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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 16, 2009 1:09:00 GMT -6
Fusk this... God damn stupid ass fusking cold or whatever the fusk it is, these along with other beautiful, vocab-filled words went through Dante's mind as he sat against the wall, deep in the back of an alley as he looked ahead at the wall in front of him. Around his body was his ratty-old blanket he had had for years. He was shivering. But he knew it wasn't from the air. It was from his body. He could feel himself burning up. His body trying to fight whatever had gotten into his system. He was sweating a bit, his face had a light layer of the body liquid on it as he curled up tighter against the wall. His head pounded. His nose was stuffy but he hadn't been able to afford tissue. But he did manage to get a hold of some toilet paper for tissue instead. His throat hurt. He had been coughing, a lot, and it sounded half the time like he was hacking up a lung. He looked over to Koala who was sitting next to him, question in his eyes. Dante sneezed once before looking at him, "Alright little guy. Guess we're going to go to a new place tonight. Let's go..." He moved to stand up but right as he did his head started swimming. His stomach started to protest, but he ignored it as he tried to move. He was holding onto the card board next to him to keep him stable. But as he stood he coughed again, using his hand to cover his mouth. When he pulled it away though, in his hand he saw blood. It concerned him for a moment before he realized the probable explanation- he had coughed so much his throat had been worn raw. And now it was bleeding a little. But it wasn't anything really urgent, he knew, so he didn't pay much mind.
That's when Koala got irritated. He had noticed his master struggling so much with standing that he had gotten fed up with Dante not wanting help. Of course, wasn't like Dante had many options for help. He couldn't afford Dayquil or Nyquil... which then led to the fact that he hadn't really been able to sleep to get better. And maybe the fact that his 'bed' was a blanket on the ground contributed to his recent lack of sleep. Koala had had enough. He turned, collar with Cian's address and number on it staying on tight as he left the alley way, barking, searching for someone to help his master. Once he found someone, he would bring whoever it was back.
Dante could only watch as Koala left- raising his hand to reach him but he couldn't of course. He took a step forward but his whole body protested with chills and exhaustion. His stomach couldn't take it. He was stopped as he felt vomit rise up in his throat, coming out of his mouth onto the ground below him. The man didn't have much to regurgitate, the only thing he had been able to afford to eat recently had been a box of Cheez-Its. Shit... that's not good, he thought. Dante was already dangerously thin for a man his size. He weighed maybe up to thirty pounds less than he should. His ribs showing more and more with each missed meal. He didn't need to be throwing up food. But it got him to sit back down, farther from the vomit though, he didn't need the smell of it to make him feel even more sick. He was worried too. Worried about Koala. Where was he?
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 16, 2009 1:37:42 GMT -6
A ring at the door. Cian furrowed his brow and got up. Walking to the door, he opened it and saw a quirky looking woman standing there with a dog. She said that she found the dog running the back alleys, and read the tag. Koala? This was Koala. No kidding. He thanked her kindly and took the dog into his home. Something wasn't right. He slipped on his shoes and opened the door. Looking at the dog with a smile. Come on Koala... lets se if we can' find your master.. Leaving the house, he closed the door. Koala just took off down the street. Cian's eyes widened, and he took off on foot aswell. Chasing after the pooch at a full blown run, thinking that Koala was a run away. No! that Dante's friend, Cian had to get the dog back. He followed. Oddly enough the dog was running slow enough for Cian to keep up.
