IC Inbox | Ryslig

[sciencesquid]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, OCTAVIUS. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 015.03.020.15 *** OCTAVIUS has joined 015.03.020.15 <OCTAVIUS> You've reached Dr. Otto Octavius. Please leave a message.

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[sciencesquid]

That argument really doesn't go down well with Otto. The idea that his friend is broken beyond fixing, that he was never right to begin with... If he were to accept that, what would that say him about him? What would that say about anyone going through similar struggles? It's true that some afflictions can never heal, but he also knows there's kindness and remorse inside Norman. That has to mean something.

But he doesn't know how to put it into words. He doesn't want to dismiss how Norman feels in this moment.

"... Well. Regardless, I'll be here."

[certaininequities]

"God only knows why," he replied, with a weak laugh, looking up at last. "But I'm more grateful for that than ... than I can say."

He could still change his mind and leave, he thinks. It just needs a moment to sink in...

"Otto ... can I ..." He swallows, fights both that train of thought and the urge to not ask for what he needs, to think he doesn't deserve it. "... can I stay?"

[sciencesquid]

Oh good, this feels like... Like progress, perhaps. Or maybe Norman's just given up on his protests and is sticking closer to what Otto wants to hear on purpose. It'll end the uncomfortable conversation either way. He hangs his head, torn between smiling and frowning, and somehow managing a little bit of both.

"Of course you can stay. As long as you need," he says quietly.

[certaininequities]

The permission seems to be all he needed. Norman shifts a little closer, his movements stiff and awkward from having been on the floor for so long, and puts his arms around Otto. Suddenly he's exhausted, the weight of his guilt, his grief, and the whole damned day pressing down on him.

"Thank you."

He wants to tell him he loves him, too, but it feels almost wrong in the moment. Like he shouldn't say such things after having a meltdown over being a murderer. So instead, he just gives Otto a slight squeeze, before looking over at the bed. It looks so comfortable from here ... and yet, so far in his exhaustion. Norman sighs, trying to rally himself to get to his feet.