[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.
[And stack, they do. Leaning their cheek into his hair, plenty content with it.]
In exchange for my own gem, I gave up my sense of taste. With it, my mouth and stomach. Hence being within my abdomen. It seemed much more convenient. Removing one's gem is not particularly difficult if it isn't hidden away.
[They've seen what happens if a gemstone gets removed somehow - the others have gone temporarily blind without theirs, after all. That doesn't sound, y'know, fun. Plus, it's just another way of concealing any weaknesses. They don't need those. Weaknesses are for, well... the weak.]
[That explains a lot. Duval had wondered how they were getting by without any sort of sustenance.]
They do. I’d like to know more about your powers. [He blinks up at them.] The magic from my world is... limited. And if there are any magic capabilities outside what is common knowledge, the ones guarding that information are never going to give it up.
[The way he looks up at them like that... they're not sure why, but something in Purple's chest squeezes a the sight. And in turn, they squeeze his hand a bit, too.]
For you, Duval, I have no secrets. Ask whatever you wish, and I will answer.
... That's putting a lot of trust in me, but thank you. You - [Can do the same? Usually, Duval's qualm with that would be people digging where they shouldn't be. But with Purple, he finds himself anxious thinking about them thinking of him differently upon learning about his past actions.
That's something that's never bothered him before. People's opinions of him.
But there's that warm hand in his. The weight of Purple leaning on him. He cares about what Purple thinks of him, but he needs to trust them, too.] You can ask anything of me, as well.
Oh? You get this far, only to withhold your questions?
[There's a bit of humor in their tone, asking as much. Because as much as they are enjoying this, getting to "relax" with Duval, as he puts it, they definitely were expecting to answer a question or two after offering it up. It's not something they'd have minded, after all! Talking about themself isn't something Purple does very often... if at all.]
Would your questions impede our... relaxation in some way?
Will this be my only chance to ask questions? [He retorts with just as much humor in his tone.]I can ask a lot of questions, is all. One question can turn into many.
[Duval huffs a laugh and then blinks back up at Purple like before.]
Ask as many as you please. I have nowhere to be but here.
[If only they had a mouth... they'd definitely be smiling with it if they did. But they're actually going to lift their head away from Duval's at this point, mostly so they can look down at him in return.]
As for my gem... the stone itself holds my powers, and it was bound to my soul. Through my soul, I am able to use its powers as my own. It is a rather powerful gemstone, as well. There have been very few who can stand up against my power.
It was my duty to take down those that stood against the one I served. So, in a word, yes.
[It's not like they were kept around to do manual labor. It was Purple's job to intimidate - and, where they could, "disable" - their master's enemies. And Gold Pig had a lot of enemies.]
[Purple's mentioned serving someone before, and it still doesn't sit well with Duval. Not with how Purple is, currently. Still learning their own likes and dislikes.]
Two more questions.
Was the person you served the one who gave you your gem? Or bound your soul to it, rather.
[Yeah, this question feels different. And they tilt their head at that feeling, curious what it could be... But still, they promised him answers. So answers he will get.]
Yes, you are correct. Gold Pig was their name. I had spent a long time poor and starving... and weak. They offered me these powers in exchange for my servitude. I did not know it would come at the cost of binding me to this gemstone.
The process of binding oneself to a gem is painful... but most consider it worth it in exchange for the powers they hold.
[Did they think it was worth it? He wants to ask that and so many more questions, but he's already decided what his last one will be, and he's sticking to it.
[Duval does nothing without reason. That includes changing the direction of this conversation.]
Okay. [He straightens up, too, but then draws his knees up onto the couch. With a little more shuffling, Duval is able to position himself to hold Purple proper. Chest to what he can only assume is Purple's chest, and his hands bunched in the back of their cloak.
For some reason, Duval holds his breath, anxious for Purple's reaction. He's steeling himself for them to pull away.]
[Do they pull away? Thankfully, no. They tense up, yes. Even expecting it and asking for it doesn't make this any easier on them. But after a brief moment, they move to bring their hands up... and gently clutch at the front of Duval's shirt. As if they have no idea how to properly return it. But they're trying. They still do their best to let themself sink into his hold, even leaning their cheek against him again as before.]
... Thank you.
[Look. It's rude not to thank someone for doing what you requested, okay. They weren't raised in a barn.]
Ah... is "warm" an acceptable answer? It is... warm.
[They're suddenly very glad their skin absorbs no light, because saying something like that does get their face to warm a bit. Flustered at their own words, of course.]
... Is there more that I am meant to do? Something about this, is... It does not feel correct. Not exactly. But I don't... remember...
“Warm” is good. I’d be concerned if it was still cold.
[As for what they can do... Duval hesitates.]
I think. You could hold me back. [And quickly, would be ideal. So they don’t feel how his heart beats fast under the rise and fall of his chest.] Put your arms around me rather than between us.
... Oh. I see. Yes, that... is the obvious conclusion to draw, hm.
