Connor came to with a start.
He bolted upright, ready to jump off the bed and back into the heat of things. At least that's what he tried to do. His head spun and he would've fallen out of the bed if not for the bed rails. Connor's fingers clutched the rail, his eyes shut closed as his stomach threatened to make an appearance.
"-the fuck?" He bit out as he pressed his head against the hard material of the rail, feeling as if he was caught in the middle of an earthquake. Surely there would be more noise though?
He could barely hear past the thrumming inside his temples, but he was pretty sure he couldn't have missed the screaming and shouting if there was indeed an earthquake.
Things didn't add up.
But then, he was having trouble figuring out what time it was... or what he was supposed to be doing.
He could tell that he was at Gaffney. Well, that he was at a hospital at least. The smell and the overall feel of the place were unmistakable, even though his eyes were closed.
He should really fix that, Connor thought distractedly. If someone came and found him slacking... the thought of Latham sauntering in and unleashing a disappointed diatribe, or better yet, throwing something at his already throbbing head, gave him a much needed adrenaline rush.
Grunting, Connor opened his eyes. The world was blurry and still somehow unsteady.
Grimacing, Connor took in a few deeper breaths, wincing at the throbbing it caused. What the hell? Why was his chest and stomach so sore?
More puzzled than worried, Connor blinked, and then focused his sight on a distant point on the floor. There was a smudge near the door. It was blurry still and Connor wasn't sure what it was from, perhaps just a shadow, but it kept still. Focusing on it and holding still as well helped to calm down his stomach and brought the movement of the room to a halt.
Connor gave it a moment, trying to regain the rest of his senses.
His thoughts were still foggy and as his heart rate began to calm down from his abrupt wakening, he became aware of more sensations. Mostly it was discomfort and general soreness, but there was also the strange weakness.
Puzzled, Connor tried to move his right hand, the one clutching the railing. It was a chore. He uncurled his fingers but moving his hand felt like trying to lift heavy weights. Either the laws of gravity had gone through a sudden change, or he lost all his strength. Neither option felt right. Frowning, Connor decided it was about time to find out what was going on.
Hoping that it won't set the world swimming once more, Connor slowly and carefully rolled over onto his back.
The back of his skull gave a muted protest and he could feel the goose egg pressing into the pillow.
What the hell happened?
Thoughts of an accident came to his mind.
Did he slip in the shower? Fell down the stairs?
Did he get into a fight?
That last thought stirred something in the pit of his stomach and Connor's muscles tensed. He could feel his right shoulder throbbing, an odd stiffness around the joint bringing forth an image of a dark alley.
Connor blinked, his left hand reaching out to rub his right shoulder... only to be stopped by a tug at the back of his hand. He eyed the IV as if it was something alien and not a thing he saw every day. Well, usually it was on his patients and not in his own hand, he thought idly, following the line and trying to see what exactly was being given to him. He couldn't really see though as moving his head around made his vision blur.
Well, at least one question was answered.
He didn't fall asleep at work. Unless he did and someone attacked him mid nap, but that was rather unlikely. Even for Chicago.
Sighing, Connor tried to take an internal inventory. Nothing hurt too much, even his head was only throbbing mildly. While that might've been thanks to whatever was flowing through the IV, Connor didn't find any other sign of injuries as he felt around carefully. He was hooked up to some monitors, but the sound was turned down and as far as he could see, it was just a simple pulse ox and BP cuff.
He wasn't dying then.
The fact he was alone in the cubicle was another cue.
He could now hear the typical rush of the emergency coming through the closed door. It was busy as far as he could tell, though the noise was oddly organized. Most likely no mass accident then. He tried to figure out what time it was... his watch wasn't on his hand and the lights didn't give him a real cue, besides the fact it most likely wasn't in the middle of the night. They would have been dimmed for that if they left him sleeping.
Connor was trying to muster up some energy so he could get up and maybe find someone to tell him what the hell happened, but thought better of it. He knew there was an emergency button to call the nurse within his reach yet he was hesitant to push it. He had been disposed of his clothes and wearing just the flimsy gown made him feel self-conscious. It wasn't something he would judge on any patient needing their care, but it felt weird to be stuck in the gown in the hospital he worked at. Especially since he didn't know the circumstances of his arrival.
