( 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.]
( Basil wishes that he could feel some relief when Kel wakes up, but all he feels is intense fear for his friend. It's no wonder that Kel had been so against sleeping. Was the ghosts effects truly that powerful? He can't even imagine what horrific things he was dreaming of. Basil wants nothing more than to shield him from whatever he was seeing or feeling in his dreams.
Instinctively, he wraps his arms around the other, pushing himself against him and lifting a hand to comb fingers through soft brown locks. He'll look for any signs that he's making it worse, but he doesn't know what else to do. He already feels useless. How can someone help another when they're having nightmares like this? )
I'm here. ( Basil says the words quietly. ) I'll protect you - no matter what.
[He's pathetic. A mess of sweaty long hair, tears and shivers as he desperately attempts to hold himself together, to pull himself back to reality. It's a wonderful thing he can feel so much pain, right? His body is back, somehow and... and... oh god, it was that nightmare again, wasn't it? It took him a moment to notice the sheets under his body, the warm breeze coming from the window and caressing his skin, the... comfort? Of... someone?
There are fingers between his wavy locks, there is a body against his own and Kel gasps in surprise when his brain registers it's not... an enemy. It's not a monster. The familiar voice sends a shiver down his pine, the blonde locks caress his face and remind him of home. Hero isn't there, but Basil is. Most of his fiends are no longer there, but Basil is still be his side. Basil, sweet Basil that he neglected for so long, he's the one... he's-]
You see me. [His tone carried both desperation and relief at the same time. Basil was there for him- Unlike the man in the dream, unlike his family and- oh, no, he was supposed to be the strong one.] I'm... so sorry. [For not being there when it mattered, for letting him suffer, for being such a pathetic version of himself now that he was also supposed to become stronger... for lying about things that Basil deserved to know. God, he was such a terrible friend.
Shaky hands were raised up around the other's frame, trying to hold him close. It takes him a moment to realize he's sobbing, to notice he's probably covering the poor other man with both tears and snot, but everything is so difficult right now...]
( Basil doesn't know what he means by his words, nor the apology - maybe it had to do with what he had dreamt about. He doesn't know what horrors he had seen, but he knows better than to ask. He doesn't dare want to ask Kel to relive that dream.
(Did he do something to cause the apology? The thought makes the pit of his stomach fill with anxiety, but he tries to shake that feeling off.) )
I'm here. ( A hand moves to his back, pushing himself closely. It's a promise. ) D... Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere.... I promise.
( Kel can hold him as long as he needs to. He's glad he doesn't have to go through any of this alone. There's no way that Basil would let him. With everything that he's been through lately, it only makes him more determined to stay close -- to watch over him, just as Kel has for Basil. )
[He's not making much sense, is he? But, yes, he did mess up things with everyone and the guilt he feels for lying- but Basil had it so much worse, didn't he? And all he wants -he can- focus on is how warm the other is. How sweet his presence feels.
He's blessed by the other's company in more ways than one, Basil is so much more than an anchor keeping him grounded right now.]
I don't deserve you. [Yet he hides himself against Basil, wrapping both arms around his frame and keeping him as close as humanly possible. He... does NOT deserve the other but- but he needs him right now.] Just... a moment. I am fine- I will be fine. I am so sorry...
[He doesn't know how long he spends sobbing against the other, may be five minutes or may be one hour, time feels irrelevant as pangs of phantom pain still make him jolt, as guilt burns inside him- how ironic he can forgive both Basil and Sunny for their lies, but he can't do the same for himself. When his heart calms down, Kel has to push himself back, eyes already threatening to close once more- he tries to blink his own exhaustion away but his body just wants to melt against the other teen's one, to embrace the oh so needed rest again...]
I'm... [He's what now? Words are just stuck in his throat as he leans in, cupping the other's face between his hands, and with cheeks still wet from tears he touches Basil's forehead with his own.] Basil, I... you should rest. I need to... go. Walk. Do something. But for what it's worth thank you. Thank you, thank you thankyouthankyou... for being here, for being alive, for being so strong, for everything, I am sorry if I'm not making much sense.
[So tired again, already. So scared to challenge his luck on the other hand... but he shouldn't burden the other.]
( It's the other way around. Basil isn't the one who deserves Kel. After all he's done, the least he can do is this much. But, that doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that he's there to do what he can for Kel. He holds him close, a hand gently moving through his hair. Pulling away just enough to wipe some of those tears away. )
It'll be okay. ( Basil's words are soft. ) I won't let anything hurt you.
Please, don't apologize. ( A hand moves to Kel's back, rubbing it in what he hopes is a comforting motion. Any lingering thoughts of the past and home is forgotten in favor of right now. He has no idea that Kel might be thinking of anything that may have been left unsaid. All he can think about is the fact that he shouldn't have pushed sleep on him. He had no idea that things had been so awful. Kel was always all smiles. It's difficult to know how he may be really feeling at times.
