Quite The Unexpected (Pt. 13)
Pairings: Aiden Pearce x Fem! Reader
WARNING: EMOTIONAL DISCOMFORT, MILD ANGST, GORE, MENTIONS OF DEATH, MILD FLUFF, MILD SEXUAL TENSION. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!!!!!!!
You pulled a new set of IVs and prepared them. Then with a swab of damp cotton you cleaned his hands and looked for a vein that would hold the IV needle. You could see his hands clenched and you tapped one of them softly.
"Relax. You'll make the needle harder to get in." He exhaled and you put the IVs. Then, you prepared the serum.
"What's in there?" He asked as he looked on the serum bag.
"Some diluted analgesics " You then secured the serum bag and began wiping his hand.
"You'll help me to hold some clamps"
"What?"
"Well, as much as I'd like to perform the surgery on my own, is impossible. You'll hold the clamps as I stitch up. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am."
You huffed. The sudden buzz of the phone interrupted both of you and you sighed.
"Stay still." You warned and retrieved his phone.
"It's T-Bone. I mean, Raymond."
He cocked an eyebrow to you and his mouth went on a straight line.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Mr. Raymond. Eh! I mean... Raymond. Sorry, it's an habit."
"How's Aiden?"
"Awake, but it's unable to talk right now. Will stitch him up."
"Ok. Ok. Gotcha. Will call you soon."
"Within an hour would be great."
"Gotcha. Ok. Goodluck, doc."
"Again, I'm a nurse. One that must desinfect her hands again thanks to your call."
"Haha. Sorry. I'll call later."
You hung up and put the phone on the tv stand. You then threw away the gloves, washed your hands and replaced them with new ones to then sanitize them again.
"You picked uo the call."
"Of course. The thing was buzzing nonstop before. And before you start getting angry, you should thank Raymond. He got us the things we needed. And told me you were an idiot, and to call him if I needed anything else or if something happened."
He rubbed his face with the non-cleansed hand.
"Give it back."
"Can't do. You'll speak to him after surgery. You can't risk to bring bacteria."
"Can we get this started?"
"Actually? No. I'll call Erik."
You rolled your eyes upon him glaring at you by the sarcastic comment.
"The more reasons to get out soon."
"What? Don't like him?" You mirthed as you sanitized the wounded area. He hissed softly as the iodine made contact with his raw skin, then you applied the local anesthetics.
"Funny. But No. I actually don't."
"Too bad. I do. And alot." He went silent as you examinated the area, deciding wich part you'd stitch up first.
"Once the area is numb, I'll get some small forceps to take a better look at the wound. Hopefully there isn't any glass remain inside or etched to your skin."
"Where did you met him?" Aiden stared at the ceiling as you both awaited for the anesthetics to kick in.
"None of your business." Aiden chuckled and looked at you.
"After snooping on my things, is the least I can know."
"You're not investigating him, are you?" His silence always felt the announcer of bad news.
"What have you found out about him?"
"None of your business." He rebutted and you scoffed.
"T-Bone was right. You're an idiot." You pulled the armamentarium table next to you and you started to poke around the wound, earning a hissing on his behalf.
"Seems anesthesics need more time."
"You just put them on." He grunted.
"They don't take that much actually. In any case. We have time."
"No, you have time. I'm supposed to be out."
"Hunting on the bad people? Despite having your body injured? How heroic."
"Are you done?"
"Not really, but mocking you isn't fun. You're so boring."
"I'm not here to make you laugh."
"Oh, that's for sure. I mean, you've already made me cry, and now given me a death scare. Can't go beyond that. But it's better to not challenge you."
Your tone changed from a sarcastic one, to a more serious and kind of saddened one. You could see him looking at you, but again, you refused to meet his eyes, instead, you focused on putting on some sticky tape on the IV needle to prevent it from falling down.
The only noises in the room were your breathing through the mask, your hands reaching for the sterilized tools to organize them and the drip dropping of the serum in the catheter.
"It's odd when you're silent. You always have something to say." He admitted.
"I've got nothing much to speak to be honest." You shrugged.
"To me, specifically?"
"Exactly."
"I see." Aiden accomodated his dangling feet and sighed.
"Where did you meet Erik?" His tone serious, yet calm. Again, the questioning was nagging at your nerves.
"You're investigating him. You should know."
"Personal responses to personal questions aren't found online. Besides, I wanna make sure you are in good hands once I'm done here."
Your heart skipped a beat and you looked at him for a coupe of seconds before focusing your gaze in his wound.
"It's the least I can do to... honor Clara's words. She asked me to look out for you if anything happened."
"I see." You shook your head softly and poked his side. He still was squeamish, but didn't jumped or hissed.
"Thats why I ask-"
"The anesthesics are doing effect. So, in a minute or so, you'll... eh.." you cleared your throat upon the knot forming, "You'll feel nothing."
I wish I couldn't feel as well
There was a new silence again. You were still processing his words. Somehow you felt again conflicted. You were surprised to know that Clara somehow looked for a way to ensure your safety. But the other part felt like an illusion that had been just shattered. All this time you thought of him a friend that had hurted you, but at the end of the day he was just doing amission.
