citylogs | denied the light [OPEN]

[It would've been too easy to just shove pills at Yi Sang and kick him out, huh. Daan lets out a slow sigh, then he nods.]

I'd like to know why, but you also don't have any obligation to tell me.

[For a moment, Daan is quiet and contemplative as he starts to apply fresh bandages to Yi Sang's hand. Because no matter how irritated Daan might be, he isn't completely lacking empathy to the man.

Chronically, Daan simply cannot help himself.]

We can try other things. If you don't want pills, I have liquids. If oral ingestion is out of the question, then we can try a stronger topical to make sure your infection doesn't get worse.

What is acceptable for you?

[ If given the choice, he would take the liquids over the pills in a heartbeat. But the thought of ingesting anything described as medicinal still makes his stomach churn.

His hand is tense as Daan begins to bandage it again. ]

...I was once a researcher, where I was given supplements by my benefactors to minimize potential distractions.

[ "Potential distractions," like finding the energy to question his circumstances.

A man with red-lensed glasses would knock on his door each day to deliver a tray of food, reminding him to take his supplements to stay in proper health. He reminded Yi Sang it would be quite troublesome for them if he ever fell ill. Those blue pills were for his own benefit. That man would never do anything to harm him, would he?

He'd never liked taking them. They made him feel listless, as though his head were stuffed with cotton. But what use had it been to object taking the pills back then?

Yi Sang shuts his eyes. ]

I... would not fault you for finding me to be a difficult patient.

You're difficult. But not the most difficult I've ever had. Mostly, I'm just annoyed you didn't come to me sooner. ...However, in retrospect, I'm sure there are reasons. I've known plenty of people who were afraid of doctors or something similar, and with justification.

[He jabs a finger at Yi Sang.] Just don't do it again. I'm being nice right now.

[Daan finishes the bandages with a small huff.]

And that's especially considering I can imagine these supplements weren't what they seemed. Were they? I'd be shocked if they were, considering the City.

[Rising from his stool, peels off his gloves, tosses them out, and looks through his cabinet to review their options for Yi Sang's hand.]

[ He refocuses his attention on Daan. It would be understandable, he thinks, if he'd avoided assistance out of fear. On the other hand, there's a part of him that does realize it had been foolish to try handling things on his own. Daan's right; he's not a doctor.

So he nods in response to the other man's instructions. Despite the earlier frost, it's clear to Yi Sang that Daan has a kind heart. ]

I am unaccustomed to seeking medical aid, but I will do my best to remedy this.

[ It truly, genuinely, hadn't crossed Yi Sang's mind until he realized the injury had manifested into something beyond his control.

He glances down at his freshly-bandaged hand. Daan's done a far superior job than any of his previous amateurish attempts, excess fabric falling out everywhere. ]

...it is nevertheless true that they were highly effective at maintaining my focus. I imagine the theory behind them was like fitting a horse with blinders, encouraging it to continuously move forwards.

Be sure you do. It's a pain in the ass to chase people down. Be practical, all right?

[A bottle is retrieved from his collection, and he approaches Yi Sang.]

I suppose that's possible, but it doesn't make it any less fucked up, does it? I'm not gonna force you to take something that'll make you think of that time in your life. So, we're gonna try this.

[Daan holds it out.]

Once a day, apply it. If you can't change your bandages, come back and I will do it for you. If you don't see any improvement in two days, report to me as soon as you can.

Are we clear?

[ Yi Sang accepts the bottle in his uninjured hand. He turns it over, inspecting it out of intrigue as opposed to distrust. Apply once a day and report back to Daan if there isn't any improvement within two days. Return to his office if Yi Sang has trouble with changing the bandages with one hand. Simple enough. ]

Yes. Very.

[ This is the second time Daan's helped him out. Based on the doctor's instructions, it probably won't be the last. ]

...is there truly nothing I can offer in return, other than my word to make better efforts in seeking your medical assistance?

If you can manage my instructions this time, then that'll be thanks enough, Yi Sang.

...But how's this sound: I'm waiting for the opportunity when a hospital becomes available in this city, as gradually more areas become available to us. If that's the case, I plan on carrying out equipment for my clinic when it's up and proper.

