InsaneJournal

Current mood:	amused
Current music:	Daft Punk - [Daft Club #07] Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (Jess & Crabe remix)

Who: Honey, Mulder and Dr. Pileggi.
Doing what: Honey gets examined to see if his deafblind condition is medically related.
When: September 22, late afternoon.
Where: The campus clinic.
Warnings: None, really. The universe collapses in on itself because of how much Dr. Pileggi looks like A.D. Skinner, but it recovered.


From how his skin felt, it was the afternoon. Morning usually started out almost as warm and then it eventually grew to the point Honey would have to move away from his bedroom window. Whoever was in the room (or kept coming in) to spell to him was quiet; and wouldn't answer when asked what time it was. Feeling around on the floor, Honey frowned; increasing his search before his hand landed on a familiar shape; one of Usa-chan's ears. 
 
 Patting the ear, but not moving the doll, Honey stood and began moving. He had managed to locate his closet; where most of his clothes were stored so all he had to do now was relocate it. He took a few steps, then a few more.  From the window, it was East, more or less. Moving, more confident that he'd be able to reach it, Honey ran into his computer desk's chair with a grunt. Reaching out, his hands landing on it, he forcibly shoved it beneath the open area on his desk and continued to move.
 
 The mechanical hands, still attached to his desk, didn't move. Nobody was trying to talk to him right now, so they didn't need to.
 
 Walking, Honey's hands landed on the wood paneling on his closet doors. Patting it a few times, Honey felt around until he located one of the handles. Grasping it, he pulled, waited a minute and then began to feel around; his hands brushing different items.
 
 Yanking two of the items down, Honey felt his hands covered by the material. Cotton.
 
 Holding the items, Honey spun around and began to walk back towards the window. It was as good a spot as any. He hadn't had as much trouble as he would've thought feeling his way into his bathroom; or with finding something to eat. Classes were going to be an entirely different issue, though. Slowing when he felt the sunlight on his skin, and thankful that he could at least continue to talk to people, though still wondering who kept coming into his room to spell for him; Honey let the items land on the floor as he moved to begin changing.   
 
 He wasn't sure what he had grabbed, just that it had been in his closet; so it had to be clean. Unbuttoning his pants, Honey stepped out of one leg. Miscalculating, unfortunately, his foot landed on the items he'd just let fall to the floor. With a quick yelp as he slipped,  Honey landed onto his back. Laying there, with his clothes partially off and a pile of clean ones near him, the entire situation would probably look comical to whoever happened to see it.

Mulder let himself in to Honey's place, aware of the situation and not sure the boy would be able to answer the door anyway. At least he could get answers and possible help for him soon. This was a look into his physical condition, though, and unlikely to find a real cause in Mulder's mind. Because by his logic the cause had to be paranormal. But right now it was more important that Honey get treated so he was doing so.

Making his way to Honey's room, he knocked on the door, cursed himself for forgetting, and then slowly pushed it open a crack. When he spotted Honey he was caught between laughing over the absurd situation he'd gotten himself into this time, and concern; getting anywhere was going to be a challenge.

But Mulder just wanted him to get help, with someone who knew better what to do for him than he did. He went to Honey and helped him up and to finish dressing. He had no idea how to communicate "this is Mulder and we're going to leave now." He'd taken French. Not sign language. Curse his luck. He eyed the set up with Honey's computer. Where the hell had it come from?

As Mulder moved to help Honey, Honey froze momentarily, grabbing one of Mulder's hands and feeling it. He almost began to spell, but remembered he could talk. "Who's there?" he asked. Moving his hands to Mulder's face, Honey felt it, then moved to Mulder's scalp, feeling his hair. His brow furrowing as he tried to work out who it was.

Helped into his new clothes, Honey began moving his left foot around the area, trying to feel for his shoes; which weren't close enough to register as being there. His hands disappearing from Mulder's head, Honey crouched and began to crawl in the direction he assumed was forward, stopping every few 'steps' to grope the surrounding area. "....Should be here. I took them off, and.." Crawling some more, Honey sighed, not locating the shoes. Or his socks.

Turning back around, Honey slowly made his way back where he'd started from, and again moved to pat Mulder's face. Moving closer, Honey paused, recognizing the faint scent of a specific laundry detergent. "..Professor Mulder?" he guessed. "You're him, aren't you?" His hands moved to find one of Mulder's; finger spelling "Right?" into his palm, and waiting for an answer. Honey didn't know that Mulder hadn't studied sign language or finger spelling. How would he have? It had never came up.