Kel cups his face with his hands, and his eyes lift to meet with his. Basil reaches to gently tug at clothing, shaking his head. Another hand lifts to gently cup Kel's cheek in return, moving to press a small, gentle kiss to the other's hand. )
... There's no way that I'd let you go through this alone. I'll go with you -- wherever you want to go.
P-Please, Kel. Don't... Don't push me away. I'm... so sorry that I pushed sleep. I-I should have known that something was really wrong....
[Let them fight over who is less deserving of the other another day, Kel will always think his actions are the worst because- let's face it. Basil and Sunny were KIDS, they were scared, something horrible happened. Kel is actively choosing to lie to them and hide something important despite knowing he should... he should... he doesn't know. He still feels his skin burn where the 'thing' started to bite him in the first place. His legs are still there, his skin is still in one piece and he has Basil. He turns around, placing a kiss against his hand. And another, and another. Affection is something he always managed to give, especially to his brother, when people were in need. Now he's doing the same, again, even if he's the one in need of support.]
I know... I know... I trust you.
[It feels wrong leaning so heavily on the other, but the pain is something that Kel can't forget. Not the physical one of his dream, nor the emotional one of being ignored by everyone. A sniffle escapes him, no matter how much he is trying to control himself.]
I just need to walk, you shouldn't worry about me. It's just nightmares, Basil... [It's so hard to accept help. It's easier to focus on the fact that Basil just... said something he can use not to think about how heavy his own chest fels.]
No need to... apologize. [He closes his eyes for just a second, leaning into the touch.] Basil, you couldn't have known. Hell, I didn't know, the last two times it wasn't this bad. You did that because you cared, can you really blame someone for trying their best? For trying to be kind? [Kel leans in further, now pressing his lips against the other's forehead. He managed to forgive Basil for Mari. For Sunny. For everything. There is no way he'd be unable to do the same now, especially when Basil couldn't know what was wrong in the first place.] Basil, I... Is there anything I can do for you? It would help me so much right now.
( Basil still has no idea that Aubrey and Kel know the truth of things, and there's no denying the constant guilt that Basil feels from keeping the secret from everyone. Even if they were younger then, it's been something that Basil doesn't dare tell anyone after all this time.
I trust you. He shouldn't. If only Kel really knew, he would never say those words.
The kisses bring a light flush to his face, and he pulls himself away for a moment, his hands moving to take Kel's into his own. He laces their fingers together. )
Let's... go for a walk. If you need to talk while we're out... I'll listen.
[It's... complicated. Kel is waiting for Sunny to take the first step. Or Basil. And this is... all pain. It's like a waiting game where Kel knows Sunny will be upset at him for sharing the truth with Aubrey to begin with, where he doesn't know when things will get out an- all he can go is lying and trying to give support to the only friend he feels he has left. The only one he has managed to keep somewhat around-
Basil is so kind and sweet, how could he even feel so many negative feelings toward him before the other got there? Yes, Sunny got- but he could no longer imagine the other doing it out of malice.
The hand movement brings him back to the real world as he looks at their intertwined fingers and sniff. right, he's making the other worry far too much.]
There... isn't much to say. [He puts a smile on his face, even if it's so forced it wouldn't fool anyone.] I fall asleep, my brain lulls me into a good dream and... then things go south and I can't wake up until it kills me. So... yeah, I just need to... walk. It sounds a great idea, I am just so sorry- you should rest. But... if we don't... [He pushes back, a yawn stopping his words. He's not risking it again as he slides instinctively out of bed, squeezing his eyes and trying to focus again. Okay....okay... he won't fall asleep until he stands up. Right? He offers his hands to Basil once more.]
Want to tell me more about the garden? I like to hear you talk about your plants and... I can use not thinking about... I think it's trying to make me fall asleep again, hah But this time I have you by my side, right?
( If Kel would've told Basil that he had any negative feelings towards him, there's no doubt that he'd feel more insecure than he was already, but he wouldn't be able to blame him for it. After all, Basil knows that... it'd be difficult not to with everything that he's done. It was part of why he had wanted to be alone for so long. He had been afraid to face the outside world for a while after everything had happened because of that.
While it's true that Basil is tired now, it doesn't feel like it matters. He can sacrifice rest for someone elses's sake. Doing that much is the least he can do. He pushes himself off of the bed then, offering his hand for him to take. )
O-Okay. We can talk about the garden... and anything else you'd like. Let's go outside.
( The dreams sound... horrifying, to say the least. It's no wonder that Kel had woken up in such a such a distressed state. It was almost as though he could feel it all. With the way that Kel could always be all smiles, it must have been even worse than Basil can even imagine. There's nothing genuine about the smiles he sees now. )
As soon as the sun rises, we'll go to the healers. I'm sure that they can help you, Kel. I'll stay by your side until we can make sure that you can sleep peacefully.
