( But, he does. He feels cornered. It isn't Kel's fault. None of it is. He has no idea about the situation himself and Sunny, and Basil has no intention of letting him know. That wasn't up to Basil! He had to keep a secret! He had to! He has to protect Sunny!
He had repeated those thoughts in his head during sleepless nights and he told himself that it'd be fine, he could carry this alone if he had to. Because Sunny wasn't there. But, he was coping with it in his own way. Basil couldn't blame him for that. None of this was his fault. It was something. Something was always there with him, causing them both pain. If it weren't for that, then things would still be alright. )
I--
( He takes another step back. If things were alright, why was he afraid? )
I.... I know that you want to help, but --
( Can't tell you. I can't talk to you about this. )
I promise-- I... I'm okay. Please... Please, don't worry.
He got a master degree in being a terrible friend and he didn't even have to attend college to begin with. What a wonderful and unique way to beat Hero in something for once.
Kel didn't step forward, he knew his build could be intimidating at the moment, but...]
But I know you're not, Basil. Not yet, at least.
[Was he supposed to reach for him? to get in the way to make sure Basil didn't run away? Why was Marigold just sleeping now when it was probably what Basil needed?]
I know I'm not good enough to be of much help but... I'm here. And I swear there is nothing you could say or do that will- [Make him hate Basil? He thought he did, he thought he was angry before the other appeared in the labyrinth but as soon as he spotted him... no, that was far too direct.] change how I feel about you.
( It's hard to breathe right now. The more Kel pushes, the more he wants to run away. Could he be forgiven, after what he's done? Would things have been different if they had been dealt with differently? It's too late to do anything now.
He takes another step back, and his knees feel weak. He closes his eyes tightly, a hand moving to his chest - gripping clothing tightly.
He doesn't want Kel to blame himself. He doesn't want Kel to hate him or Sunny. )
I... I can't... Please... Please understand.
( There's desperation in the way he's looking at Kel. Basil is terrified. )
[How. How does he get the message across. This time he's not backing away, he cannot make Basil run away as well, not when... not when he doesn't know if the other has a safety net. Not when he doesn't know what is going on. Not when he doesn't trust either him or Sunny not to hurt themselves.
And he just told him Sunny will get hurt.
He takes a step forward. He needs deniability, in case the situation gets out of control, but he needs to be honest. Or, at least, be honest for]
Basil. Breathe wit me.
[Another attempt. Thank god Kel can repress his own emotions for the sake of others decently enough. Even if he doesn't know what to say, he doesn't know what to do. This is not the face of someone who'd try to murder another, at least, so what the hell even happened in that bathroom? He'll cry about it later.]
Whatever you're thinking, I'm not leaving. I'm not going to let you spiral on your own. I know you're scared, but I've seen you at your worst. I've seen Sunny at his worst. And I refuse to let either of you go.
( Basil closes his eyes then. He wants to believe Kel. Right now, their friendship is thing he feels like he's become a part of his life he can count on. For a long time, he's felt alone...
He brings his hands to his eyes, covering them to quickly hide the tears that were starting to fall. He doesn't want Kel to see him cry, he doesn't want to break down in front of him.
He's trying to breathe, taking in a shaky breath with Kel.
Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay. Everything--
[Is this... an opening? He should smile, reassure, but he can't bring himself to, not now. He breathes with Basil, taking it all in, then slowly lets it all out with the other. He doesn't want to see the other completely lose it, he wants to be able to contain the problems, but Basil-
Basil looks like he's been holding back things for so long.
Who the hell knows what happened that day, but Kel isn't blind to the weight on the other's shoulders. Perhaps, just perhaps, he should allow the other to let himself go, to let tears flow out. Yes, things are going to be complicated once this is over,the conversation definitely caused a shift in their friendship but-]
Never, Basil. I'm never leaving, that's a promise.
[He attempts to close the distance between them. He held Sunny at some point, he held Aubrey- and their reactions were quite different. He doesn't know how Basil will react if he tries to embrace him, but he will still go for it, trying to be delicate as possible.]
Everything will be okay, even if you can't see it yet. But... let yourself fall apart for tonight. Cry. Allow me to hold your pieces together as long as it will be needed.
