*She'd been working for 36 hours straight. Sleeping in the on-call room at the hospital was all right, but there was nothing quite like the joy that accompanied a nice sleep in her own bed. Of course, she'd been sleeping less and staring at the ceiling more. She'd memorized every crack, line, until she passed out from exhaustion. Her current situation weighted heavily on her mind, and it showed. She'd grown more impatient with her colleagues, especially Dr. Aurelius. She hadn't let it affect her treatment of patients, though, she just couldn't do that. They needed her, and they didn't deserve to be punished for what happened to her. It was getting harder and harder to concentrate, though. She could hear people whisper when she walked by. Was it drugs? Fighting with the boyfriend? Or was she just a bitch? They didn't know, but in the fishbowl that a hospital is everyone wanted, needed to know. The soap opera played out within these walls far exceeded any scriptwriter's wet dream with all the love, hate, guilt, anger, violence, law, order, etc. It was almost too much for Lisa to handle right now, and she was really looking forward to getting off work.*
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*He pulled the rented car into the hospitals parkaing garage and looked at the note he'd hastily written down that said what unit she worked in. They had spoken on the phone a few days prior, and were going to get together for drinks and to catch up on old times tonight. He was a little early, but he didn't mind waiting. It had been what, five, six year since he'd seen her last? He'd lost count and chances are she had too. It was only by a fluke he'd found her number and decided to contact her, and an even bigger one when she agreed to catch up. He locked the car and made his way for an elevator he hoped would take him to at least the proper floor.*
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~Doctor?~
*Sucking her breath in sharply, Lisa turned to see a nervous intern holding a clipboard.*
Yes?
~Uh, um. Could you sign off on Mr. Thompson so I can release him?~
No. I haven't even seen Mr. Thompson all night. I've been busy with ten other patients. Besides, shouldn't you be reporting to Monroe?
*The girl paused for a moment before responding.* ~Monroe left early and Carter's not here yet. You and Sinclair are the only attendings here right now, and he's got a multiple GSW who's flatlining.~
Shouldn't you help him then?
~Nope. He's got all the help he needs, and Thompson's really bitching.~
That's what people in a hospital do, *Pausing, she checked the girl's nametag.* Abernathy. If we listened to every bitch, people would drop dead outside on a daily basis, and we'd become an even bigger target for self medicators. I'd prefer to be helping patients who actually need it and keeping the ones that do come in alive, wouldn't you?
~Y-Yes.~
Good girl. *Patting the girl's shoulder, Lisa brushed by her.*
~What about Thompson?~ *Lisa just gave the girl the thumbs up sign and kept walking.*
------------------
*He'd made his way to a floor he guessed was right and made his way to the receptionists desk. A rather dumpy looking woman manning the desk, a phone hanging loosely in her ear as she tended to her nails.
How...sterotypical. He stifled a little chuckle to himself and waited patiently for a few minutes...which turned into five, which then turned into ten. He cleared his throat and the woman looked up at him with a glare that definately made him wonder why he paid money into his health insurance, if he'd have to deal with people like her on the inside.*
Er, excuse me, but I'm here to meet Dr. Lisa Brennan?
"Who?"
Dr. Lisa Brennan. She works at this hospital, and I'm supposed to meet her after her shift is over *he checked his watch* in just a few minutes actually.
*The woman just looked at him, turned to her computer and typed a few keys lazily, the phone never leaving her ear as she did. She turned back to him almost looking past him*
"Wrong unit. You want the one two floors up."
Uh...thanks.
*He turned around on his heels, thankful he wouldn't have to deal with -that- paticular woman ever again. He got back into the elevator and pressed the button for the floor that was two up, hoping he wouldn't be late now.*
----------------------------
*One way or another, she was leaving the ER. It was a feat that sometimes required ninja skills, other times diplomacy, and other times a hardheaded refusal to consider the heart-rending pleas of your coworkers for assistance. It may seem cruel and insensitive, but given enough time, they'd do it to you too so it all works out in the end. All she had to do was sign two more pieces of paper, and she was out the door. Thankfully, Dr. Aurelius wasn't in, because she would have snapped on him today. As usual, she had a headache. But, she was looking forward to the chance to get out and have a drink with an old friend. Her craving for alcohol was growing stronger with each passing minute..*
------------------------------
*The elevator dinged and opened up and he stepped out, looking for the receoptionists desk on this floor. Apparently he'd not gotten off on quite the 'ground' floor, but a few below it as he stepped out into the ER. It was busy and loud, and he wondered just how she did it. He could barely stand a few minutes of the environment, let alone back to back shifts of it.
