penance | ic contact.

[perhaps it was luck that saw to it that the priest was immune to affliction where kin and kind were all suffering; it wasn't the first time he had seen plague and sickness and madness sweep across the city. not here, and not in Mayfield -- not even at home. still, it isn't the kind of thing one ever grows accustomed to or finds themselves prepared for.

especially not when it afflicts the ones you care for most.

at least he is able to work diligently and quick; he had gathered supplies he'd been preparing since his re-arrival in Haven weeks prior -- enough so that he wasn't caught completely at a loss when the time came to play caretaker to sick and wounded friends and family alike. the Church became something of a base of operations, so to speak; he boiled water and kept fresh supplies here, kept a fire going, tried to make the sick comfortable, but...

...

he's lifting his head from where he's been trying to wash and sanitize some linens and clothing where clammy, sickly people would need them in a basin by the fire, sleeves rolled up; the sound of Ciel coming through those doors gets his attention in short order. one look at her face... and the priest is lifting from where he's knelt, concern painting his features immediately.]

Ciel--?

[he's dropping the towel in his hands back into the water, and starting to jog toward her... Ciel-- God, she looks absolutely... horrible; to see even her in this shape...]

[In all retrospect, if she ran around chasing people less and focused more on what's immediately at hand, there was a slim odd that she might've not pushed herself as hard. ...But too little too late now, was it?

For a reason she is wholly unable to explain, the familiarity of the voice (which is all she manages to register, she can't deny her other senses to be too out of it currently to pick up much) strikes sharp and cold. Feeling more sober doesn't untangle the jumbling mess of feelings it triggers, though, so instead of, say. Simply get her knees and hang her head in graceful defeat (because let's be real, she's not "winning" this one)

There's a small and weak noise of surprise distinctively lacking in grace, as the Black Key turns white and shatters back to a fluttering blank page. She's enough strength to close the door with her back, at least. So she's. Just gonna lean on that and not try anything dumb to worsen her situation. ...Aah, what a horrible time to run into him, and all she has to show for it is look awful as she try to swallow a soft wince (it looks like she's making a face, doesn't it... MAYBE SHE IS MAKING ONE). Is it bad, that she literally can't focus on any other thought--?]

[his hands reach out for her shoulders to steady her, and he's looking into her face with stark concern. of course she's been overdoing it; when doesn't she? her usual vigors combined with Haven's newest dose of terrible means she's in bad shape.]

Ciel-- come on... please; sit down. Are you alright...?

[he knows the answer is no, though she'll probably say she's perfectly fine anyway even in this condition; he's trying to gently guide her from the door and toward the benches further into the church. she needs to rest -- badly, at that.]

[He's not allowed to get on her case when he'd do the EXACT SAME THING okay okay...

Trying feebly to clear her throat (it sort of worked, she thinks), she does manage to shake her head once. Won't resist his attempts to steady her, however; in fact, he will find her lighter weight leaning in, actively accepting the support as she's guided to a bench further in.]

I'll be-- okay, after I sit down for... a bit.

[...It's not a COMPLETE denial, to her (questionable) credit. She knows she needs to rest for at least a little while, alright--!]

[the fact she's willing to admit her vulnerability says volumes, and that concern grows in earnest. Abel's getting her seated, before he stretches a hand to feel her brow for fever. with everyone getting horribly ill and in various states of utterly deplorable misfortune, he won't take any chances.

especially not with her.]

You should be in bed, Ciel... how long have you been sick?

[--Argh, he's reading it TOTALLY wrong, but she's in no shape to correct him. ...Maybe in a bit, once she catches her breath!

She gives a small shake of her head; what a rhetorical question.]

It's been-- affecting lots of people. ...I'm sorry to be a burden now, this one... should pass soon.

[The skull-splitting dizziness, that is. In fact, she's slowly straightening herself, since it's finally beginning to fade. So long as she keeps her breathing even...

...Mm. Just a few more moments, now. As long as he doesn't mind being temporarily borrowed as a tall and squishy thing to lean on...]

[no, of course he doesn't mind... but neither is he going to let her get up and further over-exert herself when she's already barely conscious from the look of things. he's shaking his head, leaving his arm slung gently around her shoulders in support.]

