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*standing a good distance from her- looks tense and very tired*

...how is he?

*notices this, keeps her distance as well*

.....I'm not sure. He hasn't...hasn't been talking to me much.

*can't hide the concern for a moment- and then his face becomes stony again*

Is he keeping up with his medication? Is the new house causes problems...what about yo- *stops himself, and swallows* I'm sorry about the necklace. I...

I couldn't let us part like we did.

*shrugs, clearly resigned to the fact* I'm kind of....not on his good side right now.

Mmmm, yes. He forgets it a lot. Forgot it earlier today and...*hesitates, makes her voice bright* Well, I got there in time. And there's no other problems, really.

*tilts head, half-smiles* I told you. He never takes it off.

*his shoulders sag*

What's happened?

*steps a little bit closer and hesitates, putting his hand on his side- wincing* ...he said he wanted to be a doctor. A Chef. Or a Skateboarder.

*swallows hard, says matter-of-factly* He's terrified of being abandoned. And I'm so damn exhausted from trying to convince him everything's going to be okay that I'm leaving for a weekend. He's convinced I'm never coming back and nothing I or anyone else says can tell him otherwise. He got so worked up about it, it triggered an attack and he stopped breathing.

He's fine. We're fine. Everything's fine.

*exhales slowly, mirthless smile on her face* Or all three. He's got so many plans, so many dreams...

*frowning* Have you been sleeping? Eating properly?

...your *tries to keep the tone from his voice but it's there* "Staff" will be with him, when you're gone or will it be friends?

Shilo was like that when she was his age. *tries to keep the pain of his voice* She...use to take over my bed. I'd come home to find her curled in one of my sweaters on my bed. They... well, they learn to cope.

*looks at her smile, and matches it* Oh? is that all?

*blinks, surprised* Me? Sure. Fine. The new house has an enormous bed and a well-stocked kitchen. I never go without.

*rolls eyes* They're not mine. Honestly, I don't even like lettin' them make the beds. *sighs softly* I think the friend's will be there most of the time. He's going to be very busy, I've made sure of it. I don't want him missing me. I don't want him even thinking about me.

*half-smiles* Yeah? They like that. They like security. Sweaters, blankets, clothes. Things that remind them of...safe people. *swallows hard, whispers* If I'd known what Rotti was planning, I would've demanded he leave immediately. I swear, Nathan...

*soft laugh* This week. It kind of depends. He wants to be like whoever he admires.

Having it there rarely means that you are taking care of yourself. You're sure you're sleeping?

He's going to think about you anyways. They always do. Shi has demanded I send her my sweaters, and uh...tofu. *looks away suddenly, firmly as if to convince himself* It's for the best. I'm...I'm not well. I barely made... made it back to work.

*rubbing his neck* He's right. I needed it. *blinks* Admires. Has he been sleeping?

*sighs* I don't know anymore. I'm so exhausted, I can't...can't take it anymore.

*winces* I don't want him to. He thinks I'm abandoning him. He thinks this is about him. *whispers* It is. It is. *shakes head, half-smiles* Tofu, huh? That's a tall order. *tilts head* Yeah? You need anythin'?

Mmm, if you think so. I...I'm taking matters into my own hands as far as alone time goes. *half-smiles* Admires. *shrugs* Possibly. He's sort of on...auto-pilot lately. Not thinking. *head in hands* He ran into a wall today, bruised up his back...

*...* Take some tea. Green tea right before bed. Peppermint should help too.

I know. But- and as much as I hate to admit this? Nothing we can do. *frowns* is there something else?

*guilty smile* I raised her vegetarian. Rotti thinks vegan is chicken as opposed to red meat. *frowning* ...what's happened? Was he checked out?

*makes a face* Leaf water. My favorite.

*swallows hard* I know. Except deal with it as best we can. *tilts head* What do you mean?

*actually laughs, it feels odd* I'm afraid I'm the same way. I guess vegetarian is healthier in loads of ways...I eat little enough as it is, though, so givin' up meat would cut me down to blueberries and cigarettes. *shrugs* Somethin' involvin' socks and recently-waxed floors. I only got a glimpse of his back, but it's about seven different colors.

Well, Vodka's just potatoes, you'll manage.

...I actually don't care much for the way meat looks.... *would shrug if he was the sort of man that shrugged* Never have. *doesn't stop the frown at her diet*

*and shifting in his place, nervous energy* ...I see.

*sighs* Somehow.

Mmmm, it's all the same to me, I suppose. *notices the frown, arches an eyebrow* I'm alive and haven't developed any serious health issues. Perhaps I should recommend this diet to others.

