abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] hide your love, don't be shy

Entry tags:

[ OPEN ] hide your love, don't be shy

Who: Claude and you!
When: all throughout August and September
Where: Cadens (pre-Nocwich), the Horizon (any time), and Libertas (post-Nocwich)
What: Catch all for both months
Warnings: For anything referencing Libertas: death, violence, and war

( Open and closed starters in the comments! Also good with prose or brackets and if you'd like to plot something more specific, you can find me at

indech, arboria#1862, or by PM at any time. )

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Partially.

[ That's the immediate answer he gives in his usual near-instant way of deflecting something he doesn't want to actually answer, but it's a little late for avoiding that. Even he's aware of this, so Claude frowns and looks up from the list that wasn't serving as a very good cover anyway. He can think about the intricacies of what's said in regards to Ciri a bit later even if it's all connected. ]

Not just them, but also what I... [ He trails off, pauses for a second, then shakes his head. That part's not worth finishing, so on to something else. ] Anyway. There's others I'd be glad to see here but also I don't know enough about here to be actually happy since everything could still go sideways in an instant. What happened after Nocwich proved that.

[ As if it really needs to be said again since it's still firmly lodged in recent history. But that does also circle back to something else that'd been on his mind, even if his initial fear about it was proven wrong. ]

Someone in Thorne told me they watched the attack on Libertas because the queen there made the Summoned there witness it. What they described with the fire coming from the sky... if it'd been replaced with light, that'd be far too close to something I've seen before during the war in Fodlan. Only other difference being we were given enough warning to narrowly avoid it striking us then, but it still leveled where it hit.

[ Hm. Geralt glances over his shoulder briefly. Then he sets the saddle down and simply sits under the tree. Starts stacking up a little campfire. ]

Every world finds a reason for war. [ That's life. Doesn't matter where you are; something's bound to go to shit one way or another. Multiple times. ] Before I was pulled here, half the Continent was burning. So nothing's changed.

[ Libertas is a pile of smouldering ruins; he imagines Nott looks much the same. Winter will hit Thorne harshly. More will die. No one in the castle, of course. But the fields? The farms?

He tosses some kindling on the fire pit and lights it with a burst of heat from his palm. The flame catches easily on the dry tinder. Yeah. He heard the same from Thancred and Yennefer. Doesn't surprise him Ellya made a show of it to her people. Dramatic fuckers, royalty. ]

Cities rebuild eventually. [ That's the thing. Everything falls. But they rise just the same. ] Libertas will, too.

[ He listens as Geralt speaks, and - it's not comfort, not really, to know someone else has seen variations of the same, in what they've lived at home and now here. But it is steadying somehow in a way Claude can't put a finger upon; maybe it's from growing up watching Almyra's relentless war with Fodlan, frustrated with how pointless it was but otherwise unafflicted unless it resulted in some other vitriol his way. Or from then being in Fodlan to understand the depths the cost of war could reach when it involved the entire land, and having to be the one pulling all the strings to prevent anything besides the least amount of damage possible.

Every world finds a reason. This, at least, he hears as a universal truth, and something to consider on his own later on.

Claude looks up in time to see Geralt light the fire in a method not entirely familiar. It doesn't resemble Reason and the flames he watched friends generate and control before, and that - well, and the fire - is enough for him to stand up and brush the desert off his trousers and approach. Reasonable enough to invite himself over in his mind so he takes a seat a comfortable distance off to Geralt's side, not one to encroach on another's personal space, and takes his gloves off with great care to set aside in case any of the poisonous plant lingers on them. ]

You come from somewhere that has magic as well. With the - [ there's a gesture here that's meant to mimic whatever it was Geralt had done with his hand, though it may or may not be accurate - ] Or something close to it?

[ For once he decides to wait for Geralt's response before adding his own, instead directing his attention to rummage around in his bag again to retrieve a packet of jerky. Claude takes one for himself, then holds the pack out as an offer for Geralt to do the same. ]

[ If Claude were to ever say, he'd get it. The pointlessness of it all, how it doesn't ever affect him as someone who never belongs anywhere in the first place, at any given moment. No nation, no people except the Witchers who are practically myth, dying out. What would he care about war other than to avoid it?

