R36

[with_my_teacup]

[Shortly after this thread, Riddick walks out of his breakfast shift and back to his room. He will not be answering network communication. His door is locked but his friends' access is still active.]

[OOC: drop me a line before coming in if we haven't discussed this on plurk or IM]

Comments

[with_my_teacup]

Hey, Ben.

[Riddick's voice is rusty, like he's been asleep. He doesn't stir from where he's a heap of man and dog and blanket on his low mattress.]

[warisart]

[Ben, who is somewhat precarious himself just now, isn't certain what to make of that. He doesn't smell blood. He's certain he would have heard of it if something had happened, one way or another.

Maybe not. The X5 closes the door behind him, concerned, and moves closer on quiet feet.]

I heard about breakfast. I'll handle it. But I don't understand.

[with_my_teacup]

Just can't go in right now. I'm just... tired.

[He almost says 'sick', but it's not like this is something a course of anti-b or anti-v is going to get him through. He's just out.]

[warisart]

[This is worrisome to Ben on several levels and he's quiet for a moment, reminding himself forcibly that this isn't Manticore. Nothing will happen to Riddick because he can't perform at peak levels.

It's hard. Almost too hard.]

Have you been sleeping? [Normally Riddick doesn't require much, but maybe he hasn't even been getting that.] Eating? [Stress causes a lot of strange reactions Ben doesn't understand, interruptions in routine and habit that are detrimental to health.]

[with_my_teacup]

I'm sorry about the kitchen.

[He sighs, feeling suddenly like there isn't enough oxygen, heaves in another breath. His words come out slow and staggered.]

Yeah, I've been sleeping.

Ben... you know how there's social situations. Mental dissonance. That's processed the same as physical pain in your head?

[warisart]

I'll handle the kitchen.

[It's the least of his worries, and this comes firmly. He can fill in here like he couldn't before, giving those he cares about a break when he can without repercussions.

The sigh focuses him, though, and he comes to a lightly balanced crouch beside where Riddick is, attentive behind his blank expression.]

Yes.

[with_my_teacup]

Sylvanas killed Anya.

And I'm .. real tired.

So many of my family've been hurt, Ben. I'm never there. Never stop it.

I can't go out right now.

[warisart]

I understand.

[with_my_teacup]

Really am sorry about the kitchen.

Thank you.

[warisart]

Do not be sorry. I'll handle it.

Can I bring you anything? Do anything?