[Closed]

[al_bhed]

Who: Rikku + friends and Aef family
When: First half of Deceuer
Where: House that Rikku shares with her big sisters Karin and Lightning
What: Fallout from a recent run-in with a naga.
Warnings: Probably none? It's mostly Rikku being in bed and/or sneaking out of it.



0. Coven Infirmary

[For the first day after her fight with a feral Leanne, Rikku spends her time in an infirmary bed doped up on antivenom and other medications. She's not especially great company at this point, but if you really want to have a conversation with a barely-awake, drugged-up teenager go off I guess.]


0.5 Coven

[Confirmed with Leanne's player that 'Rikku convinces Leanne to get Bonded and they go through with it' goes here. :) ]


I. In Rikku's Bedroom

[After a little over a day, the antivenom has completed its work and Rikku is released to homecare with instructions to take it easy. Her shoulder is pretty messed up, after all, and her body needs time to replenish the lost blood.

As the medicine in her system wanes and Rikku becomes more awake and aware, it becomes quickly apparent that she is not a great patient. If you're lucky during your visit, you'll find her in bed where she's supposed to be recuperating. More likely, she's up and around the room trying to find something to do that will keep her from going stir-crazy. The sling her left arm is in makes some movements cumbersome, of course, but that doesn't stop her. Possibilities include redecorating, tinkering with some discarded bit of carpentry or technology, playing with potions, trying to climb out the window for fresh air...

Sorry, she's just like this.]


II. In the House Kitchen

[Of course, the logical conclusion of a stir-crazy patient is breaking out of the bedroom altogether.

Currently, Rikku can be found in the kitchen making herself a snack. She's humming to herself, completely unaware of your approach until it's too late for rushing away and plausible deniability. When she finally does notice, she turns to face you wide-eyed and with a roll hanging out of her mouth.]

Uh... hi?

[Busted.]


III. Wildcard

[hit me up if you have any additional ideas/prompts you want to play!]

Comments

II

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran, dressed in full winter attire including a long fur-lined cape, greets her with a smile that says you know exactly what you've done.]

Good afternoon.

[He reaches out to take her by the shoulders, then gently turns her around to steer her right back into her bedroom. The kitchen is a lot better than the window, but she still needs to be resting. Who was on Rikku-watching duty, because they're slacking!!

Either way, he's here now—having just arrived at the house a minute before—and he's not about to let her out of his sight.]

[al_bhed]

[She's not a baby and doesn't need a babysitter!

Well, at least it's Ferran who's found her and not someone more severe. Not that it's going to stop her from complaining as he gently pushes her back to bed.]

Oh come on, it's not like the kitchen is even that far. Don't be cruel.

[Yes, the roll is still in her mouth.]

[noblegarnet]

[Prove it.]

The more you rest, the faster you'll recover. And if you want exercise, at least wait until someone is around?

[Look, he gets it—probably more than she knows. But it's important to make sure she's not going to going to further injure herself because of some accident or unknown part of the recovery! But being able to relate is part of why he's not being as stern as he could be.]

Anyway, I brought you some snacks myself. If you want them you're going to have to promise to lie down for a little while.

[al_bhed]

I know, I know, but...

[What she would give for an Al Bhed potion and the pragmatic Al Bhed 'walk it off' attitude right about now.

Alas, Ferran's smart enough to tempt her with food--her one weakness! She finally takes the roll out of her mouth so that her words aren't muffled by bread, suddenly interested.]

What kind of snacks?

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran didn't grow up spoiled just to not learn the art of spoiling others himself.]

Banana bread, and a couple of oranges. [Gotta have something fresh in addition to the sugar!] I brought some tea too, if you want it.

[And as soon as she gets back in bed, he'll go back to the kitchen and get them for both of them to enjoy. But not a moment sooner...]

[al_bhed]

Oh, that sounds good. Especially the tea--it's really cold here, you know?

[Okay, okay, she'll go back to bed. For the snacks. Once they arrive at her bedroom she crawls back under the covers and props herself up on a pile of pillows, some of which were pilfered from the living room couch. There may also be a seat cushion in there.

If she has to stay in bed, she deserves to be comfortable. At least, that's what she told Lightning and Karin when they realized she'd helped herself to all of it while they weren't looking.

She hasn't exactly been the best patient.]

I still say my legs work just fine, though.

[noblegarnet]

Believe me, I understand.

[As might be suggested by the fact that the only skin visible on him at the moment is his face. He's not about to take off his gloves or his cape—well, maybe the latter if Rikku complaints about the cold again. The least he can do is make sure she's comfortable if she complains about being in bed. It's a lot better than he'd had, back then...

