#┊ ┊a healer's journey┆ ┆ ┆જ ✾

[gasotea]

I was waiting for this as you can see-//

Walking through the darkly lit hallways of the prestigious college was hard for the young girl with a red bow in her hair. She was stumbling, tripping on her own feet as she held onto the skirt of her fancy dorm uniform. Classes for the day was over, everyone was either in their own dorms or in their clubs, so nobody had to see her pathetic state.

She was thin, terrifyingly so. Her cheekbones were visible, her hands were delicate, her fingers were long and boney, that was the beauty standards of the land she came from. Her delicate legs trembled with each step as she held onto the wall of the ball, when she stood before the door of the infirmary.

The skin of the freshly fallen snow, hair and eyes of the coal and two beauty marks upon each side of her nose, she was someone that could be described as beauty.

She could hardly take a single breath due to the tightness of the corset beneath her clothing. She slowly pushed the door open and stumbled inside, her eyes were closed as she shivered, and then, she spoke, in a voice as soft as the flames of the candles outside.

"Mister... Gwydion... I suppose I'm sick again.. "

He was tidying up the nurse's office, make the few beds it has. There has been a few students who came for his aid for various reasons, mainly from the flight lessons and alchemy lessons. Accidents happen everyday, and he is there precisely for it.

Now everyone has been dismissed, he only has to worry for one student. He sat in a desk idly and work his magical pen. Despite being a teacher, he still have to get used to the function of magical pen. It was unlike using his eyes as the magic resource anyways.

He will wait for an hour, and if she deem fine by one hour, he will leave, he thought in his mind. But soon enough he heard the footsteps along with the dim aura appearing in his mind map, he knew she's not fine today. With worries, he rushed to the entrance and stopped when he heard her voice. He calmly responded,

"Yes, it seems so. Come lay down, I'll check upon what's seems to... more wrong and give you some healing"

As the white cloth over his eyes fluttered by the wind, he went to close the window, afraid it might be too cold for her fragile body.

[gasotea]

After another tiresome history class, the redhead Ghoul got out of the classroom as soon as the bell rang. Each time she was reminded why she only attended classes sometimes, as opposed to always, and it would be less if she wasn’t at risk to be expelled— Alas, the girl huffed heavily, clearly irritated, while she headed to the music room to finally relax.

…Until. The visage of something— long, pure white hair—, caught her attention and, in just a moment, her irritation turned into a pleasant surprise. She audibly gasped, her violet eyes met another same-colored glance; there was no mistaking, it was—!

“—!! Gwydion!!” Scarlett shamelessly called for his name in the distance, after finding him at the entrance of the infirmary. Just what was he doing there? In any case, her pace accelerated to meet him faster, as her mood immediately got more lively. “Hellooo! Do you remember me?” 

Of course he did, right? Then why was he running away!?

He was done doing some work in the infirmary and since no student has come, he thought he could restock some medication and report to the principal's office. It was going smoothly. His day is as methodical as always.

He gather the papers of the condition of some students and headed out into the hallway. Before he could step outside, he saw a fiery red hair first in the distance. It couldn't be her... Right? He thought. Though his hopeful wishing disappears when their eyes met, followed by her cheery voice calling out his name.

He steps back and close the door. He must be dreaming. He took a deep breath and opened again, only to be greet by her smile. He kept a straight face, looking down at her, holding onto the papers... rather firmly.

"Yes.. I remember you, Scarlett. Do you perhaps have business with me...?"

If she looks closely, unlike his usual white outfit, he's wearing a medical coat! His long hair tied up neatly into a ponytail.