( He just... wishes it were him and not Kel that was going through this. )
I-I... I won't let the ghost get to you again. It just sounds like it wants to scare you, but that's... really horrible. I-I'm sorry. I didn't know.
( Does it feed off of nightmares, fear? Maybe it doesn't matter. )
[Well, for what it's worth, Kel's feelings certianly shifted over the weeks. What was in the beginning a 'keep sunny safe' shifted into him clinging to his friendship with the flower boy. And, again, it feels like most of his fears and anxiety were misplaced, even if he fears for the other's sanity- this Something is worrying but he had no real wway to address it yet, he will just pretend to believe until he gets any proper idea.
In the meanwhile he holds Basil's hand and gets ready to follow. There's no leading forward, not in that moment.]
I don't know. I... don't want to talk about anything? I- tell me about stuff that makes you happy, maybe? I like to see you happy...
[Words he'd probably avoid using too freely normally, but he's talking without filters. But, hey, he loves seeing all his friends happy, right? When he walks around, he's barely lifting his feet up, it will be fun climbing down their ladder.]
You're so.. sweet. I am sorry I don't think I make a lot of sense. But, huh... I trust you. and tomorrow i'm, like... sleepng so much once I feel better. Big promise. And-
[A pause as he yeawns again. He's seriously starting to believe most of his exhaustion comes from supernatural sources, not just from the facty he moved all day long.]
Basil, come on... I don't have any negative feeling toward you, quite the contrary. You were trying your best and I know it
[He wishes he had someone like that even back home...]
( It's sweet. Even though Basil knows that Kel's absolutely delirious right now, it makes his heart swell al the same. It's been a long time since he had even though about being happy. But, Kel saying such words almost feel encouraging.
They talk through the night - about nothing, about everything. It was all with the intention of keeping Kel stay awake, and Basil knows that Kel very likely won't remember most of this, but regardless, the night feels like it's going by relatively quickly. Still, Basil makes sure that he keeps an eye on Kel through the night. Every so often, he sees Kel slipping and he squeezes his hand firmly yet gently, wanting to help him stay awake as long as possible.
When the sun begins to rise, Basil guides Kel to the healers, explaining the situation to all of them. By this time, he's just as exhausted as Kel is. His head is heavy and so are his eyelids, and it feels like he can't focus on anything in front of him. But, he tries to stay as awake he can for Kel.
It's only when the healing process is completed that he makes his way back to the treehouse with Kel, free hand moving to his forehead in a weak attempt to keep himself awake. He just... had to go a bit further... for both of them. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he knew that he'd instantly fall asleep... )
[Delirious he is and he stays. At least for the entire night as he seems to pay attention to whatever Basil is saying but retains little to no information about... anything. He doeesn't genuinely know what they're talking about, he only knows the hand is warm and nice but the soil looks even better and it would make for a fine mattress under his body. Soft, sweet soil... no. No, he will stay focused on Basil as much as he can.
He follows, not entirely sure of what he's talking about but keeping in mind he is tthere to support his friends, not to be supported, even if it seems the contrary. The night is long and heavy on his shoulders, with his body threatening to give up and crash on multiple occasions.
Everything is pretty much a blur after a certain point, he doesn't remember reaching for the healers, nor going back home and by the gods how diid he even manage to shuffle toward the bed? He has absolutely no clue. Basil is asleep the second he hits the pillow but somehow Kel is asleep even befoore that, not even knowing where he is.
The poor plants will go unwatered in the morning, Kel's morning routine will be skipped and that's... okay. For once. Nothing will die and Marigold has food and water out anyway, right? The dreams are sweet, finallly, he is back in Faraway and his friends are really there this time. He wrestles with both Aubrey and Hero, challenges Cri at a DDR tournament, Sunny and Basil are both there and so happy- everything is perfect. Mikhael even left so no complains there! It's when he starts waking up that his body reminds him that extreme physical exercise isn't good for anyone. He basically ran a marathon without drinking or eating anything, carried another person, proceeded to spend his entire night shuffling around or panicking. Good times...
Even after a good, long sleep? His body feels like an absolute mess, he's sore, feels some level of nausea and fuck it, he's at least aware enough to realize he's not.... fully there with his mind. Yet. It's much better though than the night before, at least? small victories.
Still, while every single muscle in his body begs for help, he finds himself rolling around. He... really did a number on Basil the night before, huh? He kept him up to walk like a zombie with him- and he barely remembers what came after being found in the kitchen. God, even on the bed his movements were... uncoordinated at best. Still, he did roll to the side to look at his buddy.
Huh... why... did he feel some kind of awkwardness sit in his chest? What did he even say last night? Huh... he was probably pathetic. Hero always said he got clingy and whiny whe was sleepp deprived for whatever reason- oh, well, he was just going to stay there and... wait. UNtil the oother woke up at least. Because he wasn't planning to get up anyway.]
