[It... looks like Duval tries to do something with his expression, but his face barely moves. He then tries to lift himself up, only to fall back into the pillows.
Purple had talked about repaying him, but... Duval's going to be the one that owes them after this.]
...need your help. Sorry.
then i see no issues!!!!! they are simply here to help out their dear, ill friend!!!
[After a second, he'll feel himself scooped up by some unseen force and gently lifted up and away from the pillows. Not fully sitting up, of course, but just enough that he'll be able to drink something.]
You have no need to apologize. I would not offer you help if I didn't intend to follow through.
[As he's lifted up, Purple moves themself closer, uncorking the little bottle and holding it out to help get the bottle's rim to his lips.]
Lift your hand when you are ready for me to tilt it. I don't wish to drown you with this.
[Too many people have seen him in such a wretched state now; Duval's pride hurts. But it hurts less with the sincerity of Purple's words.
Duval lifts his hand as far as he can, frost and shards of ice chipping and scattering over the bedsheets as he does. They melt almost immediately, as if the chill really is only affecting the two of them.
The effect of the potion is near immediate, too. It feels warm going down Duval's throat, and the warmth spreads from there. When he first heard o the potion from the Research Center, Duval feared it would be too hot all things considered, but it's pleasantly warm. It's just right. Soothing.
He drinks it down and - well, his next words are probably not what Purple are expecting?]
[There's a swell of warmth in their chest - not literally, figuratively - at seeing the ice and frost still clinging to Duval's skin start to melt... Only for them to immediately get chastised for what they're doing, something that gets a blank stare in return. Complete with silence for a second or two, just to really sell it.]
... I am helping you get better? There is no way for me to use the potion, myself. And I wanted to repay you for all that you have done for me.
[Said with a noticeable blink, considering their eyes glow as bright as they do.]
Ah... remind me what that is again, please. We did not have those in the Everhood. Or I do not remember having them. They may have existed when society was much larger than it was when this place brought me in.
You go to the doctor when you're ill. They give you a remedy.
[Usually.]
Thank you for bringing me the cure, but I wish - [What? How was Purple supposed to ask for help when they didn't know where to go? Then, he remembers: Nenonen. Nen went for ingredients because their housemates were sick.
That means -] Go to Miyata Medical. I believe it's in Blossomcrown?
[He trusts Shigeru with this.]
Please?
[And touch aversion be damned, Duval places his hand over Purple's. He means it. Please do this for him.]
[- They tense up, shoulders raising, when Duval's hand finds a place on top of their own, but... they also don't move away, either, nor do they take their hand from him. Touch aversion they may have, but they're getting better about it, slowly but surely. Especially with Duval. And it's almost purely thanks to him, too.
But that doesn't mean they aren't going to stare down at their hands like that, almost uncertain how they feel about Duval's worry. It's not something they're used to, either. Gold Pig never worried for them. Neither did the other mages. If something happened to them, then c'est la vie - they'd heal up in a few months, and after enough time had passed, no one would even remember it happened.]
You... care about me? You care what happens to me? Truly?
[Commiserating in their pain when Purple first showed up at his place was one thing. Now that Duval's becoming more coherent and can see just how the chill is affecting Purple on a surface level, and knowing how much pain he was just in - ]
I do. I truly do.
[Death isn't permanent here, but that doesn't mean it's pleasant. That doesn't mean Duval's ready to have another person he cares about die.]
[They're quiet for a moment, considering his words... but soon enough they reach out and take his hand in both of theirs, bring it up - And lean their face against his knuckles. Gently, of course. It's a barely there sort of touch.]
Very well. I will go to Miyata Medical. But when I return... will you hold me? I do not know why I want this from you... but I do.
[Even with just the barest touch, the chill of Purple's skin is so severe. Duval finds his chest tightening. Twisting in sympathy and worry for Purple's state, and fluttering with that hesitant request.]
[The surprise is plain in their voice, but it's not unwelcome. They have no idea what else they could even want from him - But even just saying that means more to Purple than even they really expected. Probably because they're usually the one in that position, offering up "anything" to those around them.