( They have a lot to talk about, and Basil will beat himself up later for the conversation straying from the topic of Kel. With everything that was said, everything shifted, and just sort of escalated from there. He breathes with Kel, his heartbeat beginning to slow -- but still constricting all the same. Nothing
When Kel makes that promise -- when he steps closer to him -- he can't help but feel that fear fill him once more, Basil taking in a breath when he feels those arms around him. He freezes for a moment before he returns the motion, fingers clinging to clothing tightly.
A choked sob escapes him, and he buries his head into his shoulder. He's been holding things back for so long. He hasn't wanted to let go. He knows that he's needed to keep things together. )
[He prefers it this way, Kel doesn't want to be coddled, held, supported- his shoulders are large, he can carry his own burdens and his friends' ones if he wants. He's stable, more than the rest, Without Hero- and even with Hero after the truth comes out, he has to do his best to be the emotionally stable one. Even when it sucks.
Even when putting on a smile is the most difficult thing in the world.
But he does, should the other decide to look up- Kel must make sure he's greeted by a reassuring smile. One hand is raised to caress Basil's back- good. Let it all out. It hurts to see him like this but it's still better than- no, not thinking about that now.
He doesn't even know what to say, so for once he chooses silence to give Basil a chance to cry his heart out if needed, silently offering support through contact and closeness.]
( Basil's body shakes against Kel. It's been so much. For the first time in so long.... he hasn't felt alone. It takes a moment before Basil lets himself go, sniffling before the tears begin to fall, one by one.
Kel's so warm, and his embrace is so gentle. How could someone not feel comforted by it? It'd be difficult to push himself away at this point in time. The thought is a little scary, but... he wants to let himself depend on him.
He'll apologize later. He feels bad, worrying his friend like this. He... wants to make sure that Kel will be alright, too. )
[To think Kel is so glad the focus is away from him, there's nothing for Basil to apologize about. If anything, he'll be glad this conversation happened to begin with, at least to some degree, because while seeing any of his friends hurt like this was hell... this was progress, right? This was actually a step forward... right?
Basil crying didn't solve the 'Sunny' issue, nor did anything to fix Kel's nerves, but it gave him hope that it helped his friend know there was support, that he wasn't alone.
Kel turned just slightly, resting his cheek on the top of the other one's head. Give him and Aubrey a chance, you two...]
You know, it takes a lot of bravery to show one's feelings...
[No compliments, no condescending tone, but he's not letting go and he's trying to make sure the other knows right now there is no negative judging on his part, none at all.]
( Basil shakes against him, his grip tightening - as though if he lets go now, Kel will disappear. Was being able to let himself go really something brave? He feels far more fragile than he ever did.
He wants to respond, but it's difficult -- between the quiet sobs and the shaking, he can't. It takes a moment for him to calm himself down enough to speak. It's a little muffled, and he hasn't released his grip just yet. )
K... Kel... What you said earlier--
Can we... Can we talk for a while...? Is that really alright? ( All of this has already been so much. He doesn't want to ask more of him if he isn't ready for it. )
[Kel thinks it's really brave to cry. To allow themselves to be fragile in front of others, most people, himself include, don't want others to see their weaknesses.. He doesn't let go and holds the other close, merely shifting a bit when Basil's cat approaches, brushing himself against the gardener's legs. He wants to help too, it seems. Good Marigold. Because he needs something else to think about, too.
He doesn't want to talk about any of this anymore, he wants to move on, back to pretend everything was fine, but he took a big step with Basil and there is no coming back. He lifts up his bandaged hand and ruffles the other's hair in an affectionate manner, warm smile still not leaving his face. He wants to be left alone and find a place for himself-]
We can. We can talk about anything you want. Just... don't push yourself, mh? We can take all the breaks you need, shed all the tears you need to get outside and I will make sure to remind you at every step that everything will be okay.
( Basil finally pulls away then, using his hands to wipe away any remaining tears. He's a little bit embarrassed to cry in front of someone, but... he doesn't regret it, either. It was something he needed. )
Thank you, really. But--
K... Kel... If there's something on your mind... We can help each other. In the past, we used to rely on each other, didn't we...?