[gasotea]

ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ?

indoor plants or gardens   /   cloud-watching or star-gazing   /   water or fire   /   paperback or hardcover   /   running or hiking   /   sleeping with socks or without socks   /   fruit or vegetables   /   hanging plants or succulents   /   dark wood or light wood   /   handwritten or typed   /   instagram or pinterest   /   braids or pigtails   /   dc or marvel   /   books or movies   /   oceans or meadows   /   forests or fields   /   sweet or salty   /   ice cream or chocolate   /   hoddies (hood) or sweaters   /   piercings or tattoos   /   summer or winter   /   boots or sneakers   /   cars or motorcycles   /   curls or straight hair   /   castles or cottages   /   sunny days or storms   /   reptiles or birds   /   disney or nickelodeon   /   strawberries or watermelon   /   essays or posters   /   phones or laptops or desktop   /   glass or stone   /   dark or light   /   photos or paintings   /   circuses or threatres   /   reading or writing   /   dogs or cats   /   poetry or novels   /   monsters or ghosts   /   thrift shops or libraries   /   fiction or non fiction   /   comedy or action   /   romance or horror   /   adventure or drama   /   historical or musicals   /   sci-fi or westerns   /   tea or coffee   /   cake or pie   /   cereal or oatmeal   /   bagels or cookies   /   sandwich or pizza   /   early bird or night owl   /   city or country side   /   foxes or wolves   /   hugs or kisses   /   shorts or long pants   /   monopoly or sorry   /   comic books or novels   /   showers or baths   /   chess or checkers   /   hip-hop or classical music /

Thanks for the tag! @lured-into-wonderland

Tagging: Anyone who wants to do this!

[gasotea]

It worked again! Although that was surprising to her, it worked and she was able to travel back and forth whenever she wanted. Nunnally breathed deeply. It was warm, sunny, her bare feet were touching the grass. Her white, silk dress, richly decorated with lace was more similar to the to a night dress in that scenery. Making her looking like a fairy. Or a ghost.

She walked the forest path to the known lake, laughing and humming a lullaby. She felt free. No-one was watching. No-one was judging. Nunnally was dancing… Suddenly it all stopped. She more sensed than saw someone watching her. Curious eyes on her…? Or perhaps angry…

“I know you are there…!” – she said, her voice laced in anger and irritation – “Have courage to come out the shadow! Peeking like that is not polite!”

for Gwydion.

Being done with daily affairs, Gwydion headed out for a walk. He couldn't stand to be in that stuffy office room anymore. Those cool breeze and gentle grass always soothe his mind. He thought today was just as other days, however, he observes something unusual. Out of place. Abnormal. However it's beautiful, so he ended up watching for a while. It was a girl, or a spirit, white as it can he. The sunlight painted her figure in gold.

Being called out by the 'spirit', he was surprised. He couldn't figure out what she is. And to think she can speak their language.... He stood there for a few second. With her non-pointed ears she looked like a human, but a human wouldn't have the feel of powerful aura to them. For some reason, he couldn't pinpoint her existence at all.

He could see her accent hold anger, although he doesn't like it, it was his fault for stopping and watching while she was minding her business. He decided to walk out and towards her.

"Firstly, I'm sorry to have peek at you. You looked quite peaceful there.... Almost like a wind nymph taking form and performing for nature.", his admiration was true. Her image was breathtaking. He almost thought he was being drawn in by the dark forest.... "Secondly.... What are you? I believe... You don't belong here, although I'm not sure"

[gasotea]

She looks out of it. Her mind must be in daze,he decided to not make her listen to any more of his rants. He pulls the blanket over her more even though it's already pretty perfect. He took off the needle on her wrist and put her hand back gently.

"Can I grant wishes? Well, if it's in my capabilities, I will grant your wishes. Maybe one or two", caressing her forehead, she moves the thin strands of coal black hair out of there.

"What kind of wishes... are you talking about?", he pondered, it's been long since he felt this way. Sheltering a child, granting their wishes as a parent or a brother. How nostalgia indeed. How much this child suffered to be in this state? Requiring medical assistance every single day...

He's never been fond of war, but when one must have it, they must have it. Whether their inner war or the war sacrificing the people... When there is in need of a change. What a twist of fate, to put him in a similar condition... once again.

A sparkle of hope and determination gleamed in the eyes that seemed more skin to that of the endless abyss, even through darkness, stars still manage to shine.

She continued to lay in the hard bedding of the infirmary, she took the vitamins from him, and listened to his words half heartedly, her mind was more so focused on what had to be done in order to bring back the white es in her people's eyes.