Despite it, though, what they want doesn't change. All they want is to be held once they're both well again, able to actually feel warmth together like that.]
... Wait for me, then. It will take me some time - I must go back to the Research Center and gather a new bottle of the cure. But I will return. I promise.
I... yes. I will do that. If you are certain they will have it, then I will trust you.
[It makes some amount of sense, with what little they remember about doctors thanks to Duval - if doctors are there to cure the ill, then it only makes sense that this Shigeru should have some of the potion needed. But that means they ought to go. Even if they don't really want to. They want to stay here with Duval's hand against their skin, holding it in their own and enjoying his warmth... but they know they shouldn't. So before they get too comfortable, they move his hand back toward himself before letting go of it fully -]
I will be as quick as I can.
[- And then they finally fade into shadows, disappearing entirely from Duval's room. But just how long is he willing to wait?]
[Duval trusts Shigeru and Nenonen. If Nenonen has the ingredients, then Shigeru has the cure; there's no doubt in Duval's mind.
So, he doesn't mind waiting. He'll wait as long as it takes for Purple to return. Both because he feels he still needs to recoup and because Purple said they would return. They promised.
While he's waiting for Purple, Duval walks around his apartment again. Flexes his limbs and fingers, shaking off all the ice that he can. He'll be in a much better state the next time Purple sees him.
And he'll be ready this time. He's listening for that tell-tale sound.]
[It... does actually take them a little while. Shigeru had asked Purple to stay for observation, at least half an hour, after having to administer it in such a way - using a syringe to give it to them like a vaccine, almost. And with how little they remember of health care, they weren't going to argue with him about staying or not. So stay, they did.
But eventually, Duval will get to hear the sound of them teleporting back into his apartment again... in his bedroom, where they'd left him. Somehow it didn't seem to occur to them that he'd be up and about after being cured from an illness like that. After a second they peer out into the rest of the apartment, just their glowing eyes visible in the doorway of the darkened room.]
[He wasn't about to let himself be all icy for this holding (???)(!!!) they're about to do!
Duval hears the teleporting sound and then their voice, and appears from wherever he's wandered as soon as he does. He can only hope his face doesn't give away how relieved he is, or how his heart is beating even harder in his chest. Even if he's keeping a straight face, it's evident in his voice. He speaks, rushed.]
I'm here.
[He makes a beeline for Purple. They don't need to come to him. And once he's close enough, he lifts his hands to cradle Purple's face - but then stops himself. His hands hover in the air.]
Was he able to do it? You look better.
[It's such a strange feeling; caring so deeply about another person that isn't Delilah or Kenta. It's even a little uncomfortable, but he doesn't want to shy away from the feeling.]
[There's a strange combination of feelings that bundle up in their stomach, watching Duval lift his hands toward them like that - as if the touch aversion they usually feel managed to clash with something else, something a lot more like a want, ultimately leading them to freeze in place. But after a moment they reach out and take his hands in theirs, even though their robes cover their palms. Purely so they can bring his hands up to their face fully. Not exactly how he had intended, of course. They lean into just one of his hands while his other is simply held. But it's close enough.]
Yes. I was stabbed with a small needle. It was given to me through the wound. Afterward, the doctor stuck a small picture of frogs over it. To cover the wound, presumably.
I still ache... but it is fading even still. And I ache even less now that I'm here.
[When the emotions have settled down, Duval is going to think back on how Purple has described a standard injection and Shigeru being Shigeru, and laugh.
Right now, though, Purple leaning into his touch emboldens Duval again. He brings his other hand up to just barely cup Purple's cheek, touching them exactly how he originally intended. He wanted to cradle their face and feel the warmth that should be returning to them. He wanted to make sure they were really there and well again.]
You feel warmer already. What a relief. [There's even relief in the small smile he offers Purple.
(He'll have to thank Shigeru later. Maybe.)]
You should still take it easy, though. Rest here as long as you want.
[When he said he'd do anything Purple wanted, he meant anything. Including hosting them and keeping a watchful, fussy eye on them.]