*notices, softly* You want to go. I understand.

*doctor tone* It's for the best, I assure you.

*...* Not yet at least, but I can only imagine how your lungs feel. Really, I swear- there's a place in the grocery store that has all sorts of other items too; like spinach, bananas, bagels, pastas...you should check it out. *not quite smiling but close*

...he wouldn't let me near him. *blinks, looks caught* Um...you meant work.

*innocent meek expression looks entirely out of place on her* Yes sir. Do I get a lollipop if I try it?

*chuckles* Oh, but I'm quittin' smokin'. Down to a pack a day. *soft sigh* Really? Is that what all that stuff is for? I thought it was just a nice background for the Twinkies and the Camels. The work of a talented designer. You mean to say I'm supposed to EAT that stuff?

*tilts head* You mean Ryan? I don't know. Last I checked he was under the distinct impression you loathed him.

...maybe. *it's impossible to tell if he's joking*

*and frowns even deeper* Funny. I'm fighting a loosing battle here, aren't I?

*and stops- and steps farther back* I think it's impossible to hate that boy.

*tilts head* Strawberry?

Mmm-hmm. Leopard's don't change their spots and bartenders don't change their eatin' habits overnight.

*frowns slightly* You'd be surprised. At any rate, he labors under the delusion that EVERYONE hates him until he 'makes' them feel otherwise.

Spoiled.

Just try it. You'd be surprised how much better you'll feel. *after a long beat* After all the caffeine and sugar withdrawal headaches are done.

I know. *tiredly, as he winces again and touches his side* I know I didn't help. *swallowing, as he looks away* It's an uphill battle. Isn't it?

Ooo, my price just raised to a lollipop AND a sticker.

Hmm, yeah, I should. Maybe over the weekend. *grins* Those're my plans, basically. Eat and sleep and not have to worry. Even though I'll probably be calling home about seven times a day to make sure Ryan hasn't killed himself.

*shakes head* He'd think that way no matter what you did. Ten years of experience can't be undone in a few months. *tilts head* You okay?

I want proof you're taking care of yourself before you're getting anything.

He doesn't have friends he could stay with? What about the one he was looking after- it might help to distract him.

*softly* ...we had a couple of troubled patients the other night. I got kicked pretty hard before I subdued him. I'm not as young as I use to be.

*soft sigh* I had salad for dinner. How bout that?

He has a million of them. He'll probably be bouncin' around from one to the other all weekend. He'll be okay. I shouldn't worry. Nothing to worry about. *clearly trying to convince herself*

*winces, steps forward in spite of herself* Did you take anythin' for it?

It's a start but your going to have to do better to get that sticker.

*quietly* You don't need to worry.

*shakes head* No...I don't care much for medications. *chuckles but winces* Besides, it only hurts when I breathe. No biggie.

*heavy sigh* FINE. I'll drink some...tea. *makes a face* This better be a pretty awesome sticker.

*nods* I know that....*holds out for a couple seconds more* Okay, where's a phone? I need to call him right now. Right this second. *starts searching*

*pauses, frowns* Yeeaah, not like you do that breathin' thing too often. You want a heatin' pad? I've got like, seven of them. They work wonders.

*watching her panic for a few moments before starts laughing- a true laughter that gets cut short by him wincing from the pain*

*wiping his eyes, before reaching into his vest and pulling out his cell phone* Here.

*stops for a moment, a genuine smile flitting across her face at the sound, then mock scowls* Oh, fine, laugh at my panic.

*almost snatches the phone* Blessings upon you, you enabler of overprotective mother's. *flips phone open, dials quickly*

*sill laughing* I can't help it. You're cute when you panic.

*chuckling and moves to sit down right there, cradling his side- speaking after a bit- loud enough for the other person to hear* Guilt her, Ryan! You'll be able to get a puppy afterwards*

*and after a beat* Miss you, son.

*pouts for a moment* I like to labor under the delusion that I'm ALWAYS cute and it doesn't require spazzin' to confirm this.

*giggles, shoving him lightly and saying smoothly into the phone* Pay no attention to the man behind the mother. Hi, baby, how're you doin'?...what?...*blinks, scowls at Nathan* He wants to know how much guilt it takes to get a horse.

*hesitates* And he misses you too.

*rolls eyes at the pout*

*winces from the shove* Injured here! *blinks and tries solemnly not to laugh* Tell him there has to be tears...and maybe some sleeping in your bed while you're gone. *off her look* Not that I would help in sabotaging another parent.

... *can't hide his smile* ...

