[ Hearing his name in that tone makes Alice shudder, but he attempts to disguise his distaste, rubbing his arms as though the room's temperature is too chilly, now that his upper body isn't clothed. He can't bring himself to return Midori's pleasantries straightaway, answering him with an unintelligible grunt along the lines of hnnghhh, which he also hastens to correct by acting like the sound was an exclamation in response to a burst of excruciating pain. How cruel to make him fill out paperwork in this condition!
He can't help but think that the school nurse's vacation is permanent. ]
...Substitute School Nurse Sou Hiyori, hmm? No doubt you'll have your hands full. I'll sign your paper...
[ This time, if it can be trusted, it seems that it's genuinely just a form to keep track of patient visits. Accepting the clipboard, Alice takes it with him to sit down. The mattress dips beneath him; he looks over his shoulder, unwilling to let Midori out of his sight. ]
Thank you, it helps keep track of who comes and goes, and for what purpose.
[ there's the snap of gloves popping around his wrists as he pulls them on, eyes examining the wound right before him. the fact that alice continues to turn around and peek is actually irritating, making the process of fixing the problem difficult because— ]
Face forward! You're pulling the muscle and causing more blood! Sheesh... do you even care about the state of your body?
[ quirky as always it seems, and having too much fun with the test subject in front of him. he waits for alice to turn his hand, and once he does midori will place his fingers on the outside of the wound, pressing down to see if it stings. ]
[ At the bottom of the sheet? That has to be postponed while Alice rates his pain aloud with a yelp, tossing the clipboard across the room as he twitches upright rigidly to flinch away from Midori's intrusive fingers. The 13.6 face definitely reflects how he feels — maybe even the 17 face!
The prodding can't be a normal procedure! Why would it be necessary, after scolding him to keep still and avoid squeezing more blood out of the wound?! ]
Obviously I care about the state of my body...!! Do you?!
[ Isn't this torture in the guise of medical care? ]
Don't fuss! This is important, we have to make sure that you still have feeling...
[ it was around the stab, and luckily not inside, but he does find alice to be quite the baby about this when throwing the clipboard. it knocks against a jar, shattering the glass of rocks onto the floor.
a small sigh... ]
Is there really a need to ruin the décor...? I didn't believe you'd hate it that much, the other students liked it...
[ walking away from alice, the nurse opens one of the file cabinets to pull out a needle. ]
[ Throwing and breaking things is somewhat embarrassing... ]
It was a reflex, I tell you...!!
[ Does Midori even have those? If he replaced his hands, and his head, and he doesn't bleed at all, he probably feels no pain whatsoever, Alice considers. No one will ever poke him, or jab him with needles!
Back to keeping his eyes trained on Midori's every movement, Alice's apprehension turns his posture tense. Come to think of it... why is there a needle now?! ]
You have to tell me when it hurts, Alice... people will call you a brute if you use anger to explain your feelings.
[ the needles in hand, he grabs a bottle of clear liquid as he jabs it inside of the thin film covering the hole which tells him no one has used it. slowly, he begins to pull up the plunger so that the liquid goes inside to a certain line that he thinks will be enough for the procedure. ]
Are you concerned about this? Well, I'll have to give you stitches, but... I have to numb the area so that you won't cause any more chaotic movements.
[ If this were a normal appointment to see a normal doctor, a needle prepared to inject him with some kind of substance wouldn't be so unnerving, but trusting Midori with that?! Memories or no memories! Alice's eyes remain fixed on Midori's hands. He would be a fool to allow any more of this to go ahead! Besides, the thought of the needle piercing into his skin, and another needle stitching him up...
Any reply dies unsaid while he concentrates on taking careful breaths so as not to faint in the nurse's office today — Sara Chidouin isn't even nearby! He can't risk surrendering the slightest bit of alertness!
