winces: (( three ))
olivia. ([personal profile] winces) wrote in [community profile] epidemiology2016-04-25 10:31 am

( closed )

CHARACTERS: olivia ([personal profile] winces) & sakata gintoki ([personal profile] naturallywavy)
DATE: some time after the demolition?
WARNINGS: burn injuries? gintoki's mind/mouth?
SUMMARY: someone's in need of some healing

[ not long after things turned south for them (again), olivia has taken to wandering the supposed "scene of the crime." she hadn't been very involved in the fighting, this time around, and for good reason, really, given how drastic things had turned... and so she thought to make up for that by seeking avenues she could help, as much as she could with what minimal abilities she had left.

it's saffron, though, that finds him. the lion cub's head had turned up, nose sniffing at the air as something familiar catches his attention. olivia only had time to glance at him curiously before the lion cub was off, dashing through the rocks and rubble. she calls out after him, careful not to trip or fall over the molten rocks as she struggles to follow after and keep up.

by the time she happens upon them both — gintoki, his body prone and covered in burns, and saffron, sniffing curiously at his toes in an obvious attempt to gauge whether or not this burnt human was food or not — she has only enough breath left to gasp sharply, one hand flying up to cover her gaping mouth. ]


S-Saffron! Shoo!

[ she waves the cub away, who obeys rather reluctantly, and quickly comes up to gintoki's side, one hand carefully pushing back some white curls form his forehead. ]

Mr. Gintoki...? Gintoki, are you okay? Can you hear me?
naturallywavy: (《106》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-04-25 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ You could say he went into this event haphazardly, slicing away at fire sprites and rescuing others. Since he had no long range weapon or powers, the only thing he was left to do was to use his seemingly indestructible bokken. Although it seems to be made out of wood, it merely just looks charred with a few fissures in the body of it— he may need to request another one from ALASTAIR soon.

Gintoki cannot really hear Olivia because.. he's asleep. Sadaharu doesn't seem to be anywhere around, and he's merely resting within the jungle of Pu’ulai near some of the villages with his back against the trunk of a tree.

His arms are resting by his sides, multiple burns seen primarily along his arms, typically shiny silver hair appearing ashy and dirty. There are a few blisters on his face as well. His yukata is held at his hips, as it was easier to fight without the sleeves getting in the way, but parts of it look burned up and torn. He should probably request another one of those too.

He smacks his lips, brows furrowing as he just kind of bats at Olivia's hand. Must be a fly or something. ]
Edited 2016-04-25 16:45 (UTC)
naturallywavy: (《6》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-04-26 01:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The slapping does, in fact, do wonders in stirring him from his sleep, and in almost an instant he jolts, bracing himself as if he is about to attack. His hand even shifts to the hilt of his bokken, but that's about it.

Oh. It's just her.

His posture relaxes against the tree again and he looks more agitated than anything now. ]


What happened to wakey wakey eggs and bakey.
[ I mean, of you're going to wake him up, there better be free food, not this rudeness. ]

Better yet.. wakey wakey.. parfaits and cakey.
[ Gin. ]
naturallywavy: (《20》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-04-29 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
[ Does he hurt anywhere else? Sure. His mind hurt where unpleasant memories lie; his heart hurt from breaking over people he cared about, but these were just things he kept to himself and dealt with on a daily basis.

He was able to do that with the strong soul he had, and although it didn't always shine silver, when it did, it could illuminate an entire room.
Physically, though. His legs and feet ached, but the main problem was the burning sensation that pulsated over his skin where blisters were forming, bits of his skin peeled off.

As much as Gintoki preferred to be left alone, he actually liked people fussing over his state of being even if he didn't actually show it.
What a big baby. ]


—What are you gonna do? Kiss it and make it all better?
[ Gin. Stop flirting. It isn't fair for you to do this when you're trying to distance yourself. ]

What 'bout you? I bet you hurt too.
[ don't flip this on her like that. ]
naturallywavy: (《115》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-04-29 03:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Luckily for Olivia, he wears one yukata sleeve off and a shirt under the yukata. So, up to his right bicep she is able to see. Most of his wounds are towards his wrists and hands, but there are a few places of injury higher up his arm. The other sleeve of the yukata can be brushed off of his body at the shoulder without tearing, but he won't put up a fight if she wants to tear his sleeve instead.