A few rounds and turns. Twists in the alleys. He was getting a little worn out, but he had to catch that dog. Koala! No, wait! please wait a..... minute... Dante? He slowed up as he approached. Koala had led him right to Dante. Upon closer inspection he noticed how thin he was. The vomit. He didn't look well at all. Good God Dante... Your so sick! He moved to his side. Avoiding the vomit. He placed a hand to his forehead. His sweating forehead. He was burning up a little. Dante, ye can' walk about like this. No' like this. Why didn' you come te my place? No, it doesn' matter now... you are comin' home with me.. He would refuse to let Dante have his way if his way meant staying out here. No, Cian put his foot down before there was even a need to. All that had been needed for him was to see the gaunt features of a sick man with no home or money. both you an' Koala.. He hoped that might help him feel better about it.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 16, 2009 2:09:24 GMT -6
The dog hadn't planned on being picked up by that woman. But he was glad she was nice. She led him probably to the best place ever. That nice guy who gave him food. Correction, who gave him and Dante food. The guy was reallllyyyy nice, and so when Koala found himself at his home, he barked happily, getting a bit restless in the girl's arms. But once he was on the ground and Cian was ready to go, he took off. Dante was sick and it was up to Koala to rescue him. Well, now Koala and Cian. Koala was glad that Cian was so willing to help him. He looked back as he moved to make sure he could keep up with him. He was glad Cian was smart too and followed him. Otherwise, he'd have to do something else. And he really didn't want to anger Cian. That would be mean. And then Cian might not want to help him... no. Cian was a nice person. And Koala liked him.
This all completely and totally sucked. Dante didn't want to be sick anymore. He hated how his head felt like it was swimming with liquids, he hated the smell of the vomit that had filled the area. He felt like he just wanted to die. But he couldn't do that. He had a dog to take care of. But then he heard the sound of Koala's collar jingling in the distance. And... foot steps? He was bringing someone with him? Or was someone chasing him? He tensed before he saw who it was. Cian. He relaxed only a little, not wanting to have Cian see him so weak and plainly... so pathetic. He felt Cian's hand on his forehead. He knew he had a fever. He didn't need a thermometer to tell him that. And then he heard Cian's voice and curled up more, looking up at Cian, his expression defiant, "I didn't go to your place because I," Sneeze, cough, wipe blood on jeans- not caring much since it wasn't anything relating to his illness- just a result from coughing so much, "I don't need help. I'm fine. And I wont go to your house because I don't need any help!" but that was obviously not the case as he coughed again. And when he mentioned Koala, Dante felt it was a way to keep his pride and get help, "Fine. But this is only for Koala. He shouldn't have to be stuck here with someone who can't take care of her. Let's go." He stood up carefully, his head stills swimming with fluid as he tried to lift his backpack, he probably couldn't walk far on his own, he'd probably need support. But he had managed to get his heavy backpack on him, still carrying the blanket.
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 16, 2009 2:35:36 GMT -6
He heard Dante's protests and saw the blood from the coughing. Lack of mucous in the throat... thats what that was. But it was a concern still. That meant he was coughing too much. He heard him say how he wouldn't go to his place. Rubbish. In the end, envolving koala in that statement paid off. Dante was going to obey and follow. He wasn't about to let him walk. Well, not without help atleast. He could put up with being sworn at or whatever Dante would do. He took Dante's bag from him. No, you are no' carryin' tha'.. He slung it over his own shoulder and then took Dante's arm and wrapped it over his shoulders. Wrapping an arm around his back and holding onto his side as he started to slowly head back to the townhouse that he and Pauley lived in. He looked at Koala. Comin'? He said with a smile to her. Moving on now. They walked for several more minutes and were already in a nicer part of the city. It was looking quite nice and less dangerous already.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 16, 2009 2:57:51 GMT -6
Dante was pissed. He didn't need any help walking. He could probably walk in a straight line... well, maybe not, but still. But then he took his bag and insisted on carrying it. He tried to reach after it, "You ass, give me that! I can carry it just fine!" But it wasn't like he could actually reach his bag. So the man was SOL as he felt his arm being wrapped around Cian's shoulder. He tried to chuckle a little but it came out as a cough, "Aren't afraid of me anymore?" Dante had given up on his bag and let the man help him out a little. It wasn't like Dante was very heavy- he weighed about as much as a young woman- but that had been part of the reasons for his protests. He didn't need anyone to know actually how skinny he was. But he ignored his concerns as he looked over at Koala when Cian called him. The dog happily trotting alongside them. Then Dante took the time to actually look around the area they were entering, "I haven't been in this part of the city before. At least not much...."