Finally, he fumbles for a way out: ]
...I didn't say that I was concerned...! I'm merely sure that I don't need any numbing. You've already confirmed that I'll survive, so it's too much to spend time on stitches...
Now, don't tell me you're afraid of a small needle! It'll get infected if you leave it open...
[ everyone knows this that open wounds are bad in situations like this, especially in a school that doesn't respect cleanliness; it's a nasty disease waiting to happen. midori's even wearing gloves so he can continue with aiding alice, making sure not to do anything too worrisome so that his skin doesn't fall off or anything like that. he should trust his doctors more.
he holds up the needle, hitting it with his index finger to force out the bubbles. ]
I'm a nurse, too, it's never too much time! It's my job, Alice!
[ With a huff, gaze never leaving Midori's fingers and the needle's point, Alice does his best to appear at ease, completely unruffled. An infection... Midori must be exaggerating to scare him, but he probably should tend to his wound properly, and for that, he needs supplies that Midori won't hand over.
Far from at ease and unruffled, Alice grits his teeth. Stitches mean being forced to return to remove them once the wound is fully healed, don't they? ]
Or that I'd leave the wound open... I asked for bandages, so I intended to change them regularly!
Bandages won't do if the area is still open, you need stitches, Alice...
[ he's not apologetic at all as he says it. ensuring his safety is part of a nurse's job, so there's nothing but reassurances as he walks over to alice with the needle in hand. there are no visible bubbles, just a clear substance that's meant to be numbing medicine. ]
I can't imagine how you expect to reach an area you can't even touch! ...Ah, and then allowing other hands to do it, you're better off with a professional...
[ what if his back gets infected and leaks out watery green puss? then he'll get spinal cord injury, and who else knows what! ]
[ Midori and the needle are so close again... Alice stiffens in his seat. It's absolutely torture, drawing out every second of this, rubbing it in! ]
I get it! I haven't gone anywhere, so do it!
[ He really can't believe that the nurse suddenly decided to go on vacation now, abandoning everyone to let Midori take over. The timing is too suspicious!
Nevertheless, he's holding still, though his fingers are digging into the sides of his thighs. Soon, there is no turning back. ]
[ derogatory as it is, he's eyeing the area curious as to what brought such a deep wound. if he had to guess, he wouldn't say a butter knife because that's far too dull and needs a pointed tip to have a clean cut, so maybe something a little close. sticking the needle beside the wound, he pushes down on the plunger that'll remind alice of a pinch, and cold liquid seeping into his body that makes him feel all tingly inside. ]
There we go... Would you want to talk about how this happened?
[ it'd give him an idea of what he's working with, especially as he goes to throw the needle away into the trashcan close by, and grab a bottle of alcohol so he can clean out the wound. ]
[ It takes effort all over again not to snap "I'm a grown man, not a child or a dog!" It takes even more effort to stay seated as the needle slides in, emptying its contents into the puncture site. Tingling... Is that normal?!
By now, Alice's fingers are creasing his trouser legs, pressing dents into his thighs. No, he doesn't want to discuss the details of the incident that led to this wound! Reluctantly, he offers a vague response. ]
...An accident. That's all it was, so there's nothing else to explain.
If it's an accident, then you can speak about the details! Tetanus would be awful in a place like this...
[ so many other diseases that could be carried, and oh, the amount of poisons that are found that can be hidden on weapons! with a cotton ball pressed to the mouth of alcohol, he proceeds to wipe the area slowly, and he can only hope that alice tells him when his body starts to go numb in that general area. ]
You can tell me... I'm your nurse who wants the best for you.
[ oh alice, it has been so long. fortunately midori does well in masking his distaste, not too much caring if the other did die to an illness. it'd be on him for not making note of it. ]
[ A blatant lie, no matter what! Midori doesn't need his memories to be a twisted, heartless fiend! In other words, there must be some other reason why he's probing for the rest of the story... Unfortunately, Alice can't think of any possibilities, and the mix of the cold alcohol-soaked cotton ball touching his skin and the numbness setting in is disconcerting. ]
T-Tetanus...?!
