4 ♐ Text ♐ Things That Must Be Said

[aim_exorable]

[Encrypted to the Psiioniic]

D --> We need to meet
D --> Or at the very least speak

[Filtered to Summoner]

D --> So what are your plans for this development?

[Filtered to Dualscar]

D --> If I may ask
D --> Do you and the Grand Highblood have a history sir?

Comments

[aim_exorable]

Perhaps not. But still, I must.

[Somehow, very deep inside of him, he knows this like he knows how to draw a bowstring. He cannot let himself stay silent and still like last time. He needs to prove that he is worthy of the admiration and affection Equius and Gamzee give him.]

I will contact you. Every day. To let you know that I am well.

[p2iioniicii2t]

[ He makes a soft sound, like he is about to say something. 'There is more danger than you are aware of.' He flinches. He can't say that, he can't even imply it. It would mean following the obvious pattern, coming to realize just who could be that danger.

It hurts and the pain is obvious in his eyes. ]

I will rethpond.

[aim_exorable]

[He can guess very well why he makes such sounds, why he winces so. Darkleer has figured it out long ago, and only had his suspicions confirmed when he decided to go through the databases in the SFC. But he thinks if he told the other right now, it might only amplify his worries to a degree. So for right now, he just holds him tighter for a moment.]

Good. Thank you. Now come.

[Taking the Helmsman with him, he stands up.]

Let us pack.

[p2iioniicii2t]

[ The Helmsman comes up to his feet with Darkleer, not using his psionics to stabilize himself. Physical therapy has its uses, after all, as does the implicit support of his engineer.

Somewhere along the line, it had become second nature to lean on him. ]

[aim_exorable]

[And very easily, it has become second nature for Darkleer to be there for him to lean on.]

[Gently, he guides the Helmsman through the hives, packing away spare clothes and blankets, foods that won't immediately go bad. They'll probably still have the power source he made for them the last time Signless made a request of him. It's only when he's thought of everything and organized it appropriately in the Helmsman's sylladex does he finally go over to Signless' sleeping body.]

[It is a very strange thing, to pick him up like this, but after some hesitation, he finally does so.]

I will keep an eye on your bees while you are gone. Is there anything you can think of that the two of you will need?

[p2iioniicii2t]

Thank you.

[ His voice is still very small, and he trails off as the SFC makes a small sound. An indicator of a response, not surprising given the circumstances. He fumbles for it with his psionics, glancing at the content of the message and turning it so that Darkleer can read the screen as well. ]

Thir?

[aim_exorable]

[Darkleer glances over it and takes in the information quickly.]

Tell them you already have assistance and you'll be in the elevator shortly.

[p2iioniicii2t]

[ He doesn't even glance at the screen as he fumbles a return message, psionics skittering along the keys before he puts it away. He shifts, falling back a half-step and supporting himself with his powers rather than risk delaying them in any way.]

Done. Let uth go.

[aim_exorable]

Alright.

[Any other person would be worried that such a colorful display of psionics might give them away when stealth is what they need to rely on. However, Darkleer is determined that they will not get caught.]

[As he guides the Helmsman out of the communal hive, Darkleer takes a deep breath. Don't exist. Don't be anything. Fade. He doesn't know if his ability is going into affect; that's simply its nature. But he knows all the quiet back alleys and side streets that will get them to the elevator, and he makes sure to keep the Helmsman close as they take off. Signless is hardly anything at all in his arms.]

[It takes a bit longer than perhaps others would take, but Darkleer is simply being cautious. Finally, they reach the elevator, and Darkleer steps inside to place Signless down against one corner.]

One last thing.

[p2iioniicii2t]

[ The Helmsman stays close enough to touch as they go, his expression distinctly worried as he follows along. He is frightened. It would be foolish not to be. If they were seen by one of the hostile highbloods, it would be the Helmsman that was a danger to them all.

Thankfully, the issue isn't forced. He turns his head upward as Darkleer speaks, absently worrying at his lower lip with one of his oversized fangs. ]

Yeth?

[aim_exorable]

[Straightening up, Darkleer reaches up. With a few miniscule and careful movements of his fingers, he adjusts the elaborate design until it's folded in on itself and he can pull it down away from his horns and eyes. Another few adjustments, and the soft glow that's often with them fades away. Without that apparent, the age of the item is all the more known. The metal is worn down, but well taken care of clearly.]

[For a few moments more, Darkleer fiddles with it until a small, soft wave of energy goes over one of the lenses. One is white, now, while the other remains black. Stepping closer to the Helmsman, he places it in its proper place on the bridge of his nose. There's a very quiet mechanical whirring as it adjusts itself to that it isn't painful against the yellowblood's extremely different facial structure, and then the design adjusts itself further- the temple portions slipping behind the Helmsman's ears, and the other ones lacing themselves carefully around his horns. It's a light weight, but still there, and smooth and dry unlike the goggles the Helmsman is used to wearing.]

[With his eyes bare, Darkleer glances away almost shyly, rather awkwardly.]

The sun may be tamer here than back home, but it's still bright. Hopefully these will assist you.

[p2iioniicii2t]

[ The Helmsman furrows his brow faintly as the other man fusses with his unusual sunglasses apparatus, but he doesn't flinch away when he reaches out and gently sets it on the bridge of his nose. The set of his shoulders drops a little more, his expression is relaxing faintly even as it quietly adjusted to him. Behind it, the glow of his eyes is muted.

A very faint, shy smile curves the corners of his mouth despite the seriousness of the circumstances. ]

I do not doubt they will. I regret I cannot offer more than gratitude.

[aim_exorable]

[Well at least they're both smiling shyly then. That is some bit of comfort.]

Simply stay safe, and that will be enough for myself. An engineer is not much on his own.

[Stepping backwards out of the elevator, he nods to him.]

Be well.

[p2iioniicii2t]

And you ath well. Farewell.

[ Given how softly he speaks, the little tremble to his voice really could have been a figment of the imagination.

It wasn't.]