Fortunately, his dilemma of whether to press the button or risk face planting on the floor was resolved when Robin walked in.
She had a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and her work tablet in the other. It took her a second to look up from whatever she was studying on the tablet but when she did her lips twitched as she noticed him looking at her.
Connor couldn't say if it was a happy smile or an upset grimace.
"You're awake," she commented and the tone was relieved.
"Hey," Connor said, his own smile a bit crooked.
"Hey yourself," Robin freed up her hands and went up to him. She leaned over and ran her hand gently over his forehead then through his hair in a caressing motion.
"How are you feeling?"
"Confused," Connor admitted.
"Welcome to my world," Robin replied a bit cheekily, though there was no real harshness in her tone. Her eyes slid over to the monitor then she checked the IV port. When she turned back to Connor, she looked a little bit less tense, though tired.
Connor felt a twinge of guilt, knowing he was the reason for that. Still, he was drawing a blank on what landed him here.
"What's the last thing you remember?" Robin asked him, seeing the look on his face.
Connor grimaced. He remembered a lot of things, but his sense of time was foggy. He hoped Robin could give him a clear answer, but she was waiting, silent.
He sighed, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. The feeling of her hand on top of his gave him pause. A shiver ran over his skin and it nudged a memory.
"Connor?" she asked, softly. Patiently.
"I was sick?" He asked, rather uncertain. But the more he focused on the feeling of cold, the more came back. "Malaria," he added and this time there was no question in his tone.
Robin nodded but she was still waiting.
Connor frowned.
"But I was feeling okay," he remembered, the evening spent with his friends watching a game coming clear to his mind. That still didn't explain the goose egg on the back of his head or the tenderness of his chest though.
Robin gave him a quizzical look, as if trying to figure out how much she should tell before unleashing her own questions.
"You most likely were, until you suffered another malarial attack."
"Okay... that still doesn't explain the headache?" Or any of his other sore body parts, but he honestly didn't want to point them out right now. There was a feeling in the back of his mind that urged him to... keep silent.
Robin knew something though, that become clear by the frown on her face.
"You fainted," she said and Connor cringed. He would have preferred a different word, if only to spare some of his image. But Robin didn't seem put-off by that, more exasperated than anything.
"After you had the bright idea to go out for a walk, you came home looking like death warmed over. When I asked what happened, you tried to tell me you were fine." She crossed her arms, brows raised, her face a picture of someone who wasn't impressed.
Connor grimaced as her words brought back the previous events in sudden clarity.
"Uh... sorry?" He tried feebly, only to receive an exasperated eye roll.
"Yes well, you should be. While I am used to seeing patients in all kind of state, trust me that seeing my boyfriend collapse and crack his skull on the floor wasn't exactly fun."
Connor cringed, giving her an apologetic smile.
"For what it's worth... I don't think I enjoyed it either?"
Robin let out an exasperated sigh then with a shake of her head lowered one of the rails so that she could sit on the bed. Connor moved a bit to make space, feeling oddly comforted by the warmth of her body pressed next to his.
"What am I gonna do with you?" Robin asked, sounding tired, but her lips twitched in a smile as she took his hand in hers, idly playing with his fingers.
"Accept that I am a bad patient?" Connor joked, earning a gentle slap on his arm. It wasn't supposed to hurt, but the movement jarred his shoulder and he winced, earning a suspicious look from Robin.
"So uh... why did I-" he was looking for a better word than faint, but was drawing a momentary blank. He waved his hand.
"Faint?" Robin asked, her eyes glinting.
Connor sighed.
"Yeah, sure. That."
"Do you want the complicated answer or the simple one?"
If it was a challenge, Connor decided not to take it. While he was more than able to keep up with Robin on the medical front, even if infectious diseases weren't his specialty, he was becoming overwhelmed by weariness. His limbs felt too heavy and he forced back a yawn.
"Simple one it is," Robin answered her own question, noting his half lidded eyes.
Connor hummed his consent.
