Kem could tell Rowan was doing his utmost to be polite and hospitable, but he glanced upwards on several occasions and finally headed upstairs to where Cris was. That was kind of adorable, Kem thought, following up the stairs at a more sedate pace.
Aishe was sitting on an ottoman beside a large bed. Cris was lying on his side, sort of propped up with pillows. He looked paler than usual which was quite the feat, but was otherwise in one piece. Kem smiled at him and stood behind Aishe, resting his hands on her shoulders.
"Glad to see you in mostly one piece, Cris," he said softly. It was pointless to ask how Cris felt. He obviously felt under the weather. "Can we do anything for you?"
His eyes took both vampires in; both Cris and Rowan, sitting at the foot of the bed. "Is there anything either of you needs right now, or should we just batter off the line of people outside who want to donate blood?"
It was an exaggeration but not too much of one. News traveled quickly, and the fact that Cris had been injured on the job was a source of great concern to people. Yes, they might tease him, they might somewhat fear and respect him in equal measure, but most people Kem had ever run into knew exactly how hard Cris worked to keep them safe.
Things That Went 'Bump' in the Night (Invite Only)
((ooc: Follows He Had It Coming))
Rowan burst in through the Tower doors in a spatter of blood that would probably later be analyzed as 'frantic' and headed immediately toward Security. He didn't know too much about the administrative areas of the building (if they could be called that) but he did know the doctor's office was located close by. It was further down the hall, more securely in toward the back of the building hidden away from any intruders. It was also well-marked by the presence of one very tall, very lanky Elder who, if nothing else, made it very easy to find.
Rowan knew there was no doctor present at the Towers at the moment. He did find one nervous-looking nurse in the office, who by the name on her badge was Joanna. She appeared to have been told, probably recently, that Rowan was en route with one very badly damaged Chief of Security.
He didn't have to say anything; she simply raised a slightly shaky hand and directed them in toward the back of the office with a tremulous finger. He dashed that way and found a very simple surgery. That was all he needed; vampires were deceptively easy to care for. As Cris had not yet turned to ash in his arms (something he would have nightmares about for years to come), Rowan assumed he was salvageable. However, as with any injured patient, time was of the essence.
He gently laid Cris down on the treatment table, looking down at his partner whose eyes were now open. Rowan let his coat and Cris's jacket, now both liberally soaked in blood, fall onto the floor. Joanna had followed them in and quietly began locating supplies. Nerves apparently would not stop her from doing her job properly, the hallmark of a good nurse. As Rowan reached down to the stainless steel rolling table beside him he found each item he was looking for carefully placed there before he had to ask. He glanced at Joanna with new respect, grateful for her observation.
He reached down, gathered the supplies to place an IV catheter, and accomplished the task swiftly, rolling Cris's shirt sleeve out of the way for the moment. Quickly taping the little port into place Rowan gently reached out and brushed his thumb over the uninjured side of Cris's face.
"You're home, dear one. You're going to be just fine but I have to patch you up a little bit. It would be far less painful and far easier if I could put you to sleep for a short time."
He got the protest he expected, but he raised imploring eyes to Alfarinn. If he had to, Rowan felt that as the most advanced medical professional here he might possibly be justified in overriding the Chief of Security's wishes in this regard... but as Cris's lover, he didn't want to have to. He was supposed to advocate for his partner, even if said partner seemed bound and determined to be as stubborn as a mule.
If someone were to intervene however, Rowan could hardly ignore an order from his own Elder.
Kem`Raaisu
12 years ago
Aishe
12 years ago
"No hard feelings," Aishe said with a soft laugh, regarding her raccoon. "I'm not even sure he understands the concept of an arrest. He just got upset that I was going one way and he wasn't allowed to follow. He did seem to think his shiny things would make you feel better though."
