one x one with jae bird

[thingie]

joby's enlightened change of mood brought comfort to madeline, regardless of the circumstances. it wouldn't be easy, to help him regain his memories, but it was a challenge she was more than willing to take. he wanted to know everything. that would have to include the baby. that was the biggest thing that was going for the both of them, and now, joby had no memory of it. she didn't want him to freak out over the fact that she was pregnant with his child, and she could still keep it a secret while it wasn't obvious. joby already had a million things on his mind anyway. releasing a small sigh, madeline leaned in. "you're no stranger, joby. you've met so many wonderful people in your life that love you and adore you." the woman cupped her hands, smile growing. "you have my word." madeline knew that everything would come in due time, but ramming everything onto him all at once was something that would need to be gradual, and it was always best to start with the small things, the small memories, before leading onto much larger ones.

[xiao.]

joby was eager to learn, and be told of all his memories. her words and smile were comforting, and he felt himself relax. "i really can't thank you enough. i promise i'll repay you somehow. i mean, i know you probably care about me, but i just feel like you don't have to help me, but you are." he said, suddenly feeling a bit frustrated at not being able to remember her, or any of his friends. he just wanted to remember. but no matter how deep he dug, it just seemed like his brain got foggier and more confused. "i just want to go home..." he sighed softly, closing his eyes. "i can't remember what home is like, but i'm sure it's warm and a lot more comforting than.. this." he motioned around the hospital room with a frown.

[thingie]

madeline's grin faltered. "you don't need to thank me, or repay me in any way. i'm doing this because-" she cut herself off, gaze falling to the floor as she gently tucked away a strand of her hair. "i care about you; you're a great guy joby, and that part of you has never left." she didn't like how unfamiliar she felt with him. before then, she felt like she could say anything to him. now, it felt like they were two cautious friends, panicking over what to say and what not to say. madeline quickly caught onto a few tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she wiped them away with her forefinger, hoping that he wouldn't notice. her crooked smile returned as she tightened her hold on the straps of her purse. "i know, it's no fun being cooped up in here. but you'll be out of here in no time, i promise." cautiously, she outstretched a hand, placing it atop his own, the warmth of her palm landing atop his knuckle.

[xiao.]

joby looked at her, like a lost child looking for answers. "i... well, still, thank you. i hope i don't disappoint you. and i'm sorry for treating you like a stranger... i know it must be weird." the man let his gaze fall back down to his hands, biting the inside of his cheek. when she placed her hand over his, he blinked, but it didn't feel as weird as he thought it would. it was actually comforting, and he didn't mind at all. "i know. but i'm not looking forward to being stuck here.." he mumbled, secretly hoping she'd come visit him again soon.
[ do you want to timeskip now or should we wait? ]

[thingie]

// yeah, we can timeskip! i'll start it

madeline straightened herself, stiffening a little once she realized what she was doing. slowly, she drew back her hand, rising from the chair, giving joby one last smile. "it's no problem, really." she made her way over to the door, turning her head back. "i'll be back to check on you soon."

the two weeks that had gone by without joby felt like ages. she could hardly sleep, her mind whirring about not only him, but everything else that was going on. she tried to take away a part of her stress through painting, which did a little bit of good, but not enough to set her mind completely at ease. the morning joby was ready to come, madeline was pretty early. once there, she checked herself in, seating herself over by the waiting, every part of her anxious.

[xiao.]

joby had spent all his time laying in bed, wondering when she would come visit him next. he had tried a few times to leave his room, but the nurse always caught him and made him get back into bed. it was miserable. all he could do was worry and hope that everything would turn out okay. finally, when the day came that he could leave, he practically jumped out of bed. the doctor led him down the hallway to the front, where he saw madeline waiting for him. he smiled a little, slowly approaching her. "hey... it feels like i've been stuck in here for ages." he spoke quietly, feeling a little shy for some reason.

[thingie]

madeline's eyes caught onto joby's as he entered the main office, rising to her feet. for whatever reason, she was happier than she'd ever been since the accident, in spite of how tired she was. just seeing him here, up and away from the confinements of the hospital bed, was enough to make her hopeful. "i'll bet," she mused, slinging on her purse from the side of the chair as she walked over to the front desk, filling out a few discharge papers. the young woman handed back the clipboard and gently placed a hand on joby's shoulder, guiding him over to the exit. "so, how are you feeling?" she asked, tilting her head a little.

[xiao.]

joby stood next to her, for some reason feeling more comfortable around her than the doctors. he looked down at her, feeling her hand on his shoulder. "i feel.. better, i guess. my ribs and fingers still hurt a little, but... i don't know. i'm just nervous, mostly." he let out a deep breath, shuffling towards the door. once they were outside, he squinted at the bright light of the sun, putting his hand up to block it. he studied his surroundings, but he didn't recognize where they were. "so... how far away is our apartment?" he asked, feeling a little nervous about getting in another car. what if they crashed and then both of them ended up in the hospital? there was a million things that could happen, but joby tried to clear those thoughts away and tell himself that they would be fine.

[thingie]

the young woman offered a grin of approval. "well, it beats staying in the hospital, right?" she made an attempt for a joke, even though it was a little far-fetched. "it's okay if you're a little nervous. getting back into your old life will definitely take some getting used to," madeline chirped, the rays of sun casting over both of their frames as they stepped outside. "and the apartment isn't far. just a few blocks away from here." her lips formed into a flat line as she scouted out the sidewalk, the streets as quiet as they'd ever been for a sunny saturday morning. "i figured you didn't want to ride in a car, and the weather is so nice.." madeline drew back her hand, though kept a short stride for joby. "would you like to head over to the apartment first? to show you around?"

[xiao.]

joby nodded, knowing she was right. "i guess so." he mumbled, looking around. he was glad there was no one around for once, it made him feel a bit more comfortable. "yeah, i don't know if i'll ever get back to normal. whatever normal was." he sighed, kicking a rock into the street. he was grateful for her help, but he wasn't sure how long it would take before he was used to his new life. it could take months, or even years. he began walking next to her, taking it slow. he was a bit wobbly, since he hadn't moved around much at all lately. "it's okay. i guess i need to get used to walking around again. i'm lucky i didn't hurt my legs or it would be a lot worse." joby was glad she didn't come in a car. he wasn't ready for that yet. "yes, i'd like that. i also should put some better clothes on."