Kel bit the inside of his own cheek, trying desperately to stay awake. When he and Basil opened the door with the ghost, he could tell this was not as pleasant as the sun and moon door from the last time he ventured in there. He... did his best to be useful, but they had no exit to find and when that.... thing started following them? They had to keep moving. And moving. And moving.
Despite his good stamina, no one s built to walk for hour a hours without time to breathe. And if Kel struggled, Basil hd it even worse. He tried to play things off, to laugh about the situation and make things lighter, he even forced himself to carry Basil on his shoulders was too exhausted to move on, but in the end even his body started to fail him. His muscles had been under stress for hours by the time his legs started shaking, and even there he did his best to push forward and laugh with Basil about whatever came to his mind. He knew he hit his limit when he started to feel dizzy- he had a large breakfast, like any other day, but there was only so much sugar in his system and it was not enough. He was a sports guy, he knew from the cold sweat covering his skin, the sense of both hunger and nausea and how fast his heartbeat was getting that he was entering a state of hypoglycemia and dehydration.
'You trained for this', he kept repeating himself, but his body wasn't listening.
It was when his speech start getting slurred that he knew he had to stop. Kel let Basil down, they tried to continue on their way, but as soon as he stopped just for a moment to breathe... the ghost jumped him. If he wanted to be terrified, he had no time to. He and Basil found himself outside and safe-
God, so he just had to... did he literally just reach the point of exhaustion for no reason at all? He let himself fall on the grass and laughed, asking Basil to get him something to drink and allowing himself to relax.
Peace, finally.
- - -
Said peace didn't last long. Kel felt exhausted, his body was in pain since the muscles were sore and lactic acid was in his system but that was hardly the problem.
It was two in the night and he was desperately fighting exhaustion, moving back and forth in the kitchen and struggling to stay awake.
Every time he dared to close his eyes, something tried to 'eat' him and it felt so real he carried over pain even when he jumped awake. Even if he tried to fight his need to sleep, though, it was like something was trying to drag him down and the only option was..... moving.
He tried to cook, a few chopped vegetables were sitting on the table, but it all ended when he cut himself. At least the half cut onion could explain why he had tears in his eyes if Basil woke up? He had always been weak to those, he just... he just....
"Oh, God...."
A whisper as he passed a hand between his long, wavy hair. He was terrified at the idea of falling asleep again- whatever was waiting for him enjoyed taking chunks of fless off him and he couldn't even see it. He could just feel his body being riped into pieces and... how was he supposed to fight it?
He could only keep up with his march and pray to find a way to handle it, perhaps he could reach for the healers as soon as dawn came... for now, pacing in the kitchen and living room seemed the only two good options.
It's an understatement to say how truly terrifying their time in the labyrinth is. If Kel had any idea of what was waiting for them inside, Basil is certain that Kel wouldn't have wanted either of them to go. Everything seemed fine at first, until something started to follow them. It didn't seem to move too quickly, but it didn't slow down either. It felt like a test of stamina, one that Basil wasn't prepared for, one that he failed far more quickly than Basil did.
He ends up settling for being carried on Kel's back. It's the only way the both of them can continue to move quickly when Basil's legs can no longer move. If he had been alone, he surely would have fallen into the spirit's grip far sooner than Kel would have. If he hadn't been there, Kel would have lasted longer, wouldn't he have? But, he shouldn't have gone through it alone, either. Basil can't help but feel as though he was glad that Kel had some company, even if Basil had been worthless, in the end.
It feels like he had been terrified for both Kel and himself when the ghost seemed to grab Kel, and all Basil can do is watch in horror before reaching out for Kel and finding what strength he can collect to run away, legs moving as quickly as he can possibly move. It's the adrenaline if nothing else that helps him push through.
When they find their way out, Basil can only ask if Kel's alright, and even after he had laughed it off, the words before about lying play in his head again and again.
…
He keeps an eye on Kel, even when they make their way home.
–
He was never one to sleep through the night. Basil had trouble sleeping through the night for a long time now. He's long grown used to it, even in a place like this. Usually, he'll make himself some tea to calm himself down and then attempt to try again. Tonight, it was thoughts of what had happened in the maze that was keeping him up. The scene of Kel being attacked ran through their mind again and again.
When he makes his way to the kitchen, he stops when he hears footsteps making their way up and down the kitchen. Taking a breath, he hesitates before making his way in. Was someone else in the house? Had the spirit made their way to their home...?
Tentatively, he peeks around the corner, looking into the doorway leading into the kitchen. When he realizes just who was there, he takes another step inside.
“Kel? Are you alright?”
What was he doing up...? He should be resting now. He'd gone through so much today....
And there he is. Fuck, he managed to wake Basil up. That or the other was awake already and heard him shuffle his feet around- at least he's prepared as he wipes his eyes dry. As long as he's talking with the other he won't risk falling asleep, right? Right...
"Hey. Sorry... I'm kind witnessing a war between Lactic Acid and my muscles. Nothing serious, but my body is not enjoying the idea of sitting down for the moment but it's all okay beside that."
A thumbs up, a smile, he got this. It's not like Basil can do much to keep him awake anyway, right? He waves one hand like saying 'no big deal' before nodding toward the table where onions and other vegetables are sitting.
"I am even trying to face my fears a bit, but onions still have the power needed to defeat my eyes."
See? The tears were because of his attempts of cutting those. The constant shuffling just his muscles protesting after the strenuous 'exercise'. Nothing to see or worry about here.
"Please, go back to rest, it was a long day for you too. I will be fine over here."
It sounds like a very obvious lie. Basil falls silent, his expression falling for a moment. He knows better than to call Kel out on it. It'd make him feel even worse... They've both been through enough today.
"... I don't usually sleep through the night. It's okay that I'm up right now."
He'll begin to make his way through the kitchen, opening the cupboards to take out a small tin.
"Maybe... I can make some tea for the both of us...? And if you're upset... I-I can listen to anything you need, Kel. I won't say anything, if you don't want me to."
He is trying his best. What can he even ask Basil to do? Come kick something that exists only in his dreams for now? He focuses on what matters now, meaning the fact that apparently Basil can't really sleep properly at night.
"It's... maybe we can try to see if we can find ways for you to rest better? Is there anything you think could help?"
A pause and he grins, glancing away.
"Tea would be cool, I can use a hot drink. But...it's really just my body right now. It even startles me awake if I try to rest. Maybe tomorrow I will see the healers if it persists, heh.. there is a reason people tell you not to...." He yawns, words slurring just a bit. "train too much in a single go? You're very sweet but I don't think either of us know how to make a proper full body massage."
Not to mention he'd fall asleep and he doesn't want to, gods, he never wants to sleep again if he has to deal with certain dreams.
