The question took him a back, not in a bad way though. It just led him to side on the bedside for a while, motionless and without a single word. He wasn't sure what he was getting at with all the things he had just said. Or maybe he was but he lost it. He always loses his words around Ivory; he has so ever since they were children.
"I am not so sure…" He said with uncertainty. Part of him wished everything he wanted to say before coming here would return to him. He didn't want to waste Ivory's time; it is one of the very last things he ever wants to do. What could he even give to Ivory? What could he give in a moment like this one?
His mind drew a blank. Max looked down at their hands. No human language is fully capable of describing how it feels everytime he is with Ivory, how it feels to bask in his presence, to hold his hand. It's priceless. Not even the queen could afford such a thing.
"Oh no!" He shook his head. "You do not have to give me anything. Don't. This is all I could ever ask for. I missed you so much, and this is the happiest I have ever been in a while. Don't give me anything aside from your kindness and affections."
Ivory just watched him with a soft smile on his face. He liked these moments, when he could just watch Maximilian and wait for an answer. Sometimes he just liked that he made him speechless, and now was not too different. So he just watched him, his eyes roving over his face and the hair that had fallen in front of it, the lips that were suspended in a wordless gape, the blonde eyelashes that flickered ever so slightly.
“You are too kind, friend,” he murmured with a sigh.
He kept watching him, even as Max’s gaze went down. He just wanted to look at him for a little longer. Make sure he wasn’t some figment of his imagination, that he wouldn’t disappear like a dream. And yet, he grew tired again. It would be nice, to fall asleep with his friend by his side, wouldn’t it?
Then he blinked. A laugh stole over him. “Then I shall give them to you abundantly, Max,” he said, and wrapped his arms around him, even though his hands were frozen in place. To be honest, he had wanted to hug him ever since he walked in the room.
When he pulled back, he looked down at the covers, a little hesitant. “Ah… hm. Sorry, that was a little out of nowhere. I just… didn’t get to do that when you first walked in.”
"Oh how awfully kind of yo-" His words stopped in their tracks. Being greeted by Ivory's embrace, his eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat or two. Better yet, it might have stopped. While he clearly knows that it is impossible for such a scenario, he could not help but think it.
Max did not have time to take in what had just happened; now he has that as a new regret. "That is all I could ever ask for from you." Those were the words that he managed to force from his throat. He had to force himself only because he was focused on the hug and hugging Ivory again.
Despite being swift, he was gentle as he wrapped his arms around Ivy. "Please do not apologize for this," He begged, "You can hug me as much as you heart desires."
As he hugged him, his left hand rubbed Ivy's back while other stayed put. He let silence fall onto him so they could both enjoy the moment. Then gently, he let go and sat back up. "I will make sure that you are able to hug me when you want to. You do not have to stand up when I walk in or anything, okay?"
Ivory gasped softly; he did not expect to receive a hug himself. A smile grew on his face as he wrapped his arms around his friend. Closing his eyes, he murmured, “Oh, how wonderful. Thank you.”
He almost dozed off, with Max’s warmth and his hand rubbing his back. He could have stayed here forever. It was almost surprising when he started to let go, but Ivory smoothly let his hands fall in front of him. Then he nodded, blinking sleepily. “Alright. That makes me very happy, Maximillian. I missed being able to hug you… ah, and now I want to do it all the time,” he chuckled.
The chuckle turned into a yawn, tumbling from his lips. “Mmm, not sure why I’m so drowsy all of a sudden, though.” He wondered if it was the illness. It has made him rather low on energy, when he thought about it.
Maximillian was too focused on the embracing to notice that his dear friend was beginning to become tired. He was the exact opposite of course, especially given that his heart was racing. Some sort of joy that he hadn't felt in what felt like forever had overcome him, coursing through his veins. In all honesty, he could have sworn it was a dream for a second.
Gently he adjusted the covers. With the back of his hand, he checked Ivory's temperature. Somewhere in his mind, worries began to speak. Possible diagnosises along with treatments laid out and yet, at the time, he was uncertain; just as he was uncertain about the joyful feeling that rested within his heart.
"You should get some rest, my Ivy," He suggested. "It probably would be best that you do, then maybe after you can try to eat something small. Perhaps I can talk with your mother about having plants in the room and servants to help you in keeping them well."
His hand cradled Ivory's cheek. "We can hug all the time if that is what you wish to do, but I would rather do so after you rest and feel a little bit better."
Ivory let out another yawn as Max took his temperature, and he muttered a small “Excuse me,” before focusing on his friend’s face. The combined worry and joy showed, and he once again wished he could use hands to take his, or to lay it on his shoulder. Small physical affection often felt more useful than words during times like these.
