Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

Before, they would usually just do makeup to cover the scars on Hans's face, but now, Senecio really had time and an ocassion to make this beautiful, and so he smiled softly when it was done, his lip trembling.
" You are.... so good at this. " He whispered in a little gentle tease as ge tried on the mask. " Normally, I would ask you if you sold your soul to the demon to get this good, but you already told me how hard you worked on the formula, so it would be improper. Thank you for the effort... "

---

Tide's expression was hard to read - there was something more solemn and graceful, but also more timid in it.
" When someone you care for is in lot of pain, but in circumstances you are forced to neglect them, is it not reasonable to feel guilt?" He asked, kneeling before him meaningfully." I neglected you. No matter how many masks you wear, I know you are hurting. To help you a bit would ease my guilt, but it would also make me happy. I ask for both reasons equally. You do not let me do much for you, so anything you do accept, I shall take it.  "

[Mirach]

"It's my pleasure," Senecio grinned. "Really, I love showing off what I can do. And now it's my turn," he said as he cleaned the brushes and started preparing brushes his own makeup.

---

"You really shouldn't feel guilty when it's becauae of the circumstances, not yourself," Death said, but let Tide unwrap the scarf.

[VisAnastasis]

Hans removed the mask for this so he could see better, leaning his chin on his hands, as he curiously observed how Senecio worked, how he dozed and applied the right amount of makeup, what brushes he would pick - though it didn't seem quite as much for learning this time, as he enjoyed seeing nuances and details of observing actor's skill, and there was clear admiration in his look, as if, equally as much as Senecio liked showing off his work, he was soothed by and enjoyed actor's undisputed mastery of the skill.

---

Tide removed the mask, scarf and brace slowly, and then after sitting down by his side, carefully, he touched and slowly probed the sore spots on the neck- unlike last time, it wasn't strictly observational, but there seemed to be a little anxiety behind his moves as if Demon feared that intense experience of watching the play and then instead of being comforted better being thrown into the stressful situation may have made it worse. He checked that one most painful inflamed spot beneath his fingers more slowly and carefully this time too.

[Mirach]

Senecio also welcomed the focus it gave him, a pretense of normalcy. That's why he prolonged it as much as he could, making his makeup a true masterpiece.

---

Surprisingly, the injury seemed a little better, maybe with the sense of purpose that saving Senecio gave him, or with the acceptance of the audience towards him, even if just as a fictional character.

[VisAnastasis]

Hans was impressed indeed, but in the same time, as they ran out of things to do, he grew a little thoughtful. As if battling against his own hesitancy, he finally spoke up.
" You know, I know we are ready and all... but I really don't feel like seeing Tide yet. Besides, I feel even less like barging in on his time with Death. He will surely be busy with him right now, " he said simply. " So, how about we ignore them for a while longer? We can play a bit of board game, perhaps, you, Eros and I... That would be one first too since we didn't have time to play it together yet, with all the work and teambuilding and all that we had.  "

---

Tide may have had some hopes, but having a bit of hope and having it turn out to be justified are two different things. He breathed out with some relief, as, although it was terribly serious, improvement instead of it getting worse was very good news.
" I know we got the syringe from Malachite that could pierce the skin and reach much deeper, but I think it is still too soon to use it... it would be too much too soon since you're so frightened of it. Am I right or mistaken? " he whispered quietly. " If I am mistaken, you can tell me. If I am right, instead, I think it would be an alright alternative for now, that you lie on the bed and let me rub your neck with the balm. Would that be okay? "

[Mirach]

"I'm not sure I can focus on a game, but we could try some simple one," Senecio said.

---

"Yes, I don't think you would be too comfortable around syringes now, too," Death said. "I'd prefer the other way, too."

[VisAnastasis]

" Dixit isn't too complex. And I have the best cards." Hans tempted him innocently. " I ever have a rare shiny duke that plays the lute, and a rare collectable unicorn. Those two are some of Tide's favourites, just saying it would be a pity not to have a chance to get insight into some of Tide's favourite cards from our favourite game... "

---

" Actually, I am really terrified of the thought of kisses right now. I feel like kissing anyone would bring me to a panic attack," Tide admitted a little shyly, while he slowly helped Death lie down on a bed." Syringes were actually very tame part of my memory... It was hardest... To just keep breathing into... The empty shell. " He hesitated, before admitting." But still, I would save a syringe for later. I am doing lot of thinking recently. I think the syringe may actually be one part of the puzzle, but it is best not to speak of it before I have clearer picture. There will be time... "

[Mirach]

"Okay, we can play until Tide is ready," Senecio agreed.

---

Death respected Tide's need to process what happened first. "Let's just try it with the balm now."

[VisAnastasis]

Hans nodded, taking out the cards. He arranged them on the table, and then, he, Eros and Senecio played the game while they waited for Tide and Death.