The shirt under his yukata just has a few small holes in it near the chest area, but he seems to have a pretty good burn peeking from where his collarbone is where a large part of flame hit him there.

Anyway, he doesn't like this serious tone to the situation— since the attention is focused on him— and so he tries joking again: ]


You sure you won't burn me even more?
[ you know.. with how hot you are.........
it's a lame joke..... probably why he doesn't finish it. ]
naturallywavy: (《89》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-04-30 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ She's unzipping it, if she can figure it out. The burn is there, nestled between two large but aged scars.
This is.. nice. I mean, as much as he is usually favoring being left alone, he really does enjoy positive attention and the fact he won't be burning anymore. It is annoying to feel.

Gintoki watches her, not wanting to disrupt her. He almost reaches up to push some hair behind her ear— something nice and sweet— just to reciprocate the touch.

He doesn't, though. ]


Nurse, nurse. Do I get a lollipop for good behavior after this?
naturallywavy: (《31》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-03 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ Gintoki is on his best behavior— he probably only checked her out once this entire time she's been close to him. His eyes close, a low hum vibrating in his throat as he feels the burn and pain slowly fade away, a soothing, cool feeling flourishing over his injury.

He never understood why people like Olivia wanted to pour all of their effort and energy into him, as he (frustratingly) never gave himself enough credit for the things he did and the people he cared about. Gintoki understands why he does good, but why do others do good? Why did Olivia do such good for him?

Silly man.

His red eyes crack open once its finished, a lopsided smirk teasing on the corner of his lips: ]


Ah. The second time you've saved my life. You're turning out to be a real doctor, aren't you? Only not the scary kind that want to stick needles up your ass and take your money for it.

[ Look how useful you are. He'd be miserable without you. ]
naturallywavy: (《1》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-05 01:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Of course he's trying to keep things light— this is a situation involving him, after all. Even though he enjoys attention, he doesn't try to actively seek it like, say, Katsura tries to do.

Gintoki moves, shifting his hand that was bumped to put it right up his nose. Yep. Definitely keeping things light... for now. ]


Takin' a dump somewhere. I dunno. I don't like looking at that. They're not small, cute, doggy-dumps either. You know, it's a big mess what he does.
[ ... Olivia probably doesn't want to think about it.
Gintoki isn't sure, though, where Sadaharu is at or what he is doing— but maybe saying something like this will leave Olivia less worried.

He successfully picks something out of his nose and prompts for flicking it far away from them both before turning his head to look at her. ]


.. Do you mind?
[ wait.. do you mind what.. exactly? He doesn't go further. ]
naturallywavy: (《37》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-05 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Wow. She really is beginning to think like some people back from his home would.
Gintoki was actually referring to something else. Something else such as: "you don't mind still talking to me even though I rejected you and even though I said getting closer wouldn't be the best idea because I would corrupt you" which might very well would have shifted the conversation on a much heavier scale and even prompt him to sincerely apologize.

For everything.
For being an emotional burden, for being closed up, for being probably a huge problem.

Though, what is said is said, so what does Gintoki do now? He stares at her for a moment, a bit amazed he is having a conversation about Sadaharu's feces with the person who is healing his injuries.

It causes him to smile. Not across the lips, but in his eyes.

He leans back even more against the tree he is sitting under. ]


Yeah, exactly. I end up having to be the one to take him out, you know. Kagura-chan won't even though he is her's. It's a pain in the ass.

[ Gintoki will get to the apology, though. But this moment is too pleasant for him because it reminds him of home. ]
Edited 2016-05-05 18:59 (UTC)
naturallywavy: (《13》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-06 03:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, it's usually kind of mushy. I'm not sure how it'll be since he's here and will be eating.. [ man, what will Sadaharu be eating? Usually they just give him dog feed like a normal dog, but.. ] whatever is easy to come by.

Don't really wanna think about it. Guess I don't have to clean up after him since no loud neighbors are around. [ Everybody lives so close together back in Edo. ]

[ He looks over at Olivia, taking in a small note of the bead of sweat on her brow and how tired she looks. She could probably be healing other people who need it; not him. ]

Take it easy.
naturallywavy: (《6》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-07 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
Ugh.