Once she's settled, he shoots her a be right back and returns to the kitchen, gathering everything they'll need—a tray, plates, the actual snacks—and setting the water to boil. But she doesn't have to wait on the tea if she wants to go ahead and munch on a few other things, so he steps back in with the tray and sets it down, turning the nearby chair sideways before he sits.]

How long did they say it would take you to heal, again?

[al_bhed]

[Under her blankets, Rikku doesn't really have much cause to complain about the cold--there's plenty to keep her warm, especially with tea on the way.]

They want me to take it easy for a couple of weeks because of the blood loss and venom and shoulder. After that, it's going to be a couple of months before my shoulder's all healed.

[That last part is said with no small amount of exasperation. It sounds like forever, as far as she's concerned.]

[noblegarnet]

Only a couple, huh? [Ferran leans his shoulder against the back of the chair, picking off a small piece of banana bread for himself.] Pretty lucky, all things considered...

[Given, you know, she was almost eaten by a snake person. He lets out a sigh, the sound and his expression a lot wearier than the demeanor he's been affecting. It only lasts for a moment, though, before his voice takes on a tone of surety again.]

It'll just get worse if you try to push through it too early. I know it's aggravating, but it'll be over before you know it. And there won't be any lasting effects after you're healed, right?

[Maybe she's not pleased about the recovery time, but that's still something to be happy about.]

[al_bhed]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[As much as Rikku hates being cooped up like this, she does realize that she's getting off very lightly given what's happened. And even if only for a moment, the whole situation seems to be weighing on Ferran as well.

She lets that sober her a bit, at least for now, and settles into her mountain of pillows for what's likely to be the rest of the day. Mission accomplished on the part of her caretaker.]

They said probably not, but I should be careful "the next time I decide to pick fights." Like it was my fault that Leanne needed my help, you know?

Meanies.

[noblegarnet]

[From what Ferran understands of the situation, it wasn't like Rikku intended to head into a fight anyway... and as much as he'd like his bonded to be safer, it's not like he can blame her for any of it. There's only so much any person can prepare for.]

It sounds like they could work on their bedside manner...

[At that point, though, the kettle finally decides to boil, and with a brief oh, Ferran gets to his feet to go make and bring back the tea, momentarily allowing a glimpse of the wings he's been hiding under his cloak. When he returns with the pot in his gloved hands, he can't help but wonder if there's a better way of doing these things.]

I miss electric kettles... they're less noisy, for one.

[al_bhed]

[Rikku can't help herself and sits up to try and watch Ferran as he leaves. She knows he's just going to get the tea, but she's nosy dammit. And it looks like he has wings coming in? That's something to ask him about later.

First, though, it's time for tea and to talk technology.]

Yeah, we had some back at Home too. Not everyone had one because there weren't enough to go around, but Pops did and it was kind of luxury, you know?

[Not that they used it for warm beverages in the middle of the desert, but heating water quickly makes for much easier cooking.]

You think we could figure something out for here?

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran returns to the snacks after setting the tea down to steep for a minute, cutting himself a proper slice of banana bread. Hmm, maybe he should invest in a toaster oven... another thing on the list of household items he misses.]

Yeah, the little things really add up. Sometimes you just need those kinds of comforts.

[Ferran grew up basically entirely in luxury as far as he's concerned, and not having that is upsetting! He won't begrudge anyone their conveniences. With the question, he hums in thought, pressing his lips together for a moment.]

I'm sure there's a good way to do it... they do have some electricity here—and there are heating spells, right? [Ones that don't involve fire.]

I

[song_princess]

[Oh hey Rikku...

At least during one of the morning where you are supposed to be in bed, a certain naga was doing her best to make sure it happened. So Rikku, guess who was using most of that snake tail to wrap you in the bed?

That's right, the same one who put you in there in the first place.

And guess what? There was one major weakness of nagas.... Mornings. To make them move they needed to be warmed up to a certain temp and Leanne is not in any hurry to start sunning herself to start that process up.]

[al_bhed]

[Rikku will allow it, if only because she's a very touchy-feely person and therefore appreciates the platonic cuddling even as it's meant to pin her down. Their Bond--quickly obtained once Rikku was well enough to go through the ceremony--only enhances the feelings of comfort she's currently experiencing from it. In its own way, it's just as effective at helping her heal as it is in preventing Rikku from getting up and re-injuring herself.

Of course, Rikku knows Leanne's motives and therefore makes a half-hearted attempt to get her to move.]

