[ Hiyori pulls out his phone, skimming through his contact list until he finds the name that he's looking for. He's not ignoring Komaeda, his eyes flicking between him as the phone as he writes a short message to his police contact, but with his mind only working at half capacity he decides it best to ensure that the matter will be handled. It has the added bonus of drawing attention if something should happen.
He's just replacing his phone when the car pulls up. My, my, had he been mistake then? Even so, this effort is no more impressive than his initial one. He looks to Komaeda briefly, weighing his options. At this point, it's just a nuisance to see the mistake corrected for. His attention had already shifted back to the matter of seeing cute fish and holding baby penguins, but he supposes it'll wind up being a nuisance if the issue isn't handled now.
Hiyori notes the model and color of the car, though he hadn't caught the license plate number. He laughs softly. ]
Not at all. I can handle having you on top of me...
[ He pinches a lock of Komaeda's hair between his fingers, letting them slide down it without pulling. The idea seems to distract him for a moment before he blinks, remembering himself. ]
Oh, we were just headed to the aquarium... I did take quite the tumble before, but I couldn't possibly trouble you any further.
[ Hiyori works his way through the humble refusals, and he'll wait for the repetition of the offer that's necessary in order for the offer to be accepted. ]
If you're so kindly offering, I can't possibly refuse.
[ Just as it was only polite to not immediately accept, it would be rude to continue to refuse, and he'll be willing enough to enter the car - for now, playing the part of the esteemed and beloved doctor who was all too used to such favors, and half-out of it due to pain and drugs. Though he supposes the latter is true enough. How annoying... He would have to make up for all these little detours later. ]
[ It's hard to miss the tired, uncomfortable look on Hiyori's face. It's already been a long day, but he's certain once they finally reach their destination he'll be energized. He might take a second dose at that point, sacrificing a little bit of functionality for the sake of not being in so much pain. That's not an option right now, though, as he'd like to hang onto as much of his clarity as he can.
The circumstances aside, having Komaeda close like this is nice. It's a fun little reprieve that he knows will be soon broken. He's even able to close his eyes as Komaeda plays with his rattail and he thinks about what they might be able to do. The jellyfish, and turtles, and feeding the stingrays... He thinks once more that they would both like that. There were the various fish tanks, too, all of which had unique creatures swimming about. ]
I love you too, Komaeda-kun. We should start at the coral reefs... We can make our way down to to the polar exhibits.
[ Hiyori reaches up to touch his face and leans forward to kiss he tip of his nose. They won't have time for the beluga encounter, he doesn't think, but perhaps they could do that next time. That's another one that might be fun. He starts to pull away, stroking his cheek. ]
It's alright, anything we don't see tod--
[ He's abruptly cut off by the car slamming to a halt, and his arms instinctively move around Komaeda to keep him from falling back even as Hiyori jerks forward into his chest. There's a sharp cry, followed by a pained gasp, both of which no doubt confirm his current condition. His body trembles, and it takes him a moment to properly pull himself back. He doesn't comment on the matter, though the pain is evident in his voice now. ]
[ There's a small word of protest, but it shifts to a quiet agreement after a moment, and he takes the pill as directed. Komaeda abandons him, and Hiyori supposes that he must be just as unhappy about their present situation. He tucks the pills away his pocket, and that hand presently slips into the pocket of his jacket. He chuckles in response to the warning, finding that to be the first bit of pleasantry that he's experienced so far. ]
You flatter me. I'm just a simple doctor... But I wouldn't be a very good one if I had no interest in people.
[ He laughs softly. Whether he was slipping into the role of a physician, a psychiatrist, a surgeon, or anything else, he was ever just a humble doctor. He would never deny his skills, but it was far too embarrassing to be referred to as though he should be of some particular interest to a stranger. He withholds his thoughts for the moment, not wanting to make a scene, though Hiyori finds himself puzzled when Komaeda chooses to stop. He thinks at first to follow, and he does in fact try. His hand tugs at the handle a few times, and there's a noisy click each time, but it seems that the child locks are set. How troublesome.
He almost tries the other side, but it would look as though he were panicking if he did so. He lets out a small sigh instead, hand remaining in his pocket. With his means of escape cut off, there's not much he can do save waiting. That's alright, Hiyori can handle himself just as well. But he finds himself trying the door a couple more times all the same. It's odd, after all - there was no reason to have those locks set unless one had small children.
He speaks as he does so, keeping his voice level and without a hint of concern, ]
I suppose you wouldn't have heard. I've decided to take some time off to sharpen my skills, and so my patients have all been transferred to my coworkers.
[ It goes without saying that while unethical, there was no practical reason that he couldn't do anything at all with a former patient. ]
[ Hiyori takes the bottle with a word of earnest thanks and a word about how difficult it was to swallow pills dry, making a point of popping off the cap and faking a sip. It's a habit, because Hiyori would never trust anything that was so casually given to him - much less such a sketchy fellow, one who had caused his patients so much trouble. As he thought, this person is afraid of him. He must hate him, must find him despicable, must be jealous of each and every single thing that he has... The very thought of such resentment makes his heart race in a way nothing else can.
This person can only appreciate those who are close to death, then? It's quite boring, he thinks; a person should be willing to smash and crush and kill each and every single person who stands in their way. Yet, that smile remains on his face, that warm tone that suggests everything is fine. It was nothing more than one of the facets of being a doctor. One had to be able to remain calm and collected in any situation. ]
Not at all. He's a very warm person who's reignited my passion, and so he's more precious to me than any other.
[ He laughs softly, seeming amused by the prospect of the boy being eye candy. What trash. he continues this line of thought, not missing the opportunity to shift the conversation, ]
But all of my former patients are precious to me. I would be devastated if anything was to happen to even one of them in my absence.
[ There's another soft laugh and he shakes his head. Perhaps he's suddenly aware of how awkward the point of conversation is, or perhaps it's just the understanding that he's rambling due to his drug-induced state, but either way he makes a show of being embarrassed. ]
Ah, I apologize.... I really am married to my work, to be discussing it even now. But some of them are quite young, and the news these days is quite frightening, don't you think?
