Ruepert Is Why We Can Have Nice Things (chatlog).

[Merosiel]

((I WILL CLEAN THIS UP WHEN I AM NOT SO DEAD. ENJOY.))


[08:21:01] [80:Ruepert]: Whatever it is, you’ll always be my friend.
[08:21:55] [80:Merosiel]: You’ll look at me differently. You’ll say you won’t and think you won’t, but you will.
[08:22:33] Merosiel sighs once, eyes lidding, then closing. Fuck. He actually almost believes that. It's difficult not to believe someone as continually sincere as Ruepert is.
[08:26:01] [80:Ruepert]: Why would I do that?
[08:26:06] Ruepert chuckles lightly.
[08:26:31] [80:Ruepert]: I'm sure you'll still be the same Mero I know and love.
[08:27:33] Merosiel opens his eyes just a little, peering up from where he's pressed his cheek against Ruepert's shoulder again. "...Love." He echoes, a little dully. Then laughs. Ow. His nose reminds him why that's a stupid thing to do. Again.
[08:28:47] Ruepert chuckles a bit too with Mero, but stops shortly after he does too.
[08:29:14] [80:Ruepert]: Of course, love. I love all my friends. My friends are my family.
[08:30:42] Merosiel once again grits his teeth a little, but it's out of guilt more than it is out of annoyance.
[08:34:38] Ruepert huuuuuugggggg~
[08:35:11] Merosiel reaches up, reluctant. He pretends it's easier with his eyes closed, and tugs one of the arms wrapped around him down much lower. Makes certain Ruepert's palm is pressed to his stomach, which is more than a little rounded at this point.
[08:35:32] Merosiel --Pro's enchantment on his tabard only does so much after all to hide it. Looks don't extend to touch.
[08:37:30] Ruepert complies with his hand being moved, pulling back his head so he can see it as it's moved to Mero's stomach.
[08:38:16] Ruepert feels the bulge, and quirks and eyebrow. Then moves his hand to feel around the whole bulge of the stomach.
[08:38:52] Merosiel isn’t quite certain how to take this.
[08:38:55] [80:Ruepert]: What is that, Mero?
[08:39:55] [80:Merosiel]: What'ss desstroying all pretensse of any massculinity I might have had.
[08:40:10] Merosiel quips, but it's a sad effort at light-heartedness because it ends up sounding so bitter instead.
[08:40:45] Ruepert just stares at Merosiel, obviously not grasping the meaning of that quip.
[08:41:45] Merosiel sighs. Fine. Blurting it all out, might as well. This SHOULD be easier to do with how many times now that he's had to do it. But it isn't.
[08:44:44] Merosiel pretends this is like a bandage. Rip it off quick. "Men don't have kids, Rue. I'm a man, but I'm not. Because I'm not one on the outside." Is that simplified enough? He doubts it.
[08:45:34] Ruepert furrows his brow.
[08:45:55] [80:Ruepert]: Wait...You're a man...but not?
[08:46:01] Ruepert shakes his head. He's terribly confused.
[08:47:09] [80:Merosiel]: I could undresss if that makesss it eassier to underssstand.
[08:47:18] Merosiel --More gallows humor. He's not really smiling but he's trying.
[08:49:11] Ruepert stares at Merosiel.
[08:49:25] [80:Ruepert]: ...How would undressing help me understand...?
[08:50:37] [80:Ruepert]: I'm sorry, Mero. I'm trying hard to understand, so I can help. Could...could you explain it a bit simpler?
[08:51:16] Merosiel rubs at his face tiredly.
[08:59:58] Merosiel 's abruptly tugging off the tabard draped over him, setting it aside. He's apparently fiddling with something under his robes after, because he's grabbing Ruepert's hand again pretty quickly as he does.
[09:00:26] [80:Merosiel]: Doess thiss help explain?
[09:00:32] Merosiel asks as he guides the human's hand to slip underneath, past the loosened bindings wrapped around his torso. Oh, hi, there.
[09:02:22] Ruepert 's expression doesn't change as Mero grabs his hand and moves it. Once it's under the shirt, he just lets it sit there for a bit, but as realization dawns, his eyebrows furrow downward, and he gives a small squeeze, as though to make sure. He quickly--
[09:02:46] Ruepert --gasps and yanks his hand back, and puts it in his lap, blushing a bright red above the line of his beard.
[09:03:00] [80:Ruepert]: Oh!
