have i mentioned lately that i'm shameless

[connike]

 THE SICK DAY MEME

RULES
► Post with your character, name and fandom in the header.
► They are now, for some odd reason, sick (headache, fever, runny nose, cough, whatever you want).
► Another character replies and is struck with the sudden urge to take care of them (bringing them soup, extra blankets, Sudafed, sexual healing, what have you).
► Go from there!

Comments

[curepotion]

Oh, don't do that.

[ he mutters quietly, rubbing his face in embarrassment. he remembers the last time he expressed worry towards Xehanort, the silver-haired man's completely puzzled face, as if it was alien to actually be worried about him. Riku had gone stark red and just decided to leave it be. ]

He'd just be confused that I'm worrying about him again.

[ implying, of course, that Riku has done this before. it's not like he hasn't for other members--after all, he is checking up on Ienzo. Riku worries. Even complains. Ansem eats ice cream. it's just something that's a constant. ]

Is the soup okay?

[radiantschemer]

The soup's good.

[And usually Ienzo would have much more of a critical view than that, some pointers on seasonings, or complaints that it was made maybe just a bit too salty for his liking.

But that's useless while he can't really taste so much of anything, just slurp gratefully at the noodles, and sigh at the warm feeling of broth down his throat, easing all the difficulties in swallowing.

Rare, true smiles are generous from the youngest apprentice, but Ienzo meets Riku's eyes gratefully, with a small wince of apology.]

It would be better, I'm sure, if I wasn't so stuffed up.

[curepotion]

[ when the criticism doesn't come, he's faintly surprised--even more so at his gratitude. he finds himself smiling anyway, voice a little lower and softer now.

growing up, it's like Riku took Ienzo's lack of smiling as a sign, and started to grin and smirk more. his soft smiles, however, are different. ]

Probably. That just means I'll have to try again when you're better.

[radiantschemer]

Hopefully, that will be soon.

[He sighs, a little discouraged with his bed confinement.

One of these days, he'll be bold and ask Ansem for a room with windows. They'd given him a place that was very snug from the nighttime drafts, but it was easy to feel completely isolated here, when the door is closed.

That's why he projects kaleidoscope colors, on his ceiling, when the lamplight is shut off. ]

Ugh. I really need new tissues, Riku.

[curepotion]

I'll go get them. And toss this thing in for cleaning, while I'm there. It's almost--

[ and distantly, he hears a bell and sighs, though there's a rueful smile on his face. ]

... time for training.

[ if Riku isn't studying, he's training. and there's little use in a boy who's training to be part of the guard if he isn't training or studying, so this would be frowned upon, no matter how kind it is. ]

You should go take a hot bubble bath. The steam might help your sinuses clear up.

[radiantschemer]

Oh. [And Ienzo seems a little disappointed too, when the hours sound, and when Riku deflates in realization he should be going soon. It reminds him of the time he's missing out on, not taking part of, like the rest of them, and just how much catch-up work Even will heap on him when he's feeling well again, as if his bedridden absence required punishment.

(Thinking of that's almost motivation enough to try and stay sick)

But Riku's suggestion is a good one, even if it feels like so much achey effort to pull himself out of his pillow nest and resolve to pad to the bathroom.]

A bath sounds really nice now, actually.

[He moans longingly at the thought of being immersed in steamy bubble clumps, a sound which morphs into a yawn as he takes a slow sitting stretch that's more of a full bodied squirm, arms over his head and twisting in place.] I guess I should try and get out of bed for a little while, at least.

[curepotion]

Probably.

[ his word is soft and laced with a chuckle, eyes shut, as he stands. he should be hurrying, but he doesn't mind being late. he does lay a hand atop Ienzo's head, however, in a brotherly way. there's no playful ruffling of his hair, because Riku's really not the type to do that--maybe if he wasn't weighed down by constant responsibility, he would be. maybe if Ienzo was more of a friend than a colleague, he would be. but either way, he takes the sheets and box of used tissues into the hallway, tossing the latter into a bin and walking to toss the sheets into the laundry so it could be washed and dried.

and taking him back a box doesn't take up too much time. ]

Get better, okay? I like it when you're around, Even shuts up quicker.

[radiantschemer]

[Ienzo shrinks from the shoulders and ducks his chin impulsively, almost like he's anticipating that head-ruffle, but he relaxes when it doesn't come, smiling in a way that's very private and contained.

Riku's nice. Maybe too good, which is why Xehanort hasn't let him in on quite as many secrets. And maybe he should tell him about the heart experiments, if only so that Riku doesn't worry...

But not yet. Maybe if things get really bad.

Upon his return, Ienzo is out of bed, pajama bottoms kicked off onto the floor, having decided on a bath after all. He's just tucking into his bathrobe and slippers when Riku opens the door with the new tissues, turning his back with a small squeak of surprise and fumbling the robe closed. He blushes a little and sets the tissue box back on his nightstand, standing the top sheet partway upright.]

Thanks for bringing me lunch. And everything else. I like you around too, Riku.

[curepotion]

[ ... whoops.

Riku is quick to avert his eyes with an embarrassed little chuckle, red settling on his ears and the tops of his cheeks, along his nose. ]

You're welcome. I'll come back later to pick up the dishes.

[ he leaves with a light wave towards the younger apprentice, releasing a large exhale.

right.

he has training to do. ]