[ Quite young, he says, despite being in his early twenties and already more successful than most can ever hope to be. But ah, all of this is just the ramblings of a drug-addled man regardless. ]
Edited (FORMER patients that's what i came here to fix.....) 2021-12-27 08:37 (UTC)
[ Hmm... How much does he want to say here? Hiyori doesn't talk about Hope's Peak often, but it seems as though anything he says here will prove to be of little consequence when he's already made up his mind on how this should end. He glances over his shoulder at the cushioning behind him, twisting slightly to better inspect it. He loves those who are broken and helpless, he loves to take people apart and he loves to piece them back together, but he hates those who have neither love nor passion. Worthless creatures who dare to look down on those who put forth effort.
Those who were broken were meant to be fixed, those who were fixed were meant to be broken, but those who could fit into neither category were rotten limbs that needed to be cut off. Most of all those in his profession, which was the most important of any of them. So it is that he's willing to disclose a little more than usual here, just for fun, ]
Yes, he is. I went there myself, you know. Let's see now, I was the Ultimate Surgeon back then...
[ He chuckles, as though recalling a pleasant memory. By all appearances, that nostalgia is enough to keep him distracted from the oddity of the flow of conversation. Hiyori catches himself soon enough though, shaking his head. His smile brightens a little, awareness glinting in his eyes. ]
Oh, but we truly should have connected sooner! My former patients have already been set up with the best; however, I'm always looking for worthwhile peers that I can refer others to, as I only take on certain patients. The amount of third-rate doctors obsessed with trivial things like profit and status while their patients suffer for their incompetence makes me sick.
[ There's a faint note of disgust here, the first hint of anything other than pleasantry that he's shown before. He wasn't above taking on patients if offered enough money, but the thought of fixating on that makes him want to throw up. The feeling passes quickly, and his excitement returns as he claps his hands together - after all, he's just so certain this person won't disappoint him. ]
Now then, tell me, what skin condition do you think he has? You should be able to tell his condition at a glance with an easy case like this, yes?
[ Is there the faintest hint of condescension to that question...? Of course not, he's as pleasant as ever, leaning forward a little as he waits with interest to hear the answer. ]
[ It's a sound that's neither approving nor disapproving, a neutral acknowledgment of the guesses given. In the same way, he offers no hints as to whether or not any of them might be correct. It would be wasteful when the point of this exercise was to hear his thoughts on the matter without having a more experienced doctor correct them. Besides, he can't go around discussing his former cases. But he nods in acknowledgment. ]
I'm quite selective about which patients I take, [ He repeats, ] Because I only take on the most difficult cases. My patients are always grateful to me for being the only one who can cure them.
[ It's not a judgment nor a response to his prior statement, of course, it's a simple statement of fact. He takes pride in his work. Hiyori loves that he can heal people, that he can watch their lives unfold. He loves curing the sick, who can finally achieve all their dreams and do all of those things that their disease cut them off from. It's far more interesting to watch than a person who had never struggled.
He likes breaking things, and he likes fixing them. It's the joy of being a surgeon. How unfortunate that Komaeda wouldn't accept treatment. What would he be like? What would his life hold then? Hiyori would like to see it, just as much as he'd like to see how beautifully the man before him might break. I was a bit wasteful, but it was always amusing to see how those pitifully grasping at some semblance of control reacted to realizing just how powerless they were. ]
So, there's no need for that. I've already created a plan of care, and I've set them up with my most trusted peers. There's no need for you to worry.
[ He laughs softly. His voice is as light as ever, but there's a coolness hidden beneath that, something that borders on offense. The man should be so lucky not to see that piercing gaze that tells him not to even think about putting them on the same level when this hack job couldn't even come up with a single diagnosis, nor gain a word of thanks, nor even hide a single thing from a man he'd just met.
Ah, but it's all just the ramblings and the vacant gaze of a man on drugs, and anything else would just be his imagination anyway. ]
I only wish I could offer you the same. If I weren't on leave, I'd be happy to offer you a proper physical exam. I don't do so often, but you've been so kind to Komaeda-kun and I, and disease can spread so easily if it's left undetected. You needn't worry though, even if I found something, I would cut the sickness right out of you.
[ Oh, but wouldn't that be all of him...? No matter, he's on leave, so it's nothing more than an attempt to match his kindness anyway. It's just a small bit of humor from the Ultimate Surgeon - he does so love connecting with his patients, after all. ]
Edited (SORRY i hit enter on that eddit too sooooon) 2021-12-27 22:41 (UTC)
[ There it is. It must be his lowered inhibitions, because he can't help the little shake of his shoulders when he hears the fear in the wannabe-surgeon's voice, and he covers it up with a pained wince. But it's that shift from flight to fight that makes his eyes glitter for just a single moment. it only takes a little push sometimes, just the reminder of how inferior one is, just the reminder of how much more dangerous other predators are. It's only when a person can hate him enough to kill him that Hiyori can feel satisfied, anything less isn't worth his attention.
There's no immediate response to the suggestion, just a thoughtful little noise followed by a small yawn, as though he were seriously considering the prospect. He keeps his eyes trained on the front, watching his gestures and expressions. It's almost a little disappointing when he doesn't let his emotions get the best of him, as Hiyori has played this little game once or twice before. But he doesn't object to his presence either.
He pops the cap off of the water bottle once more, faking another sip. It really is quite strange, especially when the swish of water that follows him dropping it down promises that it's no longer full. Though being clumsy in his drugged state, he did manage to splatter a bit of water on himself - not much, just enough to see that he fumbled with it a bit on one effort. He leans forward with it still in hand, propping his elbow up on his thigh and resting his chin against curled fingers. That gleam... Hiyori would expect nothing less.. ]
It's alright, Komaeda-kun, though I'm heartbroken that you didn't think to pick something out for me.
[ Casual chatter, a bit of teasing, as though they'd been having a pleasant little conversation. But if Komaeda cares to look, he might notice the sharp look in Hiyori's eyes. There's nothing malicious in that look; it's cold and clinical, the look of a doctor examining a patient and noting down every little detail. It is, perhaps, a look more befitting of the Ultimate Surgeon than the soft and gentle expression he would always wear with his patients. ]
I can only accept the best care for my patients, and so I need to make sure anyone who wishes to care for them meets my standards. I'm quite harsh on my peers, you know, so I expect you not to overlook even a single detail.
