ways_infirmary | (no subject)

(no subject)

Dr. McCoy checked her in yesterday, so Ellen's in one of the beds towards the back, Dogmeat curled up at her feet. At least somebody in this scenario currently has hair.

The personal dosimeter she's wearing would appear to indicate that it's safe to approach.

[OOC: visiting post. Have at!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Huh. That's... I didn't know that could happen."

"Could be a mutation in the family line," Ellen says with a shrug, and does her best not to scratch at an itch that she just felt spring up on her side. "Who knows. I don't have pictures of anyone else in the family to compare>"

Alyx nods, mutely.

For a long moment, she says nothing.

"We're leaving for South America tomorrow."

"Good luck," says Ellen. "You've got the mini-nukes, right? And the grenades?"

"Among other things, yeah," says Alyx. "Thank you."

"Good," says Ellen. "Good. I'd... loan you my rifle, but I don't know where it is."

If they had to confiscate it because of radioactivity, she understands, but she really didn't want to lose another plasma weapon.

"How are things looking for you?"

"...I don't know," Alyx admits. "I have no idea what we're going into, and I'm not sure we'll have the opportunity for a scouting run this time around..." She sighs. "I wish I didn't have to leave now, but time is a luxury we've already overused."

"Wish I could help," Ellen murmurs. "I'll pray for you. Might not be worth much, but."

"You've already done enough, Ellen. More than enough." Alyx reaches out to take her hand. "I just wish there was more I could do to help you."

Ellen squeezes the offered hand a little. "Hey," she says, "you're here, right? And you're a friend. That helps, plenty. I don't have many, back home."

Alyx squeezes back, momentarily at a loss for words.

"I'll be thinking of you, while I'm here," Ellen says. Then she adds, "I got the comic book, by the way. Thank you."

"--oh, right, I forgot I asked Santa to give you that," says Alyx. "I'm glad you like it."

"It's an issue I never read before," Ellen says, "and all the pages are still in it. That's kind of incredible."

"Don't ask me how he did it," says Alyx with a shrug. "Just accept it."

C'mon, it's Santa.

"Oh, I'm accepting it," Ellen says. "It was a compliment. That he could find it, I mean."

Alyx nods. Then: "Ellen?"

"Hm?"

Alyx swallows, hard.
( "Okay... okay. Just promise me you won't take a single unnecessary risk."
"We won't."
"I promise. I love you."
"I love you too, baby. I'll be praying for you." )
"Just... promise me you won't take any risks you don't have to? Please?"

Edited 2011-01-01 07:27 (UTC)

"... okay," Ellen says; she's not sure what she was expecting to hear, but okay, she can agree to that. "I'll promise."

Alyx suddenly grabs Ellen up in a fierce hug.

"Thank you."

"Gnk!" says Ellen, or something like it; she wasn't expecting that. After a moment she returns the gesture anyway. Not like she gets a whole lot of opportunities otherwise.

Eventually, the rational part of Alyx's brain catches up with the rest of her, and informs her of how weird she's being. At that point, she pulls away, looking sheepish.

"...thaaaaat kinda came out of nowhere, didn't it. Sorry."

"It's okay," Ellen says. "Medical places are sort of supposed to be where things get weird for people."

"I guess. I just... I've lost too many people I care about, back home. I don't want to lose any more."