Surprisingly enough he spotted her out, and made his way towards her. He stayed back a bit, not wanting to get in the way of her work. He gave her a little smile and a wave as she looked up, hoping she noticed at her.*
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*Signing three pieces of paper, erasing her name from the board, and she was free. Who would think that wiping away flecks of dry-erase ink could be so liberating, and yet it was, more so than almost anything else in Lisa's life these days. She spotted Jerlad and waved, smiling the first smile anyone had seen all day. This immediately got the staff thinking that this was her boyfriend.* I'll be with you in a second, promise.
~Doctor?~ *It was Abernathy again.*
What?
~Um, can I dismiss Thompson? Will you sign off?~ *A slow intake of breath from Lisa as she struggled to maintain her composure. Interns could be so damn stupid sometimes it was a wonder they didn't kill themselves, let alone their patients.*
No. Wait until Carter gets here or Sinclair finishes with the GSW. *Turning her back on the girl, she signed herself out and headed toward the board to erase her name.*
~It would only take you five minutes and then you can go talk to your boyfriend!~
*The normally noisy ER went silent except for the beeps and hum of machinery. Another sharp intake of breath, and Lisa spoke calmly to the girl, but everyone present could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface.*
You want to be a doctor, don't you Abernathy? You don't get to be a doctor by taking convenient shortcuts like harrassing whoever happens to be present just because you're impatient. That's the kind of immature behavior that has ruined careers of people who were a -lot- better than you. If you turn around and walk away, we'll pretend this never happened and I won't write up a formal complaint. *Abernathy's skin went pale, and for a moment Lisa thought the girl would faint. In reality, a formal complaint wouldn't have been filed unless she hurt a patient. But, she could be punished by other residents and staff in entirely informal and cruel manners. Nobody said another word to Lisa as she erased the board and walked over to where Jerlad was standing.* How are you doing?
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*He bit his lip as he watched the little scene take place. At first because it was assumed he was Lisa' boyfriend. But then he fought back laughing at that poor woman who was bugging her for a signature.
He assumed it must have happened more often than that little occurance, given her very controlled outburst at the poor woman. He was almost sure she'd faint right then and there as well. But, still, she had a point. Patience was a real virtue. Especially when dealing with a tired doctor.
He smirked as she walked up to him, flashing a little teeth in his grin and shaking his head slightly*
You know, I don't think I've ever seen you -quite- that mad before. But entertaining None-The-Less. *He chuckled softly* I'm doing pretty good...obviously a little better than you have...I'm guessing going for drinks was a good idea?
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No, I don't think you have. I didn't used to get that mad. It's amazing how stressful this job can be. *She smiled again, putting on her jacket.* You are right about one thing, though. A drink would be an excellent idea right now. *Once her jacket was on, she looked him over. Still the same, just a bit older. She'd hate to see how she looked, having been on duty for 36 hours straight.* I'm glad to hear you're doing good. Really glad. *It had been several years since they last talked, some misunderstanding over something stupid, or maybe they got busy. Lisa couldn't remember, which was a definite indication of how important whatever it was had been.*
---------------------
*He waited for her to get her jacket and pushed the button for the parking garage level and stepped back*
So have you been working a long shift? You hardly look it. *He was being honest, and maybe a little nice. But she didn't really look like she'd been working a 36 hour shift, maybe just a really hard 12 hr one. He was impressed. She'd matured, but still looked pretty much the same.
And whatever it was that split them apart for all these years he couldn't really recall it either. So it must have been very unimportant at that.*
Well, this is your city, so care to reccomend any good bars? Last time I was in Vegas I was 21 and I don't remember anything.
*He chuckled a little at that, and leaned against the wall of the elevator as it hummed quietly, descending to the proper level, dininging and the doors opening as they got to the parking level.*
I parked over this way.