[ That look softens as Hiyori turns his attention back to Komaeda. It was a doctor's duty to be calm and collected at all times, and so the affectionate and causal tones come naturally to him now, ]
I'm sorry, Komaeda-kun, I've caused so much trouble today... Ah, but I promise--[ Another yawn, only marginally less fake than the first, ]--Excuse me, I promise it won't take long.
[ Hiyori fingers the blade thoughtfully. It is regrettable, but the issue is that by now it'll cause further inconvenience for him. It was better to handle things while he still had some semblance of control over the situation. He's already contacted who he needed to, and a few quick clicks of his phone is enough to complete his precautionary measures. Technology, he thinks, is a wonderful thing. One can even share their exact GPS signal with ease now.
He replaces it, allowing his hand to be guided. He lets his fingers slide arond it, rubbing it with his thumb. It's tempting to take it, knowing how unpredictable its owner can be, but if something goes wrong then it would be better for him to have it. After a moment he taps Komaeda's back with that same easy smile as always. He has no issues with knives, but they're a messy affair, and he'd rather not have to deal with the clean up. It was so difficult to get blood out of white.
Hiyori nods in response to seeing the discoloration, and if Komaeda cares to look, he might notice a few damp spots hidden beneath the edges of a floor mat - splashes here and there, difficult to see on the black carpeting unless one looks closely. He's dumped it here and there, just small amounts, just enough to put a dent in it. He can guess at how much was in there, and he wouldn't have finished even half of it, so there was no need to do much.
But he shows no sign of concern as he leans against his date now, resting his head on his shoulder, taking his hand in his own and sliding it across the small gap between them and to his thigh. It'll slide over the pocket in his jacket, and Komaeda might feel the hard, rectangular object there. Knives are too messy, and guns are too messy, and so he's found that an illegal modified taser suits him quite nicely. He doesn't linger, instead bringing that hand up so he can kiss it. ]
No need. I already know Komaeda-kun's body better than anyone, so there's no need for you to worry about examining him.
[ Since he was his doctor up until recently. actually he's just being an annoying asshole now. ]
Komaeda-kun, we might not have much time today. What do you say we go back tomorrow too, so that we can see everything?
Tomorrow. We'll go early so we can feed the penguins.
[ He rubs the back of his hand. Compared to the man sitting up front, Hiyori is the very picture of elegance despite his drugged state. It occurs to him that leaving the knife with Komaeda means that he might act anyway, and if he does so then Hiyori supposes it's well deserved. He would rather not involve a former patient, much less one who had already experienced so much trauma, but nor would he object to a person choosing to stab a man who was trying to kill them in the neck. Regardless, it's his duty to protect him.
Komaeda doesn't like to have attention focused on him. It's why Hiyori tries to minimize it, and he has enough tact to leave it at the singular comment that he had offered. He closes his eyes just briefly until the man starts speaking again, and at the threat his smile twitches, and the look that can be caught in the reflection is frigid, and he takes a small breath before it disappears as quickly as it came. He has no tolerance for those who play doctor, and he has even less for those who have the audacity to threaten what's rightfully his. ]
Even a third-rate doctor knows how to perform an examination using their hands alone... Hm, but you're right, those who speak out of line often lose more than their tongues.
[ There's no threat to that tone. It's warm and kind, much like the soft laugh that he gives and the dreamy look on his face, as though they were having a truly pleasant conversation. That he can maintain his calm in these situations is what separates him from the trash. ]
I wouldn't mind showing you how it's done. Did you know? A skilled surgeon only need a scalpel and their hands to work... When you're talented, it's easy. You can cut a person open and take their entrails out slowly, one inch at a time, while they're alive and conscious. I once visited a village where they would ritualistically do so.
[ He nuzzles his head against Komaeda's shoulder, linking their arms. It's an unsettling topic, but if anything he seems even more at ease now. This is, after all, his specialty. ]
Would you like me to show you?
[ He lets the question hang in the air for just a moment before he laughs, raising his hand to wave it as though he'd just told a particularly funny joke. ]
I'm only joking, of course. A doctor's purpose is to mend, hm? We have to protect the most vulnerable among us...
[ Yaaaaawn. ]
Edited (jk i'm making it worse) 2021-12-28 23:05 (UTC)
[ Hiyori doesn't object to being pulled closer, as he finds Komaeda to be far more pleasant company. It does make him feel a twinge of regret, though, as there was no need for him to hear such disturbing tales. He's too young for that, and it runs contrary to the image he wishes to present for himself. But he has to work to hang onto that feeling when his words are rewarded with such sweet gestures, eskimo kisses and his tongue tracing along his bottom lip, the cute way he blushes and that expectant expression, as though he were waiting for his favorite show to come on. It's simple, childish, and charming.
He reaches a hand up to stroke his hair, keeping his attention on Komaeda. He chuckles. My, my, was it uncomfortable? But Hiyori's reputation is as a healer and nothing more, a man who who excels at connecting with and treating his patients. He is cognizant of their surroundings, though, and he takes his phone out one final time to click off the GPS signal. It would just be draining the battery at this point. His point of contact knows where they are, and will arrive if they need to.
He observes their surroundings. It's a quaint little cabin in the woods, isolated from general society. The forests wouldn't be explored often, and even if they were, hikers and hunters alike were both inclined to follow trails. It would make disposal simple. Cliches are, Hiyori things, cliches for a reason - much like his taser, this was simply more efficient than wasting time and energy on more complicated and creative affairs. He'll give credit for this little bit of foresight alone. ]
Ah, of course! We're in the modern era now, so there's no longer a need to practice such grizzly rituals!
[ It's just an interesting historical tidbit, and he slips out of the car. He's a little wobbly standing up, and there's a sharp inhale as he moves wrong, but that's as much from sitting for so long as his injury. ]
Oh my, what a charming little cabin! It must be quite peaceful... That reminds me, Komaeda-kun, I should take you to that village one day. The view there is unmatched. Where was I...? Oh, yes! Thank you for having us...
