One week later and we get the next chapter! That's unfortunately an accomplishment in my book at this point lol But really, I can't thank everyone enough for supporting this story and continuing to support it now that it's back to regular updates. I really appreciate that more than I can tell.
I also feel inclined to warn you that from this point on, we start getting more and more into the warnings I have posted for this work. Specifically, there's going to be a lot of tough implications with regards to depression, PTSD, and suicide. I hope to treat all of these subjects with respect and diligence but I want everyone reading to be prepared for them all the same. And most importantly of all, to let me know if (read: when) I mess up in any way on these things. Your critique and support is appreciated and welcomed.
Special thanks to the support of freshzombiewriter, secretlystephaniebrown, analiarvb, fasterthxnyou, washingtonstub, locrianrose, ephemeraltea, Yin, and notatroll7 from AO3 and tumblr!
New Jazz Age
Chapter Five: Unexpected Responsibilities
Ever since quitting the furniture store, York gets antsy around people in suits and he's not entirely sure what to blame the feeling on. So he shrinks back slightly as the social worker approaches him and North.
"Hello, I'm sorry, I thought I saw you both coming in with Miss Church," she says to them, extending her hand. "Are one of you her significant other?"
His usual sociality flooding his systems again, York smirks and reaches forward, accepting the woman's offered hand and shaking it strongly.
"Yes," he says about the same time as North says, "No."
A little caught off guard, York looks at North testily. He can tell that the other man is still very much pissed at Carolina. There's a certain tired way his eyes star into York with his arms crossed and lips pressed tightly together.
"I'm sorry," York manages to get out once he realizes that the glares have held for a beat too long and begun to make the social worker look rather awkwardly between them. He forces a smile and throws a thumb toward North. "We all live together. We're Carolina's own little support group."
The social worker's brows raise slightly, as if she's uncertain of what to make of the explanation but she quickly looks down instead to a stack of papers held to her clipboard. "I have very little information on Miss Church. She isn't listed as one of Theo's contacts in his school records."
"No kidding?" York asks, still unsure of whether that is by Carolina's own design or not. "Well, you know she's been serving the country for many years."
"Theo told me," she says agreeably enough. "After the staff here realized that their patient was related to the same Church who headed the diagnostic labs here, I asked Theo what he could tell me." There is a certain sharpness to her eyes as she looks at them. "He nor Ellison have ever brought her up before. Which is unusual considering the circumstances of their custody and emancipation respectively."
York has no idea what to make of any of that so he merely strings his thumbs through the belt loops of his pants and gives a, "Huh."
When he looks over at North for some semblance of help, York is met with a continued grimace from his partner. Which, York supposes, is at least better than his entirely disapproving scowl that North wore the entire ride to the hospital, but it's not exactly helpful either. Which is York's excuse for why he harshly elbows North in the ribs.
"Help me out here," he half whispers.
North looks at York genuinely perplexed. "How?"
"I don't know," York says, waving his hand to the studious social worker. "You work in schools. Use your expertise."
That, at least, seems to get the attention of the social worker. "Do you work locally?"
"For the county school," North explains. "I'm taking night classes in Franklin and working here during the day. Our – York, Carolina, and I – we live nearby."
The social worker seems genuinely relieved by the news and makes a point of taking down some notes on her clipboard. York swears that every time he looks at the thing, the stack of papers has only grown thicker.
"Do you think you could tell me some about the school, give me some contacts to speak to in the morning?" she asks, turning fully toward North. "I'm a few hours outside of my usual service area and… Well, almost anyway tonight ends up playing out will end with Theo needing to at least temporarily relocate and his current school is a decent drive away to go to everyday."
North side eyes York, momentarily giving that disapproving scowl, but he shifts back into his calmer demeanor as he looks to the social worker completely. "Absolutely. I'll help anyway I can."
Out of his own leagues, but more than grateful to have North roped into the situation even if it's not to his liking, York pats North's shoulder and gives an apologetic smile to the social worker.
"I don't know if I'll be much help here, but I'll get Carolina talking again. She's been a little bit in shock since she got the news," he explains. "Sorry if she was rude or anything to you earlier."
There is a worn out glint to her smile as she shakes her head. "I can assure you that on my list of experiences in these situations, that doesn't even begin to register as rude."
Patting North's shoulder condescendingly one last time, York moves past the two of them and instead toward the waiting area where Carolina and Theo are seated in utter silence.
From a distance, York never got a good look at the little brother, but throughout his approach he begins to take in as much about the kid as he can. Trying to siphon some sort of understanding of the situation that has been thrown in his face tonight.
At first the most important thing he can seem to glean is that the kid has a healthy choice in pajama bottoms, appreciating that Ninja Turtles is relevant still despite it being more than a decade since York watched them on Saturday mornings himself. But beyond that he can see there's a definite resemblance between Theo and Carolina that he might not have noticed at first.