[09:03:12] [80:Ruepert]: Then... that's...
[09:03:17] Ruepert points to Mero's stomach.
[09:03:27] [80:Ruepert]: Ohhh.
[09:03:57] [80:Ruepert]: So you're...a girl then?
[09:04:15] Ruepert just asks this quizzically. Just making sure he's on the right track.
[09:04:37] Merosiel grimaces, glancing away as he 'fixes' everything. "...No." And we're back to confusing the hell out of poor Ruepert. "..I jusst look like one."
[09:06:17] Ruepert scratches his beard, with the "clean" hand.
[09:06:22] [80:Ruepert]: So...You look like...
[09:06:27] Ruepert gestures to Mero's whole body.
[09:06:33] [80:Ruepert]: ...A girl..
[09:06:41] [80:Ruepert]: But, up here..
[09:06:47] Ruepert taps the side of his head.
[09:06:50] [80:Ruepert]: You're a boy?
[09:07:04] [80:Merosiel]: Yess.
[09:07:51] [80:Ruepert]: And... you're pregnant?
[09:08:35] Merosiel 's STILL not looking at Ruepert at this point. He's got his arms wrapped around himself again. "...Yess." A pause. "...I wass... really drunk." Right; because THAT makes it sound less horrible or less stupid.
[09:09:24] Ruepert sits there for a bit, just digesting it all. Once he's sure he's got it all lined up in his head he nods his head once and slaps the back of Mero's back, and flashes a large smile at Mero.
[09:09:48] [80:Ruepert]: Really? That's it?
[09:11:03] Merosiel grunts. Oof. The questions, asked so simply, have him frowning and finally glancing over to Ruepert.
[09:11:41] [80:Merosiel]: ...It'ss a lot more complicated than that. But.. yeah.
[09:12:01] Ruepert just keeps beaming.
[09:12:06] Merosiel 's tired. Whatever. This is good enough, right? Just say yes and be done with it.
[09:12:30] Ruepert moves his hand over to Mero's shoulder and pulls him close in another one handed hug.
[09:12:53] [80:Ruepert]: I thought it was going to be something horrible, and life threatening!
[09:13:01] Ruepert looks down to Mero's stomach.
[09:13:06] [80:Ruepert]: Have you thought of a name yet?
[09:13:42] Merosiel opens his mouth to respond, then lets his teeth click shut again. It.. actually is kind of life-threatening. And really horrible. But how the hell does he convey that?
[09:13:48] [80:Merosiel]: ...No. There'ss no point.
[09:13:51] Merosiel says finally.
[09:13:57] Ruepert loses the smile.
[09:14:00] [80:Ruepert]: Why?
[09:14:21] [80:Merosiel]: Did you know Ley hasss a daughter?
[09:14:31] Ruepert gasps and shakes his head.
[09:14:32] [80:Ruepert]: Really?
[09:14:35] [80:Merosiel]: Yess.
[09:14:39] [80:Merosiel]: Never sseeen her, right.
[09:16:35] [80:Merosiel]: That'ss becausse sshe can't. Apparently there’ss ruless. Even if I wanted to keep it I can't. There'ss no point in a name.
[09:17:08] Ruepert looks down to Mero's stomach again.
[09:17:25] [80:Ruepert]: But...But it's your own kid! Why can't you keep it?
[09:19:03] Merosiel rubs at his face again, glances over to Ruepert as his hand falls to his lap. "Becausse it'ss the rulesss."
[09:20:28] Ruepert looks up to Mero's face, then back down to his stomach, then back up to Mero's face.
[09:20:48] [80:Ruepert]: Well..What are you going to do with him th...or her, then?
[09:20:57] [80:Merosiel]: ..I have no idea.
[09:21:30] [80:Merosiel]: I don't.. I don't know how to make these kindsss of decissionss. I sshouldn't HAVE to.
[09:22:56] Ruepert straightens up and nods once.
[09:23:25] [80:Ruepert]: What if...What if I took care of him, or her, for you?
[09:23:39] Ruepert thinks this is the best idea ever!
[09:24:20] Merosiel squints at him in confusion, and more than a little concern. It's certainly a touching, sweet offer. Naive, though. Doesn't he get it?
[09:25:57] [80:Merosiel]: I.. don't really think that'ss allowed.
[09:26:08] Ruepert slouches a bit.
[09:27:12] [80:Ruepert]: Well, I think you should still give your kid a name...
[09:27:25] [80:Merosiel]: Why?
