[Failed step one indeed. Harlan groans a little when Michael charges over with his supplies. He expected this, but it's still annoying. It shouldn't be annoying. Of course Michael wants to try. Harlan would do the same thing.
He wants to answer Michael's question, but he needs to make the situation clear first. He grabs for Michael's arm to stop him from digging around in the briefcase.]
Stop. Stop it.
[Talking hurts more than anticipated. That thing probably crushed a few ribs while it was chewing on him. He'll have to ask Michael for the damage report once he comes back. And he will come back, he's pretty sure. Sorrow and Confusion made it to the city. Hope will too, eventually. It just might take a while, but he's not going to think about that right now.
He tugs at Michael until he has his full attention.]
I don't want you to fix this.
[Michael can't, but saying it that way leaves the issue open for debate. Michael will insist that there's something, and even if he can't, then someone at the clinic can. It's possible, but Harlan made his decision when he teleported here instead of to the clinic. He can't teleport again, and he doesn't think he'll last long enough to make it to the clinic. The clinic was a long shot, and they'll be busy with the stampede anyway. This is how it has to be.]
no subject
He wants to answer Michael's question, but he needs to make the situation clear first. He grabs for Michael's arm to stop him from digging around in the briefcase.]
Stop. Stop it.
[Talking hurts more than anticipated. That thing probably crushed a few ribs while it was chewing on him. He'll have to ask Michael for the damage report once he comes back. And he will come back, he's pretty sure. Sorrow and Confusion made it to the city. Hope will too, eventually. It just might take a while, but he's not going to think about that right now.
He tugs at Michael until he has his full attention.]
I don't want you to fix this.
[Michael can't, but saying it that way leaves the issue open for debate. Michael will insist that there's something, and even if he can't, then someone at the clinic can. It's possible, but Harlan made his decision when he teleported here instead of to the clinic. He can't teleport again, and he doesn't think he'll last long enough to make it to the clinic. The clinic was a long shot, and they'll be busy with the stampede anyway. This is how it has to be.]