( Hesitantly, he reaches for that bandaged hand. He wants to take it into his. If... it's alright with Kel.
[He can be a good friend, a good big brother, even, no matter if Basil is older than him. Kel can only... try. He allows the other to hold his hand, but instead of just leaving it there, he brings it up to his lips, placing akiss against the back of Basil's hand- if the other will allow it. He's been awfully affectionate with all his friends, as long as they didn't push him away- he's better with actions than touches anyway when it comes to reassuring others.]
Yes. Yes we can. I want to rely on you and I want you to know I will always have your back no matter what- I will be honest, Basil, one of the most difficult things is... not being honest with you guys.
Lying takes a lot of efforts, even if you think you're doing it to protect someone.
[This is not even a callout toward Basil, this is literally what he experienced himself right now. He has no idea what was in Basil's head the entire time.]
We all help each other, mh? Ah, this is going to be.... a long evening, so let's get ourselves comfortable. I promise I- you are in the charge of the conversation, okay? I will try my best to answer you.
[And he pushes himself back, letting his body fall behind and bringing down Basil with himself- just to have the 'fall' almost immediately stopped by a large blob of water in what's a very improvised water bean couch what embraces them.
Marigold seems comfortable enough to jump on it and try to climb on them, trying to find the closest spot to Basil because 'shoo, uncle Kel, this is my dad and this is my job'. He's glad they have the cat.]
( Basil's cheeks heat up, heart jumping a bit at the affection. It's not something he's really all that used to... But, it's nice all the same.
He feels a knot tie in his throat then. He knows exactly what it means to lie for the sake of protecting someone. Was that post on Sleepr really all a lie, then? How much had he been lying to them? He'd be a hypocrite if he were upset about any of his friends lying.
He doesn't have time to think about it when he feels himself fall a bit, a soft sound of surprise leaving him when he finds himself on a rather firm body of water.
.... Kel's really become pretty strong, huh? When Basil first arrived, he only had shown him a bit of his magic... But, he's been training so hard. It's no wonder.
Marigold paws at Basil, and he offers a gentle pet in return. He gently takes Marigold into his arms, letting him curl up into his lap.
Where should he start? He's had so many questions... ) Thank you, Kel... But -- I'm here for you. A-And, we can take a break whenever you want. I promise.
( He takes in a breath, hesitating before asking what he does next. Kel had warned him that it would hurt to hear this. But... there's too many things that could've gone wrong. What could he have meant? The possibilities fill him with anxiety. )
What... What happened at home...? Why did Sunny end up staying?
[It's something Kel is good at, at least. Physical affection is his forte.
And... he floats there, looking at the ceiling and ignoring Marigold who is finding their perfect spot. At least the water relaxes him, he build good associations with the element and now he's just... starting to mix electricity with it. Kel won't share that with Basil for now, though, this isn't a talk about battle plans.
A deep breath escapes his lungs as he tries to find the proper words to answer, but in the end he just... pulls Basil closer, toward hsi chest. Sugarcoating things won't make them better.]
It's okay. I'm fine, Basil. I'm fine.
[He's not but right now it's just hard to speak.]
I- he got hurt. Both of you got hurt and went to the hospital.
[He pauses to let his words sink in to the other. His hold around Basil tightens just a little- they're alive, both here and back home. But none of this is easy.]
I... he was in a medically induced coma for a week. Things were... complicated. I don't know where his mother even is, I haven't been able to see her, Basil. Even if I admit there's a chance we all missed her.
( A coma? So, that's why he didn't move. He couldn't. He was incapable of it. Basil feels the way that he tenses up, his breathing once again becoming irregular -- but, he tries to calm himself. Marigold paws at him, rubbing against his side with a purr. Between the closeness of both the cat and Kel, it's... easier for him to try to focus on keeping his thoughts straight.
Still, he pulls away from Kel just a bit to focus his gaze on his. There's hesitance, perhaps understandable considering the circumstances. )
W... Why...? What happened!? Is he okay!? ( There's panic in his voice. What kind of accident could have caused that? What could have hurt Sunny so much? He was just starting to go outside again, and then...