Don't talk like that... burden? You're far from a burden...

[this ridiculous woman...]

It's time to rest. Just-- catch your breath, okay? [he'll have to get her back to the apartments, make sure she actually takes it easy and gets some sorely needed sleep, hm...]

[only because she's been around ridiculous men for too long, clearly!!! X(;

...

She'll still wait for a few more seconds while she draws a quiet and deep breath, though. ...There we go.]

I'll be... out of your hair soon, Father.

[it'll probably sound a little more convincing if she wasn't still actively laying on his shoulder, huh...]

[huff. of course she would say something so utterly ridiculous; any other time, he'd actually laugh -- but there isn't much humor in this moment as things stand.

instead, he's pulling her a little closer into him, giving a low hum deep in his chest.]

No... that's quite alright, Ciel.

[he gives another little shake of his head at that.]

It's time to rest, I think. You're in no condition to fight me this time, either... so you're simply going to have to accept that's how things will be, mm?

[--wait what no what is he doing STOP THAT--

she weakly wriggles a little in his grasp but uh

with her condition she's not going to accomplish anything, no... he'll just hear/feel a small growl of protest that, again, doesn't... sound remotely "intimidating" at all...

...

nnnope she's not gonna pull herself out of that one. AND SHE SHOULD ALSO NOT BE AS OKAY WITH THIS AS SHE IS, WHATEVER THAT FEELING OF WITHDRAWAL'S REALLY SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE!!!1]

[it's alright, it's alright... just submit to the feelings deep inside, Ciel. really. no one's looking. it's totally okay.

Abel just pretends like he hasn't noticed any of this (adorable) protest at all, casually continuing right along in a carefully low tone to avoid hurting her head should she be in bad shape.]

After a moment or two to get your bearings, we'll head on over to the apartments, alright? Just save your strength.

[SHE DOESN'T HAVE ANY FEELINGS 8|||||||||||

she's not the stray here alright ALRIGHT]

I can-- walk, back, by myself--!

[--...GOD yes get her worked up so she can collect more headaches why don't you BAD DOG X(! the sudden mild lunge of her forehead and sinking a little lower by him were TOTALLY things she could've lived without today!!!]

[was that a squeak he heard just now? my, he truly hopes the church isn't getting mice. are there mice in Haven? perhaps there are now!! goodness!!

he's patting her shoulder gently, soothingly, like trying to placate a skittish horse or something. this is totally dignified.]

Of course you can! But you won't. Because I'm taking you~! Isn't that nice of me...?

[oh how nice it is

to wear these shoes

on his feet for once]

[there's like 1% chance of running into one, #trufax from the nitpicker's guide. and lbr the church is probably one of the BETTER places a mouse would want to hide in there, so HOW ABOUT THAT HUH??

oh

oh mister we are NOT going there]

That-- isn't necessary--

[did her voice just grow shriller because she has like really awful filters on everything ever right now as opposed to her usual METICULOUS AND FLAGRANT AMOUNT OF TOTAL UTTER SELF CONTROL??

...yes

TRYING TO GET UP NOW but wow she sure is stuck down there, what a terribly first-of-a-third world haven problem

(the score's still like 10:1 okay, FOR THE RECORD)]

[w o w Ciel wow this is just... you're practically making it so easy he'd almost feel guilty to take advantage!!

...almost. almost, being the key word here.

while it's terribly endearing, it's also something that has him worried for her; seeing the Sister this weak is... a rarity, to say the least. when her efforts to get up result in nothing more than an awkward shift, he's giving a small noise of protest.]

Ah-- hey... hey, take it easy! You're really in no condition to be going anywhere, Sister...! Please, just relax...

[he should've seen her sleep in on weekends during lesser strained times... MISSED OPPORTUNITIES]

Then stop-- [/~~pitifully~~ valiantly TRIES to clear throat!!] saying, ri--diculous things!

[as she physically

slumps

further

over

him...

(please god give her the strength to drag herself up because this TOTALLY ISN'T SQUISHY AND WARM AND COMFORTABLE AT ALL SHE NEVER NEEDED THIS BEFORE AND SHE CLEARLY WON'T START NOW!!!)]

