hugtopia_logs | Come on (come on), now, I hear you're feelin' down [backdated Hiatus Flu post]

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Come on (come on), now, I hear you're feelin' down [backdated Hiatus Flu post]

♥ Who: Kiwi and you
♥ Where: Ainea's temple
♥ When: first week of Ohnir
♥ What: Kiwi has suddenly fallen ill and is recovering in Ainea's temple
♥ Rating: G

1 - Miss Ainea, I don't feel so good: Word around town was that the normally peppy and cheerful young Bard Kiwi was looking a bit pale the past few days. It was hard not to notice the change, their daily routine of singing and dancing through the town square was replaced with a sluggish meandering and several minutes just staring out into space. And then there was their flushed face and the warmth that radiated off them if someone got close. But as always, Kiwi refused to acknowledge that anything was wrong with them – they just shrugged it off as being tired. An easy enough excuse to make, between the thunderstorms and the pest problem of the past month.

But before long, it was impossible to hide their condition anymore. One afternoon, Kiwi came home and collapsed facefirst onto their couch, taking an impromptu nap. But it was far from restful; they tossed and turned, shivering with cold sweat. They had strange, upsetting dreams, where they felt like they were disappearing, staring at their hands and seeing straight through to the opposite wall. They dreamed that there was another mouse in their home, this one staring at them with urgency, and they somehow found the strength to push themselves off the couch to find out what it wanted. It took off under the door, and Kiwi hobbled after it, all the way to the temple district, to Ainea's temple. They vaguely remembered robotic hands catching them when their knees finally buckled.

At least, they thought it was a dream. But then, after a day or more fading in and out of consciousness, they awoke to an unfamiliar bedroom surrounded by flowers, and an ice pack on their head. While more lucid and capable of staying awake for more than a minute, they still didn't quite make out everything the priests explained; just that they were ill and should stay and rest. They took a private moment to reach their hand out and observe it - it just looked like the back of their hand - then huddled into the sheets for warmth as the chills set in again.

Whether you watched their behavior the past few days, or just heard from the grapevine, word has reached you that the poor Bard is sick in bed at the temple. Perhaps you ought to pay them a visit; they might still be sleeping it off, but they'd appreciate the company in spirit.

2 - All the while as we strolled: as Kiwi slowly recovered, they felt increasingly frustrated with having to stay put. They kept apologizing to the priests for being such a burden, to be met with dismissive handwaving. But ultimately, they just wanted to do anything but stay in bed. So, in lieu of going home yet, they decided to take a stroll around the temple and its grounds. If you are visiting the Temple of Ainea, you might run into the up and about Bard, still looking rather pitiful with a blanket bundled around them like a robe. They're not doing anything in particular, just slowly wandering the gardens or sitting on a bench watching people go by. Surely there is no harm in making some small talk.

3 - Boy, you gotta carry that weight: By the end of the week, Kiwi was showing good signs of recovery. While not 100% yet, their fever had gone down and they were starting to regain their old energy. Kiwi took this as all the assurance they needed that it was safe to go home now. The priests tried to convince them to stay a little longer to be sure, but they just wanted to be in their own bed again and out of the priests' proverbial hair.

As it turns out, they should have listened. A few days of business as usual later, their fever relapsed and they found themselves falling back against the fountain in town square, dizzy and fatigued. Sure enough, they were nowhere near as well as they thought. Someone better send them back to bed, but do you give them the luxury of their own home, or do you take them back to the temple?

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It wasn't hard to hear about Kiwi looking sluggish and strained. How could it be, when they were usually such a brilliant ray of sunshine? They always seemed to be ready with a smile and a song, eager to help lift everyone's spirits. So when Will had seen them taken into Ainea's temple, staggering and wraith-pale and nearly collapsing over the threshold.....

Well, it had been hard not to worry. He'd hovered anxiously nearby for as long as he could manage, fussing helplessly for a day or two before Kiwi had shown signs of staying awake for more than a few minutes. He'd allowed himself to get shooed home, albeit reluctantly--but in the end, he'd had to acknowledge that the priests were right. They were the best equipped to take care of Kiwi, after all. They understood this illness, they belonged here in this world.

He wasn't going to be able to help anyone if he caught an illness like this, too. And how would Kiwi feel, if they knew he'd gotten sick because of them?