Can I count on you to help me carry back items if I give you a list, should that time come to pass?

[ Now that he's thinking about it, Daan's assessment of the City is correct. There don't appear to be any medical facilities.

...carrying equipment? He can do that, yes. Yi Sang nods again in response. ]

Nothing would please me more.

[ He glances down at his bandaged hand, still perched on the armrest. The burning has subsided to a dull ache soothed by the ointment. ]

I will do my best to be mindful of the state of my hands in preparation for that day.

Then we have an agreement for the future, if my predictions are correct. Hopefully we'll get to a hospital sooner than later.

For now... well. Hopefully you're all taken care of. Did you ever run into Don, by the way?

I have.

[ Turns out he didn't actually need Don's contact information after all. ]

She has shown me her favorite dumpling restaurant and seemed to be in good spirits overall.

[ Yi Sang pauses, recalling the other contact information he'd received from Daan. ]

I have yet to reach out to Vergilius, however.

Yeah, that sounds like Don. ...Well, I'm glad you two ran into each other. I also ran into another member of your company. Hong Lu. If, for some reason, I'm stuck talking to him again should I send him your way?

[but like who would want that

At the mention of Vergilius, Daan considers a moment. Yeah, he's not going to out the Red Gaze anytime soon.

So he shrugs to Yi Sang, appearing indifferent.]

Last I saw, he seemed all right. Want me to mention you if I see him?

[MORE LIKE WHEN BUT YOU KNOW]

Oh. Indeed, I am aware Hong Lu has made his way to this City as well. But if should you spot him wandering about like a kite loose in summer gales, you may redirect him to me.

[ He knows all about Hong Lu's penchant for accidentally landing in mischief, not that Yi Sang is any better. The difference is the fact that Yi Sang hadn't meant to get into trouble.

At the mention of Vergilius' name, Yi Sang falls silent to consider his options. It feels... a bit strange to be sending The Red Gaze a message just to say he's also landed in the City.

One does not simply text The Red Gaze. ]

If you are willing, that would be ideal. It is good to hear he is well.

Somehow, that description seems pretty appropriate. All right, I'll keep it in mind if I see him out in the wild.

[What a gang they are, and Daan hasn't even met them all. If he did, he'd probably have a resting I'm so fucking done face too.

Daan probably risks too much if he brings up more specifics about Vergilius, so he simply nods.]

Sure. It's no trouble.

Anything else I can help you with?

[ Daan has not only patched him up, but also given him reason to take better care of himself and offered to mention him to Vergilius. He's done more than enough. ]

No, that is all.

[ Yi Sang rises from his seat with the bottle of medicine clutched in his good hand. He dips his head at the other man. ]

You have my gratitude.

[ ...should he say it? He's going to say it. ]

...I have learned today that you are a kind person.

[ After all, Daan could have totally just patched him up and kicked him out with a bottle of pills. ]

...Mm.

[It's been a strange inner battle, trying to accept that kind of remark. Too many people have said it to him. That he is a kind man. A good man. Nothing that his heart wants to agree with.

But people here see a value in him. Somehow.]

Stay on my good side and you'll keep having that opinion, I suppose.

[ Yi Sang retrieves his coat from the other chair, slides the bottle into the pocket, and drapes it over his shoulders. ]

Then it is all the more imperative that I report to you as swiftly as possible, should I find myself in need of assistance.

[ A pause. ]

...I will do my best, however, to avoid finding myself in that situation.

[ He's learning too, ok. ]

Make sure you do.

...Try to stay out of trouble, Yi Sang.

[or ur grounded]

[ He can't make any promises there, but Yi Sang understands the sentiment behind Daan's words. Not to worry, Daan. He will do his best not to go approaching carnivorous plants in the future, lest he end up grounded by the City's resident doctor.

He dips his head, bidding Daan farewell before quietly slipping out of the room. It would be for the best if he didn't end up here again in the examination room specifically, but... perhaps it wouldn't hurt to stop by from time to time just to say hello. ]

denied the light [OPEN]

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