He nodded, but then stopped as an uncontrollable smile spread over his face. Perhaps if he wasn’t so tired, he would be able to control himself, but the way Max said “my Ivy” was almost shocking enough to make him wide awake.
“Yes, I’m afraid you are right,” Ivory sighed. “Thank you, I would appreciate that very much, my Max.”
He closed his eyes as his dear friend held his cheek, and nodded again. “That sounds nice. I hope I will feel better soon.”
Settling into the covers, he grunted a little and tried to relax his body. The leftover tension in his muscles that he had not realized was there deflated, and it wasn’t long before he began to drift off.
My Max….At first, the phrase had passed over his head. That is until the realization made him pause as his eyes widened. A blush overtook his face as he grinned.
"You will…You will feel better soon, get some rest and just hold on," Max assured. He stayed at the bedside until he was sure that Ivory was asleep. While waiting, he glanced down at his shoes; leaving right away was something that he didn't want to do.
Although when his friend was sleeping, he slowly got up from the bed and collected his things. Just before he left the room, he took one more look at Ivory then quietly left. He stood by the door with his little journal. Despite the fact that he will be telling Duchess Winn about his findings and ways to better Ivory's condition, he thought it would be a good idea to write all of it down as well.
After he ripped the page out, he stuffed the journal in a pocket then picked his bag up. He walked down the hall then stopped. "I suppose I should go off and find her…." He mumbled to himself. "Yes yes…that will be best."
Meanwhile, Duchess Winn was having a small breakfast in the dining room. It was quiet; there was the ticking of a grandfather clock at the room, and the soft clinking sounds whenever her silverware touched the plate, but that was about it. A maid was there to keep her company, but at the moment there was nothing to say.
A manservant might have approached Doctor Solomon to inform him of duchess’s whereabouts, commenting that she looked tired, but amiable enough. “I think it is because of you, doctor,” he said. “She was a lot more worried and uptight before you came, and now she is more relaxed.” He flashed him a small smile, then went back to his business.
Indeed, as Duchess took a sip of tea, she was calm. It was difficult to not think about her son, but knowing that he was getting adequate medical care, especially from an old friend, made it easier.
Maximillian did his best to muster up a smile for the manservant. "Thank you." As the manservant went off, his eyes gravitated to the floor. They closed as he took a few slow breaths then walked off to the dining room. Funny how after all these years, he still remembers where it is.
As he saw the entrance not too far from him, he came to a rolling stop. Lord, he has a good chance of ruining Duchess Winn's mood. Yes he always has to bear bad news regardless of his own mood, but he always leaves it in order to preform his job well. Is he preforming his job well now? Will it be enough for Ivory? Is he going to do a good job?
The paper made a tiny crinkle sound in his hand. It ruptured in his mind in the midst of his troubling ponder. Shaking his head, he pushed his glasses up his nose with the back of his hand. Once Max had convinced himself that he is doing everything within his power and that Ivory will be fine, he entered the dining room.
"Your Grace, forgive me for interrupting your breakfast. Ivory is resting now and I thought it would be best to discuss some matters I believe to be vital."
The duchess raised her head, setting the teacup down. She placed her hands in her lap, attentive as Maximillian walked in and began to speak.
Letting herself take a breath, she tried to prepare for any bad news. To be honest, she would be surprised if nothing was wrong, and reminded herself that the main goal at the moment was to understand. To understand, and to see what could be done.
“Of course. Thank you for taking a look at him, Doctor Solomon.” Then she offered a small smile. “I do hope you both were able to catch up on things.”
She caught movement in the corner of her eye. Her maid was gesturing to a small side door, silently wondering if she should leave. “No no, stay.” Duchess Winn raised a hand to her.
Turning back to the doctor, she inclined her head to him. “If there are vital matters, they should be discussed. Would you like to sit down, or will you be leaving after this?” She noted the bag at his side and the paper in his hand.
A soft smile held his face when he recalled what had happened just minutes ago. The embracing, all the grins on Ivory's face, and the laughs all played in his mind like the mellifluous tune of a music box. Maximillian nodded, "We did. We were able to, even while I was looking and assessing him." He doesn't have a concrete diagnosis; he will have to do some research in order to be able to treat Ivory properly. Not to mention, he is also concerned about having a conflict of interest.
He hesitated for an answer. Maximillian hasn't gotten any sleep since yesterday morning. He hasn't had any breakfast yet and here he is about to advise the duchess to give Ivory some food, even if it be a little bit. Although he will not be saying those things about himself unless need be. Briefly glimpsing over at the maid, he looked back at Duchess Winn and said, "I suppose I should sit down."