Your eyes wanted to cry, but you supressed them tears. You had work ahead. You could cry in the night.
The idea alone of you scheduling your emotions seemed way too sad that was funny. You chuckled and exhaled. You heard his voice calling you, but again, you were no longer looking at him, you felt ashamed. Shame to even dare to think he cared, or that you could befriend him. The urge to cry and hide felt stronger.
Nausea overtook you, but you just swallowed the emotions and got your mind set on work.
"(Name)?"
"Sorry. Got lost in thought. Uhm you're ready." You poked him and he no longer hissed or jumped. He just remained still.
"When I tell you to hold the clamps, you hold them."
"Are you alright?"
Stop pretending you care.
"Yeah. Let's get this over with." You prepared the forceps by sanitizing them and the stitching needle all as you bit your lip to prevent it from trembling in anger.
"Let me know if you feel any discomfort." You cleared your throat upon feeling it break. You had prepared lots of syringes with sterile solution to clean the insides. You pushed in the forceps and stretched the tissue. To your surprise there were some glass remains insides. Luckly they didn't pierced any further.
You grabed the tweezers and pulled them out carefully as they landed with a soft 'clank' on the recipient. The first syringe was used to wash away.
"The peritonium isn't damaged. Wich is good."
"Meaning?"
"The bulled just grazed you superficially. It wasn't a whole gunshot. I mean" you dabbed away the excess of fluids and started to do the stitching. "This person's intent was to shoot you, but guess it missed. Or else you'd be in a hospital by now."
"So, the glass was causing the bleeding?"
"Exactly. Fine shards did the greater damage. But they're no longer inside."
You continued stitching. It felt good to keep your mind busy. The only noise that could be heard again was the tinkering of your tools and sometimes some sloshing when you washed the raw muscle. However for him silence started to feel a bit overwhelming, since he didn't had any idea of what was going on. Not having control put him on edge.
"(Name)"
He received nothing but silence. He had noticed that you weren't even looking at him.
Was it because of Clara? What is it now?
His eyes studied your face. They were glossy, your nose bridge was slightly red but even so, you were focused. He could tell by the frown on your face. This was your working mode.
"You're unusually quiet." He could see your hands faltering for a moment.
"I'm working." You mumbled and then you retrieved the surgical clamps.
"Hold these in this position." His sanitized hand reached for the clamps, his fingers making contact with your gloved ones, yours scurried away from his touch to keep moving forward and stitching his wounded flesh. Your hands moved to a synchronized dance. Rinsing with the distilled solution, dabbing away, stitching and cutting the thread.
Your forehead was glistening in a thin layer of sweat. You took a moment to stretch and then kept on working. The lavender smell was replaced with a sterile and hospital stench. He could feel small pulls on his flesh here and there but nothing too big that demanded you to stop.
If he came to think of it, it was the closest you both had been. On a personal level. And the most raw conversation you both have had.
"Say something." Your hands stopped and he heard you sigh. He was actually surprised at his own request. The silence was way too deafening at this point.
"I met him on a cafeteria in Chicago when I was on vacations. Happy? Now, hold them tight." You handled him the other clamps.
"We'll finish soon." You mumbled as you sew the flesh from the inside. The thread you stole was a special suture grade, meaning it would dissolve eventually.
"How old is he?"
"If I answer to your questions later, would you shut up? I really need to focus. And he's 34."
"Right." He again stared at the ceiling and yawned, his adam's apple bobbing.
You changed the threads and after what it seemed forever you finished.
"Do you feel anything, darling?" You cringed for such mistake. You were so deep in your work that went 'in character'. Aiden chuckled.
"Not really."
"Sorry. The habit to pet name my patients. We're done here." You spoke as you sanitized the suture and then a pair of gauzes to cover the stitches.
"Be careful and don't move. I'll clean up." His eyes searched into yours but didn't found them as you were focused in something else. He could actually see how much things had been used. Gauzes specially. Mostly of them stained in fresh blood. You gave his phone back to him.
He inmediately called T-Bone.
"Hey. How the surgery go?"
"Good. Didn't feel a thing."
"Glad the medicines were useful."
"Thanks for that."
"Don't mention it. But seriously, you should thank the woman for saving your life. She even had to steal some stuffs from her work."
"How come?" He frowned as he tried to accomodate in a sitting position, wich gained your attention.
"No! No, no! What are you doing!? I just stitched you up! You'll make the stitches to tear! Stay down."
T-Bone laughed softly at your warning voice.
"You better listen to the doc, Aiden."
You took a look at the stitching and sighed exhasperated.
"I swear, you're like a child."
"Ooh, she's angry."
"Shut up." Aiden mumbled to T-Bone but you whipped your head towards him in eery calm and then shrugged.
"Ok, fine by me. I didn't want to deal with you anyways."
"Wait, (Name)..."
"Ooooh... that must've hurt."
Aiden glared upon T-Bone's mocking but stopped once you were out of sight.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Ha... Yeah. But anyways, how ya feel?"