---

" Yes, we may. As long as you make sure to tell me if you change your mind about anything tied to it, I am good. " the demon replied sensibly. As Death was laying on the bed, he sat down beside him, opening the jar of balm. He then applied it on wounded Spirit's neck and began to rub it down.
 His work was slow and steady, and maybe because he was able to comfortably use both hands after the burned one was healed, or because he had more time to understand Death's injury, there was a systematic approach to it that felt reassuring. He would work from the edges of shoulderblades and chin where it hurt a little, and when those areas were a little soothed, he would progress closer and closer to the injury.

Through it all, the added effects Malachite's improvements to the mixture could be felt - the first effect was that the tissue could absorb it deeper and the relief lasted longer, and the second effect was that the balm affected the nerves it reached, and through them, the mind, affecting the sense of pleasure lightly. With it, the touch that would normally feel rather disquieting to him unexpectedly grew to feel more comforting more time passed. At first, Tide applied rather light pressure as even light touch hurt a lot at more sensitive places, but as balm's effects were beginning to work, he started to experiment, gradually increasing the pressure, so the balm would reach deeper and deeper into the tissue.

[Mirach]

Death seemed to even enjoy the treatment, trusting Tide enough to let him touch the most vulnerable spots.

[VisAnastasis]

That growth of trust, more than anything else could right now, seemed to improve Tide's mood and pleasantly surprise him. With that more direct sign of trust and Death's relaxation as he worked, demon's aura brushing against the spirit seemed to manifest more and grow more content. Tide really seemed to be a person that enjoyed bringing comfort to others, and with Death's permission, he felt free to treat the hurts the best way for them, without fear of rejection.

The worst, he left for last, the spot where deep underneath, the inflammation of the old wound was festering, never healed. He placed his index finger right where it hurt the most, and moved his fingertip in slow circular motion there, rather similar to how Emil, Cernunnos's son, did so when he was in snake form. However, back then, Death wished to get over it soon, so the process was faster and more intrusive, but Tide was not a man of compromise and took his time to reach that point, and this time, there was Malachite's improvement that played the part, too, as well as a form of a human, not snake. That's why Death was more ready and prepared this time, and it didn't just feel like treatment of the symptoms - despite Tide never touched his soul, because balm had an effect on it and because of its nature and carefulness and slow pace of it, it felt like a first proper treatment for soothing of the injury, although rather light one. The process was intimate, and if it was any faster, it would feel violating, but Tide took his time, so he managed to dance the fine line, where it would be too much if he was any rougher, and too little if he stopped.

[Mirach]

Death enjoyed the care with which Tide treated him, letting him do it as long as he found necessary.

[VisAnastasis]

This was the first time Tide was the one to choose the end of the treatment, as usually, it was Death that would shy away after some time and ask for him to stop when it was too much to handle. It seemed like this progress was something that meant a world to Tide, distracting him for a moment from everything else. He paid all his attention to Death's soul and responses of his body, and just as much as doing it to soothe the injury, he was doing it as a sign of care and pampering, as even after balm has done as much as it could, the light handling and properly applied pressure with leisure and no rush felt nice and relaxing to a person so rarely handled so delicately, with no ulterior motives.

Only after a while, when he felt he had properly pampered him and made sure it was a nice memory, did a lighter touch grow into a caress, as Being straightened up. With a back of its hand, the touch grazed along the skin, and demon caressed Death's cheek, cheating, and stealing that little spontaneous moment with timid wonder.

[Mirach]

Death almost didn't notice it with the intense feelings that the treatment brought. "Do you still think I should go to the ball?" he asked. "I'm feeling quite content here, if Eros tells me what's going on there."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide didn't reply right away this time. He quietly sat at his side, as if giving the important question proper consideration.
" You told me yourself... you are the one who knows your own desires most. Now that you are informed of why I'd like you there, you can make an informed choice. That's what's most important... Besides, my request for you to come is sincere, but also selfish. To have you by my side there I think would be nice for you, but it would also be nice for me to see you are feeling nice, so... If you wish me to feel at ease with your choice, all you have to convince me is that you'd be feeling happier here and won't regret missing this, " he whispered, lightly caressing his cheek. " Will you regret it? And do you really feel like staying with Eros?  You look relaxed now, with your skin breathing, no brace, no scarf, no mask... it suits you to have this for yourself. But wouldn't it be different if you had to... put an act again? At the ball, you'd be one of many, but alone with Eros, wouldn't you feel in the center of attention? "

[Mirach]

"It's true that I would prefer to just stay alone, but you don't like leaving me alone, do you? I would just prefer some time to take it all in in peace..." Death said. "The ball sounds a bit exhausting."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide was quiet for a moment.
" I got to give you this happy memory... I wished I could give you memory of my singing and dancing, and memory of my people having good time - but since you let me do this for you, I feel more at peace, knowing you had some nice time after play, too," Tide paused, before adding a little hoarsely." But yes, I can not leave you alone. You are a bit better tight now, but you nearly died just two days ago. Limited number people here know you are you, and Eros is now one of them, who could pay good attention to your condition and notify me if it gets worse. Maybe even help you a little - he is a Being not particularly useful in many ordinary ways, but tied to balance.... I feel he is a best choice for looking out for you today... But you don't trust him, do you? You have never met him before. Do you dislike his presence? It it just nervousness, or more? Are you just anxious of not understanding such peculiar personification?" Inquired Tide quietly." Please, tell me what you are really thinking and feeling about this. I have known Eros for a while, so I grew understanding of him, so it is easy for me to recommend him, but I want to know if I can offer you any information that would calm you about him, if he frightens you... "

[Mirach]

"He doesn't frighten me," Death said. "He just tires me. Being around others is tiring. Leading a conversation is tiring. Just for a while, I'd like the freedom of not having to be constantly aware of others being aware of me."