[He does hold the other's gaze for as long as he can. This is possibly the single worst thing he has to tell Basil in this entire story- screw Mari's death, screw everything else, how do you tell someone 'you tried to murder someone you clearly adore so much'? Because he doesn't have the proper words for it.]
I... he is fine. He woke up. We even talked before I arrived here and I think that's the most open and close Sunny has been to us in the past four years.
[Three simple sentences, the only three Kel really heard: "I have to tell you something. I killed Mari, Basil helped me cover the entire thing.". So much for being closer, but Kel has to give hope to the idiots. He's the 'everything will be well' guy, he has to be when one of the idiots is suicidal and the other seems just so fragile right now.]
Basil. [Pull the tooth away. Be honest. He holds the other closer, even if he's not sure this may help at all.] I'm going to be honest so after this I will need you to focus on me and breathe. [His brain is going so fast through all the list of calming exercises his brother taught him. Breathing stuff, asking to identify five items, smells and sounds around himself- fuck, why didn't he pay enough attention? he was still going to try.] What happened is that you two had a really bad fight. As I told you, you were both hospitalized.
[That's where he stops, to give Basil time to take in the blunt hit. Aubrey took it so poorly, he can't imagine how it'll hurt the other.]
( Basil falls silent then, a dozen scenarios going through his head after hearing Kel's words. He stiffens then, pulling away from Kel. )
N-No, you're wrong! Sunny wouldn't do that! He wouldn't hurt anyone! If he did, it was-- ( His gaze tears away from Kel then, looking at nothing in particular. He's just glad to hear that he's okay, that Sunny can hopefully safely recover from it all.
But, it hurts to know that the reason that he stayed was because of something so horrible. )
If Sunny and I fought, it was because of Something. It's been there for so long.
[Something. New piece of the puzzle. What the fuck was that, he had no idea. Still, he fights to stay close to Basil, even if the other pushes away- not touching, necessarily, but still keeping close enough just kn case.]
You're right. That's what makes no sense.... [He still doesn't know what to think but....fuck it. What Would Hero Do?] You and Sunny are both such sweethearts. And you both care so much about each other, we couldn't really understand why that happened...
[Calm. Reassuring. Totally not screaming inside. He did try to reach further once more, an attempt to bring one and on the other's shoulder. The temptation to just call Aubrey and scream at her because he was finally learning something new was strong, but he merely took his mental notebook and started taking mental notes.]
Do you think you can tell me who is Something? If it's hurting you and Sunny- I want to be able to help. You don't have to tell me things you don't want to, but anything may help.
I believe you, though. You and Sunny are so kind, so gentle, seeing you two hurt each other made no sense at all...
( Basil doesn't pull away too much. It's really just enough to look at Kel. Kel may have well been begging for him not to go beforehand. And... in a way, he's keeping Basil grounded right now.
Of course. Basil cares about Sunny more than anyone else. They were best friends... It's why he knows that Sunny would never hurt Basil, or anyone else he cares about. )
It's....
( What hurt Mari. )
It only appears when bad things happen. I-It was why Aubrey took my photo album before.
K-Kel you understand.... don't you...? We have to protect Sunny...
[The fuck? Kel didn't know too much about possibly hidden magic in Faraway, but last time he checked there were no Ominous figures appearing only before disaster. What was it? That Poker Mon that appeared before big tragic events and got blamed for them? This made absolutely no sense, but Basil seemed so... certain of his words.
Possible spirits, hallucinations or delusions were not part of his bingo card when the conversation started.]
... Basil?
[Is he supposed to snap him out of this? Is he supposed to- no, this is a terrible idea. Kel isn't sure on what the correct step is, he will have to consult with Aubrey and maybe Maruki later, but for now he needs to make sure he gets all the possible info and help Basil process this entire mess. ]
This is all new to me, even if I come from further down the line. how do you think Something would make you two fight?
[No, not enough support. He must reassure the other, he must-]
But I get it now. If Sunny is in danger, if you are in danger- then we will stop Something. Together. you're not alone, okay? Not anymore. We'll make sure Something... stops. Somehow.
[Well done, Kel, let's entertain this madness. At least he looks convinced as he speaks, even reaching to try to hold Basil's hand.]
I am by your side, now and forever. Two people against this thing are better than one, right?