----------------------------
Well, we could go to one of the casinos. Then you get a lot of alcohol for a low price. *She raised her hand before he could comment.* I'm not a lush, honest. However, some of my coworkers are and are also more than happy to talk about it. There's a nice spot around the corner, should be pretty quiet this late at night. *It was after midnight, and getting late. Thankfully, Lisa had tomorrow off, so she could stay out as late as she felt like.* How long you in town for?
------
*He chuckled slightly at the casino and lush comment. Cheap alcohol sounded good, but he figured that it would probably be best just to find a nice quite place to kick back a few drinks. No sense in leaving a noisy hectic enviornment for another. As inebriated as one might become.*
The quite spot sounds better, actually. Maybe later we can try that cheaper alcohol *He smiled at her and continued, telling her how long he was in town*
Well, I took some much needed vacation time, so I'm actually going to stay in town for at least a week, maybe more. Just depends on how welcome I am. *He grinned at her, saying the last bit a little jokingly*
--------------
Yes, we can always try cheaper alcohol later. *Aah, it was so nice to be talking to someone outside the hospital, outside her family, just from outside. Her world had become unbelievably compacted since her father broke the news and her life changed. Perhaps unburdening herself to Jerlad would help, but she didn't want to ruin her friend's vacation or cause him to worry about her. Especially when there was nothing he could do. Nothing anyone could do, because technically there had been no crime. The Vincettis were slick like that.* Well, you can stay as long as you want, you know that. If you don't have a room, you could crash in my apartment. *She paused, smiling again. Then, without saying another word, she wrapped her arms around his waist and just stood there, hugging him.* It's good to see you, Jerlad. Really.
------------------
*He nodded as she said he was free to stay with her.* Well, I have a hotel room I rented, but I can get a refund easily. Thankfully I made sure to find a place that would let me do just that in case you were kind enough to offer. *He smiled at her and was taken a little surprise as she hugged him.*
Uh...well...it's really good to see you again too, Lisa. It's been too long. *He wrapped his arms around her back, given her a comforting squeeze as he gave into the hug, anf then pulled back, keeping an arm around her shoulders.*
So...why the hell did we stop keeping in touch anyway? *He laughed as he spoke, wondering if even she could remember.* I totally forgot.
------------------------
*Lisa paused for a moment, and her brow wrinkled as she considered his question. She'd attempted to remember earlier what exactly caused their rift, but to no avail.* I honestly don't know, but I'm sure it was something stupid. Damn, we always did fight over the stupidest stuff, didn't we? *Another smile. As long as she could remember he'd always been able to put her in a good mood, even when she fought to stay crabby.*
-----------------------------
*He chuckled as they continued to walk, letting her lead the way to the hopefully quite bar.*
Yeah, well...that's what good friends do? Fight over really stupid things and then make up. It just *he paused for a second* took a little longer this time to make up.
*He enjoyed spending time with her again, and found he'd missed it. They really were pretty good friends, and he found that they'd drifted so far apart almost criminal.*
So, what's new in your life, besides finally becoming a Dr? How's your dad?
---------------------------
*They made their way out to the street, and were walking down the sidealk now.* Yeah, it did take a lot longer to make up. Which is ironic because now neither one of us remembers why it happened. Probably because of school. I basically dropped out of existence there for a while. *Becoming a doctor had been the hardest thing she'd ever done so far, and the thought that her skills were gonna be used to boost the criminal element of Las Vegas made her sick inside. Her only other option was leaving her father to the Vincettis, and she was too good of a daughter to do that. Flawed though he was, she loved him. As much as she tried to hide it, Jerlad would know something was wrong. It just showed in her eyes.* Not much. Mom and Dad are ok, still not used to Vegas, oddly enough.
----------------------------
*He nodded as she spoke, letting her words sink in as he watched her face. Something was definately up with her. Even in the long length of their 'seperation' he could tell when something was bugging her. He also remembered that he didn't have to push. She'd share eventually when she was ready, that much he was sure about.*
Well, Vegas is an interesting town. It could take -me- a while to get used to it. *He chuckled a little nervously* And actually, I'm not entirely on vacation. I'm also seeing if I possibly want to transfer here.
