II. AUDIO // UN: justaaron

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[His awakening was rude, and he accesses the network in a panic, not really having thought.]

If anyone's listening, please respond...if you can. I don't know if this is another nightmare or...or what, but...we don't have much time. I don't...know what that means, but I can't stop thinking it. We have to hurry. We have to find the others.

Comments

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[It's with reluctance that Aaron lets him go, too, hand falling to his side as Eric moves away, but he nods.]

I know. You said you were looking. What did you find out?

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

[ At the very least, Eric reaches out to entwine their hands, leading Aaron to sit down. He wants to look him over and make sure that he's okay physically. Mentally, neither of them are okay- they've been apart for over a week, and maybe it shows. Their pod isn't quite as tidy as it usually is. The last shirt Aaron discarded over the back of the couch is still there, along with a blanket and pillow. ]

Some of the sites were connected to one another. Dorian and Richard have been compiling things as they're found..I'm afraid I haven't been able to really add much to it.

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[He shakes his head.] I'm sorry, Eric.

[For this happening, for worrying him, for putting the others in danger. At this point, he's not even sure what he's sorry about.]

I assume we're all connected. [We're all connected...]

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

..Were you the one that kidnapped everyone? You've got nothing to be sorry for except making me miss you for so long.

I'm worried about the others, too, but you're always my first priority.

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And you're mine, but...babe. I don't know what's going on, but it's big. I don't remember anything, I've never seen a place in the Sphere that smelled like this...the Council is gone, and I don't know what they're doing to them.

[He shakes his head.]

I wish I had more information.

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

I know, that's why I need to make sure you're okay. Aaron, you've all been gone over a week.. we need to regroup and figure out what we know before we go rushing off.

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[He nods, knowing Eric's right.]

Yeah. I know.

[But he doesn't have to like it.]

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

Please, just humor me? I'll go out and look myself, but I want you here and I want you safe.

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[He shakes his head.]

No. Eric, the last thing we should do is split up.

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

We'll start looking in the morning. In the meantime, rest. Take it easy, and I'll make you something to eat.

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[He frowns for a moment before nodding. He doesn't precisely feel sleepy, but he knows that look, too.]

Alright. First thing in the morning.

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

[ Resting doesn't necessarily mean sleeping, but he should take it easy. Aaron hasn't even begun to experience that face in its fullness yet. Give him a few days and Eric will get there, though. ]

It won't be anything fancy...I haven't exactly been keeping up with the cupboards.

[ Unusual for Eric, but things have been stressful and it wasn't a priority. ]

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[The concern in Eric's voice was enough to force Aaron to relax, at least a bit.]

I'm sure it'll be delicious.

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

You sit.

[ Eric kisses Aaron's temple and gives the back of his neck a squeeze before he makes his way to the kitchen to figure out what dinner is. ]

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[Aaron smiles after Eric for a moment before watching him walk off to the kitchen, which allows his mind to wander. A sense of foreboding was growing swiftly in his mind, but that was to be expected, wasn't it? After all he'd been through? Besides, the others were still missing, and that left him believing they were running out of time.

He closed his eyes, trying to think harder, to search the foggy recesses of his mind for more information, but it was like a thick haze, impossible to glimpse through, but there had to be something.]

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

[ After taking stock of what they have available, Eric opts for something lighter and puts together some sandwiches. His attention is mostly on Aaron, concerned for his wellbeing, happy he's home, but something feels wrong. With so many people missing, everyone has to watch their back.

Once he's done, he sets them at the table, calling Aaron's name. When he doesn't get a response immediately, he walks over and runs his fingers through those curls that have a mind of their own. ]

..Babe? You okay?

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[It's Eric's voice that pulls him back to reality and he blinks for a moment before nodding.]

Yeah...yeah. I'm fine. Just...worried, you know?

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

You have every right to be.. I'm worried, too.

[ About Aaron's mental and physical state as well as the others who remain missing. The best of them are working on finding them, though. Eric has faith that they'll find them. ]

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[He frowns, then, looking down, running a hand back over his hair and across his face.]

I'm scared.

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

I wish there was more I can do for you... If there is, I want to.

We'll get them back.

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[He reaches out, taking Eric's hand in his. It's a comfort, the warmth, the familiarity of his touch.]

It's just...knowing there's a big chunk of my memory missing...is unnerving.

[amorea_mortuus_sum]

I know, babe.. I'm sorry. You know I'll do anything for you that I can.

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[He smiles, comforted even if he knows there's nothing Eric can do.]

I know.