dust & ashes

        𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 in his head, Finley managed a snort of laughter. One which made him wince afterwards, but still. “Sod off, Winston.” He moaned. “I’m the handsome one, remember? You got the books, I got the looks. That was the deal.” Truth be told, Drew bested the Brit in both those departments. At least in Finley’s eyes, anyway. “Full o’ surprises, aren’t I?” He quipped tiredly as he rested his eyes against the bright lights of the hospital. Only for a moment. As much as he knew he was in for it, having Drew by his bedside eased something for Finley. Like no matter how badly he fucked up, there was always someone in the wings for him. Ready and waiting to nurse him through the aftermath. The room spun as Finley lifted his head off the pillow just slightly to take the straw between his lips. Groaning, he closed his eyes again and sipped the water blindly. This time keeping them shut as he lulled his head back. “Just making up for your absence, wasn’t I?” Finley deflected weakly. Even behind shut eyes, his reality continued to spin. “Any chance you can shut the lights off in this joint?” 

How he managed to keep up with his trademark humour and charm while only really half conscious was a wonder to Drew, but he was glad for it. Certainly, it was better than any other alternative. “I wasn’t aware of any deal that was made,” he played along, “Is it your liver that you’re sacrificing for it? Because you’re well on your way.” Though the other’s eyes were closed, he was sure to have heard the disapproval in Drew’s tone. Very rarely did he have use for it, but he was worried. He sighed, lips downturning at the sound of discomfort Finley had made, only then leaving his side to fulfil his request. Upon his return, he seated himself by the other’s feet. “Finley, this...” Drew hesitated, not knowing how to approach such a delicate subject matter. Had their relationship been purely doctor to patient, it would have been much easier. But this was his friend. Somebody he held dearly in his life. “This isn’t okay. It isn’t normal, and I think you know that.” 

★

the only cool thing about this event was that it gave rose to wear the night sky inspired suit they had been wanting to wear for ages now. other then that, the night was a complete drag. it wasn’t about enjoying yourself, it was about talking yourself up to the egos that kept the hospital running. so all in all, it was a bore and if there was one thing rose really didn’t like, it was being bored.

“doctor.” drew offered a welcome distraction from said boredom however, thus receiving a bright smile from them. they took the glass from him with a nod. “thanks! it’s a fun one isn’t it? i think it’s a bit disappointed by the not as fun night though. i get that.”

They were a peculiar person, Rosaline Windsor — from the way they spoke, to the way they carried themself. So unlike many others in their field of work. It was why Drew was so drawn to them. Having somebody around that made up for the monotony of others’ made the job infinitely better, events and all. A chuckle rumbled from the male’s chest at their remark, “It definitely has you written all over it.” He lifted his glass up to his lips and took a sip of the alcoholic beverage before continuing on, “These never really are fun. Who’d have thought there’d be a performative aspect to the job? I certainly didn’t.” A shrug. It was what it was. It didn’t take away the value of their work. “You seem to be doing alright, though. All the people you’ve been talking to, they seem pleased.” 

✨

it was fun to have such kind people around her. and still, drew had proven to be a special type of kind, the type that went above and beyond to make sure his little heartbroken neighbor was okay, despite the unbelievable work schedule he had. but more than okay, stevie felt safe around him. and there were no words that could possibly explain how grateful she was for everything he was doing for her — because he didn’t have to. he really didn’t. the physical reminder of drew’s heart as the blanket fell on her shoulders before she got squeezed brought a smile to her face. call it confirmation bias, but when he was so unapologetically nice, it simply couldn’t be a bias. she wrapped half of herself in the blanket. “it’s not that cold!” she teased, although her current look would definitely counter that statement. “i have enough blanket over here to share if you’re cold.” she could’ve suggested he went back inside, she would’ve just been another minute anyway… but she didn’t. even when the thought came to her, she didn’t. sort of a selfish choice, yes, she didn’t want to be alone; but she also wanted to hang out with drew. she offered him the cigarette she held between her fingers. “this could also help. oopsie.” she probably wasn’t supposed to be smoking, but the brunette couldn’t truly remember when the last time she’d told him she’d stop was.