"I'm alright, Kel. I... It's been like this for a long time." He's lying, but it's because he wants to focus on the person in front of him more than anything else. "I just.... really want to help you right now."
He finds two bags of tea that he was searching for, filling a kettle with water before he speaks again. "How about some Ginger Tea? It's supposed to help with muscle aches, and it might be what you need to help you sleep, too..."
Though, he seems tired enough to sleep on his own... Maybe tea really was just what he needed to go to sleep. Basil knows that sometimes, it's easy to feel exhausted but too wired to truly sleep.
His smile becomes a bit wary, and he can't help but tease Kel a little. "Pancakes is a great idea, but maybe we should hold off on adding onions to them."
"One more reason to work on that, right? I rarely get to stay awake unless I really have to but if yours is a common issue I'd rather look for a way to help you out. That's what buddies are for, right?"
Homies will be homies and all that, right? And he doesn't really want to focus on himself when the clearest memory in his head is being eaten alive by something he can't even see, touch or push away.
"Ginger tea sounds perfect, Basil." It's a terrible idea, he doesn't need to relax, quite the contrary. Then again, he seems to relax with caffeine, usually, so hopefully this... will have the opposite effect on him? And, again, he should... focus on Basil, not himself.
He may or may not have a small idea on why Basil has issues sleeping.
"Psh. Onions are so good for anything, buddy. But I wouldn't eat them raw. Not in a pancake, anyway. Let me.. get stuff started, mh? Also-" A pause as he starts collecting a bowl and the ingredients he needs. "I... huh... listen, when... after you know what? My brother couldn't sleep either for a long time." After he 'got better' and stopped living in his bed, at least. "Don't- I don't want to overstep but if you feel it could help out? you can come to my room when you wake up, it helped him and I-" He has to stop. There's a yawn in the way and he ends up slapping his cheeks a couple of times to stay awake. "If you think sleeping next to someone can ease your situation, my door is open, mh? Bros gotta be bros and all that."
For a moment, Basil falls silent. Sleeping in the same bed... He hadn't even thought of that before, but he's been alone for so long... He's become used to just sort of handling everything on his own.
He works quietly as he heats the water up, letting it sit for the time being. He'll start getting the ingredients out that he knows goes into pancakes.
"... That's really sweet of you, Kel." He starts. "But, I don't want your sleep to be interrupted because of me."
He'd be giving up part of his space for Basil, and he doesn't want to burden him.
"You're already up way later than you usually are. After everything that happened, you need your rest. U... Unless... it's what you really want, for yourself too."
Dear lord he wants to sleep so badly, but he also knows he shouldn't. He dropped all the stuff needed in a bowl, thanking basil but not quite worrying about the order for once... talking about sleeping didn't make things easier.
"I..."
That was not a no, not from Basil. It was more a 'I could use it ut I don't want to burden you' and considering he was starting to speak Basilian a bit... well, he could make it his own problem? So the other wouldn't feel guilt for reaching for a hand?
"Well, I wouldn't really mind? I used to sleep with either Hero or the guys, so it would feel like home? And, huh... I guess it could be a mutual favor? As long as you're not uncomfortable with the idea. And as long as you don't mind me moving around in my sleep, of course..."
He did close his eyes after that, fully leaning against the pantry and almost dropping the bowl down before jumping back awake. Fuck. Okay, he... needed to talk aout anything but beds.
"So, yeah, I guess it would make me happy too? But I think we need to change topic. I can't exactly... sleep tonight. NOt until I see healers tomorrow." A pause. He did promise to be a bit more honest, right? "Huh... the truth is... know that ghost who got me I think it kind of gave me some kind of nightmare curse, hah... so all things combined are making it weird for me. But I'm good, really, it's just a matter of... resisting until tomorrow."
If it's something that could possibly help Kel, then... he would. Basil isn't really sure if it would help him, but he doesn't want to worry Kel any further, either.
He hesitates for a moment before nodding his head. "... I'll try to share a bed with you. B-But, if it ends up keeping you up, then... I'll stay in my own bed. Please, promise me that you'll tell me if that happens...?" Just as Kel focuses and cares for Basil's well-being, it's the same for Basil. More than anything, he wanted for Kel to be alright here. Even if it's hard sometimes -- like now.
When Kel speaks again, Basil stops, his brows furrowing. So, that's why Kel was awake? He knew that what Kel had been saying was initially a lie, and he's... really glad that he's being honest with him, but it's worrying. What the ghost had done wasn't anything physical after all...
"Thank you for telling me... I'm really happy you can be honest with me.
"Y-You can't not sleep, Kel. If you're having nightmares, then... Maybe that's another reason why we should spend the night together."
[Honestly, Kel doesn't think it'd help him, but he's going by memory with what helped his brother the most. From when... Hero still considered himself responsible for Mari's death.
He may not be the fondest of the idea of not having his personal space, he likes to sleep with barely anything on, but he'll do his best to be a good roommate and not show any of his issues. Basil already has far too many and Kel only really wants to help at this point.]
Psh.... Basil, good luck having anything that's not a supernatural entity keeping me awake. There is hardly anything I love more than I love my pillow after a good day of training.
[Even if he's cooking and proceeding with the pancakes, he still... doesn't seem to pay much attention to them. They'll not turn as good as they should.]
I'm... you should rest. No one can really fight nightmares, right? As long as I keep moving I will be fine, really. [A pause, there.] As for the honesty... I think it's time we all start talking more, as a group. To avoid future fights and all, right? And, hey, we got each other's back, right?
( If Kel said anything about needing personal space, Basil would say no immediately to sharing a bed with him. But, he knows how much he wants to help Basil.
Once the water is boiling, he readies the bags - eyeing what Kel's doing. He's... obviously very much out of it, but doing what he can to stay awake. )
... Okay. The... last time we shared a bed, it was really nice. ( He responds. ) A-And if you end up falling asleep, I'll be there for you, too.
( Hesitantly, he reaches to squeeze Kel's shoulder. He wants to reassure him - wants him to know that he's there. )
I'm sorry, Kel. If you want to talk about it... I'm happy to listen. What happened earlier... It was really awful. I-I don't want you to have to feel like you have to keep this all to yourself.
( Being honest like before is... difficult, but they need to be with one another. He's well aware of that. There's so many things that they all need to be honest about, but the ball's also in Sunny's court. )
[Out of it is a nice way to put 'Too exhausted to function' into words. Kel isn't even really paying attention to what he's doing- the butter is starting to turn far too dark in the pan and he's just... standing there with the bowl of batter. Staring.]
Heh? Oh, yeah, huh... [Right. Cooking is something that requires action. He wishes he could go sleep with Basil right now. So, so much.] Yeah, I liked that. You're very soft and smell good. I mean, it's soil but it's not bad?
