[It's a good question but Osiris is far too distracted by the absolute state of Emmanuel to process it at first. Concern tugging his brows downward, he turns to face Emmanuel and leans in so that his whisper really will remain just between the two of them. (Unless anyone's got enhanced hearing abilities of which he's not aware.]
Please be honest with me, do you need to leave? We can call in Horus for the rest of this discussion.
(( Before Emmanuel can even answer the question, Lucas calls out to Hell's side. ))
Hey! Can you dial back a little? You're making the human sick. You're cleaning it up if he hurls.
(( Under circumstances where it wasn't Emmanuel on the verge of being ill, he might have laughed at anyone's audacity to talk to the devil like that. Alas, he's not really in any position to appreciate it at the moment. Perhaps in retrospect, in some distant day when all this is over, Emmanuel will simply burst into laughter remembering those words. For now? He simply nods to Osiris. ))
I'll be fine.
(( Emmanuel's not so proud that he'd lie in a situation this dire. He can endure this. And if that changes, he'll let Osiris know. ))
[After a grateful look over at Lucas, Osiris nods solemnly. His hands itch to touch Emmanuel's cheek, wipe the sweat from his brow, some little gesture of comfort for all the good it'll actually do him, but this is very much the wrong company to witness that sort of affection between them. The obvious depth of his concern is already all but bleeding fondness into the air around them.
Osiris squares his shoulders and turns back to Lucifer and Wolf, once again all business.]
What can we expect to owe you for your assistance?
(( Oh, right. He's supposed to be mindful of the exorcist. What a gross feeling. But Lucifer does, indeed, 'dial it back.' He's completely capable of walking amongst humans without much notice. Unfortunately, someone like Emmanuel with his sensitivity to these things will always be somewhat affected. Well, Lucifer's made enough of a point, it isn't going to hurt his position to give a little now. ))
A small thing, really. A blind eye until this mattered is settled.
(( Yes, he'll let his demons and Princes out to help hide the old gods but... let them behave as the will. ))
[At that, Osiris has to turn right back to Emmanuel for guidance - he has much better knowledge of the sorts of damage Lucifer's hordes could do and it's his people who usually keep them in line. Truthfully, Osiris' own pantheon would have no responsibility to intervene in the matters of demons even in this situation, though Horus would most likely have wanted to protect any humans in their path if this condition weren't set.
That doesn't mean Osiris likes the sounds of it. Not at all.]
(( There's a human saying he'll have to tell Osiris about: the Devil's in the details. Turning a blind eye to what? A bunch of demons working overtime to collect more souls? Or them with their Generals and Princes making this place Hell on Earth for an undetermined length of time?
Emmanuel swallows the lump in his throat and steps forward. ))
[Listen, it may not help anything to avoid revealing his name, but Osiris feels like that's the least he can do right now. It's a close thing, though, when Emmanuel steps out in front of him and fear once again clutches at Osiris's heart. He even reaches out before he can stop himself but quickly withdraws his hand and rests it on Emmanuel's back instead.
The back of Emmanuel's shirt is soaked with sweat. It makes Osiris's chest ache. They should've done more to convince him not to come... but then, what might Osiris have agreed to with no idea what he had done? They're well past the point of doubt - all Osiris can do is stand in support of Emmanuel.]
I will act as he advises on this matter, so please do as he asks. [Well, as he says.]
(( Well, well, well! Isn't this human a bold one in the face of evil itself? It isn't enough to be spoon fed a solution, but he wants the details of the price, too? Well, smart, actually. ))
Were you not listening when I said we have to put on a show for you humans to doubt Set? I do plan to be a part of that. Barring our acquaintance here (( he hefts his chin toward Lucas. )) getting the go ahead from his boss to let a little miracle happen, we don't have much other choice. I neither want nor need the chaos of more like you harassing us while we're actually trying to help you all. I will provide a few of my more powerful allies to help mask your god friends. Some lower levels to help with the theatrics. I'm sure I won't be the only one providing extras for that show.