"What can I do.... What must I do.... You can't grant any wishes, can you? "

She asked, the last part was more of a joke as she laughed at herself, her eyes fixated on her hands, on my skin and bones, her veins were clear underneath the pale skin, her nails were painted a beautiful shade of red, just like an apple.

Thoughts were overwhelming for a moment, and she heard a brutal ringing in her wars, but the vision of herself, sitting upon that throne with people happily cheering for her... It made her soul burn more.

She simply nodded at his talking, taking everything and writing it at the back of her head. Visit him everyday, take those vitamins... Easy enough.

[gasotea]

He truly wonders why is he doing such a thing. It's been very long since he's hugged someone after all. The tension seems to be crackling in his head, unable to utter more words in the duration of the hug. As if it was such a big deal. Her teasing words make him stiffen, sighing, he would whisper out, "...Be quiet", the red on his ears coming down to his face slowly.

It was a sugarcoated form of, 'shut up'. But he can't be that rude. He continued a few words, "Just a little hug won't kill me", don't be dramatic, he almost added. She was warm and soft to the touch, he doesn't dislike hugs after all. He draws tiny patterns on her shoulder, slowly having control of his blood flow back.

As she pulls away, he steps back and straightened his clothes and sat down on his seat. Looking at her with the same, calm expression, his blush nowhere to be found. His eyes shone bright purple as he nods at her gratitude, "It's only my duty", he pretends to not notice the slight change in her complexion as he proceeds with the conversation, his words are misunderstood by her, it seems.

"Ah I simply meant I don't really have personal interaction with much women that is outside of my work. Since it was only professional interactions... not many of them act... this way", he explained, before glaring at her, being teased again, he thought, "My tastes? I have never... thought about you that way, truth be told.. That is unless...", he went silent, is he really trying to court right now? It can't be. He doesn't have any experience on courting a lady! And he wasn't even planning to! How does he get out of this situation!

His posture stiffen and his expression froze, oh no. He did not just give her a reason to tease him... again.

Humming in contemplation to his words, she entertained the idea of playing together one day. She could get an arrangement for both instruments, that would be fun...! Her eyes shone for a moment at the thought but she remained quiet for now, getting ready for the promised hug. The flush on Gwydion's face was an adorable sight, but she couldn't help but wonder...

Why did he follow her so-called antics if they bothered him so much?

Her breath hitched slightly when she was embraced, inevitably, after that thought and the pats on her back. Half a second later, she hugged him back, a bit tighter than he did. It was undeniable that it felt weird. It felt warm, comforting... weird.

"Ha, I think it will..." her face buried in his shoulder, taking his scent in, she relaxed a bit, "...fufu, you are willing to torture yourself with a hug in order to make me feel better? You are good at your job, hm~" she teased, unable to stop herself as she cuddled him a little.

Scarlett hated to admit that Gwydion's presence was, indeed, relaxing, which would obviously discomfort him, considering she wasn't in need to be alert, but more playful and occasionally touchy. In a way, she almost felt safe... and that was a new, yet terrifying thought. Her arms squeezed him a bit before letting go... for now.

"I believe this will do, thank you~" The redhead moved back slowly, recalling his words from earlier, and bringing them back trying to ignore the warmth of her own face, "...I will let you know that I have manners. I'm simply not... uptight like you, perhaps? And, hey, am I not elegant? How rude..." Her eyes looked a bit softer when they found his again, "...but it's not like I'm flirting with you to fit your tastes..." suddenly a grin appeared, and she tilted her head innocently, "...or am I?"

[gasotea]

Her struggles felt similar to his past, except it wasn't this severe. He could enforce peace for a few years. Until everything was completely destroyed. And he came here, he didn't regret at all. Everything... happened for a reason.

His face was mixed with concern though when she tried to get up. He heard the rustles. He shook his head and took her shoulders in his hands to put her back onto the pillow.

