"This really isn't necessary," Nines insisted as Elijah removed the splint to examine his injury more closely, wincing as he pressed and teased the bruised and tender joint. His dirty green eyes were completely focused as he pushed and nudged along the row of small bones. He could feel the gap where a bone had been displaced. It felt nasty, but there was a possibility it was clean enough not to require surgery. That would be ideal in terms of recovery. He wasn't sure whether the hospital in France had already assessed it, but he always preferred to examine patients himself anyway.
"It's absolutely necessary. You're my patient now, and I intend for you to make a full recovery." Nines huffed and nodded at Elijah's smug smirk. There was no use in arguing with him. It was very much like arguing with Gavin, only with fewer benefits at the conclusion. "Come across here and lay your hand down…Make sure you stay as still as you can until I tell you." Nines nodded his agreement as Elijah placed his hand on a white slab on the table. There was a strange machine above, which Elijah lowered and angled above his hand. "Don't move."
He moved away to press a few buttons and Nines remained absolutely still as the machine lurched to life. It didn't sound entirely healthy, but Elijah didn't seem concerned by the grinding roar. He stayed still even after it had been turned off. It was better for him to do as he was told, lest he interrupt the process somehow. It felt like he was sitting for an age by the time Elijah returned and told him he could move again. He winced as he removed his hand and held it against his chest while Elijah hurried off to get the plastic sheets ready.
When he returned, he pinned the sheets on a backlit table and examined the bones. He was right. Despite being a relatively severe break, it was clean enough, and in such a place, that it should knit together cleanly if kept immobilised. Nines seemed relieved at the news. That was one less thing he'd have to kill Sixty for later. Since it needed to be placed in a precise position, Elijah did it himself. He was careful as he returned the splint, making sure Nines' arm was at the precise angle he wanted before tightening the straps.
"I'll check it again in eight weeks, as intended before. With any luck, the bones will knit together cleanly. If not, I'll have little choice but to…reposition them." Break my wrist and pin them in place, you mean. Nines didn't like the sound of that. Such surgeries were complex and avoided where possible. Tools and procedures were improving year by year, and many advancements had already been made with the new influx of injuries from the war, but surgery was still dangerous. It wasn't just the work itself, but the risk of infection afterwards. It was always preferable not to cut someone open if you didn't have to.
"Thank you…I'll hope for the former." Elijah chuckled his agreement. That would be ideal for him as well. He'd likely have Nines seen to by a more specialised surgeon, but he'd still hear about it from Gavin every day if Nines caught an infection. With that done, Nines headed down the hall to find someone and order breakfast to Gavin's room. It was still fairly early, barely half-past eight. Elijah had asked him to come early, and Nines had agreed, intending to order breakfast after his examination.
Once his mission was complete, he returned to Gavin's room to find him languishing on the pillows. He'd sprawled on his side and snagged Nines' pillow, holding is against his chest with his face buried in it. Nines huffed fondly as he made his way over and settled on the edge of the bed, petting his head and threading his fingers through his fluffed hair. Gavin let out a groan of contentment at the contact, raising his head enough to squint tiredly at Nines' face. He raised a little high, lips pouting in a silent request. Nines leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against his lips.
"Good morning," he greeted fondly as he drew back, still stroking his hair.
"Morning…" Gavin's voice was still a little rough and weak as he replied. Nines hummed as he assessed him. Resting a hand on his forehead, he could still feel a little heat and clamminess, but he seemed to have improved since the day before. He hummed and chased Nines' hand, nuzzling back into his cool touch to ease the lingering heat in his skin. Nines chuckled as he acquiesced and allowed him to keep his hand. He'd likely give it up once it warmed. "What time is it?"
"Getting on for quarter to nine by now." Nines kept his voice soft like the day before. Gavin still seemed fragile, despite his improvement.
"Too early…" Nines hummed curiously as a hand fisted in his shirt and tugged him closer. He allowed it at first, following the guiding pull all the way down to Gavin's eager lips. Gavin whined and pressed closer, almost demanding affection. Nines tilted his head, allowing them to slot together neatly as they kissed. He moved the hand in Gavin's hair to cradle his neck, thumb gently caressing the stubble on his cheek. Gavin leaned into the touch, opening his eager mouth in invitation. Nines was hesitant to accept with Gavin's delicate health, but ultimately gifted him a few light flicks of tongue before drawing back.
"You're too sick for more." Gavin whined sulkily at the rejection and was thoroughly unimpressed with Nines' amused chuckle. It reminded him of the last time he was sick. Judging by the eyes Gavin was giving him, it seemed he remembered too. Nines smirked and pressed a parting kiss to his lips before getting up. He wasn't about to be drawn in by Gavin's wiles. Not when they had breakfast coming. He'd barely moved when there was a light tap on the door and a maid entered with a trolley. "Thank you." She'd brought them two fully plated breakfasts on trays with a pot of tea to share.