"I'm not dying. Wich is good. Have you found anything related to Antoyev?"
"Nothing really. Neither about the Bratva. I've been searching and hacking here and there but, their security has increased considerably. But no news about anyone but Ilya's death."
"If you can delete the recordings, do it. They'd probably would look into the videos."
"The only thing related to Antoyev is that he is injured and that he needs resting."
"Let me know if anything else shows up."
"Okay. So... when do you return?"
"That's the thing I don't know. I can't be out for too long. But... (Name) says I need physical therapy to gain back mobility."
"Damn. If she says so. Or... she's just saying so cause she likes having you around?"
"Not really. In fact, she's acting up weird. But, not my business."
"What did you say to her?"
"Why do you assume I'm the one at fault or that I've said bad stuff?"
"Because you have done so before, remember?
"What did you two talk about exactly?" His suspicion rising.
"Relax, amigo. Nothing big. Just us agreeing you are an idiot for not going to the hospital."
"I can't go to the hospital, Kenney. Too much questions."
"I know. Still. Treat her nicely and she will do the same. That's what I've learned in the little time we've spoken."
"Call me if you find anything new about Antoyev. Or any other member."
"I will. For now, focus on getting better. You're useless when injured."
"Thanks." Aiden rolled his eyes and hung up the call. He no longer had a fever, and if he followed your instructions, he'd be able to walk properly and finish his recovery where he felt in his ambience. Plus, it was clear you didn't want to deal with him any further.
Speaking of the devil.
"(Name)"
"Yes?"
Still not looking at you.
You were washing your hands after you had cleaned up and desinfected the area.
He sighed and spoke. "Can you help me to stand up?" His words felt like acid in his tongue. He wasn't used to ask for help. In fact, he didn't at all. Coming here to you had surprised him and haunted him as much as you'd think. But he had to behave.
"Sure but, not right now. The stitches are still fresh. Let the iodine to be absorbed, then I will help you."
"Thanks."
You just nodded and began washing the dirty dishes.
Again, silence. By how things were unfolding, he started to hate it. It made him anxious and uneasy. You weren't talking to him directly, neither tried to kill him during his sleep or hating his guts like when he returned to warn you.
That's something
His mind chanted. Socializing wasn't his forte, much less apologizing or fixing something he was most likely the culprit of. But if he was gonna stay for who knows in your home, the least he could do is to try and be civil, polite and most importantly, cooperative. You had been, ever since you helped him to not die.
"What's your blood type?" You suddenly asked.
"O+"
"Ok. You'll need a transfussion. You might still be weak for a couple of days, but the sooner we get it done, the sooner you'll be out and done with your mission."
"You still owe me some answers."
"You're not letting that go, are you?"
"Nope." You looked at him and shook your head.
"Fine. Ask away, before I regret it."
"What does Erik do for a living?"
"What are you, my dad? And he is an accountant in two companies."
"For how long he is supposed to be staying out?"
"Two weeks. If possible, less time."
"Have you ever checked up his phone?"
"No. Why would I?"
"Has he acted up suspicious?"
"What? Is there anything you'd like to say about him?"
"Not really. He's boring."
"You're boring."
"Who did that to you? Your face I mean." He gestured with his hands.
"A patient. He was high on meth. Pounced on me and punched me in the eye."
"Do you know his name?"
"No. For how long have you been spying on me?" You fired back and he went silent for a moment.
"I don't remember exactly. But it came across my investigation."
She doesn't know about the cameras yet. Good.
He gulped and sighed softly.
"And this investigation is linked to the guys you're after?"
"Yes."
"You got injured because of them?"
"The boss actually. He shot me."
"What's his name?"
"Antoyev. Is the name familiar to you?"
"Not really. First time hearing it actually. Why did you come back?"
"Cause I had told you... I promised Clara to keep you safe. And the guys that you helped put in jail, escaped and now are thriving in business here."
"So... all this time... I thought of you as a friend, was simply you accomplishing a mission?"
"Why are you asking this?"
"I just wanna hear it from you, so I can actually start treating you like nothing but a patient and if possible, get out of your life for good."
He went silent.
"It's not fair for me to just help you, and you keep treating me as someone you can use and dispose at your liking without taking in consideration how you acted towards me in the past. Cause... it fucking hurts and it's annoying."
"That's why I want to get out of this. So I can leave you alone for real. You think I like this? You think I enjoy being in this position when you're constantly reminding me the failure I was in protecting Clara, despite what she did to me?."
"Ok. Let me stop you right there. Am I the culprit of what unfolded between you and Clara?"
His mouth was set in a flat line.
"...No."
"Then why you... keep acting like that? And keep comparing me to her?"
"Acting like what?"
"Like you're disgusted? Or that you hated me."
"Because you still keep pushing buttons I don't like people to push. For some reason you and her had that... annoying hability. She did it different though, a little more pleasant even. But you... you go straight to kill. I hate it."
"Wow... you really had to be that honest, didn't you?"
"You wanted the truth, I gave you the truth. And now you're complaining?" His brows furrowed both in confusion and anger.