When Aishe had heard Cris had been injured, she had been very upset. Shaweh had wanted to know what was wrong with her, which led her to explain what was wrong with Cris. It had been a difficult discussion to have, mostly because some of the concepts were completely foreign to Shaweh but eventually she had gotten through to him, hence the offering of his collection for Cris.
When Cris mentioned he still had his balloon grenade, Aishe laughed. "You kept it?"
She found that sweet. But then, she knew Cris was sweet. She leaned forward slightly, gently brushing at his short hair. "Will you drink from me, Cris? I know you have that," she nodded her head at the IV, "but would it help to have more?"
Aishe suspected Rowan would have given blood to his partner already, but Cris could be equally stubborn - Rowan was injured too, and Cris wouldn't want to hurt him more. She could see her Creator refusing to drink from Rowan and sticking it out with the IV and the bag.
"I just want you to get better quickly," she said, her eyes bright with tears. She couldn't help it; Cris being hurt was painful to her... and frightening. She knew she would lose her father and mother but Cris? Cris was supposed to stay with her forever.
When Aishe had heard Cris had been injured, she had been very upset. Shaweh had wanted to know what was wrong with her, which led her to explain what was wrong with Cris. It had been a difficult discussion to have, mostly because some of the concepts were completely foreign to Shaweh but eventually she had gotten through to him, hence the offering of his collection for Cris.
When Cris mentioned he still had his balloon grenade, Aishe laughed. "You kept it?"
She found that sweet. But then, she knew Cris was sweet. She leaned forward slightly, gently brushing at his short hair. "Will you drink from me, Cris? I know you have that," she nodded her head at the IV, "but would it help to have more?"
Aishe suspected Rowan would have given blood to his partner already, but Cris could be equally stubborn - Rowan was injured too, and Cris wouldn't want to hurt him more. She could see her Creator refusing to drink from Rowan and sticking it out with the IV and the bag.
"I just want you to get better quickly," she said, her eyes bright with tears. She couldn't help it; Cris being hurt was painful to her... and frightening. She knew she would lose her father and mother but Cris? Cris was supposed to stay with her forever.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
"They do make me feel better.†Cris decided that he would leave them on the nightstand until he was ready to be up and active again. They would cheer him up considerably every time he saw them.
He gave her his best poker face, which he had many many years of practice perfecting and answered her disbelieving question about whether are not he still had the water balloon grenade. "Of course I kept it. It is evidence.†Then he gave her a one sided smile.
Cris watched as his daughter moved closer and offered him her blood. It seemed like just a few days ago when she had given her blood to him so that he wouldn't have to leave Rowan. Now here they were again. Cris hoped that it would be the last time for a long while.
"Okay,†He spoke quietly while leaning forward. "but next time I am taking you out to dinner and you will not be on the menu.†Cris was careful again, both in biting Aishe and in drinking her blood. He felt more stable than he had, the drugs were wearing off, but he still did not want to tempt fate by drinking too heavily. Of course, he also did not want to leave his daughter hungry. Her blood was just as he remembered, fresh, young and bright, very uniquely Aishe with a faint hint of their connection. Cris wondered briefly whether Rowan would sense the same thing if he ever had a reason to taste Aishe's blood. He would rather that not happen, as it usually meant someone was injured. If he continued to be curious then he could always go to Kem and ask him to bite him for the sake of science. It might be enough to convince the man.
"Thank you, My Sweet. You are always very generous.†He leaned back and looked up at her, watching the colours swirl around her with shades of worry, concern and even a tiny bit of fear. "I will get better. I always do.†Cris reached out and squeezed her wrist. "If Alfarinn has managed to survive for this long without getting himself killed then I should have nothing to worry about.â€
Looking over at the two people coming up the stairs, he said. "That better not get back to Alfarinn either or I will know where to start looking for the leak.â€
He looked up at Kem and gave him one of the half smiles that would be the expression of the hour until his cheek healed and answered his comment about him being mostly in one piece. "You should see the other guy.†Cris sighed. "I wish we could have seen the other guy...would have solved our problem.â€
Cris looked from Kem to Aishe and then lifted one shoulder. He was not sure what he needed except blood, Rowan and sleep. Turning to Aishe, he said. "Keep an eye on security for me and I need you to look into the most recent fire, if Ume has not yet informed you.†Aishe wouldn't be in charge of Security, she was still too young for that job, but she could keep him informed of how things were going.