(( Lucas will try to help, he nods to agree to that portion. But he's limited by that God will allow. Enma's yokai will help, too. ))
Don't worry, Father. I have no desire to claim any part of this world for myself at this time.
(( Emmanuel narrows his eyes and says one more thing: ))
And this is only until Set has been subdued.
(( It's not a question. Lucifer sighs. ))
Yes, of course. Once Setekh is no longer a direct threat, the deal is done.
(( Emmanuel turns his back to confer once more with Osiris. ))
That's probably the best we can hope for. If we say no, he could sell us out to Set.
[This is all a bit awe-inducing for Osiris. The tension that ripples between the three of them as they talk is as palpable as heat waves rising off distant dunes and yet Emmanuel remains standing tall, uncowed and undaunted by the reality of how easily he could be eliminated from their conversation.
No - that's not it. Emmanuel has confessed that he doesn't fear death because it will mean a reunion with his brother. Still, Osiris can't watch him now and see his actions as anything other than courageous.
With a nod in response to Emmanuel's words, Osiris once again steps to the front and acknowledges both Lucas and Lucifer with deeper, more formal nods.]
I wish to add one more condition to these terms. Given that retaliatory action taken in self-defense could easily be spun as a breach of the agreement as it stands, I want an explicit non-aggression pact declared between everyone working as part of this alliance. I am willing to swear on behalf of the gods of Egypt and will ask the same of any other powers that join us.
[He's getting the idea now. Any loophole that occurs to them has to be closed.]
(( Lucifer could've gotten more out of this for himself and his people if the priest hadn't been present. The angel didn't think to ask for anything. Perhaps because he's supposed to be the neutral third party for this meeting? Who knows what he might have done had the human not spoken up first.
Before Lucifer speaks up, Emmanuel also adds: ))
I'll do what I'm able to keep my people at bay. I can't make promises if this drags out for too long.
(( Neither the Church nor hunters can ignore something like this if the show Lucifer refers to becomes too much. He can maybe by them a year, but hopefully it won't take that long.
Wolf looks at Lucifer, a bit wary. These people obviously know very well how demons operate. Lucifer reaches out to run a hand over Wolf's hair in reassurance. This is, after all, no ordinary situation. What point is there in being a Hell if Set can make the Earth a living Hell for all upon it? ))
[This is progress. Now that Osiris has more of a feel for dealing with the devil, he can tell they've made a step forward just by Lucifer's terse response. Maybe now they can finally end this meeting on positive terms for the sake of Emmanuel's safety.]
Then I also accept Lucifer's terms. With that, I believe that the framework for a fruitful working relationship have been laid out adequately. Does anyone else have a point or question to raise?
(( Once upon a time, Emmanuel said he had questions for the devil. However, in the face of him, they've all flown from his mind. It's hard to keep track of curiosities when he needs to put so much effort into simply standing. Another time, perhaps.
Lucas nods at Osiris' words. He, too, waits to see if anyone has anything to add before throwing out his reminder. ))
Don't forget the secrecy. Only tell what needs to be told to those who absolutely need to know it.
(( That prompts a giggle from Wolf, who, despite smile, holds up a very serious finger. ))
What is it humans used to say? Loose lips sink ships?
(( An out-dated phrase, but Lucifer still looks incredibly proud of his hound. Maybe because he's always the one reminding Wolf of the need for secrecy. He does give him a quick look of chastisement. ))
That goes for you too, Wolf.
(( Then, looking back to Osiris. ))
I believe we have an accord.
(( He reaches into his pocket for sleek black business card. He hands it to Wolf who takes it in both hands and skips over to hold it out (still with both hands) to Osiris. ))
Should something urgent arise, you can find me there. Anything short of urgent can go through the angel. Gentlemen.
(( There's no further farewell than that. Lucifer turns on his heel, Wolf scampering beside him as the same clouds of smoke and ash that signaled their arrival roll in to seemingly carry them away.
