My Little Hidey Hole :)

Shiloh - They/them. Anxious wreck.

[shi-and-loh]

"Probabilities are high, certainties are not."

<More Info Ooc under cut>

Welcome to my newest blorbo!! They're just a liiiiiil fucked up, not by much :3 This is an in universe blog. Anything they reblog is something Shiloh would *actually reblog*. Creeps DNI. No NSFW. Period.

Anons are treated as Metropolis citizens that Shiloh hasn't met (strangers), unless specified otherwise.

> Name >> Shiloh Murphy

> Age >> 21

> Pronouns >> They/them (Will not correct if you she/her or he/him them)

> Sexuality >> Aro/Ace

> Appearance

> Height >> 5'6

> Voice Description >> Monotone, smooth, midranged tenor. Somewhat raspy on bad days.

> Fun Facts [Will be updated] >> Disabled! Audhd, breathing issues, does have to use a cane on occasions where they have joint flare ups. >> Grew up in Central City, so is fairly used to meta-humans fucking around. >> Extremely quiet.

> Hobbies >> Crochet >> Piano >> Reading >> Physics.

Relevant tags: #Shi-n-loh - General posts #Long hours with Lexcorp - work posts #Shi-nanigans - bs they get into on accident #Shi thoughts - Blog Posts to their in universe account, typically indicated by this use of red.

If you agere or have an acc that ageres with a character, please do not follow as uncomfortable or triggering subjects may be discussed on this RP blog.

Triggering topics on this blog may include: -Murder -Violence -Manipulation -Paranoia -Distrust -Panic Attacks -Anxiety -Death -Grief -Transphobia -Exorsexism -Misgendering

Again, this is a Detective Comics role-play blog. If you are unaware of the general darkness that revolves around Detective Comics' storylines, please educate yourself in a manner that is non-harmful to your or other's mental healths.

Anyways, always open for RP as long as it's not nsfw (Sexual) or Romantic. Please do not pursue kidnapping or torturing storylines which are not lighthearted or discussed beforehand, as Mun does not want to see Shiloh be put through that. Please do not force storylines or act as Mun.

[the-rubber-band]

Reblog if you're okay with people coming into your dms or ask box with storylines and rp ideas!

[l--corp]

Shiloh takes a deep breath beside the printer as it hums almost in harmony with their oxygen sitting on the table beside them. It’s heavy, but a must. Especially with their lungs not expanding enough daily. Sure, they’ve lived with this for years but… It’s never easy.

Shiloh coughs— a familiar dry rasp that never quite goes away. Then they check their watch. Two till the check in. They scoop the papers up, grabbing their oxygen. While they’re heading out the door, they neatly put a paper clip on the corner of the stack and then slide it into a folder. They nuzzle the bundle into the crook of their arm, along with Lex’s mail, and stop just outside his office door.

[ A quiet, tentative knock, slightly echoes through Mr. Luthor’s office. It’s a tad bit louder than last time. ]

@shi-and-loh

[ Luckily for Shiloh, Lex was in a good mood. A great mood even as he kept checking the monitors watching Ultraman pummel that false god into the ground. The interruption soured his mood a little bit another still of Superman crushed into the pavement made it all the better. ]

Come in.

[shi-and-loh]

[The quiet androgynous assistant walks in and closes the door behind her.]

“…I have your mail and the daily check in, sir...” [She states, not as quiet as the first time Lex saw him but still not super loud. She hesitates, but then walks cautiously up to the desk to offer him the manila folder with the papers containing the check in. The mail is neatly tucked under their arm still.]

[l--corp]

[ Luthor hummed, as he snapped his fingers impatiently before opening his hand for the folder. He glanced at Shiloh, a brief, cutting flicker of approval and gave a single, sharp nod. Then his eyes slithered back to the monitors, still blazing with the image of Ultraman pummeling Superman into a bloody, twitching mess.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

His lips curled into something cruel and hungry. He tilted his head, watching a fresh spray of red arc across shattered the concrete.

Where are your friends, Superman?

A sickening crack echoed through the lab speakers. Lex's smile widened.

Who comes to save a pariah, Superman?