Blinking up at Kem, he registered the other part of what the elder had asked. "Do we have a line?†Cris did not think that they would need to be employing an ancient bouncer at the door any time soon. He was not exactly Mr. Popularity.
((OOC: Empathy without permission...muaahaahaa!! No, actually I was told do whatever. I think that's sort of permission.
))
He gave her his best poker face, which he had many many years of practice perfecting and answered her disbelieving question about whether are not he still had the water balloon grenade. "Of course I kept it. It is evidence.†Then he gave her a one sided smile.
Cris watched as his daughter moved closer and offered him her blood. It seemed like just a few days ago when she had given her blood to him so that he wouldn't have to leave Rowan. Now here they were again. Cris hoped that it would be the last time for a long while.
"Okay,†He spoke quietly while leaning forward. "but next time I am taking you out to dinner and you will not be on the menu.†Cris was careful again, both in biting Aishe and in drinking her blood. He felt more stable than he had, the drugs were wearing off, but he still did not want to tempt fate by drinking too heavily. Of course, he also did not want to leave his daughter hungry. Her blood was just as he remembered, fresh, young and bright, very uniquely Aishe with a faint hint of their connection. Cris wondered briefly whether Rowan would sense the same thing if he ever had a reason to taste Aishe's blood. He would rather that not happen, as it usually meant someone was injured. If he continued to be curious then he could always go to Kem and ask him to bite him for the sake of science. It might be enough to convince the man.
"Thank you, My Sweet. You are always very generous.†He leaned back and looked up at her, watching the colours swirl around her with shades of worry, concern and even a tiny bit of fear. "I will get better. I always do.†Cris reached out and squeezed her wrist. "If Alfarinn has managed to survive for this long without getting himself killed then I should have nothing to worry about.â€
Looking over at the two people coming up the stairs, he said. "That better not get back to Alfarinn either or I will know where to start looking for the leak.â€
He looked up at Kem and gave him one of the half smiles that would be the expression of the hour until his cheek healed and answered his comment about him being mostly in one piece. "You should see the other guy.†Cris sighed. "I wish we could have seen the other guy...would have solved our problem.â€
Cris looked from Kem to Aishe and then lifted one shoulder. He was not sure what he needed except blood, Rowan and sleep. Turning to Aishe, he said. "Keep an eye on security for me and I need you to look into the most recent fire, if Ume has not yet informed you.†Aishe wouldn't be in charge of Security, she was still too young for that job, but she could keep him informed of how things were going.
Blinking up at Kem, he registered the other part of what the elder had asked. "Do we have a line?†Cris did not think that they would need to be employing an ancient bouncer at the door any time soon. He was not exactly Mr. Popularity.
((OOC: Empathy without permission...muaahaahaa!! No, actually I was told do whatever. I think that's sort of permission.
))
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe smiled at Cris. "Good," she said. "I'll let him know, it will make him happy." Shaweh had certainly given up his shinies with the intention of doing Cris some good, so Aishe would be happy to tell him his gift had done the job. Of course, Shaweh was a raccoon... she suspected he had at least three more 'collections' hidden in the house somewhere. But it was the thought that counted.
She only smiled warmly at the idea that the water grenade was evidence. "Of course," she murmured, sharing the joke with her Creator. She loved Cris's understated sense of humor... except, maybe, when it was getting her 'arrested.' Even that had been kind of fun though.
Her offer of blood was accepted and she was grateful; although Cris drank lightly Aishe didn't worry. Cris obviously had plenty of blood and she didn't think Rowan would let him go short. As Cris pulled away from her Aishe nodded. "Maybe you and Rowan can come over for dinner. That would be fun."
