk as much. It's not like... [He trails off, just trying to figure out how to explain it. Finally manages:] I don't know how to understand people sometimes, that's all. I get things wrong.
[He understands what Isaac is saying but he also wants him to know that he’s doing better than he thinks and that sometimes it’s human nature to do or say the wrong thing, so maybe he’s more human than he knows.]
I think you’re amazing. [Said soft again, pressing a kiss to his jaw.] I can see why I married you.
[It's reassuring, even if it's not always that simple. It's still too easy for him to get jumpy and threatened, there's still things he flat-out forgets other people can't do if he's stressed enough -- but he appreciates it anyway. Needs the reminder that there is something normal about messing up, sometimes.]
I'm glad you did. [Soft and utterly genuine. He closes his eyes, reaching up to settle a hand against the side of Dagny's neck, letting out a little content sigh.]
[When Isaac looks like that, eyes closed, happy, peaceful, he can’t help but kiss him, leaning over, keeping it gentle because he doesn’t want to get too distracted, even if he does indulge himself just slightly, letting it linger, kissing him for a few minutes before he pulls back, staying close.]
Does anyone else know about this? Aside from your sister. [Not that he’s going to run out and share with people, but it’s nice to know who they have in their circle.]
[He's far from about to complain about it, leaning into the kiss, his thumb stroking fondly against the line of Dagny's jaw. He hasn't been nervous exactly, but it still settles anything still jumbled up in him, worry that he won't be able to explain it well or that it's going to be a little too much weird, and he'll linger as long as he's given the chance.]
There's a couple of people who helped her get things worked out, but they're by her, I've never really met them. And there's the professor. He's, uh, actually not human. [A pause as he considers:] And the ghosts, but I don't think that's the kind of thing you mean.
[Realistically, he knows that he should probably be more concerned about some of the things he’s discovering and he’s certainly filled with worry for Isaac, but otherwise, it’s mostly fun. Like another scavenger hunt to discover. The thrill of the mystery is too exciting to think about anything else.]
I don't know if they have some kind of term for themselves. But he's... part of death? Comes from the same place I ended up in.
[A pause, and then he holds up a hand, gesturing as he adds:] It's complicated. But him and the others like him kind of keep an eye out to make sure no one tries to fuck with things the way the people who dragged me in do.
Dirty, handsome, bastard. [Said very much not unkindly.]
He didn’t say anything to me. He agreed with your car accident story! [Whether or not Isaac is aware Dagny talked to the professor about it is another story.] Do you think he knows about me? Do you think he could kill me? [There shouldn’t be as much excitement in his voice when he says that as there is. Not that he has a death wish, it’s just good to know his options.]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2025-02-11 11:19 pm (UTC)[It’s repeated but not with any accusation, just trying to wrap his head around it. He pushes himself up a little more when Isaac starts explaining, giving the discussion his undivided attention.]
What does that mean? Where did you go?
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Date: 2025-02-11 11:26 pm (UTC)[He's not actually sure that makes sense, fuck knows he barely understands it, but he just pushes on for the moment, trying to get the basics out.]
They covered it up, so nobody knew for a while. My sister realized something was weird, she figured it out eventually and found me. But I was stuck there for a while.
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Date: 2025-02-11 11:51 pm (UTC)Like an underworld or something? [It’s impossible for him to really understand, but he can at least try to relate it to something he knows. Hercules is the first thing that comes to mind. Truthfully that part doesn’t matter as much as the fact Isaac was there and apparently there for awhile.]
Who is they and why did they cover it up? [Puts his hand on Isaac’s leg, far more concerned with this story than whatever the hell he himself has going on.] Are you okay? How long were you there? [Looks a little sheepish, apologetic for all the questions he is asking.] Sorry, it’s just, a lot to take in.
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Date: 2025-02-12 12:02 am (UTC)[He shrugs a little, apologetic, covering Dagny's hand with his own.] I don't know who did it. By the time Genie got me out, it was already all taken care of. I know they were trying to fuck with stuff, I don't know, it's a weird... cult thing. They covered it up so that nobody got suspicious, so it just looked like I died.
[The next part's harder to explain, and he pauses, before offering slowly:] And I'm not exactly not human? I'm just not normal, either. A lot of things changed while I was there. I'm not actually sure how long it was. Time doesn't work exactly the same in other places. But it was seven years here. I don't think it was that far off, I didn't really keep track.
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Date: 2025-02-12 01:54 am (UTC)[If they did, he’d figure out a way to keep Isaac safe. He’s sure about that. Hell, apparently his drunk self was sure before his normal self ever caught up. He’s in this for the long haul, whatever that might mean.
He looks excited again at Isaac’s last reveal, but also like he’s trying to not look excited. Like he’s trying to be respectful.]
What things changed? Do you have super powers? Can you read my mind? [So maybe not doing a great job holding back his excitement. His eyes widen as he thinks of something else, his hand moving out from under Isaac’s, taking his wrist carefully instead.] Hold on, how old were you when this happened if it’s been seven years. And how long have you been back, has it actually been less than a year?
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Date: 2025-02-12 05:24 am (UTC)[He's about to start answering when Dagny changes gears and he stops to listen, offering a little lopsided smile.] Most of what I told you about, um, waking up was true. Except it's more like since I've been back? It's been about seven months. I did have to learn how to read again. And I did forget a lot of stuff from before. Most of it, actually. I was nineteen when it happened. Only things that belong there age there, so...
[So he's still nineteen, sort of, and also sort of not. He makes a little gesture with his free hand, not even trying to do anything to explain how weird it is, and then shrugs, tone apologetic.] I told you it was weird.
