InsaneJournal

Who: Faiza, John Jones, and AJ
Where: Irvine General
What: In the wake of his encounter with Smeagol, John fights for his life and is saved, then talks, barely, with AJ
When: Monday Feb 4
Warnings/Rating: PG-13 for mention of violence, cannibalistic ideas, and pain
Status Complete


John was rushed by the ambulance to the hospital, his body sooned taped and bandaged, a bag of blood dripping down to replace what had been lost when he was attacked. As his body fought shock, he dreamed of his dream memories, dreaming of another world, and a body that healed itself, and wished for that. He groaned in his sleep, dreaming of the death of his race, and coming to Earth again, and he dreamed of becoming a detective, replacing a dead man as he took up the man’s name, so similar to his own.

He dreamed, even as his body fought for life.

Faiza came in, fresh from a gunshot victim. Her eyes were bloodshot and bleary. It had been a busy day, but with her abilities, could she deny aid where it was needed? She pulled on fresh gloves, moving to inspect him and see if he could make do with regular medicine, or mutant medicine. “What happened?”

"Victim has multiple bite wounds and scratches, size and shape appearing to be human. Victim called 911 for a friend who appeared. Sick, then cried out, and the phone appeared to be dropped. 911 operator reported sounds like an animal, then victim speaking one word; help. Unit arrived on the scene to find victim unconscious and... " The paramedic finished her report detailing what was done en route.

Faiza nodded her head, keeping her game face on even in the face of cannibalism. She discreetly closed some of the worse wounds and ordered his body to stop bleeding, first and foremost. The paramedics had done a stellar job, but the damage was so severe that she couldn't believe a human had done it. "Here, we need to suture this shut. Has he been given anything in case his attacker was infected with something?"

The paramedic stayed out of the way of the nurses assisting Faiza as she answered. “No, ma’am. Just the topical cream upon spotting the bites and claw marks. For bites like that we didn’t have anything good enough on the bus.”

John groaned in his unconsciousness, moving a little.

“All right. Lets make sure he gets the right sort of shots.” She nodded at one of the nurses. “And clean him up. You there, is there anyone we can contact? Any information on him, or his phone?”

“We got an emergency contact off the phone and handed it to the charge nurse to call. She should be here immediately.” Paramedic glanced around then at her. “Gotta move the bus. See you on the next run.” She nodded and headed out. Meanwhile the charge nurse was calling AJ, and letting her know to come to the hospital...

Faiza nodded her head, then returned to trying to be discrete in the use of her powers, while the nurses cleaned him up.

AJ was at home, curled up in front of the television when her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number on the caller ID, so she answered with a cautious, “Hello?”

The nurse’s voice was gentle as she spoke. “Hello, is this Aponi Jackson?”

"This is she," AJ said nervously. Only official people used her full name.

“My name is Nurse Thomas, and I work at Irvine General. A John Jones was brought in a little earlier, and is in emergency now, being treated. He has listed you as his emergency contact. Can you come to the hospital?”

Her voice was professional and gave away nothing.

AJ sat up abruptly. “Of course I can.” Her heart was thundering terribly now and she threw the blanket off to climb to her feet. “What’s happened? Is he all right?” She asked, already frantically looking for shoes.

“Ma’am, I can’t give out any more details on the phone. The nurse and doctor treating him can tell you more when you get here.” She gave details about the location and who to ask for in the emergency room.

“Okay. Okay, I’ll be right there. Tell John I love him, and I’m coming.” AJ said, then hung up and frantically ran around her place, pulling on shoes, grabbing her purse, and keys. It only took her ten minutes to get to the hospital. She drove at least five miles over the speed limit, and went through two red lights.

Once she had checked in and shown who she was, the nurses on duty directed her toward the rooms where John was being treated and toward Doctor Faiza Hussain.

Faiza looked up when the girl entered, and gave her a tired, but reassuring smile as she stepped outside the room. She was careful to obstruct any view of John through the door, as the nurses were finishing cleaning him up. Really, all that blood had been ghastly. . “You must be AJ. I’m Dr. Hussain. It was touch and go there for a wee bit.”

