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 Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 7:42 am
Lazarus seemed to relax when the sword was no longer in his hands. Well, any normal person would. After all, a sword isn’t exactly a safe object to be around, especially when someone’s holding it.
Floating over to the fiery Sigel, Xiu smiled and took the offered cup. The red liquid within the porcelain mug swirled as the cup changed hands. The liquid was a little warm but…given the circumstances; it was a comforting sort of warmth. Cupping the mug, Xiu was just about to take a sip when he was nudged by the other. Looking enquiringly at Lazarus, Xiu turned in the direction Lazarus seemed to be leading him and saw the bed. Going back to bed seemed almost like…the last thing he wanted to do having just got out of it but…he wasn’t exactly looking forward to test his strength against Lazarus.
Nodding obediently, Xiu floated over to the makeshift bed once more. Sitting on the bed’s edge, Xiu glumly swirled the contents of his cup before bringing the mug to his lips. The scent of blood coming from the cup was ….tantalizing and Xiu soon found himself drinking deeply and hungrily; only looking back up at Lazarus after the mug had been drained of its content. Tentatively Xiu reached out a hand to his lips and was ...disappointed to find that the fangs were still present after a blood meal. His rune too had turned to a reddish glow. Guess some things were still the same…
Lazarus had mentioned something about the bandages and now that his hunger was satiated, Xiu turned his attention to the bandaged hand and shoulder once more. The wounds were still aching but in a dull sense. That was probably a good thing, right?
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 6:28 am
Lazarus was glad that Xiu had listen to him and is now seated on the bed once more. He watched quietly as Xiu drank the blood in the cup, his eyes and rune flaring red as soon as the liquid was consumed. Although Lazarus had witnessed this the first time it happened, but he still couldn't help but be impressed by the sudden color changes. No one else he knew has an ability like this. Silently, he couldn't help but found himself thinking that the red eyes kind of suit Xiu as well, although it made him look a bit more sinister than before.
Reaching over to the medical trolley, he pulled out some tissue and offered it to the white Raevan. "You have some blood smeared on the side of your lips here." Lazarus said as he pointed to the left corner of his lips. Tentatively he took the empty mug from Xiu's hands and placed it to a side to be washed later. "Do you feel better now? Is your stomach still grumbling?" He asked, pressing a hand to his own stomach. The fire Sigel knew how uncomfortable that could get sometimes, but he is used to it. "You could use that cup next time if you need some more blood." A soft, kind smile graced his lips then, giving Xiu reassurance that he could feel comfortable even if in the Lab.
Now that Xiu is fed however, he had another task at hand. Carefully he pulled the medical trolley over, picking up the roll of fallen bandages in the process, preparing to change Xiu's bandages. Looking at the clock, he took note of the time. He was instructed that the bandages should be changed every 12 hours, and nearly that much time had passed since the last bandages were changed. "I'll need to change your bandages now though." The fire Sigel said as he took out the ointment and antiseptic from the first aid kit. Staring at Xiu for a bit, he wondered where he should start first. "Can you... unbutton your shirt for me? So I can change your shoulder bandages first?" He asked a little shyly as his face flushed a little, it felt awkward asking someone to undress before him.
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 7:23 am
Xiu was surprised when the other Sigel pulled the medical trolley over and handed him a handful of tissues. Taking the offered tissues, Xiu obediently wiped at the corner indicated by the other and saw that it was indeed smeared with blood. Crumpling the tissues into a neat ball, Xiu then nodded at Lazarus’ first question. Yes, that mug of blood had certainly helped him. Already the white Sigel felt a little calmer; a little more satisfied. His nerves weren’t on edge anymore. Food tended to do that as Xiu recalled. Images of lions lazing in the sun after a meal and all that…
At the Sigel’s next question, Xiu shook his head. No, his stomach had gone quiet now. Odd though, as a frei there was never such hunger indications at all. He just…knew when he had to feed and how much he needed to consume before he was satiated. Now though, he was actually equipped with organs to tell him that. Again the white frei wondered if growing up was such a good thing if it meant having more vitals to look after.