"I'm not." You shook your head and relaxed. " It's just... It would've saved me up so much pain if you were honest with me since the begining. And I'm sorry for making it really unpleasant for you. But it's not my style to charm and seduce my problems away. "
Your eyes locked up with his as you spoke.Your calmness made him uncomfortable, but in the inside you were a mess. You wanted to cry, to slap and punch him until your hands were sore. But what would be the point of it? Kick him out wouldn't solve anything, it would only bring more troubles.
"Did you love my sister?"
"No. It wasn't like that. I liked her as my team mate, but love? No. Not after what she did."
"I see. How... was to be around her?"
"Unpredictable. Just like you. But... with Clara you truly never knew what to expect. I had the enemy underneath my nose for a long time and I never noticed, until it was too late."
"She never... mentioned anything about your niece to me, not even once. Clara was really secretive. Still to this day, there is so much I don't know about her. I feel like strangers suited us better than sisters. She just approached whenever she needed to hide or... a favor. The closest sister bonding moment we actually had is when she tattooed me."
"Do you miss her?" Aiden asked as he looked at you.
"Sometimes I do. But... mostly of the time, I don't. I mean, I thought I was but, you can't miss someone whom you haven't shared in your life. Do you miss her?"
"Not really. Maybe her skills."
"Do you feel guilty for what happened to her?"
"I guess. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't."
You nodded and sighed.
"My..." you chuckled. "I've noticed that... no matter what, how fucked up things are, we always end up like this."
"Care to elaborate?"
"Talking. About gloomy things that either help us realize things about ourselves or... things that just break us further."
"It's a weird way of comfort."
You chuckled and shook your head.
"I wouldn't call it comfort. More like... a very uncomfortable yet necessary reality check." You stretched in your spot and yawned.
"What now?" Aiden questioned. For some reason his heart beat faster. And you shrugged.
"Guess it will be like before I came here. Each to our own thing. Cause... let's face it. You suck at keeping people in your life and you just admitted I am annoying as fuck."
"I never said you, specifically, were annoying or that I hated you. I mean, sure you are at times when your emotions get the worst out of you. But... you're not precisely annoying."
"Then, what am I?"
"I'm still figuring that out." He smiled softly and you just watched him with unamused eyes.
"Anything else you wanna ask?"
"Does he treat you good?"
"Erik? He does. He's a good guy. So... you can stop pretending you actually care and get your mission done."
"You're too sensitive sometimes."
"Feeling everything is better than numbing yourself out, but is as equally frustrating. I mean, a lot of things are not your forte. Empathy to start with, giving comfort, understanding how people feels without exploiting those weaknesses against them, dealing with your own things-
"Okay. Ok. I get it. "
You couldn't help but chuckle. His lips curved upwards upon seeing you a bit less grimm.
"But yeah. I'm in good hands. If that's what you're... "worried" about."
"I do worry."
"Nah. You don't. You're just playing on your social engineering tricks on me to convince me otherwise. Or to make yourself feel good about doing a good thing."
"Jesus. A punch in the wound would've hurted less." He spoke in between soft grunts while trying to stretch carefully.
"Well, that's what you've shown me so far. But hey, I'm not a complete bitch and not acknowledge the good things you've done for me. So it's a fifty-fifty. Wait. No. Sixty-forty"
"That's what I meant when I said you're annoying."
"Oh?"
"You just spit the truth like it's nothing. Leaving me with little to no time for rebutting"
Now you laughed.
"Yeah, but the damage I seem to inflict, you return it ten times stronger." His adam's apple bobbed again.
"Look... I'm-"
Your phone rang and he sighed.
"Wait a minute." You stood up and took it. He could see how your face went from a gloomy one to light up immediately. Your eyes even twinkled and your smile shone a bit brighter.
There was a weird yet painful sensation in his chest that made him uncomfortable by your sudden change of attitude.
"Mon chèrie."You spoke and went to your bedroom, closing the door behind you.
Aiden could stare holes into the door if he actually could. He could, however hear laughs and affectionate words coming from you.
His jaw clenched and his eyes darted to the side of his body. You came out all giddy and happy, but his stare at you made you to frown and approach him.
"You're paling." Your hands palmed underneath his chin, his neck and then the forehead, trying to find any signs of fever. He pushed your hands away gently and you stopped.
"..."
"I'm just tired." He spoke dryly.
"Oh... okay. Let's get you to your bed then."
You fixed your lopsided ponytail and grabbed his forearms.
"At three you come up." You counted to three and you pulled his torso up. He inhaled sharply as he was hauled up and he managed to sit. Then you sat next to him and put his arm around your shoulders as your left arm secured his good side. His nose was tickled with a peach scent.
Surprisingly for him, you were strong enough to carry him, still, you were already panting so he supported himself on the walls to not dump all of his weight on you, but almost fell down as he tripped on his toes. Your grip was tighter as you used all your strenght into keeping him on his feet.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled and you shook your head.
"You can do it. Just a few more steps and we'll get to your-"
"I'm trying to apologize. I was wrong." He exhaled as he gave another step. You could study his face in surprise.
