Work Text:
As always, Madkit had stayed up all night, tinkering away at a new project they had just began developing - it all seemed to be going well so far - at the pace they were at currently, it would most likely be finished by the end of the month. This was going to be a marvellous, revolutionary achievement if they perfected this and made it the best it could be. All that was left was to work.
They checked the time, jerking back in slight surprise. It was already 10:30 a.m. and Sword had shown no signs of being awake; usually, by 8:00 a.m., he would be trudging around their laboratory, willing to explore every little crevice and learn something new. Why wasn't he here already? Had something happened? Was he hurt?!
Those thoughts swirled in their mind and caused immense worry and anxiety to crush them - they needed to know that Sword was okay, right now. Madkit put off working and walked purposefully toward their bedroom, pushing open the door, eyes locked on the bed. Inside, was the same old metallic swordsman, but far more deflated and his breathing was much slower. Med rushed to the side of the bed.
"Sword.. Sword..?" The scientist whispered softly, a considerable amount of distress laced in their tone. "Sword..? Are you feeling alright?" Sword's eyelids opened finally, though it was clear from just that alone that he was in pain.
"I'm.. fine... just.. tired," the child responded, unsure. Now, there was no way Med was believing that lie. Clearly, something was wrong, he was acting different compared to how he normally did.
"There's no way that you are alright. Please, tell me what's wrong." Sword was holding something back and it stung that he was not immediately jumping to telling Mad what it was. Sword did not answer the plea. "It's... please. Sword. Remember what I told you when I first brought you in?" Sword gaped at the scientist blankly. "Well.. I said that if there ever was something... that was burdening you, no matter how big or small, that you should tell me. I will always listen and I promise I will never judge." Mad bit their lip briefly, before uttering the last part. "I love you lots and I want to help you, so please.."
Sword averted eye contact, but his mouth cracked open, allowing some words to spill out. "I.. Everything hurts.. I don't know why.. It's hard to move.. It's hard to speak.." The teen coughed out, his voice sounding hoarse and strained.
"Alright. Don't speak anymore unless absolutely necessary. I'll fetch something - something I made a while ago for this specific purpose! I've never had the chance to try it on somebody!" Mad rushed out the room quickly; they did not want to be gone for too long, they assumed more than ever the boy was in endless discomfort and wanted something warm to hold onto. Madkit dashed into a side room, containing many cabinets which stored various alchemic drugs, cures and solutions that they had created tirelessly over the years.
They slid the glass, in search of a few - one that was made to ease throat pain, one that eased muscle and joint pain and one for headaches. They gripped all three tightly and went out, visiting the kitchen briefly and clutching an apple and filling a cup with water. Mad sprinted to Sword, setting the water, fruit and mixtures on the bedside table.
"I'm back!" Madkit vocalised, of which Sword responded with a weak little grin. "Okay! I retrieved a snack and a drink if you need it," The scientist directed the red demon's attention to the items they had gathered and then picked up the painkiller liquids, "Here is what I have brought,"
Mad brandished them pridefully, though they were saddened by the apprehensive and depressed look on their sibling's face.
"Please.. don't waste all this on me. I... It's not worth it," Sword said, plainly. Sword not wanting their help was something they did not expect, but really, it made sense. He always made sure the things he received he had properly earned, never accepting things for free without feeling that he had 'paid enough' to deserve it.
"Sword, don't say that. This is barely anything - you do not have to worry. And, you're..." Madkit paused for a second, not sure what they wanted to end their statement off with. "You really are amazing, you are an amazing child. Please, let me help you. It's what you deserve, after all that has happened. You have earnt this. Everything's been going so quick for you, there is nothing wrong with taking it a little slow from time to time."
Sword looked up at the scientist, a small smile creeping onto his face. "Thank you," the teen replied, clearly very grateful. The look in his eyes was so genuine, so sweet.
"It's quite alright, Sword," Madkit added. Lord, this boy deserved the world. Med slid one of the bottles over to Sword, but was suddenly attacked, with a hug - he was sitting up in bed, hands curling around Mad, trapping him within the embrace. A little giggle escaped from their lips as they walked slightly closer so it was more comfortable for the boy. They revelled in the warmth of one another, minds at peace. Sword let go, resenting the fact he did that but his limbs were starting to ache annoyingly again, and laid back down. "Okay, just one sip is required of each for the effects to kick in,"
The boy stared up and nodded in response, taking one of them out of the scientist's palms and untwisting the cap, before taking a swig and swallowing. He expected it would taste absolutely awful, as most chemical potions do, but it was quite sweet and pleasant, most likely having its flavour altered to make the experience of taking the medicine far easier. Sword repeated it with the other two solutions.
Rather swiftly, they eased and lessened his overwhelming, head-splitting pain present all over his body.
"It doesn't hurt a lot anymore!" the swordsman exclaimed.
"Yes, it was a success! When I originally designed them, I planned for the effects to last for a full day, which meant it was a difficult task to make them all - I haven't actually tested if it can function the full 24 hours, but if the pain returns before then, feel free to scold me!" Madkit forced out an amused chuckle at the end there, of which Sword beamed in response.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" Sword screamed.
"Maybe now you should get some rest, that'll probably also help with making the pain subside," The scientist recommended. The child thought for a second.
"Okay... bye..!" The boy slipped under the covers and shut his eyes, but before he fell into slumber, he said something else.
"I love you,"
Three simple words.
Three words that often healed. Three words that often wounded. Three words that often killed.
It seemed so simple now.
Rather delayed, as they had gotten lost in thought, Madkit responded.
"I love you too, Sword,"