[ Subaru Akehoshi survived his injury inflicted by the same blade — no infections or diseases hindered his recovery! Did they? ]
It was only a blade, and it was clean! I'm sure it was!!
[ now did komaeda clean that blade after he stabbed subaru? luckily for alice, komaeda likes to keep things clean along with himself, and so he doesn't have to worry about any subaru germs being dispensed into his body through a stabbing transfer. he can trust komaeda with this, at least. ]
Yes, if you aren't careful. That's the only reason I asked to follow the proper procedures.
[ he sighs, shaking his head. ] I just worry, I wouldn't want to see you in a scuffle...
[ with a small pat on alice's shoulder, he resumes wiping the area clean. now all he needs is needle and thread for the stitches, it's a shame that they don't have the kind that deterioates within the skin; alice will have to return a few weeks later to have them removed. ]
Once I stitch you back up, you can be on your merry way! Avoid getting the area wet, too.
[ Despite his faith in Komaeda's standards for cleanliness, Alice has to concede that treating the wound and keeping anything out of it are vital steps, and so far, no one can accuse Midori of not doing his job as the school nurse's replacement. If it were to come up in conversation, even he would have to acknowledge that nothing terrible happened as a consequence of visiting the nurse's office today...
Unless Midori plans to spread rumors that he sustained his injury in a fight? ]
What "scuffle"?! What are you imagining?!
[ And it's not very encouraging to hear that he's expected to keep the stitches dry... How is he supposed to bathe without that area getting wet?! ]
You've noticed, haven't you? Students here tend to take down the weakest link, that's how I heard graduation normally went last year? I wasn't around for that.
[ he woke up a year too late, but that doesn't mean he can't use his belatedness to his advantage, and that allows him to spin his story to one side to prove his innocence. had he been awake then, who knows what would have happened, or if he could take advantage of those lost and unsure where to go; a helping hand tends to do wonders.
with the needle and thread in hand, he manages to slip the suture through the hole with relative ease. ]
I wouldn't want them to make you a target, that's all.
[ as much as midori would love to end alice's life, he doesn't, only because within these walls there's a job that must be done. he isn't fond of him, but that doesn't mean he can't play fair. one hand reaches out to pinch at the skin, and then slowly slipping the needle through the flesh that alice should feel, but nothing that causes harm or immediately discomfort, it's just... unusual probably. ]
[ The conversation distracts Alice from focusing on the strange sensation of being stitched up without feeling any pain. Graduation here isn't anything that he's personally familiar with himself, but he won't admit that like Midori, he wasn't awake last year to witness it, and that it doesn't sound farfetched for the school to pit its students against one another. He might refuse to take part in a new sort of death game, but there's no telling what others would do...
Disturbing though it may be, knowing that nothing is done out of the goodness of Midori's heart, it's almost impressive how dedicated Midori is to acting the part of a kind, helpful doctor. The truth contradicts it, however — in some way, he's plotting as they speak! ]
Inconceivable... That's inconceivable...
[ Why wouldn't his back heal fully? Alice steals a glance behind him. ]
I can't avoid showering, but it won't get infected!
Inconceivable! Ludicrous! Impossible... say what you like, but that's the reality of this place.
[ a kind, helpful doctor who comes to his patient's aid. he might close them a little too tight, but honestly it's better than freely allowing it to breathe the fresh air. he doesn't need that many threaded in, so with about two visible, midori steps back to examine his work. ]
I never said you didn't have to shower! That would be gross...
[ disgusting even, just completely repulsive at the thought. ]
Just use a rag and bucket, and have someone clean around the area. You're not shy about your body, are you?
[ Once Midori isn't leaning so close, Alice breathes easier, and he crosses his arms instead of squeezing his thighs as though they're standing in for a stress ball. He does feel better, at least while the injured area has no feeling in it...