It's a little different here. Here, he's no longer certain of where he stands.

He glances up as Claude invites himself over. He doesn't mind. Just expected Claude to wish to continue on his way picking herbs.

A pause before he accepts the offering. ]

Mm-hmm. [ Yeah. Magic. He doesn't see it as distinct from the magic of this world. Those in Abraxas simply harness it using another technique, but the source is the same chaos. ] Witchers are taught simple Signs for utility.

[ When the offering's accepted, a smile ghosts its way across his face before Claude sets down the packet between them. Might as well share while they're here passing time, or until Geralt wants his solitude back. In the meantime he takes a bite of the jerky before inspecting it like that'll tell him whatever the seasonings on it are. Either way, he'll have to tell Petra her recommendation at the market was a good one.

He pauses when Geralt explains the fire before resuming chewing thoughtfully as though it'll help him parse through that statement. Those are all words he recognizes, yes, if not in their current alignment. Well, save one which feels like the most important part. ]

A witcher.

[ His first thought conjured by that unknown term is of priests and mages, of healers using non-Faith based medicine and the unkind whispers about witchcraft which would pervade even if their cures would more often than not work. But look where assuming got him last time. ]

Is that an occupation in your world?

[ He's trying to not repeat his cube blunder, really. But curiosity wins out in the end, as it always does. ]

[Claude's silence speaks volumes, as it often does— he has always been the type to play things close to his chest, to take great care in what he says, but what he does say aloud, Petra understands well and finds herself agreeing with. She nods and lays a hand against his back as they walk, an offering of solidarity.]

We will be keeping our eyes and ears open.

[She nods to Sylvain, as well, confirming they are on the same page. She hates the thought of anyone being stranded in another city all on their own. Claude, however, for better or for worse, isn't going to have to deal with being all on his own for quite some time, if they have anything to say about it.]

For now, you do not have to be looking so hard. You are being stuck with us!

[ At the arm around his shoulders, Claude immediately turns a long-suffering gaze towards Petra. ]

It's not too late to send him back for Linhardt instead, is it?

[ Three guesses as to who he'd like to return to sender. Jokingly! Humor's needed after unintentionally dampening the mood between the talk of who could arrive, where they might end up, and everything he knows quite well they aren't saying from whatever it is each of them know about what they lived.

He could keep up the prickly act, but that's never been something easy for him to do. Especially not when it's far easier to sling an arm around each of their shoulders, something also easier than openly admitting being touched over the idea of them all sticking together throughout whatever Abraxas might bring. Not alone, not divided. It's almost a wonder. ]

Hm, I think it's more accurate to say that both of you are stuck with me. Before you can develop any regrets about your near future based on that - Sylvain, you happen to put the dining hall in here while you were at it? Just curious.

[ Sylvain makes a mock offended noise as he clutches his chest in a dramatic fashion. Those words hurt, Claude! At least trade him in for someone pretty.

But he doesn't shrug off that arm, chuckling as he shifts slightly, because Claude is just enough shorter than him that this might make it a little awkward to move, but he can adjust. But he rolls his eyes at that question because what does he look like? ]

Please. As if I'd ever forget a detail about that. Pretty sure I spent more time there than anywhere else combined. Huh, think my memory recreated any of the dishes? We should go see.

[ Steve registers what Claude says, nodding but not reacting much more than that as he focuses on how to best unearth all of the debris that's trapping the survivor inside the room. He orders him first to back up as far as he can into the room, as he's going to need to push some of the debris further into the room to dislodge it. Trying to drag any of the large pieces through a doorway isn't bound to work until he makes some more space.

Thankfully, the survivor isn't badly injured. His voice sounds hoarse and strained from smoke inhalation and yelling for help, but he's able to move, at least.

Once the all clear is given, Steve forces all of his weight and strength against the pile of debris, forcing enough of it out of place that tiny gaps open up, allowing him to peer through and see the man on the other side. He continues to offer reassuring words and then starts to pick up smaller pieces of rubble that he can get his grip around now, tossing them into the gap behind him (after making certain no one happens to be down there).