[Right there, the proof he was actually standing while sleeping. That was not something Kel would say even under torture.]
Nah, can't fall asleep, I don't want to be eaten again. Even if you being here makes me feel a lot calmer...
[A couple of grumbles before he finally manages to connect and slap without grace the batter on the pan. Sorry, Basil, the pancakes will look horrible in the end. Must. Stay. awake.]
Thanks, Basil, but.. really, I don't know what happened after it grabbed me. I just know it keeps me up. If I sleep, it bites me. I just really need to see a healer tomorrow, but I promise it- [A yawn] I will be fine. At worst I will... super sleep tomorrow.
( Basil feels his heart jump at the compliment. Kel... is definitely not thinking right now... If he doesn't sleep, there's no way that Basil isn't going to the healers with him. He wants to make sure that Kel get there alright.
Tentatively, he leans forward to press a soft, yet nervous kiss to the other's cheek. )
I'll stay with you as long as you want me with you. I told you that-- I'm here to help you no matter what.
( Even if it means that Basil is awake when Kel's asleep. He'll make sure that no nightmares haunt his sleep. Or, if it does... he'll be there to comfort him in whatever way that he can. )
['Not thinking' is generally true, but this is more 'speaking without filters' than anything. Probably. The batter is already starting to burn since the fire is all the way up and Kel is not doing anything to fix the issue. He was doing to well, staying awake, but Basil's presence is so reassuring his entire body is choosing to relax- what could possibly go wrong?
The fact he stopped shuffling around to focus on the food isn't helping either. When he turns around to return the kiss, an almost instinctive movement, he's not even aiming properly. May land on the other's eyes, may end on their nose, he doesn't even register that. Basil is very warm and very comfy, like a pillow.]
'm fine, really. Just need to... stay awake.
[Which feels like a losing battle considering he's leaning in closer already, holding the bowl of batter like a stuffed animal and trying to rest his head against the other man's shoulders. Hours and hours of walking and running and carrying Basil around are not helping, the influence of the specter also lulling him to sleep does not help as well.
( Basil barely has time to react when Kel's lips seem to come in contact with his - and instantly he feels his mind go completely blank, heart stopping for a moment. He can't think of breath, he can only focus on what just happened, and the fact that Kel's lips were warm on his, and it felt nice--
He shakes his head quickly, reaching for the knobs of the stove. )
Kel -- l-let's just-- let's cook later! We can leave all of this for now.
( He can barely look him in the eye right now. Kel couldn't think straight. It was definitely not something done with a clear mind. It... It was definitely an accident.
He brings a hand up to gently card fingers in brunet hair. He's not mad or upset. It just can't be helped.
... He's most definitely not bringing this back up. )
[What a poor excuse for a first kiss: Kel just turned around placing his lips on the first spot he could find, not his fault (totally his fault) he ended up meeting Basil's lips that were touching his cheek just a moment earlier. his brain registered something like 'oh, soft' and 'oh, nice' but that was the entire extent of his awareness as his breath started to grow a bit heavier.
So much for staying awake, huh?]
Mhm...
[With so few people in his life actually holding him on the regular and such, his incredibly tired brain associated being told what to do and the affection with the only person who tended to do both in his life. His brother. Kel obediently put the bowl to the side, almost dropping it all on the floor, and nodded against the other's skin. Oh, Henry, he missed you so much-
When did you start being so soft and nice to the touch?
Still, he was sad, scared -but why? He suddenly couldn't remember why he was fighting so hard to stay up. Resting sounded fine, especially with... with...]
Can we... cuddle?
[That was something hero did when they were young, wasn't it? Andit was a perfectly normal thing to ask, right? He wasn't going to last for a long time once he hit the pillow, but it still felt like a valid request as he fully wapped his arms around Basil's frame and held him close, ready to be guided to a more comfortable place than the kitchen.]
( When he begins to drop to the floor, Basil reaches for his hand and attempts to keep him standing straight. The other hand gently moves to his back, heart stuttering in his chest at the question.
It hurts to hear it. It reminds him of the past, when Sunny and Basil were close. But, it-- it's something Basil almost feels like he needs, too. With how much he's felt a void in his heart without the presence of his friends, there's a part of him that wishes to be needed, too. He nods weakly and begins to pull away, tugging gently at his hand. )
I-- I'll stay by your side tonight. I won't leave you alone.
( Luckily, Kel's room isn't far from where they were now... His fingers lace within the others as he begins to walk towards their destination. )
[He can feel something wrapping its arms around his mind, whispering to him to follow the other and go to rest. Huh yeah it sounds like the best idea ever, the other person is so soft and warm and smells so nice, everything makes Kel feel so... safe?
The nightmares are forgotten for the moment as he nods in Basil's direction- it must be Hero Hero is the one who held him when he was younger, so the the trust is almost innate there. He... he...]
Yeah. Thanks, man, I love you. Let's grab Hector too, mh?
[Just two bros being bros, even if he feels a bit... happier thanhe did with Hero? weird. But al he could do was follow the other while shuffling around like a zombie, everything else forgotten for the most part. No fight with Sunny, no ghosts in he labyrinth, nothing... just the warmth of someone he loved, he managed to actually squeeze the hand a bit more, and trust in knowing they would never hurt him.
Bed... close enough, right? He couldn't even keep his eyes open, completely letting Basil guide him.]
( The words draw realization to him. The words weren't meant for him, but Hero. It makes his heart sink. Kel is always someone who puts a cheerful face for everyone elses's sake. But, what about himself? How much was he hurting? Was he lonely? All Basil wanted to do right now is ease any hurt that he felt away.
(It's selfish to feel a strange twinge of jealousy all the same. Basil needs to push away those feelings. He needs to focus on the person who needs him.)
It's alright if Kel doesn't remember any of this. That would be for the best. )
Come on. We're almost there...
( He pushes the door open, Marigold running into the room and jumping on the bed. Leading Kel inside, he'll gently sit Kel on the bed, only release his hold on is hand in order to get the bed ready for the both of them. )
Here - lie down, Kel. If... you wake up at all, I'll be here.
[Hero is the one comforting him at home the rare times, of course he reads the touch and the tenderness as Hero's... they're... they're brothers. They're inseparable, they're-
Ah. He's- this is a bed. It's perfect, it's comfortable, it feels like there are arms behind him reaching for his shoulders and trying to pull him down- his brain registers something else too, hunger, but it doesn't feel like it belongs to him.]
Oof... I... shouldn't.
[Fingers find Marigold and he nuzzles the d... dog? no, the fur is too short, it's not- oh, it's not Hector and he's not home. Right. He actually opens his eyes to look at the animal for a second and the alarm bells ring- sadly he's no longer running on adrenaline after the last unpleasant nightmare, he's no longer shuffling around to keep himself going and his eyelids feel too heavy. It's not his brain, it's also his body that demands some rest.