[Suffice to say they feel a little dumb having needed to ask when the answer is so obvious, but look. They aren't perfect, they make mistakes. They're a little dumb sometimes. But no, Duval's right. That's exactly what they should do, so it's what they try to do. Fortunately for him, Purple isn't slow about it - having to pull back a bit to free their own arms before leaning in to return it - but the attempt probably doesn't help that pulse of his, considering it involves their arms looping around his shoulders to pull him in close. They're a bit tense and definitely had to squeeze their eyes shut to accomplish it, but... they're actually holding him. It's a big step, all things considered.]
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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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In exchange for my own gem, I gave up my sense of taste. With it, my mouth and stomach. Hence being within my abdomen.
It seemed much more convenient. Removing one's gem is not particularly difficult if it isn't hidden away.
[They've seen what happens if a gemstone gets removed somehow - the others have gone temporarily blind without theirs, after all. That doesn't sound, y'know, fun.
Plus, it's just another way of concealing any weaknesses. They don't need those. Weaknesses are for, well... the weak.]
... Do my powers interest you?
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They do. I’d like to know more about your powers. [He blinks up at them.] The magic from my world is... limited. And if there are any magic capabilities outside what is common knowledge, the ones guarding that information are never going to give it up.
[Fucking dragons.]
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And in turn, they squeeze his hand a bit, too.]
For you, Duval, I have no secrets. Ask whatever you wish, and I will answer.
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That's something that's never bothered him before. People's opinions of him.
But there's that warm hand in his. The weight of Purple leaning on him. He cares about what Purple thinks of him, but he needs to trust them, too.] You can ask anything of me, as well.
But not now. We're relaxing now.
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[There's a bit of humor in their tone, asking as much. Because as much as they are enjoying this, getting to "relax" with Duval, as he puts it, they definitely were expecting to answer a question or two after offering it up.
It's not something they'd have minded, after all! Talking about themself isn't something Purple does very often... if at all.]
Would your questions impede our... relaxation in some way?
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[Duval huffs a laugh and then blinks back up at Purple like before.]
How does the gem work?
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[If only they had a mouth... they'd definitely be smiling with it if they did.
But they're actually going to lift their head away from Duval's at this point, mostly so they can look down at him in return.]
As for my gem... the stone itself holds my powers, and it was bound to my soul. Through my soul, I am able to use its powers as my own.
It is a rather powerful gemstone, as well. There have been very few who can stand up against my power.
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Have many tried?
[He doesn't! Like the sound of that!]
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So, in a word, yes.
[It's not like they were kept around to do manual labor. It was Purple's job to intimidate - and, where they could, "disable" - their master's enemies.
And Gold Pig had a lot of enemies.]
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Two more questions.
Was the person you served the one who gave you your gem? Or bound your soul to it, rather.
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[Yeah, this question feels different. And they tilt their head at that feeling, curious what it could be...
But still, they promised him answers. So answers he will get.]
Yes, you are correct. Gold Pig was their name.
I had spent a long time poor and starving... and weak. They offered me these powers in exchange for my servitude.
I did not know it would come at the cost of binding me to this gemstone.
The process of binding oneself to a gem is painful... but most consider it worth it in exchange for the powers they hold.
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[Did they think it was worth it? He wants to ask that and so many more questions, but he's already decided what his last one will be, and he's sticking to it.
Especially after that answer.]
Last question.
Do you still want me to hold you?
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Yes, please.
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Okay. [He straightens up, too, but then draws his knees up onto the couch. With a little more shuffling, Duval is able to position himself to hold Purple proper. Chest to what he can only assume is Purple's chest, and his hands bunched in the back of their cloak.
For some reason, Duval holds his breath, anxious for Purple's reaction. He's steeling himself for them to pull away.]
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They tense up, yes. Even expecting it and asking for it doesn't make this any easier on them.
But after a brief moment, they move to bring their hands up... and gently clutch at the front of Duval's shirt. As if they have no idea how to properly return it.
But they're trying. They still do their best to let themself sink into his hold, even leaning their cheek against him again as before.]
... Thank you.
[Look. It's rude not to thank someone for doing what you requested, okay. They weren't raised in a barn.]
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You're welcome.
[He rubs their back in small circles.]
How does it feel?
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[They're suddenly very glad their skin absorbs no light, because saying something like that does get their face to warm a bit. Flustered at their own words, of course.]
... Is there more that I am meant to do? Something about this, is...
It does not feel correct. Not exactly. But I don't... remember...
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[As for what they can do... Duval hesitates.]
I think. You could hold me back. [And quickly, would be ideal. So they don’t feel how his heart beats fast under the rise and fall of his chest.] Put your arms around me rather than between us.
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Yes, that... is the obvious conclusion to draw, hm.
[Suffice to say they feel a little dumb having needed to ask when the answer is so obvious, but look. They aren't perfect, they make mistakes. They're a little dumb sometimes.
But no, Duval's right. That's exactly what they should do, so it's what they try to do.
Fortunately for him, Purple isn't slow about it - having to pull back a bit to free their own arms before leaning in to return it - but the attempt probably doesn't help that pulse of his, considering it involves their arms looping around his shoulders to pull him in close.
They're a bit tense and definitely had to squeeze their eyes shut to accomplish it, but... they're actually holding him. It's a big step, all things considered.]
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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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