Trypanophobia – Brock Reynolds
Brock had been doing everything he could to avoid going to the infirmary to get the updated tetanus shot that he along with everyone else on Bravo was required to get after their last mission had them wading in some pretty disgusting and deplorable conditions. He had never made himself as busy as he had in the previous day or so with reviewing footage, making sure every piece of his and Cerberus' gear was thoroughly cleaned and stowed properly, and making sure that Cerberus was well taken care of especially with all of the extra training that he had been going through in order to keep busy. He knew all of his teammates had gotten the injection and that he was the last one but he just could not bring himself to even make an attempt to head towards the infirmary and instead set his mind to beating his personal best as he lifted weights while Cerberus laid out enjoying the heat of the sun on the ping pong table.
SEAL TEAM
Blackburn made his way over to Jason, Ray and Trent who were all sitting down cleaning their weapons while Sonny and Clay were playfully sparring just a few feet away from them; he knew that they were becoming restless as he was sure that every weapon had been cleaned thoroughly at least twice since they had returned from their last mission but he had a job that he knew would keep them occupied for a while at least.
"What's that look for Eric?" Jason asked without even glancing up as Blackburn finally reached them but the tone of his voice made the rest of the men stop what they were doing and give him their full attention or close enough.
"Where's Brock?" Blackburn asked making Jason finally stop and look up with a questioning expression on his face.
"Working out." Jason answered with a nod towards the weight bench where Brock was with Cerberus almost clear across the compound and well out of earshot of the conversation that was taking place.
"I got a call from the doc." Blackburn did not even need to say anymore for everyone on Bravo to figure out where he was heading with that conversation starter.
"I'm guessing they haven't seen him for his required booster shot." Trent couldn't keep the smirk off of his face as he took the words right out of Blackburn's mouth as he knew his brother all too well, or rather knew his aversion to injections due to his fear of needles although Brock did not make a secret of it either which was beneficial.
"Correct." Blackburn answered before he turned his attention back to Jason. "I take it that you will see that he does." Blackburn pinned him with a glare that he knew meant it was to be dealt with immediately not when he was ready to deal with it.
"It will be." Jason answered, satisfying Blackburn enough to take his leave, leaving Bravo to deal with getting Brock to the infirmary and close enough to a doctor to give him the injection that he had to have.
"I knew we should have taken him there as soon as we were ordered to get an updated tetanus shot. Got his done when one of us got ours done." Ray stated silently berating himself for not checking in to make sure that Brock had made his way over to the infirmary before now especially knowing how the younger man was when it came to injections and needles.
"The asinine thing is he has spent this entire time working himself up over it and it will take a few minutes then it will all be over." Jason was berating himself also for not making sure his entire team had visited the infirmary to follow through on the order to get themselves updated but he could not be mad at Brock because he knew how hard it was on him. He was upset that he had failed to notice Brock's unusual behaviour nor had he picked up on his distress especially given he should have recalled his hatred for anything that required a needle.
"Looks like we're taking a trip to the ole infirmary to get Brock a wee injection then." Sonny drawled knowing that every one of them would be going as they should have done in the first place because that was what Bravo did – stick together and support each other even when it became overbearing.
"How about I head over to the infirmary and see if the doctor will give me the injection to administer rather than trying to get him over there and a doctor near him?" Trent knew it would be somewhat easier on Brock and on the rest of them because they were always plagued with guilt every time he had to have an injection of some sort and they became overprotective given the reaction it elicited from their quietest brother. At least they could shepherd him into their bunk room easier with Cerberus at his side then they could get him over and into the infirmary with Cerb but that would only happen if the doctor agreed.
"Try to do that." Jason nodded as he answered more forcefully than he had meant too but no one would take offense. Trent nodded and departed knowing the sooner he went the sooner they would have the answer and be able to make a plan whether his worked out or not. "Next time we make sure he gets his first." Jason looked around at the remaining men who all nodded on affirmation and understanding as they had all let the ball drop so to say.
SEAL TEAM
Brock knew as soon as he saw his team heading towards him and Cerb that they knew he had not reported as ordered to the infirmary, and that he was not going to avoid it any longer even though he knew that he would not be able to already. With a resigned to his fate sigh he pushed himself up to his feet and looked over to Cerb who was already making his way down off of the table and over to his side before he brushed a hand through his unruly curls just as his team reached him. He felt Cerb nudge his other hand with his wet nose, and he instantly raised his hand up to scratch between the furry sun warmed ears of Cerb's.
