sheep_game | Winding down

[ The hug is helping, at least. And those words do more for him than any potion ever could. He turns his head, and pulls Epel's face down close enough so he can kiss his cheek, lingering for a bit before turning his head back and squeezing his arms. ]

I'll hold you to it. You were hurt, though, weren't you? How is the pain?

[resting his head on Belle's shoulder when he's pulled in for that cheek kiss, he hopes the hug is helping, he wishes he could make Belle feel safe and comforted just by being with him. He's so used to Belle being this confident, strong, larger than life presence that he respects and admires and is intimidated by. Apple has seen Belle be weak before. Seen him in his truly darkest moments, and tried his best to support him, and seen Belle rise from those lows into the terrifying, awe inspiring queen of pomefiore every time.

He believes without a doubt Belle will rise from this too.

But he still wishes to offer all he can for him in this moment.]

It still aches like a bitch, but I think it's healing.

I can't use any more magic to ease your pain. Not with the way I know the blot was looking on me when I could see.

[ His pen is in view, and it looks pretty blotted up. ]

Let's try and lie down for a bit. You've been put through it already.

[ He's doing his best to be as strong as he can, even now, even if he feels no strength in himself emotionally at all. He does shift back so that they can move onto the mattress. ]

[laying back with him, and once they are both settled comfortably, reaching up to--

No, he doesn't have the courage to pinch Belle's cheek, even in his current weakened state he'd make Apple suffer for daring to blemish his perfect face, it would be too offensive a crime, he remembers Belle complaining about hands being the breeding ground for bacteria. The risk is too great.

His hand lingers there for a second before moving to tug lightly on his braid instead]

I'm not so precious you need to worry about healing me right now, relax. You've already done plenty to help me rest and recover.

[ They just washed up so he can be allowed, but it's probably for the best that he doesn't- the braid is enough to make him make a small sound of protest and then-

He grabs Epel's hand and searches out the back of his head to bring him in against his chest and hug him to himself. ]

That doesn't mean you need to do more than you should. It's late.

[ Plushie now. He'll just rest his cheek against Epel's hair. ]

... it's good to have you close. Even if this is the last place I'd rather you be in. These twelve days have been... disorienting.

Ah-

[tugged, he is plushie now. His hand hovers in mid air for a moment, then settles back down to Belle's hair, this time stroking gently]

This place is a nightmare, but it's hardly the first I've followed you into. I'm betting it won't be the last. If anything, I wish I'd gotten here for you earlier.

Who turned you so capable? Oh, right. It was-

[ He's about to say himself, but then he chuckles. ]

... well. You certainly blossomed on your own.

[ Hand massaging his hair over the back of his head. ]

I still don't understand this place at all. I suppose I'll have to pick up the pace for you. The last thing I need is for you to not rely on me as well.

That's not going to happen.

[tries to shift back a bit so he can look Belle in the eye, he'll go back to sleep plushie in a second but what are you doing not taking credit for me after all the work you put in]

I'm the poison apple you raised. You're right that I've grown a lot. But I've still got a long way to go, and you've still got a lot to teach me. I'll show you what a bright and strong apple I can blossom into.

[tucking back into him]

We'll get to grips with it his fucked up farm. Rubato might have rushed ahead of us, but we'll catch him up. I've got faith in you.

[ Even if he's blinded right now, he could definitely feel that look. So he does seem surprised but-

Just hugging his Apple back, tighter this time and resting his cheek over his head. ]

That's right... there won't be a single person who will be able to stand up to you when I'm done with you.

[ Ignore the little added wet feeling in your hair, Apple. It's just from Vil's wet hair, is all. ]

...I wish we were home.

[hugging him back tight, curling his fingers in Belle's shirt when he feels that wetness]

Me too. Everything would be so much easier if we were back in Pomefiore.

[ His sobs are quiet- he's already cried loudly on Rubato, so all that indicates that he's crying is the way his body shakes in quiet sobs.

He'll at least cover Apple's head with a hand so the tears fall there instead. ]

Belle...

[all he can do is keep holding him, rubbing his back and trying to offer as much comfort as possible]

It's okay. I've got you, take your time.

Winding down

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