ways_infirmary | (no subject)

(no subject)

Kevin heads into the infirmary, Darien and Charlie following.

"This shouldn't take very long. Half an hour, maybe, not much more than that."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He looks around.

"I sit...where?"

Charlie holds into his hand. He's only been in here once.

"On one of the beds", Kevin tells him. "They've all got scanners built in."

He nods and lays down, a little nervous and holding tight to Charlie. His eyes dart around the medical equipment, a little wild, and he nods as he lays down.

"kay."

Charlie sits opposite Kevin and gives the most reassuring smile to Darien that he can muster.

"I could tell you a story--take your mind off things. If that won't interfere." He rubs his thumb slowly over the back of Darien's hand.

Kevin retreats to the console and starts selecting the options he wants.

He shrugs.

"Just don't let go. I'm, uh...kinda physical if you didn't notice."

"I've noticed . . . but you've also seen my juggling, so I don't think that would help."

He holds Darien's hand in both of his, still gently stroking his fingers, and starts softly humming.

"Just a few minutes", Kevin says quietly, finishing selecting the right one.

He nods to Kevin before smiling at Charlie.

"I have? The lime's right?"

"The limes. I'm not much better with chainsaws."

He tries not to watch Kevin doing his thing, but it's hard not to.

He smiles at Charlie, a little nervous.

"You have no idea how much I wish I could kiss you right now."

Random. Small. True.

"I bet I could guess," Charlie says gently and kisses the back of Darien's hand.

He shaking a little.

"I know there's nothing hurting me and this is all, you know, non invasive and it's Kevin, you know? But I'm just like...what're they finding out? They? Kevin. You know what I mean. But I'm just like...what's he finding out? Where's it gonna be kept? Who's going to see it? What's it mean? I mean, will this really help or am I gonna be stuck? What if one of these tests tell me that I'm stuck with this thing forever."

"Darien," he says soothingly. "Shh. You're getting overexited and it's--surely it's--" He looks at Kevin. "It's not for forever. It can't be."

The scan complete, Kevin leaves the console to finish working up its report, and comes to the other side of the bed. He rests a light hand on Darien's shoulder.

"Whatever Arnaud did, Darien, chances are more than high I can undo it. It won't be forever."

He looks up at Kevin with the same trust and the same hope as he always did.

And the same defeatism as when their mother had died.

Then he turns to Charlie and squeezes his hand.

"Can we go?"

"Of course," Charlie says and stands, holding onto Darien's hand to help him to his feet. "Wasn't bad at all, was it."

Kevin waits for his brother to turn away before he looks down, pained by Darien's despair.

"I'll start working with the results as soon as they're ready", he says quietly.

Darien nods to Kevin and pats his arm.

"Thanks, bro."

And then he leans against Charlie.

Charlie wraps an arm around Darien's waist, supporting Darien as they leave the infirmary.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only