"Brock…" Jason could already see the resigned look on Brock's face that was also shielding the fear that he felt as he knew what this little team gathering was about without even having to be told.
Brock shook his head and paced ten steps one way and then ten steps back, repeating his actions four times, before he stopped back on his original spot and turned around so that his back was to his team as he tried to control the rising fear that he felt within himself as he took a few deep breaths. Cerberus whined softly as he laid down with his heads rested on his front paws as he watched his handler closely sensing his distress but remaining as still as possible. The remaining men of Bravo looked at each other knowing that Brock had indeed been stressing himself out over it ever since they had been given the order to report to the infirmary, and clearly it had left him an agitated and nervous wreck. The silent glances spoke volumes as each man felt their own guilt rise at Brock's distress which was shared with each other.
"We need to get you to the infirmary brother." Ray kept his voice calm and low as he spoke after waiting a few moments once Brock had finished pacing.
"I know." Brock sounded dejected as he turned around and once again brushed a hand through his hair, slightly tugging at the curls. "It's just…" He trailed off hating that he couldn't even say the words as he looked down at the ground, the sand seemed mighty interesting right now rather than looking at his brothers. "Sorry boss." He added on without looking up.
"We'll be right with you Brock." Clay reassured him even though Brock already knew that he would not be alone until he had visited the infirmary and received the injection, and even after he would not be left alone until they were sure he was alright because that was the team that they were.
"I'm sorry too. We should have gone and got them as a team rather than have trickled over as we wished." Jason was quick to shut down Brock's apology knowing that there was nothing to apologise for, especially not when he had already worked himself up into such a state and was clearly punishing himself already. "We just need to make our way over there now and get it sorted." He kept his tone neutral knowing that a vehicle to transport them over to the infirmary had already been arranged and was waiting for them.
"Can't you just do it Trent?" Brock glanced up and over at his brother with pleading eyes before he returned his gaze to the sand at his feet. At least with Trent injecting him, he knew of his hatred, of his fear, and he would get it done as quickly as he could without even letting him see the needle that had to puncture his skin to deliver the booster shot.
Trent hated that he had to be the one that had to say no to his brother. "Doc won't give me what we need Brock. That was our first plan." He told him truthfully knowing that Brock preferred him over any other medical personnel if it could be arranged. He had spent almost an hour with the doctor trying to negotiate letting him be the one to give Brock the tetanus shot but the doctor was not willing to negotiate because Brock had not appeared on his own forcing Blackburn to be notified.
Brock nodded knowing that Trent would have done everything except steal the injection he needed from the infirmary to try and convince the medical team to let him be the one to do it. "Because I didn't report there before now?" He asked already suspecting the answer.
"Doc is just being fastidious." Ray could see that Brock was already internally reprimanding himself for his actions, or rather inaction and that it would not help as he did not need to work himself up anymore than he already had.
"Lets get this taken care of now then it will be done and dusted." Sonny shrugged before he clicked his fingers at Cerb ordering him into the awaiting truck that was nearby. Cerb hesitated to leave Brock's side because of the waves of anxiety that were coming off of him but followed through eventually almost begrudgingly.
Brock slowly followed after Cerb and got into the truck with his brothers following after him. Ray got into the driver's seat while Trent hopped in the front and Jason got into the back with him while Sonny and Clay climbed into the bed of the truck for the short drive there and back to the infirmary. Cerb immediately snuggled into Brock's side as Brock kept his focus on the passing world that was their home away from home as he looked out the window at their base for this deployment feeling the panic build as they got closer. The drive felt far too short for Brock's liking especially when they finally came to a stop right outside the doors of the large and foreboding building with the bright red cross on it.
Brock felt as Jason placed his hand on his shoulder as soon as he got out of the truck while the rest of his brothers surrounded him and Cerb stood at attention at his side. "In and out brother." Trent murmured lowly, the double meaning did not go by unmissed – in and out in regards to his breathing, and in and out as it would be a short trip into and out of the infirmary as the injection would take next to no time. Jason gave Brock a gentle push forward knowing the man would not move until he was made to do so but he would not run either especially now that they were here. Trent waited until Brock gave a solemn nod towards them before he took the lead and walked into the infirmary knowing that his brothers were following close behind having surrounded Brock and Cerb.