Slowly but surely, he's making an opening in the doorway. Now it's just a matter of keeping this up until there's enough space for the man to come through.

It's around this time that both Steve and the survivor hear movement on the rooftop above their heads.

"Oh no, what now," grumbles the man as he sends a wary glance up to the hole overhead. ]

Don't worry. I think that's a friend of mine.

[ It's most likely Claude, anyway. Who else would be on the roof? ]

[ One quick peer into the room below confirms it's exactly where he wants to be, though that's confirmed more by hearing Steve's voice than by the man staring up at him like he's the strangest sight of the day. And, well - Claude just might be. ]

Good news, if we can get back up to the roof there's a much easier way back around than all of us having to clear where the floor's collapsed out there.

[ This is announced while he surveys the ground below, notes a few pieces of furniture they can repurpose as a makeshift ladder to the roof again, and then there's nothing to do but lower himself by gripping a roof beam and dropping to the floor below him with slightly less grace than he would've hoped. No matter; he's still counting it a success. While Steve works on clearing the doorway, Claude turns to the man who is, understandably, looking at him skeptically. ]

He's much better at moving heavy things than I am. [ Said with a nod back over his shoulder in Steve's direction and with a smile exaggerated so it'll hopefully show despite his mask, which makes the man relax ever so slightly. That's a good start. ] My name's Claude, it's nice to meet you. Would you mind if I checked you over a bit before we get you out of here?

[ There's a begrudging sort of acceptance and Claude hands over his waterskin to the survivor before going through a list of basic battlefield assessment now bolstered by what Nadine's taught him. The man is in good shape all things considered, though there's a particularly nasty looking scrape along one of his forearms Claude would feel much better about healing slightly before they go on the move. ]

I'd like to help with this if I can. Is it alright if I use some healing magic on you? You'll still need to get checked out in one of the infirmaries but this should take any pain away. [ He glances up to be met with a frown, and, well. He gets that. Probably falls under the kind of magic the Free Cities questions, if Claude had to guess. ] You don't have to if it makes you uncomfortable, promise. If you'd like to see what it'll do before deciding, I can use it on Steve first. Well, assuming Steve's also okay with it. If not, I have some supplies with me I can use to clean that wound which should also make it feel much better.

[ Claude may have realized by now Geralt's habit of speaking with almost no context given until asked. He doesn't appear to mind the questions, though. More a sense that sees no need to volunteer details where they may not be needed or wanted. ]

Sort of. [ He tears a piece of the jerky and pops it into his mouth. (It's not bad. Actually seasoned.) ] We're our own kind. We kill monsters for coin. Not many of us these days.

[ He'd left it as hunter the last time they spoke, so. This is an added piece of information, however small. He's a little more than a typical monster hunter, a little more than a typical mercenary. ]

And you? You're a soldier? [ Something of the kind, the way Claude's spoken. Someone who's experienced his share of battles at least. ]

[ Sort of. He considers this and the explanation following while taking another bite. It feels like something slots into place, even if he's not sure what, exactly; the mention of few witchers (something Claude still doesn't quite hear as a proper noun) left and being their own kind feels like something. He thinks back to their last conversation and of being on the outside and how they'd each left their own gaps in that.

That, however, is decidedly not the sort of thing one asks casually. He hums thoughtfully in response with his gaze on the fire, content to let that go, and Geralt reverses that question back his way. ]

Also sort of. [ A rueful smile since that qualification feels rather apt. Claude picks up a twig from the tree nearby and tosses it into the fire, which consumes it immediately. ] I suppose I could've been considered one as a teenager through the academy I attended though they were quick to remind us we were students whenever possible while still using us as soldiers-adjacent. When the war began, I became a commander. A high-ranking one through a title I had, but all of that's past tense now in more ways than one.

Others have told me it's pointless to speculate on why it is we've been brought here. And yet I do it anyway since because of all of that - arriving into the barracks made a certain amount of sense I wish it didn't, unfortunately.