"Can you apologize when you're on-" he removed himself off you and fully supported on the walls, trying to walk by himself. He was exhasperated.
"My goodness... I swear I am done trying to understand you. You'll fall. C'mon." You grabbed his arm and helped him to his bedroom and placed him on his bed to lay him down.
"You're so confusing. Like... what has gotten into you this time? I'm not even mocking you. But you're truly scarying me with all of these sudden changes of attitudes."
"Speak for yourself."
"I told you that I would treat you as a patient and nothing more. So... I don't get why you are acting like this."
"Do you want me to apologize or not?" He grumbled as he rubbed his face.
"No. I don't want you to apologize because you think that would bring up some sort of reconciliation between us or we'd be magucally be friends again. If you apologize, it needs to be genuine. I'm not saying either cry me a river. But... I can't trust you, Aiden."
"You're still mad."
"Of course I am! Like... you say really hurtful things after breaking a promise, disappear like nothing, then come into my home like nothing happened and dismissed how I felt completely about said hurtful things, but not enough on that you get to compare me to Clara, then disappear again just to break into my home, and making a mess to then bleed out in my bathroom after I had a 12 hour shift."
You exhaled. " I... I had to steal some equipment to be able to stitch you up. And somehow you manage to still give me an attitude. Then you tell me that all of this time you being around was part of my sister's deathwish, when I actually thought of you as a friend. Is there anything I should be happy about or believe? Because so far, I see no motives to be all fun and games with you."
You both sighed and you looked at the floor, then you hooked his IV on the serum holder and took his arm to take his blood pressure. His hand resting on one of your thighs.
She's warm.
You pushed the air on the device and awaited.
"For someone who eats pizza and junk food on a daily basis, your pressure is actually good."
"I returned because I decided so."
"Hm?"
"After we fought? I wasn't coming back."
You paused and looked at him to then go back to your check up.
"I see."
"I mean, sure, Clara asked me to but... I wasn't going to do anything about it. I mean, why would I? It's not my job to look after you, but... Seeing all those forensic reports and pictures and the women... all butchered. I couldn't just leave it like that. You..." he cleared his throat and looked at you. "You did alot for me too. And... It was wrong on my behalf to abuse of that kindness. I'm sorry."
Your cheeks for some reason flared up as he spoke, but still looked at him in utter suspicion.
"I, eh, accept your apology." You nodded an he exhaled, as if relieved. You put a hand on his chest and then the stetoscope to hear his beating.
He's nervous.
"I mean... I also owe you an apology. Maybe I overstepped my trust and pushed your limits a bit too quickly as well. Like... forcing you to go to that bbq or making you to change parts of you just to fit in. That was wrong of me too."
"You make it sound so easy."
"Apologizing? It is not. But... it's a brave act for those who... thrive to be better. At least that's what my therapist told me. You should try it."
"I don't think so."
"Too many questions?"
"Yeah. I don't feel comfortable sharing my life with strangers."
"None of us do. At least not at that personal level, yet here we are. But, chasing criminals for fun, is not a healthy coping mechanism either."
"Hey." You giggled quietly and nodded.
"Alright. Sorry."
You picked up the stetoscope and stood.
"You seem to be doing overall okay. Tell T-Bone we need a O+ pint of blood for the transfussion and a walking support. Then, we'll start physical therapy. We'll get your mobility as soon as you can. But! We'll do it slowly. And no more junk food."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ugh... stop calling me a ma'am. Im 31. Anyways, have a goodnight."
"(Name)?"
"Hm?"
"We good?"
"Perhaps." You gave him a soft smile and then turned off the lights.
"Call me if you need anything." You closed the door. And sighed.
You rested a hand on your chest and exhaled.
Dumbass. You weren't supposed to give in that easily.
You walked to your bedroom and went to sleep.
The following morning there was a knock on your door as you both ate breakfast.
"I'll go." You stood up and put your fork down. You went to open up and for your surprise there was a man, probably on his sixties, bald, chunky and with glasses. He wore a brown button shirt, black pants and shoes and his white coat. He had both hands occupied. One with his medical equipment, and the other one with a container.
"I'm Dr. Johnson. Kenney sends me."
"Oh. Please, come in." You opened your door wider for him to get in.
"Would you like some water or coffee?"
"Not really, thanks." He put his equiment down to accommodate his glasses to take a better look at Aiden.
"He looks a bit pale. Oh! Before I forget. Here's the blood pint." He gave a small cool container to you and then looked at what you were eating.
"Good dieting. Alright. Let's see what we can do."
You could only watch as the doctor took his vitals, and did the routinary check ups. Then he removed the gauze and nodded.
"You're a nurse?"
"Yes, sir."
"What kind?"
"Registered Practice Nurse. Soon an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse."
"Oh good. You know that it's illegal to perform surgeries independently, right?"
You just nodded.
"I'm well aware, sir."
"I could even report you to your work place for doing such things." Your eyes widened and your face drained in color.
"But of course, I won't do that. I'm just kidding, young lady." You gave an uncomfortable smile and stepped closer.
