( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

[transmit]

WHO: Elysium & friends(?)
WHAT: This is now just a catch-all for everything
WHERE: Everywhere
WHEN: 2024
WARNINGS: Blanket warning for possible explorations of dark themes in general, please tread at your own risk. I will, however, endeavour to include specifics in headers if applicable.

Comments

[penaltypoints]

[ Briefly, it crosses Yesod's mind that Gavial's color scheme resembles Netzach's and that of the Safety Team department, a funny coincidence — of course, aside from her long green hair, the doctor is nothing like Netzach. Yesod files away the reaction that greets Elysium, wondering whether Gavial's opinion of the man is not unlike Gebura's, possibly. From there, the examination is reassuringly straightforward, as promised. It dispels his earlier discomfort to a sufficient degree, leaving him able to concentrate on the information revealed, rather than keeping any instinctive panic at bay.

(It surprises him that Elysium meant his offer quite seriously, not only accompanying him, but holding one hand within his reach from beginning to end. Self-conscious, he can't help but eye it with a questioning stare, finally choosing to take the tip of his tail to place it in Elysium's palm as a compromise.)

Oripathy, Originium, Arts... The terms are as unfamiliar as his current title, but by the end, he has gained some understanding of this disease. How severe does that make Elysium's condition? Pensive, he turns to Elysium, who seems no less lively than he did while showing him that striking, unforgettable glimpse of Siesta. ]

And you? Have you taken yours?

[ But it seems that the suppressants merely reduce the pain to something bearable. Nothing thus far suggests that any medication is prescribed to cure Oripathy — that recovery is possible. ]

[transmit]

[ How bold of him to place the tail in his hand…!! The urge to tug it is real, but for a change of pace, Elysium exercises restraint. Although, the trade-off does end up being that he brings his hand up to Yesod's forehead to flick it gently instead. So, maybe he hadn't showed restraint at all…? ]

You look like you're thinking too much.

[ A mere observation, followed by a curious cant of his head. The scenario had seemed off for a while, his theories falling through like fine sand before he could so much discern them properly. It's concerning in of itself. Regardless, his expression lightens as he mulls on it more carefully. ]

I didn't want to mention it earlier, but you stiffened up earlier. [ … ] Bad memories of medical offices? If capsules aren't your speed, there are alternatives we can ask for.

[penaltypoints]

[ In hindsight, the placement of his tail may have been a mistake — like his ears, it's sensitive. But then, this body is made of flesh and blood, sharply aware of every touch.

That includes the fingers giving his forehead a flick, however light. Yesod's brows draw together even as he colors, nudged out of his thoughts. This sort of teasing is vaguely familiar, and he half-expects to be told not to frown and risk getting wrinkles. ]

...I have no objections. Earlier, I overreacted.

[ And none of this keeps him from thinking that Elysium has deliberately changed the subject, sidestepping his question. ]

I've also given my reward further thought, but I'd like to ask what others have requested.

me belatedly noticing the redundancy in my last tag and holding my head in my hands

[transmit]

[ Yesod's predictions couldn't be more accurate. Elysium might usually tell someone not to ruin their nice face by frowning, but since he is partly responsible for it, he does spare him from the remark for the time being. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that he's without objections completely. ]

No such thing. [ A huff. ] If you say something like that again, it'll be another flick. The last thing you should do is hold back on expressing yourself.

[ … well, that's the thing with Oripathy's guaranteed mortality rate being common knowledge; there's the unspoken words of 'you'll never know how much longer you'll be able to' hanging off of the sentence. But that's all terribly depressing when they could be talking about something more productive, like how they're going to live up life itself. ]

I know I said that the sky was the limit earlier, but it does need to be within the realm of something I can reasonably achieve. Something tangible or something you've always wanted to do. To give you a popular one? A date with Rhodes Islands' hottest hottie.

NO WORRIES I SAW NOTHING

[penaltypoints]

[ The last thing you should do is hold back on expressing yourself. It's as if Elysium knows the tale of mistakes repeated across lives, reading him with ease, but the advice hits so close to home purely by chance. All the same, it meets with a thoughtful pause, a matching look, clearing Yesod's frown away — despite the threat of another flick to the forehead.

Despite being unable to ascertain whether or not Elysium's answer is meant in jest. ]

I see. That seems rather exhausting for "Rhodes Island's hottest hottie"...

[ Unless it's enjoyable for all parties, simply serving as a way to become better acquainted with each other and think of things unrelated to Oripathy for a while. ]

Yet the request is granted each time?

[transmit]

No? A fun time's hardly ever an exhausting one. They're about as close to mutually exclusive as you can get, so don't you worry about me.

[ The exhaustion from partying too hard or whatever else… that's different! He offers Yesod an encouraging smile, rescinding his hand to rest it on his hip. Even the day after Wriothesley's party, he seemed to be able to pull himself together where it mattered well enough. ]

That said, I don't always get the chance to help with orientation. So when I do, I believe in going all out. Since you're taking this so seriously, you must be planning to really put me through my paces, huh?

[penaltypoints]

[ Yesod considers that it's unlikely that they have the time for him to continue pondering the possible reasons behind Elysium's willingness to fulfill newcomers' wishes — and ultimately, it's none of his business. Rarely having the opportunity to assist during orientation could be reason enough, motivated by the desire to make a difference. And if so many patients specifically ask for his company, his reputation isn't groundless... ]

Indeed. I can't say that I was aware of your popularity, but you've made me curious.

[ Maybe going all out comes with coffee or tea... ]