Gathering Post

[lcrpg_npc]

The Queen's official birthday celebrations might wait for the better, brighter weather of June, instead of the actual date just passed, but there was no lack of things to do in London this week, even if it was cooler and damper than the week before. St. George's day festivities were scattered throughout the city, competing with celebrations of the four hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Getting around the city could be even more difficult than usual on Sunday, with multiple streets closed off for the London marathon.

There were exhibits - everything from graphic design to a survey of Sicilian history to the influence of underwear. And the same level of diversity could be found whether you were in the mood for music, theatre, good food, or late night fun. There was something for everyone, and no matter your plans - or lack of plans - you never quite knew what you were going to find, or who might find you.



[Week long gp! Tag in, tag others, and check in daily to see who's joined in.]

Comments

[london_spy]

Danny was still and silent, staring at the wall. His eyes looked red, and he seemed to choke on the air from his mask now and then as his breath caught in his throat.

[just_hex]

"Danny, shh, it's alright. It's alright," Hex said, feeling panic rise up in him. He'd seen this exact thing in hundreds of mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, lovers and friends. The power of denial was strong, he knew, but he'd never felt it like this.

[london_spy]

Nothing was alright, and he looked at Hex as if angry that the other man would try and suggest it was.

"I want to go home," he said, pulling the mask off, not caring that he wasn't supposed to. "Now. I'm going now. I don't care what they want, I'm leaving."

[just_hex]

"Danny, no. No! You can't go. I'll have them restrain you if I have to," he replied, trying to get around him quickly.

The Phouka stepped out of the shadow and gently closed the door to the room.

"Get back in bed, Mister Danny," he said. "You must be helped by doctors."

[london_spy]

Danny glared at Phouka, wondering who the hell he thought he was telling him what to do- Then looked at Hex, feeling betrayed.

"You're supposed to be my mate," he said.

[just_hex]

"I am your mate, Danny. I'm also a medic and I'm telling you that if you leave this hospital you won't have time to die of AIDS. Your head will kill you," Hex said, the gentle edge of his voice vanishing as he became more authoritarian.

[london_spy]

"I don't care," Danny replied. "I don't care. Let it."

[just_hex]

"You can't mean that, Danny," Hex said softly then. "You're not thinking clearly. You're hurt and doped and...come now, lay down. Lay with me and get some rest."

[london_spy]

"Stop telling me what to do!" Danny snapped, and though his words sounded angry, he looked... He looked broken.

[just_hex]

"Danny," he said more gently. Hex moved in to take Danny's arm and to move him to laying down again.

"Please."

[london_spy]

Danny was shaking, but rather than lay down, he leaned lightly into Hex, burying his face against the other man's neck.

It felt like the whole world was falling apart and spinning out of control all around him. Even Hex, who'd always been so solid and there was suddenly falling apart. Danny wasn't thick, he knew the man was secretly drinking. He saw him flinch at loud sounds and the way he seemed to be fading away more and more...

Everything was broken, and it was- It was too much.

[just_hex]

Hex held him, keeping him close. He hummed softly, a tuneless lullaby. He didn't know what to do. Danny was damaged, he knew that, but he'd always thought he could help. Maybe he'd been wrong. Maybe it was all going to go to hell.

"I'll stay tonight," he offered, thinking of nothing else he could do.

[london_spy]

Danny nodded a little, whispering his thanks and then slowly lowering himself onto the bed again.

[just_hex]

Hex held him and petted his hair. The Phouka slowly slipped out of the room and closed the door behind him, standing guard outside.

"Go to sleep, Danny. We'll worry about it all tomorrow. Go to sleep now."