--------------------------
You played a trick on me! *She poked him, her bad mood lifted temporarily.* That's great. I'd love to have somebody in the area I don't know from work and I'm not related to. *It would be nice, and it might even help her funk from getting any worse. Of course, if he stayed she'd have to tell him what was going on. Wouldn't be fair not to. Heck, if she got drunk enough tonight, she might tell him anyway.* Ooh, we're here. *She paused in front of a bar called 'The Nuthouse'.* It just so happens the friend who showed me this place was a psych resident. *Chuckling under her breath, she held the door open for Jerlad.* Go on in.
-----------------------------
*He poked her back and grinned wide at her* Well, I honestly did want to see you again, and I figured if I could check out the area for my possible promotion, it couldn't hurt either.
*He looked at the name of the place once she pointed it out, and chuckled as she explained who showed it to her.* Interesting...I just hope they can make a damn good White Russian. Heavy on the vodka. *He winked and held the door open for her.*
And of course, age before beauty. *He smirked as he was only 2 months younger than her, fully expecting her to hit him on the shoulder and glare at him. It was nice to relax and actually hang out with a close friend for a change.*
----------------------------
A promotion? Well, the people you work for are either very intelligent, or desperate. *A smirk crossed her lips, but she was actually quite pleased.* Really, though. Good for you.
*She did not disappoint her in her response. She hit him and glared, but she just couldn't hold the glare, and just sighed heavily as though she was seriously offended, which she wasn't.* I'm gonna forget you said that out of the kindness of my heart. *However, her eyes showed that she was quite amused and she led the way into the bar, taking a seat at a side table within sight of the bar.* I bet you want a White Russian. I think I'm getting Rum and Coke.
------------------------------
*He chuckled as she hit him, and for a momenth thought maybe he'd offended her, but the look in her eyes told him otherwise, thankfully enough. He followed her to the table and slid in across from her, placing his coat on the chair next to him and leaning on his elbows on the table.*
Well, of course. Always start the night off with a white russian, and I'm pleased to see your drink of choice hasn't changed over the years. *He grinned at her, wondering if he really should take the promotion or not.*
Well, I would hope they were intelligent *He responded on the topic they had discussed earlier.* If they were desperate then one could guess they only wanted to get rid of me.
-------------------------
All these years and I'm still not any better at letting people know when I'm kidding. *She smiled again before standing to go get their drinks.* I'm sure you're excellent at your job. *Patting his hand reassuringly, she headed over to the bar. Exchanging a few words with the bartender, she waited, picked up their drinks and brought them back to the table. With care, she set his White Russian on the table and sat down.* Now, we gotta toast. *She raised her glass from the table, and waited for him to do the same.* To old friends reconnecting, and what would you like to toast to?
--------------------------
*He shook his head, snickering as she made the comment, getting up to get the drinks, reminding her*
Remember: Extra vodka!
*He sat, watching as she spoke with the bartender and got the drinks, and then returned offering a toast. He held up his glass, and took a moment to think before looking at her and smiling*
Sure...to old friends reconnecting, and new beginnings. *And clinked his glass against hers*
---------------------------
Excellent choice! *She took a drink of her Rum and Coke. It was just the right combination, and she could already feel some of the tension leaving her body. All this stress was gonna kill her if the Vincettis didn't. As a doctor, she knows better.* You'd think doctors would be healthy as hell, but they've got some of the worst habits I've ever seen. Almost half of them smoke, and everybody eats food that's just -horrible-, but it's cheap, and it's close and nobody has any time. There's just not enough time in a day, I'm afraid. *Another sip of her drink, and she turned her attention back to Jerlad.* So tell me about this possible promotion.
------------------------------
*He took a sip of his and set it down*
Not bad. Still needs more vodka *He smirked and listened to her as she talked about her work a little, explaining all the bad habits, a slight look of surprise on it.*
Really now? You'd think they would treat themselves a little better given what they tell others. Or is that part of the hipocratic oath?
*He smirked slightly and took another sip of the drink, breathing in deeply and letting it out slowly.* Well, about the pormotion...It's all brokerage type stuff, accounting, etc. whatever. I'm known as a jack of all trades within the company, and they want to expand out to Vegas. Or something. Mainly they sent me here to see if it was worth it, or not.
*He shrugged, obviously not really into it* Either way I might just end up going on my own and opening a accounting practice of my own out here. The whole 'be your own boss' thing appeals to me.
--------------------------------------
I'm afraid some days it's more of the hypocritic oath. Don't get me wrong, they usually try. One doc's tried to quit smoking ten times in the past year with no luck.