His next remark comes out muttered, vaguely petulant: ]
You told me not to get it wet... My body isn't the problem! But imposing on someone...
[ How can he simply approach others to request their assistance? Who would agree to that?! ]
Do not get it wet, or it'll ruin the stitches! I can give you a rag that'll be great for the job.
[ with everything done, he uses the bandages that he has to place over the area, covering it from sight. fine work, he will say so himself. ]
You've made friends here, haven't you?
[ loathe he is to say so, he inquires like a doctor who worries about their patient. friends, out of all people who had obtained friends it would be alice, and he could only hope that he loses them one by one.
even though they're no longer in the majority game, it does hurt to see his murderer standing before him— breathing, existing.
well, whatever! ]
Someone must be willing. Or you can come to me for a daily wash.
[ Stitches, bandages — that means he can put his shirt back on! Alice snatches it up, pulling it over his head and pushing his arms through the sleeves before tugging the hem down his torso, much faster than he removed the garment. Then, rising to his feet, he turns around fully to face Midori.
A daily wash... As if he's an invalid, helpless without Midori's intervention... It has to be a joke. But these bandages need changing over and over until the wound heals and the stitches are gone, right? ]
I've made many friends! Any of them would be more than willing to seize this opportunity...!
[ Or so he'll claim, in case Midori hoped to hear the opposite. ]
[ Aches or pains?! It's not over...? But he'll endure all of them, regardless of how much they might make him scream or cry, if they're unbearably unpleasant! ]
I'm always good...
[ If this were an ordinary doctor's visit, some words of gratitude would be in order, and they nearly slip out as Alice heads for the door. ]
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no subject
He can't help but think that the school nurse's vacation is permanent. ]
...Substitute School Nurse Sou Hiyori, hmm? No doubt you'll have your hands full. I'll sign your paper...
[ This time, if it can be trusted, it seems that it's genuinely just a form to keep track of patient visits. Accepting the clipboard, Alice takes it with him to sit down. The mattress dips beneath him; he looks over his shoulder, unwilling to let Midori out of his sight. ]
no subject
[ there's the snap of gloves popping around his wrists as he pulls them on, eyes examining the wound right before him. the fact that alice continues to turn around and peek is actually irritating, making the process of fixing the problem difficult because— ]
Face forward! You're pulling the muscle and causing more blood! Sheesh... do you even care about the state of your body?
[ quirky as always it seems, and having too much fun with the test subject in front of him. he waits for alice to turn his hand, and once he does midori will place his fingers on the outside of the wound, pressing down to see if it stings. ]
At the bottom of the sheet, rate your pain.
[ it looks like this. ]
no subject
The prodding can't be a normal procedure! Why would it be necessary, after scolding him to keep still and avoid squeezing more blood out of the wound?! ]
Obviously I care about the state of my body...!! Do you?!
[ Isn't this torture in the guise of medical care? ]
no subject
[ it was around the stab, and luckily not inside, but he does find alice to be quite the baby about this when throwing the clipboard. it knocks against a jar, shattering the glass of rocks onto the floor.
a small sigh... ]
Is there really a need to ruin the décor...? I didn't believe you'd hate it that much, the other students liked it...
[ walking away from alice, the nurse opens one of the file cabinets to pull out a needle. ]
no subject
It was a reflex, I tell you...!!
[ Does Midori even have those? If he replaced his hands, and his head, and he doesn't bleed at all, he probably feels no pain whatsoever, Alice considers. No one will ever poke him, or jab him with needles!
