Chapter Thirty-Eight
"He doesn't care.
Tell him Eliot." Jimmy laughed near hysterically.
"Tell him how you've been using him the same way he decided to use you." He smiled over to Eliot who had a face splitting grin of his own as he twirled a rope.
"Tell him what's gonna happen for tryin' to pull one over on us."
With an almost evil smile Eliot near pounced on Nate pinning him to the wall with an arm to his throat. "I'm gonna make you regret the day you were born boy."
Nate's eyes flew open with a gasp of air as he tried to catch breath that hadn't been taken.
He hadn't given thought to Jimmy since November and he knew that dreams of him and Eliot tag teaming him couldn't be good.
"Have you heard anything yet?" Parker was staring at him as if he'd grown three heads and he figured it best to move her focus.
"No" They had taken Eliot back after another temperature check showed that his was damn close to 105 and they hadn't heard anything since.
"Where's Hardison?" There was a bit of anxiety bubbling in his gut but he didn't plan on tampering with it.
"He went back to the house, he said he was going to clean up." Parker barely finished as she turned her head to footsteps.
"Mr. Elliott" Dr. Torlyn hadn't been the one to take Eliot back but obviously he had been called in somewhere along the way as he was standing right there.
"What are we looking at?" Nate asked as he stood.
He would be first choice with his bruised neck, well worn pajamas, and missing socks but the doctor was curtious enough to avoid mentioning any of that. "At first glance the flu was looking like the culprit but a better inspection says kidney infection."
"Is that serious?" Parker found herself playing with her pockets button as she listened to every word.
"It can be life threatening if not treated properly and on time."
"You just asked him about all of this." Nate spoke more to himself as he tried to figure if Eliot had been deceitful. "Why wouldn't he have said anything?"
"It's very likely he didn't realize.
I believe we're looking at one that's been about nine days in the making and between all of the surprises that have appeared, the tweaking of his pain meds, and dealing with just the general after effects of being hit by a car he might have over looked the symptoms that were appearing.
That or he assumed they were from something else seeing as he's already been vomiting from the headaches and his back is already aching." Dr. Torlyn explained to ease the worry he was hearing.
"Or he could simply be overwhelmed.
There's that small part in all of us that would like to believe if we turn our backs on something it doesn't exist, perhaps he was testing the theory. No matter because it doesn't, what we need to do now is make sure he gets better."
"Is he going to be alright?" Those were the only words she cared to hear.
"How is he?" Nate too pressed.
"Right now we're working on breaking that fever but he seems to be resting comfortably.
We've got him on an antibiotic drip and tests have proven that there's no bacteria in the blood stream which is great news."
"So when can he go home?" His news could be the best but she didn't care about it if it didn't mean Eliot would be going home with them.
"I want to keep him for a few days.
There doesn't look like there'll be any lasting effects from this but after everything he's been through I'd like to keep him close to make sure we don't have ourselves a ripple effect."
"When can I see him?" Were Nate's next words.
"I believe he's being moved to a room as we speak so you'll have to give it a few but it's the same floor as before you'll just be making a left at the elevator instead of a right. If I'm not mistaken it's 2..21 but I'd confirm it with the nurse first."
"Thanks doc."
"I'll see ya later." He waved off as he started toward the direction of his next patient.
"Will he get sicker if they don't break his fever?"
"The fever isn't the problem Parker." Nate explained as they moved to the elevator.
"Then why do they need to break it?" She'd rather take the stairs but still she stayed with Nate.
"Well fevers are usually the good guys but they're easily tempted.
They'll have more control over it by keeping it on a short leash rather than letting it run free." The thought immediately reminded him of his team.
"Do we all have to split up if you and Eliot do?" She spoke casually but he could see the nerves as she chewed on her bottom lip.
"How do you feel about a two man team?" He was just as casual with his words as he leaned against the wall with folded arms.
Her look was beyond quizzical though so he furthered his meaning. "I don't know what the future holds but I know I'll be working and as long as you want there'll be a spot for you. It's like I've always said, you're more than welcome to leave but that also goes for staying." His words were barely finished before the elevator doors were opening and they were stepping out.
"A dog is only as fast as his bum leg." What the? Where that came from or what it meant he didn't know but she seemed content with her reasoning.
"A room number for Spencer Elliott please." Nate didn't pay much attention to the nurse as he waited for the information.
"221" She answered with the same disinterest.
"Thank you" Nate barely offered as he followed Parker down the hall.
It wasn't long before they were entering another private room once again not sure of what they'd find. "It's weird."
"What?" Nate asked as they stared at the figure on the bed, this rooms set up was the complete opposite of what the lasts had been.