"I admire your determination. But you're in no condition to fight right away", easing, he spoke in a soft voice. "I'm glad you made that decision. And indeed... as a heir, you'd want to save your people. For that, you must be healthy. Now be good and stay in bed for a while. The IV is about to be emptied"

He lightly scolded. But now he can be safely assume that she will adopt a more healthy habit. Hopefully eat more. He went to the cabinets and counted a few bottles, taking them out. "Take these vitamins everyday. And come here everyday so I can give something to enhance your digestive system's health. That seems to be the problem. If you still can't consume food, I'll provide you with nutrients thay can directly absorb to your bloodstream", giving her the bottles, he said his instructions quite clearly. Sternly too.

A part of her caught onto the fact that the story was changed, but it was for the better. She just listened to him without saying a word, her head was resting in her hands as she gazed up at him, lips slightly agape as she hummed softly, she was truly like a child, listening to her parent's story.

She held onto every word he spoke, and yet her mind drifted a little as well. She could easily remember the common folks look at her, with a mix of begging and misery. They weren't happy with the system, they weren't happy with the standards.

A seed of determination was now completely buried deep in her chest as he finished his talent, and she turned around and made an attempt at getting up, but she stumbled and fell back to the bed.

"I've made my decision. I can't stand back and watch as this cycle of abuse continues forward with me, too. I saw those people's misery... I don't want their hoe in me to crumble. "

Something had to be done, she cannot sit back and watch anymore, look at where that brought her. Sick as a dog..

[gasotea]

Who knows, he might be the fairy godmother she needs. To encourage her and to reassure her actions are a right one. That's what he's been good at anyways. It is indeed hard to change what the system has constructed over the year. And people can't enforce it upon what's our of their control. But this is different. He's out of that place already. There might be hope. There is hope.

"A queen... Huh", nostalgia indeed. His role seems to never change throughout the century.

He sensed her flame of soul becoming brighter and warmer, even a little. He smiled and gave her head a pat, keeping it there, he started with the 'story'.

"There live a boy in a secluded... country. He was weak, he was targeted. He had duties dumped upon him. Possibly, he'll have to be the right hand for the ruler when he grows up. Because of the same reason, many malicious people wanted him dead. He saw many horrors while growing up... On himself, on other innocence"

His mind drifting, he immerses himself into the story as well, "And he saw a light in his life. He wanted to protect it. And he strived to change the world... for her. He defied the system and become the top position in the country, of course, the princess, his light was at the top hierarchy. He was content with it. And...", pausing. He can't possibly speak of the tragedy. So he twisted the story.

"And of course, they conquered the country together. With the boy serving the princess' side. They put a halt to all the toxic things that happens to the citizens and make every children happy. 'No war nor hunger or misfortune shall upon this country ever again', they vowed", smiling at Apfel. After becoming a dark elf, he has been able to lie more freely. Even then, all that wasn't a lie. It was ideals.

A change? Was it truly possible without the help of a fairy godmother? Would it mean anything if a single princess tried to change a system that was put up over thousands of years?

She stayed silent for awhile, letting his words completely register deep into her mind as she hummed with her hands folded over her lap, and then, she gave him a weak smile.

"Maybe then.. I become the queen. I'd love to try.. Even if it feels impossible for now. "

She felt as though it was wishful thinking, she couldn't change a thing. But those thoughts weren't in her own voice, no, it was the bitter and disgusting voice of her mother as she frowned, a butter taste was in her mouth.

Her expression softened when she saw his facial expressions again, like s child drawn to a fairytale that is about to be told before bedtime, she pulled the thin comforter over herself more and hummed.

"Please... Do tell me that story."

[gasotea]

He shoots her a glance, huffing, and closing his eyes in the mean time, "Well, you could be more courteous and not be always that... mischievous. I'm more used to women who exhibit elegance and manners", although it is not necessarily that he dislikes her. He's just not used to Scarlett's playful manners. He's never been in a position where he's teased to frustration after all. Neither does he do that to someone, either. His life was a calm sea before, until she came in to shook his world and cause waves and storms.

