[Jae-Ha is quiet for a long moment, not sure how to reply to this kindness. He's touched, but he knows expressing this always seems to upset Mephisto, so he's not sure he wants to do that anyway. Instead, he blinks over at him in a quietly surprised sort of way and decides to say something else.]
Try not to let Yona dear find out I'm this bad, or she'll worry endlessly. [Yes, there we go. Changing the subject.] But I should be fine, so thank you, but you won't have to bother...
[He says this, but as he tries to push himself up to a sitting position in the bed, his arm shakes and can't support his weight, and he's leaning to that side to sneeze harshly a moment later. Ah.]
[A wave of his hand has an unseen force gently pushing Jae-ha back down -- not that it takes much effort with how shaky those arms are. He just sweeps them forward to knock him down onto the pillow again.]
You felt so unwell, you desperately called out the name of a demon to come rescue you, before ultimately swooning in my arms. It would be unsightly to leave you here to deal with this alone after all that.
[Look at this guy, laughing at the sick man under his breath... but also kinda admitting just how quickly he must have gotten there to have been able to catch Jae-ha, oops.]
[He falls right back onto the pillow with a tiny wince, then relaxes into it. He can't fight this magic. What little he has learned is nowhere near as useful.]
I must have done that by accident. [Calling for him... He can be tsun at a moment like this, of course he can.] But, you're saying you caught me? How prompt. I suppose I can thank you for that.
Well, I did say any utterance of my name would bring me to your side in an instant! What sort of demon would I be if I couldn't manage something like that?
[You know, the kind who can only teleport short distances-- he's gonna make himself mad if he keeps that train of thought up, oops.]
Now be a good boy and stay in bed, or I'll be sure to tell dear Miss Yona all about just how much you're suffering.
[He gets it, please don't tell Yona mean things. He coughs again, dropping the back of his arm over his eyes as he sighs afterwards. He hates being in this position, but here he is now, hopeless and useless. He really will have to focus on getting better.]
It's likely a simple cold... But tell me if I truly do begin to hallucinate, won't you?
Knocked down by a simple cold... my, what a fragile little dragon you are.
[He says it with a laugh, but... hmm. So even with that small fraction of his powers, Jae-ha's weaker immune system hasn't seen any improvement? What a shame.]
[But with Jae-ha's word that he'll stay in bed, Mephisto wanders around the little apartment, seeing what he has, maybe stepping out to buy some groceries because this is very much a bachelor's apartment... Thankfully he's gotten used to being a little more domestic these days from living with Yona, so it's not as embarrassing as it could be, doing all of this. Besides, he's just doing this as part of the contract, obviously! Nothing more.]
[...and getting a bowl of ice water to wringe out a towel to put over Jae-ha's forehead? Also totally just part of the contract. Totally.]
[...if he makes any cracks about how housewife-y this is, sitting there with his coat off and sleeves rolled up, he's getting ice cubes teleported down his pants.].
[He doesn't respond to that, but he does feel a little worse because of it. He knows Mephisto isn't trying to talk him down, but his own thoughts are doing that for him. He is fragile, isn't he? A simple cold, and he's stuck here, as if it were anything like what Yona had to deal with.
He's relatively quiet from here on out, which is already out of character for him. He's exhausted, his fever won't go down, and as Mephisto is setting the iced cloth across his forehead, he'll be able to see just how shallow Jae-Ha is breathing. This is very difficult on him, away from the castle.
It's why he doesn't have the energy to tease Mephisto. He doesn't think he would, right now, anyway, with how serious he can get about wanting to be a big bad demon. He'll silently let him take care of him and hope it gets better, even as his eyes close to dull the headache and he continues with his shallow breaths.]
[The lack of teasing is probably more troubling than anything, along with the silence. It's possible this truly is something worse than a cold (and he's already put in a request to get a dose of the antidote for the previous plague prepared -- just in case) but if it isn't... well, even the common cold can kill people. If his immune system continues to be so weak like this, he may not survive very long in this world.]
[But humans die all the time. Jae-ha himself said he didn't even mind that his life was doomed to be a short one. He hasn't even known him for very long... it shouldn't bother him as much as it does, seeing those shallow breaths. Is it the dragon blood in him, calling to his own?]
