exactinglywormish

[exactinglywormish]

Dr Worm looks at the hand on their knee whilst they listen, staying quiet. More tears trickle down their face.

‘I…’ They struggle to come up with an argument. ‘I… won’t people mistreat you when they find out about me? Rismus, too? Humans find worms so disgusting… do I disgust you?’

Timidly, they take the clothes. ‘Will I be punished if I wear these?’ The ask, running their fingers over the fabric.

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

‘I… want to be.’

A teardrop leaks out of their eye and they wipe it away with a sniffle.

‘Rismus- I think Rismus thinks I am… he’s so lovely and generous and so kind. I just…’ They take a big breath.

‘I’m not really… I’m just a fraud. A fake in the wrong shape. I’m still a..’ They shake their head and try to stop more tears instead.

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

The forehead kiss makes them blush whilst simultaneously amplifying the shame.

When he mentions surgery they turn an odd greyish green and pick at a scab on the back of their hand.

‘Oh… that sounds bad. I’m sorry they got hurt… Sorry you were waiting. Sorry. Sorry I kept you waiting. I… I’m sorry…’ They mumble the apologies repeatedly and tug at one of their sleeves.

Dr Worm looks at the pyjamas. The phrase ‘my love’ brings tears to their eyes and they keep avoiding his gaze to try and stop him from noticing. ‘Only humans get to wear clean clothes.’

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

‘Rismus helped me bandage them.’

Dr Worm is avoiding eye contact, still only half present. They don’t really respond to the rest of what he said. They’re too busy feeling consumed by shame.

The skin against his hand feels both clammy and feverish at once. They are leaning into his touch, achingly, but they seem almost dead in some ways.

‘What did you get up to? You… said something about an emergency or something..?’

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

‘Yeah… he was. He’s so perfect. I don’t deserve him. I don’t deserve you either. You’re so perfect.’ The statement is so matter-of-fact upon their tongue.

Dr Worm is wearing a somewhat tattered jumper. Bandages, some sticky, are visible beneath the fabric. Additionally, they’re wearing loose, similarly holey trousers. The clothes hang too loosely about their frame.

‘I’m sorry… I didn’t want to worry you… I…’

Their eyes focus a little far off.

‘It hurt.’

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

The pressure on the infected areas flares up in agony, but they ignore it and lean into his touch. They feel completely unworthy of it, but how could they ever help themself?

‘Percival.’

It takes them a moment or two to think. ‘You don’t need to apologise to me, ever.’

‘Um… Rismus. Rismus is in the bedroom.’ Something in their voice sounds sad.

‘You left me a message? I.. My phone is somewhere. Haven’t looked at it. I’m so sorry.’ Now they just sound guilty.

Dr Worm tries to bury their face into his shoulder.

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

(Yay! I’m going to assume these are Regular Waking Hours, probably the morning after dr worm gets back? Gives them time for their stuff with rismus)

Dr Worm hadn’t even looked at their phone since they got home, so Sir Balderdash’s message was left unanswered.

Sat on the floor near the hob in the kitchen, they’re torn between trying to eat a slightly moldy piece of bread and trying not to fall asleep, battling against the deep, dark circles beneath their eyes. They’ve grown thinner since Sir Balderdash last saw them, and their clothes, though usually oversized, hang about their frame as though on a hanger instead of a person.

When he finally comes into view, Dr Worm tries to scramble up, injuries protesting. One of their legs almost fails them and they’re forced to grip the counter to stay upright.

‘Percival.’ Their voice has a broken sort of happiness to it, a little croaky and more than a little desperate, but glad nonetheless.

One hand remaining white knuckled upon the counter, they reach for him with the other.

Since he’s the one who set up the portal, Balderdash obviously included an alert that would let him know when Dr Worm returned through it. Unfortunately, when said alarm goes off he’s in the middle of treating an entire group of interns who got drunk and decided to summon the Scissors God. After puzzle-piecing someone’s arm back together, he gets a minute free to send off messages to his phone.

The first is to Dr Worm, of course. “I’m so glad you’re home. Medbay is experiencing a crisis at þe moment but if you need me let me know and I will be þere. Oþerwise I shll see yiu in some number of hiurs. I love you.”