The last thing that any of them expected was to be told to have a seat and wait until the doctor was ready to see Brock as the doctor was otherwise engaged, and this was the last thing that Brock's already frayed nerves needed. Jason steered Brock towards the aptly placed chairs and only let go of his shoulder once he was sat down with Trent and Clay taking the seats on either side of him as Cerb jumped up into his lap, and Jason, Ray and Sonny sat opposite them. Brock could not keep still as he bounced his legs up and down minutely, repeatedly ran his hands through Cerb's coat and twisted his body around as much as he could whilst remaining seated in the chair. Each minute felt like an hour and every tick of the clock became increasingly louder. Brock raised his hand to the collar of his shirt and pulled at it in an effort to relieve how tight it had begun to feel around his neck as the sweat began to pool at the base of his neck.
Trent had noted Brock's increasing distress and glanced at Jason silently asking him to see if he could get the doctor to hurry along, hell they didn't even need a doctor to give him the tetanus injection after all a corpsman, nurse or even himself could do it. Jason nodded, stood up, and made his way over to the duty nurse; he was glad that the conversation would take place away from listening ears and out of ear shot of his team because he was going to lose his temper if nothing was hurried along.
Brock could not take waiting any longer and within seconds he had gently pushed Cerb off of his lap and rose to his feet causing the dog to be on guard even as he quietly ordered him to stay. He managed to evade his brother's hands as they reached out to him as he quickly stumbled his way out of the clinic with the brightness of the sun making him squint his eyes, stopping as his legs trembled and he fell down onto the hot sand heaving as he fought to get air into his burning lungs.
Trent knew that the waiting had become too much as he was the only one that did not try to reach for Brock as he made his escape which had caught everyone's attention, even Jason had turned away from the nurse's desk and sent a glance towards him which he only shook his head in response too. Trent was not in the mood to prolong Brock's suffering any further but then again he knew that none of his brothers were either. "Give him a few minutes to collect himself." Trent knew that surrounding Brock would do no good and that he would need to take a few minutes to gather himself.
"He ain't getting away." Sonny's growl was mitigated by the concern that was shown by his facial expressions as he stood up to go after Brock.
"He's not going anywhere. I have the keys and it's a long walk back in this heat." Ray dangled the keys to the truck from his finger right in Sonny's view and making the Texan relax back down into his seat just as Jason returned still wearily eyeing Trent who did not look the least bit perturbed by the fact that Brock had high tailed it out of the infirmary.
"How long before the doctor can see Brock?" Clay asked Jason who looked just as frustrated as he felt for the turmoil that Brock was unintentionally being put through. He reached his hand out to Cerb who immediately pushed himself forward so that he could nudge his hand and get scratched behind his ears. "It's okay boy." Clay reassured Cerb who looked as agitated as Brock had been as the dog looked out to where Brock had disappeared too.
"Doctor should be ready to see him in ten minutes." Jason answered gruffly; the agitation was clearly present in his voice. His agitation was with the whole medical staff and their lack of concern or hurriedness. "How long are we giving him?" The question was directed at Trent who knew how to handle Brock when he got into this state although they all knew how to handle him, it was just that Trent was better at it.
"Another minute then we'll go and get him." Trent answered after glancing at the clock on the wall knowing that his brothers would be rather impatient for the minute to go by.
SEAL TEAM
Brock had managed to move so that he was sitting on his backside rather than on his knees with his legs drawn up to his chest with his arms wrapped around his legs and his face pressed into his knees as he drew deep breaths. His shoulders were hunched and he could feel the tightness within them with every breath he took, and his chest rattled painfully with each movement. He knew that there was no point in moving nor did he have the energy to do so because he knew that his brothers would not be too far behind him. He hated that he had this fear and that he could not push through it like he could with pain because injections and needles were definitely a part of the job when one was a Seal… unfortunately.
Brock made no attempt to raise his head as he felt his brothers' presence as they surrounded him. He felt as Cerb nudged him with his nose and let out a soft whine but he made no effort to acknowledge him.
Trent knelt down in the hot sand next to Brock seeing as Clay held Cerb back as the dog became more and more fretful without any acknowledge from his handler. "Brock?" Trent kept his voice low as he placed his hand on his back and could feel how tense he was and how he was struggling to breathe. Trent's concern grew but he knew that as long as he stayed calm then everybody else would do so too except for Cerb who reacted solely to Brock.
"Doc is ready to see you." Sonny stated as the nurse waved at them from the door inside the infirmary, silently giving them a two minute warning to which he nodded back in confirmation that he understood. Clay slapped at his arm and sent a quick scowl in his direction before he went back to cajoling Cerb. "What was that for?" Sonny asked with a scowl of his own as he rubbed at the spot figuring he would have a red mark forming beneath the sleeve of his shirt. Before Clay could respond Jason pushed his way in between the two to separate them as the last thing Brock needed was to listen to the two men pettily squabble because he knew like everyone else why Clay had slapped at Sonny's arm.