And with them, the air pressure seems to return to something like normal and Emmanuel can breathe again. It's audible. Even he isn't sure whether it's a gasp of a sigh. As soon as the representatives of Hell are gone, Emmanuel's legs go weak and he stumbles into Osiris' back. ))
[There's the cry of alarm that Osiris has been on the verge of letting out ever since those billowing clouds of smoke first appeared. He spins around and loops an arm under Emmanuel's shoulders to keep him upright, pushing his hair off his sweat-slick forehead with a tender hand.]
I'm so sorry you had to endure this. So, so sorry. You're as strong and brave as any god I've ever known.
[So... Lucas is still there. Apparently he's getting a little update on their romantic status. Osiris simply can't pretend that this is all business anymore, not when Emmanuel looks and feels so weakened.]
(( Lucas very pointedly look away. He can't talk about anything he doesn't see with his own eyes. This could all just be someone very concerned about the human that's in on all this. Maybe just a friend. He's not going to stare and made assumptions (even though he's pretty sure about his previous assessment, he's leaving some reasonable doubt).
Emmanuel slumps against Osiris long enough to hear his apologies, then tenses. He claps a hand over his mouth and pulls himself away from Osiris. He manages two sweeping steps before he doubles over to empty the contents of his stomach on the ground. Once he's certain everything's out, Emmanuel wipes his face with his sleeve and sits upright again. ))
[No way Osiris is about to be delicate over a little thing like vomit when Emmanuel is so obviously suffering. He just closes the space between them again once the fit has passed and wraps his arm back around Emmanuel's middle, also hoisting Emmanuel's arm over his shoulder if he's allowed to support some of the priest's weight.]
Don't apologize. If there's anything at all you need, anything that might help, please let me know once we're back in town.
[But before they start on their way back, Osiris has one more thanks to deliver:]
Lucas - you have completely changed the trajectory of this battle with your involvement. I never could have imagined even a day ago that I would feel this much hope for what's to come. If ever there is anything I can offer in repayment, or assistance of any sort I can provide you, please let me know.
(( Is he joking? Probably not. Being the presence of something so very malicious is a feat. Standing strong in its face? Herculean. Even Emmanuel, who's gone toe-to-toe with some vile, evil creatures, wasn't fully prepared for the devil himself. When he's less exhausted by the encounter, he'll have the sense to feel a little bit pleased with himself over it.
For now, he's so happy to have Osiris help support him. He's not confident he could walk on his own at this point.
Lucas pads closer once the throwing up is done (gross!). Once he sees that the priest is still conscious, he discards worry and offers Osiris a smile. ))
Candy is my favorite form of currency, but I'll accept ice cream, too. How do you plan on getting out of here? Did you drive or...?
I can certainly manage those. [Osiris's smile is a bit wan, given the state of the man hanging off him, but it reaches his eyes.] Next time we meet, there will be ice cream and candy involved. And I drove us here so we'll be alright getting back, thank you.
[Once Lucas is back out of earshot, Osiris shoots Emmanuel a sidelong glance and says, with the slightest hint of humor in his voice:] If you have any objections to me picking you up and carrying you to the car, you'd best voice them now.
[And if he doesn't object, that's exactly what Osiris will do: bend down, loop his other arm behind Emmanuel's knees, and carry him out of the old works yard as if he weighed little more than a small child.]
(( There's only a weak objection. Please, carry him like a man on your back, Osiris! This princess carry is humiliating! As evidenced by the very weak kicking of his feet. ))
I'm really going to sleep for days... Don't be worried, okay?
That isn't a promise I could keep. But I will try to keep the worrying to a minimum.
[Osiris just knows himself too well. There'll be a certain amount of pacing, watching his face, watching his chest to make sure he's still breathing, all the classics. He's sure Horus will be in the same state - and that gives Osiris an idea, one that he doesn't think he'll trouble Emmanuel with right now. Let him awaken after his long sleep to find two people watching over and caring for him; it can be a pleasant surprise.
Back at the car, Osiris sets Emmanuel back on his feet and helps him in, then climbs into the driver's side and notices the phone he left charging on the aux cord absolutely blowing up with messages. Another text alert pops up before he can even take out his keys and he chuckles to himself.]