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 16, 2009 3:36:15 GMT -6
He ignored what he was being called, nope. It wouldn't suede him. He kept on walking. Looking down at Koala the odd time and beaming at the sweet dog. he then would refocus on taking this dangerously thin and sick man home. If ye were healthy.. maybe.. He joked playfully. Trying to keep a sense of humor about this. He couldn't help but feel a little bad when he said he hadn't been in this part of town. Not much atleast. He knew that Dante didn't have much and he had a feeling that Dante might feel like this is all getting rubbed in his face. He was feeling bad about this. But Dante needed a place and he needed help. Aye... its nothing special.. I think Pauley an' I an' Cael are the only humans livin' here.. everyone else is too stiff for me. He walked up to the house. It was a larger house. Really nice looking. Expensive looking. He walked with him up to the door and he took the key from his pocket. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside. Taking Dante to the large comfy couches. He eased him down onto one and set the bag on the floor. running back and closing the door, he moved out of sight. I will be righ' back.. I need te grab a few things from the cabinet.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 16, 2009 4:01:24 GMT -6
Of course the guy wouldn't let words change his mind. And so Dante was stuck. Mentally and physically (well, at least in terms of facial expressions) pouting as they moved. Dante's eyes looked at the area around them as they neared his house. It was all so... nice. It was then he realized the clothes Cian was wearing. Not for any perverse reasons or anything, but because he was fully realizing how nice they were compared to his own. His own clothes were- although clean by water and cheap soap- old and worn. He had only three outfits to alternate between each day. And right now he had been wearing this same one for the past two days, not having the energy to change and wash it. Dante heard him say something about it not being anything special. He chuckled before speaking light-heartedly, "Heh, no, I'd say it's pretty special." The house was so... so pretty. So large. So nice. And for the first time in his life, Dante was willingly brought into a home. He was carefully placed on one of the couches- they were so nice and comfortable... just what he had always thought a couch would be like. Though, he had never really sat on one before. At least not like this. A hotel room's couch wasn't as comfortable. While he waited for Cian to return, he looked at the place further. His eyes landing on his own backpack, sitting next to Koala. He felt so out of place. Koala could easily pass as being the main dog of the house, but Dante.... He frankly felt he looked like shit compared to the rest of his surroundings. Everything was so pretty, so expensive. He looked to his backpack. It was so old, so rated out. Just like the clothes on his body. Whereas everything here looked... not new necessarily, but not worn. It was almost- no, it actually was embarrassing. Suddenly he felt less comfortable here than he was on the streets. He sank into the couch, at least managing to take off his ratty sneakers before putting his feet on the nice piece of furniture, almost trying to make himself as small as possible on the couch.
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 16, 2009 11:51:29 GMT -6
Cian ran about. Taking note of what medcine they had in the house. They had sinus pills, pepto, day and NyQuil. They had buckley's, which made Cian gag but they had it anyway. Tylenol and advil. He pulled out a few towels. First thing was first. Dante needed a good cleaning. No, Cian did not see him as dirty, but when a person is sick, it always feels really good to soak in a hot bath. He began to run the tap. He really hoped it wouldn't be all too hard to get him in there. While the tap was running hot, Cian added epsome salts to the water. That should help the man relax and get better a little. Or atleast feel a little tiny better. He left the bathroom then and headed into his own room. He remembered having a pair of pants that were too long in the leg. Cian himself was a fairly thin man. He was really lean. He figured they should fit Dante. They looked to be about the same size and they were sweat pants. Practically new. He grabbed a clean shirt too. Setting them in the bathroom next to the towels, and then he turned off the tap. He headed down the stairs and walked into the living room. Come on Dante.. lets get you cleaned up a bit.. There is a hot bath an' clean clothes waiting for you... believe me.. you will feel better after having a soak.. I always do that when i am sick.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 16, 2009 13:17:02 GMT -6
It was so... quiet in a house like this. He was used to hearing the rustling and bustling of people walking along the streets beside him. That's why he normally tried to find shelter in an abandoned warehouse or something, the door would keep some of the noise and weather out. He hated when it rained. It got everything he had all soaked unless he could find something. He had used a cardboard box before, to keep him dry. And it worked fairly well if done the right way. He and Koala would sit inside and wait out the storm. Dante looked down to Koala, the dog had now gotten bored of staring at his master being awkward in this new environment, and was now exploring the area around him. "Koala, don't break anything boy," he said firmly. The dog seemed to have heard but didn't make any indication that he had, for he continued to stumble around the area. He then saw Cian reenter the area. He didn't seem to notice how out of place Dante looked, in his grubby clothes and all surrounded by such fancy (at least, fancy to Dante) things. But when he heard bath, his mind automatically associated it with the cold showers he had gotten from the free public bath houses. But no... this was an actual bath. One with warm water instead of the cold stuff he had gotten used to. He laboriously pushed himself to his feet, walking towards Cian, "You really don't have to do all this... I'm fine, I can take care of myself. If you really have to help me, just watch over Koala while I recover by myself."
