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Dusekkar idled around the map, hovering as he kept an eye out for anyone who needed a hand. The round had been going unusually peacefully so far, and it was starting to get on Dusekkar’s nerves. He was all for peace, of course! But the amount of smooth sailing was starting to get concerning. Everyone in the round had this itching feeling that something was going to go wrong, and soon. Dusekkar catches a glance of a survivor, and supposes it’d be a good idea to go over. He hovers over, eyes locking down onto the survivor who they recognize as Taph. Dusekkar seemed relieved to see a face he was more familiar with, scanning their surroundings one last time before engaging in small talk.
“Nice to see a familiar face, though I’ve noticed this round is going at a fast pace.” Dusekkar says, still hovering. Taph simply glances and nods, preoccupied with their tripwire. Dusekkar pauses awkwardly, not wanting to distract Taph. He knew that the subspace mines were sensitive, so his words could possibly interfere with Taph’s focus. He stayed idle at the doorway, watching out for the killer and occasionally glancing back at Taph. However, his head practically snapped behind him as he heard a deafening explosion. He gaped at the scene, neon pink gunpowder coating Taph’s signature cloak. He was frozen, before stumbling back onto the floor. He rubbed his head with a rough whine, eyes focusing and unfocusing in random intervals.Dusekkar rested his staff against the wall, leaning down to examine Taph’s wounds.
“Hold still, friend. I assure you this is something I can mend..” His voice was hushed, knowing well that Taph was in a sensitive state. They seemed to have no physical injuries, but the mental effects of the subspace bomb were still lingering. Dusekkar sighed, picking his staff up momentarily to heal Taph, just for good measure.Taph blinked, trying to fight off the fuzzy feeling that enveloped them. He coughed as he inhaled some of the gunpowder, hiding his nose deep in his bandana in attempts to avoid it. Dusekkar contemplated, before scooping Taph up. Taph wasn’t fully there to understand what was going on-- all they understood was that they were being moved somewhere. He clung to Dusekkar like his life depended on it, tiny whimpers slipping out of their mouth. Dusekkar patted their back reassuringly. The pumpkin set Taph down in a corner he had deemed as safe, and sat down next to Taph.
“That explosion wasn’t swell, I presume you are not feeling well?” He inquires, only for Taph to give a puzzled expression. He moved his hands up to sign to Dusekkar, but their hand gestures were nothing but gibberish. “It is alright Taph, you can put your hands at rest. You can sign later when you are no longer in distress.” He gently lifts Taph into their lap, trying not to jostle them. Taph stared up at Dusekkar, barely able to make him out with their obscured vision. “Duh..suh..?” Their voice strains, as it usually does the few times they manage to get words out. Dusekkar smiles softly. “Indeed.”
Taph whines, leaning his head into Dusekkar’s chest. They take shallow breaths, which Dusekkar notices immediately. He pulls down the admin’s bandana, and his breathing noticeably improves. Dusekkar runs a hand through Taph’s tangled hair, humming to himself. He noticed how much the admin was clinging to him, and came to the conclusion that he was starting to slip. It made sense, considering the stress that he just endured. He looks into Taph’s eyes with an unreadable expression. “I do not mean to belittle, but is there a chance you are starting to feel little?” He asks, voice hushed and with no judgement. Taph takes the time to actually process the words, their gaze softening as it clicks. They nod, a weak and barely noticeable nod. Dusekkar sighs pitifully, brushing his hand against Taph’s cheek. “Hush now little one, no need to fret. We are safe here, there is no threat.” He presses a kiss on Taph’s forehead, who in return gives a wobbly smile. His eyes shut, content with being coddled in Dusekkar’s arms. They slip their thumb into their mouth, and Dusekkar can’t find it in him to chide him not to. The two end up there for most of the round, with Dusekkar carrying the still disoriented Taph.
As the survivors file into the cabins, Dusekkar’s main focus is on Taph’s well being. He walks to their room, paying no mind to the photos of Builderman that were scattered across the floor. He was used to Taph’s odd behaviors at this point. He slid under the covers, still holding Taph’s sleepy form. He gently rocked him, replacing his thumb with a pacifier. Thankfully, Taph seemed to be too sleepy to notice. With one final kiss to Taph’s head, Dusekkar finally lets himself drift of as well.