[And indeed, here they are - their face is already much warmer, considering they did have to do some traveling from Miyata Medical back to the apartments. Their teleportation is handy, but it can't go as far as across town. (That's more Green Mage's shtick.) While the travel there gave Purple time to freeze up a bit more, the time it took to travel back has warmed them right back up.
No matter the reason he's done it, though, Duval will get to enjoy feeling them settle into his palms, their own hands moving to find a place to sit on his forearms.]
... Are you sure? I have no wish to impose...
[Yeah, despite saying that, they're definitely not moving to go anywhere. Like, at all. If Duval wants to sit or anything, he might have to actually make that clear.]
I said it before, didn't I? You can come and go as you please.
[He looks right up at them, so they can see his sincerity.]
Honestly, I think I was just being polite back then, but I mean it now more than ever. Rest here. Stay as long as you wish. [Duval finally draws his hands away so they can catch Purple's hands.]
Or, at least do it for me. Because I want you to stay, and I want to make sure the cure works completely for you. [There should be no issues with it being injected directly into their...... bloodstream? Do they have blood? Veins? That uncertainty right there is why Duval wants to be sure!]
Come. [He'll guide them back to the living room. The bedroom is optimal for rest but. Duval is not going to risk this being the one thing Purple actually remembers and have a misunderstanding.]
[As always, Duval is doing nothing to dispel Purple's high opinion of him. Not only is he allowing them to use his home to rest as long as they want to, but he wants to keep an eye on them to make sure they're truly healed from such a horrible illness - These are all just more points toward Duval's kindness rating, and at this point, he's never going to be rid of them. He could lead them anywhere he wanted and they wouldn't even blink.
But follow him they do, holding onto his hand and floating behind him into the living room proper.]
Do you worry the cure may react differently with me than with others...? I suppose it is a possibility - I am not sure how it will react with my gem. But it seems to be working thus far.
That is exactly my worry. [A beat.] Though, you’ve never mentioned a gem before.
[In the living room proper, Duval continues to lead them to the couch (adorned with all the blankets from their original blanket heap) and gestures for them to sit. He’ll sit, still hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder like before, too.
- Ah, yes, I suppose I should have told you about this earlier. My soulbound gem - a ruby. The source of my powers. It is not my heart, no. Rather, mine is in my abdomen.
[And it's here that the two of them sit, purple taking a moment to settle and get comfortable next to Duval's side. Even leaning against him without needing the invitation. Though they take a moment to remove their hat before they do - they found that leaning their head against his had pushed it off-kilter the first time, so they may as well remove it this time around.]
... Most of my colleagues had replaced their eyes with their own soulbound gems, but I found that I much preferred to keep mine.
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that is not the problem!!
Purple had talked about repaying him, but... Duval's going to be the one that owes them after this.]
...need your help. Sorry.
then i see no issues!!!!! they are simply here to help out their dear, ill friend!!!
[After a second, he'll feel himself scooped up by some unseen force and gently lifted up and away from the pillows.
Not fully sitting up, of course, but just enough that he'll be able to drink something.]
You have no need to apologize. I would not offer you help if I didn't intend to follow through.
[As he's lifted up, Purple moves themself closer, uncorking the little bottle and holding it out to help get the bottle's rim to his lips.]
Lift your hand when you are ready for me to tilt it. I don't wish to drown you with this.
ill friend is going to yeet them to the doctor
Duval lifts his hand as far as he can, frost and shards of ice chipping and scattering over the bedsheets as he does. They melt almost immediately, as if the chill really is only affecting the two of them.
The effect of the potion is near immediate, too. It feels warm going down Duval's throat, and the warmth spreads from there. When he first heard o the potion from the Research Center, Duval feared it would be too hot all things considered, but it's pleasantly warm. It's just right. Soothing.
He drinks it down and - well, his next words are probably not what Purple are expecting?]
What are you doing here, when you're still ill?!
[Uh, so the potion worked. Thanks!]
