cape_kore | 002 | text/voice/action

[ Sam has lost time. The last thing he remembers is entering the lab, getting a look around the place, some friendly sibling bickering in the kitchen. The next thing he knew he was in a bed, or more specifically the one he's claimed since they've arrived at the lab.

Not only that, but it seems like whatever Raphael did to help him before has worn off. As soon as consciousness hits him, the pain starts. There's an idle wonder if it's trying to make up for lost time, because it slams into his body with such a force that he ends up staying in that bed for three hours, unable to move or even call out to anyone.

Great. Because it's not like he has enough problems without being forced to deal with this.

After a bit of time, the pain subsides (or he gets used to it), and he's able to sit up. While he knows he should tell someone what's happening, especially his brother, there's some hesitance on Sam's part. It's not like he doesn't know what's going on with his body, this isn't some spontaneous illness - that pain carries a twinge of familiarity he isn't so happy to feel. And there isn't much anyone can do, especially Dean. However, there is one who helped him before....]

[ After learning that Charlie and Kevin are there (and after talking to both of them), Sam sends out a text to all. Normally he would just talk on video, but he doesn't want everyone to see the state he's in. Sam hasn't mastered the art of hiding it very well, especially so soon after this pain has returned. ]

Seems like we've got quite a few new folks around. You need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're all in this together. I'm Sam Winchester.

I was also wondering about that machine we've got here in the building. Anyone got anything on it yet? I've been kind of indisposed for a while, so if anyone can catch me up that'd be great.

[ Private Text - Raphael ]

If you've got some time today, I'd like to meet up. I've been gone, not sure where but I've lost time. And...I can feel it again. The sickness I had when I arrived before.

Let me know.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Stubborn and impossible to kill.

[Oh, she knows. She turns that tired smile right back on him - it's been a rough few days, worrying about what might have happened to him, especially considering the rumors she's heard of where people go when they vanish from the Cape. Some might be lucky enough to go home, but most of what she's heard has to do with abductions. Experiments.

She doesn't want that for him. Him or anyone else she knows.

The next part happens entirely on impulse, no prior thought given as she lifts her free hand to lightly push some of that unkempt hair away from his face, fingers gently brushing against his cheek and lingering there for a moment before she lays her palm against it and leans up to kiss him, sealing her lips over his without any real warning or preamble. An impulse she'd found herself having to squash down a few times before he'd disappeared. Now that he's back, she's not fighting it anymore.

Everything here is wrong and messed up, but Sam has been constant. Stable, supportive, calming. A friend in a time of need. Getting attached had been inevitable.]

[ There's a second where he can sense what's going to happen, a moment where he almost tells her to stop. There are so many reasons to not take that step, to keep things as they area.

When her lips meet his, though, those thoughts flee. Instead he focuses on her - Jo, who died because of them. Jo, who's been there for him since he got here, who he's spent most of his time with and grown close to.

Any stirring feelings he's had toward her that were more than friendly he's kept a firm hold on, refusing to ruin what they have for what could be (and probably wouldn't work out, if his track record is anything to go by). Jo deserves someone stable, someone who doesn't have a cursed family name and a history of terrible decisions haunting them.

His free hand reaches up, cupping her neck with his thumb resting lightly on her pulse. Just for now, he shuts out the warnings, shuts out the pain that burns inside him. Right now, it's just Jo, and that's all he wants to focus on. Just for this moment. ]

[She's reluctant to pull away when the kiss breaks, but eventually it has to. She lets her hand rest over his against her neck, brushing her thumb against his skin and enjoying, just for a moment, just how nice it was to touch another human being, however innocently. It had been a long time, if she wasn't counting the occasional hug, or the way they'd found themselves holding hands when they first came through the tunnels.

Cape Kore was a lonely place, but even before that? Hunting was a lonely life.

She presses her lips together for a moment before allowing an almost sheepish smile to bloom. She wasn't sorry, even if that one small act raised a million questions.]

I feel like maybe that was a little overdue.

[ When the kiss ends, Sam closes his eyes for a moment, just letting himself be without thinking or agonizing over the pain that wracks his body every second since he's taking on the trials. It's no easy task to ignore that, but Jo makes it easy. Focusing on her keeps him grounded, keeps him here and he knows that makes things complicated. Way complicated.

When she speaks, his eyes open and he nods, his mouth twitching up into a small smile. ]

Maybe a little. [ As always, though, it's difficult to keep the pain at bay. Not to mention the whirlwind of confusing thoughts he's got going on in his head. He lets out a hiss, grabbing his side where a sharp pain makes its presence known. ] Sorry, I though it...it was...

[ And the pain increases, forcing him to lean forward a little as he grits his teeth through it. Dammit, this is not a good time for his body to remind him of its current state. ]

Thought it was--

[She starts to ask him to clarify, but cuts herself off as he damn near doubles over, lurching forwards to catch him by the shoulder, an attempt to support him, keep him upright. Her eyebrows slowly knit themselves together as she frowns, her chest tight, and she glances towards the door before turning her attention back to him, her voice low.]

Should I get help? It was Raphael that you made a deal with, wasn't it?

Yeah, but just - [ He reaches out, resting a hand on her arm. ] I think I just need to sleep. Just need to shut my eyes.

[ It's the only escape he can think of - he doesn't want to take pills, or drugs of any kind, his previous addiction to demon blood still fresh in his memory. Aspirin isn't anywhere close to that, but once an addiction is formed, it's easy to fall into it everywhere. ]

Just stay with me. For a little while. [ A part of him wonders if he sounds a little needy, but he's just so tired and her presence is just comforting enough that he can relax into slumber. He hopes. ]

Are you--

[She wants to ask him if he's sure, to insist that he needs help that she can't give him-- but Ellen's advice comes to mind. She's not here anymore, but her words stick. Don't make deals with angels. Don't trust their good will to be there when you need it.

Instead, she takes his hand, squeezing it.]

Of course I'll stay. I'm not going anywhere, okay? I promise.

[ He gives her a tired smile before easing back on his bed, laying on his side with his hand still holding hers. He can feel his body start to relax almost immediately, knowing that someone is there with him goes a long way in making him feel like maybe, just maybe, he can actually rest for once.

Sam's not holding out true hope for that, but tricking himself into thinking it works, too. Even for a little bit.

Thanks, Jo. [ His eyes flutter closed, his hand still gripping her tight. ] Jus' don't put my hand in warm water or anything.

[ A half hearted joke before his mind shuts down completely and he's out like a light. ]

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