[09:27:56] [80:Ruepert]: It's going to be your kid, no matter what. Even if someone else raises them. This way they'll know. They'll know that you loved them enough to name them. A name of your choosing.
[09:28:50] [80:Ruepert]: It'll be their connection to you. Even if you never see them, you'll have named them.
[09:29:55] Merosiel 's ears wilt just a little, and he angles his head so that he's staring down at his hands in his lap. "...And what if I don't... love it." This is said quietly. "What if I don't... want any connection with what'ss ruined me, with what'ss probably going to
[09:30:00] [80:Merosiel]: kill me in the end?
[09:31:06] Ruepert slouches a bit more.
[09:32:46] [80:Ruepert]: But.. But it's your own flesh and blood! Your own child!
[09:33:02] Ruepert straightens up a bit, and gets a sort of stern look.
[09:34:17] [80:Ruepert]: Also, it wasn't what... "ruined," you. Did it ask you to have it? You did that Mero, by yourself.
[09:34:47] Ruepert loses the sterness.
[09:35:28] Ruepert stands up.
[09:35:39] Merosiel 's been pretty quiet until now. He glances up when Rue stands.
[09:36:42] [80:Ruepert]: Mero. Please don't not love your own child for something you did. That would devastate anyone as a kid. If you can't give the child anything else, at least give it your love as a parent.
[09:36:44] Ruepert nods.
[09:36:50] [80:Ruepert]: That's all it would need.
[09:37:21] Merosiel closes his eyes a moment, then opens them. "...You going home?" Is all he says at first.
[09:37:51] Ruepert puts his hands out, beckoning Mero to get up for a hug.
[09:38:20] Merosiel hesitates, wary, but gets to his feet anyway.
[09:39:03] Ruepert quickly gets his arms under Mero's and pulls him in for a hug and whispers up at Mero.
[09:39:27] [80:Ruepert]: At least do that for me? Even if you don't love your own child, at least let it think you do. That would mean the world for it.
[09:40:02] Merosiel stumbles forward a step, but he's pretty quick about returning the hug. He's grateful for them. When Rue whispers, he sighs once. Lie? The words are out of his mouth before he can think to; and he's surprised that his agreement is. .. sincere.
[09:40:18] [80:Merosiel]: Okay, Ruepert.
[09:41:03] Ruepert squeezes tightly one last time and pulls away, smiling.
[09:41:17] Merosiel is pretty reluctant about letting go.
[09:42:07] [80:Ruepert]: Thank you Mero. You're a great friend.
[09:42:33] Merosiel doesn't have the heart to disagree, even though he doesn't feel it's true at all. So he just forces a smile. "Ssure, Ruepert."
[09:42:45] [80:Merosiel]: Um... can...
[09:43:03] Merosiel clicks his teeth, cutting himself off. "Good night."
[09:43:17] Ruepert is about to walk away, but stops once Mero begins talking.
[09:43:25] Ruepert ignores the goodbye.
[09:43:27] [80:Ruepert]: Can what?
[09:43:46] Merosiel 's ears are pretty flattened out again.
[09:43:53] [80:Merosiel]: ..Can I go home with you?
[09:44:00] Merosiel mumbles at the ground.
[09:44:03] Ruepert smiles a heart felt smile.
[09:44:30] Ruepert reaches to put one hand onto Mero's back, seeing that height issues make the shoulder hard to reach.
[09:44:41] [80:Ruepert]: Of course!
[09:44:56] Merosiel blinks, ears lifting a little. He's looking up now.
[09:45:34] Merosiel is totally not going to ruin it by questioning Ruepert's decision. He just smiles awkwardly, tiredly.
[09:45:57] Ruepert motions with his head towards the inn, beginning to walk towards it, hand still at Mero's back.
[09:46:33] Merosiel shuffles after, hesitating, then linking an arm around Ruepert's shoulders instead.
[09:46:47] Ruepert smiles.

[Merosiel]

((More Rue!Meros adventures! --Yes, I am working on actually cleaning up the first one. BUT ENJOY ANYWAY))

[02:31:09] [80:Ruepert]: Can we go to the harbor? I love the harbor at night!
[02:31:17] [80:Merosiel]: Okay, Rue.
[02:31:27] Merosiel offers another ghost of his crooked smile.
[02:35:13] Merosiel trails behind Ruepert in silence, slouched. He's practically on the human's heels.