Mulder had no clue what Honey was signing. He knew that it was how people communicated if they lost sight and hearing, but beyond that... he had not had time to sit down and study it extensively. He tried to indicate that they were leaving, by starting to guide him along with him to the door, and from there to keep leading him out. He hoped he had taken the idea, and if not, he would stop if Honey faltered or made other indication that he needed something.

But for now, unless there were problems, Mulder led the way so that they could leave the quad. He'd arranged for the doctor to come in to see Honey at the clinic, fortunately, so it wasn't like they had far to go.

Realizing that it was Mulder- or someone who had access to his clothes- Honey wasn't too surprised when he felt himself being lead. He came to a halt, though, groping around behind him, looking for Usa-chan.

The hands on his desk activated, picking up the doll and handing it off to Honey before returning to their original position. Gripping the doll, Honey was lead out of his room and then the quad. It was weird not hearing Mulder talk, since they usually did; but obviously the circumstances were different.

Feeling his throat work, Honey coughed. Moving the arm that was holding Usa-chan around until he felt the doll resting near his chest, Honey held onto Mulder's hand and spoke, using his voice this time.

"What's the doctor's name?"

Good thing it was a short walk, Mulder was thinking. He didn't want to stress out Honey or push him too much or anything. He knew he had a tendency to go overboard in figuring out the truth, which was why he had been cautious this time to do the Right Thing. That being getting Honey medical attention. He had sent for a real doctor and not an exorcist like his initial thought had been.

"Oh. Doctor... Pileggi." It was just habit that he answered. But then he frowned and tried to figure out how best to answer. He was amazed and glad that Honey could still talk; true, the deaf could learn speech and Honey had an advantage of having it in place long ago, but still. It must be weird not being able to hear one's self. He eventually took the palm of Honey's hand and tried to write out the letters. He was sure to take his time with it, and they approached the clinic as he did that.

Mulder informed him that yes, they were close, as he went to open the door and enter. He went to the receptionist's to sign in. He was sure to keep hold of Honey's hand the whole time so that Honey didn't feel lost or uncomfortable or anything of the sort. Once he was done filling out the paperwork they gave him, he was informed that they could go right in; this was after all a specialty visit and the doctor was here for their appointment specifically.

"Why can't all waiting rooms be like this!" he remarked, a bit saddened afterward that he couldn't make amusing comments at Honey so he'd understand. Well, he could, but it would take a bit longer to convey. The doctor would have to have some way to figure this out. He had to. For Honey's sake Mulder would do whatever it took. For now, he led him along to the room they'd been directed toward. Once inside, he led Honey to where he could sit down while they waited for the doctor to arrive.

Lead into the new area, Honey felt around, his hand landing on a cushion. Easing himself onto it, and then moving over just in case he was sitting near the edge; Honey sighed. Holding onto Mulder's hand, Honey squeezed it to get his attention and then spoke. "Have you met with Doctor Pileggi before? Is he nice?" Honey hadn't recognize the last name.

Letting Usa-chan fall, Honey moved his now free hand around to feel for Mulder's throat. He could register that Mulder was talking through that as well as whatever finger spelling Mulder did. It probably looked pretty comical, since Honey wasn't sure exactly where Mulder was in the room, outside of close enough for Honey to hold his hand.

Mulder spelled out 'Yes' to answer both his questions. "He's like my boss." Which probably seemed like an odd statement, but the comparison was close enough. He added, "In a good way." But didn't think it was so easy for that to be understood, either, not sure what Honey really could pick up from the vibrations of his throat. At least it was some way for him to feel the fact he was talking, maybe? He had many questions he'd have asked if he only had a chance to.

It didn't take long for the doctor to arrive, coming in and introducing himself to Mulder and Honey. Mulder took a moment to explain what had suddenly afflicted Honey. "...and none of it makes any sense, unless there were some magic, but what kind of magic would not only make him deaf and blind but give him a mysterious computer to communicate? Uh. Well. Not that that's your expertise. But as for Honey... I have no idea, but I think he learned sign language prior to what happened? So maybe you'll have an easier time communicating than I can." He was the expert after all.

"I'll gladly give it a try." Doctor Pileggi took Honey's hand and signed to him to ascertain this. Can you understand me?