*She rested her head on her hands and listened as he began to describe his job.* Yep, all the stuff I'm no good at. Well, I'm sure you'd be successful whether you became part of the expansion or set off on your own. *After a pause, she took another drink, before responding.* I guess what it comes down to is what do you want to do? *That sad look was back in her eyes, though she tried to hide it.* Do what you want to do, and soon, before other circumstances come along and take the chance away from you. *For a moment, it looked as though she was going to cry, but with a deep breath, she got herself back under control.*
-------------------------------------
*He watched her as she dispensed her advice to him and then saw the change in her demeanor. Something definately was up. He would ask what was wrong, but all he did was reach across the table and squeeze her hand, trying to comfort her a bit.*
Yeah...well you know how it is. You make plans and then life comes along and bends you over and makes you take it. *He looked a little more grim and somber as he spoke, sighing slightly.* Best you can do is roll with the punches, I guess.
---------------------------------------
*She squeezed his hand back, and continued to hold on to it. At the moment, his presence was as comforting as the alcohol sitting in front of her. Her eyes closed, and she appeared deep in thought for a moment. Without opening them, she started talking. This would be easier to say if she couldn't see him, somehow.*
I'm in trouble, Jerlad. Dad borrowed money from the local mom and couldn't pay them back. When they found out I was a doctor, they told him it would all be cool if I agreed to patch them up when they get hurt. They haven't needed me yet, but, this wasn't what I wanted when I went to med school. *Tears had began sliding down her cheeks, plopping around her drink.* It's not his fault, but, part of me just can't forgive him for what he did. That just makes everything worse. *She spoke faste and faster, as though afraid of losing her nerve.* I don't sleep well anymore, I'm tense all the time, and well, I'm just scared. I can't go to the cops, the mob owns them. I can't do anything but wait, and it's killing me. *With a lot of effort, she raised her eyes to meet his.* I'm just scared, and I don't know what to do.
--------------------------------------------
*He held onto her hand as she let it all spill forth, explaining why she was so tense. When she finally finished up he took in a small breath and let out a sigh, still holding her hand and squeezing it comfortingly, his thumb absently tracing over hers.*
Look...whatever your Dad did, you shouldn't have to pay for...I understand why you agreed to it, however. How long do you have to work for them? Until the debt is paid off?
*He tried to ask the questions tenderly, not wanting to make her upset...but still, he wanted to help her as well. If it was money, he didn't have much, but he could maybe help out*
---------------------------------------------
I-I don't know how much the money is. I don't know who exactly he owes. I don't really know much of anything except that the Vincettis do horrible things to people. *With her free hand, she wiped the tears away from her eyes. There was another sigh, this one heavier than the last.* I thought about leaving Vegas, but either they'd look for me or hurt my parents, and I can't let that happen. *She knew she was talking crazy, but she'd found herself where she walways feared she'd be, trapped under someone else's thumb. If it was just her in danger, she'd have left, leaving them to track her down. Guilt washed over her and she lifted a shaking hand to take another drink while the other one stayed where it had been. Only after she put the glass down did she speak again.* Sorry for ruining your trip. I thought med school would be the most trying situation I would ever find myself in, guess I was wrong. *She smiled, but it was a pale imitation of her normal one.*
----------------------------------------------
*He shook his head, reaching out to help wipe away the tears that were flowing down her face.* Geez Lisa, you're a wreck...and no, this has -not- ruined my trip. If anything it's made up my mind about staying.
*He gave her a half smile...one that was warm and comforting, and not in the least smug or condiscending* Look, the one thing you need right now is a friend. And we can figure a way out of this so you don't have to 'serve' criminals like this. If it's money I can get some. It probably won't be enough, but maybe it'll buy some time?