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Date: 2025-02-12 05:38 am (UTC)[Said with far too much fondness and a little bit of awe. He also leans forward to kiss the corner of Isaac’s mouth, because he is glad to have him here, and to let him know that he still likes him.]
Okay, still young, still hot, I’m still a cougar. [Waves his hand at that point since it hasn’t changed much in light of new information.] You were about to tell me about your cool powers. Like lasers for eyes.
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Date: 2025-02-12 05:49 am (UTC)They're not that cool, most of it doesn't affect anyone else. I can make people feel things, a little bit, and that's it. Um, and I'm pretty good with ghosts.
[He seems to be genuinely trying to figure out if he's missing anything for a second. He doesn't actually do anything with most of what he can do, a lot of the time he honestly forgets about it.]
It's more like it changed me. I can tell when people are dying, for one. That's what confused me when you.... [He just lets it trail off, gesturing vaguely towards where the bullet wound is.] I knew you died. I've never seen someone come back before.
[Another brief pause, as he blows out a breath as he considers what else to mention.] My heart and my breathing both got screwed up? I'm pretty hard to hurt. And really hard to poison, but that's probably because of one of the things that bit me while I was there. Most of it's stuff like that.
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Date: 2025-02-12 06:06 am (UTC)When Isaac mentions him dying again, he gives another apologetic look, his hand releasing Isaac’s arm to reach up, resting against his neck, tracing over his jaw for a moment, he still feels bad.]
Your heart and your breathing are screwed up how? [He also wants to ask about what bit him but he’s trying to just do one thing at a time. He feels like all he has are endless questions.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 06:19 am (UTC)[He doesn't look bothered to bring it up, but he leans into the touch anyway, giving Dagny a little smile, his hand coming up to touch the back of his wrist. He doesn't seem to mind the questions either; it gives him a place to start. He doesn't answer immediately, taking hold of his hand instead, tugging it over so two fingers rest against the pulse in his neck and Dagny can feel for himself. It's a sluggish rhythm, distinct seconds of silence between each beat.]
I can hold my breath for a pretty long time before it starts to do anything. I can go a while without sleep too. It took a while to get that way, I just started... getting used to it, eventually. It might go back? Living people don't usually get back out again, nobody's really sure.
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Date: 2025-02-12 06:28 am (UTC)Does anything make it speed up? [It’s like a challenge, see if he can get Isaac’s heart back to normal, to beat faster. He’ll have to think of more ways to test that theory.]
I’m pretty sure all of those qualities just make you hotter. All I got was lousy eternal life. Who wants that? [It’s mostly a joke, realistically everything Isaac does is attractive, it would be hard for him to think of anything he does as otherwise.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 06:39 am (UTC)[He's laughing quietly at the joke, shaking his head.] Right now I wouldn't knock it, you're still here. [It's still light, but he absolutely means it, too. It's hard to be anything but grateful for whatever makes that true, right now.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 06:49 am (UTC)I never thought I’d say this, but I think the bigger miracle is that you are here. [It seems like whatever happened to Isaac in those years, it was bad. He feels so grateful to everyone involved in getting him back, he can’t even bare the thought of him still being there.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 06:56 am (UTC)I got lucky. A lot. [It's an agreement, not an argument.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 07:02 am (UTC)[Also an agreement, just expanding on the luck. It’s not just Isaac but extends to him as well.]
How did you not go crazy? [Said softly, a little sadly. Being stuck in another dimension, plane, existence for seven years, he doesn’t know how Isaac did it.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 07:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-02-12 07:16 am (UTC)If you need me to help you remember anything, just let me know. I’m happy to help. [He might not always be the best judge of what is normal, but he’ll do the best to make Isaac feel more comfortable around others. ]
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Date: 2025-02-12 07:22 am (UTC)You already help. It's easier if I don't have to talk as much. It's not like... [He trails off, just trying to figure out how to explain it. Finally manages:] I don't know how to understand people sometimes, that's all. I get things wrong.
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Date: 2025-02-12 07:40 am (UTC)[He understands what Isaac is saying but he also wants him to know that he’s doing better than he thinks and that sometimes it’s human nature to do or say the wrong thing, so maybe he’s more human than he knows.]
I think you’re amazing. [Said soft again, pressing a kiss to his jaw.] I can see why I married you.
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Date: 2025-02-12 07:50 am (UTC)I'm glad you did. [Soft and utterly genuine. He closes his eyes, reaching up to settle a hand against the side of Dagny's neck, letting out a little content sigh.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 04:20 pm (UTC)Does anyone else know about this? Aside from your sister. [Not that he’s going to run out and share with people, but it’s nice to know who they have in their circle.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 04:27 pm (UTC)There's a couple of people who helped her get things worked out, but they're by her, I've never really met them. And there's the professor. He's, uh, actually not human. [A pause as he considers:] And the ghosts, but I don't think that's the kind of thing you mean.
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Date: 2025-02-12 04:58 pm (UTC)[Realistically, he knows that he should probably be more concerned about some of the things he’s discovering and he’s certainly filled with worry for Isaac, but otherwise, it’s mostly fun. Like another scavenger hunt to discover. The thrill of the mystery is too exciting to think about anything else.]
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Date: 2025-02-12 05:12 pm (UTC)[A pause, and then he holds up a hand, gesturing as he adds:] It's complicated. But him and the others like him kind of keep an eye out to make sure no one tries to fuck with things the way the people who dragged me in do.
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Date: 2025-02-12 05:52 pm (UTC)He didn’t say anything to me. He agreed with your car accident story! [Whether or not Isaac is aware Dagny talked to the professor about it is another story.] Do you think he knows about me? Do you think he could kill me? [There shouldn’t be as much excitement in his voice when he says that as there is. Not that he has a death wish, it’s just good to know his options.]
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