"Your stitching is quite remarkable. The scarring tissue will be minimum. You should've aimed for a plastic surgeon."
"Ah, heh. I couldn't afford it at the time but I'm happy with my job, sir."
"And it shows. It's a very well done suture."
"Thanks."
"You're lucky to have a partner like her, Mr...?"
"She's not." Aiden chuckled.
"Oh? I thought you both were married."
"Ah heh. No. We're just friends." You spoke a bit more uncomfortable by the sudden personal turn the doctor took.
"Haha. Alright. Anyways, the antibiotics are alright, just change them to pills and dicrease the dosage of analgesics. Drink a lot of water to help the scarring to be faster, Do not, under any circumstance do demanding physical activities. No sex, no swimming, anything that involves you sweating, is out of the equation. When is the therapy starting?"
"A couple of days after the transfussion, sir."
"Good. The stitches are way too tender to begin moving again. There is no puss supurating, does it itch?"
"Alot." Aiden nodded.
"Do not scratch. You're healing."
"Tell Kenney that I'll send him my bill. And as for your face, you might need to check an occulist for your eye. Patient was drugged?"
"Meth." Dr. Johnson scrunched his nose in disgust.
"Yeah. Be careful from now on."
"I will. Thank you for coming."
"If you ever decide to study for surgeon, let me know. You'd learn so much in Switzerland."
"I'll keep it in mind. Thanks."
He spoke as he walked to the door. You opened up and he left. You sighed in relief.
"He scared the shit out of me."
"I thought it was legal for you to participate in surgeries."
"You said it. Participate." You grabbed the vaseline and put a new pair of gloves on and got some antibacterial gel on them.
"But perform a surgery? And independently, it's illegal. Id have my license removed." You smeared the vaseline on his stitches.
"Thank you."
"Eh, it's fine. I always wanted to do some sort of surgery. And for a doctor, probably a surgeon, to compliment you this way, means I'm in the right track, he made my day actually. After scarying me of course."
"So, I'm your first lab rat?"
"Didn't want to use those words but yeah. You are."
"When would I be able to..."
"Do the things you do? Maybe in a month. Or two. Depending on your progress."
"Guess I can't do anything about it."
"Nope. You'll only make it harder to heal and, you could infect the stitching. Remember that you are sewn from the inside as well. Some muscles were severed enough to be stitched."
"How come you didn't go for a doctor?"
"Like I told Dr. Johnson, I couldn't afford it. And I'm sure that even now I'd still be unable to afford it all. Student loans are such a pain in the ass. It's only been two years since I finished paying them all actually."
"And about the Advanced Practice nurse?"
"I'll need time and money but, I'll make it. If not, I'm still happy with my job."
"Then, why becoming a nurse?"
"Because of my mother. She, uhm, died not getting the help she needed at the moment. It was medical negligence, I wanted to help, but I was too young, stupid and scared to do anything. But once the clarity came, and I was in a better place I decided to be a nurse so none would go through that anymore."
"That's quite a noble thinking."
"Thank you. But enough chit chat. Don't forget to take your pills. And don't cover the wound. Leave the skin breathe."
"You're going out?"
"Grocery shopping. You need a special diet. And I'm out of a lots of things. Oh! That reminds me, we need to talk by the way."
"About?"
"Lilly." He looked away with a heavy sigh.
"You know?" You laughed almost involuntaryly at his words.
"Impossible to not know. She didn't shut up about it. I didn't want to hear it. But she made sure to tell me how... amazing it was." You went to your bedroom and changed into some joggers, sneakers and a loose tshirt.
"I knew you were into crazy chicks. But, seriously. Lilly?"
"What? I had a good time."
"Ugh. Don't... don't tell me about it. It's weird enough to know you two hooked up."
"What did she say?"
"I won't feed your ego with detailed and unnecesary descriptions." You shuddered and shook your head as he chuckled.
He smirked and slicked his hair back wich you rolled your eyes at.
"But seriously. You've better used protection. Wouldn't be surprised if she 'accidentally' got pregnant and say you are her baby daddy."
"It was a one time thing."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Anyways, what size are you?"
His brows cocked at you and smirked, your cheeks flared up in embarrassment.
"Y-You're so inmature."
"You gotta be more specific with your questions, (Name)."
"In clothing!"
" I don't know. Want to see the tag?" Your nose scrunched up in disbelief.
"Aiden!"
"Yes?"
"Stop it. I have-"
"Mr. Dudnik? Relax. I'm just teasing. A L size will do."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
"Hey, wait. I got some money in my wallet-"
"No."
"Let me help you."
Your tinted cheeks remained, so ever rosy.
"Friends help eachother, right? So let me help."
"We're not exactly friends."
"What are we then?"
"Just stop it."
"Stop what?"
"You know what."
He smirked at your frown and with a few taps on his phone he looked at your purse.
"Get what you need."
"Since there is no way to return your money, I'll make a list. Any special meds you take?"
"Just vitamins for men my age."
"Sure do, grandpa. Can't guarantee you the blue pill though."
"Bold of you to think I need it." Your flushed cheeks only deepened.
