Strings Of Fate

Chapter 69: A fragile mind

    "It's alright." Alastor cut in gently, already knowing why Angel was apologizing. "It's not your fault." He assured, resisting the urge to reach out for the man. Alastor's nose wrinkled, taking into account the odor. He kept his voice soft. "Can you stand? You look ill."

    Angel shook his head, a sniffle leaving him. "I feel weak.." He admitted, worriedly.

    It was likely due to the exposure to hell and breathing in the dust particles that were causing this. Just by looking at his complexion Alastor knew Angel had a fever at the very least. It wouldn't die, no not even close. If he had stayed down there, however, then yes he would have. Though all that was needed now was time to recover his strength, adjust this world again.

    He didn't want to explain this to Angel, doubting that the Italian could handle it much less understand. So instead offered, "you will be okay. You just need to rest." He extended his hand this time asking, "may I help you up?"

    Angel breathed, glancing up at the offered palm. Alastor waited patiently as the blonde apprehensively reached out. As their fingers brushed Angel's hand retracted slightly, yet Alastor remained, not pushing. He sighed shakily as his hand rested in the others.
   
    It was all so surreal, yet everything about it made his hair stand on end. Unable to calm himself. The warmth of Alastor's hand on his skin, his voice, being able to sense him. It left him feeling complete once again, but bothered all the same.

    Alastor was careful as he pulled Angel to his feet. Brows furrowed at the way the blonde's legs shook violently. He could hardly stand probably his body collapsing against Alastor's and eventually his legs giving out.

    The brunette sighed, "I'm going to pick you up, okay?" He announced kneeling once more. Angel only nodded, unable to help the flinch when Alastor touched him. His lips pressed together as he picked the blonde up, noticing how light he was. Why.

    Angel's breathing was uneven and he continued to shake as Alastor carried him up to the main level. It was a relief to no longer have that foul smell invading his senses. Though it did linger on the brunette, to a lesser degree.

    Alastor paused at the bottom of the stairs, looking down at the man in his arms. Angel's eyes looked cloudy, not attempting to hold onto Alastor or touch him in any way. Just holding himself.

    "Will you let me take care of you?" He asked, not wanting to do so without Angel's permission. Normally he wouldn't have, but with the state his partner was in, it was needed. "You appear unwell and I'm sure you have a fever." He elaborated.

    There were a few beats of silence as Angel mulled over the question. He wanted to shut himself away honestly, though with the state he was in that probably wasn't best right now. "...Alrigh'." He decided meekly.

    As he started up the stairs, Alastor kept his voice in that same quiet tone he'd used before. "I'm going to run a bath for you, is that alright?" As they reached the top of the stairs he paused to check Angel's reaction. A silent nod and Alastor continued towards the bathroom.

    Despite his calm demeanor, he was very worried. About Angel, if his mind was broken. Or if this was temporary. Of course, it was expected, yet he knew and seen this multiple times not just in humans but demons. When they saw too much or something their mind just couldn't handle. It broke them.

    He just hoped Angel hadn't been broken.

    He set the blonde down on the closed toilet seat as he moved to start the bathwater. Despite his own variations, Alastor was adaptable to change. For the time being, Angel didn't need anymore stress.