[ That much, at least, is said sincerely. It's a wonderful vacation spot. It's a tiny, peaceful village, and the view is unmatched. Dealing with somebody's drug-addled ramblings isn't fun though. ]
[ Hiyori flinches when his back is touched, but he's able to recover from it well enough to offer a shaky laugh. ]
Yes, you may bore them by telling them of how for a brief moment you had ASUNARO's top surgeon in your care.
[ The implication will be lost on an imbecile such as this of course, as even if he were to succeed a fate far worse than what Hiyori could offer would await, but he should at least be able to recognize the name as the biggest company in the world. As with Hope's Peak, they were quite particular outside of mundane work, and to be their top surgeon was the equivalent of being the best the world had to offer. It might seem fake if it wasn't part of the reason he was sought after. First for his status as an Ultimate, then as his position at ASUNARO.
There was no reason for him to pick up the second job as a physician, really. But perhaps it might offer some context for why he's chosen to step down for the moment; ASUNARO would demand priority of his time and efforts, especially when one of their top doctors was out of commission for so long. He stuffs his hands into his pockets, kicking up a bit of gravel next to the car as the question finally seems to register. ]
Mm...? How did I... [ He mumbles, before perking up. ] Oh, I was stabbed by a man who said he was going to make me a god. But I already have two jobs, and I need to focus on my continuing education, so I couldn't possibly take on another.
[ He takes one hand out to wave his hand with a cheery grin, as though this too, were simply a delightful little tale. He takes a couple steps toward the pair, showing no signs of the irritation bubbling up beneath the surface. Hm, should he do it now...? How inconvenient to be injured now, since there's no way himself or Komaeda can move him. It's truly disappointing. It would be an uneven surface for him to work on, and it would be all the more unsanitary and uncomfortable. Well, one can't have everything they want. ]
[ It looks like he does understand what a problem it would be. Hiyori is impressed. Then, he thinks, he should also understand that those who were accepted by the company were above normal humans. If Hope's Peak collected singular talents and encouraged them while choking out everything else, ASUNARO could be called a place for prodigies who would never be satisfied no matter how many they picked up. He despises the former, but even so, between the two they simply had different approaches and were made for different people. It was why he was picked up immediately after - because he would never be satisfied.
It wasn't because he had either that he had talent. It was because he would never be satisfied.
He raises his hand with his palms open when questioned. ]
Not at all. It was an act of love... Love, and luck.
[ Hope. He doesn't hate that word. He thinks that hope and love are intertwined, a person can't have one without the other. It was an act of love for the sake of hope, and that's why he's chosen to see where this leads. Hiyori is a bystander with neither hope nor despair, watching the chips as they fall and only nudging on a whim. But he's always thinking on his direction (at such times when he's not muddled by drugs,) and he'll make a choice at the right time.
He nods to Komaeda next, that easy smile on his face. Luck, because just a few inches more and he would have found it. But even this is an interesting turn of events. ]
... There is, Komaeda-kun. There's ways, it's just which one you so choose.
[ That was another spot where the two institutions that had shaped his life differed; those of ASUNARO were aware of the experiments being conducted. They tried so hard, but nothing could be hidden from them. But they were closely intertwined, and so there was a kind of non-interference treaty. After all, Hope's Peak would send only their best. But it stopped there, as a human could not possibly handle that kind of stress. It would be a miracle if achieved, a beautiful disaster, as the human mind would crumble under that weight.
But what if it wasn't a true human? What if you could throw away the country's foolish idea that emotions need be discarded for an AI, that it was a romantic affair. But he's seen the ideas of those around him, Harai's ideal, the thought of a true human. A computer built with such talent and curiosity could have everything; what it didn't have could be added; what it didn't have could be learned in moments or days... All without sacrificing the heart that makes a human. A brilliant, shining star that none could match. It's infuriating and detestable to one who has worked for every scrap of talent, and yet, inoffensive for it would always be less than any human.
A truly fascinating idea. But not one he can share here.
He's shaken out of this thoughts, that affectionate smile fading as he's addressed once more. The first few words are missed, but he's able to pick up on the idea based on context clues. He cocks his head to one side, blinking slowly at the suggestion that Komaeda should go first. Was he really do afraid of him now? Was he not a predator who could not be caught? He should be, and so Hiyori closes the gap between himself and the Ultimate Luck, stroking his hair, looking to the man unlocking the door. ]
Are you not confident in your skills? My case is simple, and so you should have no difficulty....
[ He closes his eyes and hums thoughtfully. He'd rather not have trash like this touching his patient, but there's something to be said about opportunity. ]
But I'm not object to observance either. I'm happy to assist... Komaeda-kun, what do you think? I'm happy to go first, and it's easy enough for me to go alone - you need not see me embarrassing myself.
[ He let's his hand slide down his face, cupping his cheek briefly before moving down and his index finger briefly linger on his chin before he removes it. Komaeda's luck would protect him, but so would Hiyori if he so chose.
He's nothing more than a human, just one for whom there was never enough. And so, he put more effort in than anyone. ]
[ There's not much he can do for the petulant rejection. Hiyori might have objected, nudged him into coming along to avoid letting him out of his sight, but before he knows it he's being shoved toward the door with a sharp exhale. It's common sense rather than intuition that warns him of such, but there's not much he can can do when he's being pushed forward. The door shuts behind them, the lock clicks shut, and he presently considers his situation as he watches the man shuffle about.
Ah... He wants a smoke. He didn't ever quite pick up the habit, not when the smell of smoke would seep into everything, but he'd always taken one when offered. It's a wonderful little drug, and he finds himself wanting one now. He notes every detail of the room. It looks like something out of a third-rate horror movie, befitting of a third-rate murderer. He'll throw up if he stays in such a disgusting place for too long, and the Ultimate Surgeon supposes that he best work quickly.
His expression remains static, though he catches and duly notes the we. Ah, that's why he'd hoped to bring him with, but perhaps this was inevitable. His luck ought to protect him, but if it doesn't, then Hiyori may safely prioritize himself and what comes next. That is his, after all. Every single thing that he touches is his, and he does so hate thieves. Yes, he thinks, for every one thing taken from him, he would collect ten times the amount.