So Will retreats, keeping an ear out for news that Kiwi is on the mend instead. The priests seem optimistic, at least--but he doesn't expect to see the bard outside the temple so soon, let alone out and about as though nothing had happened. Even Kiwi can't quite pretend that nothing is wrong, though--not when they're nearly toppling back into the fountain. Will hurries over, reaching out to try and steady them, if he can make it in time. "Easy, there!"

Will did successfully catch up with Kiwi in time to grab them. The touch woke them up enough to attempt to balance so as not to pull him over when they fell, and they managed to instead sink down onto the edge of the fountain. There is an unmistakable warmth to the touch, and the bard blinks up at Will bleary-eyed. That would be why Will didn't expect to see them in town so soon; they shouldn't be, in this condition. At least they were corporeal.

"Will?" they haven't lost their voice, but there is a definitive tiredness to their tone, "What are you doing here?" they ask, as if there were some reason why someone wouldn't be in the town square. Legitimate fatigued confusion? Or simply trying to deflect from the fact that they were clearly still sick?

At least they're a bard, and not a ghost. Kiwi had mentioned something about a spirit language, before--Will is pretty sure he doesn't want a firsthand demonstration of it. At least, not from anyone he's friends with.

He shakes his head, letting go of Kiwi's shoulder and instead turning to sit down next to the bard--better to give them something convenient to lean against, so they don't topple right back into the water, right? They can deflect a little, if they really want to, but that just means it's even easier for Will to steer the conversation right back towards that topic.

"I wanted some fresh air, now that the weather--is so much nicer. The question is, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the temple?"

They will unashamedly take the offer and tilt slightly to lean against Will. Their head feels heavy. The rest of their body isn't so far behind.

They blink up at Will at his question, and after a pause their eyes turn toward the ground, looking vaguely sheepish despite their efforts to appear nonchalant.

"Well, I was feeling better. So...I came home."

A decision that has clearly lead to only good things. Like how their skin is practically burning a hole in Will's sleeve.

Ah--that's hot. Alarmingly hot, even through the fabric of his sleeve. He's no doctor, but is that a dangerously high fever? He's not sure he wants to find that out, either.

Will's arm moves to snake around Kiwi's waist and tug the bard a little closer. ~~It wouldn't do at all to have them try and slip off and hurt themselves falling, right?~~ Gee, he can't help but notice that explanation was all in past tense..... Kiwi probably took a nose dive once they got home, didn't they? "I'm glad to hear you were feeling better."

"Why don't we go see the priests again, once your head's a little clearer?" And once they're a little steadier on their feet? Just because he can support Kiwi's weight if he needs to doesn't mean they have to move just yet.

Edited 2019-09-09 06:44 (UTC)

well, at least they're not moving yet. They have a feeling that they're not as convincing as they try to be, especially when will mentions going back. Will putting his arm around them doesn't compel them to move either, but put more of their weight on him. Yup, they're quite comfortable right here.

"I already gave them so much trouble though," they mutter, a vaguely whiny tone to their voice.

Will can't help but laugh, giving Kiwi an encouraging little squeeze. Complaining about taking care of himself, but still cuddling up like this..... He's reminded of more than one of his Pokémon, sulking over having to take medicine until they're thoroughly bribed. Will he have to coax Kiwi into resting properly, too?

"Kister, you know that's not true..... They're just worried about you!" And so is he, though he leaves the point unspoken. "Besides, we're all under Ainea's care, right? How could they begrudge helping one of their own? That's what she likes most!"

'Kister?' Kiwi might have more to say about that weird nickname if they weren't so tired. They continue to pout.

"But it's a lot of steps. And it's lonely up there. It's not that bad, I'm feeling much better."

"You know..... considering how badly off you were when I visited? That's not surprising." He's not sure Kiwi even remembers him being there, they had been so incoherent at the time. Even as ill as Kiwi is right now, he's inclined to believe that's the truth, just because a starting point like that could make nearly anything feel much better in comparison.

But even if they feel much better, that doesn't get them off the hook. They're not 100% just yet. "You'd feel even better if you got in some real rest, though. I could even carry you, if it's too far~ ♥"

The wink might not be visible, but it's certainly easy to hear in Will's singsong tone. There's not much he can do about it getting lonely up in the temple, aside from visiting..... But wouldn't it be healthier for Kiwi to go somewhere people knew to how take care of them? If they're relapsing already, then.....

