middaeg | [Closed] Aftermath

[Ever since the rescue, Mira has been running herself between several different places as a way to try and help out. Alchemy is in need and it's a good thing too because she found herself not in want of things to do. But there's a downside of it: the fact that she hasn't slept either very well or not at all. But it's fine. She's functioned without sleep before.

She enters in the house like normal but upon seeing the time, she lets out a small curse.]

Oh shite, it's my turn to cook tonight.

[Mira's mentally kicking herself but maybe everyone will be fine with soup. Halone knows a certain someone will be eating the stuff for some time. She shakes her head for a moment-did the room spin in front of her or was that just her? Meh, seems to be alright.]

[If there was one thing throughout all of this, it was that during and after this horrific event, she was an absolute mess on the inside. But when it was over, the pain she had felt from their smothered Bond ebbed away and what replaced it was just a feeling of being tired. Surely it was a thing everyone felt during it, right?

What Mira could do now is do her best to take care of their housemate still recovering from the malicious attack from those highborn bastards. But it's weird; ever since they tested out how far could feelings go between their tether, Mira's felt much more raw. Was it an effect? Tired as she may be, it still did not stop her from working and keeping an eye on him, making sure she did that before anything else like nap for maybe half a bell.

There were a lot of short naps but not enough rest. It's fine.

This time when she checks in on Hades, she brings tea along since it has a better taste than water. She knocks first before peeking inside, hoping she didn't do anything like wake him up on accident.]

[ Unlike Mira, Vanitas doesn't feel inclined to run here, there, and everywhere to be helping people out. That's just not who he is and doubtful that it ever will be. Reality is that he's done more for the people in this house than he's ever done for anyone in the Organization.

Vanitas still refuses to think on what that might mean.

He's taking ~~yet another~~ nap when Mira enters the house. Van jumps a little, startled and disoriented for a few seconds until he realizes who is talking and what is going on. His eyes narrow. ]

Mira.

[ What is she going on about now? ]

[Mira almost jumps at the noise but thankfully makes only some kind of noise between a gasp and squawk. That and no weapons or sharp objects in hand.]

Oh, Vanitas! Is aught amiss?

[Is probably unaware that she might be the problem.]

[As soon as he'd made it back to the house, semi-healed and cleaned off, Emet-Selch had gone to bed and... had mostly been there ever since. On a purely physical sense, he still had a lot to recover from, the lesser wounds that didn't necessitate healing, the larger ones still requiring rest. He was sore and exhausted, and though he didn't sleep well (he kept waking up, thinking he was back in that place--), he did sleep a lot.

His Bonds going from smothered to whole again was a thing, particularly with Mira due to their experiences before everything had gone to hell. His response, though, had been to try to close off from it again, block up his side as much as possible. Everything was too raw, it felt as though he'd been scraped out in several ways, and he wasn't at all sure what was even left. It was better to recoil from it, deal with it on his own (or not deal with it, more likely).

Emet-Selch wasn't exactly known for having the best coping methods.

He had been lying down when Mira peers in, resting on his side facing the door, but he hadn't been asleep. Too many thoughts for that, and what better time to ruminate on them but alone and in the dark. Recognizing the outline of her, the Ascian sighs, still feeling that mix of wanting the company, but not wanting to be bothered. And though he calls out to her to let Mira know he was awake, he doesn't try to sit up.]

...What is it now?

[He does sound tired. Not the tired of recently awoken, just- tired. But then, they all were these days. As focused as he was on his own suffering, he wasn't entirely oblivious.]

Is aught amiss...

[ Despite how tired he has been lately - and Van has no idea why the amount of sleep he needs keeps increasing - he hauls himself up to approach Mira. ]

I think so. You're running around like the world is coming to an end. Then you should up worrying about dinner of all thinks and not even for yourself.

[ Okay so Vanitas has problems with people being absolutely self-sacrificing. ]

[Excuse you, she's not self sacrificing! It's called helping.]

There has been more of a need lately and since I can make decent potions, they can use the help. It is not a big worry for me to take on a few things at the same time, 'tis normal for me.

[And yet she leans against the wall and slightly gripping on the side. It's fine.]

But what about you? How are you feeling?

[ Oh he does so make an aggravated groan. ]

That's not the point. Look at you. You can't even stand upright and you think you can help anyone? You're not even able to help yourself.

[ Vanitas isn't going to answer questions about his well being. Nope! That's not what this is about. At all. ]

[The blocking of certain things honestly is natural. Hells, Mira herself is trying not to let some feelings seep out because they're something Hades should not be feeling right now; like the undeniable rage at the city state and how that one phrase spoken by the rescue leader still stings for various reasons and the massive regret that she couldn't get to him in time. But given what she did back on her version of the First...it's salt in the wound.

Why was it that she found something good, fate had to hit her back into the dirt? Those bastatds better face execution, she swears.]

Thought you would like something different than water for once.

[Tea usually helps and she hopes the familiar Ishgardian style would help in some way.]

I'm-!

[She's about to protest until she feels her legs go weak and unable to support her weight for the time being. And so she tumbles to the floor, using her hands to try and break the fall, taking a deep breath.]

...I'm used to it. There's no need to worry. Can still move.

[She just has to move slow.]

Stop.

[ Augh this is absolutely painful to look at. Vanitas takes a moment to make a decision. His bedside manner absolutely needs an adjustment, but like he cares. So Mira is going to find the teen taking her by the arm and hefting her up by himself. Hey, he's stronger than he looks.

Why though? Well so Vanitas can take her to a chair and force her to actually sit in it. ]

Don't. Move.