[Or is this scene just too familiar? He's been thinking about his "family" more and more these days... ah, how strange. he pushes those thoughts away.]
[He'll dutifully stay by his side, leaving only occasionally to fetch water or medicine... and shoot a text to Miss Yona (from Jae-ha's phone of course) that Mr. Jae-ha has a cold and is being a big baby about it, so he's doing some errands for him and may not be home tonight -- with some added teasing that she can have Mr. Slaine uninterrupted for as long as she'd like. Downplaying the severity -- just as Jae-ha asked.]
[It's only once that's done that he sighs and leans back in his chair, eyeing Jae-ha... is he asleep? It's hard to tell. But when he changes the cloth over his forehead and doesn't get a reaction, he'll assume as much... and then reach down to gently brush some of his hair from his face, speaking in a soft low voice.]
Do get well soon... it's surprisingly dull without you around.
[He's fallen asleep off and on throughout the day, like this, but it's difficult to sleep deep when you're this ill and someone brushes a hand near your face. He doesn't jump or anything, though, just reaches up and grabs onto that hand.]
Do you really think so? [It's soft, even if it has that rise in tone like he wants to tease. He's too sick, he's worried, and he doesn't want this to get worse. His hand holding Mephisto's is clammy. He squeezes it lightly.]
Well, if you say that you need me for entertainment like that, then our contract states I must get well. [Jokes, to lighten the mood! See, great.] Don't waste your time worrying about a young, beautiful man like me. I'll be better in no time.
[But okay sure they can hold hands. He'll even reach over with his other and give the back of Jae-ha's hand a reassuring pat. His voice is still soft, but now lacks the distinct gentleness he was using before.]
What's there to worry about? You have me looking after you. I'm rather experienced with this sort of thing, you know.
Ah-- but do you feel lucid enough to have something to drink right now? I prepared some tea earlier that might help you sleep a bit easier.
[He opened his eyes for the hand grab, which means he totally got to see that expression. Score.]
Right. [Totally no reason to worry. He coughs, shifting to try and sit himself up, taking the cloth from his forehead with his free hand.] I should be able to drink something. I'd hate to let your tea go to waste. [Homemaker...]
And I've been having some trouble sleeping for long.
[He'll give him a little push with his powers if he needs it -- not enough to be overly noticeable, but more than enough to compensate for his own lack of strength right now.]
Ah, but you'll have to let go of my hand first. Or does it comfort you to have someone to hold onto like this? [Like a little kid tbh]
[Playful flirting always lightens the mood. But with a chuckle, he releases Mephisto's hand, relaxing as much as he can while sitting up. He feels weak and dizzy, but he's probably dehydrated. Tea will certainly help.]
[...he technically didn't have to let go, though. He's a fuckin' demon, he could easily float the pot of tea and cup in here--]
[But there's something to be said about the fact that he'd rather not, instead preferring to go to the effort of physically standing and fetching it himself. And while part of it certainly was that it was easier for him like this, no longer able to simply summon the items to his hand while they were far away, there was something else there too... though even Mephisto isn't considering the implications.]
[He comes back carrying two cups -- one for himself of course, though without the added herbal mix to help Jae-ha's headache... and one more thing. During his little excursion in the jungle, he happened upon a bit of blissroot, which he'd dried and added to some of the tea. The amount is small enough that the effects won't be overt, but it should give Jae-ha a sense of pleasant calmness.]
Here you are. I added a bit of honey to hide the bitter taste of the herbs. But they should help with any aches and pains you're feeling.
I doubt I could taste much right now, anyway, but I do appreciate it.
[He takes the tea with both hands, and even with his fever, it's a pleasant warmth to feel. Even the first small sip makes him feel a little lighter. This is perfect, make him just high enough to deal with suffering from a cold. Thanks.]
If Yoon were here, he'd be fretting at my side. He's a young, pretty boy Yona dear had convinced to travel with her. Really, he's a genius with things like this or cooking, so it's odd not having him here.
[He doesn't know why he's sharing that, but he just feels like it.]
Miss Yona certainly has a way of drawing attractive young men to her side, doesn't she? [Jae-ha. Hak. Slaine. Now Yoon? How many more are there?? He's starting to feel a little too much like the odd man out. How rude.]
