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[peacemongering]

[Open to text, voice, video.]

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[peacemongering]

Well, I haven't had shiners quite like these since I was a much younger man, but nothing occurred that can't be fixed. I suppose worse would be dead, correct?

[The concussion was the hardest part really, but he was resting now and feeling better with a good amount of sleep. Just resting his brain right now.]

I believe assistance was mutual. You have helped me with your guides, and we helped each other in the maze. It seems as if I still owe you.

[armoured]

How about you pay me back by making sure you take care of yourself until you're healed up?

[He chuckles, but there's still a small note of worry in there. He remembers what Mr. Pierce said about being alone.]

Have you found anyone to travel with yet?

[peacemongering]

You have no concerns about that. I will do everything that I can to take care of myself and survive here. You'll do the same, won't you?

[He wasn't truly alone, not with a working network. He was still combing through the mountain of information.]

Not at present, no. I haven't moved very much given my concussion.

[Which might be the first indication of how seriously he took a blow to the head which resulted in his broken nose.]

[armoured]

Oh.

[He didn't know there was a concussion involved too, apparently he was much more hurt than initially thought.]

Have you spoken to one of the doctors?

[peacemongering]

[He obviously hesitated and then covered it with a light cough.]

No. The doctors have other matters to attend to.

[armoured]

[The frown is evident in his voice even if it can't be seen.]

I'm sure that's not true, did someone tell you that?

[peacemongering]

I already know the treatment of a concussion. Rest, fluids, no strenuous activity, no reading. Unfortunately, I can't stay in one place long it seems.

[Which he knows doesn't actually answer the question either. Or maybe it does. Alphonse is a smart young man after all.]

[armoured]

[So someone did tell him that. Sadly, there are a lot of people who might say something so mean just to mess with another.]

Mr. Pierce, whoever told you that, they were lying to you. The doctors here are good, uh-- most of them, and I know they'd offer you help if you reached out.

[peacemongering]

[He was being honest with himself; he would never make it to the North to find one of the doctors even if he wanted to. He had no doubt the Winter Soldier was stomping down to the area to search for him, was probably loitering in and around building 149 being a disappointing paranoid mess of a man.]

I'd prefer to keep my ailments to myself, son. I've been harassed by a doctor enough as it is, and it doesn't seem I can allow any vulnerability to show for them to take advantage of.

[armoured]

Was it Dr. House?

[Harassed by a doctor sounds like House's way of working, and Al sounds more than a little frustrated. He and House don't exactly see eye to eye.]

[peacemongering]

It would be best for all that I don't divulge names.

[Ironically, it isn't House. He doesn't mention the fact that he technically harasses House because the man amuses him and is as social as a cactus.]

[armoured]

[That sounds like a yes to him, he sighs.]

Mr. Pierce, I'd like to help you. Please trust me?

[peacemongering]

How would you like to think you can do that, Alphonse?

[armoured]

I'm not sure.

[At least he's honest, though his voice is firm.]

But I won't know unless you try me.

[peacemongering]

I need a few days to rest, but if I travel up to the North, I will contact you. Fair?

[armoured]

[He sighs, but he can't really ask more than that.]

I'd hope you'd contact me anyway just to keep in touch, what else are friends for?

[peacemongering]

Is that what we are? I admit to not having many of those. It's appreciated.

[armoured]

Of course we are. We helped each other out, didn't we? And I'm calling to check in on you because I was concerned, I don't do that for just anyone.

[Yes he does.]

So you'll call me in a few days anyway? Just for my peace of mind, so I know you're healing.

[peacemongering]

We did, yes. It feels as if you are a young man who values life and the connections you make, so pardon me if I don't believe you.

I will call you, certainly.

[armoured]

[He snorts, not at all offended.]

Okay, you caught me, but that means I value your life and our connection too. I'll talk to you soon.

[peacemongering]

I value your concern and your efforts. I will contact you again, Alphonse.

[armoured]

Goodbye, Mr. Pierce!

[And with that, he's gone.]