( Their normal routine will indeed go interrupted, but Basil prioritizes Kel over such things. It could wait. He had to watch over Kel and protect him - he had to. Marigold is fine, and stays by Kel and Basil's side even. Basil's read enough about cats to know that as long as he's been eating and drinking fine beforehand, he won't let himself starve.
When he hits the pillow, he keeps his eyes open just enough to make sure that Kel can fall asleep safely before doing the same. His eyes become too heavy to keep open afterwards.
Basil sleeps without dreaming.
Perhaps it's due to Kel tossing and turning, maybe there's still too much worry for his friend's sake to truly sleep. Either way, it's only when Kel wakes up that Basil does the same, keeping it in the back of his mind that he needs to wake up when the other does just in case. He pushes himself upwards, sitting as he rubs one of his eyes. His vision is still pretty blurry, but he wants to check on the other... )
[Basil is far too kind, that's something Kel knew from back home and something that became more and more visible as they spent time together.
When the other pushes up, Kel doesn't do the same, trying to hide how much his entire body hurts and how sick he feels after the entire ordeal. There is no way he wil eright more on Basil than he knows he already did.]
Yeah, I'm... fine. Just a bit sore, really. But... I'm fine. Thanks to you.
[He just has some vague recollection of walking around with Basil there, so... he kept the other awake for a while, didn't he? Fuck. No more weird explorations for a bit.]
I'm... sorry. About how I acted yesterday. [He feels like he did something he shouldn't have, but no matter how hard he tries to remember, he's only met by vague images of something bitng him witout being seen.] Are you okay?
( Basil can't help but wonder if there's more to it than just being sore. It's not uncommon for Kel to hide just how much he's been effected by something. Still, Basil shakes his head. He's worried and scared for his friend, but he won't burden him with such things.
Basil will continue to be there for him - as long as he can. )
I... I'm okay. You don't have to worry about me. ( He lifts a hand, wanting to reach for him, but stops himself. He lowers it again, and instead offers to help him in another way. )
I can make some tea. I was going to last night, but... I-I think you need it more now than you did then. You should rehydrate...
[No need to worry, he's smiling as he forces himself to sit up- goodbye, pillow. Goodbye comfortable position. He doesn't want to worry the other too much and he ccan't just...
Ah, Basil, if you had any idea how much Kel worries constantly about you...]
Ah, but- I kept you up, didn't I? I'm sorry, I just... vaguely remember you coming to the kitchen. It must have been so much worse for you- I am fine, really. But you, you mmust have been so tired as well... I hope I wasn't too much to handle.
[He smiles in his direction, ooffering one small shrug and forcing himself out of bed. Oof, this is all pain and he can't hold back a pained grunt.]
To think... my body should be used to train soo much, ahah... but I guess it was a bit too much. Tea sounds amazing, but only if you get some with me. I doubt you had a lot oof time to eat and drink as well...
[He wants to stay in bed, but he hops up -god that hurts- and follows the other... wearing the blanket as a cape and trying to stretch a bit while moving to alleviate the muscular stress.]
Nope! You should rest. i got this, Basil. I kind of have to repay you, why don't you let me, you know, bring you breakfast in bed or something? I mean, who doesn't like breakfast in bed? Come on...
[He may or may not remember they decided to sleep together from now on, but hell not protest on the matter. AT ALL.]
Yeah... I get it. I'm so sorry, Basil. It's my fault, I should have been more honest, even if I don't remember much beside the dreams themselves. Communication is key, after all, and we should be able to talk between the two of us, right? But, please, don't feel like it's your fault, I'm certain you did everything with the best intentions.
( Kel had so much faith in him, Basil can't... help but feel like he isn't deserving of it. But, he wishes that he could be. Taking care of Kel was truly the least he can do after everything. )
... It isn't your fault. None of this was. It... It was that ghost. If it hadn't found us, then... everything would have been fine. ( The conversation brings a strange sense of deja vu to him. ) Everything will be okay from here. We don't ever have to go back there.
( Basil wonders if he can perhaps negotiate with Kel in a way that would satisfy him and push him to rest. )
Uhm... A-Alright, but... Do you want to have breakfast in bed together...? You should rest, too...
[Kel has seen enough of Basil to trust him. He knows that whatever happened, it wasn't out of malice- not now, not anymore. He can, also, at least try to keep Basil gounded away from 'ghosts did it'. Something is already problematic as it is.]
Basil. Listen. Sometimes bad things happen and it's no one's fault. I think there was no real winning condition, there. We had no exit, how many hours did we even walk in the dark? It's... It's something that happened and if someone has to be blamed, it's me, not some kind of horrible ghost that would have been left alone if I didn't bring you there. But... shit happens and we... accept it.
[He moved in front of the other, offering a rather warm smile, way more natural than the one he wore the night before.]
What matters is: we're here, together, and we both made it. You're right. Things are we okay. We'll be more careful from now on and it'll all be fine.
[He moves closer to gently pinch the other's cheek. Kel knows he'll explore again, this place leaves them with far too many questions, but Basil should be left safe and on his own.]