[But he'll welcome conversation if Jae-ha is feeling well enough for it. Maybe he can use this as a good opportunity to learn more about the life he lived before he woke up here.]
But just what were you all traveling for? Was there some destination in mind?
[It's amazing. He hums, though, drinking a little more tea and relaxing into the way it makes him feel as if he can float. ...He could float, thanks to Mephisto, but he won't waste energy.]
As long as I was at her side, I felt as though we could go anywhere. Helping anyone in front of us and trying to restore the kingdom that was taken from her... It was something like that. I'd tell you to ask her for more details, but she doesn't remember a thing, right now.
Yes, I'd assumed that was the case when she told me she had never seen a dragon before, not long after arriving in Wyver. It seems such discrepancies aren't that uncommon.
[Himself included, apparently. But he hasn't brought that up yet.]
Do you ever plan to tell her? About who you are and what you've experienced?
It's a strange experience, hearing about a future you've never lived. Though I imagine it's a bit different when it's a future you may otherwise never see.
[Something he vaguely knows about now, thanks to Shura. But that's probably not a good topic while he's still sick, all things considered.]
[But just in case he asks, he opts for an extreme topic change--]
Ah yes, do let me know when you're feeling up to a bath. You still reek of the jungle, you know.
So you'll help me even with that? I don't have the energy to do anything fun, I hope you know.
[He's teasing, while also thanking him for the kindness. He'll do it rarely, just to not upset him, but there's no way he can say nothing. He's finished most of the tea with the next sip and holds it out for Mephisto to take (or float away) if he will.]
Maybe once I've rested a little while longer. [He's very relaxed and sleepy, all of a sudden. Good tea.]
[He only laughs at Jae-ha's teasing, reaching out to take the cup before floating it off -- not wanting to startle Jae-ha into thinking he's dropping it. He's being far kinder than he would be to most, and is still in denial about it at this point. Sure, he's aware that his behavior is odd, and that anyone from home who saw this scene might wonder if they were really looking at the same demon--]
[But that was all part of this, wasn't it? This experiment? Chasing after these strange feelings that this sliver of a human heart put into his chest, curious to see where it might lead him in the end... it was a dangerous thing, allowing his own emotions to be manipulated like this. But as long as he saw it in that light, surely no harm could come of it, right?]
[Of course, if he ever let himself voice these thoughts, even he would have to admit it's just a convenient excuse. Whatever the reason may be, being around Jae-ha put his mind as ease.]
Then by all means-- rest as long as you'd like. I still have a few errands to run, but if you need anything, you already know how to call me.
[--is what he says, but he makes no effort to stand or leave, fully intending to stay by his side until he's asleep... and probably after that as well. Just when did he decide he was going to stay and watch over him? This silly, fragile little human, felled by a simple cold... it's not as though it's anything new, to be this fond of them, despite their weaknesses. He's always loved humans, after all.]
[But... was this different? Perhaps it's simply the fact that he doesn't know that's keeping him here right now.]
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Try not to let Yona dear find out I'm this bad, or she'll worry endlessly. [Yes, there we go. Changing the subject.] But I should be fine, so thank you, but you won't have to bother...
[He says this, but as he tries to push himself up to a sitting position in the bed, his arm shakes and can't support his weight, and he's leaning to that side to sneeze harshly a moment later. Ah.]
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[A wave of his hand has an unseen force gently pushing Jae-ha back down -- not that it takes much effort with how shaky those arms are. He just sweeps them forward to knock him down onto the pillow again.]
You felt so unwell, you desperately called out the name of a demon to come rescue you, before ultimately swooning in my arms. It would be unsightly to leave you here to deal with this alone after all that.
[Look at this guy, laughing at the sick man under his breath... but also kinda admitting just how quickly he must have gotten there to have been able to catch Jae-ha, oops.]
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[He falls right back onto the pillow with a tiny wince, then relaxes into it. He can't fight this magic. What little he has learned is nowhere near as useful.]
I must have done that by accident. [Calling for him... He can be tsun at a moment like this, of course he can.] But, you're saying you caught me? How prompt. I suppose I can thank you for that.