Slowly, Lex turned back toward Shiloh, who was still standing stiff and silent in his office like a little ghost. Lex mused at him, voice dripping with theatrical sweetness. ]

Assistant,

[ he purred, rolling the word like candy on his tongue. ]

What do you think of Superman?

[ He didn't wait for an answer. Not really. He just wanted to hear someone say it. He couldn't care less what his assistant parroted back at him. Tonight, Lex Luthor was giddy to get to work. ]

[shi-and-loh]

[Somehow.. Shiloh doesn't flinch at the crack coming through the speaker. She obediently hands the extremely well organized files over to him, not saying a word until spoken to. She puts the mail (also organized by importance) onto Lex's desk, then pauses.] [To be honest, they weren't expecting that question. Let alone to be asked anything important. She takes a deep breath, assuming he actually wants an honest answer.] "...I would have to know more to draw a logical opinion, s-sir... I-I don't pay attention to him." [Shiloh replies, her voice quiet and slightly shaky.] "..I-I just do my job..."

[reallyreallyreallytrying]

“average person eats 3 spiders a year” factoid actualy just statistical error. average person eats 0 spiders per year. Spiders Georg, who lives in cave & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted

[reallyreallyreallytrying]

“average person eats 3 spiders a year” factoid actualy just statistical error. average person eats 0 spiders per year. Spiders Georg, who lives in cave & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted

[reallyreallyreallytrying]

“average person eats 3 spiders a year” factoid actualy just statistical error. average person eats 0 spiders per year. Spiders Georg, who lives in cave & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted

[reallyreallyreallytrying]

“average person eats 3 spiders a year” factoid actualy just statistical error. average person eats 0 spiders per year. Spiders Georg, who lives in cave & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted

[reallyreallyreallytrying]

“average person eats 3 spiders a year” factoid actualy just statistical error. average person eats 0 spiders per year. Spiders Georg, who lives in cave & eats over 10,000 each day, is an outlier adn should not have been counted

[l--corp]

Shiloh takes a deep breath beside the printer as it hums almost in harmony with their oxygen sitting on the table beside them. It’s heavy, but a must. Especially with their lungs not expanding enough daily. Sure, they’ve lived with this for years but… It’s never easy.

Shiloh coughs— a familiar dry rasp that never quite goes away. Then they check their watch. Two till the check in. They scoop the papers up, grabbing their oxygen. While they’re heading out the door, they neatly put a paper clip on the corner of the stack and then slide it into a folder. They nuzzle the bundle into the crook of their arm, along with Lex’s mail, and stop just outside his office door.

[ A quiet, tentative knock, slightly echoes through Mr. Luthor’s office. It’s a tad bit louder than last time. ]

@shi-and-loh

[ Luckily for Shiloh, Lex was in a good mood. A great mood even as he kept checking the monitors watching Ultraman pummel that false god into the ground. The interruption soured his mood a little bit another still of Superman crushed into the pavement made it all the better. ]

Come in.

[shi-and-loh]

[The quiet androgynous assistant walks in and closes the door behind her.]

“…I have your mail and the daily check in, sir...” [She states, not as quiet as the first time Lex saw him but still not super loud. She hesitates, but then walks cautiously up to the desk to offer him the manila folder with the papers containing the check in. The mail is neatly tucked under their arm still.]

[orphanedsource]

the place I work at remodeled these split gendered restrooms into “inclusive restrooms” and never told us what they meant while construction was ongoing. I need you to know every atom of potential criticism or whining that could’ve happened disappeared when people found out this meant we got 10 fully separate private bathrooms with sinks inside. I’ve not heard a single person crack a joke about the inclusive signage. this is the world TERFs are trying to steal from you

[revcleo]

This is called a "superloo" and terfs are actively trying to steal this from you, in the UK they changed bathroom regulations to mean new buildings have to prioritise gendered toilets rather than build superloos.

This also upset a lot of architects and designers who like the superloos. They're also typically more like small rooms rather than having doors you can look under.

[villainessbian]

This is the kind of bullshit that new HBO harry potter shit is funding: stupid laws that make everyone's life worse, just so it can impact trans people more.

[thechains-thatbind]

It takes about.. maybe a couple minutes.. fifteen? For them to wake up again. By the time they do, they have a massive headache.