" I'll see what I can get you for clothes. The more loose and comfortable, the better for you. Lactose intolerant?"
"Not really."
"Lucky you." You then checked up your fridge and wrote down the things you needed.
"Alright. I'll be here soon. Don't mess up with your IV. And don't try to do anything stupid like exercising."
You went out the door, leaving Aiden on his own.
He stared at the door for a couple of minutes and then sighed.
Still amiable, that's something.
His lips curved upwards. His phone buzzed again.
"Jordi."
"Pearce. Where the hell have you been?"
"Taking recovery."
"So, guess its true what other fixers say. You're injured?"
"And what do they say?"
"That a russian mobster was shot and his brother killed. They're looking for a masked guy. Guess it's you."
"Or not. Alot of people wore masks. Any details?"
"Not really. Just that. Anyways, I'll be sending the information soon."
"Ok. I need another thing."
"What is it? Dispose of the russian? Kill the politicians?"
"Follow a man."
"...Just follow?"
"Yeah. I gotta see what he acts like before I step in."
"Sounds sinister. I'm in."
"His name is Erik Dudnik."
"Mobster?"
"No. Just an average joe."
"Hold up. What's the fun in that?"
"Will you do it or not?"
"Whose this guy?"
"None of your business."
"Sounds important."
"Jordi."
"Alright, alright. Where is he?"
"Outside of Wisconsin. Works at Linden's Co."
"It'll take time but yeah. I'm in. About the politicians?"
"Don't kill them yet. Will expose them first."
"You're nasty. That's why you're my friend."
"We're not friends."
"Ow. I love you too."Jordi hung up the call and Aiden sighed.
The lavender scent invaded his nostrils again. Tiredness taking over him. He yawned and soon went to sleep, however it didn't last much. His phone buzzed again.
"T-Bone."
"Sorry to wake you up, sleeping beauty, but I've got news."
"Good or bad?"
"Bad." He rubbed his face and shielded his eyes from the sheer white light.
"What is it?"
"According to a little phone call I managed to intercept, Antoyev is traveling to Ukraine."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
Aiden's jaw clenched and his nostrils flared in anger.
"When he is returning?"
"I don't know. They just mention him traveling."
"Fuck..."
"I know... I know it sucks, but hey, you've got him identified at least."
"True."
"And we can have a closer look on to what he is doing overseas."
"This woman I rescued, said he is working abroad with a shipping company."
"Did she say anything of the name?"
"Not really. She just said it was a shipping company."
"I'll see what I can come up with. Alright. Is (Name) around?"
"No. She's on the supermarket"
"Ah. So, is she still mad at you?"
"We uhm... sorted that out. Kinda."
"Ahh, see? I told you to be nice. She seems a good woman."
"She is. I don't trust the man she is with, though."
"How come?"
"Just have a hunch about him"
"More like jealousy perhaps."
"Cut the crap, T-Bone."
"Hahaha, see? It's quite easy to rile you up whenever it comes to (Name)."
He rolled his eyes at the comment.
"So you're friends now?"
"I don't know. We're not exactly that but having her in an amiable mode is better than nothing."
T-Bone snorted at his reply.
"Dr. Johnson told me about your current state. You gotta pay him."
"I will."
Aiden yawned and there was a small silence before T-Bone spoke.
"Any news on the politicians?"
"Yeah. I'll expose them. Then my contact will dispose of them."
"I see."
"Can you... look up of any information about Erik Dudnik?"
"Whose that guy?"
"(Name)'s boyfriend."
"And you think invading his privacy will be good to your newly restored frienship?"
"(Name) is aware that I am investigating him."
"Ah... you two sure scalate things quickly."
"We just had an honest talk."
"Sounds ominous."
"It was. But at the end it came all good, I think."
"You're glad to be friends again?"
"I guess. She's... resourceful."
T-Bone sighed and groaned out.
"You really need to stop looking people as tools, pal. What she would think if she heard you say such things?, look I'm not saying wife her out or some wild shit like that. Just make sure to treat her nicely. It costs nothing. You'll see how things get better."
"You say so like if I'm treating her like the plague."
"You did, pal. It doesn't take more than two cells to know you fucked up. Look Clara is gone. So stop projecting whatever shit you had with her on (Name). I did it once with a colleage of mines. And to this day? I regret it. He would've been a great add to our team. But my big ass mouth made me fuck it up. Don't be like me."
"She knows where to hit. And it's worse when she's angry".
"I bet and maybe that's exactly what you need, someone to bring your ass down to earth from time to time and pull out your head out of your ass. You two get on eachother's nerves and that's normal. But you both cross the limits when you start hurting eachother. And that's when you start to change things. None of you are perfect. But if you always look for flaws to exploit and take advantage of, you'll lose her too."
Aiden was both confused and surprised upon T-Bone's words. He knew the man was odd, a bit excentric. But he was several years ahead of him so of course he knew these sorts of things.
"You should really try journaling."
"I don't have time for that."
"In your phone. I mean, it comes to a point when you really have to decide what matters and what doesn't. And keeps what matters in your life."
