Once they reach Underworld its decided that Barrows will remove the bullets with James's help. James doesn't have as much experience with with operating on Ghouls like Barrows does. They get Charon situated on a medical bed, he has to lay on his stomach since all the bullets hit the back of his body. The position proves to be uncomfortable and slightly awkward. Luckily Charon doesn't care, he's too far gone at this point. All of the pain and booze is making his head swirl. Something that does concern him is the fact that Barrows has made him practically strip naked. Charon is down to his pants, one leg rolled up so Barrows can reach the bullet. He feels completely exposed. Charon hates being seen by anyone, even Kate. Speaking of Kate, she is still being distant, but she isn't stupid. Before she leaves the room to let them operate, she gives Charon a kiss. He smiles, "You can't stay mad at me smoothskin." This seems to make Kate want to smile and scowl at the same time. She tells him she loves him and heads for the door, but before she leaves she whispers something to James that Charon can't make out. He brushes it off and tries to get as comfortable as possible. He knows he'll be there for a while.
"Please don't let him die" She whispers, her voice shaking. James nods his head, and looks into his daughter's eyes. She might have made Charon think she didn't care, but he can see she is worried out of her mind. "He's going to be okay sweetie," James reassures her, but she doesn't look any less worried as she walks out and heads for Carol's. James let's Barrows do most of the work, mostly focusing his attention on keeping Charon's vitals up and keeping him awake. Which proves more challenging since he's had a long day and two whole bottles of whisky. James also finds it entertaining because Charon keeps rambling drunkenly. "How are you feeling Charon?" James asks. Charon smiles in response, "Pretty damn good all things considering…I guess I should get shot more often." James smirks, "I'm sure Kate wouldn't agree with you." Charon stops smiling and sighs, "Yeah…I don't want to make her sad. I fucking hate when she cries, and now she's mad at me too." Barrows chuckles, "Charon, I recall you didn't used to be such a softie." Charon tries to sit up, but James holds him down. Which doesn't prove to be easy. "Shut the fuck up." Charon snarls, and James can't help but find the smirk on Barrows face amusing. "I don't think this is the best time to tease him." James says, and Barrows nods. Before James knows it Barrows has removed the bullet from Charon's leg. "Damn they got you good," Barrows remarks as he hands over the bullet to James. Charon is starting to come out of his alcohol induced state. So Barrows hands James some Med-X to help ease him back down. "I'm afraid the other two will be worse. You'll need it." James says, easing the needle into Charon's arm. He nods reluctantly, but his teeth are clenched, and James can tell he's in pain. So he tries to distract Charon while Barrows goes to work on the next bullet. "I trust you know you saved her life." James whispers. Charon is silent, his eyes on the floor. "I'm not saying I'm glad you got hurt…but thank you." James hopes it comes out the right way. He loves his daughter more than anything, but he cares about Charon too. He has always taken care of Kate, and James appreciates that greatly. Charon smiles slightly, "I didn't do it because of the contract. I saw that she hesitated and what was going to happen. I knew that…she couldn't take it like I could. I just…cant imagine living without her." Charon is still staring at the floor. He's being honest, but James knows he wouldn't be this transparent if it wasn't for the drugs and booze. Barrows continues to work, pretending he cant hear Charon's weakness. But James is glad this is happening. He knows Charon loves her, but it makes him happy when he speaks about his daughter this way. All he ever wanted for Kate was to be with someone who would take good care of her. But James got more than that, he got Charon. Charon who adores his daughter and respects her, who treats her like she's the only thing in the wastes that matters. "I know how you feel." James says simply. "Do…do you think she hates me?" Charon says. He sounds like a child, and James cant help but smile. The over six foot, stone faced ghoul sounds like a worried kid. "No, never. I think you'd have to do something much worse for her to hate you." Charon seems relieved by this, his worried look easing. "I really don't want her to hate me…she's all I've got."