“same goes for you, young man. i’m kind of surprised you didn’t go straight to bed.” she gave him a playful look with some tired undertones, which shifted slowly into the most unthreatening glare ever. “i see how it is.” her voice cracked there a little bit, revealing a smile. “i’m glad though, you truly deserve a break. i hope you can take one soon.” stevie nodded her head as she listened, and shrugged her shoulders before she answered the doctor’s question. “i’m… good. yeah, better. talking to you always makes me feel better,” she dropped that line fairly casually, as if it weren’t that big of a deal. after all, in her mind, it wasn’t — he couldn’t help being so great, could he? “hmm. well, after i got back from work i went down to whole foods for some ingredients, for tomorrow’s dinner,” the statement was followed by a mischievous raise of her eyebrows and a mysterious look in her eye. “watered my plants, folded some laundry… super exciting stuff, obviously. i fed cat, and we hung out for a little bit. he’s a great listener, you know?” she smirked. “by the way, do you need any help with laundry? because you know i can take care of it, no problem.”

He should have headed inside. His feet ached, eyelids burning as they begged to be shut. After such a long day, all Drew wanted was to climb into bed. But he couldn’t help but oblige to Stevie. It wasn’t as if he would have been able to rest knowing she was out all by her lonesome. He was attune to her, in that way, a consequence of their ever blooming companionship. At least something good came out of a bad situation. Wordlessly, Drew huddled himself close underneath the comforter. He had accepted her offer of the cigarette, huffing out a laugh as he shook his head. “We’re terrible at this whole quitting thing, huh?” Knowing them, they would come to vow never to touch one again after finishing the one now in his hand. Still, against his better judgement, he had been bringing the butt of stick up to his lips, inhaling deeply. What was another one, anyway?

The smoke felt heavy as it sat in his lungs. Another moment or two and he was releasing it back into the air with a slow exhale. “I’m not all that tired,” Drew replied simply. A lie. He knew if he told her otherwise she would be ushering him away, but truth be told, he didn’t want to go yet. He relished in the time they spent together. If her words were anything to go by, she did too. Gaze soft, Drew took a moment to look down at her before shuffling in closer, head resting atop hers affectionately, “You know I’m always here.” He would adhere to that to the best of his abilities. “That sounds like a nice day, though. Word of advice, if you’re tired enough, Cat can also give out good advice. I swear by it,” He teased, though soon came to scoff at her suggestion. “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re already doing enough for me as it is.” 

When Drew piped up, Teddy knew that he was about to show his concerned doctor side. In hindsight she shouldn’t have mentioned her wonderful day to him, especially since Teddy had met him when she’d needed some extra help to patch herself up. Or rather, kept needing help being patched up on certain jobs. “Well…coffee helps my headache? And I mean, I haven’t gotten to see you outside the hospital for awhile so, I thought it’d be fun to catch up.” She explained as if she hadn’t just told Drew that she’d injured herself…again. That part probably could’ve been left out. “Hey hey Doc, you’ll be happy to hear that these rich folks who hired me had me checked out by their family doctor—since I’m Italian I legally can’t tell you if they were that type of family that stereotypically has a family doctor—but he checked me out.” Teddy replied, waving her finger at him slightly, hoping he would calm down a little. She really appreciated that he cared, but she also just wanted to hang out with her friend outside of the ER.

Eyes narrowed as they examined the features of the girl, searching for any sight of mistruth. Over the time that they’d known one another, it had become glaringly clear that they had different standards of health and safety. Teddy could have come to him half dead and claim that she was okay. So, it was fair to say that his skepticism had been warranted. Still, the last thing Drew wanted was to be overbearing. She seemed okay, and if anything were to happen, at least he would be there. “Fine,” came a sigh, shoulders dropping, “But the second I sense anything wrong, I’m taking you in.” He crossed his arms as he leant back in his seat. “Can’t believe you went to another doctor,” he muttered with a playful huff, “Do I mean nothing to you?” 

