[7th Song - Voice]

[sonicosuper]

 Excuse me, everyone. I don't mean to be a nuisance...

*Sonico pauses there, her breathing soft and shallow as though she's in some difficulty*

I am looking for some help. Just someone to help me with some grocery shopping. I really don't want to inconvenience anyone but at the moment -

*Here she stops to cough. It's only a small one, but Sonico gasps as though in some kind of pain. She is as quiet as she can be about it, though. When she speaks again her voice is slightly more of a whimper*

If anyone can help, that'd be much appreciated -

*It sounds like she might have said more but she stops her message there. It was exactly why she didn't use video in the first place - so people wouldn't see how much she is hurting*

Comments

[infinitejustice]

[About 70 minutes later, Athrun reaches the apartment, groceries in hand. He begins working his way to Sonico's unit, and when he arrives, knocks on the doorframe.]

Hello?

[sonicosuper]

Hello!

*Sonico does her best to call to him from her bedroom, but it does hurt to shout too loudly. She is lying on top of the covers in tshirt and shorts, so the bruise on her ribs is hidden. There are two long red cuts down her legs that are visible, though. Carefully, she tries to sit herself up, but she appears to be struggling*

[infinitejustice]

[Athrun steps into the unit, closing the door behind him. He walks to Sonico's bedroom to check on her and show that he bought what she asked for.

He ultimately stops in his tracks when he sees her legs.]

...You didn't say anything about your legs. What in the world happened?

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico tries harder to sit up when she sees Athrun in the door, and she wriggles as though to hide her legs under the blanket, but it clearly causes her some pain so she winces and stops*

Oh. Yes. Well, that happened before the ribs. But it's not a big deal - the doctor said there would probably be no scarring. Isn't that good?

[infinitejustice]

[Athrun frowns.]

Good? No. Good would have been not getting injured in the first place.

Again, what happened?

[He doesn't like that Sonico dodged the question. If she's not comfortable telling him, then she should just say so.]

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico lowers her eyes at his first comment, feeling suddenly quite embarrrassed about it all*

No...But it wasn't my fault. I was swimming in the pond and I was attacked...by a big birdlike creature. I think it wanted to eat me... It scratched me and crushed me.

*Her voice is soft and quiet, evidently upset about the whole thing*

[infinitejustice]

[Athrun stares in shock. He doesn't budge an inch for several seconds. Then, without any warning, he walks over to Sonico and bends over to hug her. He's mindful of her ribs, and so he wraps his arms around her shoulders. But it's still a hug.]

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico looks up in surprise when Athrun suddenly comes closer. For a second, she isn't sure what he's going to say to her. But he doesn't say a thing, and she in turn lifts the arm that's easiest to rest over his shoulder behind his neck as a return hug*

[infinitejustice]

[Athrun continues to hold Sonico in his hug for another moment. As he does, he speaks.]

I'm sorry that you went through that.

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico leans against him gently as he continues to hold her*

Please don't be sorry. It wasn't your fault. Besides, I'll be better soon.

[infinitejustice]

[At this point, Athrun finally pulls back. He stands upright, but he still looks downcast.]

Will you do me a favor? If you're ever injured or sick again, please don't try to hide it. All it does is it makes me worry even more.

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico watches him as he stands again, but looks down at her lap when she sees the expression on his face*

I wasn't trying to hide it. I just...didn't think it mattered, or that it would be of much interest to anyone.

*She tries to readjust the pillow she's leaning on and winces*

But I will tell someone if I get hurt, in future.

[infinitejustice]

Thanks. That's all I ask.

[Athrun takes a deep breath. As he exhales, his facial expression softens. Sonico's well-being is something he cares about.]

Anyway, I picked up your groceries for you. I was able to get everything you put on your list.

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico watches his expression change, feeling better to see him look that bit happier. She doesn't smile, though, and still looks quite grave when she sees the bags*

Oh, thank you... Thank you so much. I'm sorry - I must be such a nuisance to you!

[infinitejustice]

[He shakes his head when he hears Sonico say that.]

Not at all. I enjoy helping my friends when they need it.

[sonicosuper]

*Still, she sighs gently as she begins to try to get up from the bed*

I appreciate that but I'll need to repay you some time... You came when my friends left, and helped me in the library, and now this...

[infinitejustice]

If you want to repay me, then the best way to do that is find a way to be happy and healthy. I honestly couldn't ask for more than that.

[Well, maybe he could, but he isn't thinking about that right now.]

Anyway, if you don't mind, I'd like to help put the groceries away.

[sonicosuper]

*Finally up from the bed, Sonico wobbles lightly on her feet and does her best not to let the pain show*

Just this way, and I'll let you know where everything goes. I don't know about happy and healthy, but when I eat I can take my pain medication, and that's a good start.

[infinitejustice]

Well, of course. But you're on the road to recovery, which is the important part.

[Athrun follows closely behind. He'll be able to quickly lend support if Sonico needs it.]

[sonicosuper]

I suppose...

*The kitchen Sonico sat herself down in her seat and started telling Athrun where to put different things*

I wish I'd asked to get some cake.

*Then a thought suddenly occurs to her*

I haven't offered you any tea yet!

*She tries to get up but the movement is too quick and she cries out in alarm*

[infinitejustice]

Hey, wait!

[Athrun immediately stops what he's doing and dashes right over. He tries to carefully guide Sonico back into the chair.]

Take it easy. It's all right. You don't need to brew any tea.

[sonicosuper]

*Biting her lip to stop from crying out any more, Sonico let Athrun help her back into the chair*

But I haven't offered, and you're my guest. I should do something...

*She stops speaking, placing a hand on her side, lightly over where her bruise is beneath her shirt*

[infinitejustice]

It's fine. Really. I don't mind in the slightest.

[He gently places a hand on her shoulder to emphasize the point.]

You don't need to do anything for me. I promise.

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico looked up into his face - at first her face is worried and concerned, but he manages to reassure her, so eventually she smiles, gently*

Okay, if you're sure. But if you're hungry or thirsty or anything, please help yourself.

[infinitejustice]

I will. Thank you.

[Athrun then resumes putting the groceries away. He has nothing else to say at the moment.]