Their joints are stiff too. It hurts for them to move.. "...mm.. wheelchair..." They mumble to themselves, trying to get their bearings... @shi-and-loh

Surprisingly, the man wasn't still hovering over them. In fact, he wasn't even within the living room.

Swerve was casually perched in the kitchen, as if he belonged there from the very beginning. There wasn't much within their fridge, and he was no Michelin star chef by any means, but he managed to make something half decent for both himself and them. It was the least he could do, considering they passed out because of him.

"You awake?" He spoke up, glancing over towards their direction as he heard them starting to rouse from their sleep.

[shi-and-loh]

Another slight rustling as their head starts to split with a migraine. "..mmm..." They respond, clearly out of it. They try to stretch, but wince as they nearly groan again. The oxygen continues to pump on, though that incessant beeping is no longer happening. Luckily their heart rate has declined slightly.

[thechains-thatbind]

He grabbed one of the bowls of Mac and cheese, making sure to set a fork in with it, before heading in their direction. Gently, he set the bowl before them, not paying a second glance as he left to grab his own bowl.

"Eat up. I'm not making you anything else tonight." He commented, leaning against the wall across from them as he began to eat.

[shi-and-loh]

They look up at him, confused, as they stare at the bowl, then back at him again. ".....you broke into my place to make mac n cheese?" They ask, bewildered.

[thechains-thatbind]

"Actually was here to sleep, but that got interrupted obviously." He shrugged, casual as can be.

He picked at the food with his fork, occasionally taking a bite or two. "Needed someplace to stay. I sure as hell wasn't going to use the coat as blanket." The man nodded towards the fur jacket that still laid on the chair.

[shi-and-loh]

"....You what?" They ask in response, quietly taking the jacket off the chair that's right close to them. Oh shit nope bad texture. They drop it unceremoniously on the floor before scooping up the bowl of mac n cheese and stirring it almost suspicious of it.

"...Are you from Gotham?"

[thechains-thatbind]

Almost immediately, Swerve let out a long sigh. He placed his bowl on the coffee table and retrieved the jacket, placing it neatly back onto the chair. He was muttering something about keeping it clean and presentable, but it was too quiet to properly hear.

He paused as they asked their question, glancing back towards them. "Gotham?" That was definitely not a city name he'd heard before, and he'd been around enough states to know most big cities. "Nah. Never even heard of it." He shrugged.

[shi-and-loh]

Shiloh tilts their head a little at his behavior, slowly grabbing the jacket again and dropping it on the floor, making it look like it just slid off on its own. Then they take a small, skeptical bite of the mac.

Oh damn that’s good.

“…New york..?” They ask, taking another guess.

[emtmercy]

[thechains-thatbind]

It takes about.. maybe a couple minutes.. fifteen? For them to wake up again. By the time they do, they have a massive headache.

Their joints are stiff too. It hurts for them to move.. "...mm.. wheelchair..." They mumble to themselves, trying to get their bearings... @shi-and-loh

Surprisingly, the man wasn't still hovering over them. In fact, he wasn't even within the living room.

Swerve was casually perched in the kitchen, as if he belonged there from the very beginning. There wasn't much within their fridge, and he was no Michelin star chef by any means, but he managed to make something half decent for both himself and them. It was the least he could do, considering they passed out because of him.

"You awake?" He spoke up, glancing over towards their direction as he heard them starting to rouse from their sleep.

[shi-and-loh]

Another slight rustling as their head starts to split with a migraine. "..mmm..." They respond, clearly out of it. They try to stretch, but wince as they nearly groan again. The oxygen continues to pump on, though that incessant beeping is no longer happening. Luckily their heart rate has declined slightly.

[thechains-thatbind]

He grabbed one of the bowls of Mac and cheese, making sure to set a fork in with it, before heading in their direction. Gently, he set the bowl before them, not paying a second glance as he left to grab his own bowl.

"Eat up. I'm not making you anything else tonight." He commented, leaning against the wall across from them as he began to eat.

[shi-and-loh]

They look up at him, confused, as they stare at the bowl, then back at him again. ".....you broke into my place to make mac n cheese?" They ask, bewildered.

[thechains-thatbind]

"Actually was here to sleep, but that got interrupted obviously." He shrugged, casual as can be.