Honey's hand moved away from Mulder's throat. While that was helping him register when Mulder was speaking, it wasn't helping him realize what was being said.

The new hand taking his, though, caused Honey to look around. Obviously, this was the doctor Mulder had mentioned, the signing was quicker, and more fluid than Mulder's. Honey also noted that the Dr. Pileggi was using more of the ASL alphabet than the letter drawing he had gotten from Mulder (and that Honey had done in return).

Waiting until he was done signing, Honey replied. Yes I can! You're going to be looking at me to see what's caused this, right? A pause. Can you give Professor Mulder some advice about talking to me? I miss hearing him.. And everyone else. Honey almost slumped his shoulders, but caught himself. That could've messed up what he was saying. So he settled for a sigh, and then moved to feel around for Usa-chan.

Yes. I'm going to help. So if you don't mind, I will be looking at your eyes and ears and running some tests on them. I'll also talk to Mulder for you. It takes time for some to learn signing well, but with practice he will be able to. Did it take you long to learn to sign? Doctor Pileggi was sure to go at a pace that didn't overwhelm the boy, since Mulder had told him this was all very sudden onset, he didn't know how capable he was in understanding. He glanced at Mulder. "Remind me to give you a few lessons in sign language after we're done with the examination. Now, something I wonder about... why on earth do you keep bringing up 'magic' as a probable cause?"

Oh, man. Just like Skinner! Mulder tried hard not to grin, as much as it was always frustrating when he had to defend his theories. "Well, it was the manner in which it happened. As we discussed when we spoke over the phone, there was no trauma, physical or otherwise, he doesn't appear to be ill, either, nor are there any other ailments aside from those things. It all happened very mysteriously, so... if not magic, what else?" For that Mulder earned a skeptical look from the doctor, who proceeded to wait for Honey's answer before he began checking him over.

I don't mind. I'm still learning, but I know a lot of the alphabet! Honey answered. Unable to locate Usa-chan, Honey frowned and patted the area a second time. Leaning left, Honey felt around the area again, his hand closing around what felt like one of Usa-chan's arms.

Tugging, Honey felt the doll land onto his lap and took a minute to hug it before speaking again. Sorry. I couldn't find him, so I got a little nervous. Slightly calmer now that he had the doll back with him, Honey waited for the doctor to start his tests. I'm ready. Whatever discussion Mulder was having, Honey didn't know about it. For all he knew, Mulder wasn't in the room anymore.

None of these tests will involve needles, will they? Honey asked. He wasn't sure what kind of sight/hearing test would, but it couldn't hurt to double check.

Good, I'm impressed. Although this was a strange case, the doctor seemed to be handling it just like any other. He was, after all, using rational science against Mulder's magical theories. But, to find out what was wrong with Honey, science might just have the best answer. No needles. I will be poking and prodding a little, but that will be the most of it. For your eyes, I will have to use some eyedrops, but it shouldn't hurt.

Doctor Pileggi set to work after that, first carefully warning him about the eyedrops again before administering those. Then began to use his instruments to examine Honey's eyes first. After a little of that, he added, both in signing and forgetting himself and also aloud, "And what about a lollipop after I'm done, huh?"

"Oh, sure, I'd like strawberry," Mulder said with a laugh.

"No, for him. I'm trying to put him at ease. He's afraid, and understandably so." Doctor Pileggi continued with the eye exam.

The offer of candy was appreciated, and Honey accepted it with a nod. Sure! The eye drops, not surprisingly, didn't hurt when they were put in. As the exam continued, Honey tried to calm down. The doctor seemed to know what he was doing. If anything out o sorts came up during the visit, Honey trusted Mulder to know when it was time to leave.

'At least I'm not here with Krycek.' Honey thought, feeling bad for having thought that almost instantly. Past antics aside, a small part of him doubted that Krycek would take him anywhere dangerous, especially considering his current state. Still, the possibility was there. Have you been a doctor for a long time? he asked.

Quite a long time, yes. Maybe longer than you've been around. By the way, are the records I have right about your age? Yes, that aspect would have to come up, but Honey just looked so young for a college student. It was pretty astonishing. Doctor Pileggi continued, flashing things into his eyes and using other instruments to measure various data. Then, he started moving on to his ears, again letting Honey know what he was doing. Again, there would be more looking into things, scanning parts of his ear with his medical instruments to see what was amiss.

"So far, I'm not finding anything physically wrong. I don't know what to make of it, actually. Hm..." The doctor continued his exam.