[ Close enough to a soldier in his eyes. But he understands what Claude means. To many, Geralt could be considered close enough to a sellsword. For him, the distinction is important: both professionally and on a personal level.

His expression turns thoughtful. This. This is something that's little known, if only because the man he uncovered the information is long gone. Vanished months ago. Geralt had not seen him since they escaped the dungeons; they'd spoken once or twice. He'd been wary of him, for one. Someone who saw so fucking much—a power to this day he doesn't fully grasp—he had not wanted to be around it given Ciri.

Still. He glances back towards the fire. ] It isn't. [ Pointless, that is. ] Thorne appears to have known who they wanted to summon, but their spell was not...as accurate as they would have liked. Not at the time. Those they dragged forth by mistake—we wound up in the dungeons.

[ If Thorne has that ability, that book, then the Free Cities, Solvunn, they must as well. Or are they summoning blind? He isn't sure to this day. Without access to where the spell takes place, it's impossible to say. ]

[ That wondering aloud that's not quite an existential crisis but close enough to it: Claude's not really expecting an answer. Or rather, the answer he expects to get is another variation of what he'd mentioned of why wonder at all? There's logic in that, he's sure, but he has always loved a puzzle more than anything else.

Luckily, that's just what Geralt presents him with. Another twig destined for the fire is in his hand but he rests it against the ground as the other man speaks. A frown flits over his face at yet another reminder of Thorne's wrongs. ]

I've heard about Thorne's questionable hospitality towards those they chose to bring here. [ It's slightly a politician's answer, some old habits called forth with that fleeting thought of titles, but. The level of disdain in his voice likely makes his actual (far more negative) thoughts on that clear enough. 'We' didn't escape his notice either. ] Not that I think the Free Cities are particularly benevolent. I also heard about how some who were in Thorne were able to flee to here or Solvunn before summoning began everywhere.

[ Which - wait a minute. Claude sits up straighter as what he sees as potential implications sink in. ]

Surely doing this over and over means they're fine-tuning the steps as they go. And that would mean based on there once being supposed 'mistakes' that they do know of some reason or reasons for why they want that particular person to begin with. And that they know of the worlds we're from, somehow.

[ It is a politician's answer, one to which Geralt simply lifts a hand: the imprisonment is not his point. He may have mentioned it before, Claude likely has heard it elsewhere if not, but what is the purpose behind his statement is what Claude concludes some moments later: that these nations know. They have always known. Thorne at the very least.

That Claude is a soldier of a kind? That he is not the only Summoned with experience in war and battle drawn through the Singularity in Cadens? That is not necessarily a coincidence. Claude is not wrong to read a pattern into it. ]

Mm-hm. [ Exactly. ] I doubt they know the particulars. But I imagine they know more than any of us would prefer.

[ If they did have particulars, they would not have left Ciri alone all this time. Especially not Thorne. No. There remain pieces these nations don't have access to. And what they do know is not entirely clear. It must have something to do with the Arcana signs, though. ]

Edited 2022-10-21 01:07 (UTC)

[ That brief frown turns into a proper brow furrow now after Geralt confirms those suspicions, that what he'd connected together is likely true. It's directed at the fire, at least, but the fire doesn't provide him any answers. ]

I have to say that's even less comforting than finding out you and Ciri also have some kind of time shift but it's not the same as mine. [ Dryly, since - it's a joke, half-heartedly, and it's not much of one considering the reality of what those statements mean. There's a difference between suspecting something and having it all but confirmed, and Claude's remembering that now. Still, he'll force a believable (and short) laugh for the sake of not being entirely bleak. ] It did seem like far too much of a coincidence that most everyone I've met in Cadens either has some kind of military experience or has seen battle. My friends who were summoned, they both have fighting backgrounds as well and in more than war alone. I'm sure that was a mark in all of our favors if they're looking for people to recruit. Or conscript.

