Collaboration between Doomy and Gladis
@Gladis @DoomyCakez
Characters: Gwen, Ryuu, Sebastion, Winston
Setting: Gwendoline's Room
To say that Sebastion felt rather guilty for kicking the deemed "skeletor" across the room would have been a bit of an understatement, being that the kick had only been a momentary reflex; however, relief had graced the white haired familiar's face as Winston landed safely in Gwendoline's excessive pile of stuffed animals. That did not detract from the fact that Sebastion could have still hurt the chattering skeleton, causing his expression to change to one of momentary guilt just as the bedroom jar felt completely open.
"Oi, furball! Shall I take over?"
Red faced and flustered, Sebastion turned..only to find Ryuu standing in the doorway. He was unable to hide the wave of relief that washed over him, his eyes watering up slightly as he called in an oddly exasperated voice.
"Oh thank God you-" However, that wave of relief was suddenly replaced with a look of pure annoyance - Sebastion trying to conceal that fact that he had actually needed the butler there - as he barked at Ryuu.
"How can you just stand there at a time like this?" His voice changed slightly then, deciding to mock the teasing dragon out of his own frustration with the situation.
"'Shall I take over?' Shall you take over? Noooo...Just stand there like an idiot and block the doorway, while I do your job! OF COURSE I WANT YOU TO TAKE OVER!" It would be hard to tell, of course, that Sebastion was not really angry...more so embarrassed that he had been caught with "his pants down".
"...and don't call me furball." He added on the end as he shifted Gwendoline's limp form in his arms. It was strange how heavy she had gotten within these few moments, the familiar's arms starting to shake from exhaustion as he stubbornly held on. His gaze shifted, another look of relief coming to his face as Winston freed himself from his plushy prison, phalanges gently brushing against his rib cage as if to soothe any pain that had been caused by Sebastion's thoughtless action.
"Then don't yell at me, furrball," Ryuu said, not actually seeming to mind the way Sebastion had reacted. It was understandable considering the circumstances, after all. Without further delay he entered the room, gently taking Gwendoline from the exasperated familiars arms. Sebastion was unable to stop the look of frustration that deepened on his youthful face, glaring eyes following Ryuu's calm demeanor as he plucked Gwenie,much like a simple ragdoll, from Sebastion's grasp. It was common knowledge that Ryuu's strength was far superior to that of Sebastion; however, it did nothing for the little familiar's pride, which had been slightly bruised.
The Skeleton glanced up as Ryuu entered the room, teeth chattering frantically before he angrily pointed to Sebastion, as if to say that Sebastion was the cause of all of this disorder. Sebastion gasped, offended by Winston's wordless gestures as his voice nearly jumped an octave.
"Don't you dare blame me, cript-keeper! You're the one that ran at me!"
Completely ignoring the squabble between Winston and Sebastion, Ryuu was unable to hide the expression of worry crossing his features.
"Come on, young lady. Let's get you all cleaned up, shall we?" he murmured in a soothing voice as he felt her worryingly lifeless form settled against his chest. Pausing, he cast a weary glance in Winston's direction.
"Thank you for helping out. I'll take over from here." With that said, the dragon carried his mistress into her bathroom. Sebastion took notice of that glance, in turn causing him to worry as well. Gwendoline was far too unresponsive, Sebastion only able to feel the flutter of her lifeforce settling to nothing more than a dull murmur. That did nothing to settle the familiar's fears.
Winston stood silently in the center of Gwen's room, coming to terms with the fact that he was of little to no use anymore, knowing that Ryuu was finally there to calm the chaos. He gave a small bow and turned, exiting the room to return to his prior duties. Sebastion followed, closing the door behind the creature. He leaned against the door then, releasing a long sigh before turning and following Ryuu into the bathroom.
Ryuu carefully held her in his arms even as he put the plug in place and turned on the tap – steam rising as hot water started pouring into the tub. It was almost as though he were afraid that the moment he let her go, she might die. After making sure to turn down the heat somewhat so that it'd become just the right temperature for Gwen, his attention was completely on her. It wasn't all too easy to take slip her out of her sullied garments due to the way he was holding her, but after some gentle pulling, untangling and fiddling he finally managed, sitting her down in the by then half full bathing tub.
Sebastion had remained in the doorway this whole time, glancing up and watching Ryuu in mute. He would have offered to help; however, something told him he would be nothing more than a nuisance... Plus, Sebastion knew that Ryuu often felt the same...It was good for him to do this alone; however, Sebastion could not hide the blush that quickly broke across his face upon seeing Gwen undressed before his very eyes. A look of momentary panic rushed through him before he looked away embarrassed. How Ryuu was able to accomplish this task, without a flinch, a heart flutter, or any other sort of reaction was beyond Sebastion's knowledge, however, the familiar could commend him.
When Sebastion finally managed to look back, he watched as the water dirtied slightly from the black sludge slipping into its depths. He had never actually seen Ryuu do his job before...let alone see Gwen in such a state. Embarrassing or perverted as it was, Sebastion found himself unable to look away, the scarlet on his cheeks only deepening.
The dragon worked quickly and efficiently; in every sense like a professional. It was evident that he'd long since gotten accustomed to even this part of serving the Gray Rose Witch, not seeming even slightly flustered, unlike a certain familiar. Not that he paid him any mind. Ryuu was too focused on getting Gwen cleaned up so that he could put her to bed. Above all, he believed rest was what she needed.
Before long he'd wrapped her petite little body in a towel, ensuring that she was fairly dry before dressing her in a fresh night gown. Every now and then he would check her pulse, as though he were afraid she may drop dead any second. It was highly unlikely, yet Ryuu couldn't help but want to ease his worry. He'd never seen the young mistress in such a dire state before. Naturally he would be on the edge.
Very gently he tucked her in, just like his mother had done for him, back when he was young and sick.
"Get well soon, little lady," he murmured softly as he regarded her pale, sleeping face. There was a softness in his voice he only rarely expressed. His expression was one of concern and affection. The way he gently brushed a loose strand of silvery hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. The way he brushed the back of his hand against her forehead to check her temperature, and the way he eventually leaned over to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. They were all proof of how much he cared.
Gwendoline had become like a little sister to Ryuu. Losing her would feel like losing his family all over again. It was not a pain he would like to bear.
"Sweet dreams," his lips curled into a gentle smile as he straightened up, for the first time since he'd started caring for his mistress paying attention to Sebastion. The smile faded and his expression became more buisness-like.
"If there's anything you need, I'll be in the washing room," as he spoke, he gathered Gwen's dirtied clothes and the towel,
"just ring the bell and I'll be here as soon as possible. I think it would be best to let her rest for now," he cast Gwen one last glance of concern,
"alright?" by then Ryuu was standing by the door, his gloved hand resting on the doorknob.
"Alright." Sebastion mumbled softly, his place in the bathroom doorway having grown rather stale at the moment. He found himself floating towards Gwendoline's resting form, sinking down onto the edge of her bed, by her feet as he always would while in human form. He placed a stiff hand upon her covered leg, shoulders saggy from the realization he had been of little to no use to his tiny mistress today, whereas Ryuu had done all of the work.
Ryuu was still in the doorway, and this caused Sebastion to turn, glancing over his shoulder at the dragon. He offered a small smile, unsure what was the cause of it, as well as his words.
"She needs you more than you may feel, Ryuu...thank you."
Ryuu was slightly surprised, yet refrained from letting it show. It wasn't all too usual for Sebastion to say anything kind to him.
"You're welcome," the dragon butler said softly and then he left.