[ Did you hear that, Olivia? That's the exasperated sound of an exhausted, grown man-child. He scratches his head, ruffling up his silver hair. The irritated noises proceed: ]
Gyaa, gyaa, gyaa, gyaa.. I guess we've cornered each other, haven't we? Tch. It's really irritating. Has anybody told you how irritating you can be?
[ Though, before she can really retort with anything: ]

It's a lot like me. [ We are both caring for others, but in a different way. ]
Guess we have no other option here. Either we both exert ourselves or we both watch ourselves. Which will it be?
[ With that, he extends his pinky to her. Doesn't this seem familiar? Though, his pinky curls tightly, as if he is having a second thought: ]

That is.. if you think you are willing to make another promise with me. I'm willing to make one with you.
[ read: are you strong enough to make another promise to him? Doesn't this mean they're getting even closer? And if so, isn't that a bit dangerous for two people who probably shouldn't get closer to one another?

Choices, Olivia. ]
Edited 2016-05-07 03:05 (UTC)
naturallywavy: (《12》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-10 04:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gintoki's eyes grow fond at how easily she twists her pinky with his, then speaks softly: ]
If you exert yourself, I'll exert yourself.
If you watch yourself, I'll watch myself.
Don't let anything like me, or yourself, prevent you from touching the heavens.

[ He's not going to worry about you worrying about him, and he hopes you feel the same way. You do what you have to do, and he'll do what he has to do.

His hand drops and he rolls his palms upward, revealing the burns on his arms again. ]


Doctor, I'll be ready for this whenever you are.
[ okay so he's a little bit demanding. ]
naturallywavy: (《91》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-11 02:24 pm (UTC)(link)
'Course you got promoted. You did such a great job.
[ Gintoki, that's not how you become a doctor. YOU DON'T GET PROMOTED.. well, whatever.
As she heals up the burns on his arms, he allows her to do so in silence. Gintoki isn't sure what goes into healing somebody's injuries, but he's certain that him talking isn't going to really help.

His skin cools, slowly, gradually— the injury fading, but not quite disappearing. When he feels like it's fine for him to speak, he does, though his voice is hushed. ]


—Sorry.

[ You should know what he's apologizing for. Even now, this entire scenario is making his stomach twist. He doesn't like communication, his mind often distant when it comes to his own feelings and emotions.. probably because they are too busy being tuned in with everyone else.
He didn't have an upbringing where he could invest in much intimacy with people until the war where he made a close-knit of friends.

He was quite the mess when it came to actually talking about how he felt about things, so he hopes just a simple sorry is fine, sorry Olivia. ]
naturallywavy: (《118》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-12 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's an odd feeling process. Gintoki has never had something like this happen to him before. Usually he took the pain with him and recovered on his own— it took people to sometimes guard him to make sure he wasn't going to get out and get himself hurt again. A perfect example of that is when Kagura and Shinpachi were trying to finish a job for him, hunting for an assassin and a deadly blade. They knew he would try to protect them when he was in no condition to, and so Shinpachi's sister had to sit by his side.

He doesn't know what to do when something like this happens. Do you still rest? Is your injury okay to touch now? Do you say thank you? He doesn't know.
Though, he guesses that thank you would be the right thing to do. It's so hard to not cross the stupid boundary he set up between them— so very hard. Gintoki cares so much, but doesn't like people to know that. After all they've been through, though, he should.

—cross that boundary.
Will it hurt in the end?

Gintoki makes some sound of discontentment, obviously torn about the thoughts flowing in his mind. It's brief, though. Olivia may only see it if she pays close attention to him. Despite this, though, his rough hands slide around her as he pulls her into an embrace, one palm lifting to cup the back of her head.

Was it too much? Should he stop overthinking all of this? Why was it so important to keep distant? Did it have to be that way?
It didn't, but if it didn't, that could risk her getting hurt, which would break his promise.

What a mess.
They should really open up and talk about this, but.. how? Did he have to? Ugh.

Even so, his firm hold tightens. Gintoki could hug and hold, but it was very seldom that he expressed it. ]


It's your turn to take it easy, now.
[ He's been sitting here, relaxing, while you exert yourself. Take it easy— it's okay to take it easy in his arms if you'll allow it. ]
naturallywavy: (《100》)

a few hours later....

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-13 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ Well. Healing must take a toll on a person in order to make Olivia collapse like that. He stays where he is, a little embarrassed to be in such a situation, but he's too lazy to move himself.

So he stays beneath her.