He hummed in response. That was her sole reason for attending...? He doesn't quite get it. But he decided to not mention as she might have her reasons. Unless she's terribly foolish and is actually doing this for music... "Those children are indeed noisy. Just earlier I was treating a student, they were chattering so loudly it caused me a bit of dizziness. Youth are truly cheerful", he exclaimed and chuckled. He likes seeing people being happy. It was no matter where he us. "Oh, you play the piano? That brings back memories, I used to play the flute. Tho I doubt it'd be compatible with your piano"

"Hmm...", ...He is now contemplating and on verge of regretting his own words. However, he pushed himself out of his chair. Thinking it's only his duty. He walked towards her and bend to her level and wrap his arms around her frame. His head hovering over one of her shoulder as he pats her back. "There there. I hope your headache is better with this", offering a few words. He's being very careful, he doesn't want to give her another reason to tease. Though his pointed ears are pink...

With a scoff, she playfully hit his shoulder after he admitted he did find her immature. Not too strong or upset at all, though, only following said role while keeping a soft smile on her face. “My antics!? Don't be mean! Would you rather have me cold and expressionless? That isn't fun...” Scarlett followed him inside the infirmary, continuing to ramble, which was a sign that she was feeling more relaxed, much to -possibly- Gwydion's misfortune.

Closing the door behind her, she studied the room, as she was never in need to visit that place, “...Well, I'm not here for those 'children', for your information. In fact, I wouldn't have a headache if it wasn't for what I have to call classmates,” she complained, then flopped on a chair, “ugh, they are so noisy... but...” a sigh, then a softer look in her eyes took place for a moment, although she wasn't looking at anything in particular, “the music room makes it all a little worth it. There is a beautiful, Grand piano there...! ...But I have to attend classes to use it. That isn't fair...” She dramatically sighed, “See what I have to deal with in the name of music?”

His expression upon his own offer didn't go unnoticed. After rambling dramatically about her questionable school life -even though that wasn't all there was to it-, she looked at him again, a glimpse of mischief in her eyes. “Oh?” The Ghoul straightened up in her chair, “actually, I could totally have a hug now, yes. Isn't that healthier than medication? Maybe it works better as well, let's give that a try~!” Thus, she opened her arms, not moving from her spot, while her smile only widened. The amethyst glance of hers was absolutely enjoying the sight of that slight flush on his cheeks.

[gasotea]

He relaxed himself. Turning back to her. The hollow spaces that his eyes were supposed to be were bleeding, staining the white cloth he has over them. The bleeding had stopped as he was calmed... However, it ached. But he could ignore it. For now.

He smoothen his white coat, turning his head towards the window, the light wriggle into the blindfold, but nothing to accept the light. He could only feel the last warmth of the sun, not the light.

"Do you want to make a change?", how ironic. He has failed at changing his realm. Now he's asking if this person before him want to change. However he sounded determined. Perhaps out of concern, perhaps out of his own selfishness.

"Your country... might need to change"

He paused. Hesitating a bit. "Miss Apfel, do you want to hear about a boy who felt the unjust that he strived to change his own world?", relaxed, he sat down beside her. His expression gentle.

A laughter escaped past her chapped lips as she had a hand on her stomach, she could feel her organs as she looked down, she shook her head and then turned her head to the side, her thin black hair falling over her face.

"I... Know that she doesn't love me. I knew it the moment I was adopted... She looked at me like as though I was just a pet. "

She hummed softly, she pulled her weak knees up for herself and hugged them close to her chest, where she could feel her ribcage. She could see his face, how angry he looked, how enraged he was... It made her happy. She wasn't taken care of like this.

A servant boy... Looked like her. It terrified her, she held her face in her shaky, skeletal hands as she sighed shakily and closed her eyes..

"I... Can't stomach any food. I've tried.. But.. Even fruit juice makes my stomach upset and makes me vomit... "

She whispered softly and placed her head down on her knees. She looked rather anemic as well, her hands were shaking as she closed her own eyes for a moment.

"My looks... These are the beauty standard of my country. "

[gasotea]

He furrows his brows, a feeling of frustration and slight anger builds up inside him. What kind of mother is it?! He retracts his hand back, clenching his fist while holding onto the fabric of his coat. The pain in his eyes are stinging.