Mh.. breakfast in bed sounds nice. What can I make for you while you prepare tea? We can just call this a lazy day.
( Sometimes, bad things happen. Those words don't particularly bring comfort to Basil, but it brings other events to mind. How could Kel not blame that spirit in these circumstances, though? Those dreams had everything to do with the fact that Kel had been caught in the ghost's trap. It's... not something he's so ready to accept. )
... Yeah.
The healers... They were really helpful. You were able to rest for a while.
( Basil makes a face when his cheek gets pinched, rubbing his face before offering a small wary smile of his own. )
Anything you make is good, Kel. I... think I have a good tea in mind for the both of us, too.
[It's better than denying the truth, though. There already is a big spirit doing 'bad stuff' in their lives right now, one he genuinely doubts exists, but... Kel is at least trying to be positive.]
You too, I hope. I mean, don't remember much but I am positive I was probably a nuisance. Hero says I love inhibitions when I'm super tired- once I bit him, you know? Something about us camping and some deers showing up and me not wanting to get out of my sleeping bag to see them- hell if I actually remember it, though.
I hope I didn't bite you, at least?
[he sighs when he sees the kitchen, he truly left a mess behind, huh? Instead of clearing immediately the disaster of veggies and batter and oh god that pan is in such a messy stat- no, he does focus on preparing something nice for Basil instead.]
Well, I trust you, so... let's have a nice not too messy breakfast, mh?
[Fortunately enough he has enough pizza dough left in the fridge to do some pizza puffs. Kel grabs a muffins tray, makes some balls and prepares some mini pizzas on the side, making sure to cover them with cheese, add some mushrooms in the 'core' instead of pepperoni for extra bite of flavour.With the oven warm and the pizza bites cooking in it, Kel finally starts to clean after himself.]
Man... I can't believe I just left all this stuff outside despite the heat of this month... I fear we'll have some extra stuff for the compost, this poor lettuce has seen better days.
( The question Kel asks him is more than enough for Basil to stop, heart racing. Ah, last night was... A lot was said and done that the brunet hadn't meant. Some words were meant for Hero, and some of the things that were done... Basil was certain that he had no idea what he was really doing.
Better to keep anything awkward to himself. It's for the best.
At the least - he's... glad that he wasn't bitten. Poor Hero... )
A-Ah, no... You didn't do anything that would've hurt me.
( Basil gets everything ready while Kel's preparing the pizza puffs, cleaning out the kettle and choosing tea to help the both of them relax. He hopes that it'll help how sore his housemate seems to be. )
... I'm sorry. I should've stayed behind to clean up. At least, the plants in the garden will be happy.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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Instinctively, he wraps his arms around the other, pushing himself against him and lifting a hand to comb fingers through soft brown locks. He'll look for any signs that he's making it worse, but he doesn't know what else to do. He already feels useless. How can someone help another when they're having nightmares like this? )
I'm here. ( Basil says the words quietly. ) I'll protect you - no matter what.
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There are fingers between his wavy locks, there is a body against his own and Kel gasps in surprise when his brain registers it's not... an enemy. It's not a monster. The familiar voice sends a shiver down his pine, the blonde locks caress his face and remind him of home. Hero isn't there, but Basil is. Most of his fiends are no longer there, but Basil is still be his side. Basil, sweet Basil that he neglected for so long, he's the one... he's-]
You see me. [His tone carried both desperation and relief at the same time. Basil was there for him- Unlike the man in the dream, unlike his family and- oh, no, he was supposed to be the strong one.] I'm... so sorry. [For not being there when it mattered, for letting him suffer, for being such a pathetic version of himself now that he was also supposed to become stronger... for lying about things that Basil deserved to know. God, he was such a terrible friend.
Shaky hands were raised up around the other's frame, trying to hold him close. It takes him a moment to realize he's sobbing, to notice he's probably covering the poor other man with both tears and snot, but everything is so difficult right now...]
I'm... I'm so glad you're here.
[Such a selfish, selfish person he was.]
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(Did he do something to cause the apology? The thought makes the pit of his stomach fill with anxiety, but he tries to shake that feeling off.) )
I'm here. ( A hand moves to his back, pushing himself closely. It's a promise. ) D... Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere.... I promise.
( Kel can hold him as long as he needs to. He's glad he doesn't have to go through any of this alone. There's no way that Basil would let him. With everything that he's been through lately, it only makes him more determined to stay close -- to watch over him, just as Kel has for Basil. )
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He's blessed by the other's company in more ways than one, Basil is so much more than an anchor keeping him grounded right now.]
I don't deserve you. [Yet he hides himself against Basil, wrapping both arms around his frame and keeping him as close as humanly possible. He... does NOT deserve the other but- but he needs him right now.] Just... a moment. I am fine- I will be fine. I am so sorry...