The comment about the cup did not go unnoticed as well. Xiu gave the cup on the trolley a second glance and felt oddly proud and touched by Lazarus’ words. He had a cup to drink from. His own(?) cup. He need not feed directly from blood packs anymore. Well, at least when he’s in the lab. Xiu wondered if Dr. Kyou would be as indifferent as Lazarus had been with the cup. After all, the scientist was human and Hazeline had told him that many diseases could be spread through contaminated blood.
...
Perhaps he should see to it that the Doctor did not touch the cup. Looking a little warily at Lazarus (who was busy picking up the fallen bandages), the white Sigel took the blood stained cup off the trolley and placed it on the other side of his makeshift bed; as though indicating that he’d like the cup to be with him in this room.
By this time, the fallen bandages had been collected and Lazarus was taking out a bottle of ointment and a tube of antiseptic. At his request, the white Sigel’s face flushed as well. Perhaps it would not have been as awkward if Lazarus had not blushed and looked embarrassed about asking him to unbutton his shirt. No doubt…the Doctor and Lazarus had treated him before. And males were not supposed to be finicky about being shirtless anyway, right?
Slowly the white raevan reached up to his buttoned vest and began to unbutton it with some difficulty.
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Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 7:59 pm
Reaching over tentatively, Lazarus helped Xiu to unbutton his vest and pulling it off. The vest would just get in the way when he needed to wrap the bandages over Xiu's chest. Soundlessly the soft clothing fell down around Xiu's waist, the Sigel couldn't help but gulp silently as he noticed how fair Xiu's skin was. Slowly he began to unwrap the bandages around his chest first, being very careful when he reached the area around the wound. His hand grazed along Xiu's skin softly as he went, noticing that not only was his skin fair, it was very soft and smooth as well. Frowning, he wondered why he was thinking this, Xiu is a guy! He should concentrate on treating the wound, not admiring his skin.
"So... what really happened?" Lazarus asked, trying to break the silence. Then he realized that it would probably take forever for Xiu to explain in writing if he asked such a broad question, especially since Xiu is not writing with his writing hand. Maybe he should narrow down the scope a little bit. "How did you get these wounds?" He added a moment after the first question, it was the first one that popped into his mind as he unveiled the shoulder wound from the bandages. Lazarus made a face as he stared at the gaping wound, drawing his lips into a thin line. The wound was still gaping, no wound that serious could heal that fast, but it was still painful to see. Thankfully it doesn't look like it was infected.
Picking up the antiseptic, he dab a big ball of cotton into the bottle, feeling the chilling liquid touched his finger tips as the cotton soaked it up. "This might hurt a little bit." The firey Sigel said as he gently dabbed the wet cotton ball around the edges of the wound.
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Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2010 9:17 am
…
So…this was his…stomach then? The white Sigel stared at his newly formed body with some measure of surprise and awe as the grey vest (with the help of Lazarus) slid silently down onto the makeshift bed. So this was…how he looked like beneath all those clothing then? Slowly, almost hesitantly, the white Raevan rand a hand down his newly formed torso despite the presence of the other Sigel with him. His skin felt smooth and warm under his fingers. True, it was a far cry from the tanned and muscular bodies of Lazarus and Rivener but it was…his body.
His train of thoughts was broken when Lazarus brought up a question regarding the events of the previous night. Nervous hands returned to clasping the bed sheets as Xiu sought to find an answer to the Sigel’s question. There was a sudden sharp intake of breath from Lazarus before the pain in his shoulder sliced through him like a cold blade. Flicking his wings agitatedly, the white raevan glanced at his wounded shoulder; wincing as another slice of cold air stabbed at it. With the bandage, the wound was left alone to heal but now that it was exposed, even the slightest of air currents seemed painful. Biting his lips, Xiu watched with fear and apprehension as the Sigel dapped a wad of cotton into the antiseptic; the cotton seeming to absorb a rather large amount of the disinfectant. Bracing himself, Xiu shut his eyes and hunched his shoulders.