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 16, 2009 14:07:49 GMT -6
He didn't care. He would do it any way. He just stood there and smiled at Dante, then at Koala. Then to Dante again. He looked straight at him. He wasn't going to allow him to protest. Not really atleast. Like I said.. there is a hot bath drawn for you Dante.. up the stairs. I laid out some clean clothin' for you te wear. The hot water will do you good. While you are in there.. I will set up a couch for you an' get out some medication.. I will cook up some hot chicken noodle soup for you an' get some ginger ale. He was going to make damn sure that Dante got food in him. I will also be tending to Koala, and getting him something te eat an' drink. I will set up a sleeping area for him aswell, an' see if Koala would like a warm wash up too.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 16, 2009 14:36:48 GMT -6
Dante crossed his arms. Okay. This guy was not listening to him. Dante didn't need anyone to take care of him like that. But... a bath did sound good. And at the prospect of food his stomach was both excited for the nutrients and upset from the cold. But the guy was talking too fast for Dante to actually protest, and before he could find anything to say he had moved on to talking about taking care of Koala. He could use help taking care of the dog, he'd admit, but... but still, "Cian, you don't have to do all this, dammit. Who are you, my mother?" of course, he didn't actually mean his mother. His mother never would have done anything like this for him. But... temptation fighting against pride. If he accepted it all now, he'd look like he was just giving trouble to protest, but if he didn't then he'd lose this opportunity- an opportunity that hadn't arisen till now. He sighed, figuring a way to save face, "Fine. I'll let you play 'mom' if it will make you feel better... thanks for helping with Koala though," he remembered Cian saying the bath was upstairs, and so he started up them before reaching the bath.
He shut the door behind him, taking off his dirty old clothes, revealing his bony body. His eyes glanced at the welcoming water. The smell... it started to clear his head just a little as he stepped into the warm water. It felt nice... really nice. He leaned back, letting the dirt from the streets wash off and he really started to take full advantage of having a warm bath for at least the moment. Just a little longer later he got out, feeling just a bit better before putting on the new, clean clothes. They felt so... so comfortable. They were a bit loose on him, but that was okay. He moved downstairs once again, looking for Cian, his old clothes crumpled in his hand to put back in his backpack.
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 16, 2009 18:12:27 GMT -6
He stood quietly and unmoving. A straight face was maintained as Dante spoke. Pride was getting in the way and perhaps it was that pride that prevented him from getting help ever. But Cian was not going to budge on it. Dante was going to take a bath, and he was going to endure kindness and get better. As horrible a sentancing that was, it had to be done. Then when he gave in and headed up the stairs, Cian smiled and looked at Koala. I win. He smiled and set out the different meds he had found. Including his prescribtion ones. Cause he needed to take them. They helped keep him sane somehow. He didn't care what they did. As long as they did their job. But he was being given smaller and smaller prescribtions. Which meant he was getting better.