[ And don't argue. ]

[The Ascian hadn't given much thought to the fate of those who'd tortured himself and the rest. He knew, without being told, that they wouldn't face appropriate retribution- because such a thing didn't exist. All of this had done nothing more than further underline what he already knew about mortals: they possessed an unfathomable need for pointless cruelty.

...most of them, anyway. Mira, bringing him tea, probably didn't qualify.]

It's not necessary.

[But he slowly pushes himself up into a sitting position, trying not to wince. Moving still wasn't comfortable, even if everything was on the mend, at least physically. That Mira was harboring any feelings about not being able to get to him earlier doesn't even occur to him. Being rescued at all wasn't something he'd taken for granted, and not only because he'd assumed he'd be killed before anyone tried.

As... friendly as they were here, every Warrior had still put him to the sword. It was one thing to claim of caring when nothing was required of you, it was another to protect someone you'd once killed, and would do so again. Emet-Selch still couldn't quite come to grips with the contradiction.]

...But I suppose I'll try it, if you've already made it.

What the-?!

[It comes out as a yelp when Vanitas pulls her up and every fiber of her being is screaming to rebel...but her body is too tired to try. Instead, she lets herself be dragged to the nearest chair as she grips the sides trying not to fall over.

Kid, you actually care, don't you?]

[ HE DOES NOT CARE, OKAY? TAKE THAT BACK! Mira is just being a huge inconvenience, okay? Okay?

Overall, good. Mira shouldn't struggle or fight back. Vanitas is not going to put this nonsense. ]

You are going to stay put. That means no more errands or potion making for you today.

[It's very good that those feelings she is keeping a tight block on. It would be too much for them to take right now, the possibility of them feeding negative emotions will make it much worse than it already is. Any may knock them flat out and Mira already is tired enough as is. It's clear on her face even with the small hint of a calming smile.

And yet she still does things like this. Anything to try and soothe a hurt is decent in her book.]

Perhaps not but I wanted to.

[Strange, it reminds her of when a friend brought her a drink when she and Alphinaud had run from Ul'dah. Funny how that works out as she sets the tray down and hands him the mug.]

Careful, it's still pretty warm.

[She's stunned that he's even doing this. There is a reason why she hasn't asked why he would and it probably make a bigger fuss.]

But...I need to. [Quietly spoken.] I do not do well by simply sitting still.

[ Good call. He probably would make a fuss about it and just get defensive about it. Really this is her fault for showing Vanitas some measure of kindness. ]

Guess what? You're going to have to "do well" for a little while. If you fall over the world isn't going to stop and wait for you to get on your feet. So stay put and let other people play hero and savior for a little bit.

It's not even about that!

[She sits up quickly but gets dizzy in the process, pinching the bridge of her nose.]

I just need to do something. Anything!

[She feels like she's at the Coven again, screaming to do something after trying to scry for their lost comrades but getting nowhere. The feeling of being utterly useless gnawing away and Mira hates it. Because she knows if she stays still, much worse things will happen.]

Isn't it? You mean to tell me you're not just slightly obsessed with it after seeing what those people put the others through? You'll run yourself into the ground and for what?

[ Vanitas doesn't understand that, obviously. Doesn't understand the need to do everything in his power to help those that need it; to feel like there's his weigh on his shoulders that needs to be alleviated. ]

You've already done more than enough. So you're going to sit there. You're going to rest because clearly you don't have enough sense to stop.

It's not just that! While I am the type to honestly help someone in need, it is much worse if I am doing nothing.

[She grips on the chair's handles a little tighter.]

I've...never been able to simply let myself relax or rest. It is...hard for me to do so, usually dangerous.

Where is the danger now, Mira? The enemy was thwarted and those that were taken have returned here with the rest.

[ He leans a little, invading her space. Vanitas clicks his tongue. ]

Besides what would your friends say if they saw you are you are right now? Do you wish to worry them with your inability to know your limits?

[That tiredness was of slight concern. Had she slept at all since they'd been found? Or even before then? There's a slight frown on his face, but, well, that's nothing unusual.

Before accepting the mug, he shifts over to the other side of the bed, and gestures for her to join him. She could at least have a break by keeping him company.]

I'll be careful. The last thing I need is another burn.

[So he'll just hold it for the time being; just the warmth was pleasant.]

...How is it out there? Have they swept this whole unfortunate business under the rug yet?

[Kid, why are you doing this? Mira can't help but lean back because this is weird.]

I don't want to worry them but if I don't do something, I'll...end up finding another thing to do. And it usually is not a good thing.

[Think 'go after an S Rank alone' kind of bad.]

It isn't just because of being a 'hero' of sorts but also it keeps me focused.

[ He... Doesn't know the answer to that himself. Why is he doing this? Why should it matter to him if Mira wants to be stupid enough to fall ill or get herself hurt? It would serve her right for not stopping even when her body protests. ]

If you can get passed me, then you can go and engage in more stupidity. However, if you can't? You're done until you can.

[Frowning was his default expression so Mira didn't think twice about someone having a thought. Besides, what is sleep? It's been on and off for her for the past week and more; the last time she had some form of rest was when Vanitas forced her to and her body just gave up in response.

For maybe a couple hours. After over a week. She's still running on fumes but she won't be falling over for awhile.

At the invitation, Mira can't help but take it and letting herself simply sink in even if it was sitting. Company honestly would be lovely.]

More arrests and whatnot. My guess is a lifetime in gaol, assets stripped and names dishonored. It's pathetic if I am honest, damned highborn do not deserve the kindness.

[They deserve Death. For those who suffered in silence...for the man next to her, it was only a fitting punishment.]

[Closed] Aftermath

Vanitas

Emet-Selch (ShB Spoilers from here on out)

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