…
THE PAIN WAS ALMOST UNBEARABLE!
With a silent cry the white raevan flared his wings, almost knocking the other raevan over as his stone wings were raised threateningly overhead, the stone seeming to quiver with the Sigel’s pain. Gripping the edges of the sheets tightly, Xiu winced as Lazarus continued to dab at the wound; his stone grey wings threatening to fall back down and slam the other’s hand away. It took all of Xiu’s willpower to not do it as the other treated his wounds with a wary eye. When a new roll of bandage was finally placed over his wound, Xiu leaned back with relief clearly showing in his eyes. Finally it was over. Looking apologetically at Lazarus, Xiu dipped his head slightly in embarrassment. He was…afraid of pain…
The events of the night returned.
Xiu shuddered and stared back at Lazarus with frightened eyes. The trader! He had tricked all those…people! He had made Xiu kill a victim of his…tricks!
Tears of fear, pain, anger, betrayal and sadness threatened to overwhelm the white raevan as he lay huddled away from Lazarus.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:57 am
Lazarus was almost hesitant to dab the disinfectant to Xiu's wound. The wincing, the biting of the lips and the hands gripping to the bed sheets were all very painful to watch. But he knew this is the only way the wound will be able to heal properly, so he had to do it even if Xiu would hate him for it.
The reaction as the cotton ball touched the wound however, was not what Lazarus expected at all. The Sigel just managed to dodge away to a side as Xiu flared his stone wings suddenly, the hard surface grazing his horns briefly. Shocked eyes turned to look at the white Sigel alarmingly as he placed the free hand to the threatening wing. However he was met with an expression of agony, face contorted and body hunched in pain, some tears were visible at the corner of Xiu's eyes although they did not fall. From the hand holding onto the flared wing, he could feel that Xiu was quivering. At that moment, Lazarus felt something that he never felt before. He couldn't understand the feeling wholly yet, but the sight before him saddens him so. Who would hurt someone as kind and brave as Xiu, and why? There was a mix of anger in it too, towards the culprit that wounded Xiu like this, unaware that the being had already been destroyed.
"Don't worry, it's just a few quick dabs." His eyes felt warm as he whispered comforting words to Xiu, dabbing the cotton ball as gently as he could to the wound. It was an agonizing moment for both parties, physically for Xiu, and emotionally for Lazarus. The incubus lets out a sigh of relief as he put away the cotton ball when he was done, wrapping Xiu's shoulder gingerly but firmly with fresh bandages.
When he was done, he lets out a long sigh as he let go of Xiu's wing. "It's... perfectly normal to react like this to pain." He said comfortingly as he placed a hand to Xiu's forearm. Plus with a wound like that, he couldn't begin to imagine how painful it was.
The frightened gaze though, came rather unexpectedly. The Sigel could only stare in silent shock as he looked into Xiu's gaze, like a lost child, quietly calling out for help. He felt a stab of pain in his chest as Xiu huddled away from him, the task of treating the hand wound momentarily forgotten. Quietly he got onto the bed himself, sitting beside Xiu as he let his ribbon flow down the side of the bed. "Xiu." He whispered, sounding almost pained himself. "It's... alright to cry, if you want to. Someone once told me that... it takes courage to cry too. Sometimes it would feel better if you let it all out." Lazarus said as he reached out a hand, touching Xiu's arm gently.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:50 am
Lazarus’ response to his reaction was…surprisingly gentle. Xiu had expected the other to be more on the gruff and impatient side; with words along the lines of “Don’t be a baby,” and probably “Men don’t cry,” but instead, Lazarus seemed to share his pain; even going so far as to say that it’s normal to flinch when it hurts. Withdrawing his wing and folding it neatly behind him, Xiu gave Lazarus a quiet look; as if trying to access the other. There seemed to be just…so much that he did not know about the Fiery Sigel. Then again, when Xiu thought about it, there wasn’t much that he knew of…other raevans as well. This was in its own way, unacceptable. That would imply that he, as a friend had simply taken them for granted and…shoved them into moulds that he assumed was stereotypical of their kind. Perhaps…that was why he had been having all these surprises lately. He had never thought that they might behave…differently.