How does that work, for a human, who has only one life to give? It doesn't matter. They can be taken apart and stitched back together through his talents, kept alive with blood transfusions and drugs and care that's unrivaled by any other in the world... Thanks to his talent, Hiyori can kill and revive them over and over again, until there's nothing left of their minds or bodies.
The easy smile is still there, but the look has shifted again. There's not a hint of love or hope in that gaze, no despair, it's something cold and calculating. It's a piercing look that cuts down into a person's soul, identifying every plan and every emotion, clinically assessing every bit of sickness to cut and pierce and remove. It's there and it's gone, as he blinks and that soft, slightly dazed look is back, as though the former were merely a trick of the mind. He takes a few steps forward, allowing that distance to remain, searching for some non-existent part of the room that isn't covered in the filth and rot.
He reaches back with his hand, letting it slide under his shirt with a flinch. ]
Do you have a first aid kit? I need to do a touch up on myself.
[ He doesn't, but he wants to hear the answer. He wants to see if he can't distract him just a little bit. ]
Are you nervous...? You need not be. This is only to determine if I can leave my most precious patient in your care, is it not?
[ A chuckle. Tick, tock... His contact already knows how long to wait before coming. ]
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no subject
He's just replacing his phone when the car pulls up. My, my, had he been mistake then? Even so, this effort is no more impressive than his initial one. He looks to Komaeda briefly, weighing his options. At this point, it's just a nuisance to see the mistake corrected for. His attention had already shifted back to the matter of seeing cute fish and holding baby penguins, but he supposes it'll wind up being a nuisance if the issue isn't handled now.
Hiyori notes the model and color of the car, though he hadn't caught the license plate number. He laughs softly. ]
Not at all. I can handle having you on top of me...
[ He pinches a lock of Komaeda's hair between his fingers, letting them slide down it without pulling. The idea seems to distract him for a moment before he blinks, remembering himself. ]
Oh, we were just headed to the aquarium... I did take quite the tumble before, but I couldn't possibly trouble you any further.
[ Hiyori works his way through the humble refusals, and he'll wait for the repetition of the offer that's necessary in order for the offer to be accepted. ]
If you're so kindly offering, I can't possibly refuse.
[ Just as it was only polite to not immediately accept, it would be rude to continue to refuse, and he'll be willing enough to enter the car - for now, playing the part of the esteemed and beloved doctor who was all too used to such favors, and half-out of it due to pain and drugs. Though he supposes the latter is true enough. How annoying... He would have to make up for all these little detours later. ]
no subject
The circumstances aside, having Komaeda close like this is nice. It's a fun little reprieve that he knows will be soon broken. He's even able to close his eyes as Komaeda plays with his rattail and he thinks about what they might be able to do. The jellyfish, and turtles, and feeding the stingrays... He thinks once more that they would both like that. There were the various fish tanks, too, all of which had unique creatures swimming about. ]
I love you too, Komaeda-kun. We should start at the coral reefs... We can make our way down to to the polar exhibits.
[ Hiyori reaches up to touch his face and leans forward to kiss he tip of his nose. They won't have time for the beluga encounter, he doesn't think, but perhaps they could do that next time. That's another one that might be fun. He starts to pull away, stroking his cheek. ]
It's alright, anything we don't see tod--
[ He's abruptly cut off by the car slamming to a halt, and his arms instinctively move around Komaeda to keep him from falling back even as Hiyori jerks forward into his chest. There's a sharp cry, followed by a pained gasp, both of which no doubt confirm his current condition. His body trembles, and it takes him a moment to properly pull himself back. He doesn't comment on the matter, though the pain is evident in his voice now. ]
... Are you alright?
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You flatter me. I'm just a simple doctor... But I wouldn't be a very good one if I had no interest in people.
[ He laughs softly. Whether he was slipping into the role of a physician, a psychiatrist, a surgeon, or anything else, he was ever just a humble doctor. He would never deny his skills, but it was far too embarrassing to be referred to as though he should be of some particular interest to a stranger. He withholds his thoughts for the moment, not wanting to make a scene, though Hiyori finds himself puzzled when Komaeda chooses to stop. He thinks at first to follow, and he does in fact try. His hand tugs at the handle a few times, and there's a noisy click each time, but it seems that the child locks are set. How troublesome.
He almost tries the other side, but it would look as though he were panicking if he did so. He lets out a small sigh instead, hand remaining in his pocket. With his means of escape cut off, there's not much he can do save waiting. That's alright, Hiyori can handle himself just as well. But he finds himself trying the door a couple more times all the same. It's odd, after all - there was no reason to have those locks set unless one had small children.
He speaks as he does so, keeping his voice level and without a hint of concern, ]
I suppose you wouldn't have heard. I've decided to take some time off to sharpen my skills, and so my patients have all been transferred to my coworkers.
[ It goes without saying that while unethical, there was no practical reason that he couldn't do anything at all with a former patient. ]
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This person can only appreciate those who are close to death, then? It's quite boring, he thinks; a person should be willing to smash and crush and kill each and every single person who stands in their way. Yet, that smile remains on his face, that warm tone that suggests everything is fine. It was nothing more than one of the facets of being a doctor. One had to be able to remain calm and collected in any situation. ]
Not at all. He's a very warm person who's reignited my passion, and so he's more precious to me than any other.
[ He laughs softly, seeming amused by the prospect of the boy being eye candy. What trash. he continues this line of thought, not missing the opportunity to shift the conversation, ]
But all of my former patients are precious to me. I would be devastated if anything was to happen to even one of them in my absence.
[ There's another soft laugh and he shakes his head. Perhaps he's suddenly aware of how awkward the point of conversation is, or perhaps it's just the understanding that he's rambling due to his drug-induced state, but either way he makes a show of being embarrassed. ]
Ah, I apologize.... I really am married to my work, to be discussing it even now. But some of them are quite young, and the news these days is quite frightening, don't you think?
