Mitsuhide Lowen | Kiki | 042

[cavaliering]

[So he sadly didn't hear until much later. Kiki had been assigned to running drills (something she was particularly adept at, considering she could kick the collective asses of the royal guard--) while Mitsuhide, of course, had been at Zen's side.

But when he did hear, he was all panic and concern, leaving Zen without barely waiting for the acknowledgement, to burst into the clinic and--]

Kiki! I heard--are you all right?

[it's probably just a cold, Mitsuhide, chill.]

Comments

[succinct]

Which means you'll be able to busy yourself elsewhere... right?

[ she's still a little groggy, so it's not as flat as it could be. ]

[cavaliering]

Not at all. Prince Zen has some other tasks for me that involve me staying right here.

But for now, you should take more of your medicine.

[And, a fountain of eternal cheer, he heads on over to hand her said medicine and her water.]

[succinct]

[ Zen, no. How could you do this to her, Zen?

Kiki accepts both things with not-very-good grace, but downs them without protest, just a grimace at just how bitter this stuff is. ]

You're telling me that Zen wants both of his aides in one place, doing absolutely nothing. [ she's not buying "tasks". ]

[cavaliering]

[Zen is a traitor to the cause.

But at least she's being obedient. Ish. Obedient isn't really a word that describes Kiki well, but--it's close enough so long as she stays in bed.]

That's correct! It isn't my place to question his orders, of course.

[nonsense, he's totally willing to question Zen's orders.]

[succinct]

You question his orders half the time.

[ Not Buying It. ]

[cavaliering]

[And he just. Gives a noncommittal hum to that.]

I'm here now, so why not just relax and accept it? I promise I won't disturb your rest.

[succinct]

I don't want you here.

[ okay, so Kiki can still sound sharp. ]

[cavaliering]

[Rude.

But Mitsuhide doesn't seem to mind.]

Unfortunately, I'll do my duty regardless. I hope you'll be able to rest without being bothered, Kiki.

[succinct]

If it's like this, I'll stay up all night.

[cavaliering]

[ . . . ]

Prince Zen wants someone to keep an eye on you, that's all. You were pretty ill when you first ended up here, no matter what you say.

[succinct]

And he doesn't think I can't take care of myself?

[ ... Well, Kiki, when someone collapses, it usually means they can't. ]

[cavaliering]

Well, you did collapse...

[...and then he looks innocent.]

You would have to ask him! I wouldn't presume to speak on his behalf.

[succinct]

Fine. I'll get right on that.

[ except when she moves to shift her legs out of bed and properly push herself up, her arms are trembling faintly and she sways. ]

[cavaliering]

[and because he has no survival instinct, Mitsuhide is quick to stand and gently push her back to the bed by her shoulders.]

Kiki, you aren't supposed to get out of bed! Shirayuki's orders--you wouldn't want to disobey those, would you?

[succinct]

[ she's only half-listening, lucky for him. The dizziness is getting worse, and so with some effort, she manages a somewhat urgent-- ]

Mitsuhide.

[cavaliering]

[And that urgentness in her tone is enough to worry him. He knows Shirayuki said it wasn't serious and isn't likely to become so if she rests, but she's still his partner, and he worries.]

It's all right, Kiki. You're going to be fine. But you need to stay off your feet for a little while.

[He places a hand on her forehead to check her temperature, and tries to not let it linger there too long.]

[succinct]

[ she's still somewhat hot. And peeved. Mostly because Kiki hates being sick, as much as she hates worrying Mitsuhide.

But she quiets down, staying silent for a minute. ]

... Fine.

[cavaliering]

[and he sighs in relief, offering a faint smile.

And he gives her the water and her medicine for the day quietly, looking hopeful.]

I'm sure you'll be back on your feet soon enough, with enough rest...

[succinct]

... Which means, sleep for the rest of the day.

[cavaliering]

...You rarely take breaks, Kiki.

You deserve this one.

[succinct]

There's a reason for that.

[ but she does sigh and relent. ]

Honestly, what is Zen expecting to get done with both of us here?

[cavaliering]

Nothing at all.

[He grins, sensing that she's giving in, and looking far more relaxed now.]

He's going to take it easy today, take some time to finish his paperwork and spend some time with Shirayuki. Nothing we need to be present for.

[and that's a...pretty big admission from Mitsuhide.]

[succinct]

[ It is, and Kiki notices it, giving him a silent stare until she sighs once more. ]

Don't let him get too comfortable. I'll be back on my feet by tomorrow.

[cavaliering]

I'm sure you will.

[Mitsuhide doesn't look at all concerned. Not. At. All.]

We'll be back to tailing his footsteps in no time. But for now, the break can't hurt.

[succinct]

I suppose...

[ don't sulk, Kiki. ]