( If Kel had told him that when Basil first arrived when he has first arrived there, it would have been more difficult to believe. But, the both of them had become far closer during their time here. He can honestly call them good friends, maybe even best friends at this point. )
I... I don't know. ( Basil isn't sure what would cause the both of them to fight. )
B-But... Sunny was really upset when he first saw me. I... I still don't know why. Maybe he knows why the both of us fought.
( Basil lets him take his hand, offering a small smile - albeit a bit shaky as he squeezes the other's hand. )
... I believe you, Kel... No matter what happens -- I'll be here with you, too.
[Best friends. Kel would like the sound of that. But for now he's scared, confused, and focused on keeping a smile on his face. What the hell, Basil- was he hallucinating, then, in that bathroom? Was it really some kind of ghost? Mari's vengeful spirit ot something like that?
Brainstorming was to come later as he softly nodded in Basil's direction.]
It's okay... [It is not.] thank you for telling me, Basil. And sorry for holding this back from you. But even if we're moving with baby steps, this is progress, right? Now we can face Something together.
I... couldn't bring myself to tell him anything, but you are right, he could have some answers. Just- Let's not do anything hasty, mh?
[His tenderness at the moment is performative, exactly like it was when he held and kissed Aubrey's forehead by the lake... He does try to bring the other's hand to his lips, trying to place a kiss against his knuckles. At least he's sincere in saying he'll never leave his friends' side.
As is he could bring anything more serious to the table at the moment.]
I couldn't ask for more. And, please, believe me there is nothing you can do, say, or that happened that will ever change this. You're being so brave- and this is painful but we're building together right now, right? We can figure the next steps as a team.
( Basil would be heartbroken if he knew that any of this was just a lie. He's opened up more to Kel than anyone else in such a long, long time. Maybe to Kel, what he was seeing wasn't real, but to Basil it was just as solid, just as real as Aubrey or Kel himself was.
Let's not be hasty. He isn't sure if he has the courage to really bring it up on his own, anyways. Talking about anything concerning home is difficult. This conversation in itself has been exhausting.
His breath hiccups when Kel presses a kiss to his knuckles, fingers gently moving to once again take Kel's hand into his. When they're like this, it feels... warm. Safe. )
A... As long as you're here, Kel... I think I can keep trying to be brave. ( He stops for a moment, thinking of Kel's other words. )
And... I believe you. T-Together... We can try to sort out some of the problems at home, can't we...?
Edited (JUST... WANTING TO ADD MORE) 2024-07-28 05:12 (UTC)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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He had repeated those thoughts in his head during sleepless nights and he told himself that it'd be fine, he could carry this alone if he had to. Because Sunny wasn't there. But, he was coping with it in his own way. Basil couldn't blame him for that. None of this was his fault. It was something. Something was always there with him, causing them both pain. If it weren't for that, then things would still be alright. )
I--
( He takes another step back. If things were alright, why was he afraid? )
I.... I know that you want to help, but --
( Can't tell you. I can't talk to you about this. )
I promise-- I... I'm okay. Please... Please, don't worry.
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He got a master degree in being a terrible friend and he didn't even have to attend college to begin with. What a wonderful and unique way to beat Hero in something for once.
Kel didn't step forward, he knew his build could be intimidating at the moment, but...]
But I know you're not, Basil. Not yet, at least.
[Was he supposed to reach for him? to get in the way to make sure Basil didn't run away? Why was Marigold just sleeping now when it was probably what Basil needed?]
I know I'm not good enough to be of much help but... I'm here. And I swear there is nothing you could say or do that will- [Make him hate Basil? He thought he did, he thought he was angry before the other appeared in the labyrinth but as soon as he spotted him... no, that was far too direct.] change how I feel about you.
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He takes another step back, and his knees feel weak. He closes his eyes tightly, a hand moving to his chest - gripping clothing tightly.
He doesn't want Kel to blame himself. He doesn't want Kel to hate him or Sunny. )
I... I can't... Please... Please understand.
( There's desperation in the way he's looking at Kel. Basil is terrified. )
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And he just told him Sunny will get hurt.
He takes a step forward. He needs deniability, in case the situation gets out of control, but he needs to be honest. Or, at least, be honest for]
Basil. Breathe wit me.
