marlene (corner) mckinnon (marly) wrote in an_ill_wind, @ 2009-06-09 23:47:00 |
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It had felt like forever since Marlene had been to her flat. She had thought to owl her brother and asked him to check in on Dog - she still hadn't named him - and he had volunteered to take him for a few days. Claiming to have been volunteering to take some shifts due to some owed favors made her feel guilty, but Carson had believed it. At least he had let her assume that he believed it and that was enough for her. She didn't want to get Carson involved in any of this part of her life, or any of her other siblings for that matter. In the end, though, it was nice just to go from Dig's to her flat. But, as tempting as her bed seemed, she couldn't fall into it just yet. After a quick shower and some leftover Chinese that had been sitting in her icebox since the Friday before, she took a quick potion to keep her up before preparing to go over and check in on Stu. Over the past three days she had only gotten a total of maybe ten hours of sleep as she had been worried that she'd fall asleep and something huge would happen and she'd be needed. It was a silly thought, perhaps, since it wasn't as though she was the only Healer in the Order anymore, but she still worried. Marlene glanced once in her mirror to make sure she looked at least halfway decent. She didn't think she did with large bags under her eyes and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but it would have to do. Hopefully Stu wouldn't mind. She didn't think he would but...the thought was still there. Shrugging it off, she grabbed her bag of supplies and Apparated in front of Stu's flat, not even hesitating before knocking at the front door. Stu had stayed at Dig's house on Monday to help out, as it was his day off anyway, but sadly he'd been due back at work today. He needed the galleons too badly to take more time off, so he'd worn long sleeves despite the warm weather to hide his burnt skin and had headed off to work. The balm Marlene had applied on his crispy toasted flesh after the attack had helped immensely, but it slowly wore off as the day went by, making it increasingly difficult to drive the Knight Bus. He'd finished his shift driving one-handed, biting his lips not to wince at the pain that shot through his left arm. He hadn't been back home long when he heard a knock on his door. Surprised, he wondered who it could be, casting a quick spell to reveal his visitor's identity before opening. "Marlene, what a good surprise. Come in!" "Hey," Marlene greeted with a smile, hitching her bag up over her shoulder a bit as she walked into his flat. She was easily reverting back into her socially awkward self, smiling a bit sheepishly and not really meeting Stu's eye. Under stress she was able to bark orders like no one's business and through the journals she could speak frankly, but damn it if she didn't get cold feet when she was right in front of someone. But, that was all silly and she knew it. This was Stu. Shaking it off, she looked up at him and raised a questioning eyebrow. "How's your arm doing?" She paused, then added, "How are you doing?" It truly was a pleasant surprise to see Marlene, though Stu's eyes darted around the room to check how much of a mess it was when he stepped aside to let her in. He hadn't given much thought to cleaning when he'd got home, to be honest. "I'm good, but my arm not so much," he replied, tilting his head towards his left arm. He hadn't had time to change out of his uniform yet and the sleeve still hid the damage. "And you? Have you been at the new Healer's place all day?" "I was for most of the day," Marlene replied with a slight shrug, giving him a smile at the same time. "I sort of felt like I had to get out of there after a while, though. Claustrophobic, almost? I haven't actually slept since the attack and if I do sleep I'd like to do it in my own bed... and I was due for a change of clothes and a shower." Scrunching up her nose, she let out a slight laugh. "That was probably too much information, but hopefully you'll forgive me." Stu had to stifle his laughter when she began to over explain herself. He could easily guess that it would only make her uncomfortable if he did laugh out loud, and while he could be something of a prat, he didn't want to get on Marlene's bad side. Even in order to make her blush, which he would love to see. She was here to Heal him, and the pain in his arm reminded him quite efficiently to behave. "You're all forgiven," he said instead, playing nice. "Can I offer you something?" "Uhm, water?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. Marlene didn't want to ask for much, mostly because she didn't want to impose but also because she was so used to her diet of water and "whatever's around" from the past few days. She took a step into his house and gave him a smile as she swung her bag around in front of her. "And I should probably take a look at that arm of yours, yeah?" "Just water, I can't tempt you with anything else?" Stu was rather glad that she didn't ask for much, but he felt compelled to offer more. He still had some of the munchies he'd stocked on before Dorcas' Muggle lesson, a week ago. Thankfully nuts and such didn't go stale. He beamed as she swung her Healing bag and mentioned taking care of his arm. "I'll be forever indebted to you if you do," he said, taking a few step back as he