He loos up in Basil's direction after letting his head fall on the pillow -soft he tells himself and he doesn't know what he's referring to- and Kel is almost surprised not to see his brother. Right. He's not there and it is for the best, no matter how much Kel loves the older sibling of the house. He has Basil though, he's a friend and he's... there. With things being so difficult with Sunny and his relationship with Aubrey being what it has always been, truce or not, Kel has to admit having Basil there has been...]
Thank you. You... [There is no grace as he brings his hand to the other's cheek, trying to keep it there for a moment. Basil made him feel like he still had a purpose as a friend, that he could still do something to help. The other gave him things to focus on that were almost alien to him, Kel never had a green thumb, and in a world where his entire social net was absent, where he made new friends but they didn't feel as close...] Make me- [Eyelids close again, hand slipping down just a bit and... ungracefully anchoring the thumb inside poor basil's mouth, using the lower lip to support himself just a bit more.] Happy.
[It was a very simple way to put it, most of the nuances about their current situation was absent, but Kel coldn't really think well. The hand was now on the mattress and his lips were parted as he was huffing in his sleep. All was good in his dreamscape, at least for the moment- he was home, everyone was there and everyone was happy. What else could he even ask for when he had everything he wanted right there? ]
( Kel falls to the bed without a fight, and Basil sighs a bit in relief. He had half expected him to protest. He had been trying so hard to fight sleep. He knows that nightmares may come, but Basil has every intention of staying awake as long as he can. Sleep can come later for him. He's used to not sleeping well through the night, after all.
Basil takes a moment to pull the sheets upwards, gently cover Kel enough to make him comfortable. Marigold curls up close to Kel with a soft cry, and Basil is about to pull himself away and move to the other side of the bed when Kel cups his cheek. He pauses for a moment, looking to Kel curiously before he feel thumb against lips. He makes a sound of protest -- surprised before he sighs a little. ... Basil definitely would keep all of this a secret from Kel. With how much he had to say about Hero, he didn't want to make the other sad.
He just hopes that... maybe someday, he can make him happy, too.
Basil will move then, making his way to the other side of the bed and pulling the covers over him. It's comfortable, and he can't help but feel more at home when he's next to Kel.
He may have asked to cuddle, but... that was meant for Hero, wasn't it? For now, he'll keep his distance. He's here to watch over him, if anything. )
[He was trying to stay awake. But Basil's presence is like a balm and the specter's call is like a lullaby, it's hard to keep the eyes open when everything is gently taking him to the realm of sleep. And at first it's lovely, it's nice, Kel just wants to embrace it all as he and Cris laugh together about something stupid, as Mikhael and Aubrey make a mess in the kitchen as he keeps throwing in wrong baking direction.
Heh, Kel doesn't even know how he is so painfully aware the other is saying nonsense, he' not the baker of the family, his brother is. And, man, he never fails to deliver... Kel happily hums, a smile that may be seen even by Basil as the other shifts in bed, before reaching for one of the many cookies on the table. There's the inconsistency of dreams, he both knows and doesn't really know what's there- He both knows and doesn't know how things got in the living room as well, but he's happy. Sunny is laughing, it's a wonderful sound because he always love when his brother is happy, and Basil is smiling too, even if quietly.
"We should do this more often." he comments, smiling in his neighbor's direction. When everyone else struggled to gather -why, again?- it was Cris who had been an invaluable friend. She's like a sister too, even if that's not something he thinks he can admit so freely.
"What are we celebrating again?"
He blinks, looking at Hero who just asked that question. Are they having an actual party? Oh, man, that's fantastic! He should get his bottle spinner out so they can play 'who gets to drink the orange joe' together, maybe a ball or two so they can-
"Huh?"
The first bite comes as a surprise. And it actually comes from Cris. Her teeth are as sharp as a shark's ones and that makes sense, she's the mermaid of the house, isn't she? But that hurts and Kel pushes her back- no meat has been cut away, but that's still painful. In he real world, over the pillows, the teen jolts to the side, his body shifting and almost accidentally hitting Basil as he tries to get away from his dream friend.
He cannot even bring up how painful that just was that the entire tone of the dream shifts. Everyone is still there, cheerfully enjoying their day, when Kel feels something taking away a whole chunk of his leg away. How... ho is everyone so calm when there is blood all over the floor? Why is no one even paying attention to the fact that- oh, god. Oh GOD his leg is GONE. How is he supposed to do anything not that his leg is gone? He's only good at moving fast and- wait, it's supposed to hurt. It's supposed to hurt!
The pain comes almost immediately as soon as he has that full realization. He sits up in bed, eyes open and a most horrified expression on his face as he lets out a silent scream, no sound coming from his mouth as his dream self is eaten alive. Chunk after chunk, surrounded by the indifference of his own family, of his own friends. First, oth legs are gone, then its the arms that are taken away, so he has no chance of running away- what's left is an amputated mess on the floor of the house.
He wants to scream for help, but neither his dream self or his real body can o anything- whatever took away in quick bites his limbs is now slowly munching at his lungs. How is someone supposed to scream when there's no airr in is body? how when his vocal cords have been taken away already? Everything hurts so much, everything feels so real, and Kel's body jerks around, hands trying to reach for the spots that currently hurt the most. They actually scratch the skin with the nails- not strongly enough to draw blood only because in his dreams they''re missing, he can't put so much energy in something that's no longer there, right?
He's just a torso on the floor, only aware enough to perceive Basil pass by with a cat he doesn't even recognize. He tries asking for help, but as soon as his mouth moves, his tongue is cut off as well- and now that he has no way to seek help? Whatever is eating him alive moves to what's left of his body, feasting on his guts. From the outside the man is just sitting in bed, fully awake and terrified as he stares at the door and attempts to scream- but no sound comes from him as he desperately claws at his own stomach. His body moves, his body suggests he's awake, but he's no more than a sleepwalker trapped in his own nightmare.]
( Eventually, Basil finds himself dozing off. It looks as though Kel sleeping peacefully -- breathing evenly in his sleep without any sign of tossing and turning. Between the warmth of Kel so close and Marigold curled up between the both of them, Basil ends up finding himself falling asleep, too.
He keeps the thought in the back of his mind to watch out for Kel, body on guard despite the fact that he's falling asleep.
When Kel pushes himself upwards to sit upwards, Basil begins to stir, turning a bit in his sleep before his eyes blink open. It's only when his vision is clear enough to see him moving around that Basil instantly pushes himself to sit.