Feel free to put your seat back and doze, if you like - unless you have anything you'd like to tell Horus, because he's demanding information right this second.
(( He talks as if he's coming to be comatose for days when the truth is he'll wake up long enough to eat something, use the toilet, maybe wash up, then go right back to bed. It's a routine he's familiar with after facing particularly foul beasties.
Once he's settled in the car, Emmanuel reclines the seat just a little (not enough to be fully laying down), but he eyes Osiris buzzing phone. He wouldn't take it without Osiris' permission, which is granted before he even asks. Somehow, seeing the evidence of so much concern makes something very warm blossom in his chest.
Everything's ok, he writes back. This is Emmanuel btw. Heading back now. Going to sleep a while. Bye.))
[Horus is waiting in the hotel parking lot when Osiris and Emmanuel return, his face pale with worry. He rushes over as Osiris gently shakes Emmanuel awake and opens the passenger side door, then crouches down to get a good look at Emmanuel's physical state right away.]
His color is actually better than it was when we left, [Osiris reports when he sees the alarm on Horus's face, and that news does give Horus the strength to take a more joking approach instead of fussing over him like Osiris has undoubtedly done.]
Not gonna lie, man, you look like roadkill. No more dealing with the devil for you.
[Horus is ready to help him out of the car, and both of them will assist however he needs to get him to their room - though if Horus carries him, it'll be thrown over his shoulder rather than bridal carry.]
(( Emmanuel drifts off very quickly once he puts Osiris' phone down. Especially once they're driving and the soothing vibrations of the vehicle help. However, when Osiris wakes him, it's easy despite his exhaustion. It really feels like he's just done battle with the worst monster he's ever faced and all he did was stand int he devil's presence.
He offers a silent smile in thanks to Osiris (for waking him, for driving while he slept) and then a very subtle frown pulls at his lips when he sees Horus' worry. Thankfully, he follows up with a joke that sets Emmanuel at ease. ))
I think... I think you may be right. He's... a lot.
(( No, no more carrying please! Emmanuel will accept Horus' help in hauling himself out of the car and lean on one or both Osiris and Horus to get to the room. He should change into pajamas but... he's really just tired to the marrow of his bones and wants nothing more than to faceplant into the bed. At least he'll get his shoes off first. ))
[Once they're back in the room, Horus takes over keeping Emmanuel upright while Osiris turns down the bed for him. The two of them didn't plan any of this and yet they don't have to speak at all - when the task is caring for Emmanuel, they just seem to be in perfect sync.
Sure enough, Emmanuel knocks out the moment he climbs into bed. Neither Horus nor Osiris can bring themselves to leave at this point and they're both rather worn out as well, Osiris from the meeting and Horus from worrying about it, so what to do next seems rather obvious.
The first time Emmanuel awakens from his deep restorative sleep, he'll find himself snuggled between the two gods that have fallen in love with him. Horus lies in front of him, facing him with one of Emmanuel's hands in his own, while Osiris is curled up behind him with his forehead resting lightly against the nape of Emmanuel's neck.]
(( All Emmanuel manages is to unbutton his shirt cuffs and the second button at his collar before the gods tuck him in for a proper sleep. AS soon as his head is against a pillow and the blankets pulled up around him, he's lost to the world. Please don't have any emergencies without him.
When he does rouse for the first time, some hours later, it's only briefly to turn and readjust, completely unaware that he's not alone on the bed. It's more hours before he actually opens his eyes. Though he didn't fight anything, he feels like he did. His body aches like every muscle was exerted too much for too long. It takes a moment for him to realize he's pleasantly warm.
Pleasantly warm because he's surrounded. Even resting with him like this, they're both being so considerate of his boundaries. Emmanuel doesn't want to wake them. They must be tired, too, after everything. Maybe they all should have gone back to the Church's private medical facility so they wouldn't have to get up for anything. Then again, Horus and Osiris would never have been able to lay with him like this if they had.
If they went there, Emmanuel wouldn't have the courage to curl his fingers between Horus', to tip his head back against Osiris'. It's a stolen moment: this peaceful bliss between the three of them during the chaotic battle. Double so because it forces Emmanuel dangerously close to a line he's no longer sure he won't cross. ))
I'm awake.