BUT THEY'RE HELPINGGGG
Only for them to immediately get chastised for what they're doing, something that gets a blank stare in return. Complete with silence for a second or two, just to really sell it.]
... I am helping you get better? There is no way for me to use the potion, myself.
And I wanted to repay you for all that you have done for me.
Should I not have?
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There has to be a way for you to use the potion. Have you been to the doctor? There's a million of them here.
[That's an exaggeration but.
Sorry sorry sorry]
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[Said with a noticeable blink, considering their eyes glow as bright as they do.]
Ah... remind me what that is again, please. We did not have those in the Everhood.
Or I do not remember having them. They may have existed when society was much larger than it was when this place brought me in.
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You go to the doctor when you're ill. They give you a remedy.
[Usually.]
Thank you for bringing me the cure, but I wish - [What? How was Purple supposed to ask for help when they didn't know where to go? Then, he remembers: Nenonen. Nen went for ingredients because their housemates were sick.
That means -] Go to Miyata Medical. I believe it's in Blossomcrown?
[He trusts Shigeru with this.]
Please?
[And touch aversion be damned, Duval places his hand over Purple's. He means it. Please do this for him.]
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Touch aversion they may have, but they're getting better about it, slowly but surely. Especially with Duval.
And it's almost purely thanks to him, too.
But that doesn't mean they aren't going to stare down at their hands like that, almost uncertain how they feel about Duval's worry. It's not something they're used to, either.
Gold Pig never worried for them. Neither did the other mages. If something happened to them, then c'est la vie - they'd heal up in a few months, and after enough time had passed, no one would even remember it happened.]
You... care about me?
You care what happens to me? Truly?
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I do. I truly do.
[Death isn't permanent here, but that doesn't mean it's pleasant. That doesn't mean Duval's ready to have another person he cares about die.]
I don't want you to suffer any longer.
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[They're quiet for a moment, considering his words... but soon enough they reach out and take his hand in both of theirs, bring it up -
And lean their face against his knuckles. Gently, of course. It's a barely there sort of touch.]
Very well. I will go to Miyata Medical.
But when I return... will you hold me? I do not know why I want this from you... but I do.
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Mm. I will. I'll do anything you want.
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[The surprise is plain in their voice, but it's not unwelcome. They have no idea what else they could even want from him -
But even just saying that means more to Purple than even they really expected. Probably because they're usually the one in that position, offering up "anything" to those around them.
Despite it, though, what they want doesn't change. All they want is to be held once they're both well again, able to actually feel warmth together like that.]
... Wait for me, then. It will take me some time - I must go back to the Research Center and gather a new bottle of the cure.
But I will return. I promise.
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[And he shakes his head hopefully before Purple can port out of his room.]
Go straight there; Shigeru should have the cure on hand.
Then come back to me.
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[It makes some amount of sense, with what little they remember about doctors thanks to Duval - if doctors are there to cure the ill, then it only makes sense that this Shigeru should have some of the potion needed.
But that means they ought to go. Even if they don't really want to. They want to stay here with Duval's hand against their skin, holding it in their own and enjoying his warmth... but they know they shouldn't.
So before they get too comfortable, they move his hand back toward himself before letting go of it fully -]
I will be as quick as I can.
[- And then they finally fade into shadows, disappearing entirely from Duval's room.
But just how long is he willing to wait?]
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So, he doesn't mind waiting. He'll wait as long as it takes for Purple to return. Both because he feels he still needs to recoup and because Purple said they would return. They promised.
While he's waiting for Purple, Duval walks around his apartment again. Flexes his limbs and fingers, shaking off all the ice that he can. He'll be in a much better state the next time Purple sees him.
And he'll be ready this time. He's listening for that tell-tale sound.]
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And with how little they remember of health care, they weren't going to argue with him about staying or not. So stay, they did.
But eventually, Duval will get to hear the sound of them teleporting back into his apartment again... in his bedroom, where they'd left him.
Somehow it didn't seem to occur to them that he'd be up and about after being cured from an illness like that.
After a second they peer out into the rest of the apartment, just their glowing eyes visible in the doorway of the darkened room.]