He picked at the food with his fork, occasionally taking a bite or two. "Needed someplace to stay. I sure as hell wasn't going to use the coat as blanket." The man nodded towards the fur jacket that still laid on the chair.

[shi-and-loh]

"....You what?" They ask in response, quietly taking the jacket off the chair that's right close to them. Oh shit nope bad texture. They drop it unceremoniously on the floor before scooping up the bowl of mac n cheese and stirring it almost suspicious of it.

"...Are you from Gotham?"

[thechains-thatbind]

It takes about.. maybe a couple minutes.. fifteen? For them to wake up again. By the time they do, they have a massive headache.

Their joints are stiff too. It hurts for them to move.. "...mm.. wheelchair..." They mumble to themselves, trying to get their bearings... @shi-and-loh

Surprisingly, the man wasn't still hovering over them. In fact, he wasn't even within the living room.

Swerve was casually perched in the kitchen, as if he belonged there from the very beginning. There wasn't much within their fridge, and he was no Michelin star chef by any means, but he managed to make something half decent for both himself and them. It was the least he could do, considering they passed out because of him.

"You awake?" He spoke up, glancing over towards their direction as he heard them starting to rouse from their sleep.

[shi-and-loh]

Another slight rustling as their head starts to split with a migraine. "..mmm..." They respond, clearly out of it. They try to stretch, but wince as they nearly groan again. The oxygen continues to pump on, though that incessant beeping is no longer happening. Luckily their heart rate has declined slightly.

[thechains-thatbind]

He grabbed one of the bowls of Mac and cheese, making sure to set a fork in with it, before heading in their direction. Gently, he set the bowl before them, not paying a second glance as he left to grab his own bowl.

"Eat up. I'm not making you anything else tonight." He commented, leaning against the wall across from them as he began to eat.

[shi-and-loh]

They look up at him, confused, as they stare at the bowl, then back at him again. ".....you broke into my place to make mac n cheese?" They ask, bewildered.

[thechains-thatbind]

It takes about.. maybe a couple minutes.. fifteen? For them to wake up again. By the time they do, they have a massive headache.

Their joints are stiff too. It hurts for them to move.. "...mm.. wheelchair..." They mumble to themselves, trying to get their bearings... @shi-and-loh

Surprisingly, the man wasn't still hovering over them. In fact, he wasn't even within the living room.

Swerve was casually perched in the kitchen, as if he belonged there from the very beginning. There wasn't much within their fridge, and he was no Michelin star chef by any means, but he managed to make something half decent for both himself and them. It was the least he could do, considering they passed out because of him.

"You awake?" He spoke up, glancing over towards their direction as he heard them starting to rouse from their sleep.

[shi-and-loh]

Another slight rustling as their head starts to split with a migraine. "..mmm..." They respond, clearly out of it. They try to stretch, but wince as they nearly groan again. The oxygen continues to pump on, though that incessant beeping is no longer happening. Luckily their heart rate has declined slightly.

[shi-and-loh]

Maybe his first instinct upon waking up in some alleyway last night shouldn't have been to find the most inconspicuous apartment with an unlocked window, but honestly, he couldn't give a single shit at the time. His focus was honed in on passing out in a semi comfortable space, even if it meant breaking and entering.

He'd tossed the fur coat on one of the chairs, flopping onto the couch unceremoniously. Hopefully, whoever owned the place would still be asleep by the time he woke up. He just needed a few hours of rest before he figured things out.

@thechains-thatbind

There's the faint sound of keys jingling, then the door eventually opens and closes as someone comes in. Whoever it is, they sound.. frazzled as their bag thuds against the floor with a long sigh. "...I need dinner.." A quiet, androgynous voice mumbles to themself, not turning around just yet as the five foot six young adult rests their forehead against the door.

[thechains-thatbind]

Just his luck... they weren't even asleep at this hour. He begrudgingly opened an eye, squinting in the dark to try and see the person. This should be easy, just make sure they don't scream, and he'll be perfectly alright.

Sliding off the couch and onto his feet, he carefully approached, boots faintly clicking against the ground. They were still up against the door as he grew near, stalking like a tiger about to pounce on its prey.

