Hepatica [OPEN]

[eighthmelody]

Characters: Ness and probably all of the Winding Way
Content: After being MIA for a week, the shota doctor returns. Yes it's a day early, stfu
Setting: The Winding Way
Time: Morning
Warnings: Probably lots of sappiness. And beatings. Of love.

Comments

[robotic_rank]

Claus had kept much more to himself, with Ness' leave of the ship. He had promised Rhyme he would be there for her if she had needed anything...but he hadn't even bothered to check most of the happenings on the ship.

The strange listlessness didn't seem to leave after a few days either, Ness had always been on his mind, different situations replaying over and over...but he had to believe in him. Didn't he? He hadn't expected to ever go through something like this, he thought, as he walked up on the top deck after training practice.

He also didn't expect to see Ness there.

He stopped.

"..."

[eighthmelody]

So far, Ness had been hit a grand total of five times upon his arrival, and he had hardly been back for an hour. And, he could expect a few more hits once he encountered more of the crew. But that was all right. He knew they were just worried about him.

After telling Rikku everything she wanted to know, he started to head back and almost bumped into Claus on the way.

"...hey Claus," he smiled.

[robotic_rank]

Claus' eyes were wide, as he simply stared at Ness. He couldn't put this feeling into words...relief? Happiness? A mixture of both? Whatever it was, he didn't care to give it a name, Ness was here, alive, and that was all that mattered.

He didn't know what exactly had come over him, but the next minute his arms were wrapped around Ness' shoulders, and he was crushing him towards his body in a hug. He hadn't had much experience with hugs, but he hoped he was doing it right.

[eighthmelody]

The hug caught Ness by surprise, and he just stood dumbfounded for a moment before hugging Claus back the best he could. It honestly kind of hurt, but Ness really didn't care.

"...I missed you too," he said.

[robotic_rank]

He didn't know what to say, what was there to say? He had conveyed at least one thing to Ness, at least.

"...--are you alright now?"

[eighthmelody]

Claus was still clinging to him, and Ness fidgeted slightly. He smiled and if he could, would have ruffled Claus' hair.

"Yeah, everything's fine now."

[robotic_rank]

He loosened his hold on Ness now, watching him his expression looking slightly worried.

"...--and you aren't hurt..."

[eighthmelody]

Ness laughed.

"Didn't I say I was fine? I'm not hurt at all."

[robotic_rank]

"...just...making sure."

Even with Ness here, looking fine infront of him, he had to ask. What surprised him the most was the hint of a smile that graced his lips as he gave Ness a small nod.

"...Welcome back."

[eighthmelody]

"I know," Ness replied, this time ruffling Claus' hair for real. "I'm glad you were worried about me." He paused, as if he was thinking about something. "Want to do something later?"

[robotic_rank]

Claus blinked, surprised at the contact...no one had ever done something like that to him before. He didn't really know how he should react.

"Something...?" Whatever it was that Ness wanted to do, he would be happy to agree to.

"Yes."

[eighthmelody]

"Great!" Ness said while giving Claus a hug. "I have other people to see, but maybe we can go get something to eat tonight."

[robotic_rank]

"Alright." Claus nodded, the small smile still lighting his face. "Goodbye, Ness."