[VisAnastasis]

" Didn't you say you wanted him to keep telling you about the ball? Regardless, it would be a bit problematic, since, without the mask and with Eros's omni-empthy, he would always be aware of you. He is always aware of everyone, though, I imagine it might be in a similar way you are aware of souls passing through you - he perceives feelings of others similar as one may perceive a river, it's just that precisely for perceiving so much, it's hard to be aware of the source of each specific feeling in the river. He perceives all as a whole, and can only focus on individual "droplets" of water if they are close to him. " Tide explained thoughtfully. " But is it perception or actions that bother you? Perception could help since he would be aware of your pain and objectively judge if something is feeling worse. If action is the problem, I can make a request of him to speak as little as possible and focus on just letting you be. If perception is the problem, hmm, well... I can leave you my mask, even if it would be uncomfortable to wear it instead of lie and rest, but I am not sure it's that big of a plus, actually - not knowing your feelings, Eros would have to be more self-conscious, and have to ask you for all the little things, and that would bother you. When he sees someone, he understands why and how they think, and he would always know, if you do or not want to speak with him, or if you are thirsty, or hungry, and give you what you need without the need to talk to you. I don't have that, so I have to ask you what would you prefer... "

[Mirach]

Death sighed in frustration. "How should I make you understand? You like being around others. I'm fine with being around others, as long as I can have some time to myself to recharge. Can't you just give me your hair to call you if I need you? I'm tired of being with others..."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide looked down, in the struggle, indeed, not to understand, though, but to make a choice.
" Had you not nearly died, and are you not so ill, I... would be willing to let you stay on your own. But I almost lost Senecio today. I don't want all I think about before I get back to be the fear of losing you, too. " Tide replied, without filter, without sugar coating. " What if you get a higher fever, and can not wake up? What if you just fall asleep and slip away while I am not looking? I'd rather stay and not go to the ball, despite Senecio would be sad, than leave you on your own. You can't call me if you are not aware of yourself. At worst... it's not ideal, but can maybe at least Jake the cook stay with you? He is very low key as far as intrusiveness go. With him, I would at least know you have someone to give you water, food, or things you need, and that if you fall unconscious he can call me instead of you... "

[Mirach]

"Okay then," Death grumbled. "Jake is fine, he gets it when I don't want to talk."

[VisAnastasis]

That seemed to, although not worry, placate Tide a little bit. Death's attitude with him seemed to conflict and sadden him, though.
" That's good. You know... you know I want to give you what you want, don't you? I just can't. " he whispered reluctantly, a little trace of aggravation in his voice. " You got a bit better today, surprisingly... but that doesn't change the fact that you were getting progressively worse all the time before. I am caretaker for souls, but it is not like you let me do a morsel of what I can, so my hands are tied, and your recovery will have to be steeper. If I had any confidence in your progress, I'd definitely give you more freedom. Don't you think it's not hard for me to watch you suffer? Your trust grows only slowly, so I have to, of course, but just because I accept your pace, does not mean I am calm. " he bit his lip. " I am worried about your health all the time. And, unless this war kills me or you kill me, or until you heal and aren't hurting anymore, I will always worry. Well, realistically, I will worry after you heal, too, while it is fresh, but it would be a normal amount of worry. Not like this...  "

[Mirach]

"What if I'm getting worse because I can't get a moment to myself?" Death muttered, getting a bit short-tempered 

[VisAnastasis]

Tide tensed with such unexpected attitude, and he gritted his teeth but didn't budge.
" Are you asking me... to wager the fate of the world... to give you some you time? " he replied, with dark foreboding in his voice. " It is a lot to ask... I hoped, however riskier, compromise with having Jake by your side would be agreeable to you. But if not... " he paused, as if before a grave dilemma, before he finally added. " Would you maybe agree... to spend your time alone, in the room where I keep my souls? " he asked suddenly. " That room has lot of special conditions built up, and souls can't bother you, but they have pure instinct still and a lot of them grew sensitive to auras of other souls around them. So, I could wager enough, that if you were to grow worse all of a sudden, that souls in their bottles would tense up and grow restless. I can feel those changes in souls I keep there no matter the distance, so I can wager as much, if you were unable to call me for help, I'd still feel through them if I have to return urgently... That is the only safe bet I think can be made if you want no people technically around you... "