[Another attempt. Thank god Kel can repress his own emotions for the sake of others decently enough. Even if he doesn't know what to say, he doesn't know what to do. This is not the face of someone who'd try to murder another, at least, so what the hell even happened in that bathroom? He'll cry about it later.]
Whatever you're thinking, I'm not leaving. I'm not going to let you spiral on your own. I know you're scared, but I've seen you at your worst. I've seen Sunny at his worst. And I refuse to let either of you go.
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He brings his hands to his eyes, covering them to quickly hide the tears that were starting to fall. He doesn't want Kel to see him cry, he doesn't want to break down in front of him.
He's trying to breathe, taking in a shaky breath with Kel.
Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay. Everything--
His next words are said quietly. )
Please.
P... Please... Please, don't leave.
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Basil looks like he's been holding back things for so long.
Who the hell knows what happened that day, but Kel isn't blind to the weight on the other's shoulders. Perhaps, just perhaps, he should allow the other to let himself go, to let tears flow out. Yes, things are going to be complicated once this is over,the conversation definitely caused a shift in their friendship but-]
Never, Basil. I'm never leaving, that's a promise.
[He attempts to close the distance between them. He held Sunny at some point, he held Aubrey- and their reactions were quite different. He doesn't know how Basil will react if he tries to embrace him, but he will still go for it, trying to be delicate as possible.]
Everything will be okay, even if you can't see it yet. But... let yourself fall apart for tonight. Cry. Allow me to hold your pieces together as long as it will be needed.
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When Kel makes that promise -- when he steps closer to him -- he can't help but feel that fear fill him once more, Basil taking in a breath when he feels those arms around him. He freezes for a moment before he returns the motion, fingers clinging to clothing tightly.
A choked sob escapes him, and he buries his head into his shoulder. He's been holding things back for so long. He hasn't wanted to let go. He knows that he's needed to keep things together. )
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Even when putting on a smile is the most difficult thing in the world.
But he does, should the other decide to look up- Kel must make sure he's greeted by a reassuring smile. One hand is raised to caress Basil's back- good. Let it all out. It hurts to see him like this but it's still better than- no, not thinking about that now.
He doesn't even know what to say, so for once he chooses silence to give Basil a chance to cry his heart out if needed, silently offering support through contact and closeness.]
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Kel's so warm, and his embrace is so gentle. How could someone not feel comforted by it? It'd be difficult to push himself away at this point in time. The thought is a little scary, but... he wants to let himself depend on him.
He'll apologize later. He feels bad, worrying his friend like this. He... wants to make sure that Kel will be alright, too. )
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Basil crying didn't solve the 'Sunny' issue, nor did anything to fix Kel's nerves, but it gave him hope that it helped his friend know there was support, that he wasn't alone.
Kel turned just slightly, resting his cheek on the top of the other one's head. Give him and Aubrey a chance, you two...]
You know, it takes a lot of bravery to show one's feelings...
[No compliments, no condescending tone, but he's not letting go and he's trying to make sure the other knows right now there is no negative judging on his part, none at all.]
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He wants to respond, but it's difficult -- between the quiet sobs and the shaking, he can't. It takes a moment for him to calm himself down enough to speak. It's a little muffled, and he hasn't released his grip just yet. )
K... Kel... What you said earlier--
Can we... Can we talk for a while...? Is that really alright? ( All of this has already been so much. He doesn't want to ask more of him if he isn't ready for it. )
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He doesn't want to talk about any of this anymore, he wants to move on, back to pretend everything was fine, but he took a big step with Basil and there is no coming back. He lifts up his bandaged hand and ruffles the other's hair in an affectionate manner, warm smile still not leaving his face. He wants to be left alone and find a place for himself-]
We can. We can talk about anything you want. Just... don't push yourself, mh? We can take all the breaks you need, shed all the tears you need to get outside and I will make sure to remind you at every step that everything will be okay.
I'm yours for as long as you will need me, mh?
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Thank you, really. But--
K... Kel... If there's something on your mind... We can help each other. In the past, we used to rely on each other, didn't we...?
( Hesitantly, he reaches for that bandaged hand. He wants to take it into his. If... it's alright with Kel.