He hesitates to reach for him for a moment. Was it safe to wake him up? Would it hurt him if Basil tried? He bites his lower lip, before he shifts enough to position himself in front of him, settling on his knees before he reaches over to Kel to gently shake his shoulders. )
Kel! You're sleeping! Please, wake up!
( He looks like he's in so much pain -- as if it wasn't just a nightmare. His heart sinks, and Basil wants nothing more than to do what he can to protect him. But, how can you protect someone who's suffering within a dream? )
[He couldn't see Basil, he couldn't see Basil at all, not beside the one in his current nightmare that was completely ignoring him- they were all ignoring him and a small voice in the back of his head whispered that it was perfect like this. They were all happy now, no one was going to notice him missing- the kind gesture of bringing hands on Kel's shoulders? It only caused him to panic further because instead of feeling his friend's sweet touch he feels teeth sinking into his skin. All Kel knows is pain as he desperately tries to push the Monster away- if he had arms left he would try to do so, at least. What greets Basil is Kel's miserable attempt to shield himself- at least he's not fighting back?
But how, anyway? Both legs have been taken away, his arms are nothing more than ghost limbs he imagines being there - all is left is phantom pain, this is why when he tries to scream nothing comes out of his mouth. Basil, poor Basil, will be met by a deep, cracked and haunted wail. He cannot even hear himself.
Please, someone... anyone, help him? Sunny's steps come closer, for a short fleeting moment there is hope, but he's already walking away to join Aubrey and Mikhael in the kitchen. A further attempt is made as he chokes in his own blood, he attempts to look at Cris and ask her for help, but something caresses his cheeks and proceeds to piece his eyes out- he's blind and despite the pain it's a consolation, at least he doesn't have to witness everyone ignoring his pain. What Basil will be greeted by is Kel screaming again, covering both eyes with the palm of his hands.
Earlier he managed to wake up before getting so... loud only because he wasn't in such a deep sleep, becuase he didn't lower his guard so much, but now? Now he cannot escape. He can't, he can't and the worst part is that his heart is breaking too- why is no one even looking at him? Why isn't Hero- where is Hero again?
Something tells him not to worry and relax, it will be over soon- and it is. He feels fingers grabbing something inside his chest, it takes Kel a moment to realize it's tugging away his heart- His orbits may be empty but he still finds himself closing his eyes as he braces for the worst- what will be even left of him once that last bit is devoured? There's no time to ask further questions as he feels a strong pull, then what's left of him gets taken away, chomp after chomp.
That's when he wakes up, terrified and still feeling phantom pain all over his body. He doesn't process Basil being in the room, nor their cat, he merely turns to the side to vomit, but all that comes out of his empty stomach is a pained gurgle. He... has a stomach again? And he's crying, so he must have eyes as well- His entire body is shaking like a leaf as he slowly comes back to reality. At least the adrenaline is all the way back up, sleeping isn't going to be a priority for at least a solid half an hour.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Exploration
Despite his good stamina, no one s built to walk for hour a hours without time to breathe. And if Kel struggled, Basil hd it even worse. He tried to play things off, to laugh about the situation and make things lighter, he even forced himself to carry Basil on his shoulders was too exhausted to move on, but in the end even his body started to fail him. His muscles had been under stress for hours by the time his legs started shaking, and even there he did his best to push forward and laugh with Basil about whatever came to his mind. He knew he hit his limit when he started to feel dizzy- he had a large breakfast, like any other day, but there was only so much sugar in his system and it was not enough. He was a sports guy, he knew from the cold sweat covering his skin, the sense of both hunger and nausea and how fast his heartbeat was getting that he was entering a state of hypoglycemia and dehydration.
'You trained for this', he kept repeating himself, but his body wasn't listening.
It was when his speech start getting slurred that he knew he had to stop. Kel let Basil down, they tried to continue on their way, but as soon as he stopped just for a moment to breathe... the ghost jumped him. If he wanted to be terrified, he had no time to. He and Basil found himself outside and safe-
God, so he just had to... did he literally just reach the point of exhaustion for no reason at all? He let himself fall on the grass and laughed, asking Basil to get him something to drink and allowing himself to relax.
Peace, finally.
- - -
Said peace didn't last long. Kel felt exhausted, his body was in pain since the muscles were sore and lactic acid was in his system but that was hardly the problem.
It was two in the night and he was desperately fighting exhaustion, moving back and forth in the kitchen and struggling to stay awake.
Every time he dared to close his eyes, something tried to 'eat' him and it felt so real he carried over pain even when he jumped awake. Even if he tried to fight his need to sleep, though, it was like something was trying to drag him down and the only option was..... moving.
He tried to cook, a few chopped vegetables were sitting on the table, but it all ended when he cut himself. At least the half cut onion could explain why he had tears in his eyes if Basil woke up? He had always been weak to those, he just... he just....
"Oh, God...."
A whisper as he passed a hand between his long, wavy hair. He was terrified at the idea of falling asleep again- whatever was waiting for him enjoyed taking chunks of fless off him and he couldn't even see it. He could just feel his body being riped into pieces and... how was he supposed to fight it?
He could only keep up with his march and pray to find a way to handle it, perhaps he could reach for the healers as soon as dawn came... for now, pacing in the kitchen and living room seemed the only two good options.
Stay awake. Stay awake no matter what.
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He ends up settling for being carried on Kel's back. It's the only way the both of them can continue to move quickly when Basil's legs can no longer move. If he had been alone, he surely would have fallen into the spirit's grip far sooner than Kel would have. If he hadn't been there, Kel would have lasted longer, wouldn't he have? But, he shouldn't have gone through it alone, either. Basil can't help but feel as though he was glad that Kel had some company, even if Basil had been worthless, in the end.
It feels like he had been terrified for both Kel and himself when the ghost seemed to grab Kel, and all Basil can do is watch in horror before reaching out for Kel and finding what strength he can collect to run away, legs moving as quickly as he can possibly move. It's the adrenaline if nothing else that helps him push through.
When they find their way out, Basil can only ask if Kel's alright, and even after he had laughed it off, the words before about lying play in his head again and again.
…
He keeps an eye on Kel, even when they make their way home.
–
He was never one to sleep through the night. Basil had trouble sleeping through the night for a long time now. He's long grown used to it, even in a place like this. Usually, he'll make himself some tea to calm himself down and then attempt to try again. Tonight, it was thoughts of what had happened in the maze that was keeping him up. The scene of Kel being attacked ran through their mind again and again.
When he makes his way to the kitchen, he stops when he hears footsteps making their way up and down the kitchen. Taking a breath, he hesitates before making his way in. Was someone else in the house? Had the spirit made their way to their home...?
Tentatively, he peeks around the corner, looking into the doorway leading into the kitchen. When he realizes just who was there, he takes another step inside.
“Kel? Are you alright?”