"Sure do, Dr. Phil."
"Au contraire of him, my wisdom is for free. So better make the most out of it. It takes 0 to be less of a dick."
Aiden chuckled and after a while of idle chat, he hung up. You returned half hour later.
Full of grocery things and bags of clothings.
"Bonjour" he greeted and you replied with a very suffocated 'bonjour'.
"You put the things on the dining table and then served yourself a tall glass of water.
"Man, I was thirsty."
"That was quicker than I expected."
"Ah well, there wasn't much traffic and the supermarket wasn't full. Here."
You helped him to sit down and then delivered him the basic toiletries. A personal set of towels, his own toothbrush, a bar of soap, a washcloth, shampoo, conditioner, shavers and razor kits.
"Is that good?"
"Yeah. Thanks. Conditioner is not needed though."
"Yeah, you need it. Your hair is way too nice to be looking like a bird nest. Anyways, I've got you cotton underwear. Makes everything breathable. And some basic things. Tshirts, sweatpants, pajamas, and socks. Comfy clothes. Did you put vaseline on?"
"I forgot. I'll do it."
"I'd help out but gotta organize things and make lunch. You hungry?"
"Kind of."
You gasped.
"He is hungry! That's a good start."
He rolled your eyes at you and you smirked.
"I must ask though. Are you by chance a shy eater?"
"A what?"
"A shy eater. Cause you always ate little or nothing."
"I don't prioritize food."
"Noted. You gotta understand something, Aiden. When injured, you gotta eat properly so your body can have the right nutrition and for it to heal quicker. The healthier you eat, the quicker you heal."
"Yes ma'am." Sighing you begun unpacking and organizing. Then you moved on to meal prepping.
"I forgot. We gotta organize for when I'm off to work."
"I had forgotten about that."
"Yup. I'll leave your meds and meal prepared before I go to work."
"What if Erik shows up?"
You looked at him and shrugged.
"Well, we tell him that you were mugged outside. He'll understand."
"Right."
"He doesn't likes you either. But he'll be fine with it."
He chuckled as the sizzling of whatever you were cooking and delicious smells started to fill in the kitchen. His belly grumbled in protest.
"What if you're out and he finds me here?"
"You'll have to explain." You chuckled and then proceeded to chop up some vegetables.
"He probably beats me."
"Although you deserve it, he won't. He's not a violent man. Or at least I hope so."
"Has he shown aggression to you?"
"At all. Just when I ask him to."
"Wh..." you smirked upon hearing him grunting in discomfort.
"Was that necessary?"
"That's exactly what I asked in my mind when Lilly told me about your... fun time."
"We're even."
"Yup." You chuckled and continued cooking.
Now that you had just confirmed what he already knew, the tip of his ears turned in a soft flush.
"C'mon. Time to eat. I think you'd like this one."
"I'm not used to eat homemade food."
"Yeah, I noticed that ever since you stepped in my home the first time."
"Hey, given my line of work, I don't have time to cook for myself."
"Wait... you can actually cook?"
"The basics with some extra couple steps." You helped him to stand and take him to the table.
"Well, now you owe me a cooked meal."
"I'll try."
"Alright. Here" you smeared some antibacterial gel on his hands and then served him a plate of what you had cooked.
"Hope you like this Ulster Fry. Couldn't find the blood sausage. Hopefully the rest will do."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Think of it as a belated birthday celebration."
He swallowed as the familiar scent he used to adore when he was a kid, invaded his lungs.
"Seems you like to go the extra mile. You didn't have to."
"Don't be such a partypooper. Besides, I was craving for something like this ever since you told me about it and I looked it up. This is the symbol of... a truce. Yeah, a truce."
"A truce?"
"Yup. I'm kind of tired of always fighting or having to be en garde all the time with you. So... peace." the back oh his hairs stood up so ever softly at your french.
"Are we signing up a Treaty of Versailles"
You slapped his arm softly and smiled.
"We can go back to be passive-aggressive with eachother if you feel more comfortable."
"I'm good like this, thanks. "
You both chuckled and ate.
"Is it good?"
"Very. I use to get this on special occassions. We didn't have much growing up, but it was either my birthday or Nicky's birthday."
"Whose Nicky?" You tilted your head in confussion.
"Nicole. My sister."
"Didn't know you had siblings."
"She's the only one. And my nephews. Well... My nephew. He's 13 now."
He swallowed and then continued to eat.
"Thanks for telling me." Your eyes locked with his for a moment and then you smiled softly. He kept eating, and there you gave him subtle glances, your eyes stared at his hands and then at his lips, that glistened over the thin layer of buttery sauce. But removed your gaze to keep eating.
They look softer than Erik's...
You froze for a second upon your thoughts and just drowned them with a big sip of orange juice you had.
His eyes then darted so ever softly at your lips, then at your face and then the beauty mark above the curvature of your breast. The sudden image of your perky breast came to his mind, boucing softly. He cleared his throat and thumped his chest gently, trying to clear his airways.
"Sorry. Swallowed a whole tomato" you giggled at his words and continued your food.
Pearce, No.
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