Chapter Text
Abolish looked just as put together as ever, wearing a (presumably new, considering that sleeping in clothes usually wrinkles them) perfectly ironed suit. Their posture was back to the normal, servent-esque (or maybe even soldier-esque, although that wouldn’t make sense with their background) stance it always was. They seemed just as nonchalant and emotionless as normal. Almost as if nothing had happened.
Legs took a breath. “Do you remember anything from this morning?” He asked. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to be told. On the one hand, if they did, that meant that they were purposely going right to shutting him down instead of talking, which was both unhealthy for Abolish and very heartbreaking for Legundo. On the other, Abolish not remembering would imply that it was either not a big deal, that it had been a really strange and disturbing dream, or that Abolish had memory issues, and all of those were concerning and/or terrifying in their own right.
Abolish looked at him, and their face was a nearly convincing façade of blankness. It probably would’ve fooled Legs too, before earlier. But now, Legundo could recognise a bit of fear in their eyes, mixed with a pinch or two of… something positive. (He wouldn’t dare name it love.) “I… know something happened,” Abolish said cryptically. “But I- I unfortunately can’t… quite… remember what.” Okay. Both options were bad, but this was the worse one.
“What can you tell me about what happened?” Legs asked, trying to remain professional even as his heart rate climbed. Abolish stared at him again, as if trying to solve a puzzle.
———
Abolish’s mind was screaming. Just tell me whether it’s good or bad, please! How should I respond? They carefully maintained the mask, trying not to let the glass crack. There were stress points now, though, and they weren’t quite sure how long it would hold.
“I remember it involved you,” they said simply, leaving out any incriminating evidence, just in case it had been bad. They kept their tone neutral– hell, they’d even gone so far as to intentionally smooth out their stutter. Abolish had to be careful. Every word—every action—was another step on already cracked glass. Anything could finish the job.
“Were you… happy?” The glass cracked beneath their feet, and Abolish crumbled.
———
Legundo watched as Abolish’s mask cracked. They leaned back, pushing themself up a bit to sit on the barrel they were next to. Their face, while still looking more neutral than most people’s, had practically a million more tiny microexpressions, like a furrow between their brows and a slight frown. Legs would’ve almost been afraid that whatever episode had happened last night had happened again, but could feel that wasn't true.
“I was, doctor, I was,” Abolish said. “And… I don't remember all the details, but I- I know you were at least… part of the reason why.” Legs let out a shaky exhale.
“It was a lot, I’ll be honest, Abolish–” their face fell a bit, and they seemed almost afraid– “but it wasn’t bad. Just… overwhelming.” He added, hoping that could soothe some of their worries.
“I- I hope I… caused no… problems.” The way they said problems was strange, and likely had some hidden meaning behind it, but all Legs could think about was that Abolish was so afraid of affecting someone.
He chuckled. “It was fine. I’m more worried about you, Mister ‘Totally fine’.” Abolish rolled their eyes.
“I’m fine, doctor, no need to panic.” Legs had many doubts about the validity of that statement. He decided not to comment on it, though. He’d already got Abolish comfortable enough to let their façade fall, he couldn't push too far.
He huffed. “Alright, but if you need me, don't hesitate to come. And don't stop me from trying to help you.” They were a bit like Owen in that sense. Stubborn, always refusing help.
“...What- whatever you say, doctor.” Abolish thought for a moment, their eyes wandering. They mimed snapping their fingers (they always wore those gloves, they made it impossible to actually snap) and looked at the doctor sharply. “In return, I will pro- I’ll protect you in battle… I know well you are capable, but I doubt you’ve fought a vampire before.”
As Legundo tried to cut in with a “you haven't either,” Abolish stood up and moved towards him, leaned in, and whispered. “I have. With years of training.” They leaned back, a playful grin on their face.
Legundo had a million questions, but all Abolish did was go back into character, face neutral again. “A new… tome?” They said, and Legs had the impression that this would never be brought up again.