rainshaveceased

[It's a small incision at least so it only requires a few stitches, and he's quite neat and efficient with them. Next is to warm some water and gently clean blood away before covering the wound with gauze and medical tape.]

It does make things much easier if you happen to wish to avoid sensitIV's scars.

I do not know how likely they are to exploit it, but it is nonetheless a weak point I would rather not give them at all.

In most circumstances I doubt they would, but this place does force competition after all. Occasionally that comes with a total loss of reason, possession, or mental aberration.

None of which I look forward to in the slightest.

[it's really unfair to be subjected to that shit instead of being the one doing it]

[Really being possessed is weird! He pats Elidibus's arm.]

It's unique at least, and I expect you to come here whenever such games occur, else I will to to Future is Now to fetch you, or drag Emet-Selch with me.

But I am done. Shall we see if it pairs with the phone app properly?

[just nods like, yeah he's not going to refuse cuddles even if he'll say he doesn't need them]

I tested the devices earlier, but we should still check if it works in practice.

Naturally. Though perhaps a prolonged walk wouldn't do at the moment, on reflection.

[What with the whole stitches and all.]

Help me with mine then, and we can see if they're accurate later.

Indeed.

[carefully stands up and moves his arm to test the stitches]

...Out of curiosity, did anything in particular prompt this?

It had been on my mind for quite a while, actually, but yes. Five was murdered and his body left unfound long enough to sent to a certain demon for revival. An unpleasant experience for him and Emet-Selch and a vexing one for me. I already prefer to know where those who matter are, and to have been so unaware was unconscionable.

[...reaches over to pat his arm]

I know the feeling well.

[He sighs and pulls Elidibus into an embrace, kissing the top of his head because. Well, he knows he does?]

[going to cling to him just a little because actually it is still kind of crazy that he's not dead anymore

and then wince because oh right stitches]

[He pets his head because it's crazy they're all together and not dead. But pulls back when he winces.]

Shall we continue?

[takes a deep breath]

Yes. Yes, let's continue.

[He will sit on the edge of the tub since that's much lower than the counter, easier for a small man to reach. He starts unbuttoning his shirt.]

I have debated whether this is something we should do for Hythlodaeus, but I am unsure if he would be... As understanding of the necessity. Or appreciative of the invasion of privacy.

[Not like the first thing he did wasn't put a tracking app on Hyth's phone without telling him though?]

He might not agree to it, but I dislike the thought of not being able to kep track of him. It might be prudent to utilise some method without his knowledge.

Mm. I am torn on that. On the one hand, dishonesty with one of our people sits ill with me, but on the other it is a prudent measure that would be unfortunate if he refused.

[He sheds his shirt and there's big old heart of sabik embedded in his chest. Behold! Who knows what it does. ]

His safety is surely more important than his knowing the truth.

[points to forehead, can't feel torn up over dishonesty if you don't remember how important honesty was in your society

anyway he's beholding that heart]

...A corruption, I take it?

His agency is important...

To an extent at least.

[Look none of them are very good at being Good Ancients anymore you don't need memory loss to lose your principles.]

Yes. A joke, most likely.

Again, not as important as his safety.

[you don't need memory loss to lose your principles but it helps]

They do enjoy their jokes.

Well, as his unitmate you will have the best opportunity to gauge whether to ask him or simply do it. In the mean time it shall be the three of us [no need to clarify who that is] Vergil and Five.

[nods]

That is who I assumed it would be, yes. Will Vergil and Five consent?

Yes. Though truly I could put these in those two without a word of explanation and they likely would allow it without protest.

They truly trust you...

[kind of wistful almost because having more than two very specific people who trust you is almost as crazy as those two people being alive again]

[He runs his fingers through Elidibus's hair.]

That they do.

... You know I was both suspicious and jealous of Hades's friendship with Five when I arrived. I was quite rude about it.

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