[02:35:38] Ruepert doesn't even notice, he's having a good time taking a walk.
[02:36:40] Ruepert flops onto the ground with a slight grunt.
[02:37:36] Merosiel settles down next to Ruepert after he sits, curling up against him as much as an elf can compared with a human.
[02:37:52] Ruepert smiles.
[02:37:55] [80:Ruepert]: Comfy?
[02:38:14] [80:Merosiel]: ...No. Back hurtss. Tired.
[02:38:17] Merosiel pauses.
[02:38:22] [80:Merosiel]: ..But iss nice.
[02:39:48] Ruepert nods.
[02:40:06] [80:Ruepert]: So, are you sure I can't help?
[02:43:08] Merosiel lowers his head a little until he's tucked against Ruepert's side, worming under his arm so that it's effectively wrapped around him. He's taking a lot of liberties mostly because at this point, Ruepert keeps letting him.
[02:43:33] [80:Merosiel]: I think they're going to kill me.
[02:43:47] Ruepert jerks his head down to look at Meros.
[02:44:16] [80:Ruepert]: What happened? Who's trying to kill you?
[02:45:11] Merosiel seems kind of oddly unfazed by his own statement. Indifferent. His voice is pretty flat.
[02:46:22] [80:Merosiel]: I punched Miless... remember. I keep making misstakess with the other Caposss. Ley told me sshe's going to cull 'the lot of uss.'
[02:46:51] Ruepert frowns a bit.
[02:46:59] [80:Ruepert]: What's a caposss?
[02:47:13] [80:Merosiel]: Bosssess.
[02:47:25] Merosiel doesn't have the energy to correct Ruepert or feel bad about his copying.
[02:47:53] [80:Merosiel]: And... there'ss the fact that if they find out about me... they'll probably jussst eliminate me for a problem, anyway.
[02:48:24] [80:Ruepert]: Find out about what? That you're actually a girl?
[02:48:36] Ruepert laughs.
[02:48:41] [80:Ruepert]: They wouldn't do that.
[02:48:49] Merosiel makes a pained little noise in his throat.
[02:49:04] [80:Merosiel]: I'm not a girl.
[02:49:06] Merosiel whispers.
[02:49:27] Ruepert stops for a second, and then does a wincing motion as he remembers how it is.
[02:49:35] Ruepert lowers his voice to a whisper too.
[02:49:44] [80:Ruepert]: Sorry. That you look like a girl?
[02:49:58] Ruepert says it in a voice asking if that's a good way to put it.
[02:51:10] Merosiel nods once, just a little. His cheek scrapes against Ruepert's shirt. "And anyway... that wassn't exactly what I meant wasss going to be the problem."
[02:52:47] Ruepert tenses a bit more. Leaning in and putting his hand on Mero's shoulder he keeps whispering.
[02:52:51] [80:Ruepert]: Then what is it?
[02:54:35] Merosiel clicks his teeth. He doesn't really want to say it. "Kidss, Rue." He mutters finally.
[02:55:31] Ruepert opens his mouth, then closes it as he realizes he doesn't really know what to say.
[02:56:27] Ruepert gnaws on the inside of his cheek as he tries to think about what to say.
[02:57:03] [80:Ruepert]: Wh-Why would they kill you?
[02:57:10] Ruepert says this in a sort of pleading voice.
[02:57:23] [80:Ruepert]: They wouldn't, not for that, would they?
[02:57:55] [80:Merosiel]: I don't know. I don't know anything anymore. It'ss not a farfetched posssibility.
[02:58:31] Ruepert squares his jaw and straightens.
[02:58:41] [80:Ruepert]: Well I wouldn't let them!
[02:58:57] Ruepert says this as though thats that. Final say. That it is fact.
[03:00:08] Merosiel laughs weakly. Not /at/ Ruepert. It's a miserable sort of laugh, the kind that's full of doubt. "Thankss."
[03:00:59] Ruepert breaks his stoic face and smiles, patting Mero's shoulder.
[03:02:40] [80:Ruepert]: Besides, why would they want to do...that for having a kid? Didn't you say Ley has a kid too? They haven't been trying to kill her at all.
[03:03:20] [80:Merosiel]: I don't know. I don't know how anything workss anymore. But sshe'ss a Capo. Regardlesss of how I feel about her, sshe probably hasss ssome kind of leeway or ssomething.
[03:04:06] [80:Merosiel]: And there issn't family or kidsss allowed. Ley told me that hersself.