(( Said so very softly, as if he doesn't actually want to rouse the others. ))
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Please be honest with me, do you need to leave? We can call in Horus for the rest of this discussion.
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Hey! Can you dial back a little? You're making the human sick. You're cleaning it up if he hurls.
(( Under circumstances where it wasn't Emmanuel on the verge of being ill, he might have laughed at anyone's audacity to talk to the devil like that. Alas, he's not really in any position to appreciate it at the moment. Perhaps in retrospect, in some distant day when all this is over, Emmanuel will simply burst into laughter remembering those words. For now? He simply nods to Osiris. ))
I'll be fine.
(( Emmanuel's not so proud that he'd lie in a situation this dire. He can endure this. And if that changes, he'll let Osiris know. ))
Ask him what it's going to cost us.
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Osiris squares his shoulders and turns back to Lucifer and Wolf, once again all business.]
What can we expect to owe you for your assistance?
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A small thing, really. A blind eye until this mattered is settled.
(( Yes, he'll let his demons and Princes out to help hide the old gods but... let them behave as the will. ))
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That doesn't mean Osiris likes the sounds of it. Not at all.]
This is yours to accept or reject, not mine.
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Emmanuel swallows the lump in his throat and steps forward. ))
Spell it out for me in detail.
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[Listen, it may not help anything to avoid revealing his name, but Osiris feels like that's the least he can do right now. It's a close thing, though, when Emmanuel steps out in front of him and fear once again clutches at Osiris's heart. He even reaches out before he can stop himself but quickly withdraws his hand and rests it on Emmanuel's back instead.
The back of Emmanuel's shirt is soaked with sweat. It makes Osiris's chest ache. They should've done more to convince him not to come... but then, what might Osiris have agreed to with no idea what he had done? They're well past the point of doubt - all Osiris can do is stand in support of Emmanuel.]
I will act as he advises on this matter, so please do as he asks. [Well, as he says.]
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Were you not listening when I said we have to put on a show for you humans to doubt Set? I do plan to be a part of that. Barring our acquaintance here (( he hefts his chin toward Lucas. )) getting the go ahead from his boss to let a little miracle happen, we don't have much other choice. I neither want nor need the chaos of more like you harassing us while we're actually trying to help you all. I will provide a few of my more powerful allies to help mask your god friends. Some lower levels to help with the theatrics. I'm sure I won't be the only one providing extras for that show.
(( Lucas will try to help, he nods to agree to that portion. But he's limited by that God will allow. Enma's yokai will help, too. ))
Don't worry, Father. I have no desire to claim any part of this world for myself at this time.
(( Emmanuel narrows his eyes and says one more thing: ))
And this is only until Set has been subdued.
(( It's not a question. Lucifer sighs. ))
Yes, of course. Once Setekh is no longer a direct threat, the deal is done.
(( Emmanuel turns his back to confer once more with Osiris. ))
That's probably the best we can hope for. If we say no, he could sell us out to Set.
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No - that's not it. Emmanuel has confessed that he doesn't fear death because it will mean a reunion with his brother. Still, Osiris can't watch him now and see his actions as anything other than courageous.
With a nod in response to Emmanuel's words, Osiris once again steps to the front and acknowledges both Lucas and Lucifer with deeper, more formal nods.]
I wish to add one more condition to these terms. Given that retaliatory action taken in self-defense could easily be spun as a breach of the agreement as it stands, I want an explicit non-aggression pact declared between everyone working as part of this alliance. I am willing to swear on behalf of the gods of Egypt and will ask the same of any other powers that join us.
[He's getting the idea now. Any loophole that occurs to them has to be closed.]
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Before Lucifer speaks up, Emmanuel also adds: ))
I'll do what I'm able to keep my people at bay. I can't make promises if this drags out for too long.
(( Neither the Church nor hunters can ignore something like this if the show Lucifer refers to becomes too much. He can maybe by them a year, but hopefully it won't take that long.