"That's about what I was expecting... and/or afraid of," Mulder remarked, getting a thoughtful expression as he tried to think of what this could mean. What could he do next, call in an exorcist?

I'm just short.. Honey answered. He would've reached behind his head and rubbed at it sheepishly, but didn't want to since he was using both of his hands to talk. But yeah, I'm really as old as it says. Still, Honey could understand that it'd be a shock to most people. Even younger looking college students could rarely pass for elementary aged kids.

The tests continued, Honey not responding to any of the stimulants. The light in his eyes didn't bother him, neither did what was being done to his ears. What does Professor Mulder think? Is he still here? Honey reasoned that Mulder wouldn't leave unless an emergency came up, but it made sense for him to ask. Just to be sure.

Of course, my apologies. I was just curious. Professor Mulder is still here. He is thinking about magic. That man has quite an imagination! But of course, Dr. Pileggi didn't know just how plausible magic could be as an explanation around here. He kept on working, finishing with one ear, then the other, and running through a series of tests to judge whether or not any part of his ear was responding.

"Nothing yet..." Dr. Pileggi had been making notes all along and recording them. He started going over his findings. "From this preliminary data I've gathered... I'm honestly baffled. I can't find anything medically wrong with him. Physically, his senses should be functioning."

"Yet they aren't. That being the big mystery..." Mulder frowned, worriedly. He'd been afraid of this answer coming up.

He does! Honey agreed. But that was one of the things he liked about Mulder; sometimes his theories were pretty far fetched, but he didn't discard them because of it. Can you ask him to come over here? Honey asked before lowering his hands and waiting.

The remaining tests, like the others; went unnoticed. Honey suddenly tugged at one of Usa-chan's ears to confirm the doll was still with him. Feeling that it was, Honey gingerly hugged the toy before asking Dr.Pileggi: Do you like rabbits?, curious. Using his scent of smell, Honey tried to place where Mulder was in the room. Frowning, since there were different scents getting in the way of the detergent that Honey had identified him by, Honey folded his arms and waited until Mulder came closer.

I certainly do, and yours looks like a very friendly rabbit. I'll let Mulder know you want his attention. Dr. Pileggi had wrapped up the tests, now all that was left was to think more about this medical mystery. "Mr. Mulder, I believe Honey would like a word with you." And the doctor went back to pondering over his notes and gathered data.

"Oh? Ok, yeah, of course." Mulder moved so that he was closer to Honey and took hold of his hand to let him know he was there.

Smiling as Usa-chan was complimented, Honey's attention was pulled away from the doll and his conversation with the doctor as Mulder took his hand. Holding it for a minute, Honey released his hand and felt around until his hands landed on Mulder's shoulders. Standing slowly, Usa-chan once again going to meet the floor; Honey moved to hug him.

Honey wasn't sure why he'd suddenly felt like hugging the professor, but figured that it made sense. That, and it helped Honey confirm that his sense of balance wasn't messed up. But mostly, it was being done because Honey liked hugging his friends.

He spoke, this time using his mouth; "Thank you."

Not sure what to expect, Mulder was pleasantly surprised by Honey's hug. He hugged him back and smiled. Maybe things would work out. They'd ruled out any medical problems, which might make this easier in some sense. It meant normal logic didn't apply. A medical problem might not be so readily resolved. Still, the not knowing was frustrating, and it would bother Mulder later on.

Dr. Pileggi finished his work, and then handed Mulder a few booklets with information in them. "I'm sorry I can't be of any further help. For now, you will have to focus on working with Honey's condition, to ease him into what he's experiencing. I can't find anything wrong, but will notify you if anything came up that I haven't determined right now."

"Thank you, doctor. You've done what you could, and it's at least helped rule some causes out."

"Except magic." Pileggi laughed. But it was a strange case, he had to admit. It was nice to meet you, Honey. And your rabbit. Maybe we'll meet again soon. Oh, and I must not forget... The doctor shook Honey's hand. Then, pulled out a lollipop and placed it in Honey's hand. Then, grinning at Mulder, handed him one as well.

Mulder laughed. "Well, thanks, so kind of you to remember. I wish all of the people I consulted gave out candy."

"Sugar free, I'm afraid. But, be sure to call me if you have any questions."

"Will do." Mulder shook the doctor's hand, then took Honey's. Time to head home... and seek a different kind of answer.