[--hahaha... Ciel, you aren't really making any progress, here. do you realize this? no? well. that's okay. here, just let Abel more firmly situate his arm around her, trying to help support her further... she's practically dead weight, now; weak as a kitten it would seem...]

It's not ridiculous at all...! Look, even if you wanted to, there's no way you could even keep your feet, nevermind walk all the way out in the snow to the apartments...

[which is his cue to begin stirring himself. yes, that's right -- he's starting to get up, and his arm around her shoulders is soon being joined by the other gently sliding under her knees to pick her up in a cradle to his chest.]

And I wouldn't let you, anyway. You're in no shape for anything but bedrest... and that's exactly what you're getting. Please hang in there a little longer, okay...? Just close your eyes, Ciel.

[uh WHAT DID SHE SAY ABOUT THE KITTEN ANALOGIES LAST TIME??]

I just...

[...

okay yeah

yeaaah

she can FEEL what's left of her reason :|ing at her

she's really not getting out of this one, is she...

so.

there's a faint ~~mewl~~ sound of CLEAR DISPLEASURE, and if she was thinking any more consciously without a swimming head, she'd probably have cheeks glowing strong enough to rival ripe peaches. but right now, she doesn't care if her head is actually nestling in as she buries her nose into the folds of his cassock (smells like... soap and...). SO WHAT IF IT'S COMPLETELY CONTRADICTORY TO WHAT SHE'S BEEN SAYING... it's not like he ever heard her most trustworthy colleague say how her actions are always more honest than her words either, right??]

...Put me down, by the door...

[because she's pretty sure she shouldn't be ENTERING housing block #5 with him carrying her like this. ...even if the solid reason is sort of escaping her, right now...

she refuses to close her eyes, though. she might be curling up, but if he thinks she's gonna pass out like this, he's got another thing coming!!1!!1]

[ah.

as he feels her nestling into him where he's carefully plucked her up into his arms, there is a strange... twinge, in his chest; brief as though it may be, it's undeniable. he's looking down at her where her face is pressed into his chest... m... my. Ciel...

...]

[this is the single cutest
he can't
this is just
o-- ooohhhhhhhh my goddddd]

[he's using what he can of his coat to shelter her before he pushes the church doors ajar with his back, leading her out into Haven's streets and gathering his wits about him.]

No... there won't be any of that. I'm getting you in bed, and getting you something to eat and some water, mm~? You might as well save your breath if you're going to complain... you know how little good it'd do to sway me, right?

[this here

will be her fingers digging into the front of his shirt and a sad, sad attempt to knuckle him in the gut (spoiler: it's about as strong as a newborn pup bumping its nose into something).

...practically impossible to tell whether she's just hanging on tighter or trying to do something else, huh. since she kinda sorta has no means of articulating this in any remotely concise manner, only the brackets can spell it out, alas:

shut up and ~~drive~~ walk, abel. SHE'S NOT LISTENING TO HIM RIGHT NOW!!!1! and if she was any coherent, she'd also swear on everything ever to never have him catch her sick again!!!!!!!! q_q

nevermind that she has no idea whether this clinging is helping with that listless feeling of needing something... but given... circumstances and things, the differences are practically negligible either way, r...right...]

[really he has no idea that was supposed to be some kind of protest; it merely seemed like she were grappling to hold tighter in all honesty -- which just goes to further all those warm fuzzies she's been inadvertently causing, here. he's practically ready to squeal like a girl and call up his girlfriends to gush

you know how it goes.

but he's just chuckling, low; this is quite a unique situation to be in when it comes to Ciel, and while he hates to see her this way -- it is nice to be able to show her that being vulnerable once in a while doesn't mean the end of the world... the sky isn't falling; her world isn't collapsing -- and however much her pride might be ruffled, maybe she'll find it not so bad in the end...]

I'll get you some extra blankets. It's getting pretty cold these days, isn't it...? How long has it been since we saw real snow? Back in Mayfield... right...?

[sad that 'Mayfield' is said with nostalgia. when comparing one murder town to the next, living there hadn't been so bad considering the day-to-day comforts sadly missing here.]

