CH 29

Making it back to the city Jake headed north. He knew a side clinic was there and as much as he hated hospitals, his arm needed to at least be looked at. Trudging through the automatic doors he approached the desk. "Excuse me, is the doctor here?" The receptionist peered at him from behind rimmed glasses. "Yes, what kind of medical treatment do you need?" Jake used his god arm to show the lady his bad one. "Oh, that's bad, I'll have the doctor look. For now, try to fill this info sheet out as best you can." "Sure." Jake filled out the paperwork and handed it back to her. She called a number and a few moments later a man in a doctor's coat entered the lobby. "Says here you have a rotator cuff tear, anything else?" asks the man. "I think my elbow is…out of whack too." Jake replied. The doctor inspected Jake's arm. "Hang on we gotta get you a sling, follow me." He led Jake back into a room. He fitted the sling around his arm. "Thanks, any instructions on healing procedures?" "Not really, just keep it elevated as best you can, and try not to move it." "will do thanks."


Walking down the street Jake pondered his next move. Not sure going back home is the best option right now, need someplace to lay low. Turning the corner, he settled on a decision. "Hope he doesn't mind company." He mused. Arriving at Sousuke's apartment he knocked. A few moments later the door cracked open revealing the man behind it as well as a firearm. "Hey buddy." Said Jake. "Ross? What are you doing here? And what happened to your arm?" Long story, can I come in?" the mans face contorted a bit. "I'm not sure that's wise you see- "he was cut off by another voice from inside, "Sousuke, who's at the door?" Kaname appeared moments later. "Oh, hey Jake how are—oh gosh! Jake what happened to your arm?" "Uh long story, look I can come back you guys look busy." He turned to leave when she caught his arm. "Nonsense please come in." he followed them both inside and sat on the couch. "So, about your arm Ross." Sousuke questioned. "Yea so you heard about the mobilization of the cops recently? Well turns out there were warehouses full of stuff, and I mean stuff. All kinds of weapons, armor and robots." "robots?" "yea, me and another guy found that out the hard way, apparently they whoever they are had a sentry bot inside, we must have tripped it's sensors. It pretty much kicked my ass ha-ha." "Hmm that's unlike you Ross, perhaps you should train more?" Jake scoffed, "Sousuke, it's a military robot, I couldn't beat it if I tried, it's just better plain and simple." The other man scratched his chin thinking over Jake's response. "so, Jake shouldn't you be like at home recovering?" came Kaname's question. "I figured I'd lay low for a bit till things blow over." "Shouldn't you at least let Nami know you're ok?" "we uh, had a bit of a fight we both decided to take a break from each other." Kaname walked over and sat down opposite Jake. "You should still tell her." Jake sighed, "I probably should I just don't want her to worry, I mean I was already in the hospital mind you and she was pretty torn up about that." "Well it's up to you." Jake took out his phone and dialed her number, he got an answering machine. "Uh hey Nami it's Jake, um listen I might be unavailable for a few days, don't worry I'm fine but I'm gonna lay low for a bit but I'll be in touch soon…" he trailed off unsure weather he was finished. "Love you, bye." He hung up after the message. "So where will you go?" questioned the soldier. "Hotel I guess, just till things blow over." "Well I wish you luck." "Thanks."

Hotels weren't Jake's favorite place, but they worked in a pinch. Heading up to his room he got a shower (as best he could with one arm) and got into bed. Sleep was difficult that night.


Meanwhile…

She tried to tell herself that this was a good thing, spending time apart to help clear their heads. But the truth was she missed him. Finishing up at work she went back to her apartment. She had homework to do but she would get that later. "Shower first." She said. After her homework was done she was just sitting down to watch a movie when her phone rang. Looking at the caller ID she saw who it was and was about to answer it. But she stopped, Is it too soon? I should wait right? But if he's calling me then… unfortunately her internal conversation caused her to miss the call. "Oh well, if he needs me he can leave a message." As she was headed to bed she passed her washer and sitting on top was a sweatshirt, His sweatshirt. The one he gave her on vacation. Taking it, she slipped it on and crawled in bed. Her phone buzzed, looking at it she saw Jake had left her a message. Listening to it she felt a bit sad. He was obviously in some sort of trouble or maybe not, it was hard to tell. The surprising thing came at the end, he said he loved her. She smiled, knowing that he still cared and was thinking of her made her feel warm inside. All she knew as she fell asleep was that when they did meet again they needed to talk.