[He doesn't know how long he spends sobbing against the other, may be five minutes or may be one hour, time feels irrelevant as pangs of phantom pain still make him jolt, as guilt burns inside him- how ironic he can forgive both Basil and Sunny for their lies, but he can't do the same for himself. When his heart calms down, Kel has to push himself back, eyes already threatening to close once more- he tries to blink his own exhaustion away but his body just wants to melt against the other teen's one, to embrace the oh so needed rest again...]
I'm... [He's what now? Words are just stuck in his throat as he leans in, cupping the other's face between his hands, and with cheeks still wet from tears he touches Basil's forehead with his own.] Basil, I... you should rest. I need to... go. Walk. Do something. But for what it's worth thank you. Thank you, thank you thankyouthankyou... for being here, for being alive, for being so strong, for everything, I am sorry if I'm not making much sense.
[So tired again, already. So scared to challenge his luck on the other hand... but he shouldn't burden the other.]
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It'll be okay. ( Basil's words are soft. ) I won't let anything hurt you.
Please, don't apologize. ( A hand moves to Kel's back, rubbing it in what he hopes is a comforting motion. Any lingering thoughts of the past and home is forgotten in favor of right now. He has no idea that Kel might be thinking of anything that may have been left unsaid. All he can think about is the fact that he shouldn't have pushed sleep on him. He had no idea that things had been so awful. Kel was always all smiles. It's difficult to know how he may be really feeling at times.
Kel cups his face with his hands, and his eyes lift to meet with his. Basil reaches to gently tug at clothing, shaking his head. Another hand lifts to gently cup Kel's cheek in return, moving to press a small, gentle kiss to the other's hand. )
... There's no way that I'd let you go through this alone. I'll go with you -- wherever you want to go.
P-Please, Kel. Don't... Don't push me away. I'm... so sorry that I pushed sleep. I-I should have known that something was really wrong....
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I know... I know... I trust you.
[It feels wrong leaning so heavily on the other, but the pain is something that Kel can't forget. Not the physical one of his dream, nor the emotional one of being ignored by everyone. A sniffle escapes him, no matter how much he is trying to control himself.]
I just need to walk, you shouldn't worry about me. It's just nightmares, Basil... [It's so hard to accept help. It's easier to focus on the fact that Basil just... said something he can use not to think about how heavy his own chest fels.]
No need to... apologize. [He closes his eyes for just a second, leaning into the touch.] Basil, you couldn't have known. Hell, I didn't know, the last two times it wasn't this bad. You did that because you cared, can you really blame someone for trying their best? For trying to be kind? [Kel leans in further, now pressing his lips against the other's forehead. He managed to forgive Basil for Mari. For Sunny. For everything. There is no way he'd be unable to do the same now, especially when Basil couldn't know what was wrong in the first place.] Basil, I... Is there anything I can do for you? It would help me so much right now.
I don't want to go back to sleep again....
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I trust you. He shouldn't. If only Kel really knew, he would never say those words.
The kisses bring a light flush to his face, and he pulls himself away for a moment, his hands moving to take Kel's into his own. He laces their fingers together. )
Let's... go for a walk. If you need to talk while we're out... I'll listen.
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Basil is so kind and sweet, how could he even feel so many negative feelings toward him before the other got there? Yes, Sunny got- but he could no longer imagine the other doing it out of malice.
The hand movement brings him back to the real world as he looks at their intertwined fingers and sniff. right, he's making the other worry far too much.]
There... isn't much to say. [He puts a smile on his face, even if it's so forced it wouldn't fool anyone.] I fall asleep, my brain lulls me into a good dream and... then things go south and I can't wake up until it kills me. So... yeah, I just need to... walk. It sounds a great idea, I am just so sorry- you should rest. But... if we don't... [He pushes back, a yawn stopping his words. He's not risking it again as he slides instinctively out of bed, squeezing his eyes and trying to focus again. Okay....okay... he won't fall asleep until he stands up. Right? He offers his hands to Basil once more.]
Want to tell me more about the garden? I like to hear you talk about your plants and... I can use not thinking about... I think it's trying to make me fall asleep again, hah But this time I have you by my side, right?
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While it's true that Basil is tired now, it doesn't feel like it matters. He can sacrifice rest for someone elses's sake. Doing that much is the least he can do. He pushes himself off of the bed then, offering his hand for him to take. )
O-Okay. We can talk about the garden... and anything else you'd like. Let's go outside.
( The dreams sound... horrifying, to say the least. It's no wonder that Kel had woken up in such a such a distressed state. It was almost as though he could feel it all. With the way that Kel could always be all smiles, it must have been even worse than Basil can even imagine. There's nothing genuine about the smiles he sees now. )
As soon as the sun rises, we'll go to the healers. I'm sure that they can help you, Kel. I'll stay by your side until we can make sure that you can sleep peacefully.
( He just... wishes it were him and not Kel that was going through this. )
I-I... I won't let the ghost get to you again. It just sounds like it wants to scare you, but that's... really horrible. I-I'm sorry. I didn't know.