spoke, leading her towards the livingroom down the narrow corridor. When they reached it, he invited her: "Take a seat, make yourself comfortable." As Marlene followed Stu, she let her eyes dart around and take in his flat with a small smile. It wasn't a terrible lot bigger than her own and she thought that it definitely suited him. She thought it might be weird of her if she said it aloud, though, so instead she replied, "No, just water. Thank you, though." But, being indebted sounded much more interesting than a beverage choice. Her small smile turned into a larger one as she did sit down in one of the chairs, dropping her bag at her feet. "Forever indebted, hm?" she asked teasingly. "I think a lifetime of servitude might clear that up." Stu had moved into the kitchen as she sat down, and he poked his head out when she spoke. Her smile was good to see; there hadn't been many reasons to smile lately and it had weighed on them all. If his words could bring a smile on her lips, then he'd make it his duty to do so. She deserved it. They all did. "A lifetime of servitude? You're a tough bargainer!" Bringing her glass of water and a butterbeer for himself, floating in front of him as his left hand hurt too much to carry anything, he came back in the reception room, which worked as both his living room and dining room. Handing her glass to Marlene, he sat down on the couch. "Oh, I know," Marlene replied with a smile, tilting her head just a bit as she smiled and took the glass of water. "I've always figured that if you aim high enough, even when you don't get everything you want you're still going to do pretty well." She took a moment to sip from the glass before she leaned over and unzipped her bag that was sitting by her feet to rummage through it. "If you're not into a lifetime of servitude, I can always settle for a day or two. Or perhaps even a nice hug." "That's a good strategy," Stu approved. "Ask for a lifetime of servitude, get a few years or more likely a few days, and it's already much better than just a smile and 'thank you' as you'd get otherwise." He took a sip of his butterbeer as she spoke. "Or just a hug," he added when she suggested that. "I can do a hug. I could do more, but your wishes are my commands, O Marlene," he joked, hoping to get another smile from her, each one a victory. Marlene laughed at that, pulling out some salve and letting it rest in her lap for now. She was enjoying their conversation too much to just jump into fixing him up. The sooner she did that, the sooner it meant she would have to leave...and she didn't want to just yet. "Next time I'll have to keep in mind that I can aim a bit higher in my expectations, then," she replied, giving him that smile he was looking for. "Not that I'm complaining about a hug, of course." "With the way my arm bloody hurts, you could ask for the moon and I'd manage to get it." Stu kept his tone light, his words speaking for themselves without need to put any emphasis. "How was everyone in Ballycroy?" he asked, hoping that Dorcas might have finally woken up, or that news from Edgar and Fabian and Remus were better. The attack had been two days ago, there had to be some progress, right? "They're surviving," Marlene said simply, pursing her lips together. The Order had taken quite a bad hit with that attack and it was a blessing in and of itself that they hadn't come out much worse. The injured would eventually heal and get better, but that didn't mean they weren't broken in the meantime. It was great that they were still alive, but... it was going to take some time. All they could hope for was that something wouldn't happen before they were healed that made things even worse. Stu stifled a sigh, sad both that there were no better news and that he'd wiped away her smile so quickly with his question. "You must be glad there are other Healers to help you now," he commented before taking a sip of his butterbeer. Marlene was doing all she could - and he was very thankful for her care - but it was a huge task for just one person, and even worse for someone still in training like her. Dumbledore had been right to get Dig to help them, and Pepper as well. "It's a bit of a relief, yes," Marlene agreed with a nod, looking every bit as exhausted as she felt at that very moment. It looked as though the past few days just suddenly caught up with her, which they honestly did. Thinking about all of the injuries from the one attack and what could happen could do that. "I like doing everything that I can, but if we continue having to go through attacks like that one...yes, it's definitely a good thing that there are more than just me right now." "It gives you more time to pamper me, so that's definitely a plus," he said, trying to lighten up the mood once again, after bringing it down the way he had earlier. She looked so tired, he felt guilty that she'd taken the time to come see him. Bringing it up would be very tactless, so he kept mum on it, joking instead. "Who would put this heavenly-sent balm on my arm if you were alone to Heal everyone?" "And, you know, that's exactly why I went into Healing. To pamper you," Marlene replied with a sly smile. Despite her words and smile, though, her cheeks were tinged just the tiniest of pink. She could feel it and she just hoped to Merlin that he didn't notice because if he did they would grow more pink...and it was a terrible cycle. "But," she tried to act collected, "speaking of your arm - it can't be feeling nice. Do you want me to put it on now?" "All for me?" He raised an amused eyebrow. "Now does that mean I need to get injured more often so you can pamper me? While I love the pampering, not so sure about the injuries," he joked, enjoying to see the start of a blush on her cheeks. Her offer didn't fall on deaf ears, and he sat straighter, looking down at his left arm, his deeply burned skin still hidden by his sleeve. "It sure doesn't, and yes, please." He carefully rolled up his sleeve, wincing as pain shot through him when fabric touched his skin. Marlene gave Stu a sympathetic look as he winced, hating that part of her job. She loved having the opportunity to help and heal people, but seeing them in pain before getting them better was always hard for her. Although, it wasn't nearly as hard as if they were to not get the treatment and get worse. "The injuries are definitely a downside when it comes to my pampering," Marlene replied as she sat herself next to Stu and leaned in to treat him. "I would say that it's a small price to pay, but...I don't think anyone wants to pay too much." Stu offered her his arm with relief, knowing that the balm would soon work its magic. "Nothing comes free in this world, not even pampering," he joked, making light of his injury. He'd been lucky, all things considered. He wasn't the best dueller yet he'd managed to avoid life-threatening injuries, even bringing the Death Eater he'd fought to the ground. It could have been him in Dorcas' place, or Remus or Edgar or James or Fabian or... He'd been scared, that night, and he wondered when he would ever stop to be. He'd known that joining the Order was dangerous, but it had become more clear and obvious than ever Sunday night. "I think it's so we don't take said pampering for granted," Marlene teased, growing silent as she concentrated on what she was doing. It wasn't as though it was a terribly complicated treatment, but she still wanted to make sure that she was doing it right and thoroughly. She'd hate for him not to completely heal because she was too busy trying to be witty. Leaning forward, she blew lightly on his skin to help kick start the salve. "Is that any better?" she asked, glancing up at him. Stu trusted her Healing skills, and he wasn't worried that she'd make a mistake leaving him incompletely healed. Seeing her so concentrated as she worked drove the point home for him. He was in good hands. Pretty ones, even, but if he told her that, she'd flush a deep shade of red... which was enticing, really, except maybe not now when she was concentrating on his treatment. Who knows what a distracted Healer might do? She asked him a question at that moment, taking his mind off from her potential delicious blush. "It does, yes. Thank you. How long should it last? It didn't make it through the day today, is it normal or is it because I used it more on the job?" "Hm, yeah, it should definitely last longer," Marlene replied, her brow furrowed just a bit to show that she was surprised by this. "It must have been because you were moving around for work. If you like, I can come by again tomorrow if it's acting up again to make sure it stays comfortable. It should get around to really start healing for you in the next few days." She paused, glancing up from his arm to his face once. "I wish the process didn't take so long, that's for sure. Pampering is nice, but...yeah, that pain can be arse." "A few more days," Stu repeated, "I can deal with that. Especially if you come pamper me everyday." He wanted to see her blush again, to distract himself from the pain now receding and from the scarring that he was sure would come. He was glad that she would make sure it lasted longer this time. He had to work the next day again - rent needed to be paid, he couldn't afford to take sick leave - and he hadn't been looking forward to pain like today. It was a bloody great relief that it would last through his workday. That blush he was hoping for came quite easily then and Marlene could feel it. It made her feel silly, but that was all right. After all, he had sounded like he didn't mind the blushing at all in her journal so it would almost be a crime to keep it from him. Replacing the cover on the salve, she sat up and smiled through her pink cheeks. "I will pamper you as long as you like. I really don't mind." Stu didn't mind her blush at all; rather he enjoyed it and did all he could to induce more. "Even once I'm healed? That's a dangerous proposition you're making." He couldn't help teasing her some more, hoping precisely to see her flush an even deeper shade of red. He picked up his butterbeer, hoping that she wouldn't go right away, now that she'd done what she'd came for. Marlene laughed, giving him a skeptical look. "Uh oh," she teased, unable to keep from smiling and, well, blushing. She brought one of her hands up to push her hair out of her face and dropped the tube of salve into her bag that was at the foot of the sofa. "Do I have a lifetime of pampering to look forward to now?" It worked even better than he'd expected, which pleased him to no end. "I wouldn't say no to a lifetime of pampering, that's for sure, now that the obligation to be injured has been lifted." He took a gulp from his butterbeer, looking at her by the corner of his eyes as he did. Colour hadn't entirely receded from her cheeks yet, giving her this endearingly adorable tinge. "It's a long time though. You'd have