03 | Voice | Backdated to the evening of the 10th

[healplz]

Bariyan is dead.

[ Someone is having difficulties sounding his usual calm and measured today! This comes out sounding pretty forced. ]

I tried to — I'm sorry. I could do nothing for him, and... and perhaps the Initiative, as they've done for others, will return him. I couldn't— 

[ a pause. ]

I'm sorry.

Comments

[moralperil]

Don't you think it's dangerous for you to be here working when you're worn out like this? Not just for you, but for your patients. [Mahdi offers him a hand up.]

I'm not gonna leave you alone, and I bet I have more energy than you do right now. Let me take you home.

[healplz]

No, I don't think so.

[ Guilt is brushed aside, and his tone is suddenly sharp. He glances once at the hand, then pointedly away. His nerves are frayed and his temper is easier to invoke than it should be, but he can't stop himself. ]

Here is where I am able to help people, and here I will stay. There is no danger in it, to them or myself.

[moralperil]

[Mahdi's shoulders drop in a shrug.]

Okay. Whatever you say.

[And a bright smile:] I'm gonna stay and keep an eye on you! You just let me know how I can help and if I can fetch anything for you.

[healplz]

[ The continued brightness pretty effectively dissolves the spark of anger, and he melts back into that earlier slump. ]

Mahdi, I— I'm sorry. You've been very kind, I did not mean to be short.

[moralperil]

Ashraf, you weren't being short.

I'm being short! [He yanks a thumb at himself, practically glimmering with concentrated cheer.] All day every day!

[healplz]

[ and Ashraf just. stares. God, that's almost as bad as a bard joke. He sighs, but there might be a tiny twitch at one corner of his lips. ]

Very clever.

[moralperil]

I thought so! [Mahdi laughs at his own joke, because obviously Ashraf's not gonna.]

I don't mind if you're cross with me. It's fine if you're sad or angry right now, anyone would be.

[He speaks rather softly.] Just... let me take care of you. Please? I want to feel useful too.

[healplz]

[ Well, that's definitely a want he can empathize with, even if, as a priest, he shouldn't need taking care of. He nods, quietly, and flicks a glance at the sandwiches in their bag. He's still not hungry, but he knows enough to know he should eat.

So he stands, digging into the shopping bag to unwrap one of the sandwiches. Low, and not too convincing: ] It's good. Thank you.

[moralperil]

They're tarragon chicken salad. I hope that's okay, it's what I had in the fridge. There's some fruits in there too.

[Mahdi tugs on his shoes and on the edge of his chair, fidgeting.] Back at my old job they always used to say that a soul in grieving is in a lot of jeopardy. People tend to blame themselves for these big things that no one has individual control over, and if they lose hope, then they might lose direction, and the soul could be permanently lost.

[healplz]

It's fine.

[ ...Which could apply to either the sandwich, or the concern about souls. Ashraf's turned back isn't giving many clues, either way. He's quiet for a few seconds after, considering. Of course he'd already decided that Mahdi isn't human, or at least something more than just human, but now seems a poor time to ask about it.

...But then again, just now he doesn't feel up to respecting the privacy of others as studiously as he usually does. ]

May I ask you something?

[moralperil]

Sure. Whatever you want.

[Mahdi asks, completely guileless.]

[healplz]

What are you?

[ It's asked mildly, without accusation, and he only glances back over his shoulder after asking it, to add: ] I am only curious. You need not answer, if you don't want to.

[moralperil]

Um, I'm a lot of things! But mostly I'm a greater mortal, and a redeemer. Two things humans aren't really supposed to know about or ever see with their own eyes, but, here I am anyway! [Mahdi is happy enough to tell the truth, though there's a weariness about it.] If I had to put it in laid man terms, I'd say I'm like a guardian angel.

[healplz]

[ Man, what is with this place and actually having angels? Ashraf considers that for a few moments, then nods, turning to face him fully. ]

A guardian angel. [ It's an actual smile this time, if small and tired. ] Thank you, then.

[moralperil]

It's no big deal. I just think that souls are worth saving. And I like you a lot. [WAIT.] I - I mean - I like your soul, it's, it's a very good one.

[healplz]

[ Someone that knows their shit about souls, calling his a good one? Well that's just... pretty much what he constantly strives for. Despite everything, all the sorrow and bad news, he can't stop a glow of pleasure. ]

Thank you, again. I like you a lot, as well. But I believe-- and hope-- that it would take a good deal more to place my soul into any peril.

[moralperil]

[He's just going to file the part where Ashraf said he likes him too into a very secret and locked box in his heart ;3; ] I know. But I was still worried about you because you're my friend. No one should have to be alone when they're suffering.

And I knew you'd probably been hard at work all day and hadn't eaten!

[healplz]

[ Well, the eating part is definitely true. He's finished the sandwich he was working on and tucks the rest of the bag away, now even further from hungry. ]

Speaking of, I should return to my work. [ And because he doubts he could stop him if he tried: ] You're welcome to accompany me, although I can't promise it will be interesting.

[moralperil]

You should listen to me and go home and rest a bit. [Mahdi mutters, crossing his arms stubbornly.] But if you won't, then I'm staying here. Need me to fetch you anything?

[healplz]

[ He is totally just not even gonna justify that with a reply this time, that's how much he intends to ignore that advice. He starts for the other room, sweeping into his usual solemn and collected air as he goes. ]

No, but thank you. I have everything I need.

[moralperil]

Okaaaay.

[He's actually really good at just kind of hovering and waiting and being surprisingly quiet. Which is what he does. He always stays near, though, hopping from the chair and following the moment Ashraf seems like he might go out of sight.]