[HOW UPSETTING... why is she so bad at this q_q

here's crossing her fingers (except not, because hahaaa like the idea can even occur to her right now) and hoping that she'll only have vague memories of this, once she gets back to her usual self!! HOW WILL SHE EVEN FACE HIM AGAIN IF SHE'S TO KEEP CRYSTAL CLEAR MEMORIES OF THIS, AS IF SHE NEEDED MORE AWKWARD EMBARRASSMENT IN HER LIFE (the answer is never)

...But when it comes down to it. Gah, does he need it spelled out that there is absolutely ZERO ZILCH NADA odds of her folding in any fashion comparable to this, if he of all people wasn't the one to come upon her in such a condition, if it was ANYONE else? she's stopped denying that humanity for a while, now. ~~she just still shoves it deep beneath when it wasn't convenient to have the girl hang around, a practice she's still actively guilty of~~ other connections helped, but at the root of it...

She doesn't have the strength or will for super self-conscious thoughts, so if he'll lean over to listen what ~deep~ and ~meaningful~ words she has to say with what little energy she could actively muster:]

You'd just... whine, about hot chocolate again...

[...

legit, amirite]

[...yeah totally legit, he just.

whistles at that, in a most decidedly innocent manner which might as well be him writing NO COMMENT in thick black bold lettering across his head...]

I do miss that hot chocolate, you know... why'd you have to go and bring that up--? I'm practically dying from sweet deprivation in this wretched city, a-- agh...

[a little light-heartedness won't hurt things, right? maybe distract her from her unfortunate condition as snow crunches underfoot and the priest takes great care where he walks, meandering toward her block. he would take her to his -- but he doesn't want to risk her experiencing the negative side effects associated with straying from 'home' for too long if she ends up falling asleep for longer than a few hours.]

[she knows him well. too well...

...]

You're... incorrigible.

[Distract her from what?? She's kind of been fixated on how he's being terribly... well, him, for the last 10+ minutes!! ...Granted, that's. Just a little distracting on its own, already as it is, h-hah...

So can she just "hang up" with a faint and muffled mumble, as she finally DOES close her eyes and sink herself a little deeper into the hold...]

[...there, that's better. relax, rest... it's what her body obvious is crying out for, even if Ciel might be too stubborn to willfully admit it.

he's going quiet as he sees her eyes close, just giving a quiet hum. before long, there is the transition from the bitter cold outside to the slightly lesser-so interiors of the new apartments; Abel is taking Ciel to her room and checking to ensure it isn't occupied. once he's sure they're alone for now and things are quiet, he's beginning to lay her with great care not to jostle her too much down upon the sheets.]

Ciel? ...Hey... Are you still with me?

[look she would've sat at the church and maybe gotten better after passing out for ??? amount of time, okay, if only he wasn't already there to bust her plans!!

...

but it's. Not like she's really actively complaining either, hm. The change of temperature isn't noted. If anything, it's how the wind's whisper in her ears quietening that registers.

She stirs faintly.]

Mm...

[...

Not that it was very strong to begin with, but. Her grip isn't lessening any, if he's paying any attention to that. He can likely... "detach" himself, if he tries even a little. You just can't really put someone down properly if they don't let go, right...?]

[...he does. if only because he begins to try to draw back, only to realize her fingers are still coiled into his clothing, like a clinging child.

...

silly girl...

he's gently brushing the hair from her brow, reassuring smile (reassuring? fond; affectionate) tugging at his lips.]

It's okay. I'll be right back... right back with you. It'll only be a minute, okay?

[she's going to be pointedly ignoring his gaze, okay, but does find herself leaning into his hand a little. ...hnng. there really isn't much in terms of rhyme and reason right now, is there? just...

It's something she knows and trusts, to hang onto. Already what should be a staggeringly costly luxury, is it any wonder in the end, that she's reluctant and maybe a little afraid to let go, despite it all?

...

So she's just keeping her half-lidded gaze firmly lowered, and maintain that questionably accurate impression of a porcupine rolled up over itself - while practically defensively attaching itself to something else, yes. ...Unsightly behaviour either way, right? She'll worry about excuses, later...]