[ Quite young, he says, despite being in his early twenties and already more successful than most can ever hope to be. But ah, all of this is just the ramblings of a drug-addled man regardless. ]
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Those who were broken were meant to be fixed, those who were fixed were meant to be broken, but those who could fit into neither category were rotten limbs that needed to be cut off. Most of all those in his profession, which was the most important of any of them. So it is that he's willing to disclose a little more than usual here, just for fun, ]
Yes, he is. I went there myself, you know. Let's see now, I was the Ultimate Surgeon back then...
[ He chuckles, as though recalling a pleasant memory. By all appearances, that nostalgia is enough to keep him distracted from the oddity of the flow of conversation. Hiyori catches himself soon enough though, shaking his head. His smile brightens a little, awareness glinting in his eyes. ]
Oh, but we truly should have connected sooner! My former patients have already been set up with the best; however, I'm always looking for worthwhile peers that I can refer others to, as I only take on certain patients. The amount of third-rate doctors obsessed with trivial things like profit and status while their patients suffer for their incompetence makes me sick.
[ There's a faint note of disgust here, the first hint of anything other than pleasantry that he's shown before. He wasn't above taking on patients if offered enough money, but the thought of fixating on that makes him want to throw up. The feeling passes quickly, and his excitement returns as he claps his hands together - after all, he's just so certain this person won't disappoint him. ]
Now then, tell me, what skin condition do you think he has? You should be able to tell his condition at a glance with an easy case like this, yes?
[ Is there the faintest hint of condescension to that question...? Of course not, he's as pleasant as ever, leaning forward a little as he waits with interest to hear the answer. ]
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[ It's a sound that's neither approving nor disapproving, a neutral acknowledgment of the guesses given. In the same way, he offers no hints as to whether or not any of them might be correct. It would be wasteful when the point of this exercise was to hear his thoughts on the matter without having a more experienced doctor correct them. Besides, he can't go around discussing his former cases. But he nods in acknowledgment. ]
I'm quite selective about which patients I take, [ He repeats, ] Because I only take on the most difficult cases. My patients are always grateful to me for being the only one who can cure them.
[ It's not a judgment nor a response to his prior statement, of course, it's a simple statement of fact. He takes pride in his work. Hiyori loves that he can heal people, that he can watch their lives unfold. He loves curing the sick, who can finally achieve all their dreams and do all of those things that their disease cut them off from. It's far more interesting to watch than a person who had never struggled.
He likes breaking things, and he likes fixing them. It's the joy of being a surgeon. How unfortunate that Komaeda wouldn't accept treatment. What would he be like? What would his life hold then? Hiyori would like to see it, just as much as he'd like to see how beautifully the man before him might break. I was a bit wasteful, but it was always amusing to see how those pitifully grasping at some semblance of control reacted to realizing just how powerless they were. ]
So, there's no need for that. I've already created a plan of care, and I've set them up with my most trusted peers. There's no need for you to worry.
[ He laughs softly. His voice is as light as ever, but there's a coolness hidden beneath that, something that borders on offense. The man should be so lucky not to see that piercing gaze that tells him not to even think about putting them on the same level when this hack job couldn't even come up with a single diagnosis, nor gain a word of thanks, nor even hide a single thing from a man he'd just met.
Ah, but it's all just the ramblings and the vacant gaze of a man on drugs, and anything else would just be his imagination anyway. ]
I only wish I could offer you the same. If I weren't on leave, I'd be happy to offer you a proper physical exam. I don't do so often, but you've been so kind to Komaeda-kun and I, and disease can spread so easily if it's left undetected. You needn't worry though, even if I found something, I would cut the sickness right out of you.
[ Oh, but wouldn't that be all of him...? No matter, he's on leave, so it's nothing more than an attempt to match his kindness anyway. It's just a small bit of humor from the Ultimate Surgeon - he does so love connecting with his patients, after all. ]
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There's no immediate response to the suggestion, just a thoughtful little noise followed by a small yawn, as though he were seriously considering the prospect. He keeps his eyes trained on the front, watching his gestures and expressions. It's almost a little disappointing when he doesn't let his emotions get the best of him, as Hiyori has played this little game once or twice before. But he doesn't object to his presence either.
He pops the cap off of the water bottle once more, faking another sip. It really is quite strange, especially when the swish of water that follows him dropping it down promises that it's no longer full. Though being clumsy in his drugged state, he did manage to splatter a bit of water on himself - not much, just enough to see that he fumbled with it a bit on one effort. He leans forward with it still in hand, propping his elbow up on his thigh and resting his chin against curled fingers. That gleam... Hiyori would expect nothing less.. ]
It's alright, Komaeda-kun, though I'm heartbroken that you didn't think to pick something out for me.
[ Casual chatter, a bit of teasing, as though they'd been having a pleasant little conversation. But if Komaeda cares to look, he might notice the sharp look in Hiyori's eyes. There's nothing malicious in that look; it's cold and clinical, the look of a doctor examining a patient and noting down every little detail. It is, perhaps, a look more befitting of the Ultimate Surgeon than the soft and gentle expression he would always wear with his patients. ]
I can only accept the best care for my patients, and so I need to make sure anyone who wishes to care for them meets my standards. I'm quite harsh on my peers, you know, so I expect you not to overlook even a single detail.
[ That look softens as Hiyori turns his attention back to Komaeda. It was a doctor's duty to be calm and collected at all times, and so the affectionate and causal tones come naturally to him now, ]
I'm sorry, Komaeda-kun, I've caused so much trouble today... Ah, but I promise--[ Another yawn, only marginally less fake than the first, ]--Excuse me, I promise it won't take long.
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He replaces it, allowing his hand to be guided. He lets his fingers slide arond it, rubbing it with his thumb. It's tempting to take it, knowing how unpredictable its owner can be, but if something goes wrong then it would be better for him to have it. After a moment he taps Komaeda's back with that same easy smile as always. He has no issues with knives, but they're a messy affair, and he'd rather not have to deal with the clean up. It was so difficult to get blood out of white.