Back to keeping his eyes trained on Midori's every movement, Alice's apprehension turns his posture tense. Come to think of it... why is there a needle now?! ]
no subject
[ the needles in hand, he grabs a bottle of clear liquid as he jabs it inside of the thin film covering the hole which tells him no one has used it. slowly, he begins to pull up the plunger so that the liquid goes inside to a certain line that he thinks will be enough for the procedure. ]
Are you concerned about this? Well, I'll have to give you stitches, but... I have to numb the area so that you won't cause any more chaotic movements.
no subject
Any reply dies unsaid while he concentrates on taking careful breaths so as not to faint in the nurse's office today — Sara Chidouin isn't even nearby! He can't risk surrendering the slightest bit of alertness!
Finally, he fumbles for a way out: ]
...I didn't say that I was concerned...! I'm merely sure that I don't need any numbing. You've already confirmed that I'll survive, so it's too much to spend time on stitches...
no subject
[ everyone knows this that open wounds are bad in situations like this, especially in a school that doesn't respect cleanliness; it's a nasty disease waiting to happen. midori's even wearing gloves so he can continue with aiding alice, making sure not to do anything too worrisome so that his skin doesn't fall off or anything like that. he should trust his doctors more.
he holds up the needle, hitting it with his index finger to force out the bubbles. ]
I'm a nurse, too, it's never too much time! It's my job, Alice!
no subject
[ With a huff, gaze never leaving Midori's fingers and the needle's point, Alice does his best to appear at ease, completely unruffled. An infection... Midori must be exaggerating to scare him, but he probably should tend to his wound properly, and for that, he needs supplies that Midori won't hand over.
Far from at ease and unruffled, Alice grits his teeth. Stitches mean being forced to return to remove them once the wound is fully healed, don't they? ]
Or that I'd leave the wound open... I asked for bandages, so I intended to change them regularly!
no subject
[ he's not apologetic at all as he says it. ensuring his safety is part of a nurse's job, so there's nothing but reassurances as he walks over to alice with the needle in hand. there are no visible bubbles, just a clear substance that's meant to be numbing medicine. ]
I can't imagine how you expect to reach an area you can't even touch! ...Ah, and then allowing other hands to do it, you're better off with a professional...
[ what if his back gets infected and leaks out watery green puss? then he'll get spinal cord injury, and who else knows what! ]
no subject
I get it! I haven't gone anywhere, so do it!
[ He really can't believe that the nurse suddenly decided to go on vacation now, abandoning everyone to let Midori take over. The timing is too suspicious!
Nevertheless, he's holding still, though his fingers are digging into the sides of his thighs. Soon, there is no turning back. ]
no subject
[ derogatory as it is, he's eyeing the area curious as to what brought such a deep wound. if he had to guess, he wouldn't say a butter knife because that's far too dull and needs a pointed tip to have a clean cut, so maybe something a little close. sticking the needle beside the wound, he pushes down on the plunger that'll remind alice of a pinch, and cold liquid seeping into his body that makes him feel all tingly inside. ]
There we go... Would you want to talk about how this happened?
[ it'd give him an idea of what he's working with, especially as he goes to throw the needle away into the trashcan close by, and grab a bottle of alcohol so he can clean out the wound. ]
no subject
By now, Alice's fingers are creasing his trouser legs, pressing dents into his thighs. No, he doesn't want to discuss the details of the incident that led to this wound! Reluctantly, he offers a vague response. ]
...An accident. That's all it was, so there's nothing else to explain.
no subject
[ so many other diseases that could be carried, and oh, the amount of poisons that are found that can be hidden on weapons! with a cotton ball pressed to the mouth of alcohol, he proceeds to wipe the area slowly, and he can only hope that alice tells him when his body starts to go numb in that general area. ]
You can tell me... I'm your nurse who wants the best for you.
[ oh alice, it has been so long. fortunately midori does well in masking his distaste, not too much caring if the other did die to an illness. it'd be on him for not making note of it. ]
no subject
T-Tetanus...?!
[ Subaru Akehoshi survived his injury inflicted by the same blade — no infections or diseases hindered his recovery! Did they? ]
It was only a blade, and it was clean! I'm sure it was!!
no subject
Yes, if you aren't careful. That's the only reason I asked to follow the proper procedures.