Though, it begins to rain, so all that Gintoki can do is to scoop Olivia up in his arms and find some kind of refuge. The best he can do is to go back towards the inn on Komo and give his bed up to Olivia so she can rest well. It's a bit dark, and so, after he places Olivia on top of his bed (which was too small for people of average size— these short deer people) he attempts to light a candle. Gintoki wasn't planning on staying very long, but he would hate to just leave Olivia in an unfamiliar place in the dark.

If the cursing under Gintoki's breath as he tries to light a fire doesn't wake her, maybe when he decides to yell fuck when he breaks one of the sticks he was using will.

Matches? Who needs matches? That's what the fire gifters were for. Unfortunately, they were out of commission right now. ]
naturallywavy: (《20》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-19 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ It hadn't been too long, but he didn't want either of them to be out in the rainy weather and catch an illness or anything like that. By the time she has stood up, he has gotten the candlelit and he turns to take his leave, only to freeze upon seeing her.

Ah..
He's surprised for a moment, but then his eyes fall halfway open. ]


Ah? Going to save some other damsels in distress like you did me?
naturallywavy: (《128》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-19 02:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Good. Good.
But you know what, he approaches her and also sits on the edge of the very tiny, little deer-sized bed.
Shouldn't he be out saving people like he usually does? Granted, things had simmered down, but Gintoki is certain he could probably find something to do.

He's not going to if Olivia is going to relax.
Isn't that kinda what they said?

Though, this is putting him in an uncomfortable position— right here— in a private and quiet setting with Olivia.
There's really a lot he should say, but he didn't grow up around girls; he doesn't know how to treat them, sometimes.

So he opts for silence, merely watching the candle flicker. ]
Edited 2016-05-19 14:16 (UTC)
naturallywavy: (《4》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-19 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gintoki has been an awful friend to her, of course, with his self destructive personality. That is the way he sees it. He is afraid that if there isn't any definite closure that this strange hurt they are feeling will just continue on and on and on.

He can only stare at her hand, not willing to shake it just yet. She should know by now, by the times he had shared small spurts of intimacy with her that he likes her, but in doing so, it's hurting her. ]


Olivia.
You know I'll be your friend.
But I'm not right for you.

[ He means romantically and hopefully she understands that part without him actually saying it. ]

You need and deserve somebody who loves themselves first.
[ now who is the person with the low esteem?
He's fraying away their first promise and feels terrible for it. ]
naturallywavy: (《76》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-05-21 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ She and anyone else can say and believe that he'll accept happiness until the cows come home, but in the end, it's his choice to go through the healing process.
Sometimes, he thought it was his fault for their loss. It was his blade that swiped his neck, after all. There was really nothing else to do, though. It was either do that and keep his promise or allow his friends to die.

It still hurt.

Though, a little smile plays on his lips at her words and he turns to face her. His eyes, though, look rather sad instead of empty. They were full of words that he couldn't speak and a history he didn't want others to know of.

If things were different in his life, maybe he wouldn't be broken.
Olivia only deserves the best— somebody who isn't so damaged.

His hand, at least, turns upward to grip hers in reciprocation. ]


—You'll go high.
[ without him in the way.
With that, he releases her hand and rises from his seat, putting his back to her. ]
naturallywavy: (《81》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-06-01 01:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's gone high, already, and has achieved great accomplishments through the years. Olivia doesn't know his role back home— a protector of Edo, but neither the government or the police force. Just a man who needs something to protect. It isn't a big deal for him like it may be for some people. It's just something he feels like he has to do more so than what he wants to do.

In the moments he was able to "go high," it was never because of just him. It was because of them.
His "family."

Maybe he just felt like it wasn't high enough.

He makes a mumbled noise, rubbing the back of his head before sitting back down on the bed. Sure. She can go. He needs a nap anyway.
Softly, he speaks, though a tone of his voice sounds sad: ]


—Thanks.
For believing in me.
naturallywavy: (《68》)

[personal profile] naturallywavy 2016-06-03 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ Gintoki breath catches in his throat when she says that. Ugh. This was so disgusting— opening up like this, talking things through. To top it all off, she's being affectionate again.

That's it. It's fine.
Gintoki cares for people quickly, so it's not a surprise he cares so much for her.

He doesn't scoff, or huff, or make a usual response when people give him affection. In fact, he relishes in it, cause he isn't sure if anything like this is going to happen again.

He says nothing, watching her wordlessly until she leaves the room and he kicks back, stretching as much as he can against the bed. Gazing at the ceiling, he mutters: ]


Yeah.
I believe in you.
I always will, idiot.