( Does it feed off of nightmares, fear? Maybe it doesn't matter. )
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In the meanwhile he holds Basil's hand and gets ready to follow. There's no leading forward, not in that moment.]
I don't know. I... don't want to talk about anything? I- tell me about stuff that makes you happy, maybe? I like to see you happy...
[Words he'd probably avoid using too freely normally, but he's talking without filters. But, hey, he loves seeing all his friends happy, right? When he walks around, he's barely lifting his feet up, it will be fun climbing down their ladder.]
You're so.. sweet. I am sorry I don't think I make a lot of sense. But, huh... I trust you. and tomorrow i'm, like... sleepng so much once I feel better. Big promise. And-
[A pause as he yeawns again. He's seriously starting to believe most of his exhaustion comes from supernatural sources, not just from the facty he moved all day long.]
Basil, come on... I don't have any negative feeling toward you, quite the contrary. You were trying your best and I know it
[He wishes he had someone like that even back home...]
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They talk through the night - about nothing, about everything. It was all with the intention of keeping Kel stay awake, and Basil knows that Kel very likely won't remember most of this, but regardless, the night feels like it's going by relatively quickly. Still, Basil makes sure that he keeps an eye on Kel through the night. Every so often, he sees Kel slipping and he squeezes his hand firmly yet gently, wanting to help him stay awake as long as possible.
When the sun begins to rise, Basil guides Kel to the healers, explaining the situation to all of them. By this time, he's just as exhausted as Kel is. His head is heavy and so are his eyelids, and it feels like he can't focus on anything in front of him. But, he tries to stay as awake he can for Kel.
It's only when the healing process is completed that he makes his way back to the treehouse with Kel, free hand moving to his forehead in a weak attempt to keep himself awake. He just... had to go a bit further... for both of them. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he knew that he'd instantly fall asleep... )
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He follows, not entirely sure of what he's talking about but keeping in mind he is tthere to support his friends, not to be supported, even if it seems the contrary. The night is long and heavy on his shoulders, with his body threatening to give up and crash on multiple occasions.
Everything is pretty much a blur after a certain point, he doesn't remember reaching for the healers, nor going back home and by the gods how diid he even manage to shuffle toward the bed? He has absolutely no clue. Basil is asleep the second he hits the pillow but somehow Kel is asleep even befoore that, not even knowing where he is.
The poor plants will go unwatered in the morning, Kel's morning routine will be skipped and that's... okay. For once. Nothing will die and Marigold has food and water out anyway, right? The dreams are sweet, finallly, he is back in Faraway and his friends are really there this time. He wrestles with both Aubrey and Hero, challenges Cri at a DDR tournament, Sunny and Basil are both there and so happy- everything is perfect. Mikhael even left so no complains there! It's when he starts waking up that his body reminds him that extreme physical exercise isn't good for anyone. He basically ran a marathon without drinking or eating anything, carried another person, proceeded to spend his entire night shuffling around or panicking. Good times...
Even after a good, long sleep? His body feels like an absolute mess, he's sore, feels some level of nausea and fuck it, he's at least aware enough to realize he's not.... fully there with his mind. Yet. It's much better though than the night before, at least? small victories.
Still, while every single muscle in his body begs for help, he finds himself rolling around. He... really did a number on Basil the night before, huh? He kept him up to walk like a zombie with him- and he barely remembers what came after being found in the kitchen. God, even on the bed his movements were... uncoordinated at best. Still, he did roll to the side to look at his buddy.
Huh... why... did he feel some kind of awkwardness sit in his chest? What did he even say last night? Huh... he was probably pathetic. Hero always said he got clingy and whiny whe was sleepp deprived for whatever reason- oh, well, he was just going to stay there and... wait. UNtil the oother woke up at least. Because he wasn't planning to get up anyway.]
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When he hits the pillow, he keeps his eyes open just enough to make sure that Kel can fall asleep safely before doing the same. His eyes become too heavy to keep open afterwards.
Basil sleeps without dreaming.
Perhaps it's due to Kel tossing and turning, maybe there's still too much worry for his friend's sake to truly sleep. Either way, it's only when Kel wakes up that Basil does the same, keeping it in the back of his mind that he needs to wake up when the other does just in case. He pushes himself upwards, sitting as he rubs one of his eyes. His vision is still pretty blurry, but he wants to check on the other... )
Kel...? Are you okay?
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When the other pushes up, Kel doesn't do the same, trying to hide how much his entire body hurts and how sick he feels after the entire ordeal. There is no way he wil eright more on Basil than he knows he already did.]
Yeah, I'm... fine. Just a bit sore, really. But... I'm fine. Thanks to you.
[He just has some vague recollection of walking around with Basil there, so... he kept the other awake for a while, didn't he? Fuck. No more weird explorations for a bit.]