[ Now the twig gets tossed into the fire. The gesture doesn't wipe his mind of thoughts, unfortunately, though it would've been nice if it did. They know - that much is clear. Does that also mean they know what's hidden, even if he's the only one hiding something? That's equally disconcerting. ]

What I wouldn't give to see the records I'm certain they're keeping on all of us, both before and after arrival.

[ That's the other point Geralt does not yet mention: that Claude has met only friends from his sphere. Friends, enemies, acquaintances. Loosely linked, perhaps, in some cases, but still linked. This holds true for nearly everyone. He isn't certain if it's deliberate in that sense—but it's possible whatever spell the nations are doing, its reach draws from certain...connections.

Or maybe it's just more Destiny at work. Who the fuck knows? ]

Well. [ He leans his head back against the tree. The fire crackles as the sun sinks, dimming the sky. ] I've nothing to hide either way.

[ Not about himself. They can dig all they want into what he is, where he came from, what he's done. Half of that shit's been immortalized into Jaskier's songs as it is. And no. He doesn't mean only on the Continent. Jaskier's written new ones here, too. ]

[ There's too many loose ends here, and while that's not normally something he minds - it's more troublesome when he doesn't know which to begin with chasing down first. Is it worth wondering why what he knows and what Sylvain's said aligns more closely than Petra's reality where none of that came to pass? Or why it is he remembers Teach differently than they do, but Teach still plays an important part to each of them? Or that if the Abraxan nations know why they were called here, will it really change anything about what the future may bring?

Claude gives Geralt an appraising look after the other says he's nothing to hide, and considers his own response. And then realizes, rather abruptly, that there's not a convenient way for him to answer that in turn - not in any way that wouldn't give away his thoughts, or that he doesn't share a lack of things to keep concealed. Maybe if he wasn't busy dwelling on everything they've spoken about so far in an attempt to forge more connections with what he already knew he could find a way to spin right out of that one. It's his preferred method for dodging anything and tends to not fail, especially if whoever's hearing it isn't the type to press for more answers.

But in the end, Claude for once says nothing at all and potentially confirms what goes on unsaid on his end regardless as they sit in quiet by the fire. By the time night approaches and it's time to head back, he's no closer to any resolutions as he bids Geralt a farewell with a nod at the city gates. He'll be thinking about all of this for a while to come yet. ]

[ Extricating the survivor through the roof will likely be the better option here, as Claude's already determined. Leading the injured, likely shaken man through a house that's on the verge of collapse isn't ideal, so Steve's glad to learn that they have another way.

First thing's first, though. He lets out a little scoff to himself at Claude's comment about him, but it's not like he's wrong. Steve is more than capable of clearing away the blockage himself, and continues to work on pulling pieces free and then tossing them below.

As Claude offers healing to the man, it's really no surprise that there's some hesitation at first. The people of the Free Cities are particular with the type of magic that they approve of, for whatever reason. Steve knows that it all goes back to their centuries-long conflict with Thorne, but in a situation like this, it feels ridiculous to balk at it. ]

Sure, you can use it on me. [ He's already handed himself over to Claude's magic once and it hadn't been a disaster. Granted, there isn't much to heal on him, but if it sets the civilian at ease, then sure.

By this point, Steve's cleared the debris away to the point that he can actually step through and into the room. He doesn't approach immediately, not wanting to spook the man even further, although at this point the guy's looking between him and Claude, assessing.

"You've gone to all this effort to come to my rescue," he says after a long pause. "Would be a bit silly of me to turn down your help now." So with that, the survivor nods to Claude and holds his arm out. ]

[ Steve's confirmation that he is, yet again, willing to be a test for what Fodlan magic he knows gets a nod from Claude. From there, it's but a second's delay before Recover is sent Steve's direction. If the other man has any general aches, pains, bruises, cuts and scrapes, or simply the muscle strains that come along with all of this, they'll either disappear or be greatly muted. Something he couldn't have managed in Fodlan, given he wasn't much of a magic user, but. It's fortunate that it works here.

After that display and with Steve still standing, the survivor does seem more convinced. To the point of holding out his arm in the acceptance Claude had hoped for, so he's quick to give the man another smile. ]

That's the spirit. Give me just a moment, alright?