Hiyori nods in response to seeing the discoloration, and if Komaeda cares to look, he might notice a few damp spots hidden beneath the edges of a floor mat - splashes here and there, difficult to see on the black carpeting unless one looks closely. He's dumped it here and there, just small amounts, just enough to put a dent in it. He can guess at how much was in there, and he wouldn't have finished even half of it, so there was no need to do much.
But he shows no sign of concern as he leans against his date now, resting his head on his shoulder, taking his hand in his own and sliding it across the small gap between them and to his thigh. It'll slide over the pocket in his jacket, and Komaeda might feel the hard, rectangular object there. Knives are too messy, and guns are too messy, and so he's found that an illegal modified taser suits him quite nicely. He doesn't linger, instead bringing that hand up so he can kiss it. ]
No need. I already know Komaeda-kun's body better than anyone, so there's no need for you to worry about examining him.
[ Since he was his doctor up until recently. actually he's just being an annoying asshole now. ]
Komaeda-kun, we might not have much time today. What do you say we go back tomorrow too, so that we can see everything?
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[ He rubs the back of his hand. Compared to the man sitting up front, Hiyori is the very picture of elegance despite his drugged state. It occurs to him that leaving the knife with Komaeda means that he might act anyway, and if he does so then Hiyori supposes it's well deserved. He would rather not involve a former patient, much less one who had already experienced so much trauma, but nor would he object to a person choosing to stab a man who was trying to kill them in the neck. Regardless, it's his duty to protect him.
Komaeda doesn't like to have attention focused on him. It's why Hiyori tries to minimize it, and he has enough tact to leave it at the singular comment that he had offered. He closes his eyes just briefly until the man starts speaking again, and at the threat his smile twitches, and the look that can be caught in the reflection is frigid, and he takes a small breath before it disappears as quickly as it came. He has no tolerance for those who play doctor, and he has even less for those who have the audacity to threaten what's rightfully his. ]
Even a third-rate doctor knows how to perform an examination using their hands alone... Hm, but you're right, those who speak out of line often lose more than their tongues.
[ There's no threat to that tone. It's warm and kind, much like the soft laugh that he gives and the dreamy look on his face, as though they were having a truly pleasant conversation. That he can maintain his calm in these situations is what separates him from the trash. ]
I wouldn't mind showing you how it's done. Did you know? A skilled surgeon only need a scalpel and their hands to work... When you're talented, it's easy. You can cut a person open and take their entrails out slowly, one inch at a time, while they're alive and conscious. I once visited a village where they would ritualistically do so.
[ He nuzzles his head against Komaeda's shoulder, linking their arms. It's an unsettling topic, but if anything he seems even more at ease now. This is, after all, his specialty. ]
Would you like me to show you?
[ He lets the question hang in the air for just a moment before he laughs, raising his hand to wave it as though he'd just told a particularly funny joke. ]
I'm only joking, of course. A doctor's purpose is to mend, hm? We have to protect the most vulnerable among us...
[ Yaaaaawn. ]
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He reaches a hand up to stroke his hair, keeping his attention on Komaeda. He chuckles. My, my, was it uncomfortable? But Hiyori's reputation is as a healer and nothing more, a man who who excels at connecting with and treating his patients. He is cognizant of their surroundings, though, and he takes his phone out one final time to click off the GPS signal. It would just be draining the battery at this point. His point of contact knows where they are, and will arrive if they need to.
He observes their surroundings. It's a quaint little cabin in the woods, isolated from general society. The forests wouldn't be explored often, and even if they were, hikers and hunters alike were both inclined to follow trails. It would make disposal simple. Cliches are, Hiyori things, cliches for a reason - much like his taser, this was simply more efficient than wasting time and energy on more complicated and creative affairs. He'll give credit for this little bit of foresight alone. ]
Ah, of course! We're in the modern era now, so there's no longer a need to practice such grizzly rituals!
[ It's just an interesting historical tidbit, and he slips out of the car. He's a little wobbly standing up, and there's a sharp inhale as he moves wrong, but that's as much from sitting for so long as his injury. ]
Oh my, what a charming little cabin! It must be quite peaceful... That reminds me, Komaeda-kun, I should take you to that village one day. The view there is unmatched. Where was I...? Oh, yes! Thank you for having us...
[ That much, at least, is said sincerely. It's a wonderful vacation spot. It's a tiny, peaceful village, and the view is unmatched. Dealing with somebody's drug-addled ramblings isn't fun though. ]
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Yes, you may bore them by telling them of how for a brief moment you had ASUNARO's top surgeon in your care.
[ The implication will be lost on an imbecile such as this of course, as even if he were to succeed a fate far worse than what Hiyori could offer would await, but he should at least be able to recognize the name as the biggest company in the world. As with Hope's Peak, they were quite particular outside of mundane work, and to be their top surgeon was the equivalent of being the best the world had to offer. It might seem fake if it wasn't part of the reason he was sought after. First for his status as an Ultimate, then as his position at ASUNARO.
There was no reason for him to pick up the second job as a physician, really. But perhaps it might offer some context for why he's chosen to step down for the moment; ASUNARO would demand priority of his time and efforts, especially when one of their top doctors was out of commission for so long. He stuffs his hands into his pockets, kicking up a bit of gravel next to the car as the question finally seems to register. ]
Mm...? How did I... [ He mumbles, before perking up. ] Oh, I was stabbed by a man who said he was going to make me a god. But I already have two jobs, and I need to focus on my continuing education, so I couldn't possibly take on another.
[ He takes one hand out to wave his hand with a cheery grin, as though this too, were simply a delightful little tale. He takes a couple steps toward the pair, showing no signs of the irritation bubbling up beneath the surface. Hm, should he do it now...? How inconvenient to be injured now, since there's no way himself or Komaeda can move him. It's truly disappointing. It would be an uneven surface for him to work on, and it would be all the more unsanitary and uncomfortable. Well, one can't have everything they want. ]
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It wasn't because he had either that he had talent. It was because he would never be satisfied.
He raises his hand with his palms open when questioned. ]
Not at all. It was an act of love... Love, and luck.