He called for Koala from the kitchen as he got together some bowls from the cubboards. Filling one with water, he set it down and then went into the fridge. He found some ground beef. Putting that into the bowl he set it down too. Then he started on the soup. Emptying a can into one of the pots, he added the water and then ran out to grab the sheets. He headed to the linen closet and grabbed an extra pillow and some sheets. He made up the couch quickly and put the pillow down against the arm. He looked at it and was satisfied. Smiling as he chose the couch infront of the tv set. That way, if Dante got too weak to get up, he could just lay there and be a brain dead sickling and watch it. He then headed back into the kitchen and looked after the soup. He heard someone moving around and he smiled. I'm in the kitchen Dante.. an' the soup is nearly done.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 17, 2009 0:15:45 GMT -6
Koala had given a small bark when he noticed Cian speaking to him, the puppy seeming more than happy to be where he was, and glad that his master was finally getting the aid he needed. He kept an eye on Cian, not because the dog was suspicious about anything, but because he was curious about it all. This man was so interesting to watch that he simply had to keep an eye on him. He tilted his little puppy head before watching the man move off. He sat for a moment before he heard his name being called. He moved in, seeing the water bowl, trotting over to it and lapping up some water. The dog was thirstier than he had first thought... he drank half the bowl before seeing the ground beef. Koala trotted over to it, starting to eat it as his tail wagged in the air behind him.
Dante had looked at the couch that had been made up for him. He had to cough again, but this time no blood came up, or if it did he held it down as he saw the couch right in front of the TV. Sure, Dante had watched TV before, but he never really had the choice of channel, nor did he even know what was on nowadays. He hadn't watched cartoons in the morning as a child nor had he watched sports as a man. He just watched whatever was on the screen in bars. His head had cleard a little, but when he smelled food his stomach started to growl angrily at him. It wanted food and it wanted food now. The pants fit loosely around his skinny body as he moved into the kitchen after hearing Cian. He came into it after finding his backpack again and putting his old clothes away. He looked at Cian, "It smells really good."
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Post by Cian Mahoney on Aug 17, 2009 9:52:36 GMT -6
A broad grin spread on his face. Yes, it did smell good. Thank you... Here.. its done. He moved to a cabinet and pulled out a soup bowl. He filled it with the liquid, the noodles, and yes, this soup had small bits of chicken in it. He moved it to the table and set it down on the surface with a spoon and a crackers. He wasn't sure if Dante was a cracker man or not. But there it was. Then he grabbed a cup out, and pulled the ginger ale out of the fridge. Pouring a glass, he set it next to the soup too. Sorry.. its no' much. But its all tha' good ol' fashion remedy stuff. Eat up.. there is more soup in the pot, an' if you would rather eat it later, i can stick it in the fridge. He smiled at Dante. Then he proceeded to get something for himself. He put a couple of slices of bread in the toaster and pulled the lever down. Then, while that was going on, he pulled out a tomato and began to slice it. Four people are livin' here in total... none o' us i hope will bother you too much. There is me obviously.. an' me wee brother Cael. An' o' course, there is my fiancee Pauley. Oh, an' the fourth is you. He smiled at him. He wouldn't listen to a protest. The toast popped and he put mayo on each piece, then the tomatos. A litle salt and pepper then boom! A masterpiece. He loved toasted tomato sandwiches.
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Post by Dante Rae Belvidere on Aug 17, 2009 21:47:21 GMT -6
Dante looked at him with a grateful smile for the first time. Really. Now was when he fully began appreciating all of this. When good, decent food was in front of him when he was sick and malnourished, he really started to feel grateful. It was so close now. And it wasn't just an illusion or just something else in disguise. It was just like when he had been taken out to dinner, the food had been there, and it had been filling (Well, as filling as a single meal could be in order to replace hundreds missed). Sure he wasn't feeling well, and he probably couldn't eat much without his stomach getting angry. But he could probably eat some. And so when he sat down he saw the crackers and the soup and the ale, and he started on it. He didn't think he was really eating all that fast, but put anyone starved in front of food and it goes quickly- upset stomach or not. He paused half way through his food to look up and listen to Cian discuss who was living there. When he heard Cian mention him he automatically shook his head, "Dude... I can't do that. You've already done so much more for me than anyone ever has. And I can't impose more. I'll just stay here until I'm over this damn cold and then I'll leave. It's fine. I've been taking care of myself for the past eight years, I can take care of myself for the next few as well. And Koala of course." By the time he had finished speaking and Cian had sat down, the soup, crackers, and ginger ale had all been fully consumed- and Dante probably didn't even realize how quickly he had polished it all off.
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