003. (v2) [video]

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[At first, there is no sound; there is only the image of Xanth's forearm. Lines of letters curl around his fingers, twist around his hand, and spiral onto his arm. The ink, jet black, is stark against his pale skin.]

Th-this-- it means I-I've been-- t-too quiet, right? I-It... it wants me to-- t-to say... s-something.

[It's been a while since he's checked in, made sure people knew he hadn't vanished, but there is nothing to say.

The feed remains set on Xanth's arm.]

I'm... o-okay. I'm s--still here.

A-Are... are you guys... o-okay, too?

[He heard that crack some days ago. No one has called for help on the journals, so no one was hurt in the expedition that came after, and no one had been hurt during the initial bang.

Or so he hopes.]

Comments

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[A pause, which Chloe is quick to fill.]

Y-Yes. Fine. I'm okay.

[More or less. Okay, maybe a little less fine than she wanted right now, but she didn't need Xanth to worry.]

So...what is that on your arms? Is it gone now?

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[That stutter is telling. She's not fine, but he doesn't press. Not right now, at least.]

I-It's-- ink, l-letters, w-words and-- s-stuff. And... y-yeah. I-It washed off af... after I m-made the-- the e-entry.

>.> /sneaks in another tag and clings in the meanwhile

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Words? Could you read any of them?

[That captured Chloe's attention. She wonders if the writing was Xanthus, or something else entirely.]

At least they came off.

/snuggles and wraps in a blanket

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N--No. [Xanth shakes his head, even though Chloe can't see it.] S-Some-- some letters l-looked fami--m-miliar, but... n-not enough.

Are... y-you sure you're-- o-okay?

[He's sorry. He couldn't hold off.]

^~^ /snuggles and wraps around happily

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Oh...

[That was too bad. Then Chloe pauses for a moment at that next question. She knew he was concerned, and ducks her head with a slight smile and shrug, though he couldn't see either.]

I--I guess. It could have been worse, anyway. [A bit of a forced cheerfulness.] I am fine, though. I just...w-worry about everyone else. Some of the others, here... I don't know it they will ever be okay.

Are...are you sure you are okay, Xanth?

:3

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I'll... I-I'll-- I'll b-be okay. It... [A sigh.] I-It could've-- b-been worse.

[People could have not come back.]

A-And I think... e-everyone'll-- b-be okay. E--Eventually.

[But even he doubts this assertion.]

/snuggles

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[Chloe purses her lips with worry, but she had to give him the benefit of the doubt.]

If--if you need anything, Xanth... please come find me.

[Then it's Chloe's turn to utter a soft sigh.]

Y-yeah...

[They all had to be. Though Chloe was still worried.]

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[Xanth is about to just thank her and let her go, but... maybe he will need her help.]

If... i-if I-- if I do... w-where can I f--find you?

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[Chloe smiles. Good, he was taking her offer seriously.]

I'm in room 2119. My door is always open.

[Too many things happened to her behind locked doors. She doesn't want to chance being in danger when help is unable to get to her in time.]

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O--Okay. Mine's... o-- one thousand-- a-and one. I-I usually... k-keep mine locked, th--though.

[Too many times, his locked door has been his saving grace.]

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Okay.

Thanks for trusting me with this, Xanth.

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N-No, thank... th-- thank you.

[He might well take her up on this offer.

But after a shower.]