*He hated seeing her like this, and it pained him to know that in all reality, there was probably noth
ing he could do to seriously help her, other than be there for her.*
-----------------------------------
No, Jerlad, I can't let you do that. *Without meaning to, she found herself leaning into his hand like a cat wanting to be petted. She'd really closed herself off since the news came, living a very isolated life.* Believe it or not, I feel better just having someone I can talk to about this. I haven't had anyone I could talk to. It's so hard not having anyone to talk to. *Part of her felt somewhat disconnected from the whole situation, as if it was some horrible prank and any day now someone would walk through the door, smile, and say "It was just a joke!". She'd spent several days waiting for that guy to show up, but he never did. The plot was so cliche it would be comical if it wasn't real. The kindly immigrant hornswaggled by the mob, the distraught daughter, the kindly friend. Somehow those movies always ended well through some avenging angel or deus ex machina. Life was different. Good people got screwed and killed all the time while bad ones walked free.* I'd understand if you changed your mind about staying with me. *Another smile, but this one was a little better.*
--------------------------------
*He kept his hand on her cheek, letting her get the comfort she probably had been craving since the ordeal had started. He felt honestly bad about this. He didn't know a thing about dealing with criminals...he was just an accountant and part time stock broker for chrissake. If anything, he should turn tail and head back to his offices back home and refuse the promotion. The red flags were all up, old friend or not.
And yet...he couldn't turn her down. As cliche as it all was, he felt that this was all part of some greater plan, and that he wouldn't be sitting across from her if it wasn't meant to be.*
No, I'm gonna stay at your place. I figure if something happens the least I could do is be there for you through it. And I'll just take the promotion. Better to stay with the devil you know than try and make it on my own and fail...in case you need to money.
And speaking of staying with you, this may seem awkward *and he seemed slightly awkward asking it* but are you involved with anyone right now? Will they mind my staying at your place?
---------------------------------
I haven't been on a date since my second year of residency. I don't have a roommate, either. *She was glad he still wanted to stay, more glad than words could express at a time like this, but part of her still screamed that it was wrong, that if she was any kind of friend she'd have lied, yelled, instigated a fight, anything to get him out of town. She should have. But, she just wasn't strong enough to do so, and that was her fault too. She had to try, though.* Don't take it on my behalf. Take it because it's what you want. I didn't tell you anything to guilt you into staying. I did it because I had to, I wasn't strong enough to keep it to myself. *Fumbling in her purse, she pulled out some money and threw it on the table. The tears were in her eyes as she stood up from the table. When she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper.* I'm sorry. *Without waiting to hear his response, she ran out the door. In retrospect, a stupid move, since he did know where she worked. She just wasn't thinking clearly at all, and it showed.*
---------------------------------
*He let her speak and watched as she stood, not really expecting her to just rush out of there. Honestly, he was a little shocked and quite surpised. Bewildered he stood and went out the door after her, not really caring if she dropped enough money to cover the drinks or not. He looked both ways for where she could have gone, and found her about a block away, quickly making her way to where it was she was running to. He caught up quickly enough, panting slightly as he grabbed onto her shoulder, trying to stop her*
Look, Lisa...don't ok? You pushed me out before...that's why we stopped talking to each other...remember now? Because it's all coming back to me...right when you started school you kept it all to yourself and just pushed me out...well, that's not gonna happen this time ok? I'm here now, and I know your problem. I won't lie to you *He looked a little shamed, but was going to be honest with her* It's the only reason I'm going to take the job here. Sometimes people do things because it's what's right, and what's needed...not because they want it.
*He sighed deeply and pulled her to him, hugging her close* Look, it's gonna be ok. We can get through this, but you can't shut me out again.
----------------------------------
*She really didn't care where she was going, just that she was gone. Her tears had escalated into full-scale sobbing, which slowed her down. She appeared as just another drunk on the street, which couldn't be further from the truth. In spite of her attempt, Lisa was painfully sober and aware of everything. When Jerlad grabbed her, she was shocked, and turned to face him. Her lower lip trembled, and she tried to get herself back under control. It was more difficult this time because he was right. She had pushed everybody away, when she went into med school, because it was easier, and faster, and she just didn't want to deal with the rejection, and the hurt feelings, and the anger. It was so easy, she'd tried to do it again. Now it was her turn to look embarrassed, and she felt shame coloring her cheeks.* You-you're right. I did push you away, pushed everyone away. I'm sorry. *It didn't even matter that he was staying because of her anymore. Whether or not she liked it, she needed a friend. The fact that someone she'd put such effort into rejecting before was willing to try again, even insisting upon helping her left her shocked. She held onto him tightly, as if afraid of being blown away.* I won't shut you out, I promise. Thank you. Thank you so much...*She couldn't help it anymore, she started crying again. No matter how many tears she cried there were always more...*
------------------------------
*He ran a hand through her hair, consoling her, gently telling her it was going to be alright, and that everything was going to be ok from now on.*
It's gonna be fine, I promise. I've been pretty lonely and shut out from the world too, so maybe this change will do us both some good. And don't worry so much about it, just...we will figure out a way for this to be over and behind us, no matter what.