[03:04:12] [80:Merosiel]: Then thisss talk of culling.
[03:04:36] Merosiel thinks it makes perfect sense. Then again he's not really all right in the head currently.
[03:04:55] Ruepert looks forward, then darts a few glances over towards Meros before finally slightly raising his hand a little.
[03:06:22] Ruepert sighs.
[03:06:34] [80:Ruepert]: Whats....What's 'culling' mean?
[03:07:50] [80:Merosiel]: ...It meanss to remove the weak memberss. The usseless. The ssick. Thosse that will pollute the resst. It'ss mosstly applied to cattle herdss.
[03:10:38] Ruepert looks a little aghast.
[03:11:55] [80:Ruepert]: But you're not useless! I mean you can.... You should..... You.......
[03:12:02] Ruepert 's voice is a whisper by this point.
[03:12:09] [80:Ruepert]: You're my friend...?
[03:13:09] Merosiel 's smile is thin, but without teeth. He reaches between them and curls his bony fingers around Ruepert's hand. Squeezes weakly. Yeah. He's you're friend. For what little that's worth.
[03:13:23] Ruepert thinks it's worth the world.
[03:14:35] Ruepert is a little surprised by the hand holding, not usually using it for friends, but decides he can open that venue up for Meros.
[03:15:17] [80:Merosiel]: Ssorry, Ruepert. I don't think... that being your friend will be a deciding factor.
[03:16:44] [80:Merosiel]: For them, anyway.
[03:17:01] Ruepert gets his stoic face back on.
[03:17:33] [80:Ruepert]: But I'm their friends to. They'll have to go through me to get to you. And I know they wouldn't do that. That's not what friends do.
[03:17:50] Ruepert squeezes his hand on Mero's shoulder a bit, in a protective gesture.
[03:18:38] [80:Ruepert]: So you're safe, pal. Nothing to worry about.
[03:19:08] Merosiel 's eyes lid at this. He doesn't want to think about it anymore, and he doesn't want to try and convince Ruepert otherwise. It seems wrong, somehow, to try and force reality--Meros' reality, at least--on him. "Sssure." Hand-squeeze right back. Shuah, Rue.
[03:19:35] [80:Merosiel]: Thankss.
[03:20:28] Ruepert smiles and brings his other hand around to give Mero's a hug, manuvering Mero's shoulder to rest against his chest.
[03:20:56] [80:Ruepert]: Absolutely nothing to worry about while I'm with you, friend. I'll protect you.
[03:22:13] Merosiel closes his eyes the rest of the way, head tucked against Rue's chin. He can almost believe that, like this. He shouldn't need it, though, and that's what kills him inside, a little. Ley's right. He's weak.
[03:23:19] Ruepert whispers his moto into Mero's ear.
[03:23:24] [80:Ruepert]: What're friends for?
[03:25:53] Merosiel sighs quietly. Forces a smile, but keeps his eyes closed. Pretend. Don't think. Everything's okay. "Thiss." He answers finally.
[03:26:22] Ruepert smiles and squeezes Mero's a bit tighter for a second.
[03:28:04] [80:Merosiel]: Rue...
[03:28:35] Ruepert lifts his eyebrows slightly and makes a soft grunt. Huh?
[03:29:59] Merosiel clicks his teeth after a second or two of indecision, and doesn't finish whatever thought he had started. Instead he simply lifts his head a little, mumbles what might be another 'thankss.'
[03:31:35] Ruepert smiles and pats Mero's back.
[03:32:31] Ruepert is dumb and misread that, he instead makes another grunt, not quite understanding what he said.
[03:35:46] Merosiel gives Rue a peck on his cheek, quick, hardly there. It's given in an absent sort of way, as if he isn't really considering his actions; likely, he isn't.
[03:36:50] Ruepert blinks. Then blinks again. He pulls one hand away to feel at where Mero's pecked him. He blinks a few more times.
[03:37:00] Ruepert blushes a little bit.
[03:37:45] [80:Ruepert]: Did...Did you kiss me? On the cheek?
[03:38:12] Ruepert says this with no anger. Simply asking, making sure.
[03:38:22] Merosiel blinks too. His gaze focuses a little, and his ears tuck. He looks uncertain, anxious. "...No?"
[03:38:40] Ruepert gives a bit of a nervous laugh.
[03:39:47] [80:Ruepert]: I..Well...It's not BAD. I just...usually don't kiss my friends? If that's what you...do with friends..then, I'm glad you did!
