Callie looked up when he saw movement, his eyes widening as he saw no one other than the king walk into the room. Anxiety was ripping at his chest - he should have never agreed to come here, he had oil at home, he could be found out and sent back to the outback, Lucas could get in trouble because of him - but he kept oiling his hands, because what else was he supposed to do?
"You foolish boy!" Lucas's father slapped him across the face, Lucas quickly covering his reddening cheek with one hand as he hissed in pain. "You know it's dangerous out there! You could have been seriously hurt!"
"I know, I just-"
"What would your mother say?!" Lucas cowered against the wall, still trembling.
Callie's eyes widened and he quickly put down the oil, scrambling to his feet before he knew what he was doing. Only one of his arms was able to move now, the other remaining folded across his stomach. He didn't know what he was doing, only that Lucas was hurt and he didn't like it and it needed to stop. Somehow.
The king seemed furious, but also worried. "And who are you?!"
"He's… he's deaf, father… He can't hear you." The king sharply asked the same thing in sign language.
Callie looked even more surprised to see the king sign - he hadn't had to use sign language for months up until today, but he signed back his name with his working hand. Callie.
Callie who? "Father, he's my friend… he helped me out in the city and showed me around." The king huffed, looking between the two boys.
"I'm going to tell your mother we found you. She's been worried sick due to your foolish actions." He left, closing the door roughly behind him. Lucas exhaled sharply and slid down the wall, shaking more violently.
Callie looked down to Lucas and moved the oil to sit down next to him, starting on his other hand. He couldn't possibly tell the king his last name: James. Callie James. James wasn't in the records for this country, he knew, because none of his family beside him had ever stepped foot in it. Even then, Callie's foot was illegal.
"Hey, it's okay, shh…" The mechanic knelt down in front of Lucas, trying to quietly talk the boy down. Lucas was still scared, and there was a red mark where his father had struck him.
Callie felt useless - not knowing how to speak certainly put a hindrance on many of his abilities. But he could be there, and convey emotions in other ways - he could smile, or nod, or simply sit close to Lucas.
Lucas eventually just drew his knees up to his chest, crossed his arms on top, and hid his face in them. He seemed to have mostly calmed down, though. He tried his best to control his breathing and was quiet.
I'm sorry, Callie signed to him with his working hand, putting the oil to the side so his other one could dry. He shouldn't even have come to the castle, really.
It isn't your fault. It's mine. Lucas replied, watching Callie quietly.
I shouldn't have come to the castle with you, Callie told him, his face full of emotion despite his ears and mouth being inactive.
And I shouldn't have left the castle, but I wouldn't have met you if I didn't. Lucas smiled weakly, hoping to reassure Callie.
Callie smiled, blushing just the tiniest bit, although it was hardly visible on his tanned face. That's a good thing?
Lucas nodded, his own faint blush far more noticeable on his pale cheeks.
Callie smiled a little more, happy to see Lucas' blush even if it did take him a while to understand what it might mean. He himself blushed even more at that, eventually setting the oil to the side and standing. The queen?
Lucas hesitated for a moment. What about her? He finally asked, getting to his feet as well while he tried to fight down his blush.
She wanted to see you, Callie reminded him with the smile still on his face. It probably wouldn't leave for a while.
Lucas seemed to realize what Callie meant and grabbed his hand, running out of the room.
Callie's eyes widened in surprise as he ran after Lucas, not having time to look around at everything as they ran through the regal hallways.
Lucas started to feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy as they ran, but he didn't stop until he reached the throne room. He ran in with Callie, panting.
(Always feel free to control NPCs btw)
((alrighty))
Callie stopped next to him, looking up in wonder at the queen sitting on her throne. He quickly bowed, putting one metal hand behind his back respectfully.
"Lucas! Oh, thank goodness you're okay!" The queen got up and ran to Lucas, hugging him tightly and checking him over. "Are you alright? Did anything happen? You're not hurt, are you?"
"I'm… I'm okay, mother, I'm just feeling a little… dizzy…" He went limp in her arms, seemingly having passed out. She screamed and held him close while the king called for a medic.
(He's okay btw he's not like, dying)
((okay cool))
Callie's eyes widened, and a small noise of panic might have slipped out of his mouth as he took a step forward, although he quickly paused after realizing there was nothing he could do.