to come by every day or so to take care of me. Pampering is a big job, you know." "It is a big job, but someone has to do it," Marlene replied easily, reaching for her glass of water so she could take a quick sip. Drinking from the glass helped in not only hiding her face a bit and giving her something to do with her hands, but also have a moment to think. Was he flirting with her? It sort of seemed like it. Marlene had never been very good at differentiating between flirting and being friendly, but she sort of thought this was flirting. At least, she found herself hoping it was. Clearing her throat, she thought better of mentioning any of that, and instead continued, "Lucky for you, I'm quite willing to take such a job." If Stu hadn't been, her reply would have rang all the bells and lit all the signal lights he could have needed to understand that she wasn't adverse to the idea. Thankfully for her, he had indeed been, though it had begun innocently enough, banter between friends turning into flirt almost by itself. He did enjoy watch her blush. "Today is my lucky day!" he exclaimed, flashing her a bright grin. "So we have a deal: a lifetime of pampering, right?" "I will be at your beck and call," Marlene replied with a slight wink, a gesture of her own that made her blush. Did she really just wink? She couldn't help but berate herself just a bit. Did people do that anymore? Her mental anguish didn't show on the outside, however, and instead she just continued to smile. "I'm going to warn you, though, that you should refrain from calling me over to pamper you in a food related way unless you're expecting fish and chips." She did wink and he sure liked that. He wasn't sure how wise it was, flirting with another member of the Order of the Phoenix, but they'd already started, what good would it do to stop now? None, all it would do was hurt her feelings as she most probably wouldn't understand and see it as rejection. "Fish and chips is good with me, I'm not one to complain if you bring food, whatever food it is." His mother could testify, as well as Molly and every other friend who happened to be a good cook. "That's good because I really can't make anything else. And most of the time I just pick it up as takeaway anyway," Marlene replied, smirking just slightly as she made fun of herself. She really was a rather terrible cook, but it wasn't for lack of trying on her mother's behalf. "I might be good at making potions left and right, but damn if I can be successful in keeping my kitchen from burning down making anything that requires moderate attention." "That makes two of us, as I'm hopeless as well," Stu said. "Though I'm even worse as I can't even claim to be good with potions. I've always been better at spells than potions. Transfiguration, memory charms, etc." He had been an Obliviator for a few years out of school, after all. And transfiguration reminded him of the transformation of his muggle clothing following Dorcas' orders. The result had been pretty good, if he said so himself. "For me...it really depends," Marlene replied a bit sheepishly, leaning back in the sofa and crossing her legs. "I'm not very good with Arithmancy and Divination and those sorts of classes where you really need to sit down and think, but I'm good with my wand. I think that's part of the reason I'm good at what I do at the hospital - not to sound incredibly modest or anything." She smiled a bit sheepishly here to bring that point home. "I've always found, though, that if I want to be good at something and I work at it I can be." Stu's elbows were resting on his knees, his whole upper body leaning forward towards her. "It's getting the drive that can be hard," he commented, thinking back on his own learning style. "If I don't have some success right at the start, even tiny ones, then it's hard for me to push forward and keep trying. Most often I just lose interest." "You'll have that," Marlene replied easily, then suddenly brought her hand coming up to cover her mouth as she yawned. With her purpose of coming to see Stu now taken care of, she was suddenly feeling every bit of exhaustion she had been trying to ignore flood through her. Apparently people weren't supposed to try and make it on ten hours of sleep in thirty-six hours. She looked a bit sheepish - and maybe apologetic? - when she let her hand drop and the other reached for her bag. "I don't want to rush out on you...but I'm about ten seconds from falling asleep on your couch." Feeling awful for having kept her longer than strictly necessary when she was understandably exhausted, Stu got up, offering her his hand to help her up the couch. "I shouldn't have kept you this long, I'm sorry. Thank you for checking on me. Hopefully my arm will be better soon and you won't have to fit me in your busy schedule anymore." Marlene took his hand and pulled herself to her feet and once she was standing she just gave him a smile. "Don't apologize. I honestly don't mind coming over here, but with everything going on..." She let her voice trail off and she shrugged her bag over her shoulder. "My bed is calling to me and I don't think I can ignore its siren song much longer." "Go get some sleep," Stu encouraged her, tilting his head in the vague direction of his flat's door out of habit, even though she could disapparate from anywhere. "I'll hold you up to the lifetime of pampering once you're fully rested," he joked just before she left with a pop. |