"Let's get you up and out of the sun." Jason took control knowing that Brock would not resist nor would he move on his own as the toll that had been taken on his body by his own panic had left him exhausted, and he was sure that the heat from the sun would be adding to that toll with the added worry of dehydration. Brock lifted his head up and nodded limply in agreement with Jason's statement before seeing as Ray came forward and both he and Trent helped lift him up off of the ground and onto his feet.
"We've got you brother." Ray kept his voice low as he reassured Brock while they walked slowly back into the infirmary, not missing how the terrified man tensed even further which he did not think was humanly possible but it was. Ray could see the exhaustion that Brock was not even trying to hide it or any other emotion that he was feeling, and knew that as soon as he had received the tetanus shot that Jason would restrict him to his rack to get some much needed rest, and that they would all stay close until he was back to being his usual quiet relaxed self because that was a part of what Bravo did.
The men and Cerb followed the nurse into the small examination room leaving hardly any space for anyone or anything else. Ray and Trent got Brock sat up on the examination table then Ray stepped back so that the doctor would have room to work while Trent remained unmoved as Jason stepped in front of Brock to act as a barrier and a distraction. Sonny lifted himself up onto the small bench and set about swinging his legs like a young child would while Clay crouched down so that Cerb was sat in between his legs and restrained because Cerb always reacted to Brock's behaviour who would not react well to the doctor once the needle was bought out.
"Afternoon Special Welfare Operator Reynolds… Bravo." The doctor only looked up from the paper file in his hand after he almost walked straight into Jason's side and his eyes immediately widened at an entire Seal Team being in one small examination room. The doctor paused as he straightened up and closed the file in his hand with a frown settling on his face.
"Let's just get this over with doc. We have waited long enough." Jason could not hide the disdain in his voice for the doctor and how long he had kept them waiting nor the torture he had inadvertently caused Brock with his delays especially after Trent had explicitly told the doctor of what Brock's reaction would be in an effort to be the one to do the procedure.
"If you will all give me and Special Welfare…" The doctor began only to be cut off.
"No. Not happening doc." Sonny shook his head from side to side as he slid off of the counter and to his feet then quickly crossed his arms over his chest almost daring the doctor to argue with him. Ray reached his hand out and placed it in the middle of Sonny's chest, halting any further movement as no one missed the warning tone that was in his voice.
"We're not going anywhere doc. There's space for you to give Brock the injection and then as soon as you have we will be gone." Jason glared at the doctor who looked to be becoming flustered and could see that he was going to be a potential problem which they did not need especially if he reported them for refusing to leave the room.
Brock swallowed, or tried to swallow, but he felt like he couldn't as he reached up and pulled at the collar of his shirt once more as it felt restrictive. Jason turned back to Brock and naturally reached out to take hold of his hands so that he would stop pulling at his shirt or react by trying to push the needle away once it got close to his skin, not deterred by how slick with sweat they were.
"Hurry it up doc." Sonny pulled the toothpick from between his lips and flicked it into the sink before he signalled with his hand for the doctor to get on with giving Brock the injection. He did not miss how Ray applied a little bit more pressure with his hand to his chest but he did not move.
The doctor looked around the staunch men of Bravo and knew that there was no way to get the men out of the room without an escort. With a resigned sigh, the doctor moved around Jason and over to the cabinet to get what was needed to give the booster shot once he sat the file down on the counter top.
Brock could not take his eyes off of the doctor as he watched the doctor plunge the needle into the vial and fill the syringe with the medication even as Jason squeezed his hands tightly trying to get his attention and Trent snapped his fingers in front of him to no avail. Brock's eyes widened at the length of the needle and he shifted violently as he tried to pull away from Jason and Trent but both men had a bruising hold on him although it went unnoticed at that moment. "'oss." Brock could barely get the word out as his throat felt as if it had closed up as he began to tremble as the doctor turned around to face him with the needle at the ready. Cerberus barked and growled towards the advancing doctor, bucking wildly against Clay's hold as Brock's anxiety increased and no amount of calling him off would settle him especially with Brock unable too.
"Hey Brock, look at me." Trent commanded, his voice stern as his hand gripped Brock's chin and turned his head towards him. Brock resisted the hold and pulled his chin out of Trent's bruising grip so he could scowl at the doctor.