“Is he all right?” AJ said, stepping up to the doctor and trying to look past her at where she assumed John was laying. “What happened? They wouldn’t tell me anything over the phone.” AJ was white as a ghost and absolutely terrified.

“I’m afraid he was attacked. I don’t know if they caught the culprit, but it was a person who did it. The paramedics did a splendid job and we patched him up. He’ll be as good as new in no time at all.” Faiza kept her smile on her face, no hint of how close it had gotten.

“Oh, God.” AJ said, lifting a hand to cover her mouth. “Is he... can I see him?” She asked. She wanted to know what kind of a person would attack him, what kind of attack it was. A knife? Fists? He hadn’t been shot, had he? Then the doctor would have said so, wouldn’t she? AJ’s mind was spinning.

Faiza peered back into the room, then gently took AJ’s arm and led her inside. “Just try not to disturb him, miss. But I think he’ll be happy to have you here.”

“All right.” AJ said, sounding hesitant and nervous. She let Faiza lead her into the room, and choked back a gasp and sob when she saw John there on the bed. “Oh, Babe,” she whispered, moving quickly to his side to take his hand. “What happened to you?”

Quietly, Faiza closed the door, to give them some privacy.

John stirred at AJ’s hand touching his and slowly opened his eyes. He coughed, tried to talk, then coughed again. HIs voice was rough, sounding very raspy and low, and quiet. He had to strain to force it out. “AJ? Love you.” A pause, and his rough voice continued. “Wa-water?”

“Oh, John,” AJ said, leaning over to press her lips against his eyebrow. She gave a little nod, fighting back some tears. “Water. Right. Hold on.” She let go of his hand, reluctantly, and moved to collect up the big, plastic cup with the straw that they had sitting out for him. She brought it over and held the straw to his lips. “Slowly.” She said, helping him drink.

“Thank you.” John sipped the water and then smiled softly. “I’ll uh, I’lll be okay, love.” He smiled again and poked her.

“I’ll be okay.”

AJ nodded, then set the water aside. Her hands were shaking. “I was so scared.” She said, taking hold of his hand again and leaning down to rest her forehead against his. “What happened?”

“It was... the Smeagol Case. He... changed. Started becoming feral or something. Possibly something about the dreams. And he attacked me.” John coughed, shuddering. It had been bad and he knew it had been worse than he felt now. So what had saved him? He had no idea.

“I thought... I thought I was dying.”

“Oh, God, John.” AJ said, wanting to wrap her arms around him and hold him. There were so many bandages and so much hospital stuff, she didn’t dare. But she wrapped both of her hands around his and squeezed it tightly.

He smiled softly at her. “I’ll be okay now. I’ll be in here for a week or so, and then I go home. And apparently I will need someone to look after me a little.” He smiled a little more. “Think I could persuade a certain apple lady to help me out?”

“I’m all yours.” AJ said, nuzzling her nose against his cheek. Then she let go of his hand to find a chair and pull it up against his bedside. “Will they let me stay here? With you?”

John smiled a little. “Of course. I want you here. I love you, AJ. With all my heart.” He beckoned her close to kiss her. “MY Aponi.” He murmured her name softly, lovingly.

AJ leaned in close, standing up from her chair once more. She nuzzled her nose against his, then met his lips with a tender kiss. “I’ll stay as long as you’ll have me. And as long as no one will throw me out.”

Kissing her back felt like bliss. “I won’t let them throw you out, and I’ll have you forever, darn it.” He reached for one of her hands. “When I get out of here, we need a romantic dinner out.” He nodded.

“Nothing too strenuous,” AJ said, lacing her fingers with his. “I can’t believe that you’re thinking about romance after what happened. You’re incredible.” She gave him a laugh. “I love you.”

“I love you more than anything, dear.” He felt tiredness sweeping over him. “Getting tired. Can have a little more water? Then I think it is night time.”

He didn’t want to sleep, but felt like he had to now.

AJ nodded. She reached for his water to help him sip from it, then sat in the chair and settled in beside him. She’d brought her kindle and her phone and headphones, so she could listen to music while he rested.

He sipped the water and then lay his head down and let his eyes close. “Night love...” His voice was already fading and soon he was asleep.

FIN.