Gavin sat up ready and eagerly tucked in as the tray was placed across his lap. That was a good sign. Many people felt less hungry during a fever, so his appetite was a sure sign he was truly on the mend. Nines even had to remind him to stop and chew as he wolfed down his toast, taking his time and pouring them each some tea before sitting on the bed. He was touched to find that someone had already cut his food into bite-sized chunks. Someone must have informed the kitchen of his injury. Gavin finally slowed a little, his sudden flare of hunger slowly fizzling out.
"Good morning! How was your checkup?" Chloe asked sweetly as she entered. She was once again wrapped in her long white cardigan, keeping it buttoned. Nines raised an eyebrow at that. It was hot. He'd even had to roll his sleeves up. Is she coming down with something? It seemed unusual for her to be so bundled up. Despite being swaddled in the cardigan, she didn't seem sick. She was just as vibrant and animated as the day before. She paused as she noticed their plates, remaining just inside the doorway.
"It went well, thank you. Elijah seems quite certain the bones will knit back together without surgery, so long as I don't move it too much." Chloe nodded along, resting her hand on the door handle as she took a breath. She dropped her gaze to the floor, barely keeping her smile in place as she nodded her understanding. He wouldn't say she paled exactly, but she suddenly didn't seem well.
"Chloe, do you need to sit down?" Nines asked worriedly, setting his tray aside to get to his feet. His words drew Gavin's attention. He glanced at Nines before looking at Chloe, and he had to say, Nines was right. She looked a little shaky on her feet. Chloe, of course, played it off wonderfully, as she always did when she wasn't feeling well. She'd been like this for the past few weeks. Hell, it might even be a month at this point!
"Oh, no! I'm fine, just a little tired." Bullshit! Gavin knew when she was lying. He'd known her since they were children. "Really!" She always tacked that on to convince him. Gavin folded his arms, giving her a firm look. Nines was already on his feet as she opened the door and stepped back into the hall. "I really must continue my rounds. I'll see you later!" She's phcking running? Gavin scoffed as the door clicked shut. Nines looked at it warily, wondering if he should go after her.
"Well? What are you waiting around for?" That was all the permission he needed to follow through. He followed the hurried click of heels down the hall. She was actually running. He caught up to her just after she'd entered her bedroom. The door opened as he turned the handle, not bothering to knock. He knew she hadn't had time to remove any clothing. It seemed she hadn't intended to change anyway. As he opened the door, he could already hear the choked sound of retching in the bathroom.
"Chloe?" He hurried to the doorway to find her on her knees, bent over the porcelain bowl with her eyes tightly shut. Tears ran down her pale cheeks as she coughed and choked. Nines' chest swelled with sympathy as he hurried over and gathered the long tail of hair, holding it back where it wouldn't get splashed. He knelt beside her with a sigh and stroked circles on her back. She'd seemed fine the day before, and when she'd first opened Gavin's door. "Should I examine you? Do you want Elijah?" He was more worried as she shook her head and all but collapsed on the tiles. It seemed she intended to remain beside the bowl for now.
"I don't need it…" So she already knows what's wrong…The question was, had she told anyone else? Nines got to his feet and flushed the toilet. It was loud as the water washed away her light breakfast. He joined her on the tiles, handing her some tissue to wipe her mouth as he did so. She avoided his gaze as she cleaned her lips and tossed the tissue into the bowl. He sighed softly, trying to tread lightly.
"So, you know what's wrong?" She nodded meekly. "But Elijah doesn't." She shook her head in agreement. "Is it something…serious?" She seemed undecided at that. Serious, but perhaps not life threatening. Considering how suddenly the vomiting had come on, and the fact she'd seemed so healthy the day before, there was one option that seemed fairly likely. He was hesitant to bring it up. That would likely open a whole new can of worms. Chloe licked her lips, glancing at him warily before looking at her lap again.
"I'm with child…There's a doctor in town who confirmed it for me…" So it isn't just an idle suspicion…That led to another pressing question. One he was hesitant to voice. He wasn't blind or foolish. Her relationship with Connor was obvious. They hadn't exactly been subtle. He was also well aware of her engagement to Elijah. She'd certainly been physical with Connor during his visit. If the same was true of Elijah, then there was no way of knowing who the father may be. The unvoiced question hung between them. He could feel shame radiating from her in waves. She was, after all, an unmarried woman. If her family found out, she'd either be ferried off somewhere on a long holiday or she'd have to be married as soon as possible.
"How long have you kept this to yourself?" She gave him a weak smile. Too long…
"I began to suspect about six weeks ago…I'd been feeling ill regularly for over a week. I put it down to overworking myself at first, but when it fell into a regular pattern…" Nines sighed, sympathetic despite everything. Chloe wasn't the only one to blame. Connor should have known better if it was his. He should have taken precautions or else not had such relations. In Elijah's case, he should have married her properly a long time ago. He likely would when he found out. But what about when the child is born? What will he do if the child is clearly Connor's? Both Connor and Sixty had shocking hazel eyes that were quite distinguishable, and all three of them had inherited the cleft in their chin from their mother's side.