He took his time speaking back, taking deep breaths so he wouldn't lash it out on an innocent person. He now has a glimpse of why this girl is refusing to eat... Her mother.

He recollects his thoughts, this is nothing to lose his temper about. He exhaled and smiled at her, "Yet you want to feel better, yes? Logically thinking, you are not thin, not skinny. You are skeletal"

He went to hold her wrist, holding it gently between his fingers, "You should look at yourself. I cannot see you, but I can imagine how serious your condition is. Your mother... I'm afraid she does not truly love you. Maternal love... shouldn't make you this way"

He scolded, biting his own lip in frustration. "I will proceed with my first plan. As someone who's responsible of your health, I will deal with your mother if she come to 'kill' you for becoming 'fat'."

Sighing, he lets go of her hand and getting up, he turned his back towards her. His eyes ache more and more, in mid air, his hands trembled. "...I only ever seen condition like yours once. He was a servant child... Much less to say, he died. I couldn't save him.... I don't want the same thing to happen... Quite... selfish of me, right?"

A laughter escaped past her lips, her weak hands clutched to the soft fabric of the comforter on top of herself, she then looked at him.

She was all she could ever want as a possible caretaker, he was caring, he was sweet and.. He was beautiful. It felt shallow, to like someone for their looks, even if it was partially. She them shivered at the sheer prospect of eating.

"I am... So sorry but.. I cannot promise such a thing... My mother... Would kill me.. If I got fat.. "

Ah, that explained it. The fear of gaining weight.. It got her so scared that she would rather have a nose that bled like a water fall when she only ran for a mile, than be what she probably thought as fat.

[gasotea]

Curiously, he watched her expression shift from one to another. How strange. This might be the first ever time he saw her nervous to be around him. Though the answer surprised him. He kept silent. Blankly staring at her. Even when she was on the floor, picking up the paper. She was... quick with it that he didn't even have a chance to offer help. He didn't mind it that much. He always prioritize people over objects anyways.

Taking the papers she handed over, he offered a smile. This Scarlett won't be too bad to have around, he thought. "I was surprised to see you too.... It was pleasant, except when you play out your antics. I'm glad you're finding your place between those children. It's complicated for me as well for why I'm here... But let's not dwell on it", he paused, before chuckling at her remark, his hand covering his curved up lips.

"Why yes. I would call you immature. But I wasn't referring to it"

He held the paper in his hand and walked inside the infirmary, "Don't worry these are not important. I can report them whenever", putting those paper on a desk, he sat down and gesturing Scarlett to sit down as well. "It truly was unexpected for us to meet here. And yes, very... direct I would say."

"....."

Pausing awkwardly, he tried to speak a couple of times, "...Uh, if a hug would truly help with your headache, I could offer one.... But I always thought people take medication for it"

Did he take her a little trickery seriously? Yes definitely.

Sighing as she fell in his arms, a little taken aback but satisfied for making him react a bit more, she couldn't hold her grin anymore, and it slowly began to show. “...Mhm...~ Maybe I only needed...” she turned her face to him, but the moment their eyes met from up close, she was invaded by a sudden nervousness she couldn't comprehend, and said smile was fading, “...a hug...?” She concluded, thoughtless.

Only then, the realization of what she has just done dawned on her. Papers were now all over the floor, she had probably upset him further and, in a weird way, the look on his face made her feel like she was being scolded. In no time, she got back on her feet— despite her attempts to play it cool, she wasn't really expecting him to let go of what he was holding to catch her at all, so now she was pretty flustered.

“Let me help you with this...!” The redhead moved away to pick up the documents, while she just kept talking, “I was surprised to see you in a place like this. And... As for me, uh... well, I probably shouldn't even be here, haha...” she vaguely admitted in a lower voice, as if some headmaster could hear her and expel her right there. However, she deemed he could have a partial explanation to pay up for his confusion. “It's a little complicated, but I have it under control! No need to worry...” A small pause, “...You were not calling me immature, right?” She squinted at him, but this time she spoke in a more light-hearted tone, just to ease the tension. She was aware that her action could be considered quite childish on its own, given that outcome.

