Title: A Matter of Faith and Time
Author: Tearsofamiko
Rating: K
Disclaimer: see first chapter
Spoilers: see first chapter
Summary: Does he inspire the loyalty? Or do they?
...In the Early Morning
It wasn't unusual, seeing the man walking through the halls down to room 110. At first glance, he doesn't appear to be a doctor; closer scrutiny reveals a calm within the man, despite the feeling lingering in this area of the hospital. He seems at ease in the oppressive quiet. Nobody bothers him as he makes his way to the room, though visiting hours don't begin for a while. He's a new regular, a familiar and almost welcome sight to the nurses.
The night shift has yet to end, this early in the morning, and the night nurse moves quietly through the last of her rounds. Her shrewd eyes take in the unchanged stillness of the patient in the bed and the new lines of exhaustion in his visitor's face. A quiet nod is the only acknowledgement she gave the man in the visitor's chair, simple habit born of the previous weeks, and receives only a 'hat-tip' gesture from him, one medical professional to another. Smoothing the patient's blanket one last time, she takes her leave, giving the room's occupants their privacy.
"Ah, dear boy. Another day," the visitor begins, his typical greeting. His tone of voice suggests he doesn't expect a response, but he cocks his head as if listening. "No different today, huh? Well, you never were one for idle conversation. No, I think we'd both agree I've always been the gregarious one. A curious pairing, given your reticence, but one that has worked well for us. Why, I remember one time. . .But that's not necessary. I'm sure you remember as well as I do some of our finer adventures. The cliff incident in Europe, for example. That was quite an experience, wasn't it? If I remember correctly, that was one of the few times I caused the trouble. Quite a change from our usual," he chuckles, then lapses into silence. He seems to sink into his thoughts, all levity gone. "We've done this before, my friend, and I had hoped it was the only time. I'd think it safe to say, we've both had our fill of hospitals. Goodness knows we've been here often enough, though mostly for others. For the team with the highest closure rate, it also had the dubious pleasure of holding the highest injury rate. Not your fault, I know, but a fact nevertheless." He reaches out and pats the patient's arm, allowing silence to claim the room again.
Pensive eyes survey the room and patient from behind thin glasses. The utilitarian walls and furniture suit the place but not the man and the juxtaposition seem to weigh on the quiet visitor. He shifts in his chair, trying to find some comfort on the hard plastic. He can't quite keep his eyes on the patient at the moment, as though he's afraid of what he'll see. Taking a deep breath, he starts to speak again, then stops, before continuing once more.
"My friend...Jethro, let's not do this again. Once was quite enough; I don't think any of us can take another go." He sighs, a tired, bone-weary sound that echoes in the silent room. "Perhaps...ah, but I wish I knew what to do for you, my friend. I can only tell you that, 'you did good.' And he's fine."
He stands and gazes down at the patient for a time, gathers his hat and coat, and turns to leave. He stops at the doorway and looks back at the bed once more.
"Until next time. Sleep well, my friend."