[shi-and-loh]

The androgynous figure sighs a little bit more, starting to turn around before they feel hands around their mouth and under their armpits. The twenty-something year old gives a squeak before they start (predictably) thrashing.

This is technically a break-in and assault.

[thechains-thatbind]

Swerve grumbled at the thrashing. Sure, it was obviously going to happen, but really? This was their best attempt at it?

"Just– stop." There was a sharpness to his tone, though it was softened the tiniest bit by his exhaustion. He tightened his grasp on them, making sure to hook their arms a bit tighter, just as an additional warning.

[shi-and-loh]

Much to his surprise, they do. In fact, they just.. go limp. Full rag-doll. Their head tips down as their breathing keeps speeding up, the slight hiss of a portable oxygen machine starting to grow louder as the user is requiring it more. Shiloh gives a slight (terrified) whimper as they comply best they can.

They have nothing in their back pockets. Only items in their front pockets are their keys and their phone. No pepper spray. No knife. No taser. Nothing.

[thechains-thatbind]

For a moment, he just stood there, mildly surprised at how easy that was. He was used to people going against his advice, not throwing themselves headfirst into it.

It was only then, in the eerie quiet of the room, did he pick up on the sound of the oxygen machine. Oh. That explained the lack of a fight. There was the tiniest inkling of remorse in his brain, but he quickly stomped that out.

"See? No need to panic." He muttered, practically manhandling them over towards the couch. "You're fine."

[shi-and-loh]

They're surprisingly light. Almost too light for someone their age. He can feel their ribs and their shoulder blades poke into his own form as he practically lifts them onto the second-hand couch.

Dry wheezes come from the owner of this apartment that turns slowly into coughs as they (irritatingly enough) are still hyperventilating. The oxygen machine kicks up a little more while they practically just.. let this happen.

[thechains-thatbind]

He slowly released his grasp on them, taking a step back with his arms raised, trying to show he wasn't a threat to them. The thought nearly made him scoff, though.

His gaze flicked back to the machine, trying to process that he'd broken into a disabled persons place. Fuck, he should've just picked the apartment two doors over.

[shi-and-loh]

There's a bit of silence as they try to regain their train of thought (and not go into a panic attack), but they are ultimately unsuccessful. Eventually, the robber (or what they assume to be a robber) is able to notice their right hand rubbing their chest clockwise, their thumb poking out of their first knuckle. It seems to be self soothing in a way, but it's still odd..

The figure coughs a little bit more, trying to regain their breath.

[thechains-thatbind]

His head cocked to the side, trying to figure them out piece by piece. The larger figure leaned down, still hovering several inches away. Brown eyes carefully roamed, dissecting each movement they made.

"Stop it." His voice came out sterner than before, a firm order that he knew they wouldn't ignore.

[shi-and-loh]

They flinch a little, but obey once again, almost shrinking. "...S..sorry.." They practically whisper out between coughing sessions.

[thechains-thatbind]

Swerve raised a brow, watching them flinch away from him. He grumbled under his breath, the word "pathetic" barely audible amongst the other things he said.

He leaned away, pushing himself against one of the walls. The man kept his attention on them, ensuring the unlucky person wouldn't try anything stupid if he looked away for even a second.

Why the fuck would they be apologizing..?

[shi-and-loh]

Another flinch as they barely catch that one word. Then they start to try to self regulate as their eyes flick around. Their mouth forms syllables that don't come out as words. Their hands move to touch four seperate things, as if they're trying to ground themself in the moment. They look like a fuckin' mess, hardly able to fight.. let alone 'try' anything.

[thechains-thatbind]

His eyes followed their hands, picking up on their attempt to ground themself. He'd seen people do similar things in the past with anxiety, though he never really cared to try it himself.

"Calm down." He scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest. Each desperate attempt on their part only made him more annoyed. The man was far from in the mood to babysit someone.

[shi-and-loh]

Another bit of shrinking in on themselves before they breathe in sharply. The owner's hands go up and they almost too rapidly make motions at him. .....Fuck.

'I'm trying!'

[thechains-thatbind]

Swerve's eyes narrowed at the sight, trying to figure out what the fuck they were trying to communicate. His own hands vaguely mirrored the motions, as if doing it himself would somehow help him.

