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Everyone at the table had taken notice to Cyno’s unusual behavior. Sure, he typically spoke with a deadpan tone and expression, but the other three men could tell that something wasn’t right. Cyno was never one to admit to feeling unwell, so it wasn’t likely they could just ask. He might even get embarrassed by it.
Tighnari decided to prod a bit. “So, TCG?” He was already taking out his own deck when he was shocked to see Cyno shake his head.
“What?! Seriously?” Kaveh exclaimed.
“You don’t want to play your favorite game in all of Teyvat?” Alhaitham added with a raised eyebrow.
Cyno looked to be shutting down even more, so Tighnari was quick to hop in. “That’s alright, we could just chat this evening.”
Alhaitham and Kaveh exchanged glances before they decided to stick with Tighnari’s suggestion. Conversation was light, as always. They tended to avoid heavier topics as evenings like this were meant to help them de-stress from their work lives. Cyno always looked forward to them, especially because he could always con them into playing cards with him.
Although they tried engaging Cyno in the conversation, he gave very short responses. He even missed an opportunity or two to make a pun. Tighnari almost did it for him, but he was silently hoping (yes he was actually hoping) that Cyno would do it instead. But no such luck.
They got very into a discussion regarding travel, and a work trip that Kaveh would be taking soon. All the while, Cyno did not really participate.
Ever the perceptive one, especially for these kinds of things, Tighnari noticed a few concerning things. Aside of course from behavior, Cyno’s physical appearance gave some signs as well. He had a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead, his eye twitched occasionally, and although he was a masterfully composed man, his facial expression seemed to have broken through that barrier. There was something just a bit off. It certainly appeared to be discomfort, there was no doubt about that.
Tighnari didn’t want to pry, but he was starting to feel more worried about his friend’s condition. This was just plain odd. No two ways about it.
“I always try to pack lightly for travel,” Kaveh expressed with a casual wave of his hand.
Alhaitham snorted. “Really? If packing half your room is considered ‘packing lightly’, then I’d be willing to agree.”
“W-what?! I don’t pack half my room!”
“My mistake, a quarter of it.”
Kaveh crossed his arms, shooting an annoyed glance at the scribe. “Well it serves to be prepared!”
“But of course. I cannot possibly fathom the abysmal turn of events should you neglect to bring a third pair of shoes.”
“Okay, weather events are very possible! I’d rather have a full suitcase than walk around during my trip with sand and water in my shoes. You’re the fool here.”
“Oh, am I?”
Tighnari sighed. It never took much for these two to get into it. He glanced over at Cyno, hoping maybe he might be at least entertained by the other two’s antics. He was surprised to find Cyno had hunched over slightly, lowering his head as he wore a strained expression.
“Cyno? What’s the matter?”
The general harshly breathed out, his arm going to wrap around his midsection. “Perhaps I should call it a night.”
Tighnari leaned a bit closer, putting a comforting hand on his back. “What’s bothering you?”
There was hesitation in Cyno’s response. “I’m… I’m a bit more tired than usual. Today was… very busy.”
“I never knew you to be one that would become worn out so easily. You’re usually quite spry even after a life-threatening battle.”
“Yes. Well… I think I should leave.”
“At least let me walk you back to where you’re staying.”
“No, no need. Please, stay and enjoy the evening with the others.”
Tighnari glanced back at the two arguing men.
Kaveh huffed. “And that’s exactly why I could never trust you to properly wash the dishes! I swear every time you do them, I have to go in and do them all again anyways!”
The forest watcher was not quite sure how the topic had shifted the way it did, but if you weren’t following right along with one of their arguments, you’d be left in utter confusion. They liked to cover a range of topics while they fought.
Cyno suddenly winced and gripped his stomach.
“Is your stomach hurting?” Tighnari asked.
Another moment of hesitation before he finally answered. “It… yes.”
“How long have you been feeling this way?”
“I-it began in the early afternoon and has slowly gotten worse.”
Tighnari knew it had to be quite intense if Cyno was actually admitting how he was feeling. He’d seen the man stabbed through the shoulder and still able to crack jokes. It seemed now the best idea was to get him to the Bimarstan. Tighnari would’ve preferred to bring him back to Gandharva Ville with him, but it seemed that this might be a bit more urgent than that can warrant.