[ Hope. He doesn't hate that word. He thinks that hope and love are intertwined, a person can't have one without the other. It was an act of love for the sake of hope, and that's why he's chosen to see where this leads. Hiyori is a bystander with neither hope nor despair, watching the chips as they fall and only nudging on a whim. But he's always thinking on his direction (at such times when he's not muddled by drugs,) and he'll make a choice at the right time.
He nods to Komaeda next, that easy smile on his face. Luck, because just a few inches more and he would have found it. But even this is an interesting turn of events. ]
... There is, Komaeda-kun. There's ways, it's just which one you so choose.
[ That was another spot where the two institutions that had shaped his life differed; those of ASUNARO were aware of the experiments being conducted. They tried so hard, but nothing could be hidden from them. But they were closely intertwined, and so there was a kind of non-interference treaty. After all, Hope's Peak would send only their best. But it stopped there, as a human could not possibly handle that kind of stress. It would be a miracle if achieved, a beautiful disaster, as the human mind would crumble under that weight.
But what if it wasn't a true human? What if you could throw away the country's foolish idea that emotions need be discarded for an AI, that it was a romantic affair. But he's seen the ideas of those around him, Harai's ideal, the thought of a true human. A computer built with such talent and curiosity could have everything; what it didn't have could be added; what it didn't have could be learned in moments or days... All without sacrificing the heart that makes a human. A brilliant, shining star that none could match. It's infuriating and detestable to one who has worked for every scrap of talent, and yet, inoffensive for it would always be less than any human.
A truly fascinating idea. But not one he can share here.
He's shaken out of this thoughts, that affectionate smile fading as he's addressed once more. The first few words are missed, but he's able to pick up on the idea based on context clues. He cocks his head to one side, blinking slowly at the suggestion that Komaeda should go first. Was he really do afraid of him now? Was he not a predator who could not be caught? He should be, and so Hiyori closes the gap between himself and the Ultimate Luck, stroking his hair, looking to the man unlocking the door. ]
Are you not confident in your skills? My case is simple, and so you should have no difficulty....
[ He closes his eyes and hums thoughtfully. He'd rather not have trash like this touching his patient, but there's something to be said about opportunity. ]
But I'm not object to observance either. I'm happy to assist... Komaeda-kun, what do you think? I'm happy to go first, and it's easy enough for me to go alone - you need not see me embarrassing myself.
[ He let's his hand slide down his face, cupping his cheek briefly before moving down and his index finger briefly linger on his chin before he removes it. Komaeda's luck would protect him, but so would Hiyori if he so chose.
He's nothing more than a human, just one for whom there was never enough. And so, he put more effort in than anyone. ]
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[ There's not much he can do for the petulant rejection. Hiyori might have objected, nudged him into coming along to avoid letting him out of his sight, but before he knows it he's being shoved toward the door with a sharp exhale. It's common sense rather than intuition that warns him of such, but there's not much he can can do when he's being pushed forward. The door shuts behind them, the lock clicks shut, and he presently considers his situation as he watches the man shuffle about.
Ah... He wants a smoke. He didn't ever quite pick up the habit, not when the smell of smoke would seep into everything, but he'd always taken one when offered. It's a wonderful little drug, and he finds himself wanting one now. He notes every detail of the room. It looks like something out of a third-rate horror movie, befitting of a third-rate murderer. He'll throw up if he stays in such a disgusting place for too long, and the Ultimate Surgeon supposes that he best work quickly.
His expression remains static, though he catches and duly notes the we. Ah, that's why he'd hoped to bring him with, but perhaps this was inevitable. His luck ought to protect him, but if it doesn't, then Hiyori may safely prioritize himself and what comes next. That is his, after all. Every single thing that he touches is his, and he does so hate thieves. Yes, he thinks, for every one thing taken from him, he would collect ten times the amount.
How does that work, for a human, who has only one life to give? It doesn't matter. They can be taken apart and stitched back together through his talents, kept alive with blood transfusions and drugs and care that's unrivaled by any other in the world... Thanks to his talent, Hiyori can kill and revive them over and over again, until there's nothing left of their minds or bodies.
The easy smile is still there, but the look has shifted again. There's not a hint of love or hope in that gaze, no despair, it's something cold and calculating. It's a piercing look that cuts down into a person's soul, identifying every plan and every emotion, clinically assessing every bit of sickness to cut and pierce and remove. It's there and it's gone, as he blinks and that soft, slightly dazed look is back, as though the former were merely a trick of the mind. He takes a few steps forward, allowing that distance to remain, searching for some non-existent part of the room that isn't covered in the filth and rot.
He reaches back with his hand, letting it slide under his shirt with a flinch. ]
Do you have a first aid kit? I need to do a touch up on myself.
[ He doesn't, but he wants to hear the answer. He wants to see if he can't distract him just a little bit. ]
Are you nervous...? You need not be. This is only to determine if I can leave my most precious patient in your care, is it not?
[ A chuckle. Tick, tock... His contact already knows how long to wait before coming. ]
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i rolled a 7 on intellect i'm crying
HE'S SO STUPID RN but he got a 17 in perception so i guess his ears and eyes work just not his brain
HIS NEW CATS GOOD GOOD
MEEE i'm thinking of cute names rn
they're perfect for him... why do i keep rolling 17s, i was doing it for speed he's CRIPPLED DICE
IT'S HIS NOW, HE'S TAKING EVERYTHING AS COMPENSATION
??? HE'S JUST BORROWING THEM FOR A LITTLE WHILE?
IT'S FINE HE'S JUST GONNA HURT AND THEN HEAL IN THAT ORDER
? he's healing komaeda's faith in ultimate surgeon raising project
he's going to be the ideal ultimate by time he's done (but not now)
help not him only getting laid for using his talent he hates that
BECAUSE HE DOESN'T WANNA JUST GET LAID AS THE ULTIMATE SURGEON
EXCUSE YOU? THAT IS NOT ALL HE IS????
sou hiyori, keeper of 20 different titles
STOP HE DOESN'T WANNA GIVE UP HIS OTHER TITLES
crying the way he has to only be the ultimate surgeon now
the way that he can't even keep his name i'm crying
STOPPPPP can't he at least have his name if he attaches it back to his title
RUDE he's never acknowledging his ultimate status again