What was he doing up...? He should be resting now. He'd gone through so much today....
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"Hey. Sorry... I'm kind witnessing a war between Lactic Acid and my muscles. Nothing serious, but my body is not enjoying the idea of sitting down for the moment but it's all okay beside that."
A thumbs up, a smile, he got this. It's not like Basil can do much to keep him awake anyway, right? He waves one hand like saying 'no big deal' before nodding toward the table where onions and other vegetables are sitting.
"I am even trying to face my fears a bit, but onions still have the power needed to defeat my eyes."
See? The tears were because of his attempts of cutting those. The constant shuffling just his muscles protesting after the strenuous 'exercise'. Nothing to see or worry about here.
"Please, go back to rest, it was a long day for you too. I will be fine over here."
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"... I don't usually sleep through the night. It's okay that I'm up right now."
He'll begin to make his way through the kitchen, opening the cupboards to take out a small tin.
"Maybe... I can make some tea for the both of us...? And if you're upset... I-I can listen to anything you need, Kel. I won't say anything, if you don't want me to."
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"It's... maybe we can try to see if we can find ways for you to rest better? Is there anything you think could help?"
A pause and he grins, glancing away.
"Tea would be cool, I can use a hot drink. But...it's really just my body right now. It even startles me awake if I try to rest. Maybe tomorrow I will see the healers if it persists, heh.. there is a reason people tell you not to...." He yawns, words slurring just a bit. "train too much in a single go? You're very sweet but I don't think either of us know how to make a proper full body massage."
Not to mention he'd fall asleep and he doesn't want to, gods, he never wants to sleep again if he has to deal with certain dreams.
"Want me to make us pancakes or someting?"
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He finds two bags of tea that he was searching for, filling a kettle with water before he speaks again. "How about some Ginger Tea? It's supposed to help with muscle aches, and it might be what you need to help you sleep, too..."
Though, he seems tired enough to sleep on his own... Maybe tea really was just what he needed to go to sleep. Basil knows that sometimes, it's easy to feel exhausted but too wired to truly sleep.
His smile becomes a bit wary, and he can't help but tease Kel a little. "Pancakes is a great idea, but maybe we should hold off on adding onions to them."
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Homies will be homies and all that, right? And he doesn't really want to focus on himself when the clearest memory in his head is being eaten alive by something he can't even see, touch or push away.
"Ginger tea sounds perfect, Basil." It's a terrible idea, he doesn't need to relax, quite the contrary. Then again, he seems to relax with caffeine, usually, so hopefully this... will have the opposite effect on him? And, again, he should... focus on Basil, not himself.
He may or may not have a small idea on why Basil has issues sleeping.
"Psh. Onions are so good for anything, buddy. But I wouldn't eat them raw. Not in a pancake, anyway. Let me.. get stuff started, mh? Also-" A pause as he starts collecting a bowl and the ingredients he needs. "I... huh... listen, when... after you know what? My brother couldn't sleep either for a long time." After he 'got better' and stopped living in his bed, at least. "Don't- I don't want to overstep but if you feel it could help out? you can come to my room when you wake up, it helped him and I-" He has to stop. There's a yawn in the way and he ends up slapping his cheeks a couple of times to stay awake. "If you think sleeping next to someone can ease your situation, my door is open, mh? Bros gotta be bros and all that."
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He works quietly as he heats the water up, letting it sit for the time being. He'll start getting the ingredients out that he knows goes into pancakes.
"... That's really sweet of you, Kel." He starts. "But, I don't want your sleep to be interrupted because of me."
He'd be giving up part of his space for Basil, and he doesn't want to burden him.
"You're already up way later than you usually are. After everything that happened, you need your rest. U... Unless... it's what you really want, for yourself too."
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"I..."
That was not a no, not from Basil. It was more a 'I could use it ut I don't want to burden you' and considering he was starting to speak Basilian a bit... well, he could make it his own problem? So the other wouldn't feel guilt for reaching for a hand?
"Well, I wouldn't really mind? I used to sleep with either Hero or the guys, so it would feel like home? And, huh... I guess it could be a mutual favor? As long as you're not uncomfortable with the idea. And as long as you don't mind me moving around in my sleep, of course..."
He did close his eyes after that, fully leaning against the pantry and almost dropping the bowl down before jumping back awake. Fuck. Okay, he... needed to talk aout anything but beds.
"So, yeah, I guess it would make me happy too? But I think we need to change topic. I can't exactly... sleep tonight. NOt until I see healers tomorrow." A pause. He did promise to be a bit more honest, right? "Huh... the truth is... know that ghost who got me I think it kind of gave me some kind of nightmare curse, hah... so all things combined are making it weird for me. But I'm good, really, it's just a matter of... resisting until tomorrow."
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He hesitates for a moment before nodding his head. "... I'll try to share a bed with you. B-But, if it ends up keeping you up, then... I'll stay in my own bed. Please, promise me that you'll tell me if that happens...?" Just as Kel focuses and cares for Basil's well-being, it's the same for Basil. More than anything, he wanted for Kel to be alright here. Even if it's hard sometimes -- like now.
When Kel speaks again, Basil stops, his brows furrowing. So, that's why Kel was awake? He knew that what Kel had been saying was initially a lie, and he's... really glad that he's being honest with him, but it's worrying. What the ghost had done wasn't anything physical after all...
"Thank you for telling me... I'm really happy you can be honest with me.
"Y-You can't not sleep, Kel. If you're having nightmares, then... Maybe that's another reason why we should spend the night together."
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He may not be the fondest of the idea of not having his personal space, he likes to sleep with barely anything on, but he'll do his best to be a good roommate and not show any of his issues. Basil already has far too many and Kel only really wants to help at this point.]
Psh.... Basil, good luck having anything that's not a supernatural entity keeping me awake. There is hardly anything I love more than I love my pillow after a good day of training.
[Even if he's cooking and proceeding with the pancakes, he still... doesn't seem to pay much attention to them. They'll not turn as good as they should.]
I'm... you should rest. No one can really fight nightmares, right? As long as I keep moving I will be fine, really. [A pause, there.] As for the honesty... I think it's time we all start talking more, as a group. To avoid future fights and all, right? And, hey, we got each other's back, right?
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Once the water is boiling, he readies the bags - eyeing what Kel's doing. He's... obviously very much out of it, but doing what he can to stay awake. )
... Okay. The... last time we shared a bed, it was really nice. ( He responds. ) A-And if you end up falling asleep, I'll be there for you, too.
( Hesitantly, he reaches to squeeze Kel's shoulder. He wants to reassure him - wants him to know that he's there. )
I'm sorry, Kel. If you want to talk about it... I'm happy to listen. What happened earlier... It was really awful. I-I don't want you to have to feel like you have to keep this all to yourself.