They both have strong cheekbones and the noticeable red hair, though Theo's is duller hue than Carolina's. The same striking green eyes are found on both siblings, and a curious way they hold their jaws impatiently – and awkwardly – seems to be a shared family trait as well.
As he gets closer, Carolina bothers to give him an appreciative look before turning her attention back to the pager in her hand.
The kid stays locked on York throughout his walk, growing an only more suspicious and curious look as York stops in front of him.
Lowering down to his haunches, York tries to look level at Theo, wondering if the kid is small for his age or if York's just that unused to kids. He forces a softer smile.
"Hey there," York says. "I'm York. I'm a… Well, I'm your sister's friend. We live at the same house together. I hear your name's Theo."
Theo's face scrunches slightly as if he's disturbed at the tone York's using. "Um. Hi?"
Unable to help himself, York lets out a small snort and rubs at the back of his neck. "Let me guess… That's a little too goofy to talk to an eleven-year-old, huh?"
Theo doesn't smile his way so much as he offers a look of pity. Which registers to York as a low point in his life – utter pity from an elementary school kid who's been through a traumatic night.
"It's okay," Theo says understandably. "I mean, I'm almost twelve. So it might've been better earlier in the year."
York laughs. "You're too kind."
He watches as Theo sits back in his seat and seems distracted by Carolina's pager for just a moment, then begins tiredly leaving his eyelids at half mast.
It's already been a long night, and from the sounds of things it's just about to get longer.
Taking a moment, York looks back to North and the social worker only to see that North is free and looking their way. York takes the hint and glances to Carolina and Theo.
"Hey, Theo," York says softly, getting the sleepy kid's attention once more. "I'm real sorry to ask this of you, bud, but do you think I can borrow your sister for a minute or two? There's something we've gotta talk about with… our other friend. That okay?"
There's a momentary confusion that crosses the kid's face before he forcefully shrugs and sits back in his chair. "I don't care," he says.
The bluntness is enough to make York flinch but Carolina didn't so much as blink. Instead, she rises to her feet and without even looking at Theo starts walking toward North.
Giving Carolina a look, York gets to his feet as well. He hesitates, looking to Theo and forcing a smile. "I'll have her right back to you."
It doesn't take much to catch up with Carolina after that. It's almost as if she's traveling in slow motion.
Which is about as opposite of Carolina as York can imagine.
"Hey," he whispers as they walk shoulder to shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she says simply.
York frowns, eye narrowed. "You don't act fine to me, Carolina."
Her green eyes turn sharply toward him. There's a certain calculating calm to her that feels dangerous. It's a look she's worn on the battlefield before and York can't say he likes the feeling it gives him deep in his gut.
"You so confident you know anything about me anymore?" she asks flatly, like she can't be bothered either way he answers.
For a moment, York's not even sure he should respond to the question, it's just so strange and out of place. He's wondering where this is all coming from, why after so long of entangled together, after laughing about frozen pizzas and wine, can she pretend that it's anything but the real her.
"Yeah, I am," he says instead.
She quietly looks him over, evaluating him, as they come to a stop by North.
"Alright," North says, drawing York's full attention away from Carolina herself. "I'm officially involved with this."
"Don't sound so happy about it," York grouches back, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I don't want you to feel obligated to get involved on my behalf," Carolina says, detached in a way that York simply can't place. "I'm sorry I've not told either of you about this situation before, but frankly I've been under the impression that it wasn't going to be my business, let alone yours. And it still doesn't have to beyours."
Officially confused, York cocks his head to the side and looks at Carolina expectantly. "What are you talking about? Of course it's now our business."
"Carolina, I just bought you time with child protective services," North informs her, his voice edging on testy. "They need to have a long talk with you about all of this going down, but I know enough that things haven't been looking great for your other brother. And I'm sorry to hear that, I really am. But you can't really be expecting to leave here without temporary custody of your youngest brother. They're wanting to talk to the school system for christsake."
"Of course I'm not expecting to abandon Theo right now," Carolina says, in perhaps her least convincing voice yet. "But I'm not planning on putting all of that on you two either. I already covered my part of the utilities for the month and with that I've got enough to get us a hotel room."
York looks at her utterly aghast. He honestly feels offended. "Do you really think we would do that to you? Jesus, Carolina…"
"It's not because I think you two would ask outright or anything," Carolina attempts to explain only to be stopped as North holds up a hand.
"Okay, don't make another assumption about us. You sound utterly ridiculous right now," North says harshly. "We will have a talk about the fact that you never bothered to tell us you have family–"
She grows a stubborn pout to her lip. "It wasn't your–"
"Alright," York says, eyeing the tell-tale sign of North growing frustrated with the curl of his nose. "Look, this is a shock to everyone's system. And there's a lot of shit to get done." He throws a thumb in the direction of the now impatiently waiting social worker. "Starting with this lady who's been very respectfully waiting for you to finally get around to her, 'Lina. So I say start there."