"You will just feel a small pinch." The doctor's sweet tone soured Brock's stomach and no one missed how he paled considerably. Ray knew the possibility was high that Brock would vomit and he quickly searched for and found an emesis basin which was tossed towards Trent who caught it and then held underneath Brock's chin. Brock startled at the cold application of the alcohol wipe on his upper arm and tried to pull away but with his hands held firmly and Trent right up against his side he had no where to go as he could not knock the doctor over.
"Easy Brock." Jason felt as Brock's booted foot connected with his shin and he bit down on the grunt that wanted to escape his lips knowing he would have one hell of a bruise form there before he sent a look towards Ray who understood immediately and stepped forward to place his hand on the back of Brock's neck while his other hand went to his shoulder and like Jason he ignored how clammy and sweat soaked his skin was. "Hurry it up doc." Jason growled out an order knowing that Brock was not going to last much longer as he was fighting against his panic as much as he could but his body was winning the battle.
Brock knew what his team were trying to do by using touch to try and ground him but he was too hyper focused on the needle and the hand that held it to relax instead he only became tenser as his stomach revolted. Brock felt the needle pierce his skin just as the meagre contents of his stomach rose; he couldn't stop the vomit that flowed from his mouth and into the emesis basin that Trent dutifully held for him.
"All done." The doctor quickly applied a small white bandage over the injection site and stepped back away from the violently ill Seal and his over protective comrades but he also made sure to give Cerberus a wide berth although the dog had calmed down somewhat now that the perceived threat had stepped back as he left the room.
Trent swapped out the full emesis basin for an empty one that Sonny handed him even though Brock had stopped retching. A nurse appeared in the cramped room and graciously handed Trent a fresh bottle of water which he thanked her for before she too left the room seeing that the men had it under control. "Wash your mouth out then take some small sips." Trent instructed seeing that Brock was beginning to lag as his energy was depleted and his body overworked as both Jason and Ray lightened their grips. Brock washed his mouth out to get rid of the foul taste that he was left with after vomiting but shook his head at the offer of any more water as all he wanted to do was curl up in his bunk under a blanket and go to sleep with Cerb at his side.
"Time to head back." Ray stated as he looked at Jason who nodded in agreement knowing that the best thing for Brock was to get him away from the infirmary and into his own bunk.
"Beddy-by time for our Brocky Brock." Sonny sang song seeing his team mates crack faint smiles in amusement as he opened the door to the examination room and held it open so that Clay could walk out first with Cerberus in tow which was not the easiest task to take the hair missile away from his handler.
"That's right." Trent agreed with a hint of amusement in his voice knowing that was exactly where Brock was headed and would stay for at least the next eight hours. With ease, he and Ray got Brock to his feet and held him steady as they made their way out of the room with Jason and Sonny following behind.
SEAL TEAM
Brock was curled up in the top bunk with a blanket wrapped around his body tightly and Cerb was laid across his body with his head pressed into his neck. Brock had fallen asleep immediately as soon as he was helped up into his bunk which they all knew he would.
Trent absentmindedly put a second pillow along the edge of the bunk knowing how Brock was after he had an injection and that he would eventually shift onto his side with Cerb adapting to the repositioning and would find a way to tuck the pillow into his side before he stepped away to join the rest of the team.
"Is he still asleep?" Clay asked knowing they were all in for the rest of the night to be there for their brother.
"He worked himself up so much that he won't be waking for the remainder of the night." Trent shared an equal part of the guilt for letting Brock's distress go unnoticed that he was sure they were all experiencing as he sat down and wiped his hands over his face. "He's fine though, just exhausted." He added knowing that Brock was fine, it was just his body's reaction to his fear of needles and injections.
"Next time we need any kind of injection or anything that involves a needle, we make sure we take him to the infirmary straight away so that he does not work himself up into such a state that leaves him like this." Jason knew it went without saying but he wanted to be clear on what would happen next time because he knew that there would be a next time as he looked at each man who were all in agreeance.
"Oh he ain't getting away even if I have to hogtie and carry him there kicking and screaming." Sonny groused making a light hearted threat but they all knew he would follow through with it if he had too in order to save Brock's sanity and their own.
"I'll talk to Blackburn to see if he can get permission for me to take care of any and all injections that Brock may need." Trent hoped that Blackburn had enough sway that he could make it happen which would help to ease things on all of them, not just Brock. Jason nodded in agreement knowing that he would be in total agreeance and help convince Blackburn if he needed too but he doubted Blackburn needed any convincing because it would be one less thing for him to worry about.
"It won't happen again. We won't let it." Ray stated with a finality that could not and would not be argued with.
"No, it won't." Clay agreed as they clinked their beer bottles together and settled in for the night to stay close to Brock and checking for any signs of distress.