[ he sighs, shaking his head. ] I just worry, I wouldn't want to see you in a scuffle...
[ with a small pat on alice's shoulder, he resumes wiping the area clean. now all he needs is needle and thread for the stitches, it's a shame that they don't have the kind that deterioates within the skin; alice will have to return a few weeks later to have them removed. ]
Once I stitch you back up, you can be on your merry way! Avoid getting the area wet, too.
no subject
Unless Midori plans to spread rumors that he sustained his injury in a fight? ]
What "scuffle"?! What are you imagining?!
[ And it's not very encouraging to hear that he's expected to keep the stitches dry... How is he supposed to bathe without that area getting wet?! ]
no subject
[ he woke up a year too late, but that doesn't mean he can't use his belatedness to his advantage, and that allows him to spin his story to one side to prove his innocence. had he been awake then, who knows what would have happened, or if he could take advantage of those lost and unsure where to go; a helping hand tends to do wonders.
with the needle and thread in hand, he manages to slip the suture through the hole with relative ease. ]
I wouldn't want them to make you a target, that's all.
[ as much as midori would love to end alice's life, he doesn't, only because within these walls there's a job that must be done. he isn't fond of him, but that doesn't mean he can't play fair. one hand reaches out to pinch at the skin, and then slowly slipping the needle through the flesh that alice should feel, but nothing that causes harm or immediately discomfort, it's just... unusual probably. ]
Your back could become your Achilles' heel!
no subject
Disturbing though it may be, knowing that nothing is done out of the goodness of Midori's heart, it's almost impressive how dedicated Midori is to acting the part of a kind, helpful doctor. The truth contradicts it, however — in some way, he's plotting as they speak! ]
Inconceivable... That's inconceivable...
[ Why wouldn't his back heal fully? Alice steals a glance behind him. ]
I can't avoid showering, but it won't get infected!
no subject
[ a kind, helpful doctor who comes to his patient's aid. he might close them a little too tight, but honestly it's better than freely allowing it to breathe the fresh air. he doesn't need that many threaded in, so with about two visible, midori steps back to examine his work. ]
I never said you didn't have to shower! That would be gross...
[ disgusting even, just completely repulsive at the thought. ]
Just use a rag and bucket, and have someone clean around the area. You're not shy about your body, are you?
no subject
His next remark comes out muttered, vaguely petulant: ]
You told me not to get it wet... My body isn't the problem! But imposing on someone...
[ How can he simply approach others to request their assistance? Who would agree to that?! ]
no subject
[ with everything done, he uses the bandages that he has to place over the area, covering it from sight. fine work, he will say so himself. ]
You've made friends here, haven't you?
[ loathe he is to say so, he inquires like a doctor who worries about their patient. friends, out of all people who had obtained friends it would be alice, and he could only hope that he loses them one by one.
even though they're no longer in the majority game, it does hurt to see his murderer standing before him— breathing, existing.
well, whatever! ]
Someone must be willing. Or you can come to me for a daily wash.
no subject
A daily wash... As if he's an invalid, helpless without Midori's intervention... It has to be a joke. But these bandages need changing over and over until the wound heals and the stitches are gone, right? ]
I've made many friends! Any of them would be more than willing to seize this opportunity...!
[ Or so he'll claim, in case Midori hoped to hear the opposite. ]
So, as you can see, your work is done!
no subject
[ it's going to hurt like hell once it wears off, but he's sure that alice can bear it... maybe. ]
I'll come and visit you in two.
[ a smile as he finally sits down, crossing his legs as he looks towards the door. ] Be good, Alice!
no subject
I'm always good...
[ If this were an ordinary doctor's visit, some words of gratitude would be in order, and they nearly slip out as Alice heads for the door. ]
Th— [ He covers it up with a cough. ] Goodbye!