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[the_amazing]

Hey, you've reached Peter's phone. Leave me a message, or just text like a normal person.

[Beep!]

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[the_amazing]

I don't want to bother anyone.

[He says, knowing that letting the problem get bigger is infinitely more of a bother. When she removes his old bandages, he winces at her reaction.]

Well, that would explain the slight fever I've been running. Sorry to make more work for you.

[cleptes]

Don't apologise. I want to take care of you.

[When he's healed up, maybe she'll throttle him for not seeking her help in the first place. But that's for another time. What Bela needs now is some painkillers to deal with the infection. Throwing the used bandage into the trash, she hunts around for some ibuprofen and a glass of water.]

Swallow these.

[She intructs softly, popping them into his mouth before bringing the glass of water to his lips.]

Then I'll clean and bandage your wound.

[the_amazing]

I'll have you know it is taking all of my willpower to not make a "that's what he said" joke right now.

[He does as he's told, and looks at his wound while she gets the new bandages ready. His skin looks nasty, covered in green-grey bruises and hastily-made stitches. It gave off quite the Frankenstein feel.]

Then I can do something for you. It's only fair. Whatever you need.

[cleptes]

At least you still have your sense of humour. [Because she would probably laugh at the joke.] As for what you can do for me, you can be a good patient and let me tend to you.

[Speaking of which, she gathers up supplies to clean the wound and makes a start, being as gentle as possible. When that is done, Bela wraps around a fresh bandage and secures it enough before disposing of any waste.]

...Maybe we could cuddle a little without me pressing against your injury.

[the_amazing]

If I lose that, you'll know it's the end for me. And that's not going to cut it. I'll definitely owe you something later on.

[He waits until she's done putting the bandages on, making sure not to hold his breath or suck in his stomach so that they won't be too tight.]

I am up for careful cuddling.

[cleptes]

Okay, but when you're healed and not about to fall over, Peter. [She oh so carefully put his shirt on and slips an arm around his back.]

Come on. We'll go to your bed and get you comfortable. Then we can do some careful cuddling.

[the_amazing]

[He's almost disappointed when she puts his shirt back on, but he's in no shape for anything strenuous right now. He doesn't argue and lets her lead him to the bed, where he sits down without letting gravity do too much of the work.]

I appreciate your help, Nurse Bela. Even after all this time, I'm not used to how much my healing has slowed down from normal.

[cleptes]

You're welcome, Peter. And I am saving the 'Nurse' for a future roleplaying scenario. I'm sure I could find a costume.

[She reaches for his legs to make sure they're fully on the bed, taking a moment to run her hand through his hair afterwards.]

I'm just glad that you can heal in the first place, even if it's slow. [Bela adds, kicking her shoes off before joining him on his bed.]

[the_amazing]

If you can find an actual nurse outfit, I will psychically will myself to heal as fast as I possibly can.

[His brain is all too happy to dwell on that particular scenario, so he's quiet as she gets into bed and snuggles up next to him.]

I saw your post to the Network. Did other things happen after we had our run in with each other?

[cleptes]

I attacked other people. No severe injuries thankfully, but I really wanted to hurt them, Peter.

[It scared her. The thoughts that swirled around in her head days before she went on a rampage were awful.]

Maybe even kill them.

[the_amazing]

[He puts his arm around her and pulls her as close as he can without causing himself any pain. He gives her a soft squeeze in an attempt to reassure her.]

It was the brainwashing. I would hope that everyone understands that by now.

[cleptes]

They do understand. They told me as much.

[She replies quietly, reaching out to grasp his free hand with her own. Everything he’s doing is reassuring, but Bela wants to be honest.]

It just might take some time before I realise that.

[the_amazing]

[Their fingers intertwine, and he stares down at them while she speaks.]

I don't even know how to deal with this anymore. Every time I get through one trauma, another one gets thrown at my head. How do I ever recover when there's no time?

[cleptes]

I'm not sure if that's a question I have an answer for Peter.

[She replies, giving his fingers a gentle squeeze.]

Unless you do absolutely nothing in the time between one traumatic event and then the next. Just try and rest if you can.

[There is no easy solution.]

[the_amazing]

[He squeezes back three times, almost in code. They're words he still can't say out loud to her.]

I guess it was more rhetorical than anything. But every time something goes down, I know I can't just sit here doing nothing. I have to help if it's at all possible.

[cleptes]

Your selflessness is one of the things I admire about you. Not once have I seen you sit there and do nothing during a crisis.

[With her fingers still wrapped around his, she leans in to press a kiss to his cheek.]

I just don't want you to get burnt out.

[the_amazing]

And that's why I've almost been killed a hundred times.

[He leans into the kiss and sighs.]

I'm used to feeling burnt out. Physically, I mean. Mentally burned out didn't happen as often at home as it does here.

[cleptes]

The mental toll here can be really trying. I often wonder how people manage it to be honest.

[She's been at her wit's end before.]

I'll do what I can to help you deal with it, Peter. Talk, provide a distraction, whatever you want.

[the_amazing]

Better people than us have probably failed.

[He pulls her close again, resting against the headboard of the bed with her.]

I'm not physically capable of that kind of distraction, no matter how much I might want it. So talking will work for now.

[cleptes]

I absolutely want that kind of distraction, but we have plenty of time for that when you're fit and well.

[It isn't long until Bela snuggles in against him, watching where she lay against him.]

You could tell me another story or I could tell you one of mine.

[the_amazing]

[He's fine with the close contact being innocent, and realizes he may have needed human contact more than he originally thought. Someone warm and real and present certainly kept him from wallowing in his self-pity.]

It's usually me boring you to sleep with my stories, so maybe you could return the favor? I promise not to snore too loudly.

[cleptes]

If you sleep, I don't care how much you snore. Rest is important. [Her hand rests against his chest and she curls around him a little more.]

Let me tell you about the time I nearly got drowned by a ghost...

[Bela details everything from tricking the Winchesters into helping her acquire an object, only for her to see a ghost ship that signalled her doom. Reluctantly, the Winchesters saved her from drowning by chanting a spell that gave one of the spirits of the ship what they really wanted.]

[the_amazing]

How am I supposed to fall asleep when that's your lead in to the story?

[Peter gives off a laugh at that, a bit incredulous. Of course, he's encountered ghosts and gods and g-other things galore, but that didn't mean he would find it boring.

But he listens, and now that he's met Dean, he knows at least one other player in the tale. He listens with rapt attention to her details, and by the time she's finished, he's still fighting his exhaustion with his curiosity.]

If that's your idea of a boring story, I need to hear one you think is exciting!

[cleptes]

Maybe I should tell you the thrilling tale of deciding between two different brands of green tea in the supermarket.

[She holds it for a moment before she giggles, unable to help herself. Then Bela looks at him fondly, moving the hand from his chest to cup the side of Peter's face.]

Can't we just talk at each other mindlessly until we fall asleep, mhm? My life is clearly too exciting.

[the_amazing]

Hmm, that might work better for our purposes.

[The intimacy between them right now catches him off guard, as does hearing her laughter. He wants to keep making her laugh, protect her from further horrors of his place. When she touches his face, he takes the opportunity to lean in and kiss her. His abdomen protests moving too much more than that, but he's going to enjoy this kiss, dammit.]

Keep talking. I'll make sure to close my eyes this time.