❧ i n b o x

[abheirrant]

—pposed to know when to start speaking? That wasn't a very thorough explanation on what I'm to do this, now was it? Hello? Hello? Are you listening to me? Are you even still ther— [beep]

Comments

[AUDIO]

[sleepyhollowed]

[When Kieran calls, his tone is uncertain at first, but it eventually grows a little more confident. This is a buddy that he's calling about something that will hopefully help him feel better about some less-than-fortunate stuff. It shouldn't be a big deal, right?]

[Ugh, these nerves are so stupid!!]

H-Hey, Carlisle! When you get a chance, are you good fer talkin'?

[audio]

[abheirrant]

Of course, Mister Kieran. Any time and any place for you.

[Because, you know. Life debt.]

[sleepyhollowed]

[Don't be weird with that life debt, Carlisle!!!!]

Well, I was doin' some thinkin' a-and uh...

[Oh no this suddenly got really hard.]

[Except Kieran has!!! To get!!! Over it!!!]

D-Did... did ya wanna try, y'know f-finishing up with my eyes?

[abheirrant]

[Honestly, he'd thought Kieran would never ask. He'd assumed the man would rather remain blind than risk another incident, that he'd only agreed to think on whether or not he'd allow Carlisle to finish the job about of politeness. To hear him actually offer Carlisle the chance to make amends makes the floor drop out from under him for a second. He finds his words.]

Y- yes! Yes I would, if- if that is what you desire. And I swear to you on my family's name that it will go well this time.

[His name might not have much value these days, especially in a place like Anchor, but it matters to him.]

[sleepyhollowed]

[Although Kieran doesn't catch onto exactly how much the offer means to Carlisle, the other man's tone and clear dedication to the cause say enough. Just knowing that this is helping Carlisle makes it a lot easier for Kieran, too. Putting his comfort aside is worth making someone else happy.]

Don't worry about swearin' things and all that. I-I trust you to finish the job right even without it.

[He smiles, and hopefully it's evident in his voice.]

Though, i-if you really wanna go that far, you can swear on me, I dunno, maybe seein' my horses again? Does that work?

Sorry for the delay!

[abheirrant]

Yes, yes that works.

[No, that's not really how it works, but Carlisle is not about to say so and make it seem as though he's not committed to this. Thank goodness this is audio and Kieran is blind, or he'd be able to see just how much the communicator is shaking in Carlisle's trembling hands.]

Wh- where shall I meet you?

No worries!!

[sleepyhollowed]

[If he could see the physical manifestation of Carlisle's emotions, Kieran would undoubtedly bring the other man in for a strong hug. Solidarity and all that.]

I, uh, I ain't sure, honestly. Maybe by the barn?

[It could be a dangerous suggestion, considering what had happened last time, but in all honesty, if the first thing Kieran could see upon having his sight return is one of his horses, that would be the icing on the cake.]

[abheirrant]

Oh, your barn.

[Apparently, Carlisle also considers it a dangerous suggestion, but what better place to make amends for what happened? He steels himself with a breath.]

Yes, your barn will be fine. I will meet you there shortly.

[Carlisle hopes Kieran is already there, or that he can find his way there on his own. Should he offer to help him if he's not? Is it presumptuous to offer? No no no, not worrying about this. Just heal his sight and everything will be fine, Carlisle tells himself. He can do this.

Of course, he thought that last time too, and look what happened.

There were risks then. He knew about them, and better knows them now. Most importantly, he knows how to mitigate them. He is better prepared for the task. He must make things right, prove himself worthy of Mister Kieran's trust. Deciding it best he not dwell any longer on his previous failure and focus on moving forward -- a monumental task for Carlisle, but one he hopes he can accomplish -- he hangs up. He'll be there in a few, Kieran.]