Lazarus’ next move gave the white raevan an even bigger surprise. Scooting back a little to make way as the older Sigel got onto the bed, Xiu eyed the other uncertainly. Just what was…Lazarus planning to do now?
"Xiu."
. "It's... alright to cry, if you want to. Someone once told me that... it takes courage to cry too. Sometimes it would feel better if you let it all out."
Red eyes stared at the fiery raevan in astonishment as the full weight of those words sunk in. It was…alright…
He needn’t keep his feelings bottled in anymore. He need not…pretend that everything was okay. He could just…
Xiu embarrassedly rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand. Funny, his tears could not stop flowing. Was it relief that he felt? Somehow, the world did not seem as…gloomy anymore. There were people out there that…were there for him. A part of Xiu’s heart hurt when a brief image of Hazeline flashed across his mind. His guardian was so…far away. And…and…
He…wanted her here. Leaning against Lazarus this one time, white raevan sobbed silently, slender finger clenched tightly at the other’s sleeve for support and…reassurance.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:34 am
It was a kind of relief in itself for Lazarus when Xiu broke down and cried. He knew from past experience that keeping everything in is not the wisest of choice, sometimes letting the emotions or words out could bring unexpected results that could bring you a peace of heart. The only thing he hoped for now was for Xiu to get and feel better.
However, when Xiu pressed his face into the incubus's shoulder and his fingers clung tightly to his sleeve, Lazarus felt a new wave of emotion overcame him. Perhaps it was the slender fingers digging into his skin underneath, perhaps it was the feeling of wetness slowly spreading on his shoulder, or perhaps it was the quiet sobs coming from the white Sigel, Lazarus felt a dull aching pain in his chest that he cannot describe. It was like someone was gripping onto his heart and he couldn't breath properly. It felt heavy, it felt... sad. Tentatively he raised his free arm, his hand hovering several inches hesitantly above Xiu's back before settling down, warm hands pressed onto smooth bare back as he lean his face gingerly against Xiu's head. "It's alright, just let it all out, I'm right here..." He whispered softly. A gentle expression never seen before graced his features, his gaze was soft, his brows slightly furrowed as he comforted Xiu.
Right now, the only thing he wished for the white Sigel was for him to get better, it was very painful to see him in this state. Any questions regarding the wounds, the sword or his missing voice could come later when Xiu is ready to tell him. There is no rush to know any of them soon.
But... what is this feeling? This intense feeling of sadness that had somehow crawled to his stomach, this dull pain in his chest, the intense desire to protect Xiu, to be someone he could depend on. It was all very alien and very confusing to him.
For a long moment he just sat still and let Xiu cry on his shoulder quietly, his hand firmly pressed to the white Sigel's back and his face rubbing gently against Xiu's hair, letting Xiu cry his heart out.
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Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 7:34 pm
Now that the crying had abated a little, the white Sigel lifted his head from the crook of Lazarus’ neck and hiccupped. He had never…cried like this before. Then again, he had never experienced anything quite as daunting as the last couple of nights. The slightly smoky scent of the fiery Sigel was giving him a nostalgic kind of feeling. Xiu had never noticed it before but it reminded him of… warm fireplaces with real woodfire in them. Granted he had never really enjoyed woodfire but…he had read about them and if he could have placed a smell to those words, this would be it. Leaning into the other’s shoulder once again, the white raevan took a slow and deep breath to calm himself. Lazarus felt strong beneath him and the other’s warmth was certainly comforting in the cold room; like how a deep heating balm relaxes a sore muscle. Idly, the white raevan flicked his wings, enjoying the quiet moment for as long as time would let him. Odd though. He had always read about the wonders of another’s caring touch but…had never seen the need for them; until now that is. The gentle rubbing of Lazarus’ face into his hair and the warm touch of the other’s strong hand against his back was doing wonders to his shattered nerves and …insecurities.