Carolina is quiet but slowly nods in acceptance before ducking out of the conversation and moving toward the woman waiting instead.
Which gives North the opportunity to round on York, just like York had been expecting him to do the second it was possible.
"This entire situation is ridiculous," he says spitefully.
"Yeah," York replies, noncommital.
"It's unfair for this to be just thrown on us," North continues, eyes darting toward Carolina every few words. "And she's acting… she's not acting rationally about any of it."
"I know," York replies with a huff.
Already winding down almost in spite of himself, North lowers his head and rubs roughly at the back of his neck. His brows knit together grouchily and he lets out a tired sigh. But he's done.
"Are you still going home?" York asks. "You've got work tomorrow and, well,obviously I don't. So I can handle things here for both of these guys. Try to, y'know, get some straight answers when the shock wears off a bit."
"Yeah, I'm going home," North says in little more than a mumble. "But it's not like I'm just… I'm going in early and talking to the secretary about what the school can help do. We don't know how long he's going to be staying with us but even if…" North's eyes dart again and his voice lowers. "Even if the other brother makes it–"
"Jesus, North," York says uncomfortably.
"–from everything I've heard so far it sounds like it's going to be quite the hospital stay. So we're looking at taking him in for a while," North finishes. He hesitates and pulls at his collar. "What's his name again?"
"Theo," York answers. "He's eleven. I don't really have an eleven-year-old talking voice, I discovered."
North squints at him. "What? Did you talk to him like he was a chihuahua? Kidshate that."
"Excuse me, I haven't talked to an eleven-year-old since I was one," York snorts.
North's eyes roll and he gives a sigh. "Well, I'm sure I'll get to know him soon enough. Right now, I need to go home and prepare some things."
"Yeah, okay," York relents. "I'll text you. Keep you updated on stuff… If you want me to. I guess that'll defeat the purpose of leaving to get some sleep, huh?"
Nodding slightly, North forces a smile. "I'll appreciate the updates. And if… Well, if it's before I need to leave in the morning that you guys need a ride home. Just… Call. I'll come."
Seeing in the way North is holding his shoulders that the man is more than ready to leave, York surges forward and forces a hug. There's an appreciable sigh of relief before North starts patting York's back.
They part and York watches for a bit as North goes to interrupt Carolina and the social worker to give her a goodbye as well.
It's a small sentiment, but it's enough to calm some of York's in regards to whether or not that is a bridge that can be repaired down the road.
Seems like there's a chance, at least for now.
He runs a hand through his hair, feeling the slight frizz and coarseness from a long day as he does so. Then York turns to return to the waiting area with Theo.
Since they left, Theo has fallen asleep, face smothered against the uncomfortable armrest of the waiting room chair and one leg drawn up to dangle over the opposite armrest.
It's almost comical, but it manages to still tear at York's heart in ways he isn't expecting.
Not wanting to disturb the kid, he goes to the other side of the waiting area and takes a chair opposite Theo. HIs eye darts around the room, checks his surroundings, and then he eases back against the seat.
He has a feeling it's going to be a while.
York doesn't know when he fell asleep, but the moment he wakes he can see Theo staring right at him.
It's creepy enough to make the grown man jump slightly in his seat before straightening up and trying to make sense of why he's getting such a funny look from an eleven-year-old.
"Uh, hey," York stammers out into what becomes an inescapable yawn. "Man, when'd I go out?"
"I dunno," Theo replies candidly. But his staring doesn't end as York stretches and forces himself to wake up more.
Forced to take in his surroundings a bit more, York realizes that it's only he and Theo still. Regardless of how much time has passed, York can't help but feel that Carolina should be with them. And no doubt this is how Theo's feeling about now, too.
"So, uh," York begins to break the silence once more. "I don't know where your sister is, but she'll be back soon, I'm sure."
He isn't sure, and his touted knowledge of just who Carolina is at heart isn't helping that feeling much. She is being rather flakey.
"Okay," Theo says, not sounding overly torn up. "Did that guy tell you about Ellison?"
Thinking back, York can't quite assert what guy they're talking about until he remembers that Theo had been watching their conversation with North before they dozed off. North who hasn't introduced himself yet.
"Oh, no, he's not from the hospital," York explains. He waits a beat for Theo's confused expression to change before deciding to give more details. "That was North. He lives with us – your sister and me. And he works at the school."
Theo sinks in his chair. "Another school? Am I moving again?"