You don't have to do this, you know.

[Very convincing argument!]

[song_princess]

[Guilt. There was so much guilt in her for she was the cause of Rikku's current condition.

Leanne hardly left Rikku's side, only leaving when her first bond wanted his turn to watch over the teen. She still felt guilt and intimidation by his presence.

Anyways! Cuddling was good for both healing and protection. A naga's scales are harder then soft human flesh. The gold in those white scales reflecting some of the morning light.]

Mmmmmmr?...... Sleep? Yeah, both of us should sleep more? Still too cold...

[Yeah, she didnt really hear her protest and assumed she said something else.]

[al_bhed]

[Rikku sits up as much Leanne's body allows her to, surprised by the non-sequitur response.]

What? No, I didn't--

[Oh, forget it. Leanne's clearly half asleep and isn't going to be good for anything resembling conversation until it warms up. With a sigh, she flops back down.

Then winces and gives a small hiss. Ow. Right, she needs to be careful about that injured shoulder.]

[song_princess]

[Wha? Rikku was still talking? What did she need?

Leanne forces herself up with her arms, having the world's sleepiest expression on her face as her tail instinctively wrap around Rikku a bit tighter.]

Wha? Do you need something?

[She heard that small hiss and moves herself closer to make sure there wasn't any real injuries on the girl.

Satisfied, she just lets herself flop back to sleep. Enjoy that extra weight Rikku.]

[al_bhed]

[Rikku only manages a squeak of surprise as Leanne continues talking in her sleep (or so Rikku can only assume) and curls in closer. Yeah, they're not moving any time soon. She shifts a little to get comfortable, resting her chin on her friend's head and wrapping her good arm around her shoulders.

Unfortunately, Rikku is very much awake by now and isn't likely to fall back asleep at this point. She stares at the ceiling for a little while before deciding that since Leanne's barely conscious and it's therefore safe to open up a little bit.]

You know... I know you feel bad about all this, but really it's kind of my fault too. I knew how bad it was going to get after asking around for Ferran, and I still waited a few weeks before coming to talk to you about bonding. I'm really sorry I put you in a situation to hurt me.

[song_princess]

[Poor Rikku, if only there was something who can pry away the sleepy naga. There was a happy hiss with she felt Rikku cuddling in closer to her. It had always surprised her that she was so willing to forgive Leanne so quickly after what she had done.

Leanne hated always being this sleepy but all this cuddling she was doing was helping her to warm up. She was going to say something but then Rikku started to open up and...

Oh... Oh...

Leanne may or may not be snuggling a bit more, the tail of her moving to wrap itself around the other girl's hand in a small comforting gesture. No, this was never Rikku's fault. Never. It was hers and hers alone.]

[al_bhed]

[Is Leanne cuddling her more? Did... did she hear that?

Oops.

Well, if she's listening...]

The important thing is that we got it worked out. I'm here to keep you from dealing with that again, and you help me not to blow up. We're partners now, you know?

[She gives the tail a gentle, affectionate squeeze.]

[song_princess]

[Yes and yes. She may be half asleep but when it comes to Rikku, she is all ears.

Yes, they did get it worked out and thanks to Rikku, she won't go feral again. And a small smile does creep up on her face as she hears that they were partners and that she won't blow up.

Yes, they were partners now. Rikku is far too much of a sweet girl and they were friends. This bond, will only increase their friendship with each other.

The tail gives her another gentle squeeze before moving to pull her closer to the sleepy naga. Not even gonna try and form words, not yet. But snuggles and hopefully intentions can still be felt.]

[al_bhed]

[Words aren't necessary. Between the gentle squeezes and the emotional warmth she can feel from their newborn bond, Rikku gets the message loud and clear.

She shifts her weight in the bed slightly, settling back in.]

And since you're not letting me up, I guess you win. I'm going to get more sleep.

[For now. Don't think she's going to stay down like this all day, Leanne!]

[song_princess]

[This bond thing, it works so easily and nicely. It made things easier to communicate with one another.

She feels her shifting back into the bed, settling in.]

Yes, I do win, Rikku.

[Yes, she can speak! Was just being a little gremlin along with sleepiness.

And yes, yes she does unless Rikku installs a heater to help warm up the naga, she will be trapped for however long Leanne decides to stay in bed.]

[al_bhed]

[Have an elbow in the side for that, Leanne.]

Meanie.

[There is absolutely no bite to the word. Rather, Rikku rests her head on top of Leanne's and closes her eyes. The comforting effect of the cuddles and bond and bed all do quick work, and it's not long before she's drifted back off to sleep.]