Wolf looks at Lucifer, a bit wary. These people obviously know very well how demons operate. Lucifer reaches out to run a hand over Wolf's hair in reassurance. This is, after all, no ordinary situation. What point is there in being a Hell if Set can make the Earth a living Hell for all upon it? ))
Agreed.
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Then I also accept Lucifer's terms. With that, I believe that the framework for a fruitful working relationship have been laid out adequately. Does anyone else have a point or question to raise?
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Lucas nods at Osiris' words. He, too, waits to see if anyone has anything to add before throwing out his reminder. ))
Don't forget the secrecy. Only tell what needs to be told to those who absolutely need to know it.
(( That prompts a giggle from Wolf, who, despite smile, holds up a very serious finger. ))
What is it humans used to say? Loose lips sink ships?
(( An out-dated phrase, but Lucifer still looks incredibly proud of his hound. Maybe because he's always the one reminding Wolf of the need for secrecy. He does give him a quick look of chastisement. ))
That goes for you too, Wolf.
(( Then, looking back to Osiris. ))
I believe we have an accord.
(( He reaches into his pocket for sleek black business card. He hands it to Wolf who takes it in both hands and skips over to hold it out (still with both hands) to Osiris. ))
Should something urgent arise, you can find me there. Anything short of urgent can go through the angel. Gentlemen.
(( There's no further farewell than that. Lucifer turns on his heel, Wolf scampering beside him as the same clouds of smoke and ash that signaled their arrival roll in to seemingly carry them away.
And with them, the air pressure seems to return to something like normal and Emmanuel can breathe again. It's audible. Even he isn't sure whether it's a gasp of a sigh. As soon as the representatives of Hell are gone, Emmanuel's legs go weak and he stumbles into Osiris' back. ))
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[There's the cry of alarm that Osiris has been on the verge of letting out ever since those billowing clouds of smoke first appeared. He spins around and loops an arm under Emmanuel's shoulders to keep him upright, pushing his hair off his sweat-slick forehead with a tender hand.]
I'm so sorry you had to endure this. So, so sorry. You're as strong and brave as any god I've ever known.
[So... Lucas is still there. Apparently he's getting a little update on their romantic status. Osiris simply can't pretend that this is all business anymore, not when Emmanuel looks and feels so weakened.]
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Emmanuel slumps against Osiris long enough to hear his apologies, then tenses. He claps a hand over his mouth and pulls himself away from Osiris. He manages two sweeping steps before he doubles over to empty the contents of his stomach on the ground. Once he's certain everything's out, Emmanuel wipes his face with his sleeve and sits upright again. ))
Sorry about that.
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Don't apologize. If there's anything at all you need, anything that might help, please let me know once we're back in town.
[But before they start on their way back, Osiris has one more thanks to deliver:]
Lucas - you have completely changed the trajectory of this battle with your involvement. I never could have imagined even a day ago that I would feel this much hope for what's to come. If ever there is anything I can offer in repayment, or assistance of any sort I can provide you, please let me know.
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(( Is he joking? Probably not. Being the presence of something so very malicious is a feat. Standing strong in its face? Herculean. Even Emmanuel, who's gone toe-to-toe with some vile, evil creatures, wasn't fully prepared for the devil himself. When he's less exhausted by the encounter, he'll have the sense to feel a little bit pleased with himself over it.
For now, he's so happy to have Osiris help support him. He's not confident he could walk on his own at this point.
Lucas pads closer once the throwing up is done (gross!). Once he sees that the priest is still conscious, he discards worry and offers Osiris a smile. ))
Candy is my favorite form of currency, but I'll accept ice cream, too. How do you plan on getting out of here? Did you drive or...?
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[Once Lucas is back out of earshot, Osiris shoots Emmanuel a sidelong glance and says, with the slightest hint of humor in his voice:] If you have any objections to me picking you up and carrying you to the car, you'd best voice them now.
[And if he doesn't object, that's exactly what Osiris will do: bend down, loop his other arm behind Emmanuel's knees, and carry him out of the old works yard as if he weighed little more than a small child.]