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Well, I did say any utterance of my name would bring me to your side in an instant! What sort of demon would I be if I couldn't manage something like that?
[You know, the kind who can only teleport short distances-- he's gonna make himself mad if he keeps that train of thought up, oops.]
Now be a good boy and stay in bed, or I'll be sure to tell dear Miss Yona all about just how much you're suffering.
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[He gets it, please don't tell Yona mean things. He coughs again, dropping the back of his arm over his eyes as he sighs afterwards. He hates being in this position, but here he is now, hopeless and useless. He really will have to focus on getting better.]
It's likely a simple cold... But tell me if I truly do begin to hallucinate, won't you?
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[He says it with a laugh, but... hmm. So even with that small fraction of his powers, Jae-ha's weaker immune system hasn't seen any improvement? What a shame.]
[But with Jae-ha's word that he'll stay in bed, Mephisto wanders around the little apartment, seeing what he has, maybe stepping out to buy some groceries because this is very much a bachelor's apartment... Thankfully he's gotten used to being a little more domestic these days from living with Yona, so it's not as embarrassing as it could be, doing all of this. Besides, he's just doing this as part of the contract, obviously! Nothing more.]
[...and getting a bowl of ice water to wringe out a towel to put over Jae-ha's forehead? Also totally just part of the contract. Totally.]
[...if he makes any cracks about how housewife-y this is, sitting there with his coat off and sleeves rolled up, he's getting ice cubes teleported down his pants.].
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He's relatively quiet from here on out, which is already out of character for him. He's exhausted, his fever won't go down, and as Mephisto is setting the iced cloth across his forehead, he'll be able to see just how shallow Jae-Ha is breathing. This is very difficult on him, away from the castle.
It's why he doesn't have the energy to tease Mephisto. He doesn't think he would, right now, anyway, with how serious he can get about wanting to be a big bad demon. He'll silently let him take care of him and hope it gets better, even as his eyes close to dull the headache and he continues with his shallow breaths.]
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[But humans die all the time. Jae-ha himself said he didn't even mind that his life was doomed to be a short one. He hasn't even known him for very long... it shouldn't bother him as much as it does, seeing those shallow breaths. Is it the dragon blood in him, calling to his own?]
[Or is this scene just too familiar? He's been thinking about his "family" more and more these days... ah, how strange. he pushes those thoughts away.]
[He'll dutifully stay by his side, leaving only occasionally to fetch water or medicine... and shoot a text to Miss Yona (from Jae-ha's phone of course) that Mr. Jae-ha has a cold and is being a big baby about it, so he's doing some errands for him and may not be home tonight -- with some added teasing that she can have Mr. Slaine uninterrupted for as long as she'd like. Downplaying the severity -- just as Jae-ha asked.]
[It's only once that's done that he sighs and leans back in his chair, eyeing Jae-ha... is he asleep? It's hard to tell. But when he changes the cloth over his forehead and doesn't get a reaction, he'll assume as much... and then reach down to gently brush some of his hair from his face, speaking in a soft low voice.]
Do get well soon... it's surprisingly dull without you around.
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Do you really think so? [It's soft, even if it has that rise in tone like he wants to tease. He's too sick, he's worried, and he doesn't want this to get worse. His hand holding Mephisto's is clammy. He squeezes it lightly.]
Well, if you say that you need me for entertainment like that, then our contract states I must get well. [Jokes, to lighten the mood! See, great.] Don't waste your time worrying about a young, beautiful man like me. I'll be better in no time.
1/2
[HE THOUGHT YOU WERE STILL ASLEEP UGH]
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What's there to worry about? You have me looking after you. I'm rather experienced with this sort of thing, you know.
Ah-- but do you feel lucid enough to have something to drink right now? I prepared some tea earlier that might help you sleep a bit easier.
[ABOUT-FACE TURN AND CHANGE THE SUBJECT YEP]
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Right. [Totally no reason to worry. He coughs, shifting to try and sit himself up, taking the cloth from his forehead with his free hand.] I should be able to drink something. I'd hate to let your tea go to waste. [Homemaker...]
And I've been having some trouble sleeping for long.
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[He'll give him a little push with his powers if he needs it -- not enough to be overly noticeable, but more than enough to compensate for his own lack of strength right now.]
