righthemisphere | IC CONTACT

[ The call wakes Wu from a doze, but he's been dozing for hours, so he doesn't mind picking up the phone, taking the call.

He was a little worried, when Raleigh didn't answer, but not everyone is glued to their phone like he is. Raleigh might be working, teaching a class, on a date with Chuck, working on his land. Whatever it was, Wu's glad to hear from him.

Sleepily: ]

Raleigh?

[He would enjoy knowing those are the activities Wu attributes to Raleigh. Not sitting alone obsessing like a psychopath.

Wu answers and.. wow it's nice to hear his voice. His actual voice, not the memory of his anguish.]

Hey, [Soft, fragile. But what now.. he hasn't thought this far ahead.]

Man it's good to hear your voice.. How are you feeling?

Uh, pretty bad.

[ That's not helpful. That probably won't help Raleigh not worry about him, which he always knows that Raleigh does. ]

But I'm okay. Mako is taking care of me.

[A soft hum.]

Good.. I remember Mako was a mess. That flu is no joke.

..

Can I bring you anything?

Yeah, I do too.

[ That's why they met, after all. ]

I, um... Do you have any treats the raccoons like? I think Fritters getting a little antsy, being cooped up with me.

Ah.. yeah, I can bring some of you're up for a visitor. Does Chuck know you're back?

Yeah, I called him, too. He came over, for a bit.

I can handle more, though. I, Mako told me what happened. With you and my, um. Ghost?

[Ah. Right into that, huh. There's a small pause.]

Yeah.. That was. Somethin'.

[ Well, this is awkward, isn't it? Every month, something new seems to come up and make his friendship with Raleigh more difficult.

Wu takes a breath. ]

Thank you. For helping him. I know that, um, probably wasn't great for you.

[ But he can only imagine what would have happened if his ghost had touched Mako instead. ]

[Doesn't have to be difficult, it's just... complicated.]

It's fine.

[He isn't in the business of making Wu feel about about something he had no control over. Even if it means lying just this once.]

We didn't know it was gonna happen and I'm used to other people in my head.

I'm glad it was me.

Seriously, it's fine. Don't worry about it.

[ Wu thinks he must be lying, but he won't ask, not right now. ]

Still, thank you.

[ He pauses, not sure what else to say. ]

I'll see you soon, okay?

Yeah. I'll see you soon.

[Give a soft goodbye and hang up. Rattle around in the pantry for a pack of hotdogs and feed his own brood of raccoons, two of which he still has yet to find homes.

It's hot as hell outside and Raleigh feels weird leaving without his jacket, dressed down in shorts and a tank like he's on his way to the beach.

He decides to walk and collect his thoughts as he does. This is probably going to be an uncomfortable conversation but as long as he maintains that it's fine then it is. Right? Right.]

[ Wu is in one of the sitting rooms, having grown tired of sitting in his bed by now. It was hell getting down the stairs, and it'll be worse getting back up, but at least it's a change of scenery.

When Raleigh comes into the house (the door is always unlocked), Wu looks up a little too quickly, his head swimming. But that doesn't stop him from smiling. ]

Raleigh!

[ His voice is scratchy and hoarse, and he looks far too pale. One arm is in a sling against his chest. His hair is neat, if not styled, but it's clear he put some care into it. ]

[Oof, poor guy. But a mess or not it sure is good to seem him in the flesh.

Raleigh blinks back the visions of silver and flame to focus on the here and now. He can't afford to disassociate, not now.]

You look good all things considered, c'mere buddy.

[Raleigh crosses the room for a hug, careful and safe but he pulls a little tighter after a moment if only to really feel Wu against him.

Happy, relieved, but a little shaky on his reality grip.]

[ Oh, that's nice. It's nice to be held close, to wrap his arms around Raleigh and hold him tight. Or as tight as Wu can manage right now.

He holds on for maybe a bit too long ]

Yeah, I'm feeling... bad. But I'm alive, and that's what matters!

[ Optimism is the only thing he has right now. ]

[A long hung on both their sides, then. Good. He needs it.

Is he still holding on? Yes. Is Wu Very Warm? Yes. This is gonna get sticky here in a second, aircon or not.]

You're almost as hot as Mako was when he was sick. You start breathing fire let me know because I wanna see.

[Bad joke? Bad joke. Look, life is rough right now. And there has been very little light in Raleigh's heart this last week.]

[ It can be a long hug! Wu loves hugs. He'll hold on until Raleigh wants to let go, resting his head on Raleigh's shoulder. It's nice to be able to lean on someone, to not have to support his own weight all himself.

He laughs weakly, shaking his head. ]

I wish! No firebending in my family, as far as I know. No bending at all, really.

[He snorts. That was kind of half the joke but okay.]

Huh.

Yeah, mine either.

[Okay that one was really bad. He laughs a little and finally drops his hands to let Wu go. Raleigh is a tactile person and usually happy to attach himself to the nearest heat source on account of his poor circulation, but wow it is w a r m!

Something from the main hall crashes and Raleigh turns but doesn't see anything beyond a little slip of Fritter's tail and something red and equally fluffy zoom past. He decides not to question it and pulls up his shirt to wipe the sweat off his face.

And not that he's thinking about it but that puts his back to Wu. His shorts are sitting low and all his scars are on display but so is something else. Just peeking up from the waistband of his jeans.

Achievement Unlocked: Hello Bambi]

[ Wu marvels a bit first at his muscles (he's very muscular, isn't he? Wu can appreciate that), then at the scars (those are some different scars! That seems important!), then his eyes zero in on the tattoo.

He blinks.

Presses his lips together.

Hums a little, leaning in. ]

Hey, Raleigh?

Mm?

[Attention snapping back to Wu, shirt still up, looking over his shoulder.]

Yeah?

Um... what's that?

[ Wu waggles a finger at the tattoo, pursing his lips against a smile. ]

[He looks down, what's what- oh-- Oh. Groan. He'd almost forgotten about that.

S i G H!]

That-

[As he puts his shirt back down, no more 4 u]

-is my tattoo. Sodder hates me, I keep sayin

[ That's his tattoo. Like the big antlers that span over Wu's back. He bites his lip, but he can't hold back a laugh this time ]

It's so cute! I wish mine was cute!

[AyHuP. Real big badass over here like a my little pony.

Raleigh scoffs.]

Oh yeah? You wanna trade?

I would if I could, buddy.

[ Still laughing, he shakes his head, leaning back on the couch. ]

Sodder probably thinks she's funny. And maybe she is!

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