“Maybe. I thought you liked being buttered up,” Madison responded in a teasing tone, returning the nudge. Either way, she meant her words and she hoped her knew that. He was hands down one of the few people she would talk to the most, so she thought it was rather obvious. With his nod, she walked along side him as they left the hospital. At his words, she placed a hand over her chest dramatically and smiled, “Well that’s just the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.” She laughed some before shaking her head, responding in a more serious tone now, “Nah, no need. He’s harmless. But I do appreciate you. He lives in my building. Same floor and everything so it’s hard to avoid him at times. You ever had a stalker?” She asked, turning the attention on him now.

An arm slung over her shoulder, chuckle rumbling through his chest as he gave her an affectionate squeeze, “Only by you, kid.” They fell into step easily then; a casual stroll, much unlike the usual rushing about they did within the hospital. It was a nice change. “Look, as long as he isn’t overstepping any boundaries. Don’t be afraid to call him out on it if he does. None of that polite, passive aggressive stuff, either. You don’t owe anybody shit, least of all a guy that wants your attention.” The casual manner in which she had asked the following question had Drew’s face screwing up, head tilting ever so slightly as he looked down to meet her gaze. “I can’t say I have. I wouldn’t say I’m interesting enough to. Is that a rite of passage nowadays, having a stalker? Am I missing out on something?” 

“Seriously? —Backing out that easily huh?” Rob gave a confident smirk as he drank the rest of his drink. “Fine, but this will be a match to remember.” He laughed lightly, despite the compeititon he enjoyed the fun aspect out of it. “Seriously?” He furrowed his eyebrows, yearning a loud laugh but he chuckled shrugging. “I mean, I didn’t have a best man—So, it would be my honour. So you would consider gettin’ married? Honestly mate…” He shook his head grimaced. “–Worst thing I ever did, and the rings? Fuckin expensive.” He commented. “Okay, so yes I am here—What do you out of work? Do you have a partner? Where’s your apartment? I know you’re from here–But do you have a family? There ya’ go, there’s half my twenty questions finished.” He was genuinely interested, he worked with this guy every day closely–how he didn’t know much about him was mental to Rob. “Ooh, you got me.” He raised both his hands, giving a wink. “I’ll just give it back when ya’ get married.” He joked lightly.

“You’re the worst,” Drew concluded. He shrugged at the following question, feeling rather abash. Talking about feelings, or anything more than their usual shallow, small talk, had been uncharted territory. But if he had been willing to take that step forward, then why turn away? “I think I would. I think with anything, things could end up turning into the worst case scenario. But you want to try to be the exception, you know? That might just be the idealist in me.” Questions continued to be spouted out, but Drew found himself much more comfortable and able to share. The alcohol could be half thanked for that. “Look, man. You know as well as I do that we barely get time out of work. I’m asleep most of the time, if not I’m at the gym. On rare occasions I get dragged out into some club or party, but I like to worm my way out of them. I don’t currently have a partner, no. My apartment’s in Brooklyn Heights, and uh...the family thing’s complicated.” He leant back on his seat, then, hands gesturing to his companion. “Your turn.”

Aubrey: ......I guess you are a little older than me 🙈

Aubrey: We obviously need to get you to a coffee shop as soon as possible.

Aubrey: Preferably with me there to officially guide you.

Aubrey: 💋

Drew: Is that something you're into? [Unsent]

Drew: I'm taking that as an actual invitation, and the answer is yes.

Drew: Who else would I be taking other than my favourite tour guide?

“Doctor,” Drew teased as he approached the other, offering them a champagne glass that he had retrieved on his way, “You’re looking stunning tonight.” / @rxsedr​

Aubrey: Oh my god.

Aubrey: You’re not actually serious, are you? 😩

Aubrey: It’s LITERALLY the epitome of fall.

Aubrey: How did I not ever get to introduce you?

Aubrey: 💔💔💔😭😭😭

Drew: Dead serious, Jennings.

Drew: You know me, I act like I'm twice my age. I don't keep up with trends.

Drew: That, and the fact that our schedules never line up ☹️

Aubrey: Is it bad that I totally already caved and ordered myself a pumpkin spice latte just now? 😂

Aubrey: ..... 🙈🙈🙈

Aubrey: It's bad, isn't it?

Drew: Counter question, is it bad that I've never had pumpkin spice...anything?