He glanced back at them. "Words. Use them." There was no time to figure out a whole different form of communication.

[shi-and-loh]

Another sharp breath in. This time their face scrunches into what is clearly four separate expressions in nearly one second. Astonishment. Frustration. Exasperation. Then finally.. Rage. "I'M TRYING TO CALM DOWN!" They practically yell in that still extremely quiet rasp of a voice.

Right after.. a dense silence. Their eyes widen as they put both hands over their mouth, as if trying to take away their own voice. They shrink back into a ball, expecting retaliation to be immediate, harsh and intense.

[thechains-thatbind]

It wasn't a wrong assumption. Had they caught him on a worse day, he might've just decided to tear at them without remorse. Maybe it had been the exhaustion, or maybe he was just feeling merciful in that moment, but Swerve merely released a long sigh.

After a minute, he pushed himself off the wall, his hands moving to sink into his pockets as he approached. His stance was casual, yet still poised.

"Wanna repeat that?" He asked, his gaze piercing them.

[shi-and-loh]

They shake their head almost too enthusiastically, as if they know what to expect and know exactly how this'll go down. They're making that same hand motion. Fist, clockwise, rubbing on chest.. but it's almost frantic now.

Their breathing is more distressed. Yea.. they're fully having a panic attack.

[thechains-thatbind]

Another sigh left the man, one of his hands moving to massage the bridge of his nose in annoyance. Of course this was what he had to deal with. At least they were smart enough not to test their luck too much.

"You're fine." He spoke up again, his words sharper than before. Maybe he could snap them out of it with encouragement? If one could even call what he was doing that.

[shi-and-loh]

That, unsurprisingly, does not do anything but make that rubbing faster. It seems to be tied to the earlier signs.. so maybe its sign language?? Who fuckin' knows with this wreck.

[thechains-thatbind]

He gave the gesture a moment to register in his brain before he pulled his phone out with a sigh. Only 23%? He swore it was 70% last he checked it, though that was before he woke up in an alley so who knows how long he'd been there.

With a few taps on his phone, he tried to figure out what they were attempting to say. His eyes returned to them after a moment, a brow slowly raising in their direction.

"Sorry? Really?"

[shi-and-loh]

Another whimper as they freeze up. They clearly don't know what to do here, yet alone how to fix it. Apologizing isn't working. Staying quiet isn't working. He clearly doesn't like it when they're calming themself.. they're in a lose-lose situation as far as they know. All they really want right now is food. They aren't getting it.

[thechains-thatbind]

He approached them carefully, tilting his head down to get a better view. He wasn't going to kneel down to their level, so that was the best they were getting.

His mouth opened to speak, but he paused for a second before closing it. Whatever he said was only making it worse for them, so maybe if he just stayed silent for a little while they'd calm down.

[shi-and-loh]

They're still frozen in place. Their eyes close tight, their shoulders stiffening up in place in an almost eerily familiar manner. They seem to be expecting to be yelled at. Or worse.

[thechains-thatbind]

No yelling comes though, he merely stood there, lurking above them like some guardian from an old fucked up fairytale.

He raised a brow, as if anticipating some kind of retort from them. Or maybe he was just expecting them to finally speak up at all.

[shi-and-loh]

No retort. No nothing. No words. They're just straight up hyperventilating. Now its worse as they're starting to cough more laboriously.

[thechains-thatbind]

So not talking was also awful. Swerve made sure to scratch that idea out of his head.

His arms stretched out, hands grasping onto their shoulders, a poor attempt at grounding them. After all, that seemed to help people, right?

"Breathe."

[shi-and-loh]

Their breathing actually starts getting even worse as a beeping comes from a device somewhere on them. There's a series of much more concerning coughs, almost like they're hacking up a lung. Then they're limp. The beeping grows louder. Seems to be some type of alarm? Nope, Heart monitor.

[shi-and-loh]

Maybe his first instinct upon waking up in some alleyway last night shouldn't have been to find the most inconspicuous apartment with an unlocked window, but honestly, he couldn't give a single shit at the time. His focus was honed in on passing out in a semi comfortable space, even if it meant breaking and entering.