[03:40:01] Ruepert sounds really uncertain at first, but sounds more sure by the end of all that.
[03:41:18] Merosiel 's ears remain tucked. He doesn't look particularly convinced, and his expression is one of someone waiting to get punched in the face. Which... keeps happening, granted. "Ssometimess.." He says finally. Which is half-truth.
[03:42:31] Ruepert smiles, that statement having lifted much of the akward for him.
[03:44:00] Merosiel wishes it were that easy for him to remove the awkward feeling. "Sssorry." He mumbles belatedly.
[03:44:11] Ruepert waves his hand, still smiling.
[03:45:04] [80:Ruepert]: Don't worry, if thats what you do to to show friends, then I guess it's ok. I'm glad that you think I'm a good enough of a friend to do that too.
[03:45:25] Ruepert suddenly goes from smiling to a bit akward.
[03:45:44] [80:Ruepert]: But...I'm sorry if I don't do it back.
[03:45:55] Ruepert pokes at some dirt piles beside him, turning his gaze away from Meros.
[03:46:17] [80:Ruepert]: It's a....little weird, and some people might not know, like how I didn't a second ago.
[03:47:23] Merosiel watches, leaning back so that he's not using Rue as a pillow anymore. "I know." A pause. His voice is back to that dull sound. "It'ss okay." Wan smile, without teeth.
[03:47:52] Ruepert looks back and smiles once he sees Mero's smiling too.
[03:48:02] Ruepert reaches over and pats Mero's shoulder.
[03:48:08] [80:Ruepert]: Thanks for understanding.
[03:49:31] Merosiel 's smile feels like it's cracked plaster on his face. But hey, it must be working, or at least a little convincing. He just nods once.
[03:50:11] Ruepert senses through his usually dense people reading skills.
[03:50:57] Ruepert senses the uncertainty, that is.
[03:51:37] [80:Ruepert]: Really. I'm glad you think I'm a good enough friend to do that too.
[03:51:54] [80:Ruepert]: It's just a bit...different from what I'm used to.
[03:52:34] [80:Merosiel]: I know.
[03:52:38] Merosiel repeats quietly.
[03:54:03] [80:Merosiel]: Don't worry about it.
[03:54:24] Merosiel 's still forcing that smile. Pats Rue on his shoulder, even.
[03:54:54] Ruepert nods, still not quite convinced.
[03:55:14] Ruepert looks around the harbor for a bit before looking back to Meros.
[03:55:58] Ruepert he sits there looking at Mero's for a bit before reaching up with his hand to lightly grab Mero's head, gently pulling it towards him a bit so he can place a small peck onto Mero's hair.
[03:58:27] Merosiel blinks. He's visibly startled at the gesture. Then, abruptly, he's putting his arms around Ruepert's neck and sniffling, hiding his face.
[03:59:22] Ruepert is a little surprised by the sudden neck hug and sniffling. He's quick to recover and wrap his arms around Meros, making comforting noises.
[04:01:10] Ruepert keeps patting, and breaks his comforting noises to ask Meros.
[04:01:22] [80:Ruepert]: What's wrong? What's wrong?
[04:01:57] [80:Merosiel]: Ss-ss-ssorry.
[04:02:11] Merosiel stutters, voice muffled.
[04:02:23] [80:Ruepert]: Sorry? Sorry for what?
[04:02:35] [80:Merosiel]: Acting thisss way.
[04:02:41] [80:Merosiel]: Jusst... no one'ss ever done that.
[04:04:11] Ruepert hugs Meros tighter.
[04:04:24] [80:Ruepert]: Does what? Acting what way?
[04:05:24] Ruepert is trying to sound as soothing as possible, sometimes stopping the patting to stroke Meros head and hair in a way he hopes is comforting.
[04:05:24] [80:Merosiel]: Being sso weak. Clinging to you like thisss. I sshouldn't be thiss way.
[04:05:44] Merosiel 's ears are folded but he's not sniffling anymore at least. Ruepert is gud comforts.
[04:06:20] Ruepert chuckles a bit.
[04:06:40] [80:Ruepert]: Weak? Since when is having friends weak?
[04:06:49] Ruepert pulls Meros back a bit to look him in the eye.
[04:07:10] [80:Ruepert]: Would you think I'm weak? Your honest opinion.
[04:08:15] Merosiel 's reluctant to meet Ruepert's gaze at first, only to blink and do so anyway at the second question, ears lifting in surprise.