Cyno clenched his teeth and grunted softly. “S-something is wrong…”
It certainly seemed that way. Tighnari’s concern was growing quicker than the worsening pain in Cyno’s gut.
“We need to get you medical attention,” Tighnari stated firmly.
In an even more concerning turn of events, Cyno nodded. So this was very urgent then.
Tighnari glanced up at the other two. “Hey you two, I’m taking Cyno to the Bimarstan. He’s feeling quite unwell.”
Kaveh’s angry expression immediately faded into a worried one. “The Bimarstan? W-what’s going on that would make you need to go there?”
Tighnari stood and helped Cyno to his feet. His lips parted in surprise when he noticed the way Cyno’s stomach seemed to have bloated. His skin was looking paler by the second, his body temperature was exponentially high, and he was trembling.
Kaveh and Alhaitham both looked him up and down, concern showing on their faces. Though Kaveh’s was a bit more easy to read, there was no denying the slight way that Alhaitham watched cautiously, even standing up to assist.
Lambad himself was kind enough to bring over a glass of water and ask if they needed help, but Tighnari respectfully declined.
He was intensely concerned, which was a feeling he really didn’t like. He almost felt physically ill with worry. What was wrong with Cyno? Was he going to be okay? He hated to admit, but he really could’ve used a bad joke from Cyno right about now.
Cyno had grabbed his cloak as well, wrapping it around himself as he shivered and breathed laboriously. The other men also figured it was likely due to him trying to conceal his identity. Couldn’t have the General Mahamatra looking physically vulnerable in public. Who knows what kind of chaos would break loose should someone take advantage of his weakened state.
The streets were not too busy this evening. While the sun had gone down, the moon was bright, bathing the city on a cool glow assisted by the street lights. There was a bit of a chill in the air, which likely didn’t help the already shivering Cyno. Tighnari found himself instinctively holding him closer, even wrapping his tail around him in an effort to keep him warm. Alhaitham was on the other side of Cyno, arm linked with his. If he tried to throw Cyno’s arm over his shoulder, he’d likely leave the general’s feet dangling from being too far off the ground. Kaveh just anxiously followed behind, not entirely sure what to do with himself.
As they neared their destination, they heard a very deep, painful sounding grumble from Cyno’s stomach. It caused him to pause and whine loudly, hunching over in malaise.
“Cyno?” Tighnari began, lowering his own head to try and look his friend in the face. “Can you continue walking?”
“U-ugh, I… mm…” With one more sickly gurgle, Cyno retched as a sudden stream of vomit spewed onto the ground in front of them. The strain of his stomach contents being violently thrown up caused an absolutely unbearable stabbing sensation in his lower stomach. He gasped and cried out in absolute agony. His legs gave out and the two men holding on to him quickly knelt down to keep him from hitting the ground.
“Ah! Oh no, oh no!” Kaveh was suddenly rambling, rushing around the group. “S-should I run ahead and get someone? Do you need help carrying him?”
“Kaveh, stop it,” Alhaitham snapped firmly. “We need to get him to a doctor immediately.”
“Pick him up, then. He’s not that big.”
“No,” Tighnari cut in. “There’s obviously some sort of pain that could worsen should we turn him horizontally or especially if you threw him over your shoulder.”
Another awful sounding retch tore from Cyno’s throat and more vomit splattered onto the ground. This action was equally as upsetting to his gut, causing him to yell out again. Now there were tears. This was getting to a level Tighnari never thought possible. He shook his head and held tightly onto Cyno.
“We just have to hoof it. Quickly.”
Alhaitham nodded and readjusted his arm to get a better grip on Cyno’s as they headed off, much quicker now. The faster pace did nothing but stir up Cyno’s belly even more, causing him to gag up more vomit. They didn’t slow their pace though, and the sick wound up running down Cyno’s chin and onto his chest, soaking into his cloak.
They finally headed up the incline that led to the Bimarstan, immediately catching the attention of two intern doctors that had been chatting idly, Golshan and Tamara.