He'd tossed the fur coat on one of the chairs, flopping onto the couch unceremoniously. Hopefully, whoever owned the place would still be asleep by the time he woke up. He just needed a few hours of rest before he figured things out.

@thechains-thatbind

There's the faint sound of keys jingling, then the door eventually opens and closes as someone comes in. Whoever it is, they sound.. frazzled as their bag thuds against the floor with a long sigh. "...I need dinner.." A quiet, androgynous voice mumbles to themself, not turning around just yet as the five foot six young adult rests their forehead against the door.

[thechains-thatbind]

Just his luck... they weren't even asleep at this hour. He begrudgingly opened an eye, squinting in the dark to try and see the person. This should be easy, just make sure they don't scream, and he'll be perfectly alright.

Sliding off the couch and onto his feet, he carefully approached, boots faintly clicking against the ground. They were still up against the door as he grew near, stalking like a tiger about to pounce on its prey.

[shi-and-loh]

The androgynous figure sighs a little bit more, starting to turn around before they feel hands around their mouth and under their armpits. The twenty-something year old gives a squeak before they start (predictably) thrashing.

This is technically a break-in and assault.

[thechains-thatbind]

Swerve grumbled at the thrashing. Sure, it was obviously going to happen, but really? This was their best attempt at it?

"Just– stop." There was a sharpness to his tone, though it was softened the tiniest bit by his exhaustion. He tightened his grasp on them, making sure to hook their arms a bit tighter, just as an additional warning.

[shi-and-loh]

Much to his surprise, they do. In fact, they just.. go limp. Full rag-doll. Their head tips down as their breathing keeps speeding up, the slight hiss of a portable oxygen machine starting to grow louder as the user is requiring it more. Shiloh gives a slight (terrified) whimper as they comply best they can.

They have nothing in their back pockets. Only items in their front pockets are their keys and their phone. No pepper spray. No knife. No taser. Nothing.

[thechains-thatbind]

For a moment, he just stood there, mildly surprised at how easy that was. He was used to people going against his advice, not throwing themselves headfirst into it.

It was only then, in the eerie quiet of the room, did he pick up on the sound of the oxygen machine. Oh. That explained the lack of a fight. There was the tiniest inkling of remorse in his brain, but he quickly stomped that out.

"See? No need to panic." He muttered, practically manhandling them over towards the couch. "You're fine."

[shi-and-loh]

They're surprisingly light. Almost too light for someone their age. He can feel their ribs and their shoulder blades poke into his own form as he practically lifts them onto the second-hand couch.

Dry wheezes come from the owner of this apartment that turns slowly into coughs as they (irritatingly enough) are still hyperventilating. The oxygen machine kicks up a little more while they practically just.. let this happen.

[thechains-thatbind]

He slowly released his grasp on them, taking a step back with his arms raised, trying to show he wasn't a threat to them. The thought nearly made him scoff, though.

His gaze flicked back to the machine, trying to process that he'd broken into a disabled persons place. Fuck, he should've just picked the apartment two doors over.

[shi-and-loh]

There's a bit of silence as they try to regain their train of thought (and not go into a panic attack), but they are ultimately unsuccessful. Eventually, the robber (or what they assume to be a robber) is able to notice their right hand rubbing their chest clockwise, their thumb poking out of their first knuckle. It seems to be self soothing in a way, but it's still odd..

The figure coughs a little bit more, trying to regain their breath.

[thechains-thatbind]

His head cocked to the side, trying to figure them out piece by piece. The larger figure leaned down, still hovering several inches away. Brown eyes carefully roamed, dissecting each movement they made.

"Stop it." His voice came out sterner than before, a firm order that he knew they wouldn't ignore.

[shi-and-loh]

They flinch a little, but obey once again, almost shrinking. "...S..sorry.." They practically whisper out between coughing sessions.

[thechains-thatbind]

Swerve raised a brow, watching them flinch away from him. He grumbled under his breath, the word "pathetic" barely audible amongst the other things he said.

He leaned away, pushing himself against one of the walls. The man kept his attention on them, ensuring the unlucky person wouldn't try anything stupid if he looked away for even a second.

Why the fuck would they be apologizing..?

