Title: A Nose to the Wind
Author: Hareilla
Rating: M
Pairing: None, Aidan/Josh Bromance
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this sordid little tale. I only own the invented name for the de-fanged priest and a few made up rules concerning werewolves. The phrase "A Nose to the Wind" belongs to Metallica. Neither do I own the Dog Whisperer or claim to be completely knowledgeable of the techniques. Shhht!
This is my first published story here, though I've been a lurker for 5 years! Here, Bishop is not evil, and the priest wasn't offed, but is completely psychotic. There's plenty of angst and suffering in store for the boys. No slash here, just bromantic loveliness. Enjoy.
Oh, and I know nothing about hospital procedures.
1 – Worry
Stiffly, Josh pulled his clothes on. As he buttoned his shirt, he dreamed about a greasy breakfast of bacon and eggs. Maybe he'd have two servings, maybe three. Changing always left him famished and exhausted. He trudged tiredly toward the door, and checked his phone to discover that the battery was dead.
"Great."
He stood at the door, peering out the tiny window, waiting for Aidan.
And waited.
Waited.
Aidan didn't come.
Aidan scowled at the red light above him and clenched the steering wheel. He'd hit every red light in the whole damn county. And as soon as it turned green he floored the gas pedal.
It was unforgivable, ditching his best friend in his night of need. But Rebecca had led him beyond state lines in his pursuit of her, only to find that she had disappeared again. He relinquished the futile search and headed home, exasperated and concerned for the state he knew he'd find Josh in. If Josh hadn't managed to call someone to let him out, then he was still trapped, hungry and more than likely pacing a hole in the floor. Aidan had contemplated phoning Bishop for help, but after ruminating on the choice for hours, he decided it was better if no one associated Josh with that room, not even Bishop. Especially not Bishop. So he didn't call anyone. He solemnly hoped Josh had found a way out, or he'll have gone two days without food or water. He'd tried to call him multiple times only to be sent straight to voicemail.
He was worried.
He pushed his Volvo to its limit to reach the hospital – time was not on their side, not to mention he figured Josh would never forgive him. He wasn't looking forward to that conversation. The next red light he completely disregarded, and sped through the intersection pretending not to hear the indignant honking of the other cars. Standing at the end of East Main Street was the hospital.
Aidan barreled through the sliding doors and walked swiftly through the halls, smiling at a few familiar faces on the way. He spared a minute to get a bottle of water from the vending machine and two muffins from the nurses' station. Looking back to make sure no one saw or followed him, he pushed open the south stairwell entrance and descended the stairs with preternatural haste, through the musty corridors, to stop in front of the storeroom door. He shoved the metal abomination open.
"Josh?" he called.
There was a rustle in the far corner, then, "Aidan?" Josh appeared from behind a cluster of rusted file cabinets. "Aidan!"
Aidan took in the sight of his friend; pale, dirty, and gaunt, and handed him the water. Josh chugged it down, then devoured the muffins. Aidan tried to devise an appropriate apology while Josh ate, but nothing sounded suitable enough for the scope of his wrongdoing.
"Where were you, man?" Josh asked around a mouthful.
Aidan took a deep breath and shoved his hands into his pockets.
Sorry it's so short :) More later!