( Being honest like before is... difficult, but they need to be with one another. He's well aware of that. There's so many things that they all need to be honest about, but the ball's also in Sunny's court. )
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Heh? Oh, yeah, huh... [Right. Cooking is something that requires action. He wishes he could go sleep with Basil right now. So, so much.] Yeah, I liked that. You're very soft and smell good. I mean, it's soil but it's not bad?
[Right there, the proof he was actually standing while sleeping. That was not something Kel would say even under torture.]
Nah, can't fall asleep, I don't want to be eaten again. Even if you being here makes me feel a lot calmer...
[A couple of grumbles before he finally manages to connect and slap without grace the batter on the pan. Sorry, Basil, the pancakes will look horrible in the end. Must. Stay. awake.]
Thanks, Basil, but.. really, I don't know what happened after it grabbed me. I just know it keeps me up. If I sleep, it bites me. I just really need to see a healer tomorrow, but I promise it- [A yawn] I will be fine. At worst I will... super sleep tomorrow.
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Tentatively, he leans forward to press a soft, yet nervous kiss to the other's cheek. )
I'll stay with you as long as you want me with you. I told you that-- I'm here to help you no matter what.
( Even if it means that Basil is awake when Kel's asleep. He'll make sure that no nightmares haunt his sleep. Or, if it does... he'll be there to comfort him in whatever way that he can. )
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The fact he stopped shuffling around to focus on the food isn't helping either. When he turns around to return the kiss, an almost instinctive movement, he's not even aiming properly. May land on the other's eyes, may end on their nose, he doesn't even register that. Basil is very warm and very comfy, like a pillow.]
'm fine, really. Just need to... stay awake.
[Which feels like a losing battle considering he's leaning in closer already, holding the bowl of batter like a stuffed animal and trying to rest his head against the other man's shoulders. Hours and hours of walking and running and carrying Basil around are not helping, the influence of the specter also lulling him to sleep does not help as well.
Huh. So soft.]
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He shakes his head quickly, reaching for the knobs of the stove. )
Kel -- l-let's just-- let's cook later! We can leave all of this for now.
( He can barely look him in the eye right now. Kel couldn't think straight. It was definitely not something done with a clear mind. It... It was definitely an accident.
He brings a hand up to gently card fingers in brunet hair. He's not mad or upset. It just can't be helped.
... He's most definitely not bringing this back up. )
... Let's get you to bed. I'll go with you.
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So much for staying awake, huh?]
Mhm...
[With so few people in his life actually holding him on the regular and such, his incredibly tired brain associated being told what to do and the affection with the only person who tended to do both in his life. His brother. Kel obediently put the bowl to the side, almost dropping it all on the floor, and nodded against the other's skin. Oh, Henry, he missed you so much-
When did you start being so soft and nice to the touch?
Still, he was sad, scared -but why? He suddenly couldn't remember why he was fighting so hard to stay up. Resting sounded fine, especially with... with...]
Can we... cuddle?
[That was something hero did when they were young, wasn't it? Andit was a perfectly normal thing to ask, right? He wasn't going to last for a long time once he hit the pillow, but it still felt like a valid request as he fully wapped his arms around Basil's frame and held him close, ready to be guided to a more comfortable place than the kitchen.]
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It hurts to hear it. It reminds him of the past, when Sunny and Basil were close. But, it-- it's something Basil almost feels like he needs, too. With how much he's felt a void in his heart without the presence of his friends, there's a part of him that wishes to be needed, too. He nods weakly and begins to pull away, tugging gently at his hand. )
I-- I'll stay by your side tonight. I won't leave you alone.
( Luckily, Kel's room isn't far from where they were now... His fingers lace within the others as he begins to walk towards their destination. )
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The nightmares are forgotten for the moment as he nods in Basil's direction- it must be Hero Hero is the one who held him when he was younger, so the the trust is almost innate there. He... he...]
Yeah. Thanks, man, I love you. Let's grab Hector too, mh?
[Just two bros being bros, even if he feels a bit... happier thanhe did with Hero? weird. But al he could do was follow the other while shuffling around like a zombie, everything else forgotten for the most part. No fight with Sunny, no ghosts in he labyrinth, nothing... just the warmth of someone he loved, he managed to actually squeeze the hand a bit more, and trust in knowing they would never hurt him.
Bed... close enough, right? He couldn't even keep his eyes open, completely letting Basil guide him.]
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(It's selfish to feel a strange twinge of jealousy all the same. Basil needs to push away those feelings. He needs to focus on the person who needs him.)
It's alright if Kel doesn't remember any of this. That would be for the best. )
Come on. We're almost there...
( He pushes the door open, Marigold running into the room and jumping on the bed. Leading Kel inside, he'll gently sit Kel on the bed, only release his hold on is hand in order to get the bed ready for the both of them. )
Here - lie down, Kel. If... you wake up at all, I'll be here.
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Ah. He's- this is a bed. It's perfect, it's comfortable, it feels like there are arms behind him reaching for his shoulders and trying to pull him down- his brain registers something else too, hunger, but it doesn't feel like it belongs to him.]
Oof... I... shouldn't.
[Fingers find Marigold and he nuzzles the d... dog? no, the fur is too short, it's not- oh, it's not Hector and he's not home. Right. He actually opens his eyes to look at the animal for a second and the alarm bells ring- sadly he's no longer running on adrenaline after the last unpleasant nightmare, he's no longer shuffling around to keep himself going and his eyelids feel too heavy. It's not his brain, it's also his body that demands some rest.
He loos up in Basil's direction after letting his head fall on the pillow -soft he tells himself and he doesn't know what he's referring to- and Kel is almost surprised not to see his brother. Right. He's not there and it is for the best, no matter how much Kel loves the older sibling of the house. He has Basil though, he's a friend and he's... there. With things being so difficult with Sunny and his relationship with Aubrey being what it has always been, truce or not, Kel has to admit having Basil there has been...]
Thank you. You... [There is no grace as he brings his hand to the other's cheek, trying to keep it there for a moment. Basil made him feel like he still had a purpose as a friend, that he could still do something to help. The other gave him things to focus on that were almost alien to him, Kel never had a green thumb, and in a world where his entire social net was absent, where he made new friends but they didn't feel as close...] Make me- [Eyelids close again, hand slipping down just a bit and... ungracefully anchoring the thumb inside poor basil's mouth, using the lower lip to support himself just a bit more.] Happy.