Lazarus… the white raevan mouthed the words silently as fatigue began to creep in once more. He could fall asleep like this…
But no, he needed to have his clothes back on and…there was the issue of his burnt hand as well. Slowly pulling away from the fiery raevan, Xiu blushed a little. He had not expected to let himself go like this and…well…this was starting to feel awkward already. Giving Lazarus an embarassed look, the white raevan slowly (and with some difficulty) managed to get his vest back on; all the while keeping his eyes away from the fiery raevan and when eye contact could no longer be held off, Xiu gingerly looked into the other’s concerned eyes.
And felt guilty.
Almost as though he was using Lazarus for his own needs and now that the crying was over…
Xiu lowered his gaze once more and wondered if he should…extend his injured hand for the other to attend to.
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:25 am
Just as Xiu's crying mellow out, it seemed to have the same effect on Lazarus as well as his emotions calmed down a little. There was a soft hiccup and he felt the pressure on his shoulder lifted, but he did not pull away, nor did the white Sigel as well apparently as he felt Xiu's face leaning on his shoulder once more. Well at least he wasn't crying anymore, so the incubus was glad for that. His shoulder is free for Xiu to lean on as long as he likes, anything to make him feel better.
Idly his hand began to stroke Xiu's back gently, feeling his smooth skin underneath his palm. The white Sigel's body temperature was lower than him, so his body felt cooler under his touch. But it was a comfortable coolness, something that Lazarus found himself thinking that he could get used to, if he was given the chance. For once, he did not feel awkward from such close physical contact like how he used to, especially with another male. The incubus closed his eyes as he enjoys the calm quietness and Xiu's presence, he did not see Xiu mouth his name.
When the other pulled away, he felt a little... reluctant? But gently he let go of Xiu as distance was placed yet again between them. Why was he feeling this way..? This vaguely familiar feeling of longing, he couldn't place a hand on when or where had he felt this before. But he did, a long time ago, he just couldn't recall when. Darting his crimson eyes away, he let Xiu have his privacy as he put on his vest again.
The hand bandages! He suddenly remembered as his eyes caught sight of the roll of bandages settled on the edge of the makeshift bed. Gingerly he picked the bandages up less it rolls off the bed, he also pulled a few sheets of tissue from a box nearby and handed them to Xiu. "To wipe you face." Although the majority of the tears had ended up on his shoulder, he was sure that Xiu would feel better if he could wipe the tear stains from his face as well. "Do you feel better?" He asked softly, his fingers rolling the bandages in his hand idly.
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:51 am
Mouthing the words ‘Thank you’, Xiu took the offered sheets of tissue from Lazarus with a sheepish smile. The crying and the comforting pat on the back had done him good but, with the exception of Lazarus who had asked him a question, he’d never admit that openly to anyone else. After all, Xiu could rest assured that…Lazarus probably felt the same way about bearing with another male as he cried on his shoulder…right?