Ah, but you'll have to let go of my hand first. Or does it comfort you to have someone to hold onto like this? [Like a little kid tbh]
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[Playful flirting always lightens the mood. But with a chuckle, he releases Mephisto's hand, relaxing as much as he can while sitting up. He feels weak and dizzy, but he's probably dehydrated. Tea will certainly help.]
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[...he technically didn't have to let go, though. He's a fuckin' demon, he could easily float the pot of tea and cup in here--]
[But there's something to be said about the fact that he'd rather not, instead preferring to go to the effort of physically standing and fetching it himself. And while part of it certainly was that it was easier for him like this, no longer able to simply summon the items to his hand while they were far away, there was something else there too... though even Mephisto isn't considering the implications.]
[He comes back carrying two cups -- one for himself of course, though without the added herbal mix to help Jae-ha's headache... and one more thing. During his little excursion in the jungle, he happened upon a bit of blissroot, which he'd dried and added to some of the tea. The amount is small enough that the effects won't be overt, but it should give Jae-ha a sense of pleasant calmness.]
Here you are. I added a bit of honey to hide the bitter taste of the herbs. But they should help with any aches and pains you're feeling.
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[He takes the tea with both hands, and even with his fever, it's a pleasant warmth to feel. Even the first small sip makes him feel a little lighter. This is perfect, make him just high enough to deal with suffering from a cold. Thanks.]
If Yoon were here, he'd be fretting at my side. He's a young, pretty boy Yona dear had convinced to travel with her. Really, he's a genius with things like this or cooking, so it's odd not having him here.
[He doesn't know why he's sharing that, but he just feels like it.]
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[But he'll welcome conversation if Jae-ha is feeling well enough for it. Maybe he can use this as a good opportunity to learn more about the life he lived before he woke up here.]
But just what were you all traveling for? Was there some destination in mind?
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[It's amazing. He hums, though, drinking a little more tea and relaxing into the way it makes him feel as if he can float. ...He could float, thanks to Mephisto, but he won't waste energy.]
As long as I was at her side, I felt as though we could go anywhere. Helping anyone in front of us and trying to restore the kingdom that was taken from her... It was something like that. I'd tell you to ask her for more details, but she doesn't remember a thing, right now.
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[Himself included, apparently. But he hasn't brought that up yet.]
Do you ever plan to tell her? About who you are and what you've experienced?
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[It's probably best if she doesn't, though. Exact details would be too much... She knows the gist of it now.
Ah, and this tea is really getting to him now. He feels super chill, thanks.]
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[Something he vaguely knows about now, thanks to Shura. But that's probably not a good topic while he's still sick, all things considered.]
[But just in case he asks, he opts for an extreme topic change--]
Ah yes, do let me know when you're feeling up to a bath. You still reek of the jungle, you know.
so we can fade out on this and do NEW STUFF
[He's teasing, while also thanking him for the kindness. He'll do it rarely, just to not upset him, but there's no way he can say nothing. He's finished most of the tea with the next sip and holds it out for Mephisto to take (or float away) if he will.]
Maybe once I've rested a little while longer. [He's very relaxed and sleepy, all of a sudden. Good tea.]
Wraps this up with FEELINGS
[But that was all part of this, wasn't it? This experiment? Chasing after these strange feelings that this sliver of a human heart put into his chest, curious to see where it might lead him in the end... it was a dangerous thing, allowing his own emotions to be manipulated like this. But as long as he saw it in that light, surely no harm could come of it, right?]
[Of course, if he ever let himself voice these thoughts, even he would have to admit it's just a convenient excuse. Whatever the reason may be, being around Jae-ha put his mind as ease.]
Then by all means-- rest as long as you'd like. I still have a few errands to run, but if you need anything, you already know how to call me.
[--is what he says, but he makes no effort to stand or leave, fully intending to stay by his side until he's asleep... and probably after that as well. Just when did he decide he was going to stay and watch over him? This silly, fragile little human, felled by a simple cold... it's not as though it's anything new, to be this fond of them, despite their weaknesses. He's always loved humans, after all.]
[But... was this different? Perhaps it's simply the fact that he doesn't know that's keeping him here right now.]