"Him sleeping. It's weird." There had been a few times where she had thought she'd caught him doing so but his eyes quickly snapped open as he reprimanded her for trying to sneak up on him.
"People sleep Parker." Something he hadn't been doing much of.
Between his worry over Eliot's health, their near constant relationship struggles, and now this infection he was being spread too thin and he didn't know how much more he could take. What he did know was if he didn't get things sorted soon Eliot's health wouldn't be the only one to worry about, he was already feeling the fatigue dragging him down.
"Now what are we doing?" Loyalty kept her close but after 41 days of essentially doing nothing her fingers were getting itchy.
"Will you stay here?" He questioned instead as she settled into what looked to be a pullout, hopefully this time they had indeed been that lucky.
"You're leaving?" That was a shock.
"Only for an hour or two." He wanted to change into something decent and perhaps gain some perspective on things because this in no way changed the fact that Eliot had been at his throat and that was not something he could simply ignore.
"'kay" She shrugged him off as she followed the fresh tubing into Eliot's arm with her eyes. It wasn't like she had much else to do anyway.
"Alright then." With that he left the room beginning to make his way back to the house.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
He had already mopped out the entire bedroom and decidedly the bathroom since he had already been at it.
Had thrown out the over sheet which had been an absolute mess and had the rest of the bedding already washed and in the drier, a load of towels awaiting their turn.
He wasn't that big of a cleaner but after their argument that morning he preferred his current task of making the bed to sitting awkwardly in a waiting room with Parker.
He was struggling to get a pillow in its case when he heard the front door open and was moving to see who was there.
The fact that he heard it ruled out Parker and that had him moving cautiously as he rounded the corner.
"Nate?" His caution turned to suspicion as Nate pushed the door closed. "Is everything alright?"
"More or less." Hardison had taken the car leaving him to wait for a taxi but the delay had actually been a good thing as he came to a few conclusions. It was too early to know if they'd all be good but in the very least he had come to them. "Parker's sitting with him now."
"So he's staying in the hospital then?" He followed Nate toward the bedroom.
"He wont be happy when he finds out but they're making him stay for at least the weekend." And he was going to use that advantage.
"It's that serious?" He stayed in the doorway as Nate collected clothes from both the closet and the dresser.
"He's got a kidney infection but they're giving him antibiotics for it right now.
Hopefully with some meds and a couple of days this will be one more thing to put behind us." That was all he offered as he took his things and headed to the upstairs bathroom where he'd have all the necessities to shower.
It only took seconds to strip once the door was closed but the mirror quickly grabbed his attention and kept him from stepping into the tub. He didn't know who the man looking back at him was but the bruising and hair that was nearly too long to wear had nothing to do with why he was so unrecognizable. A reflection was all it was but in no way could that possibly be what he had become.
One last distasteful glance and he was soon under the showers head attempting in vain to wash away any thought or emotion with the dirt and grime.
He couldn't do this.
Eliot had left him in search of self respect which he understood but it had been nearly two months since he'd gotten back and he'd yet to really return.
That first week had been one of the best they had ever had but even then he knew something was off, he'd just chosen to ignore it and after Eliot took off it became that much easier as he convinced himself that they were simply readjusting to one another.
Something was there though.
It was destroying all of their good efforts as it continued to build on everything they had accomplished and as it continued to grow between them he could no longer deny its existence.
He didn't want to.
Every day he was met with a little less of the Eliot he knew and as he kept losing pieces of him he felt some of his own also beginning to disappear. He was losing control and that was something that outright scared him.
If anything would end their relationship it would be him because as much as it would hurt to do so at least it would be under his terms.
He wouldn't have to watch and wait for whatever was eating at Eliot to take him away completely.
It was another thought that he did his best to avoid as he pushed his hair back, because it wasn't something he was going to allow to happen.
Water had as usual made its way into his eyes but today the sting was welcome as Eliot's words sounded through the bathroom. 'I'm scared of me too.'
Scared of what?
What he was capable of?
What he might become? It didn't make sense.
Had he been scared?
Yes, but it had been more of the situation than Eliot himself.
Another thing that didn't make sense was his pleading with an Itza.
Who was she and why did Eliot feel so bad about her?
Where was she?
Had he hurt her?
"Nate?" A loud knock pulled him from his thoughts and he soon realized with a start that the water had gone more than cold. "You alright in there man?"
How long he must have been in there for Hardison to be worried he didn't know but it had him shutting the shower off with an, "I'm fine", as he pulled the curtain back and reached for a towel.
"Cool" That sounded awkward and soon he heard Hardison going down the stairs and he went back to his thoughts as he kept himself just enough in the present to shave.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Hey Nate. About yesterday," Hardison met him at the bottom of the stairs with a serious tone. "I just wanted to say tha-"
"It's fine Hardison." He heard an apology coming on and he didn't want it. "You were worried and it was with reason. I understand where you're coming from and you have the right to feel or have certain opinions. The same way I have the say on whether I agree with them or not."