... Duval?
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Duval hears the teleporting sound and then their voice, and appears from wherever he's wandered as soon as he does. He can only hope his face doesn't give away how relieved he is, or how his heart is beating even harder in his chest. Even if he's keeping a straight face, it's evident in his voice. He speaks, rushed.]
I'm here.
[He makes a beeline for Purple. They don't need to come to him. And once he's close enough, he lifts his hands to cradle Purple's face - but then stops himself. His hands hover in the air.]
Was he able to do it? You look better.
[It's such a strange feeling; caring so deeply about another person that isn't Delilah or Kenta. It's even a little uncomfortable, but he doesn't want to shy away from the feeling.]
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But after a moment they reach out and take his hands in theirs, even though their robes cover their palms. Purely so they can bring his hands up to their face fully.
Not exactly how he had intended, of course. They lean into just one of his hands while his other is simply held. But it's close enough.]
Yes.
I was stabbed with a small needle. It was given to me through the wound.
Afterward, the doctor stuck a small picture of frogs over it. To cover the wound, presumably.
I still ache... but it is fading even still.
And I ache even less now that I'm here.
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Right now, though, Purple leaning into his touch emboldens Duval again. He brings his other hand up to just barely cup Purple's cheek, touching them exactly how he originally intended. He wanted to cradle their face and feel the warmth that should be returning to them. He wanted to make sure they were really there and well again.]
You feel warmer already. What a relief. [There's even relief in the small smile he offers Purple.
(He'll have to thank Shigeru later. Maybe.)]
You should still take it easy, though. Rest here as long as you want.
[When he said he'd do anything Purple wanted, he meant anything. Including hosting them and keeping a watchful, fussy eye on them.]
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Their teleportation is handy, but it can't go as far as across town. (That's more Green Mage's shtick.)
While the travel there gave Purple time to freeze up a bit more, the time it took to travel back has warmed them right back up.
No matter the reason he's done it, though, Duval will get to enjoy feeling them settle into his palms, their own hands moving to find a place to sit on his forearms.]
... Are you sure? I have no wish to impose...
[Yeah, despite saying that, they're definitely not moving to go anywhere. Like, at all.
If Duval wants to sit or anything, he might have to actually make that clear.]
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[He looks right up at them, so they can see his sincerity.]
Honestly, I think I was just being polite back then, but I mean it now more than ever. Rest here. Stay as long as you wish. [Duval finally draws his hands away so they can catch Purple's hands.]
Or, at least do it for me. Because I want you to stay, and I want to make sure the cure works completely for you. [There should be no issues with it being injected directly into their...... bloodstream? Do they have blood? Veins? That uncertainty right there is why Duval wants to be sure!]
Come. [He'll guide them back to the living room. The bedroom is optimal for rest but. Duval is not going to risk this being the one thing Purple actually remembers and have a misunderstanding.]
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These are all just more points toward Duval's kindness rating, and at this point, he's never going to be rid of them.
He could lead them anywhere he wanted and they wouldn't even blink.
But follow him they do, holding onto his hand and floating behind him into the living room proper.]
Do you worry the cure may react differently with me than with others...? I suppose it is a possibility -
I am not sure how it will react with my gem. But it seems to be working thus far.
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[In the living room proper, Duval continues to lead them to the couch
(adorned with all the blankets from their original blanket heap) and gestures for
them to sit. He’ll sit, still hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder like before,
too.
Is it the equivalent of your heart?
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The source of my powers. It is not my heart, no.
Rather, mine is in my abdomen.
[And it's here that the two of them sit, purple taking a moment to settle and get comfortable next to Duval's side.
Even leaning against him without needing the invitation. Though they take a moment to remove their hat before they do - they found that leaning their head against his had pushed it off-kilter the first time, so they may as well remove it this time around.]
... Most of my colleagues had replaced their eyes with their own soulbound gems, but I found that I much preferred to keep mine.
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But why abdomen?
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hands duval a shovel so he can dig his grave further
digs to the center of the earth
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