Kiwi still sulks quietly, and especially frown at Will mentioning visiting. They didn't remember seeing him - it must have been those first few days when all they could really do was sleep.

But when Will offers to carry them, they look straight at him with wide eyes and an immediate blush. "Wha-? But - but I'm heavy and-??!?!?"

Never mind that Will found a way to carry them inside during the storms.

Will just laughs in delight at that. What a cute blush! He hadn't expected Kiwi to be that flustered over the suggestion..... He certainly won't argue with it, though he does dismiss the protest with an airy little wave. "Don't worry! You're not too heavy for me. Promise."

They still fidget, surreptitiously dragging their hat slightly down their face to hide their blush. They'd clearly been with Miriam too long - for how many times she grumbled about having to carry them on her broom, they've gotten used to being a bit of a burden.

"But...but..."

"But~?" Will encourages them to elaborate, smile decidedly mischievous.

Sorry, Kiwi, he's not going to let you get away with just assuming you're a burden. If you give him excuses, he's just going to have to defang them all, one by one, until nothing stands between you and being dered at. That's what friends are for, right? Care Bear Staring bad thoughts and feelings into submission?

But defeating other people's bad feelings is their job!!!

"Well! I-!!!"

But...they're feeling really tired. And everything is still kind of hazy. And they're still uncomfortably warm against Will's side. Logically they know they should be in bed, and the fatigue is starting to catch up and outrank the embarrassment and frustration of not being better enough yet.

"...

fine."

Kiwi can go ahead and call Will out on being a thief, then, because he's shamelessly stealing their job. His smile softens a little as the protests give way to reluctant resignation; Will ducks his head to brush his lips gently against Kiwi's temple, completely heedless of the possibility of the bard still being contagious. The reassurance he offers is little more than a soft murmur, as close to Kiwi's ear as he already is.

"It's okay to take a break sometimes, you know. We can help you until you're strong enough to help us again."

That said, Will turns to gather Kiwi up into his arms, a pale blue glow peeking out through the eyeh oles of his mask as he focuses. For any weight he can't easily support with his own strength, his telekinesis can easily take care of the rest.

!!!

They go rigid at the kiss, face flushing red again and a chill running up and down their spine - though much more pleasant than the ones from the fever. They were always a cuddly person, not afraid to hug someone who would let them, but they'd never really been kissed before, not even by their mother. So now, with Will, and with his reassurances--

Kiwi doesn't even realize at first that they're out of their seat. They just kind of. Blink, flustered and disoriented. Eventually though, they do settle against Will's shoulder, letting their eyes rest half-open.

Awww, Kiwi really must be out of it. They look so bewildered! Will smiles to himself as he feels Kiwi settle, holding them close as he walks. The way to Ainea's temple is easy and familiar by now, and his mind is made up--if it's too far for Kiwi to manage to walk, then he'll just carry them there. If it's too lonely to want to stay, then he'll just come keep them company until they can safely go home.

This is their health, after all--no, their entire existence in this world. It's too important to compromise on! Kiwi needs to be safe in good hands, among people who know best how to take care of them. They need to be assured of a full recovery, before something happens that they can't just bounce back from. They may not want to be down and out for any longer than they already have been..... but Will is ready to keep them on the right path. Kiwi is more than worth the effort.

The movement from Will walking makes them a little dizzy, so they close their eyes completely while they move. This is the second time Will has carried them to safety, but this time they're more aware of their surroundings, and can actually take notice of it. There's something comforting about it, even as they sweat and they yearn for freedom from the excess warmth. They feel secure. Even somewhat vulnerable, but in that way like opening up to a friend. They faintly wondered if Miriam felt like this, when they carried her down the hill after the hero hurt her. An odd thought, but never mind.

Finally still and no longer running from their own illness, the fatigue takes hold. They settle an arm around Will's shoulders and nestle against him, slowly going limp as they does slightly.

The fierce heat radiating from Kiwi, the way they go limp in his arms, how quickly their breathing slows and evens out..... None of it surprises Will at all. Of course they'd be exhausted enough to pass out, once they allowed themselves to just relax and hold still. It's a minor miracle they were conscious and coherent as long as they were. They must have been fighting so hard.....