*sticks her tongue out, thereby solidifying her immature status*

*winces, hisses quickly* Sorry! Forgot. *suddenly scowls, covers the phone with one hand* Are you insane?! There will be no tears involved! None, whatsoever! I will not be manipulated! *the change from irritation to puddle of mush is visible as soon as she gets back on the phone* Uh, no, baby, he hasn't a single clue how you can get me to buy you large farm animals, so might as well give up on that plan.

*smiles back, says into the phone* Yes, he's here now. I'm hijackin' his cell phone...I hid mine...so I wouldn't call you every five seconds...

*sticks his tongue out right back- mature doctor behavior after all*

If you bust my stitches and I bleed out I will never forgive you- do you hear me?

I'll keep thinking about the farm animals though. Just to spite you.

*looks up at her while she talks* He has my number. He can call me now.

*chooses this moment to be a responsible adult, pursing her lips and giving him a mildly disapproving look, the type usually reserved for chastising teachers*

*back to the phone* So, did you do all your homework? Yes, I'm talkin' about the math part too. Yes. No. *feigns innocence at the mention of stitches, mouthing elaborately, 'Can't hear you'*

*the farm animals crack draws another murderous pout, however, while the idea of Ryan being able to contact him doesn't seem in the least bit perturbing*

Yeah? What still hurts?....Baby, it's been like, two days. Didn't you take anythin' for it?...I haven't a clue, Ryan. In the cupboard. No. No. *sighs heavily, rolling her eyes and saying aside* Child seems to think if he ignores it, it'll go away.

*takes the look straight on, without blinking*

*and almost slumps dramatically- resisting the urge to groan in overblown pain (while cursing himself for moving too quick)*

*his smile fades just slightly as he touches his side again* *and then he looks up* What's wrong with him?

*can't help it, dissolves into a laugh that's really more of a snort, then clamps one hand over her mouth to keep back the giggles*

*frowns, reaching out and not quite touching him, mouthing the word 'Careful'*

Yeah, hold on a sec, honey. *covers phone, says in a low voice* Back's still buggin' him. Apparently icin' it hasn't helped a bit. *goes back to cell* Okay, back. Yeah, can't you ask one of the staff for help?...you don't wanna bug them. *another eye roll*

*waves dismissively at her words of cautions- doctors are terrible patients* It's not the first time I've been hurt on the job. Won't be the last.

*without thinking* Should I grab my bag and drop by? *too busy trying to control the pain to focus*

*and then realizes what he's said* ...no...I mean I could but...I didn't mean... *looks up at her-uncertain*

*low laugh* Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure you wanna get better, am I right? Provokin' me with mentions of farm animals isn't a good way to recover.

*hesitates, genuine worry flickering across her face, though it's hard to tell whether it's at this suggestion or her son's condition* Baby, you want me or Nathan to come and see what's up?

*very, very long pause, glances at him* ...he says that's fine.

...maybe I can convince him to want a goat.

*swallows when she asks and stays very quiet and very still before she answers*

*very softly* I can be there after work.

*makes a face at the very idea*

Yeah, hon, we'll be there later..okay, no runnin' around or playin' on the roof, you hear me?...yes, that counts as the roof. And try not to set anythin' on fire...well, you never know. Yeah. Mmm-hmm. Okay, see you then. *voice softens* Love you so much, Ryan. Yeah. Okay, bye.

*hangs up, hands him the phone* When do you need me ready by?

*takes it and returns it to his vest*

I could just meet you both at the bar, *looks a little concerned himself but resolved* Just tell me when and I'll adjust my schedule accordingly.

Shilo usually doesn't expect me till late evening. *getting back up- although with much struggle* You said he was already treated yes?

OOC: Should we sws this or do you want a thread in Nate's journal.

*shrugs, sighs* Okay. Whenever's good for you. I took the whole weekend off...assumin' I was gonna stay away, have a vacation, but..*shakes head* Can't.

Good. Don't want to interfere. *hesitates* Define 'treated'.

oo: Whichever you wish. :3

*touching her shoulder* I'm sorry. I really am...

I'll be quick. Just a few hours- if that. *raises eyebrows* Right.

OOC: K. I'll throw up the post in Nathan's journal sometime late tonight.

*shrugs* I'm not gonna laze around and watch bad TV all day if my kid's hurt. Don't worry bout it.

*uneasy sigh* All right. Hopefully it's not too bad. *half-smiles* Yeeeaah...okay. See you then.

ooc: Coolness. Don't worry, I'm West Coast, so late probably isn't that late for me.

OOC: http://livingoutalie.livejournal.com/7813.html At your leisure.