[Video 001]

[onthefitz]

[When the feed clicked on, Fitz was still in the midst of a panic attack, the young scientist barely able to focus on the device as he fiddled with the settings some, hands trembling.]

Director Coulson? Agent May? Anyone? Please tell me I'm not the only one here.

[Because that's the last thing he needed right now. He didn't want to believe his was happening right now. It just wasn't plausible.

Trying to pull himself together, Fitz set the device down for a moment, scrubbing at his face and letting out a breath. It took a moment for him to get himself together, his hands still trembling but it wasn't near as bad.

Breath in. Breath out.

He could do this.

A little more composed, he picked his device up once more, trying to put on a neutral expression.]

This is Agent Leo Fitz of SHIELD. Can anyone hear me? I'm not sure where I am but if someone...if someone could please contact me....please?

Comments

[onthefitz]

[His smile is grim as he nods, waving his hand at her in a slight 'that's it' sort of gesture before it drops and he starts wringing his hands together.]

Hypoxia.

[He can always remember that word. It haunts him.]

It caused aphasia as a result. I can't...it's not easy anymore. And my hands don't work right.

[Glancing down at them, he glares a bit, a weak look as he clenches and unclenches them now.]

I can barely function.

[conscientiae]

[ It's like being punched. She and Fitz are the very different in some ways, but the same in others, and Jemma can't imagine the sense of... terror and frustration that would come from no longer being able to use her brain like she's used to. The sense of no longer knowing yourself, of not being sure of who you are if you aren't the top of your class, best scientist in the field. Her heart breaks for him. ]

Oh, Fitz.

[ She wants to go to him, but she stays put, her hands hanging at her sides, not all that useless, in the grand scheme of things. She still feels helpless. ]

There are ways to manage it. Technology to help you communicate. And with physical therapy, maybe your hands -- We can work through this, Fitz. Dr. Banner is here. And me. [ She offers a thin smile. ]

[onthefitz]

[He wants to smile. He wants to have faith that she's right but he can't bring himself to do it, resisting the urge to just shut down as he closes his eyes and tries to steady his breathing.]

Maybe. I don't....not going to...can't get my hopes up.

[conscientiae]

[ She wants to tell him not to be so pessimistic, that they can work all this out, but she swallows all that back down. Instead, she gives a tight smile and a nod. ]

Right. Of course. Perhaps... You can choose any room you like. Coulson and I, and several of the Avengers and various other people mostly from our universe, are all on the seventh floor.

[onthefitz]

[He's honestly glad she hadn't tried to reprimand him for what he was saying or anything of that nature. It was just easier when people didn't argue; it kept him from stressing out more.]

Right. Yeah..I..should. Pick a room. Need to.

we can prob wrap this up, y/y?

[conscientiae]

[ Maybe it'll be good to get him out of here, start acquainting him with the mansion. She gestures toward the door and takes a step toward it. ]

Shall I show you around?