This time, as he walked over, his steps were slow and small. Standing by a chair on the end to the duchess's left, he placed his hand on the top rail of the chair. Gently he brought the chair out then sat down. Max then leaned his bag against the chair leg, but kept the paper delicately in his hands. "I had written some instructions for you that I believe would be beneficiary for Ivory and his condition," He explained while handing the piece of paper, "It is just simple things like having more light in his room, trying to introduce small foods to him, giving him tea with aconitum napellus, and having low-maintenance plants for His Grace."
The duchess let out a breath and nodded. “Good, good.” She watched as he sat down, taking another sip of tea before she reached out to take the slip of paper. Looking it over, she pursed her lips and nodded slowly. “Yes…” she handed the paper to her maid so that she could take a look at it. “We have tried some similar things, but eating has been difficult for him… though I’m sure you are aware. But I agree, this will be beneficial for him.” Her eyes focused on the doctor, concern painting her face. “You have not come to any conclusions on what His Grace may be suffering from?”
So there was no bad news. At least, nothing that she did not already know. Duchess Winn still did not understand, but at least there were things that could be done. Of course, this could not be resolved after the doctor only once looking at him. It would take more time, but she wanted to know immediately. Patience, she reminded herself.
The maid handed the paper back to her. The duchess folded the paper into a small square, and took another sip of tea.
Max gave a small grin. "Well just something tiny and light will do. Like a biscuit or apple slices really," He added. His eyes followed the paper, watching as the maid took it. Once he focused his attention back to Her Grace, he felt the concern pressing onto his face.
His hand began to shake slightly on his lap. Whether it be out of tiredness or anxiety, he doesn't know. He worries for Ivory. He worries for Duchess Winn. He worries deeply for them. And most certainly, he worries about himself.
"Well…that is my main concern, I simply cannot come to a conclusion. His Grace….At first I thought his condition had to do with eating habits or stress or grief or something within the mind, but then his hands became practically paralyzed and I am not sure what to think of it," He confessed. "I sincerely apologize for bestowing such news in this manner. I care deeply about His Grace and I do not want to do him wrong both as a doctor and friend."
Maximillian pushed his glasses back. He pointed to the folded paper. "But what is on there should guide us to assist His Grace and help better his condition," He assured, "I have learned personally from a colleague that aconitum napellus does well for paralysis. And I know an alienist who says that our surrounding environment may have a deeper effect on us."
Oh how he talks too much as a professional. It's like he wasted all those years studying just to regurgitate it all to patients and loved ones. "What I am trying to say, Your Grace, is that there is no need to worry. His Grace needs to have care and support from you as well, it is crucial. I will figure this out….We will figure this out….Alright?"
Well. Duchess Winn had expected bad news, and she certainly got it. She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth.
“Paralyzed?” She repeated softly. “That… that has never happened before.” Her hand rubbed at her mouth as her gaze went out of focus. “I… I wish I could provide some insight, but I do not know what to make of it either.” She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and folded her hands in her lap. “There is no good way to bestow that news, doctor, unfortunately.”
She listened to him, faintly nodding now again but still with that unfocused look. Then, something made a small smile come to her face.
“I still remember you from when you were young,” she murmured. “I do not think you have changed all that much, to be honest. You are a good friend to my son.”
(I’m going to be inactive for a couple of days, fyi)
(Thanks for letting me know. Just an fyi, I won't really be active much next week, but I'll do my best with responses.)
All Maximillian could do was push his glasses further up on his nose. Worry had settled deep within him, resting comfortably in his chest. A nonchalant expression canvassed on his face as the sounds of Her Grace's gasp sends tension all through him.
He nodded his head; right, there is no right way of bringing such news aside from not cowarding with it. As a doctor, there are multiple ways to say things; most of which are neither good nor bad, yet still do not do their job in providing any comfort or knowledge. Maximillian despises this as much as he despises the demeanor that he brings onto himself. "Paralysis is a tricky symptom and condition. It is something we cannot figure out in our lifetimes," He sighed, "But it is possible that His Grace's will go away. It might be collateral from grief or lack of eating."
Shifting in the chair, he stared at Duchess Winn. He couldn't help but noticed the way her gaze was drifting off. The look on her face made him wonder where or not he should ask her if she's alright. And yet, he was more than thankful to see a grin on her face. How sweet and bright it is; Ivory must take after her in this way.
"Is that so? That is wonderful to hear, Your Grace," Maximillian smiled, "I am very honored. I hope that I can still be a good friend to him. His Grace is very important to me."