"What will you do?" Whatever decision was made, it had to be of Chloe's choosing. She could tell Elijah and marry him in the hopes of it being his child, send word to Connor and abscond with him once the war was done. She could even choose to tell no one and disappear on business for a few months to have the child and give it away. There was a fourth option, of course, but it carried a far higher risk to Chloe's health, and he wasn't sure she'd consider it. Chloe bit her lip and rested a hand on her stomach. He hadn't noticed before, but she was ever so slightly bigger than usual. It was only the vaguest bump so far, but that explained the long cardigan.
"I-I don't know…I'd considered telling Elijah, or course, but…" She dropped her eyes again, slowly circling the hand on her stomach.
"You're not sure it's his." Her head snapped up at the words, but there was something like relief in her expression as she bit her lip and nodded. Nines sighed and pulled her against his chest as she started sniffling. She was beside herself as she sobbed into his shoulder. He knew some of it was likely down to hormones, but she had good reason to be afraid, too. The world was not kind to single mothers.
If Elijah married her and learned of her infidelity later, he could divorce her. Connor wouldn't care, of course, but they would have to live together in sin for the rest of their lives. Once divorced, Chloe wouldn't be allowed to remarry. Heaven forbid if she ended up alone. She'd have no way to support herself. It wasn't easy for a woman to find work, especially one carrying such shame. Gavin wouldn't allow that. He was certain of it. He treated her like a sister. There was no way he'd turn his back on her, even if his brother did. However, Gavin would also need some form of income in order to support them. He'd lost his job. The only career he'd ever known. Is he qualified for anything else? Not that it mattered. As a doctor, he could take care of him. He was unsure his wage would stretch to four though.
"What about Connor? Will you tell him?" Chloe sighed and sniffled as she drew back and shook her head again, clueless of what she should do. If she told Connor, it was only right that she leave Elijah. A few months ago, she would have had less trouble doing that, but since Elijah had thrown his all into rekindling their relationship, she wasn't so sure she wanted to. She loved Elijah. She'd always loved Elijah. What she had was Connor was new and exciting, but she wasn't sure it had the fortitude to stand the test of time. She was in love with Elijah. She was falling in love with Connor. "You can't keep it a secret from both of them…not unless…" He trailed off meaningfully, tilting his head in question. She shook her head. She didn't intend to get rid of it. Either way. "You can't keep it hidden forever…Even now, if Elijah gets close enough to hold you, he'll know."
"I have a feeling he may suspect already…We've still been seeing each other regularly, and he knows I don't get sick often." Of course, she tried to hide it as much as possible. She always visited him throughout the day, even when she felt terrible. During their dates, she was always sure to wear loose dresses with long shawls or cardigans. She'd been lucky and only vaguely started showing in the past week or so, and she'd managed to only share short embraces with him during that time. The drop in physical contact didn't seem to affect him at all. He was perfectly happy just holding her hand or kissing her cheek in small doses.
"Perhaps it might be best to tell him…It's up to you how much though. How you deal with Connor will also be on your terms. I'll carry your secret as long as necessary." He felt a new wave of sobbing begin at his reassurance. He huffed softly, rocking her with his good arm as she apologised and insisted that she wasn't herself. That much he knew. He hushed her, remaining on the floor with her fact buried in his shoulder. "You're crying off your mascara…" He smiled as she giggled through the sobs. She was suitably apologetic as she drew back and looked at the dark smudges on his shirt. It wasn't something he thought she needed, but it was a fairly new trend that many young women were trying.
"Will you tell Gavin?" He wasn't sure if she was asking him if he intended to or asking him to do it.
"Not if you don't want me to." An excuse could be made to cover her for a while, though he was pretty sure Gavin would be able to see right through him. He was about as good at lying as Chloe, and Gavin was perceptive. "He won't judge you too harshly. You know he won't." She understood that. Gavin was the result of a secret liaison. He knew these things happened, and he also knew the consequences. He'd also been sympathetic after sussing out her relationship with Connor.
"I know…" She glanced up at him shyly.
"I'll tell him for you." She smiled in thanks and leaned against him again. He gave nice hugs, even with only one arm. It reminded her a little of Connor. She missed Connor. She loved Elijah to death, but Connor's embrace was so warm and loving. Elijah was always slightly more hesitant when it came to physical affection. His was a different sort of warmth to Connor. Nines eventually got to his feet and helped her up on shaky legs. He walked her to the bed, telling her firmly that she was to rest there until lunchtime. She smiled as she agreed, though the nausea had retreated for now. Nines sighed as he stepped into the hall to return to Gavin, steeling himself for how he'd take the news.