Cris's voice was soft as he spoke, but Aishe could hear the wistfulness, the echoes of stress in it when he spoke of Rowan's mysterious attacker. She didn't know what else to tell him, though, except to lean down and kiss him gently on the forehead. "We'll find him. I will keep an eye on things, and make sure no one does anything silly, like withhold information so you can rest."
She gave a tiny little roll of her eyes. For most people, such a thing would be a kindness. For Cris, she imagined it would only add to the problems. Aishe figured that was part of her job; figuring out which things were relevant and worth waking her Creator up for. She glanced at Rowan then stood and gave him a hug, sliding her hands around his broad shoulders and squeezing.
"You get some rest too," she said to him. "Let us know if you need anything. We won't be far."
She only smiled warmly at the idea that the water grenade was evidence. "Of course," she murmured, sharing the joke with her Creator. She loved Cris's understated sense of humor... except, maybe, when it was getting her 'arrested.' Even that had been kind of fun though.
Her offer of blood was accepted and she was grateful; although Cris drank lightly Aishe didn't worry. Cris obviously had plenty of blood and she didn't think Rowan would let him go short. As Cris pulled away from her Aishe nodded. "Maybe you and Rowan can come over for dinner. That would be fun."
Cris's voice was soft as he spoke, but Aishe could hear the wistfulness, the echoes of stress in it when he spoke of Rowan's mysterious attacker. She didn't know what else to tell him, though, except to lean down and kiss him gently on the forehead. "We'll find him. I will keep an eye on things, and make sure no one does anything silly, like withhold information so you can rest."
She gave a tiny little roll of her eyes. For most people, such a thing would be a kindness. For Cris, she imagined it would only add to the problems. Aishe figured that was part of her job; figuring out which things were relevant and worth waking her Creator up for. She glanced at Rowan then stood and gave him a hug, sliding her hands around his broad shoulders and squeezing.
"You get some rest too," she said to him. "Let us know if you need anything. We won't be far."
Kem`Raaisu
12 years ago
Kem looked at Cris's expression as he blinked at him. Was it really so surprising, that people cared? He didn't really know Cris well enough to say. So he lifted his shoulders in a little shrug and said, "Just about."
Of course there wasn't really a line but it felt like it, the way people were asking about him. "I'll let them know you're all right for now and maybe they'll leave your door in one piece."
It wouldn't hurt for Cris to know that his Clan was behind him, even if not in the literal sense, they were certainly rooting for him. As Aishe stood and went to hug Rowan Kem waited, watching the two of them. They seemed to have gotten along from day one, but that wasn't a huge surprise. Aishe was innately trusting and both she and Rowan were open and friendly. Not many people saw the less business-side of Cris, so Kem rather thought Aishe was happy to have Rowan around and vice versa.
Kem rested his hand briefly on Cris's in a light, reassuring touch, echoing Aishe's sentiment. "We'll be in the Towers if you need anything."
They wouldn't be going very far, not with Rowan and Cris both potentially in need of assistance, blood, or both. He gestured to Rowan, who seemed about to get up, presumably to see them out. "Stay put," he said with a smile. "Get some rest."
They would have to get back to work again soon enough; best they both take the opportunity to relax a little bit and heal up while they could. As Aishe stood, Kem slid his arm around her shoulders and gave her a little hug. With a final goodbye they headed down the stairs and let themselves out, to go spend the night with Pak.
((ooc: Kem and Aishe out))
Of course there wasn't really a line but it felt like it, the way people were asking about him. "I'll let them know you're all right for now and maybe they'll leave your door in one piece."
It wouldn't hurt for Cris to know that his Clan was behind him, even if not in the literal sense, they were certainly rooting for him. As Aishe stood and went to hug Rowan Kem waited, watching the two of them. They seemed to have gotten along from day one, but that wasn't a huge surprise. Aishe was innately trusting and both she and Rowan were open and friendly. Not many people saw the less business-side of Cris, so Kem rather thought Aishe was happy to have Rowan around and vice versa.