With all collected, the Ghoul handed everything back to him, “I hope these are all... ah, I was not entirely lying, by the way. Attending that class was exhausting, so my head does hurt, and... that makes me a little moody. I apologize for that mess, I'm not trying to get you fired!” She tried to reassure, before adding one more thing, “...But I admit I got a little excited to see you again. Fufu, sorry about that, is that direct enough?”

[gasotea]

He turned his head towards her, the white ribbon flutter each time along with his hair. Carrying an ethereal aura with each movements, he looked concerned for a moment there.

"If you don't like the methods I mentioned, you can suggest another one. However you must promise to eat regularly"

He sighed again, She's not being very responsive. It must've been a very long day. He should give her some time to think about 'the recovering'. He reached out to stroke her hair affectionately. A moment of silence passed, until he decided to speak again.

"You must not push yourself too much. After all... You're still a growing child. Your growth will be stunted if you refuse to eat at all. Take care of yourself more", it's heartbreaking to witness, he added in his mind.

Most of the IV entered her body now, he checked her pulse again. There was not much progress but that is to be expected.

With sunken in cheeks and heavy eye bags underneath her eyes, she truly looked more skin to a corpse than a human. She took slow sips from the glass of water, the feeling of the cold liquid running down her throat felt equal parts bone chilling and satisfying in a way as twisted as can be.

She leaned back more on the soft pillows and watched the IV drip slowly, she shook her head and sighed softly before looking back down to her lap, his words slowly registering to her mind through her starvation fueled mind.

"What..? "

Her voice could barely croak out, monitored? That didn't sound right to her, but she chose to not talk back, and looked out of the windows instead. Sun was setting slowly, dying the sky into colors of honey and wine.

She closed her eyes for a few moments, she felt nauseous for a moment, her head was spinning, so she needed a moment to clear her thoughts and get her mind back together into one solid piece.

[gasotea]

He pours a glass of water for her. Helping her up and to relax while leaning on the pillows. Even if he can't see, everywhere he touch is skin and bone.... Just how does this person look like? He wonders. Sighing, he gave her some water.

"Here, have some water. Slowly drink it. Don't rush", he instructs carefully. As he left her with the water, he went to prepare the IV. Putting the bag on a stand, he sat down, attaching a catheter on her wrist after a numbing spray.

"That's concerning, Miss Apfel. If you don't eat anything today and yesterday, you won't have any energy left to go through your day", he sighed, "What's done is done. As someone who's responsible for students' health, I will need to report this to headmage and ensure your meal routine to be supervised by someone"

He doesn't know what might have happened to her to decline food this much. But he knows he can't just sit back and watch anymore.

Noticing her shivering, he pull the blanket over her, tucking her in. Casting an atmospheric spell to warm her area.

"If you wish to be better, then there is no need to worry. I will definitely... make you better"

Her state is similar to those children who had been starved due to not being able to find food.... In his memory, those scenes replayed and anguish crawls up to his chest. The IV has started long ago, it was slowly seeping into her system. Hopefully to make her feel better.

Tw:ED//

The fact that he couldn't see her pathetic state made her happy. She would rather be decapitated than be seen like this– miserable and sick. Her tired red eyes focused back on the ceiling after a quick glance at the healer's face. His question about her eating habits... It made her chuckle before coughing weakly.

She was so sick, so tired that she couldn't even truly cough properly without hurting her throat and lungs.

".. No... I haven't.. Really eaten anything... "

She murmured softly, her voice was as soft and as weak as a pathetic whisper as her legs trembled. Eating... It was always a awful thing for her.

Punished for eating for all her life, it was hard to take even a bite down her throat without coughing or gagging and wanting to vomit. She then looked down instead, she felt ashamed.

She wanted to be better, she wished she could be like everyone else, a healthy weight, a happy smile, a laughter that didn't hurt her throat.. But alas, those were just fairytales for her broken heart and soul. She shivered and pulled on her to be, even if the room wasn't cold, she still felt like as though ice cubes were pressed down on her skin.