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You're my, uh, second favorite god!
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I'm really going to sleep for days... Don't be worried, okay?
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[Osiris just knows himself too well. There'll be a certain amount of pacing, watching his face, watching his chest to make sure he's still breathing, all the classics. He's sure Horus will be in the same state - and that gives Osiris an idea, one that he doesn't think he'll trouble Emmanuel with right now. Let him awaken after his long sleep to find two people watching over and caring for him; it can be a pleasant surprise.
Back at the car, Osiris sets Emmanuel back on his feet and helps him in, then climbs into the driver's side and notices the phone he left charging on the aux cord absolutely blowing up with messages. Another text alert pops up before he can even take out his keys and he chuckles to himself.]
Feel free to put your seat back and doze, if you like - unless you have anything you'd like to tell Horus, because he's demanding information right this second.
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(( He talks as if he's coming to be comatose for days when the truth is he'll wake up long enough to eat something, use the toilet, maybe wash up, then go right back to bed. It's a routine he's familiar with after facing particularly foul beasties.
Once he's settled in the car, Emmanuel reclines the seat just a little (not enough to be fully laying down), but he eyes Osiris buzzing phone. He wouldn't take it without Osiris' permission, which is granted before he even asks. Somehow, seeing the evidence of so much concern makes something very warm blossom in his chest.
Everything's ok, he writes back. This is Emmanuel btw. Heading back now. Going to sleep a while. Bye. ))
Wake me when we get wherever we're going.
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His color is actually better than it was when we left, [Osiris reports when he sees the alarm on Horus's face, and that news does give Horus the strength to take a more joking approach instead of fussing over him like Osiris has undoubtedly done.]
Not gonna lie, man, you look like roadkill. No more dealing with the devil for you.
[Horus is ready to help him out of the car, and both of them will assist however he needs to get him to their room - though if Horus carries him, it'll be thrown over his shoulder rather than bridal carry.]
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He offers a silent smile in thanks to Osiris (for waking him, for driving while he slept) and then a very subtle frown pulls at his lips when he sees Horus' worry. Thankfully, he follows up with a joke that sets Emmanuel at ease. ))
I think... I think you may be right. He's... a lot.
(( No, no more carrying please! Emmanuel will accept Horus' help in hauling himself out of the car and lean on one or both Osiris and Horus to get to the room. He should change into pajamas but... he's really just tired to the marrow of his bones and wants nothing more than to faceplant into the bed. At least he'll get his shoes off first. ))
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Sure enough, Emmanuel knocks out the moment he climbs into bed. Neither Horus nor Osiris can bring themselves to leave at this point and they're both rather worn out as well, Osiris from the meeting and Horus from worrying about it, so what to do next seems rather obvious.
The first time Emmanuel awakens from his deep restorative sleep, he'll find himself snuggled between the two gods that have fallen in love with him. Horus lies in front of him, facing him with one of Emmanuel's hands in his own, while Osiris is curled up behind him with his forehead resting lightly against the nape of Emmanuel's neck.]
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When he does rouse for the first time, some hours later, it's only briefly to turn and readjust, completely unaware that he's not alone on the bed. It's more hours before he actually opens his eyes. Though he didn't fight anything, he feels like he did. His body aches like every muscle was exerted too much for too long. It takes a moment for him to realize he's pleasantly warm.
Pleasantly warm because he's surrounded. Even resting with him like this, they're both being so considerate of his boundaries. Emmanuel doesn't want to wake them. They must be tired, too, after everything. Maybe they all should have gone back to the Church's private medical facility so they wouldn't have to get up for anything. Then again, Horus and Osiris would never have been able to lay with him like this if they had.
If they went there, Emmanuel wouldn't have the courage to curl his fingers between Horus', to tip his head back against Osiris'. It's a stolen moment: this peaceful bliss between the three of them during the chaotic battle. Double so because it forces Emmanuel dangerously close to a line he's no longer sure he won't cross. ))
I'm awake.
(( Said so very softly, as if he doesn't actually want to rouse the others. ))
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