Kem rested his hand briefly on Cris's in a light, reassuring touch, echoing Aishe's sentiment. "We'll be in the Towers if you need anything."
They wouldn't be going very far, not with Rowan and Cris both potentially in need of assistance, blood, or both. He gestured to Rowan, who seemed about to get up, presumably to see them out. "Stay put," he said with a smile. "Get some rest."
They would have to get back to work again soon enough; best they both take the opportunity to relax a little bit and heal up while they could. As Aishe stood, Kem slid his arm around her shoulders and gave her a little hug. With a final goodbye they headed down the stairs and let themselves out, to go spend the night with Pak.
((ooc: Kem and Aishe out))
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan hugged Aishe, smiling at Kem over her head and giving the Elder a nod of appreciation. Once again he was favored with a brief, quick smile, as if the expression had found his face but simply couldn't adhere to it. Odd. Not good, not bad, just... odd.
As Kem and Aishe left, Rowan found himself grateful for the short visit. Some people might have remained longer, and while that would have been enjoyable on another night Rowan would have hated to try and kick out Cris's daughter and his own Elder. Their visit was just right though; they were reassured that Cris was well, blood had been offered and gratefully accepted, and they wouldn't be far off if they were needed again. Rowan was glad Cris had such good friends.
He lay back on the bed, careful not to jostle Cris. He knew the effects of the morphine must be wearing off with all the blood. It was a hard balance to strike; enough blood to heal quickly, enough chemicals to not feel the worst of it. His own wounds were mending well with Kem's offer. He could feel torn skin knitting; in fact, he was able to peel the annoying bandage off his face, for the wounds weren't really open anymore. Just a bit here and there but for the most part they were angry, red, and closed.
"Now it's time to sleep again, love," Rowan said, "if you can."
He checked the volume of blood in the bag on the IV. There wasn't much left, and he wanted it to continue running while his partner slept. It took a minute to change it out, and then he bent close to Cris once more, running his fingers through his soft blond hair.
"On your stomach again, or are you comfortable this way?"
Truly, Rowan would rather hold Cris while he slept, but until he was healed a little bit more that would be painful for him. So unless he expressed a desire for it, Rowan would make do with a little bit of distance, much as he preferred otherwise.
As Kem and Aishe left, Rowan found himself grateful for the short visit. Some people might have remained longer, and while that would have been enjoyable on another night Rowan would have hated to try and kick out Cris's daughter and his own Elder. Their visit was just right though; they were reassured that Cris was well, blood had been offered and gratefully accepted, and they wouldn't be far off if they were needed again. Rowan was glad Cris had such good friends.
He lay back on the bed, careful not to jostle Cris. He knew the effects of the morphine must be wearing off with all the blood. It was a hard balance to strike; enough blood to heal quickly, enough chemicals to not feel the worst of it. His own wounds were mending well with Kem's offer. He could feel torn skin knitting; in fact, he was able to peel the annoying bandage off his face, for the wounds weren't really open anymore. Just a bit here and there but for the most part they were angry, red, and closed.
"Now it's time to sleep again, love," Rowan said, "if you can."
He checked the volume of blood in the bag on the IV. There wasn't much left, and he wanted it to continue running while his partner slept. It took a minute to change it out, and then he bent close to Cris once more, running his fingers through his soft blond hair.
"On your stomach again, or are you comfortable this way?"
Truly, Rowan would rather hold Cris while he slept, but until he was healed a little bit more that would be painful for him. So unless he expressed a desire for it, Rowan would make do with a little bit of distance, much as he preferred otherwise.
