#guest muse: Erlik

[adelha-mathilde]

Continuation of this tending to a stubborn Ice Dragon Slayer of Fairy Tail with @kaito-yuki.

(Previous thread is of Shiro bringing Kaito to Adelha's Apothecaries for healing after a mission gone FUBAR. Matvei and Erlik are on call to help with the ice bath for a stubborn Kaito. Aqua is happy to meet Shiro as the Currier twins see to their guests) Am setting the stage for my own brain to keep track

Matvei snickers with evident amusement to open the first aide kit. Plucking up a purple bottle within the kit to shake it a few times. The potent sensation of magic wafting from the cork of the bottle before Matvei pops the cork off. Soon gently pouring a shimmering amethyst liquid over the cut on Kaito's arm. Which starts to sting like good bourbon to soak into the cut and start neutralizing the toxic in the mage's arm. But there is a rather odd black wisp of smoke pouring slowly from the cut for Matvei to wince. "Yep. S Ranked Missions means poisons and curses aplenty. Figured that was the case. Just stay still and let the cleansing magic in liquid form do it's job."

Erlik flinches at the sight to sigh as Aqua waves her paws at Shiro to hopefully get some extra play time with the adorable little Exceed. While Erlik frowns to speak his mind openly. "Don't ask what is in it. Just be glad that stuff works for almost anything. Think of the discomfort as the price of getting fully recovered from whatever poison would have ruined your veins." Matvei soon gets out the needle and thread to start carefully stitching the cut closed with practiced ease. As if he's done this thousands of times before. The needle actually numbing the skin on Kaito's arm so he doesn't feel any pain from the sewing. "These stitches will react to your magic and fade once the cut is completely gone. We know a certain someone that weaves enchanted thread for such things. So by the time your Guild Master has the chance to take a peek, he won't find anything."

Erlik nods for him to turn his head when the apothecary of the establishment walks up to check on the patient. Her long green dress swishing as she moves for Shiro to scent lavender and ocean spray. As well as Dragon. Not Dragon Slayer like Kaito. But an actual Dragon. Yet Adelha simply looks to Shiro to smile at him with warmth. Her gloved hand soon reaching up to very gently pat the Exceed on the head. "I see our guests are doing all right. To think such a powerful looking tiger would also be a gentle angel. Salmon and red snapper is on the menu today. We may also add shrimp to the menu as well as crab. We learned from previous visits that Fairies have big appetites. Especially young Dragon Slayers. Shiro? Do you like iced tea or fruit punch with your sushi?"

[aeviterncl]

Honestly, Hugh had no idea what words were coming out of his mouth at this point. Why did he ask something like that when he shouldn't be imposing on Erlik who was hosting him? Not to mention, what kind of guest did this at a friend's house—harming himself and making said host accommodate his problems? Slowly letting out a long breath, the painter attempted to change the direction of his thoughts.

That was achieved when his companion agreed to his request. Erlik would actually stay. Hugh felt the cushion shift under him as the other sat down next to him. From the way the weight shifted, he could tell that the other had chosen to sit awfully close to him. He could also look over, but he didn't dare move more than necessary. Though, it wouldn't hurt if he... made himself more comfortable right? There is nothing more important than you, right now, in this place.

As much as he did want to keep awake, his eyes refused to stay open, and Erlik's words spurred him into doing something he normally wouldn't have considered. Shifting a little in his seat, Hugh cast aside his nerves and leaned over to rest on the other's shoulder, finding the warmth of Erlik's body much more preferable to the crisp air from the air conditioning. Though, of course, he was still listening (like he said he would) as his eyes shut once more. Gathering his thoughts, he finally replied to his musing, ❝ Slow moments, moments lasting for eternity... they all feel like torment. ❞

In his mind, he could only think of the seconds, hours, days, and years he would spend locked up inside that stagnant painting that never changed. Moments like these, such as resting on a shoulder, did not register as something that qualified for such a descriptor, as they never lasted long enough to be considered something eternal. He was sure this feeling would be gone in a matter of seconds and that Erlik would push him away for overstepping boundaries.

But he liked how he felt so physical, real, solid, fleshed out, and alive in this moment—so he would try to savor these few, short seconds while they lasted.

❝ How could anything lasting for eternity... be pleasant? ❞ he countered in a low-pitched, slow response, letting his question ring in the air for a moment before adding a second one for Erlik to ponder over, ❝ Would it not drive you mad? ❞

"Of course I can" and sat on the part of the sofa that did not face the painting, conscious that it should not be seen because Hugh was concerned about it. As he sat down, he crossed one leg over the other out of habit.

"There is nothing more important than you, right now, in this place." these words could be interpreted as those of a host to his guest and they certainly carried that meaning. But they also carried other unspoken intentions.

Erlik stopped brushing those bangs and his hands rested in his own lap, however, they were sitting just inches apart. A minimal distance.

"I like it when time flows this way, slow. As if a given moment could last for eternity" eternity would be less painful if it resembled this.

[adelha-mathilde]

Latte is currently watching Mocha, Americano, and Espresso run around Adelha’s workshop within the arboretum. While Aqua and Wesson lay beside Latte to just nap in the afternoon serenity. Despite the three puppies rolling around as they chase each other. With the twins Erlik and Matvei watching the pets for Erlik to be sitting on the front porch. While Matvei joins the antics of running around with the puppies. Resulting in all three bowling Matvei over for kisses and snuggles. The young man laughing in delight.