“Oh, my!” Golshan gasped, putting her hands over her mouth and hurrying over to help.
“I’ll get Zakariya,” Tamara said before quickly heading into the building.
They got Cyno settled onto a cot, Golshan now even further flustered by realizing who the patient was. “G-General!”
The facility was suddenly bustling. Cyno wound up being moved inside the building for further analysis. Tighnari insisted on following, and while Zakariya tried to keep him outside, he pulled his medic card. His reputation proceeded him enough that eventually, the doctor accepted his assistance.
Cyno’s fists were clenched tightly as he lay one arm over his eyes and the other wrapping around his stomach. He was on a complete other level of agony. He was practically writhing in pain as medical staff attempted to figure out what was going on. Ultimately, it was Tamara who suggested it could be his appendix. After pressing around his lower belly, his screams of anguish seemed to confirm it.
“Golshan, Tamara, prepare for surgery,” Zakariya stated firmly.
Tighnari was beside himself. Surgery? This night had taken an absolutely dreadful turn. He was very familiar with appendicitis, and he knew how risky it was to perform surgery on, but he continuously reminded himself to have faith. To avoid slipping into a never ending pit of anxiety by overthinking the possible outcomes. That was not the way he wanted his mind to function, but it unfortunately seemed to be largely out of his control.
Once Cyno was put under, it became very real. Tighnari was honestly regretting his decision to insist on staying. It realistically was not a very wise idea. He could usually put aside biases, but with Cyno? Someone he considered to be his best friend. Someone he’d recently begun persuing romantic affiliations with? It was agony.
His ear twitched and he tried desperately to steady himself. He happened to have some supplies on his person that could help with the procedure, which the doctor graciously accepted.
Glancing over at Cyno’s face, he felt another grim feeling wash over him. Although the man was unconscious. His brow was still furrowed in discomfort as his tears dried on his face. Tighnari wanted to wipe them away and hold him, but he had to stay focused.
From first insition to final stitches, Tighnari felt completely detached from reality. He managed to keep himself focused. Together, the four of them completed the procedure and bandaged over his stitches. Tighnari exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. A jar on the medical table contained the infected appendix, and Tighnari could almost hear Cyno asking to keep it. He smiled slightly despite himself, thinking about how much he was looking forward to seeing Cyno again.
Golshan left the building to update Alhaitham and Kaveh on the situation at Tighnari’s request. He wasn’t ready to hold a conversation yet. Not with the way he felt his body trembling with adrenaline as he attempted to ground himself. He was disappointed in himself for getting in his own head as much as he did, but at the same time, he praised himself for getting through the surgery without any errors.
Cyno was moved to another room to recover and the others were let in. They didn’t miss the exasperated way Tighnari appeared despite his efforts of keeping a cool, calm demeanor.
“Is he alright?” Kaveh asked nervously.
Tighnari nodded. “Yes, removal of a non-essential organ.”
“That’s such a scary thought… one of your organs could just turn on you one day.”
Alhaitham nodded. “Any of us could be next. Cyno is fortunate to now be in the clear.”
Kaveh bristled at that comment. “N-next? But… t-there’s no guarantee it’ll even happen, right?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see…”
“That does not help!”
—
When Cyno finally woke up, he was beyond relieved that the pain in his abdomen was finally gone. He lowered his hand to where it had been hurting the most, and his fingers brushed over the bandages overtop of his incision.
“Cyno!” Tighnari stood up from his chair quickly, immediately moving to the bedside.
He blinked against the light in the room and took in the sight of his friends standing above him. “Mm… what’s happened?”
“Your appendix was inflamed, so it needed to be removed.”
“Hm…” Cyno laid his head back and looked up at the ceiling. “Removed my appendix then, huh?”
“Cut it right out of you,” Alhaitham confirmed.
“I suppose that only leaves my table of contents, then.”
The room fell silent, but only briefly. Who should break the silence with genuine laughter? Tighnari. It was laughter that was so many emotions mixed together. Exhilaration, relief, happiness, gratefulness, and honestly?
He actually didn’t think it was that bad of a joke.