Christian Bern
12 years ago
Cris nodded to Kem about the people at the door. If there was that many that were concerned or interested then it would be right to tell them how he was doing. He would suspect that the elder was trying to make him feel better but that did not really seem to be Kem's style. Besides, surely he knew that it would not have done much good to lie to him even in a drugged state. Therefore, there must be people who expressed concern. Maybe some of Security. They were a good bunch of people.
As the two said their goodbyes, Aishe said she would keep an eye out on the running of things for him and she would let him know what she heard in case some people were not telling him things in order to keep him resting peacefully. Bless her for understanding. He smiled at her and nodded. "Thank you.†Cris hoped that included his well meaning partner but he suspected that it did. Rowan seemed to understand that he needed to know these things and, while he may not be happy about it, Cris didn't think he would try to stop anyone from telling him something vital.
He tried not to look too smug when they both told Rowan to get some rest also. It was not difficult to manage a serene non-expression; he was tired and part of his face was bandaged. It was still good to hear that other people were going to help him make sure Rowan took care of himself also.
When they were alone again, his partner said it was time for sleep. Cris almost smiled at that, feeling fairly agreeable to that idea. Still he had to put up some token resistance. "What no long session of kinky sex?†Cris pouted, finding the expression far easier on his cheek. "I finally have you alone again. I am disappointed.â€
Rowan changed out another bag, and he curled up comfortably with the top most pillow, wrapping his arm around it and laying his head on it. "Look, I was given a present.†Cris neglected to say that it was from Shaweh, wondering if Rowan would think Aishe had either lost her mind or had an odd sense of humor.
He looked at the little present and eventually his eyes drifted closed. "Come lay down with me, Rue.†Cris sighed softly finding the energy to say one more thing. "I want to know you are close.†He would sleep better knowing Rowan was next to him, safe and getting his own chance to heal.
As the two said their goodbyes, Aishe said she would keep an eye out on the running of things for him and she would let him know what she heard in case some people were not telling him things in order to keep him resting peacefully. Bless her for understanding. He smiled at her and nodded. "Thank you.†Cris hoped that included his well meaning partner but he suspected that it did. Rowan seemed to understand that he needed to know these things and, while he may not be happy about it, Cris didn't think he would try to stop anyone from telling him something vital.
He tried not to look too smug when they both told Rowan to get some rest also. It was not difficult to manage a serene non-expression; he was tired and part of his face was bandaged. It was still good to hear that other people were going to help him make sure Rowan took care of himself also.
When they were alone again, his partner said it was time for sleep. Cris almost smiled at that, feeling fairly agreeable to that idea. Still he had to put up some token resistance. "What no long session of kinky sex?†Cris pouted, finding the expression far easier on his cheek. "I finally have you alone again. I am disappointed.â€
Rowan changed out another bag, and he curled up comfortably with the top most pillow, wrapping his arm around it and laying his head on it. "Look, I was given a present.†Cris neglected to say that it was from Shaweh, wondering if Rowan would think Aishe had either lost her mind or had an odd sense of humor.
He looked at the little present and eventually his eyes drifted closed. "Come lay down with me, Rue.†Cris sighed softly finding the energy to say one more thing. "I want to know you are close.†He would sleep better knowing Rowan was next to him, safe and getting his own chance to heal.
Rowan Murphy
12 years ago
Rowan chuckled at Cris's sleepy, slight drug-hazy humor. "Tomorrow for the long kinky sexathon, love."
He flashed Cris his most charming, slightly lecherous grin. "I can't have you passing out on me tonight. You will have me alone again tomorrow. Probably the next day, too."
After two days' convalescence Rowan didn't think he'd be able to keep Cris in bed anymore. He didn't think it would be necessary either; their kind healed quickly. It wouldn't surprise him if Cris took his sexathon comment to heart although he didn't think such a thing would be accomplished tomorrow without some painful moaning. Those stab wounds were frighteningly deep. Rowan would prefer it if Cris never found out how close he'd come to having his spine severed. Some things just weren't worth knowing.