"I... Wish to be better, healthier... I truly do.. But... I worry that it will be in vain. "

[gasotea]

He felt a rush of guilt when he saw her angry face, no matter the reason, that was utterly rude of him. He looks away and stayed silent to her remark, nor exactly happy... But not unhappy either. It was unexpected, yes it was just unexpected, he reassured himself.

He straightened his posture and looked at her, judging by her uniform, she must be a student. And thus... it will become his responsibility to look after her health when situation demands..... What a mess his job has turned out to be. "Yes I work here as a nurse, are you also a student? I never thought... you'd be that young"

He never knew her age anyways. Even if she's a student, she might not have much different of age gap. But for a second there he assumed, and in his mind she became 'a child'. Unless proven otherwise.

He furrows his brows at her behaviour. Is she pretending, or is she serious? He cannot comprehend, but hy her tone of voice, it is most definitely not serious. She was hopping around just earlier.

He supported her easily, putting an arm around her shoulders, he caught her from falling down. Even if he knows she won't actually fall down. His eyes widen at the sudden action, however, "...Scarlett, don't mess around. If you're truly sick, you could have just tell me directly", unamused, he looks down at her face, their faces seemingly close...

The documents however, has fallen to the floor and scattered. He will have to organize them again later.

“—Ah!?” Upon having the door closed right in her face, she froze in place and stared at it for a while, offended. She was going out of her way to greet him! The nerve! The audacity! How dare!

As she was trying to get out of her initial shock, when he decided to open the door again, not too long after, he met a rather angry set of eyes looking up at him.

“...You don't seem too happy to see me...” The redhead muttered and slightly pouted as she studied his attire with a suspicious squint, “...do you work here? I haven't—...” she stopped mid-sentence. The coat, the objects and the overall location should be telling enough; it's not like she visited other places of the school faculties too often.

An idea crossed her mind to get back at him for trying to ignore her like that— she'd tease him just a little. Her head tilted to the side, making her hair swing in its own high ponytail, then her body stumbled slightly, seemingly week on her own feet, making herself look dizzy.

“—ahh, yes, I actually have some business with you, Gwy— Mr. Nurse,” she corrected herself, trying to hold back a smile, “I have a terrible headache— Ohh, I think I'm going to faint!” Taking the back of a hand to her forehead to dramatize her disrupted wellbeing, she continued to stumble, but this time in his direction.

[gasotea]

Gwydion has closed the window, only the dim light of lantern left. He made the flame brighter, as for her to see more clearly.

He sat down on a chair beside the bed and check her pulse. Good thing he cannot see her miserable state, mostly because it makes her more comfortable around him... No matter if she doesn't have any makeup on, all he can 'see' would be a dim flame of light in her soul. A withering beautiful flower.

He sighed, placing her hand back to where it belongs. He couldn't see, but he reached out to stroke her hair that seems a bit messy.

"If you won't stop with you unhealthy habits... Miss Apfel, you will not. Have you eaten anything today? You're awfully weak"

He pauses, measuring what to do, "Consuming food would be too much for your state, actually. I'll give you an IV of nutrients... But you cannot always rely on it", his expression looked gentle, he's speaking with such kindness and sympathy in his voice...

"If the patient won't corporate, I can't heal you back to health no matter how prominent I am. Your willpower... will be important"

A shiver ran up her spine when the cold wind of the outside hit her bare skin slightly, she warped her arms around herself while walking towards one of the beds, her eyes held a soulless look to them as she laid down, her hands pressed over her stomach as she stared at the ceiling.

Her long braid was completely messed up, every single hair piece was everywhere, her make up was half gone, obvious by the sick yellow skin and the heavy eye bags under neath her eyes. She looked more skin to a woman in her 20s with cancer than a diligent and graceful princess without her make up.

Each and everyone of her joints ached, even the weight of her skin and muscles felt too heavy for her poor body to carry due to how weak her bones were.

"I will never be cured... Will I... Mister gwydion? "

Her voice was small, raspy and broken. Her tongue barely moved enough, and her chapped, purple-ish lips could hardly part to speak those words, words that were filled with so much sadness and hopelessness.