*His head was spinning as he held her there on the street. How was he going to help? What had he gotten himself into? What if they killed him to get rid of any wintesses? He calmed himself down and focused just on her, because if he didn't he'd probably end up running far away from here and pretending he never heard of Lisa Brennan. But that wouldn't make him a very good person in the long run. And as scared as he was of what -might- happen...he had to live with the here and now, and choose that she needed him more than he needed to feel 'safe and comfortable'. It was worth the risk.*
Come on...let's get you home...ok? You look like you could use a good rest.
-----------------------------
*It felt so nice to have someone taking care of her, selfish almost. All day she was the good daughter to her parents and miracle doctor to the patients of Crown. As such, it took a lot out of her. She just hoped that when Jerlad came to his senses, he wouldn't hate her too much for dragging him into this entire sticky affair. If he got killed as a result of this, she'd -never- forgive herself. That was a fact. If he was lying to her, it was a sweet lie, one of kindness and concern rather than calculation and manipulation. Right now, she didn't care. They stood outside for what seemed like an eternity before he spoke again. Raising her head, she nodded.* I think this might be the first time in a while I get a good night's sleep. *Then, she brushed his cheek lightly with her lips.* Thank you. *She didn't need to say anything else, they both knew. Taking his arm, she began to lead them back to her apartment.*
-----------------------------
*He smiled at her, and brushed away the last of her tears, and when she said that you it was indeed all that needed to be said. He felt closer to her, oddly enough, even though they really didn't do all that much catching up.
Some small talk, and then her letting him know about her situation, and it just basically exploding from there. he tried not to think about the real danger, pushing it to the back of his mind, and holding her closer to him. He wanted to protect her, like he'd done before. He had always been there for her like a big brother, but never quite like that. Still, it felt good to be like that for her again, and it was more than enough of a good feeling to convince himself that the danger wasn't as great.*
So how long have you lived on your own? I remember you stayed with your parents for quite some time.
*A change of subject, something lighter, was definately needed.*
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I did stay with my parents for a while, in college. When I got into med school, I saw the advantages that living closer would provide, so I got an apartment. As you might imagine, mom was against it. Dad, always the pragmatic one, supported me. *Changing the discussion to lighter topics did help, but Lisa knew there'd always be an elephant in the room until this thing got resolved. She wasn't saying anything else on that topic. There was no reason to, and for now at least, she was done crying.* I take it you weren't seeing anyone either, based on your statement. When's the last time you went on a date, Jerlad, blind or otherwise? *Before he had a chance to respond, they were at the complex. His car would be safe at Crown, until the morning, anyway. While she waited for his response, she unlocked the door and went in, turning on the light. It was a bit of a mess, but nothing too terrible. Cleaning was good for venting her neative emotions.*
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*He waitied until they were in the apartment before responding to her question about his relationships. He slid his coat off and took of his shoes as he spoke*
Well...I was married. *He waited for the obvious shock to pass before continuting* And as you can very well guess I'm single now. So what happened in between? Well, a year after we stopped talking I met a woman durring some accounting tradeshow, and yes, those are boring as hell. *He snickered as he moved to the living room and plopped down on the sofa* Well, from there we dtaed for about six months, and then got married. Turns out she wasn't as up and up as I was, and got indited in an embezzlement scheme. Thankfully she kept it all in seperate accounts and that was enough for the police to merely question me, put me under survelance for a while, and leave it at that.
*He turned to her, a wiry grin on his face* Suffice to say...I divorced her almost immediately. And that was a year ago when it finally hit the fan. Every since then I've been kinda like you...no real human contact in the dating game.