[It was a very simple way to put it, most of the nuances about their current situation was absent, but Kel coldn't really think well. The hand was now on the mattress and his lips were parted as he was huffing in his sleep. All was good in his dreamscape, at least for the moment- he was home, everyone was there and everyone was happy. What else could he even ask for when he had everything he wanted right there? ]
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Basil takes a moment to pull the sheets upwards, gently cover Kel enough to make him comfortable. Marigold curls up close to Kel with a soft cry, and Basil is about to pull himself away and move to the other side of the bed when Kel cups his cheek. He pauses for a moment, looking to Kel curiously before he feel thumb against lips. He makes a sound of protest -- surprised before he sighs a little. ... Basil definitely would keep all of this a secret from Kel. With how much he had to say about Hero, he didn't want to make the other sad.
He just hopes that... maybe someday, he can make him happy, too.
Basil will move then, making his way to the other side of the bed and pulling the covers over him. It's comfortable, and he can't help but feel more at home when he's next to Kel.
He may have asked to cuddle, but... that was meant for Hero, wasn't it? For now, he'll keep his distance. He's here to watch over him, if anything. )
TW: gore, blood
Heh, Kel doesn't even know how he is so painfully aware the other is saying nonsense, he' not the baker of the family, his brother is. And, man, he never fails to deliver... Kel happily hums, a smile that may be seen even by Basil as the other shifts in bed, before reaching for one of the many cookies on the table. There's the inconsistency of dreams, he both knows and doesn't really know what's there- He both knows and doesn't know how things got in the living room as well, but he's happy. Sunny is laughing, it's a wonderful sound because he always love when his brother is happy, and Basil is smiling too, even if quietly.
"We should do this more often." he comments, smiling in his neighbor's direction. When everyone else struggled to gather -why, again?- it was Cris who had been an invaluable friend. She's like a sister too, even if that's not something he thinks he can admit so freely.
"What are we celebrating again?"
He blinks, looking at Hero who just asked that question. Are they having an actual party? Oh, man, that's fantastic! He should get his bottle spinner out so they can play 'who gets to drink the orange joe' together, maybe a ball or two so they can-
"Huh?"
The first bite comes as a surprise. And it actually comes from Cris. Her teeth are as sharp as a shark's ones and that makes sense, she's the mermaid of the house, isn't she? But that hurts and Kel pushes her back- no meat has been cut away, but that's still painful. In he real world, over the pillows, the teen jolts to the side, his body shifting and almost accidentally hitting Basil as he tries to get away from his dream friend.
He cannot even bring up how painful that just was that the entire tone of the dream shifts. Everyone is still there, cheerfully enjoying their day, when Kel feels something taking away a whole chunk of his leg away. How... ho is everyone so calm when there is blood all over the floor? Why is no one even paying attention to the fact that- oh, god. Oh GOD his leg is GONE. How is he supposed to do anything not that his leg is gone? He's only good at moving fast and- wait, it's supposed to hurt. It's supposed to hurt!
The pain comes almost immediately as soon as he has that full realization. He sits up in bed, eyes open and a most horrified expression on his face as he lets out a silent scream, no sound coming from his mouth as his dream self is eaten alive. Chunk after chunk, surrounded by the indifference of his own family, of his own friends. First, oth legs are gone, then its the arms that are taken away, so he has no chance of running away- what's left is an amputated mess on the floor of the house.
He wants to scream for help, but neither his dream self or his real body can o anything- whatever took away in quick bites his limbs is now slowly munching at his lungs. How is someone supposed to scream when there's no airr in is body? how when his vocal cords have been taken away already? Everything hurts so much, everything feels so real, and Kel's body jerks around, hands trying to reach for the spots that currently hurt the most. They actually scratch the skin with the nails- not strongly enough to draw blood only because in his dreams they''re missing, he can't put so much energy in something that's no longer there, right?
He's just a torso on the floor, only aware enough to perceive Basil pass by with a cat he doesn't even recognize. He tries asking for help, but as soon as his mouth moves, his tongue is cut off as well- and now that he has no way to seek help? Whatever is eating him alive moves to what's left of his body, feasting on his guts. From the outside the man is just sitting in bed, fully awake and terrified as he stares at the door and attempts to scream- but no sound comes from him as he desperately claws at his own stomach. His body moves, his body suggests he's awake, but he's no more than a sleepwalker trapped in his own nightmare.]
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He keeps the thought in the back of his mind to watch out for Kel, body on guard despite the fact that he's falling asleep.
When Kel pushes himself upwards to sit upwards, Basil begins to stir, turning a bit in his sleep before his eyes blink open. It's only when his vision is clear enough to see him moving around that Basil instantly pushes himself to sit.
He hesitates to reach for him for a moment. Was it safe to wake him up? Would it hurt him if Basil tried? He bites his lower lip, before he shifts enough to position himself in front of him, settling on his knees before he reaches over to Kel to gently shake his shoulders. )
Kel! You're sleeping! Please, wake up!
( He looks like he's in so much pain -- as if it wasn't just a nightmare. His heart sinks, and Basil wants nothing more than to do what he can to protect him. But, how can you protect someone who's suffering within a dream? )
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But how, anyway? Both legs have been taken away, his arms are nothing more than ghost limbs he imagines being there - all is left is phantom pain, this is why when he tries to scream nothing comes out of his mouth. Basil, poor Basil, will be met by a deep, cracked and haunted wail. He cannot even hear himself.
Please, someone... anyone, help him? Sunny's steps come closer, for a short fleeting moment there is hope, but he's already walking away to join Aubrey and Mikhael in the kitchen. A further attempt is made as he chokes in his own blood, he attempts to look at Cris and ask her for help, but something caresses his cheeks and proceeds to piece his eyes out- he's blind and despite the pain it's a consolation, at least he doesn't have to witness everyone ignoring his pain. What Basil will be greeted by is Kel screaming again, covering both eyes with the palm of his hands.
Earlier he managed to wake up before getting so... loud only because he wasn't in such a deep sleep, becuase he didn't lower his guard so much, but now? Now he cannot escape. He can't, he can't and the worst part is that his heart is breaking too- why is no one even looking at him? Why isn't Hero- where is Hero again?
Something tells him not to worry and relax, it will be over soon- and it is. He feels fingers grabbing something inside his chest, it takes Kel a moment to realize it's tugging away his heart- His orbits may be empty but he still finds himself closing his eyes as he braces for the worst- what will be even left of him once that last bit is devoured? There's no time to ask further questions as he feels a strong pull, then what's left of him gets taken away, chomp after chomp.
That's when he wakes up, terrified and still feeling phantom pain all over his body. He doesn't process Basil being in the room, nor their cat, he merely turns to the side to vomit, but all that comes out of his empty stomach is a pained gurgle. He... has a stomach again? And he's crying, so he must have eyes as well- His entire body is shaking like a leaf as he slowly comes back to reality. At least the adrenaline is all the way back up, sleeping isn't going to be a priority for at least a solid half an hour.]
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