megalomaniac

Sounds good. I could do with some company. Seems like even my family’s forgotten about me, and beggars can’t be choosers, right?

I am not a last option, Eth. But I’ll show up with Chinese.

The painkillers left his mind a bit in a haze (understatement, really), but Ethan caught Ben stepping in closer, the scent of the roses he brought. Like he would every day. He was the only one that came every day. The only one.

He guessed Karma was kicking his ass again when not even his own family could be bothered to check up.

His name left the tip of his tongue and his mouth grew dry. What was he meant to say? “You know I will always be here.” And it was the truth. Ben had no desire to leave Ethan now, or any time soon. “God... you still haven’t told me what happened.” Curiosity was an embedded thought. How could he just let this go?

She nodded, chewing nervously on her bottom lip as she shoved her hands into the pockets of her lab coat, racking her brain for something appropriate to say. “Understandable… if I was you, I wouldn’t want help from me either. I know it’s probably not worth much, but…” she paused slightly, deciding whether or not to proceed, before she finished her thought. “I acted immaturely, the last time I saw you, and I’m sorry. I was a little… taken back, and as much as I hate to admit it, a little jealous. I didn’t have any grounds to be, and I get it. You don’t have to talk to me, but- at least let me get you a decent cup of coffee.”

It was a weakness. A full frontal weakness that gave Ben the urge to knock her down verbally right there and then. What did she want? An apology also? No, he was far too stubborn for that. “... Alright.” The word finally slipped from his mouth. “... But before I even begin to contemplate wanting to walk beside you, I want to know what happened between yourself and Aurélie.”

The jealousy was a shocking aspect, to say the least. Ben was aware of what had happened but he didn’t understand why. He simply thought that they both agreed on having sex and getting over it. But alas, here she was. Clinging onto feelings that Ben loathed. He toyed with the rings on his finger that belonged to his father. The word for strength in French was engraved on the pure silver ring. It was what she lacked, clearly. However, as pathetic as her kindness was, he managed to give in ever so slightly. Just as long as he received an explanation.

Just a few days ago it was ‘poor Faye’ and now Ethan was chained to a hospital bed himself. 

The painkillers were finally kicking in, taking his mind off the pain and focusing it on this and that instead. It was easier this way, making anything but what was happening the centre of his attention. He wondered if the mayoress was still in hospital. Or was she discharged already? If not, he could go visit her now that Lisette had– oh, nevermind. Considering the state he was in it was unlikely Ethan Hathaway went anywhere anytime soon. If Michel’s goal had been to break several of Ethan’s bones, than it had been achieved, definitely. In the moments his mind wasn’t clouded by the meds he was given Ethan could feel himself shake in fear of what happened, memories assaulting him, making the injuries he would feel for weeks to come come second. But no, he wasn’t going to think about that, not now…

Sofia noticed the dark-haired gentleman struggling with the coffee machine, and she approached him slowly, prepared to offer her assistance. It wasn’t until she was a few feet away, though, that she realized that it was Ben… the realization too late for her to avoid the altercation.

There were mixed feelings after she’d realized who it was, the night that she’d cooked him dinner, as well as what had happened afterward coming to the forefront of her memory, yet it was closely followed by the ungodly argument they’d had at the Istra Re-Opening followed closely. 

“Did you, uh… do you need help with that?”

It was merely a glance. That was all it took for Benjamin to realise who it was beside her. Sofia. A sigh left his lips, long fingers finally freeing from the machine.

The audacity in her was striking, Benjamin thought. After the argument, Ben just branded her as the rest. Good at spreading her legs but bad at keeping her mouth shut. He valued her kindness, he truly did, but for now, he remained harbouring a grudge.

“No.” Ben finally snapped, turning to face her. “I wouldn’t want help from you.”

Now that the children’s ward and the lobby are somewhat decorated for Halloween. Emergency seems quiet for the moment… I’d like to think it may not be a bad night to be working graveyard.

Benjamin! My, this is a pleasant surprise. Margaux hasn’t told me you would be here, as well.

What is, now? Being a friend, or living up to expectations? That’s what you signed up for when you became my friend, Mathieu. Are you complaining?

We are, indeed, seeing each other. I’m afraid this time, TMI did not smoke a huge bong before sitting down at a laptop and hitting random keys. Why’re you asking?

Oh, is that so? Well, congratulations. I just wanted to see if it was true or not.

Marvellous. And thank you. That is very attentive of you.

…Fine. If you’re curious, ask. I feel like I’ll be talking about it a lot more anyways at the next family dinner.

Good. Are you two dating? Or are they simply making it up?

I really hope you’ve a grill on your balcony or something. I mean, I assume you do. Isn’t it an obligatory item for the bachelor’s invetory? Because I brought some steaks and I do not want to talk about TMI.

... I mean, as your very good friend, can I at least ask about it? Or no?