I'm... sorry. About how I acted yesterday. [He feels like he did something he shouldn't have, but no matter how hard he tries to remember, he's only met by vague images of something bitng him witout being seen.] Are you okay?
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Basil will continue to be there for him - as long as he can. )
I... I'm okay. You don't have to worry about me. ( He lifts a hand, wanting to reach for him, but stops himself. He lowers it again, and instead offers to help him in another way. )
I can make some tea. I was going to last night, but... I-I think you need it more now than you did then. You should rehydrate...
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Ah, Basil, if you had any idea how much Kel worries constantly about you...]
Ah, but- I kept you up, didn't I? I'm sorry, I just... vaguely remember you coming to the kitchen. It must have been so much worse for you- I am fine, really. But you, you mmust have been so tired as well... I hope I wasn't too much to handle.
[He smiles in his direction, ooffering one small shrug and forcing himself out of bed. Oof, this is all pain and he can't hold back a pained grunt.]
To think... my body should be used to train soo much, ahah... but I guess it was a bit too much. Tea sounds amazing, but only if you get some with me. I doubt you had a lot oof time to eat and drink as well...
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I'll make some for both of us. You should rest.
( He'll take care of him today. Kel's always taking care of him, so now... it's his turn to do the same. )
I-I was happy to do what I could for you, Kel. I just... wish I had known how hard sleep was for you beforehand. I wouldn't have pushed it.
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Nope! You should rest. i got this, Basil. I kind of have to repay you, why don't you let me, you know, bring you breakfast in bed or something? I mean, who doesn't like breakfast in bed? Come on...
[He may or may not remember they decided to sleep together from now on, but hell not protest on the matter. AT ALL.]
Yeah... I get it. I'm so sorry, Basil. It's my fault, I should have been more honest, even if I don't remember much beside the dreams themselves. Communication is key, after all, and we should be able to talk between the two of us, right? But, please, don't feel like it's your fault, I'm certain you did everything with the best intentions.
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... It isn't your fault. None of this was. It... It was that ghost. If it hadn't found us, then... everything would have been fine. ( The conversation brings a strange sense of deja vu to him. ) Everything will be okay from here. We don't ever have to go back there.
( Basil wonders if he can perhaps negotiate with Kel in a way that would satisfy him and push him to rest. )
Uhm... A-Alright, but... Do you want to have breakfast in bed together...? You should rest, too...
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Basil. Listen. Sometimes bad things happen and it's no one's fault. I think there was no real winning condition, there. We had no exit, how many hours did we even walk in the dark? It's... It's something that happened and if someone has to be blamed, it's me, not some kind of horrible ghost that would have been left alone if I didn't bring you there. But... shit happens and we... accept it.
[He moved in front of the other, offering a rather warm smile, way more natural than the one he wore the night before.]
What matters is: we're here, together, and we both made it. You're right. Things are we okay. We'll be more careful from now on and it'll all be fine.
[He moves closer to gently pinch the other's cheek. Kel knows he'll explore again, this place leaves them with far too many questions, but Basil should be left safe and on his own.]
Mh.. breakfast in bed sounds nice. What can I make for you while you prepare tea? We can just call this a lazy day.
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... Yeah.
The healers... They were really helpful. You were able to rest for a while.
( Basil makes a face when his cheek gets pinched, rubbing his face before offering a small wary smile of his own. )
Anything you make is good, Kel. I... think I have a good tea in mind for the both of us, too.
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You too, I hope. I mean, don't remember much but I am positive I was probably a nuisance. Hero says I love inhibitions when I'm super tired- once I bit him, you know? Something about us camping and some deers showing up and me not wanting to get out of my sleeping bag to see them- hell if I actually remember it, though.
I hope I didn't bite you, at least?
[he sighs when he sees the kitchen, he truly left a mess behind, huh? Instead of clearing immediately the disaster of veggies and batter and oh god that pan is in such a messy stat- no, he does focus on preparing something nice for Basil instead.]
Well, I trust you, so... let's have a nice not too messy breakfast, mh?
[Fortunately enough he has enough pizza dough left in the fridge to do some pizza puffs. Kel grabs a muffins tray, makes some balls and prepares some mini pizzas on the side, making sure to cover them with cheese, add some mushrooms in the 'core' instead of pepperoni for extra bite of flavour.With the oven warm and the pizza bites cooking in it, Kel finally starts to clean after himself.]
Man... I can't believe I just left all this stuff outside despite the heat of this month... I fear we'll have some extra stuff for the compost, this poor lettuce has seen better days.
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Better to keep anything awkward to himself. It's for the best.
At the least - he's... glad that he wasn't bitten. Poor Hero... )
A-Ah, no... You didn't do anything that would've hurt me.
( Basil gets everything ready while Kel's preparing the pizza puffs, cleaning out the kettle and choosing tea to help the both of them relax. He hopes that it'll help how sore his housemate seems to be. )
... I'm sorry. I should've stayed behind to clean up. At least, the plants in the garden will be happy.
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