Well, that's okay. He's got them now. He won't let Kiwi get so far ahead of themselves this time. Will is gently rubbing Kiwi's back again by the time he reaches the temple, smiling apologetically at the priests. He tries to explain, though it's cut short--they already understand exactly what must have happened, and might even be more relieved than Will himself to see that their charge is back.

Will allows himself to be guided back to the room Kiwi had been occupying previously, moving to tuck them in. Everything should be okay now that they're back, right? No more days spent comatose? No more collapsing? No more dangerously high fevers?

Kiwi made a soft humming sound in their sleep as Will caressed their back, turning as much as they could in his arms to cuddle close to him. And as he puts them down in bed, they don't let go, both arms wrapped firmly around his neck in a stubborn sleepy embrace. Well...Will was saying he'd stay with them, right?

"Ahahaha..... Okay, okay. If you insist." There's no straightening up like this, not with Kiwi sleepily clinging so tightly. It's kind of awkward, actually, bent double over the bed--there's really not much he can move like this, not without picking Kiwi back up.

Still, Will at least manages to toe his shoes off before crawling into bed. He doesn't want to squish the poor bardling, though? In the end, he manages to roll over and stretch out on his back, with Kiwi draped on top of him instead. Even for him, this is a little more intimate than he'd anticipated.....

He's not arguing, though. If nothing else, it's nice and cozy--and it'll ensure he wakes up before Kiwi manages to sneak out of bed, if they make the effort.

Rin peeks in, checking to see if Kiwi is awake.

"Hello?"

When Rin peaks into the room, Kiwi's back is turned to the door, and at an initial glance it looks like they might be asleep. But at the sound of her voice, they stir, lifting their head and turning to look over their shoulder.

"Oh. Hi Rin." they shift to face her, attempting to sit up, but their body still felt like lead so the most they could do was prop up very slightly on one arm. They probably looked unusual, disheveled and sweaty, their feather cap set aside on the table instead of on their head, half melted ice pack on their forehead instead.

As much as they long for company, Kiwi couldn't help but frown slightly and concern. They didn't know if they were contagious, and Rin was so young. They couldn't stand the thought of her getting sick too. But, they just couldn't bring themselves to send her away either. So instead, they tried a sideways approach and asked;

"Got nobody to play with today?"

She brightens as Kiwi turns and patters over, offering them a bunch of flowers.

"Hi Kiwi. Rin thought she'd bring flowers to cheer you up!"

Sweet Ainea, she was precious. There smile is genuine and moved, even if the fatigue keeps it from being as bright as they usually would.

"Aww! That's so sweet of you. Thank you."

Beaming, Rin hoists herself up to sit beside Kiwi.

"You're welcome! Are you feeling better?"

They scoot over slightly to make room for her to sit.

"A little," they say, "The priests say I still need to rest for a while. But I don't feel as tired anymore. I've been pretty lonely though," they admit, "so I'm glad you came to visit."

Rin grins back.

"It's lonely, when you're sick." She agrees. "But since you're feeling better, that's good! They seem nice here - Rin was worried you might keep getting sicker and sicker if they didn't give you medicine!"

"Aww...don't worry, Rin. They know how to take care of me. I'll be better in no time, you'll see!"

She twists her hands worriedly.

"Are you sure? Rin doesn't want you to die."

...oh.

Kiwi goes quiet a moment at that thought. When they had that nightmare about their skin going transparent, they feared for their existence. But that had just been a dream. They thought.

Was their illness really that bad?

They think back to Langtree, for a moment, remembering when Mary got very sick. It was sudden and severe, too. They remembered how painful it was to see Bronson having to tell his son that mom wasn't going to get better.

They can't imagining having to say anything like that to Rin. And besides, it wasn't true in their case. It just couldn't be. As long as they believed it.

They bring a hand out from under the blankets, reaching out to rest it on Rin's hands.

"I'm not going to die. I promise."

Rin, of course, is from an era where sickness kills easily, and she's seen it make off with people in her own village. She hugs Kiwi tightly at the reassurance.

"Good! Rin's glad. Rin would miss you, if you died!"

Well, isn't that curious! Kiwi in a blanket, walking around the gardens! Goofy blinked a few times to make sure he was seeing right. Once assured, he walks after Kiwi.

"Are you really cold?"

