15: Discharge (Day 28)

Why did you keep me an extra day, Doctor?

Just a precaution, Sir Hellsing.

Of course. Does Landon know I'm being discharged?

Not exactly. Mr. Dornez does, though.

What do you mean "not exactly?"

Landon's been here since last night. He fell asleep in the waiting room and he's been sleeping there ever since.

Why didn't you let me see him?

Well, I figured you would want to surprise him. He's been in the dark for so long, and he's been so worried.

You figured correctly, Doctor. Though I will admit, I've been hinting to him that I'm getting better.

Has he figured it out?

He's ready for me to come home soon, he just doesn't know when. What's that?

Mr. Dornez sent it over for you. He said you might feel a little more comfortable wearing your suit home.

Oh, dear Walter. Bless his soul.

I'll leave you to get dressed. Call me when you're ready.

Thank you, Doctor.

~O~

There's Landon.

Ha ha, still asleep in the waiting room. Yes, that's my brother….

(Silence)

Is something wrong, Sir Hellsing?

I almost can't remember what's its like to be out of that room. Are you sure I'm cleared?

Positive.

All right.

(Silence)

Landon. Landon, wake up. You've fallen asleep in the waiting room again. Landon.

Huh? Hnnnmm? What? Inte…Integra? What the…? Oh my—Integra, you're all better! Oh, Integra. Integra, Integra, Integra. I missed you so much….

I—oh!—missed you too, Lanny. Landon….Landon, oh, Landon…

(Silence)

Do you need a tissue?

No, I just need to hug you for a while.

(Silence)

Oh! Please be careful with me, Landon. You're hugging me too hard.

Hmm? Oh! Sorry!

No, don't be. I needed that.

Mmm, you just don't need your insides turned to soup.

(Sigh) Only if I know it was because of you.

Mmm….Are your insides okay?

Yes, Landon, my insides are fine.

Good! I love you.

I love you too.

Doctor Creed, is there anything I should know before I take her home?

I suppose that depends on what questions you have, son.

Can she eat anything and everything when she gets home? Can she get it again? What should I do if she starts coughing again? I don't know if I'll know if it's a cold or anything else…And can I share her bed with her? Or can I still catch it from her?

Whoa, slow down, son!

Sorry…

No, don't be. I'd take it easy on Sir Hellsing's stomach for a week or two. Nothing heavier than soup. She's built up immunity to it, so no, she can't get it again. If she starts coughing, just bring her back and we'll check her out.

Yes, you can share a bed. You'll be fine. You won't get catch it. Is that it?

(Silence)

For now, yes.

Well, if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to call me. Here's my card. You can call me any time, day or night.

Thanks, Doc.

You're welcome. Go on and take her home. I'm sure you're both anxious to be out of here. Just make sure she gets enough sleep, Landon.

I'll do that, Doctor. Is there anything else we should know before we go home?

No, that should be everything. If I think of anything else, I'll call you.

Okay. Thanks for taking care of my sister.

It was a pleasure, son. I just hope I won't have to take care of her again anytime soon.

I don't think either of us wants to be back here anytime soon, either.

I wouldn't think so. Have a good day, then, you two. And please, take care of yourselves. And each other.

We will, Doctor.

We always do.