Fin

[just_hex]

It had been a rather slow night in A&E and Hex had had plenty of time to chat with the other nurses. He'd been put off with the peds just because he was so good with the kiddies, but when warning bells went off in trauma Hex ran to where he was needed. The bloke was young and terribly thin and Hex got the distinct impression from the state of his hair and nails he was probably not well.

"I'm Hex," he said as two other nurses fussed over the young man, installing an IV and affixing EKG pads. "I just need to get a bit of history."

They went through the details and Hex took it all down, but what he was watching for with all this was to see how lucid Mr. Finlay Flynn was. The other nurses left before he got through the complete questionnaire.

"Almost done, Mr. Flynn," he said, then paused to look at the EKG printout. It wasn't good and the gravity of the situation settled heavy on his brow.

Comments

[just_hex]

"You wouldn't have to work out. You shouldn't work out. But it'd be nice to have someone to talk to. Not a lot of people in the gym at that hour and most of them just listen to their mp3 players," he shrugged.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Yeah? Alright, I suppose if I'm up I could tag along," Fin agreed with a small nod.

[just_hex]

Hex smiled a little and nodded, more pleased than he could say to have a mate to tag along.

"How's your chips?" he asked. "Are you sure that's enough to eat?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"They're brilliant, really. All I need, thanks for getting them for me," he smiled. "I owe you, mate."

[just_hex]

"You don't owe me a thing. It's nice to not eat alone for a change," Hex said, doing his best to sound dismissive before he ate the last of his food and then began to pick at the toast points.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Nah. I'm going to do something good for you mate. You'll see. Dunno what yet, but it'll be brilliant," Fin decided.

[just_hex]

"You know where I work...when you're done I'll take you home and you'll know where I live. Then, I reckon, I'll never be rid of you," he chuckled, flashing Fin a smile and giving him a wink. "You'll be able to do something kind then, yeah?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin went a little pink at that, then shrugged. "Or we might never see each other again. One night, one meal, then never crossing paths again. Just as likely."

[just_hex]

That was almost romantic in how tragic it was. Chance meeting, instant friendship, and then a loss Hex would feel for quite some time. The hopeful side of him, the side that saved him time and again in the war or on Colony 34 or in Scotland, that side wanted him to hold onto this. But the realist in him that lived in this world that was a bit drab without the likes of The Doctor or Ace felt that Fin was probably right. A chance encounter, a meal and some sleep, and tomorrow it would be over.

"You think? Maybe. Just as likely..."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Guess we wont know until it comes to pass," Fin replied, watching Hex as he spoke. "Can't predict the future, yeah?"

[just_hex]

"Not me own," he shrugged. "Not yours, either, just to be clear."

But he did know a bit of this and that. Couldn't travel with The Doctor on not pick up a bit about the future when it was considered history.

"Want too catch the train?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Yeah, alright, let's go. I'm exhausted. I need some sleep," he admitted, looking a bit light-headed as he got to his feet. "Thanks again- for the food. For everything."

[just_hex]

"Say, you're alright?" he asked, rising quickly to help steady Fin. It was unfortunate he couldn't get a reading off the heart monitor, but Hex readily took hold of Fin's wrist to take his pulse.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Just a bit, um, overtired I think. I'll be alright. Just need a bit of sleep, Hex," he assured the nurse. "You'll see, I'll be fine in the morning."

[just_hex]

His brow furrowed deeply with concern but he gave a nod.

"You don't have to be brave, yeah?" he said gently, then let go of the man. "Let me pay and then we'll go. We can take it slow. If you want to nap on the train I'll make sure you're up for the right stop."

Hex backed away and went to pay for their dinner, then ushered Fin out to the street. There was an Underground stop was nearer to St. Paul's cathedral and they had plenty of time so he made sure they walked slowly for Fin's ease.

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin did his best to walk at a decent pace, not wanting Hex to think anything was the matter. After all, he was sure he was right, that he was just exhausted.

Once they were settled on the train, Fin fought to keep his eyes open, but he soon found himself catching a quick nap, his head on Hex's shoulder as the train rocked and swayed its way down the line.

[just_hex]

The red line took them all the way to Mile End and Hex was content to let Fin rest. They hit stop after stop and he kept expecting the train to jostle Fin awake, but it didn't happen. When it was finally their stop he shook Fin gently.

"This is us," he said. "It's not far from the platform, just by the park. Think you can make it?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Yeah, of course. Yeah," Fin replied, trying not to look embarrassed as he wiped a bit of spit from his bottom lip.

"Sorry about that, mate," he added, glancing at Hex as he followed the other man off the train. "Just proper tired is all. Exhausted, yeah?"

[just_hex]

"You're making me worried. I don't want to have to call an ambulance for you. Just take it slow. The doc will have my ass if your monitor shows I put you through too much tonight," Hex said, leading the way to the handicapped lift. He wasn't about to risk the stairs.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Honestly, mate, I'm alright. I just get tired easily. I'm tired all the time- And yes, I've told the docs that, so don't fuss. I promise if I'm unwell, I'll tell ya," Fin said, trying to sooth Hex's nerves as he leaned against the lift wall.

[just_hex]

"Alright. If you promise," he said. It wasn't unusual for him to be invested in a patient's well being, but this was an unusual circumstance. Hex didn't just bring people home with him. He felt a responsibility to Fin and could recognize he even cared about the man already.

The lift chimed and the doors opened. The night was nice and Hex could see the top of his building from here.

"We can walk as slow as you need," he said. "It's that one there, see? Not far at all."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I can keep up, Hex. I'm alright, really I am," Fin assured him, patting Hex's shoulder and then stroking the man's arm before letting go and walking on..

[just_hex]

They had to cross the street and pass a few Asian shops that had closed up for the night with the exception of one Bengal restaurant that perfumed the street with rich spices. The row houses began and the third door down Hex mounted the stairs.

"My flat's the main floor so no more stairs," he promised. "Come on in."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin nodded, saying noting until they were inside Hex's flat. He didn't hesitate to make himself at home, sitting on the sofa and letting himself melt into the cushions.

"This is nice, mate. Good flat you've got here. You been here long then?"

[just_hex]

"A couple years. It's a good place. And I like the neighborhood. When I first moved here me non warned me of all in foreigners, mostly from Bangladesh, the lot, but I've never had any trouble and the take out is excellent, not to mention the rent is fair," he said as he locked the door behind them and then moved into his bedroom, peeling off his scrubs as he went.