[04:08:50] [80:Merosiel]: No.. not you. You're one of the sstronger people I know...
[04:09:12] Merosiel bites off the 'even for a human' part his brain wants to tack on the end. He's not trying to be insulting, and he's sincere in this, at least.
[04:09:24] Ruepert chuckles again, and then embraces Mero's tightly.
[04:10:06] [80:Ruepert]: Of course not. And I've done those same things. There's nothing wrong with this. Being.. "clingy" and, what you think is weak, is all a part of having friends.
[04:10:49] Merosiel blinks again, ears folding. Oof. He hugs back, though. Not gonna pass up more free hugs. Ruepert gives good ones.
[04:10:56] [80:Ruepert]: This. This is what friends are all about. Being there when you need them. And if this is how you need them, then a friend should be here.
[04:11:11] Merosiel 's silent while he talks, but he's definitely listening.
[04:11:16] [80:Ruepert]: Everyone has different needs, and if this is yours then I'll be here when you need me.
[04:11:40] [80:Ruepert]: Because that's what friends do for each other.
[04:12:40] Merosiel can't seem to find anything really appropriate to say, or how to express how grateful he is--how much he actually needs to hear this--so eventually all he can mumble is another, very soft, 'Thank you.'
[04:13:12] Ruepert nods slightly at the thank you then whispers back.
[04:13:28] [80:Ruepert]: No. Thank you. For being my friend. For letting me be here for you.
[04:14:55] Merosiel tilts his chin a little, averting his gaze again, finally.
[04:23:38] Ruepert straightens up, leaning back a bit to break the long term hug.
[04:24:24] Merosiel is a little reluctant, but once Rue's moving, he does too.
[04:24:58] Merosiel sweeps one long-fingered hand through his bangs, pushing them from his eyes only to have them flop again in his face the moment his hand lowers.
[04:25:33] Ruepert leans back to get any kinks out of his back from the leaning forward, and once he sees Mero's hair difficulty, he smiles.
[04:26:38] [80:Ruepert]: Feel better?
[04:27:02] [80:Merosiel]: ...Yeah.
[04:27:12] Ruepert smiles.
[04:27:18] [80:Ruepert]: Good. I'm glad.
[04:27:21] Merosiel 's not completely lying. But he's already dumped enough on Ruepert. And he likes seeing him smile.
[04:27:34] [80:Merosiel]: I'm... I'm not keeping you from anything, am I?
[04:29:21] Ruepert keeps smiling.
[04:29:38] [80:Ruepert]: Not particularly, I was going to go see if anyone else was at the Lamb.
[04:29:48] [80:Ruepert]: I wanted to talk to Campy a bit more.
[04:30:43] [80:Ruepert]: Had some questions for him.
[04:30:50] Merosiel 's ears fold completely at the mention of Miles.
[04:30:56] Ruepert rises, and dusts off his pants again.
[04:31:10] Merosiel watches from the corner of his vision, hands tucked in his lap.
[04:31:39] Ruepert reaches down and pats Meros shoulder.
[04:31:47] [80:Ruepert]: You're sure you're feeling better?
[04:32:25] Merosiel gives that wan little smile of his. "Peachess.." He answers.
[04:32:35] Merosiel pauses, gaze flicking up again. "Um."
[04:32:44] Ruepert smiles.
[04:32:47] [80:Ruepert]: Hmm?
[04:32:59] [80:Merosiel]: ..You're kind of my besst.. and maybe only friend. But...
[04:33:07] [80:Merosiel]: Can I pleassse have my hat back? I need it.
[04:33:14] Ruepert looks up and laughs.
[04:33:15] Merosiel 's staring at his hands as they twist in the fabric of his robe.
[04:33:45] Ruepert reaches up and carefully, almost revenatly, takes the hat off his head.
[04:33:53] Ruepert holds it in his hand, thinking for a second.
[04:34:32] Ruepert bends down, and pecks Meros on the head again before placing the hat gently on his head.
[04:35:02] Merosiel 's ears flip up abruptly. He blinks, a hand going to his hat as he tilts his chin to look up.
[04:35:19] Ruepert smiles down at Mero's patting him on the shoulder again.
[04:35:40] Merosiel smiles. This time it's a real one, even if it's tired.
[04:36:10] [80:Ruepert]: G'night pal.
[04:36:20] [80:Merosiel]: Good night, Rue.