[...ah.

it's hard to deny that he recognizes THAT look. it isn't something he's total stranger to, after all-- especially in his time in Mayfield, then Haven. the sight of someone feeling small and lost and afraid... it's simply particularly striking on this face in particular.]

...

[in the end, he doesn't have the heart to force her to let go. he can wait til she slips out to go and get a few things for her. so, he's sliding down to kneel beside her bed, letting her keep hold of him if she wants, and continuing to brush his fingers over her brow and into blue hair in a soothing pattern.]

Mm... maybe it can wait a bit... Maybe I'll wait here a while. How does that sound...?

[He could've tried ~~coaxing~~ convincing her a little more... or kicked a sick puppy... but thankfully he doesn't share in her occasionally heartless bad habits...

THAT IS

Her eyelids DO slide lower, not wholly closing, and some tension seems to dissipate from her small frame as her hold stays. It'll have to do, as an answer.

...]

I'm... sorry.

["For taking up your time". If her head was clearer, for doing so when he no doubt has countless others to look after would occur to her as well. The sentiment remains the same, however, even if she's still not managing to articulate it coherently.

She just. Knows she shouldn't be clingy now, but. It's hard to help it, alright...? It may be selfish, but it's really unfair too, how he's persistently remained by her side and clawed his way to a unique position that's made letting go, to her of all people, so difficult--!]

[he hesitates at that, an inkling of sobriety entering his expression... and the priest shakes his head, voice dropped to a murmur.]

Don't apologize... you of all people don't need to apologize for this.

[for a moment of weakness? please, she is entitled just the same as everyone else to stumble and fall when times are hard. bearing the world on her shoulders is far more a crime in his eyes than this.]

I'm happy. To take care of you... when you're well, when you're sick... or sad, or happy, or... anything in between. You silly girl...

[W-wow, not allowed to pull that card on her when he traipses around always trying to bear the world on HIS by himself!!

Not that she
1. has enough spoken things to work with and call him out
2. has half a mind to lecture him about hypocrisy right now
3. is ANY well-placed to lecture anyone about hypocrisy to begin with, whether or not he's actually the only one close to her level
4. GOING BACK ON SPOKEN THINGS.

Hnnnnnnnnnng why does he have to go ahead and say something like THAT--

Do you know what a sick AND flustered puppy looks like, Abel? You SHOULDN'T, because actual puppies don't get like that, and also because he lacks the self-awareness to recognize it, because there's no WAY he hasn't shown a similar expression in the past before.

The small noise at her throat could've as well been one of protest as one of effort - or god knows what, but her grip on his shirt does tighten. She proceeds to bury and hide the whole of her face in his chest (not proving his point, REALLY), as he'll feel a small jolt of electricity - no stronger than the byproduct of fabric static, thankfully - courses through him.

--She didn't mean to send sparks flying (literally...), okay, and power fluctuations is definitely something she's witnessed too, during the last few days. PLEASE LET HER KNOW so she doesn't do it again because she doesn't even realize, as things stand. See, the legitimate reasons for apologies just keep growing...!]

ic contact.

what, no horrible song lyrics...? i am most disappointed in you rookie.

they'll come just wait, cherry popping just took priority because i have good priorities

cherry popping eh.. eh....

would you like whipped cream with that okok

why yes, yes i would!! how kind of you to ask...

don't get diabeetus tho

2late 4that

wow if you get into a cardiac arrest i've nothing to do with it

mouth2mouth. my body is ready

um no would you like to be shoved against an electric fence??? THAT'LL HELP TOO

oooh kinky, i didn't know your love for me was so... electric...

...who loves you exactly????

um that is rather clear here rookie.

ah the fence of course would you like the voltage doubled...

i feel like there's a pun here

wouldn't that be a ~shocking~ revelation

did you really just

what no need to jolt yourself over it...!

LMAO rookie no rookie NO ROOKIE; 1/3

2/3

3/3

it's a little too late to be ON THE FENCE ABOUT IT, DONTCHA THINK???

how many of these can you pull out, now i'm genuinely curious

wouldn't that be ENLIGHTENING to know (p.s.: i genuinely suck at those)

.............

slow down on the thunderous reception, huh............

quietly begins tabulating the running total

bolts away...

LOL.............................. damnit...

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