"Looks like you managed to catch the resistant form after all. Which isn't that much of an issue, we will just need to change your medication. Unfortunately, the blood work showed raised transaminase values and anemia. There is also some bruising on your abdomen, which... I didn't think you needed a warning about not getting into fisticuffs while your spleen and liver are enlarged?"
"It wasn't exactly planned," Connor admitted with a sigh.
"Care to tell me what happened before you came home?" Robin asked, her voice gentle but also curious.
Connor didn't want to tell her, more out of embarrassment than anything. But after the scare he gave her, he assumed she had a right to at least some answer.
"It was mostly a mistake," he started. " Some people misjudged my reaction. It's... it's nothing."
"I wouldn't call a bruised spleen nothing, especially not in your state," Robin argued, her voice hardening.
"It was really just a misunderstanding, Robin," he insisted, trying to wave it off. Her lips tightened, but she decided to drop the subject. For now.
"Well, that misunderstanding helped landing you here for a day or two," she said.
"What? No, I'm fine... just change my meds and I can go home," Connor protested, not wanting to be stuck in the hospital any longer than necessary. It felt ridiculous.
The look of irritation and disbelief on Robin's face brought him to a halt.
"I'm not sure whether it's the fever or the concussion talking," Robin noted, nonplussed, "but I surely hope you are giving better advice to your own patients."
Connor bristled at that.
"Hey, that's-"
"Different?" She challenged him.
"-uncalled for," Connor corrected with a glare, but it was swept away as he shivered. The stupid gown was barely covering anything and the room felt chilly. He fought the urge to pull the flimsy blanket up to his chin. It would not add to his image of being 'okay' after all.
Robin sighed. She checked the monitor showing his temp then took the blanket and tucked it tighter around him.
"I would ask the nurse to bring you another blanket but you need to cool down a bit," she said sounding apologetic.
"It's fine," Connor sighed, looking suddenly defeated.
"What's the matter?" Robin asked, concerned by the sudden change.
Connor shook his head, wincing as the motion sent a jolt of pain through his skull.
"Just tired of being sick," he admitted, knowing it sounded pathetic but lacking the energy to care.
"Hey, it's okay. All you need is a few days of rest and you will be back to saving lives and driving Latham crazy."
Connor snorted, his lips twitching.
"Bet he is enjoying the quiet."
"He might be," Robin agreed. "Not sure the patients or the nurses are too happy about not having someone to play a mediator as much though."
Connor felt oddly pleased by that thought but he sobered quickly. His patients. He was letting them down... and he was missing out on gaining more experience. He sighed, running a hand over his eyes. However much he wanted to be up and about, his body was letting him know in no uncertain terms that it needed a break. So he decided to listen for once. Not only because he was having trouble keeping his eyes open, but also because Robin was there, running her fingers through his hair in a soothing pattern. It felt good. He turned his face into her touch, saying as much. She chuckled but didn't pull away.
"Rest up. It will take a while to get you a room, you might as well use the time to get some sleep."
Connor hummed.
"Join me?" He asked, moving slightly to the side so she could slip on the bed next to him. She chuckled, but shook her head.
"While it sounds like a great offer, I think we better not feed the grapevine any more than necessary," she noted with a smile, though she did pull a chair up to the bed and settled in.
Connor let out a disgruntled sound at losing the soothing touch, though soon she took hold of his hand.
Connor let his eyes slip closed and tuned out all the noise of the ED, as Robin tapped away on her tablet with her right hand. The left was holding tight onto Connor, their fingers linked.
Connor would have thought that being the boyfriend of his admitting physician would come with some perks. And while the nurses at Robin's department treated him nicely, he had a feeling that perhaps he would've been able to get off with more, had he been a total stranger.
For some reason, they weren't above threatening him with straps or taking away his second blanket when he attempted a short walk through the hospital. Honestly, he was just trying to clear his head.
"It wasn't an escape attempt," he muttered somehow grumpily to an amused Robin when she stopped by later on.
"I believe you," she said then with a chuckle she nodded towards his feet hidden under the blanket. "I very much doubt you would have tried a great escape in a flimsy gown and hospital socks. Not to mention you left your jacket with keys and stuff here."