"Alright then." That had nearly sounded like Nate was saying he was right but with that last line he realized he had just been nicely told off, or better yet where to stick his opinions.
"I appreciate you cleaning in here." Nate's tone was light, almost too light as he grabbed the truck keys from the dresser and slid on his watch.
"It's no problem." Hardison tried not to sound suspicious but Nate's attitude seemed awfully cheery for the day and he doubted the shower had been that much of a help.
He watched as Nate packed a bag he assumed was for Eliot with some sweats and a pair of gym shorts, a few different shirts that varied in sleeve length, and even a beanie.
With all of the casual clothes being pulled out he finally noticed how dressed Nate seemed to be.
He had on a near blinding white button down that did an excellent job of covering the bruising on his neck, slacks that were near a cream with there tan tone, and toffee tinted loafers he had just slipped on.
"Are you going back to the hospital?" Usually Nate was pretty layed back with the clothes he wore but right now as he slipped on the matching jacket he looked like he was ready for a con.
"I'm going to steal a memory." And just like that he made that signature exit leaving Hardison to wonder what the hell he meant.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
"Where have you been?" Parker met him outside of the hospital room looking like she had been waiting a good while.
"Gee mom, I didn't realize I had a curfew." He snarked at Parker's crossed arms and tapping foot.
"You said you'd be back four hours ago!" Nate was always back before he said he'd be and when he hadn't shown after his two hour mark she had gotten anxious. After another four hours passed she was just plain annoyed. "The doctor came back and there were at least a dozen nurses through there and... and you cut your hair?" It was something she just barely noticed as Nate set himself for her rant. "He gets put back in the hospital and you go and get a haircut?"
He ran a hand through his now shortened hair at her accusing tone.
The longer it was the curlier it got and after pushing it back for the millionth time, much the same way Eliot did, he knew it was past time to cut it. "How is he?"
"Quiet" She had tried talking to him after he woke but hadn't gotten much. "He spoke with the doctor but that was about it. They agreed on trying something a little more aggressive so they switched up his IV drip but he hasn't said much since then. They gave him something for nausea too, "She was trying to stay on point but it was weird looking at him. "he's been sleeping on and off since."
More like he had jerked awake a few times but she had respectfully ignored it, especially the last time when he had nearly jumped out of bed gasping.
"Is he sleeping now?" Nate looked past her and to the closed door. It wasn't like he didn't care about all of this, because he did, probably too much and that was the problem. If he listened any more he was going to start questioning and hovering and he just couldn't do that if he was gonna keep his mind set and focused on the bigger picture.
"No. The nu-"
"You can go back in now." The nurse Parker had been trying to mention interrupted as she stepped out of the room pulling the door closed behind her.
"Thank you" Nate waved the woman off.
"Are you gonna stay the night?" Parker didn't bother moving as she waited for a reply. He just gave a nod with his eyebrow slightly raised, like the question really deserved words. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then." She could take a hint and that had been her cue to leave.
Besides she had plans.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
We're leaving." Hardison nearly fell off his chair at the words spoken in his ear. The only sounds that had been made in the house for over an hour were from the t.v. and his commentary on a certain captain.
"Damn woman! Try warning somebody!"
"Lets go." She shut off his t.v. and left the room moving toward her own.
"Where?" He followed her into the bedroom watching as she pulled a bag from the closet. "Parker, no.." He knew what was in there just like he knew what the glint in her eye meant. "we can not go stealing things in Eliot's backyard like that."
"Who said we were stealing anything," She threw him a bag of his own as her devious smirk only grew. "and who says we're staying here?"
Awkward disappeared as he caught her drift and a smile of his own began to grow. "Girl, I like your thinking."
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
The plan was to go in there.
It really was the first step of the plan but he couldn't bring himself to do so.
There was no back up this time and if things went wrong it would end a lot worse than falling on his ass.
He was pacing the hallway, ignoring the looks as he convinced himself to go for broke, but just as quickly reminded himself that he'd be better safe than sorry. Essentially he was screwed either way.
He couldn't do this.
He wouldn't.
It just wasn't working.
With a deep breath he entered the room hoping to find Eliot awake.
He was met with a sleepy smile as he stepped into sight and it soon had him offering one of his own.
God those eyes looked so unguarded and nearly ablaze with raw emotion and honestly, he just couldn't take it anymore.
"Eliot," There were no other options, he had to do this. "we're done."
E/N: Now don't kill me.
It just had to end there, I swear it did.
Next chapter is going to be awesome and hello to all you newbies I noticed.
Thanks for reading!