school: otome

[shaft]

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Week 0, post-execution

[momming]

[ She... thinks she might have seen him at the execution and considering his last text to her, Otome thinks she should probably try to assuage concerns sooner rather than later. So-- ]

I'm alright.

[shaft]

Forgive me for not believing you.

Did you get your injuries treated?

[momming]

[ wow ]

I did, yes. I'm just resting now. Would you like to look me over yourself?

[shaft]

I wouldn't be standing outside your dorm if I didn't.

[momming]

[ there's a pause.

And then like two minutes later, the door swings open and Otome's on the other side, looking frazzled and pressing her free hand against her ribs.

CLAUDE ARE YOU LEGITIMATELY OUT HERE ]

[shaft]

[ What kind of monster would lie to an injured person?

Claude is in fact there, smiling slightly in amused though he doesn't bother hiding his concern as he looks Otome over. ]

If I could've gotten inside without forcing you up, I would've. You didn't need to hurry.

[momming]

That's-- [ don't break into dorms, Claude ]

Just... how long have you been standing out here?

[ As promised, she was treated. She just looks pale and tired, the occasional ripple of pain when she moves and her ribs twinge. ]

[shaft]

I was passing by. And I think we should be focusing on getting you back inside.

[ Even though... it's his fault she's up... oop. ]

Do you need a hand?

[momming]

No, I'm fine. If you can excuse the, ah... slow walking.

[ Ribs, man. But she'll open the door a little wider to let him in. ]

[shaft]

Easy. [ He settles a hand on her back, frowning. ] Let's just aim for the common, hm?

[ stairs... ]

Why do I never get Claude notifs DW

[momming]

I won't argue with you there.

[ Slow sedate walk to the common room it is, and now it has pillows again! ]

[shaft]

[ He'll sit down once she's settled, still frowning. ]

Were you offered anything to help with the pain?

[momming]

Yes, the one you shared a passionate liplock with made sure I took something.

[ thanks Crow ]

[shaft]

[ ...

That catches him off guard enough that he's momentarily speechless, before just closing his eyes and shaking his head. ]

I'm surprised he didn't offer to kiss it better.

[momming]

[ She laughs on a bit of a wince, but it's totally worth it. ]

I'm afraid I have very strict criteria for who I'd allow to kiss it better, anyway.

[shaft]

[ otome pwease ]

And Crow doesn't make the cut? That must be a high bar.

[momming]

Flirting for the sake of flirting doesn't quite do it for me, no.

[ Sorry, Crow. ]

[shaft]

I don't know that he's doing it just for flirting's sake. [ Seriously...

But anyway. ]

In any case, that's no replacement for actual medicine. I hope you're as good a patient as you are a doctor?

[momming]

I will only push myself in the event of a medical emergency.

[ dutifully. ]

[shaft]

[ doubt ]

I'm sure you could function just as well just giving the rest of us orders. I think most people here know a little first aid.

[momming]

In the event of a medical emergency... where I have to get personally involved.

[ she might be pouting a little. ]

[shaft]

[ He just plunks his cheek on his fist. ]

Then I guess we'll need to make sure no emergencies arise.

[momming]

Can I entrust you with that?

[ Mister Self-Poisoner? ]

[shaft]

Of course. I always learn from past experiences.

[ trust him!! ]

[momming]

[ the dubious look she gives him-- before it melts away and she bows her head with a little sigh. ]

Well, I've already decided to trust you. I'll do what I can, within my limits. Please try to help me with damage control.