Wiping away the last bit of moisture from his eyes, Xiu nodded. He felt…better; calmer definitely. And …not quite so alone anymore…
Folding his wings neatly, Xiu turned his attention to the bandages in Lazarus’ hand. The other must have remembered about the remaining wound to tend to. Gingerly the white Sigel extended his hand towards Lazarus while the other gripped the edge of the sheet once more. Xiu did not know how severed the wound was but if his recollections were right, he had sustained that injury when trying to grab onto the creature’s core. Xiu’s wings shuddered a little as the feeling of being engulfed in shadows returned and his rune glowed a little brighter. Despite the morning’s light, the events of the night still seemed a little too real to be shelved away into his memory bank. Red eyes gave Lazarus an uncertain look. He needed something to occupy in mind. A book would be good…
Longingly XIu stared at the volumes of thick medical books stored away in one of Tsu’ cupboards. He remembered glancing through a few of them. There were pictures…and diagrams. He did not understand all of it but…
Xiu swallowed, his tongue suddenly felt heavy. Should he ask Lazarus this…favour? Lazarus seemed preoccupied with removing the bandages and Xiu winced as the last few remaining strips of bandage clung to his burned and blistered hand; the sight of the slightly wet and raw wound making him turn away with stomach threatening to throw his meal up. It was easier with the shoulder wound. He had kept his eyes shut most of the time from the pain but with his hand wound in clear view, Xiu found it hard to look away. Warily the white raevan watched as Lazarus selected a bottle from the trolley; his wings threatening to flare a little. Would this…sting again? Subconsciously the white raevan tried tugging back his hand from Lazarus’ grasp.
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Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 3:49 am
Lazarus smiled softly as Xiu thanked him, he was glad that he was able to make Xiu feel better, at least emotionally. The physical wounds he can't help much because he is no doctor, nor does he know if Raevans could even eat painkillers at this stage.
Perhaps the other noticed his idle toying with the roll of bandages, Xiu extended his hand towards the fiery Sigel, remembering that there is still a remaining wound that need to be treated. Biting his lower lip nervously, Lazarus took the hand in his and started to unwrap the used bandages as carefully as he could. The last bits clung to Xiu's skin stubbornly but he was able to get them off with a gentle tug.
Although this was supposed to be the less serious wound compared to the shoulder one, it sure does look worse. The charred skin had peeled off quite a bit, revealing the pink flesh underneath. Lazarus gulped audibly as he reached over to retrieve a jar of cream from the trolley. "This won't hurt as much." The incubus whispered comfortingly when he felt the tug from his firm hold on Xiu's finger. As far as he know, the cream is to numb the pain and promotes healing, so it shouldn't sting as much compared to the antiseptic. Popping it open, he applied a generous amount onto the wound carefully, making sure it is even. When he was done he placed the jar back in place and took a large plastic bottle and a bowl. Carefully he poured some liquid into the bowl and dunk the bandages in it. "This is to sterilize the bandages." He explained, repeating what Kyou told him earlier. Then he squeezed the excess liquid from the bandages and started to wrap it around Xiu's hand. In no time at all, he was done.
Letting go of the white Sigel's hand, he smile at Xiu warmly. "You must be tired from the ordeal, you should rest." Gingerly Lazarus got off the bed and resumes his seat next to it. "I'll be here by your side, don't worry." Although he is considering a short trip to the cafeteria just nearby because he too is feeling exhausted, some energy replenishment should do him well.
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Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 7:11 am
Xiu tensed as Lazarus approached him with a generous amount of cream in his hands. Steadying himself, the white raevan watched warily as the Sigel slowly smeared the cream over his raw skin. The effect of the cream was soothing and Xiu soon found himself relaxing to the Sigel’s treatment. Watching Lazarus as he submerged a wad of bandages into what smelled a little like alcohol for sterilization Xiu nodded. It was interesting. He was learning something and that was a good change of pace.
The Sigel had then removed the bandages from the bowl and wrung the excess liquid out. Exposed to the air, the bandages dried rather quickly and were soon being wrapped around his hand. Once Lazarus was done, Xiu flexed his fingers a little. The bandages held firm.
Lazarus had then spoken and Xiu nodded. He was feeling a little tired despite having just woken up and the bed was starting to look comfortable. Shifting his wings a little, the white Raevan gingerly lowered himself into the bed’s comfortable pillows and sighed. It felt good. Giving one last look at Lazarus as he sat by the bed’s side, the white Sigel slowly drifted off into a calm sleep.
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