He smiles at Marigold, who meows quietly. )
Marigold wants to help, too.
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Yes. Yes we can. I want to rely on you and I want you to know I will always have your back no matter what- I will be honest, Basil, one of the most difficult things is... not being honest with you guys.
Lying takes a lot of efforts, even if you think you're doing it to protect someone.
[This is not even a callout toward Basil, this is literally what he experienced himself right now. He has no idea what was in Basil's head the entire time.]
We all help each other, mh? Ah, this is going to be.... a long evening, so let's get ourselves comfortable. I promise I- you are in the charge of the conversation, okay? I will try my best to answer you.
[And he pushes himself back, letting his body fall behind and bringing down Basil with himself- just to have the 'fall' almost immediately stopped by a large blob of water in what's a very improvised water bean couch what embraces them.
Marigold seems comfortable enough to jump on it and try to climb on them, trying to find the closest spot to Basil because 'shoo, uncle Kel, this is my dad and this is my job'. He's glad they have the cat.]
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He feels a knot tie in his throat then. He knows exactly what it means to lie for the sake of protecting someone. Was that post on Sleepr really all a lie, then? How much had he been lying to them? He'd be a hypocrite if he were upset about any of his friends lying.
He doesn't have time to think about it when he feels himself fall a bit, a soft sound of surprise leaving him when he finds himself on a rather firm body of water.
.... Kel's really become pretty strong, huh? When Basil first arrived, he only had shown him a bit of his magic... But, he's been training so hard. It's no wonder.
Marigold paws at Basil, and he offers a gentle pet in return. He gently takes Marigold into his arms, letting him curl up into his lap.
Where should he start? He's had so many questions... ) Thank you, Kel... But -- I'm here for you. A-And, we can take a break whenever you want. I promise.
( He takes in a breath, hesitating before asking what he does next. Kel had warned him that it would hurt to hear this. But... there's too many things that could've gone wrong. What could he have meant? The possibilities fill him with anxiety. )
What... What happened at home...? Why did Sunny end up staying?
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And... he floats there, looking at the ceiling and ignoring Marigold who is finding their perfect spot. At least the water relaxes him, he build good associations with the element and now he's just... starting to mix electricity with it. Kel won't share that with Basil for now, though, this isn't a talk about battle plans.
A deep breath escapes his lungs as he tries to find the proper words to answer, but in the end he just... pulls Basil closer, toward hsi chest. Sugarcoating things won't make them better.]
It's okay. I'm fine, Basil. I'm fine.
[He's not but right now it's just hard to speak.]
I- he got hurt. Both of you got hurt and went to the hospital.
[He pauses to let his words sink in to the other. His hold around Basil tightens just a little- they're alive, both here and back home. But none of this is easy.]
I... he was in a medically induced coma for a week. Things were... complicated. I don't know where his mother even is, I haven't been able to see her, Basil. Even if I admit there's a chance we all missed her.
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Still, he pulls away from Kel just a bit to focus his gaze on his. There's hesitance, perhaps understandable considering the circumstances. )
W... Why...? What happened!? Is he okay!? ( There's panic in his voice. What kind of accident could have caused that? What could have hurt Sunny so much? He was just starting to go outside again, and then...
It seems cruel. )
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I... he is fine. He woke up. We even talked before I arrived here and I think that's the most open and close Sunny has been to us in the past four years.
[Three simple sentences, the only three Kel really heard: "I have to tell you something. I killed Mari, Basil helped me cover the entire thing.". So much for being closer, but Kel has to give hope to the idiots. He's the 'everything will be well' guy,
he has to be when one of the idiots is suicidal and the other seems just so fragile right now.]
Basil. [Pull the tooth away. Be honest. He holds the other closer, even if he's not sure this may help at all.] I'm going to be honest so after this I will need you to focus on me and breathe. [His brain is going so fast through all the list of calming exercises his brother taught him. Breathing stuff, asking to identify five items, smells and sounds around himself- fuck, why didn't he pay enough attention? he was still going to try.] What happened is that you two had a really bad fight. As I told you, you were both hospitalized.
[That's where he stops, to give Basil time to take in the blunt hit. Aubrey took it so poorly, he can't imagine how it'll hurt the other.]