[shi-and-loh]

Another flinch as they barely catch that one word. Then they start to try to self regulate as their eyes flick around. Their mouth forms syllables that don't come out as words. Their hands move to touch four seperate things, as if they're trying to ground themself in the moment. They look like a fuckin' mess, hardly able to fight.. let alone 'try' anything.

[thechains-thatbind]

His eyes followed their hands, picking up on their attempt to ground themself. He'd seen people do similar things in the past with anxiety, though he never really cared to try it himself.

"Calm down." He scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest. Each desperate attempt on their part only made him more annoyed. The man was far from in the mood to babysit someone.

[shi-and-loh]

Another bit of shrinking in on themselves before they breathe in sharply. The owner's hands go up and they almost too rapidly make motions at him. .....Fuck.

'I'm trying!'

[thechains-thatbind]

Swerve's eyes narrowed at the sight, trying to figure out what the fuck they were trying to communicate. His own hands vaguely mirrored the motions, as if doing it himself would somehow help him.

He glanced back at them. "Words. Use them." There was no time to figure out a whole different form of communication.

[shi-and-loh]

Another sharp breath in. This time their face scrunches into what is clearly four separate expressions in nearly one second. Astonishment. Frustration. Exasperation. Then finally.. Rage. "I'M TRYING TO CALM DOWN!" They practically yell in that still extremely quiet rasp of a voice.

Right after.. a dense silence. Their eyes widen as they put both hands over their mouth, as if trying to take away their own voice. They shrink back into a ball, expecting retaliation to be immediate, harsh and intense.

[thechains-thatbind]

It wasn't a wrong assumption. Had they caught him on a worse day, he might've just decided to tear at them without remorse. Maybe it had been the exhaustion, or maybe he was just feeling merciful in that moment, but Swerve merely released a long sigh.

After a minute, he pushed himself off the wall, his hands moving to sink into his pockets as he approached. His stance was casual, yet still poised.

"Wanna repeat that?" He asked, his gaze piercing them.

[shi-and-loh]

They shake their head almost too enthusiastically, as if they know what to expect and know exactly how this'll go down. They're making that same hand motion. Fist, clockwise, rubbing on chest.. but it's almost frantic now.

Their breathing is more distressed. Yea.. they're fully having a panic attack.

[thechains-thatbind]

Another sigh left the man, one of his hands moving to massage the bridge of his nose in annoyance. Of course this was what he had to deal with. At least they were smart enough not to test their luck too much.

"You're fine." He spoke up again, his words sharper than before. Maybe he could snap them out of it with encouragement? If one could even call what he was doing that.

[shi-and-loh]

That, unsurprisingly, does not do anything but make that rubbing faster. It seems to be tied to the earlier signs.. so maybe its sign language?? Who fuckin' knows with this wreck.

[thechains-thatbind]

He gave the gesture a moment to register in his brain before he pulled his phone out with a sigh. Only 23%? He swore it was 70% last he checked it, though that was before he woke up in an alley so who knows how long he'd been there.

With a few taps on his phone, he tried to figure out what they were attempting to say. His eyes returned to them after a moment, a brow slowly raising in their direction.

"Sorry? Really?"

[shi-and-loh]

Another whimper as they freeze up. They clearly don't know what to do here, yet alone how to fix it. Apologizing isn't working. Staying quiet isn't working. He clearly doesn't like it when they're calming themself.. they're in a lose-lose situation as far as they know. All they really want right now is food. They aren't getting it.

[thechains-thatbind]

He approached them carefully, tilting his head down to get a better view. He wasn't going to kneel down to their level, so that was the best they were getting.

His mouth opened to speak, but he paused for a second before closing it. Whatever he said was only making it worse for them, so maybe if he just stayed silent for a little while they'd calm down.

[shi-and-loh]

They're still frozen in place. Their eyes close tight, their shoulders stiffening up in place in an almost eerily familiar manner. They seem to be expecting to be yelled at. Or worse.

[thechains-thatbind]

No yelling comes though, he merely stood there, lurking above them like some guardian from an old fucked up fairytale.

He raised a brow, as if anticipating some kind of retort from them. Or maybe he was just expecting them to finally speak up at all.

[shi-and-loh]

No retort. No nothing. No words. They're just straight up hyperventilating. Now its worse as they're starting to cough more laboriously.