Realizing he's probably overstepped his bounds, York runs a hand through his hair. "I… Dammit." Then, realizing he's cussing in front of a child, York smacks a hand over his face. "What I mean is, I don't know anything about that stuff. I'm just saying he's a teacher at the school, y'know, here. In this town. That's all."
What little understanding had been passing between them dissolves right before York's eye and Theo pulls his feet into the chair, burying his face into his knees with a loud heaving of air.
Alarmed, York looks around the waiting room for someone – anyone – to step up and help this kid. But there's no one there.
Sucking in a deep breath of air, York crosses the space between himself and Theo quickly, sinking into the chair beside him.
Nervously, York reaches out to brush the kid's shoulder, but he thinks better of it and instead rests his hands in his lap. He worries his lip and tries to think of any way he could alleviate the kid's problems only to realize that he's not even sure what those problems are.
"Hey," he speaks up finally. "Theo, what's wrong?"
There's a frustrated noise from behind Theo's knees and he hugs them tighter. "I don't know what's going on. And everyone dies. And I don't want to move schools. And I don't like that lady, that lady's why I'm here."
York rubs his jeans nervously. "That's… That's a whole lot buddy. And I'll be straight with you, I don't know what's going on that much either. I don't think a lot of us do." He leans in slightly. "But… I don't know much about what's up with you all and Carolina, but I promise you that she's not the reason you're here right now."
"Caroline," Theo huffs, looking up with a snotty face and red eyes.
"Huh?" York asks in a completely dignified tone.
"Caroline," he sniffs, brushing his face roughly with his sleeve. "Why do you keep calling her Carolina? A why's your name York?"
"Oh," York says, pulling at his ear. "Those are the names we had when we were all serving together. Our whole troupe had names. I gave North and his sister theirs because, heh, they were twins and their last name is Dakota – like the state. So I started calling them North and South. And your sister's name is closeto a state name so I started calling her Carolina. It caught on."
Theo pulls more out of the ball he's formed in the waiting room chair and tilts his head to the side as he looks over York. "Is your name not really York then?"
"As far as I care it is now," York says with a small smile and a shrug.
"Even though it rhymes with dork?" Theo snickers slightly.
"Ah, now that's the middle school I remember," York teases as he leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. "Honestly you're about the hundredth person to point that out, thanks. First was Dee. He's a lot like you, actually. Too smart for his own good. Always worried."
Raising a brow, Theo turns more in his seat towards York. "Dee? So… like…Deleware?"
"Huh? Oh!" York laughs. "No, the state names only went so far. And I'd given Dee his nickname in basic. Delta – the poindexter. He would always correct me on the phonetic alphabet, and I'd always get it wrong just to get on his nerves. He knew that's why I did it, too, but it didn't stop him."
There's interest brightly showing on Theo's face, which might be the only time so far that York has seen the kid anything short of devastated. It also makes him realize that even if Theo's looked strikingly young to him thus far, before now the kid had looked years past his age, brow wrinkles and a studied frown.
This looks like a real kid for a moment.
"So you're all from the military?" he asks carefully. "Caroline's been away for a long time with it."
"I guess for you guys it's felt like forever," York acknowledges.
The kid shrugs and kicks out his legs to dangle them over the seat again. "I guess."
York is more than ready to leave the kid alone at this point, watching him regress into the practiced solemn stares, but there's still something bothering him a lot about what Theo has said.
"Hey, Theo?" York asks, making the kid look back at him. "What lady were you talking about being the reason you're here?"
A small scowl shows on Theo's face before crumbling, he looks to his kicking feet. "The lady you talked to. She's around all the time. And she talked to Ellison before the wreck. She always makes him so upset. I wish she'd just go away and leave us alone."
York contemplates the strange statement for a moment before his eyes widen and he slowly sits back. Realization is dawning on him so profoundly he doesn't even hear Carolina walking over to them before she clears her throat.
"Theo," Carolina says as gently as she could feasibly manage. "Ellison's in a room right now. He's got a lot of machines hooked up to him and he won't be awake for a long time, but I can let you go see him for a few minutes if you promise to not get in the way of the doctors and nurses."
It's such a practiced speech York can just tell she's delivered it impersonally to families before. She's not asking as a sister, and Theo accepts it as if he's never seen Carolina before in his life.
But York's still processing Theo's statements, still feeling winded from thatrevelation.
"Okay," Theo says, getting to his feet. He pauses and looks back to York. "Are you gonna stay down here?"
York tries to get his mouth to open and let him respond, but he feels like all of his gears have ground to a halt. He looks helplessly to Carolina instead.
"He'll be here," she says, not interpreting York's bafflement at all. Instead she just says, "We'll be right back, York."
Carolina and Theo start to walk together and York gets to his feet but doesn't follow.
He might be thinking too hard about it – and he really hopes he is – but York thinks Theo just told him that he thinks this accident is no accident on his brother's part.