He looked at the present Cris had received and laughed. "I see. Next time your birthday rolls around I won't bother with the sword. I'll just buy you a hunk of scrap metal and let you make your own."
The metal bits were a clever idea though; Cris was creative and Rowan could only imagine what he was already thinking about, looking at them. Had Aishe brought them for that purpose? To give Cris something to think about besides a killer on the loose? He ought to thank her. She obviously loved Cris a great deal; he should know the signs from firsthand experience.
When Cris requested that he lay down Rowan nodded, and climbed into bed beside Cris as carefully as he could without bouncing the mattress around. He knew the morphine wouldn't last long and was surely fading now. Cris needed to sleep while he could; Rowan wished he would let him give him one more dose so he could rest pain free for a little while longer.
He did his best to ease himself carefully around Cris's smaller frame, unable to curl up around him like he wanted but at least able to be near. "I am close, love. I won't leave you, I promise."
He couldn't wrap his arm around Cris easily, so he simply laid his hand upon his partner's hip. Leaning forward slightly, Rowan kissed the back of Cris's neck. "Rest, dear one."
As for himself, there would be no slumber. Rowan could not close his eyes and sleep, for Cris might need him. And he couldn't run the risk of being unable to awaken when his injured partner needed his help. He was a patient man, though, so he knew he could quietly wait out his partner's nap. Rowan would sleep when Cris was better. In addition, he didn't want to close his eyes and let in the nightmares that were lurking nearby. No, best to stay fully awake for now.
And that was what he did, watching diligently over his partner as he slept. It might have been tempting to doze off now and then but he simply couldn't risk it. He fully intended to be there, awake and coherent, when Cris awoke.
((ooc: both out))
He flashed Cris his most charming, slightly lecherous grin. "I can't have you passing out on me tonight. You will have me alone again tomorrow. Probably the next day, too."
After two days' convalescence Rowan didn't think he'd be able to keep Cris in bed anymore. He didn't think it would be necessary either; their kind healed quickly. It wouldn't surprise him if Cris took his sexathon comment to heart although he didn't think such a thing would be accomplished tomorrow without some painful moaning. Those stab wounds were frighteningly deep. Rowan would prefer it if Cris never found out how close he'd come to having his spine severed. Some things just weren't worth knowing.
He looked at the present Cris had received and laughed. "I see. Next time your birthday rolls around I won't bother with the sword. I'll just buy you a hunk of scrap metal and let you make your own."
The metal bits were a clever idea though; Cris was creative and Rowan could only imagine what he was already thinking about, looking at them. Had Aishe brought them for that purpose? To give Cris something to think about besides a killer on the loose? He ought to thank her. She obviously loved Cris a great deal; he should know the signs from firsthand experience.
When Cris requested that he lay down Rowan nodded, and climbed into bed beside Cris as carefully as he could without bouncing the mattress around. He knew the morphine wouldn't last long and was surely fading now. Cris needed to sleep while he could; Rowan wished he would let him give him one more dose so he could rest pain free for a little while longer.
He did his best to ease himself carefully around Cris's smaller frame, unable to curl up around him like he wanted but at least able to be near. "I am close, love. I won't leave you, I promise."
He couldn't wrap his arm around Cris easily, so he simply laid his hand upon his partner's hip. Leaning forward slightly, Rowan kissed the back of Cris's neck. "Rest, dear one."
As for himself, there would be no slumber. Rowan could not close his eyes and sleep, for Cris might need him. And he couldn't run the risk of being unable to awaken when his injured partner needed his help. He was a patient man, though, so he knew he could quietly wait out his partner's nap. Rowan would sleep when Cris was better. In addition, he didn't want to close his eyes and let in the nightmares that were lurking nearby. No, best to stay fully awake for now.
And that was what he did, watching diligently over his partner as he slept. It might have been tempting to doze off now and then but he simply couldn't risk it. He fully intended to be there, awake and coherent, when Cris awoke.
((ooc: both out))