Connor rolled his eyes.
"See? I tried to explain that to nurse Ratchet, but she threatened me with torture unless I let her haul me back."
Robin bit her bottom lip and her face scrunched up in a grimace as she tried to stop the laughter. She had some image to uphold after all and knew well even walls had ears at Gaffney. Finally she swallowed down the laughter and put on a mostly neutral face.
"I'm sure Doris meant well. But I can't vouch she won't come true on the threat if she finds out what you called her."
Connor's eyes widened and he slunk down on the bed.
"I think my fever is back," he fibbed dramatically and Robin raised a brow, lips quirking.
"Hm that's a pity," she said going for a serious tone. "And here I was thinking we might actually spring you in the morning." She shook her head with a sigh, making a note in his chart.
Connor snorted, grabbing her hand and tugging her closer.
"Seriously?" he asked hopefully. He had been stuck in bed for three days now. A bit of transfusion and new meds helped with the anemia. The headache caused by the concussion was more of a dull throbbing now and while his stomach still felt tender, it was hardly a reason to be lazing about. Of course, the true reason was that even with the meds he had experienced another febrile attack the previous day. Although it left him weak and shaky, he felt the intensity of it was lower than the previous ones. His fever also didn't spike as high.
"Well, your latest labs are showing greatly decreased parasitemia and your RBC count is almost back to normal. If the morning labs come back good, I see no reason to keep you here. Besides giving Doris a chance to exact her revenge-"
Connor groaned at that.
"-but seeing as I don't want you to suffer unnecessarily... I will try to keep this conversation between the two of us," she winked and Connor let out a relieved sigh. While he had the utmost respect for the nurses working at this hospital, or any other for that reason, nurse Ratchet... Doris... gave him the creeps. She was Maggie but stuck in a constant hulk mode.
"You are wonderful Dr. Charles. Anyone ever tell you that?" Connor asked with a smile as he pulled Robin closer into his arms. She yelped, trying to make sure she didn't hurt him as she lost her balance and ended up on the bed, splayed over him.
"Connor!" She gave an indignant protest but he silenced her with a peck on her lips. She shot him a glare, but it was lost in a kiss.
"You are an impossible patient," she grumbled under her breath but didn't try to pull away.
"Mmm... I know," he hummed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and giving her a lovey look. "I will make it up to you though. Promise."
That had been two days ago and Connor decided it was time to stand behind his promise. He was finally home from the hospital. The meds seemed to be working and if the cards weren't stacked against him and decided to bring more misfortune his way, Connor was fairly sure he could be back to work within several days. He was honestly looking forward to it. Being the one in charge of things, helping people and saving lives was something he needed to do, to shake off the feeling of helplessness he felt as a patient. Or perhaps it was more the helplessness he felt in that alley, with his face pressed against the wall and arms handcuffed. Connor shuddered at the memory.
He still hasn't told Robin the whole story and he doubted he will anytime soon. The event rattled him, even though he got out of it relatively unharmed. But how many other people weren't so lucky? And it wasn't only the young cops' reaction. Connor was sure the older cop would try to correct that. But he couldn't forget the looks he received from the employee at the shop or even from people passing him on the street.
It made him realize how fortunate he was in his life, despite all the bad things he and his family went through. It made him remember his previous work in Saudi Arabia where he helped workers on oil rigs. Or even his student years in Mexico. He was much closer to the people that needed desperate help there. Maybe he should look into some of the outreach programs. He knew he wouldn't have time outside of the hospital once he went back to work, seeing how competitive and high stake was his field, but he could still use some connections and perhaps nudge his father to offer financial aid to a few more programs.
His mind set, Connor felt a bit easier. He grabbed his keys and headed out.
He promised to make things up to Robin after all. A nice dinner, good wine and entertainment was in order. This time though, he headed into the parking lot and his car. He wasn't going to risk another 'misunderstanding' ruining his evening. Besides... he needed to stop by a place that wasn't in a walking distance. A nice bakery, a flower shop and then somewhere where he could get a copy of the key to his place. It was high time to let Robin into his apartment. After all, she already made her place inside his heart.
THE END