(Alrighty! School is starting soon for me, so my responses may be spotty as well)
Everything in Duchess Winn’s mind seemed to stop. It seemed she could not think anymore, and her brain was empty of any thought or idea. This caused the faraway look in her eyes as she listened to the doctor, only vaguely aware of his words.
She glanced to the paper folded in her hand, trying to remember that there was a way to remedy the state of things, at least somewhat. When Doctor Solomon mentioned the possibility of the paralysis going away on its own, she nodded, more comforted and aware of things around her.
“I know. And I believe you will,” the duchess said, but her smile faded after that. “Thank you. Even if you had to deliver this unfortunate news, I am glad to know. I also thank you for your little list. It should help.”
She took a sip of tea to see if it would help her mind work again, and also tried to focus on her breath.
In his mind, he shuffled through cards of things to say. What is he going to say next? What should he say? While each patient is different- even if two have the same diagnosis or symptoms- he still sticks to a routine of what to say. There is the fact that Max has only been a doctor for a few years now, but finding a routine has proven to be beneficial for the patients and their families, and himself as well.
Regardless, he cannot give false positivity for the sake of temporary relief; he sees it to be wrong, a fault that doctors alike always tend to commit. Despite his own means and morals, he wanted to say something.
With hands held on top of the table, his right thumb pressed down between his left thumb and index. Maximillian did everything in his power to muster up a nice little smile for the duchess. "It is a pleasure to be of help, Your Grace."
He only kept quiet not for long. To be quite honest, Max felt his eyes getting heavy, yet his mind was full of thoughts running around. "Is there anything else that I can take care of while I am here, or should I dismiss myself?" He released the tension in his hands, letting his back touch support of the chair. "I know that I am here to treat His Grace, but if you do need a check up or something of the sorts yourself, I would be much oblige."
She had to have faith; that was the conclusion she came to. Even if her dear son did not recover, if Doctor Solomon could not heal him, then surely God would work a miracle. The duchess would not fall prey to despair now, nor ever.
“Hm?” Duchess Winn set her teacup down. “Ah, I don’t think so. I’m deeply grateful for your services, doctor, and I hope more progress can be made in the future. You may now be dismissed.”
She rose from her seat, giving him a simple bow of the head.
As of the current moment, he had no idea where to put his confidence. Being divorced from one's emotions always makes these kind of things difficult. Besides anytime he hears a mention or thinks about Ivory, he feels his heart becoming warm and fuzzy. As Doctor Solomon, he knows he shouldn't be thinking in such a way.
Keeping his hand on the edge of the table, he rose up at the same time as Her Grace. Just as he was reaching down for his bag, he stopped halfway to give the duchess a forty-five degree bow. Then, of course, he finally wrapped his fingers around the handles and picked his bag up.
"It is my very pleasure, Your Grace," Maximillian smiled, "Do write to me if something comes up, but other than that, I'll be on my way and see you tomorrow."
Before leaving the room, he turned around once more to give one final bow and then went off.
Duchess Winn smiled back, and watched as the doctor took his leave. The manservants would give his coat and hat back to him as he neared the door. As for Her Grace, she turned to her maid. “Have His Grace’s servants take a look at this,” she handed the paper back to her, “and we can start doing those little things that should help him. I’ll have the butler look for inside plants for his room.”
The maid took the paper and nodded, but her eyes flickered to the table. “Won’t you finish your breakfast, Your Grace?”
The duchess glanced back to the half-eaten meal still on the table. “Oh. It’s alright, I’ve lost my appetite.”
(I'm just writing my reply so then if you want to go ahead with a timeskip, you can. If you want me to, I can write another response. It's all good)
Maximillian was off of the Winn property under twenty minutes. He got on his horse, but initially hesitated to go. There was an urge biting him. As the reins were cluched in his hands, he looked over his shoulder in the direction of Ivory's chamber. Despite the initial urge to yawn, he ended up exhaling fora few seconds.
Exhaustion wore on his face. He let go of his left rein to wipe his face. Is it possible for him to think of things after not sleeping normally for a while? Max chuckled at the question. He shook his head before taking his left rein and having his horse go.
A little over half an hour passed by until he was able to get home. He lived on the outskirts of the city. Not too far from his parents, not too from Ivory's, and not too far for anyone to go and get him. It is still morning, yet he was already getting ready for tomorrow. Once Max knew he was prepared, he collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep. Books and journals sprawled all about around him.
(Alright, I can just skip myself ^^)
(Aaaa. I’m sorry, can I ask you to post again? I’m a little overwhelmed at the moment ;;)
(Not a problem! I'll do my best to post one as soon as I can.)