Then another to Rismus, significantly more rushed because someone just started screaming somewhere behind him. “James is backif you are not already wiþ þem. If you happen to check uiur phone before James please tkel þem j love þem,. Good luck”

———————————

The screaming turned out to be because one of the interns had been chosen as the new avatar of the Scissors God. Which resulted in a fresh batch of victims, and also a crazed teenager with scissors for a head running around that had to be contained somehow. Many hours later, after sewing on more severed limbs than he would have predicted seeing in his entire life, he stumbles his way to his rooms. He’s about to go through the portal when he realizes he’s still extremely covered in blood, and that probably won’t be a positive thing for Dr Worm to see at the moment. After a quick shower, and also briefly falling asleep in the shower, he finally makes it through to Dr Worm’s rooms and starts looking for them.

((@exactinglywormish :) also @bitz-n-bytez although Rismus in no way has to appear in this one. He can be asleep (or whatever his equivalent is) or have left to go somewhere. This is mostly just cause he’s mentioned.))

[exactinglywormish]

Dr Worm feels ill.

The wounds on their back are sore, hot, and infected. Not that they’ve let Rismus see them since they first came back. They don’t think Rismus wants to see that again.

It’s the fifth day of eating bread and nothing but. Humans cook, humans bake, but they don’t, not anymore. They never should have been, really. Just lying to themself.

They’re hungry, and they hate the taste of bread, but they don’t deserve any better.

Thus, they sit and stare down at the plain slice of bread. There is no plate. Only humans use plates and cutlery.

[exactinglywormish]

‘Goodnight Rismus. I love you.’ They wish him goodnight before he drifts off, and dutifully guard him for as long as he sleeps.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

‘Of course it is, you don’t need to ask for permission.’

Dr Worm smiles gladly. They think Rismus looks pretty when he sleeps, and they’re more than happy to guard him until he wakes up.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

‘And I love him for it. He’s always so good.’

Rismus’ smile always manages to make Dr Worm’s heart flutter, even now.

Dr Worm finishes spelling and moves on to drawing heart shapes.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

‘You’re still full of life.’ They reply, slightly jutting their chin out in mock stubbornness.

‘You’re so very nice and warm. Who needs a radiator or a heated blanket? Not me. I can ask a pretty, hot ghost to wrap himself around me instead.’ They wink.

Fingers continue to draw patters on his back. They’re spelling something.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

Dr Worm responds by giving him lots of kisses.

‘Is it possible to be more than everything? If it is, then that’s what you are… infinite like the universe, but warm and full of life.’ The last part makes them laugh a little bit.

They wrap their arms around Rismus, one hand drawing patterns on his back.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

Smiling the gentlest smile, they nestle up to Rismus, as close as they possibly can.

A hand reaches to grab blankets and pulls them over the pair of them, tucking both themself and Rismus beneath.

‘I love you. There will never be words enough to express even a fraction of my love for you.’

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

Dr Worm stays quiet for a few moments.

‘I… really?’ Their eyes fill with happy tears. ‘You- you really thought I was beautiful, even with the- the dark circles, the countable ribs, the scars? You actually thought my scars were beautiful?’

It seems like they’re deeply insecure about all of the scarring.

‘I- wait, who- who even told you about me?’ They ask. Even though it’s asked in a moment of insecurity, they are genuinely curious.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

Dr Worm hums happily and puts the book away again.

‘Safe.’

‘You’re safe too. Nothing is ever going to hurt you if I can help it.’ It’s spoken with conviction. A promise.

Voice softening, they change the topic. ‘My perfect, perfect husband. I love you so much. I can’t believe I’m so lucky…

I never thought… someone as incredible as you would ever look twice at me. When you came into the medbay and spoke to me, I thought it was a dream, you know.

I’m still surprised you looked twice at me. You’re so beautiful. I… I was such a mess when you saw me. Rismus, why on earth did you keep talking to me after you saw I was a sad, ugly wreck?’ They look at Rismus with a creased brow and puzzled expression.

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"

[exactinglywormish]

Dr Worm giggles.

‘Mm, if you say so…’

A kiss gets pressed to his temple, then to his cheek, then to his shoulder. Dr Worm tends to avoid his neck.

‘One day I will find proper proof that you’re perfect. I’ll ask people from work to help out. Hm, I wonder if Dr Greene would…’ They trail off, realising they were growing a little bit distracted.

‘That doesn’t matter for now. All that matters is you.’

The door opens and Dr Worm stumbles in.

'Rismus?' Their voice sounds scared and broken, and they look around for him.

There isn't anything immediately wrong with them, not really. Yes, they're limping, and their eyes are too wide to be normal, but aside from that there isn't any external damage to them.

He's immediately concerned. He rushes over to them, cupping their face, supporting them.

"James! You're back! What happened? Are you alright?"