Kiwi looks up as they see the familiar silhouette coming up behind them. They reflexively smile in greeting, and it takes a second to realize Goofy had asked them a question.

"Oh, yeah. A little." Strangely though, up close it looks more like Kiwi was warm. Color was returning to their cheeks, but there was still some flush from the fever. The air wasn't too chilly either. But they did still shiver occasionally and readjust the blanket. Those fleeting chills were enough to make the discomfort of the warm blanket worth it.

But never mind that. Kiwi looks over the flowers they been passing.

"They're so pretty, aren't they? The priests must work really hard on these flowers."

Edited 2019-09-09 05:41 (UTC)

Goofy blinks a bit, watching Kiwi as they talk. He's old enough (supposedly) to tell a sick person from a glance.

Without much warning, he takes off his glove and puts it to Kiwi's forehead.

"Are you feelin' all right, buddy? I think you're the one who's workin' really hard."

They scrunch up their face slightly as Goofy feels their forehead. Yup, they definitely feel warm. And yet, Kiwi attempts to shrug it off.

"I'm okay. Just been cooped up for a while, I wanted to get some fresh air."

He pulled his hand back and popped the glove back on.

"Okay, but just for a little while... I think you need to rest."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

It's easy enough to say that. But the cabin fever hit Kiwi pretty hard - the last time they stayed in bed so long, it was while they were depressed and crushed by the revelation that the rainbow girl had lied to them about the earthsong, and they would do anything to not feel that low and useless again. How were they supposed to help this world if they were bundled up in bed and encouraged not to have visitors, after all?

They huddle up into their blanket and keep walking, watching the light breeze pass over the nearby flora.

Goofy follows along, not wanting to leave Kiwi like this.

"Oh? How're you gunna be careful?" Not an accusatory tone - genuine curiosity. He wants to make sure his buddy is gunna be okay.

Link hadn't seen Kiwi in a little while, but he'd been busy - he'd only just heard that the bard had been sick, so he'd been on the way to Ainea's temple to visit. It was then that he saw someone collapsing against the fountain, and the little hat was proof enough even from a distance that it was Kiwi.

He rushed to the bard's side. "Kiwi! Are you all right?"

Thankfully, Kiwi hadn't hurt themselves falling over. They caught themselves and sat on the ledge of the fountain. However, once Link was by their side, they were lightly holding their head with their eyes shut, waiting out a dizzy spell. They didn't look up as Link called out to them and just waved vaguely.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," they mumbled, "I'll be all right. I'm just tired." If Link thought Kiwi was obvious about not being fine when they first met, just look at them now.

"You are not fine," Link said, scolding them. "What's wrong? Are you sick?" Because Kiwi definitely did not look okay. People didn't almost collapse and sit there holding their head if they were just tired.

"C'mon, Kiwi, I've been pretty tired before, and I haven't fallen over like that. And I mean really tired."

Another chill shivers down Kiwi's spine at Link's question. They attempt to be subtle as they huddle into their capelet. They don't look up, trying to hide the embarrassment that they've been caught like this.

"I was getting better. I thought I was fine!" they admit.

Link raises an eyebrow at them. "And you're not," he says matter-of-factly. "How long have you been sick?" It's not like he really wants to give Kiwi the third degree, especially when the bard looks so miserable, but part of being a hero is looking out for people.

"A week...? Maybe?" they were out of it for several days of it, so time's a little hazy on the specifics.

"You should really rest. If you were sick for so long, and you're already getting sick again, I think you might be overdoing it." Then Link smiles a little. "I know the feeling, though. Probably felt cooped up, huh?"

Kiwi frowns, still not really looking up at Link. As much as they hated to admit it, he was right; they pushed themselves too far too fast. And they couldn't keep up the charade of not needing any help - Link saw right through them. They weren't used to being called out so easily - at least not by people besides Miriam. Maybe they were slipping.

They didn't like the idea of going back, either, and Link's followup hit the nail on the head. They nod with a little pout.

At least Kiwi had nodded, so that meant that they weren't quite stubborn enough to refuse help.

"Okay," said Link. "Want me to walk you back home, at least?" He holds out a hand. "I can even make some food, if you want. I'm a pretty good cook...or at least, I like to think so."

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Come on (come on), now, I hear you're feelin' down [backdated Hiatus Flu post]

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