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Married? You? *It was hard to imagine him married. Not because he was the type who'd make a poor husband, but because she hadn't been there to see it. Of course, that had been her fault. Still, it would have been interesting to meet the girl he'd fallen in love with, before the Feds got her.* I'm sorry to hear it didn't work out. Love is really confusing. *Especially for her, it was. She'd been in love once, a long time ago, but she'd been a much different person then.* I'm also glad to hear that you didn't get arrested or charged with anything. *She just paused, looking at him for a moment, as if seeing him in a new light.* I'm also sorry I wasn't there for you. I bet you looked quite handsome in a tux. *A yawn slipped past her lips, she just couldn't help it. Her eyelids were beginning to feel much heavier than they should be as well.* You can either sleep on the couch or go ahead and sleep in bed with me. I trust you. *For once, she was actually looking forward to sleep, and that was quite comforting.*
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Yeah, can you imagine me married? Took me a while to wrap my mind around it myself...and by the time I was getting used to it, she was in jail and I was single again. And yeah, I -did- look rather sharp in a tux
*He winked, chuckled and let out a yawn just as she did, chuckling though it. He was starting to feel a bit tired and smirked at her comment about sharing the bed*
Well, we -are- adults here. But if I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to take advantage of me in my very slightly inebriated state. Of course, you're also probably too tired to really try anything. *He laughed as he stood up from the couch* Well, it's been a while since I actually shared a bed, so why not.
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Oh, Jerlad, you know me so well. *She winked at him and tried to strike a sexy pose. Unfortunately, her inopportune yawn ruined the moment.* Crap. *She did give him a wink before dumping her fancy doctor's coat on the couch and heading into the bedroom. She kicked her shoes off, and just lay back on the bed. It seemed she lacked the energy to cover herself up, and it wasn't like she really needed to anyway. The room was neither cold nor hot, just comfortable. Unfortunately, her position left her staring stright into the light, which caused her to squint.* Ugh. I'm not gonna bother changing because I'm exhausted. Would you please turn that out for me? I'd be quite thankful. *Although she hadn't explicitly asked him to, she was glad he was going to sleep in bed with her. She knew it was a lot to ask of him to stay, but thankfully she didn't have to. He knew, in that weird way friends do. With better friends, it's just easier to tell.*
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*He snickered tiredly as she struck the pose, and then shattereted the image as she yawned* Oh, so close...
*He followed her to the bedroom, only bothering to remove his belt and toss it on the floor near the bed, shaking his head at her, wondering how she even took care of herself if she simply went to bed like this. He walked back and clicked off the light and then plopped onto the bed next to her, looking up into the darkened celing.*
So, find anything interesting up there yet?
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*She chuckled, dryly.* No, I haven't, and it's not for want of trying. I could point out to you every crack, paint chip and mysterious splotch on that ceiling, but still nothing interesting. *She was a mess, that's for sure. However, she was unsure how much of it was her shift, and how much was her situation. Probably 10/90.* Maybe you can, you'll probably spend as much time....*Then, she was out, but only briefly. She saw herself falling as if from a great height, only to be bounced awake on what should have been the impact. Her response was the same as it always was, a muffled 'Aah' and a sudden alertness.* I did it again, didn't I?
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*He turned to look at her, smiling very lazily...the comfort of the bed already wraping itself around him. He chuckled softly and yawned again, this time it lasting a good 15 seconds.*
Yep...and it looks like I'm about to as well. *He sat up, before he was totally out, stood off the bed and pulled the covers out from under her, laughing as she kinda flopped around a bit and covered her with them. As comfortable as the room eflt now, it would probably get colder later. He then crawled under them with her, wrapping an arm around her*
There. Now you can sleep easy.
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*She felt so comfortable there with him it only made the fact they'd been disconnected more frustrating. Now, he was stuck with her, and she was very, very glad. Before she passed out, she had to try again to explain it.*Thank you, Jerlad, for everything. You've always tried to look out for me, even when it got you in trouble, like now. *She gave him another kiss on the cheek before getting comfortable again. She'd sleep quite well tonight, and she hoped he would too. *
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*He smiled and kissed her on the forehead*
Don't worry about it Lisa. I'm a big boy now and can make my own decisions for my life.
*He felt content here and now...mainly because they were reunited again, but also because he felt for the first time in many years he was making the decisions for his life, and for his own reasons. Sure he was going to stay in Vegas for her, but -he- had made the choice. He wasn't pressured into it. He drifted off to sleep, knowing and feeling content in, the fact he was feeling pretty damn happy with himself.
Danger aside, of course.*
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