[ One more appraisal of the man's arm now that he's been granted permission, and then it's time to send Recover over it in hopes to patch up as much of that wound as he possibly can. It seems fate's on Claude's side once more as the wound closes beyond being only just scabbed over with the skin looking less inflamed and some of the bruising gone. The result's not perfect - a medic or healer will most definitely need to finish a proper treatment - but Claude's pleased enough with it. The man seems suitably impressed (if not still slightly unnerved) so that'll do.

Afterwards comes another familiar feeling: weariness like he's run too far, too fast, too long; the mild cost of casting taxing spells in quick succession. Nothing he can't shake off, but best to not over-exert himself with any more magic for now. With everyone in good shape, Claude looks back up at their planned exit through the ceiling. ]

I'm thinking if we move those, [ said now to Steve with a point to some smaller storage chests and then a solid-looking desk, ] onto the desk, we can create something close to stairs to get out of here. What do you think?

[ That burst of magic that envelops him and gives him a little boost is nicer than Steve had really expected. He usually isn't the one who needs to be healed like this, given how quickly his wounds knit up on their own, but it does take away some minor aches that he had from their journey through the collapsing house as well as giving him an injection of fresh energy.

He spreads his arms to show the civilian that he's just fine, and also gives him an encouraging nod.

After that, it's all Claude, who takes to healing the survivor's wound with care. Even if the man would have managed even without the spell's effects, it's nice to see his arm looking a whole lot less red and angry.

Yet Steve doesn't miss the toll this takes on Claude. He's lost a shade or two in his complexion and also has some perspiration beading at his hairline and forehead. Well, the sooner they can all get out of here, the better.

At Claude's suggestion for how to do that, Steve takes note of the crates and the desk, as furniture which hasn't been completely destroyed and they could therefore use. He could just as easily pick them both up one by one and hop up through the hole in the roof, but he doesn't know how comfortable Claude or the civilian will be with that. So... ]

Sure, we can give it a try.

[ The sun's almost completely set outside. They need to make the most of the daylight they have left, and so he quickly gets to work with stacking the crates from the floor up to the desk, building a makeshift staircase of sorts.

He turns back to Claude and the survivor then, nodding to Claude specifically. ] You give it a shot first. Everything should hold steady. I'll wait right here just in case you lose your balance.

[ Steve once again makes much quicker work of arranging what's needed for their exit than he could've managed, and he sends a glance the survivor's way as if to say, see? Purely for entertainment's sake since Claude imagines they could all use something more light-hearted now, but. It doesn't seem to earn him more than a look back. Fair enough.

Their way out's assembled, and all that's left is to test it. Even before Steve speaks up Claude's in the middle of taking a step forward to volunteer himself on that first climb both to test it out and demonstrate, and he nods while hopping up onto the desk as the first metaphorical hurdle there. ]

You've got it. We'll be out of here in no time at all at this rate.

[ Added more for their new friend's benefit than Steve's since Claude's guessing his teammate here knows that as well as anyone. With light steps so as to not knock any of the crates over and to prove their sturdiness, Claude walks up until the ceiling is in reach. For someone used to climbing, it's not much of a hop up to grasp where he needs to go next nor is it particularly difficult to pull himself up and out onto the roof.

It does give him a chance to pat around the roof tiles in his immediate reach to make sure they're all secure and unlikely to cause anyone to slide or loose their grip. They seem to be in good shape, and he has high hopes getting out will prove much easier than getting in to where the man was trapped. All that's left to do now is lean over to look down to where the other two are hopefully still waiting as he kneels back down, ready to grab the hand of anyone who needs added assistance on the brief climb out. ]

It shouldn't take us too long to get back across the roof. There's just a bit of climbing down involved on the other side, but nothing quite like this.

[ It's no surprise that Claude is eager to demonstrate the climb up the makeshift stairs, and Steve simply stands back with his arms crossed and watches, searching for any signs of unsteadiness in how the different crates are stacked on each other. Claude's nimble enough that he makes the whole thing look easy, but this is probably as safe as it's going to get.