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N-No, you're wrong! Sunny wouldn't do that! He wouldn't hurt anyone! If he did, it was-- ( His gaze tears away from Kel then, looking at nothing in particular. He's just glad to hear that he's okay, that Sunny can hopefully safely recover from it all.
But, it hurts to know that the reason that he stayed was because of something so horrible. )
If Sunny and I fought, it was because of Something. It's been there for so long.
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You're right. That's what makes no sense.... [He still doesn't know what to think but....fuck it. What Would Hero Do?] You and Sunny are both such sweethearts. And you both care so much about each other, we couldn't really understand why that happened...
[Calm. Reassuring. Totally not screaming inside. He did try to reach further once more, an attempt to bring one and on the other's shoulder. The temptation to just call Aubrey and scream at her because he was finally learning something new was strong, but he merely took his mental notebook and started taking mental notes.]
Do you think you can tell me who is Something? If it's hurting you and Sunny- I want to be able to help. You don't have to tell me things you don't want to, but anything may help.
I believe you, though. You and Sunny are so kind, so gentle, seeing you two hurt each other made no sense at all...
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Of course. Basil cares about Sunny more than anyone else. They were best friends... It's why he knows that Sunny would never hurt Basil, or anyone else he cares about. )
It's....
( What hurt Mari. )
It only appears when bad things happen. I-It was why Aubrey took my photo album before.
K-Kel you understand.... don't you...? We have to protect Sunny...
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Possible spirits, hallucinations or delusions were not part of his bingo card when the conversation started.]
... Basil?
[Is he supposed to snap him out of this? Is he supposed to- no, this is a terrible idea. Kel isn't sure on what the correct step is, he will have to consult with Aubrey and maybe Maruki later, but for now he needs to make sure he gets all the possible info and help Basil process this entire mess. ]
This is all new to me, even if I come from further down the line. how do you think Something would make you two fight?
[No, not enough support. He must reassure the other, he must-]
But I get it now. If Sunny is in danger, if you are in danger- then we will stop Something. Together. you're not alone, okay? Not anymore. We'll make sure Something... stops. Somehow.
[Well done, Kel, let's entertain this madness. At least he looks convinced as he speaks, even reaching to try to hold Basil's hand.]
I am by your side, now and forever. Two people against this thing are better than one, right?
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I... I don't know. ( Basil isn't sure what would cause the both of them to fight. )
B-But... Sunny was really upset when he first saw me. I... I still don't know why. Maybe he knows why the both of us fought.
( Basil lets him take his hand, offering a small smile - albeit a bit shaky as he squeezes the other's hand. )
... I believe you, Kel... No matter what happens -- I'll be here with you, too.
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Brainstorming was to come later as he softly nodded in Basil's direction.]
It's okay... [It is not.] thank you for telling me, Basil. And sorry for holding this back from you. But even if we're moving with baby steps, this is progress, right? Now we can face Something together.
I... couldn't bring myself to tell him anything, but you are right, he could have some answers. Just- Let's not do anything hasty, mh?
[His tenderness at the moment is performative, exactly like it was when he held and kissed Aubrey's forehead by the lake... He does try to bring the other's hand to his lips, trying to place a kiss against his knuckles. At least he's sincere in saying he'll never leave his friends' side.
As is he could bring anything more serious to the table at the moment.]
I couldn't ask for more. And, please, believe me there is nothing you can do, say, or that happened that will ever change this. You're being so brave- and this is painful but we're building together right now, right? We can figure the next steps as a team.
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Let's not be hasty. He isn't sure if he has the courage to really bring it up on his own, anyways. Talking about anything concerning home is difficult. This conversation in itself has been exhausting.
His breath hiccups when Kel presses a kiss to his knuckles, fingers gently moving to once again take Kel's hand into his. When they're like this, it feels... warm. Safe. )
A... As long as you're here, Kel... I think I can keep trying to be brave. ( He stops for a moment, thinking of Kel's other words. )
And... I believe you. T-Together... We can try to sort out some of the problems at home, can't we...?
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cw thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, mental illness
Re: cw thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, mental illness
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BIG SUICIDE CW
OH BOI
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