They can assist the civilian with getting out easily enough now, though. Steve's glad to hear that this little climb will be the worst of it, based on what Claude's already scouted out. ]

Good to know. [ He nods to the survivor. ] You next, come on. [ He helps him up onto the desk and then hovers nearby as the man does the rest of the climb on his own, just in case he loses his balance and goes tumbling down again.

Claude's ready with a hand stretched down to oversee the last part of the process, and soon enough they've got the man up on the roof. Steve is fairly sure there's no one else trapped in this house, having kept an ear open this entire time on the off chance, so he can leave without any second thoughts.

While he doesn't really need the stairs, he climbs them anyway and then pulls himself up onto the shingles of the rooftop. That last sliver of sun glares almost defiantly at the horizon line. ]

Everyone good? Let's get you down to ground level. [ Steve looks from the man they rescued to Claude. ] Lead the way.

[ It may just be one person, but it still feels good to have done something. It still opens up a little more of the tightness in his chest. ]

[ As the man reaches up for him when he's in range, Claude grips his hand and leans back to balance them both as slight leverage to get him up and out of the damaged house. With a gesture for the man to wait and not get any ideas about racing off across the tiles unsupervised, he waits for Steve to successfully get out himself before standing up. There's another sigh of relief under his breath and well-disguised within moving since why linger where none of them want to be?

With that he leads the way back, deliberately taking slow steps to remind the survivor to be careful even if all of them are eager to keep going. Claude hadn't come across any loose tiles, planks, or otherwise, but with his luck now would be the time they decide to surface. And the last thing they need is undoing the good work they've done so far, and he's determined to get this man to safety.

One person. One person less in the rubble, one person hopefully able to reunite with their loved ones. It helps. It has to. ]

Alright, this will likely be the trickiest part, [ he announces when they arrive to where he'd climbed up. The sunset is casting shadows which weren't there before and the angle of looking down from the roof to the ground can be disorienting. having flown at high heights for years now means it doesn't phase him, but Claude glances up to see the survivor looking on a few shades past incredulous. ] I promise it looks more intimidating than it is. And we're not going to let you fall, got it?

[ Claude first takes a seat on the roof's edge to show it's sturdy and waves for the man to do the same. He's less concerned about Steve in this, if only because it's quite clear Steve's more than capable of many things as he's learned, so after talking through the steps of what they're going to do there's nothing left but demonstrating the way down. There's a terrace below with the window to crawl through on their slightly meandering way back in, so he lowers himself down to where there's beams to grip as another makeshift ladder to show they're also secure enough to support someone. One last jump and he's on firm(ish) ground again looking up at the two men above. ]

See, nothing to it. From here there's only one more level and we'll be back on the ground to get you to where you need to go.

[ As they make their way across the blessedly steady rooftop, Steve notes that the man they successfully extracted from the house more or less listens to everything they have to say, following along dutifully but quietly. He's probably in a state of shock, especially now that they're up here and there's still enough light to see at least the immediate surroundings. There are a whole lot more bombed-out buildings where this one came from.

No doubt his thoughts are running in a million different directions, thinking of all the people he cares about and whether they were as lucky as him. There's a good chance some of them weren't, but that's not something that they should get into until they're safely back on solid ground. Steve's relieved that the civilian hasn't devolved into throwing panicked questions at them just yet.

Before he knows it, Claude has led them to the place where they'll need to climb down. It doesn't look like much to him, but he's sure that for someone who's just lived through such an ordeal, it's got to be intimidating. Claude goes first, demonstrating the way that it should be done, and that seems to at least give the survivor some reassurance that he isn't going to slip and fall after all this. He looks back to Steve, who gives him an encouraging nod as well. ]

You're doing great. This is just the home stretch, all right?

[ Steve remains up top to oversee as the man carefully climbs down, following Claude's footsteps. It all unfolds without incident, allowing Steve to bring up the rear in climbing through the window.

Once they're all inside, Steve silently meets Claude's gaze and gives him a small approving nod. He's doing a great job with all this, too. ]

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[ OPEN ] hide your love, don't be shy

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