only the good die young

“What can I say, I’m a woman of many talents.” She shrugged her shoulders and gave a small smile, feeling a little awkward at having been caught. Her eyes followed his movements as she watched him interact with the boy, her brows furrowing a little in confusion. “You two know each other?” She wasn’t sure whether her question was directed towards the doctor or her young friend she’d spent the afternoon helping.

Tilting his head to the side, he nodded slowly. “I can see that.” There was a tone to his voice that suggested he was impressed. With that, the boy responded to his comment and smiled up at him. And then he nodded in response to Reagan’s question. “Family friends.” He explained with a smile. Mostly, at least. 

“You know,” Kirean started, handing his sister the cup of hot chocolate that he had made for them both. “Staying in the house all day isn’t exactly healthy.” He sat down on the sofa next to her. “I would know, being a Doctor and all.” He joked, a small smile finding its way to his lips.

“I’m sure I can give it a try. I visited Madam Pomfrey enough to be able to watch how she worked.” A fake smile of her own, fell across her lips. “There’s no spell? Potions sound like a whole lot of waiting.”

“It takes a bit more training than watching how someone else does it.” Kieran mentioned. “I’m sure it’s a decent start. Though something tells me hospital work isn’t quite what you would enjoy.” Given how eager she had been to leave. “There’s a spell that will help with some of your wounds, but the potions will deal with everything.” 

“Well, how could you not?” She teased as she looked up at him with a smile. Though she was slightly surprised at seeing the Doctor, not expecting his appearance. “Have you not heard that my company and personality is just renowned around here? I’m a highly sort after person, I’ll have you know.”

An amused smile made its way onto the wizards lips as he listened to her talk. “Modest too, I see.” He commented, his eyes meeting hers. He brought his glass to his lips, taking a long sip. “Then I suppose I’m lucky to have caught you while you’re alone.”

“You know,” he started, sliding into the booth. “The hospital is a lot quieter without you around.” He placed the two glasses on the table -- one for her and the other for himself. “Who’d have thought I would miss it?”

“Exactly.” She replied smugly. “I think I’m worth the risk.” Mary joked with a light laugh. She bit her lip laughing as he narrowed his eyes at her. “Well, you are getting older brother dearest.” The brunette teased with a playful grin. “Too right. Now, tell me, have you been working yourself into the ground again? I don’t know why I’m asking when I already know the answer. When did you last have your day off?” She asked raising a brow as she pulled away from the male to look at him. 

“You don’t have to remind me, Mary.” Kieran shook his head, a light chuckle passing through his lips. It was painfully obvious that he was getting older by the day. The stress of the past year had probably influenced it also. “You know that time off isn’t something that’s allowed in situations such as this.” He said, looking down at his sister. That wasn’t strictly true, but it was busier and thus there was more to do. Kieran didn’t mind staying on for long hours, or coming in daily. “I can have a day off when there’s less patients or more staff.”

“How about you sit here and I’ll tell you what to do?” She replied back sarcastically. “Can’t you hurry up the healing process?”

“If you’d taken the path of a healer, then maybe we could have arranged for that. But, that’s not the case.” Kieran shrugged, offering her a fake apologetic smile. “If you’d sit still and wait for the potions to brew, then maybe.” 

Mary laughed at the male’s comment. “You know you secretly love it. How boring would your life be without me.” She teased smirking. “Don’t worry, it’s not showing…yet.” The brunette gave a laugh from behind her cup before taking a sip to hide her smile. “Well, I love you.” She told him while wrapping her arm around his side to give him side hug.

“Dreadfully boring.” He smiled, shaking his head. “But I’d be a lot further away from a heart attack.” He joked with his little sister, the smile on his face growing. Her next comment caused him to playfully narrow his eyes. “Yet.” He chuckled lightly, wrapping his arms around her as she hugged him. “I love you too, troublemaker.” 

A smile tugged at Mary’s lips, “What can I say, I like to keep you on your toes.” She joked with a light laugh. “Hey, I’ll accept the grey hairs but the wrinkles are on you.” The brunette gave him a pointed look before breaking out into a grin. She took the cup smiling as the smell of tea hit her. “Have I mentioned how much I love you?” 

Kieran shook his head, though there was a growing smile pulling at his lips. “I’m aware of that. You’ve been doing it since you were able to walk.” He was truly glad that Mary was okay, though. He didn’t know what he would do if she hadn’t been. “You’re the one making me old before my time.” He said, taking a sip from his coffee cup. “Once more won’t hurt.” 

“You are the reason I am going grey in my thirties.” Kieran joked with his little sister, a small smile gracing his lips. Of course, his tone wouldn’t be so playful if he didn’t know she had returned. “And while we’re at it, I think I’ll blame you for the wrinkles too.” He said, passing her the hot beverage he’d brought her. 

“True, I suppose. Have you ever actually treated a hypochondriac?” Reagan asked curious to the type of people he’d had to treat. She gave a light laugh nodding her head, “Exactly.” The brunette pursed her lips, swinging her legs back and forth as if she was considering it. “I think I’ll pass. I mean, even if I wanted to help - which I don’t - I’m not sure you’d want it yourself.” She gave another laugh at the thought. Nodding, she gave the male a salute. “Whatever you say doc.” Reagan replied winked at him. “How very boring of them.” A mischievous smile laced her lips. “But how will I ever see your handsome face again?”

“Not many of them around here, but you’ll be surprised how many you come across in bigger towns and cities.” Kieran informed her with a smile. “People are a bit of the opposite here. They’d rather risk injuring themselves more. Mr. Green down the hall doesn’t understand the phrase ‘bed rest’. And Spinnet can’t wait to be out of this place and they’re both worse off for it.” He shook his head, clearly frustrated by the amount of patients who were just prolonging their time in the hospital with their own stupidity. “And that’s only a couple of them.” Of course, he wasn’t actually treating Spencer due to shortage in supplies, but he liked to check up on every wizard in the ward -- even the Death Eaters. He was not about to let someone suffer under his care and calming pain via spells were always effective and not in short supply. “We’re in need of more hands now than any other time.” He shrugged. “But you need your own time to rest.” He offered a smile. He had only been joking, after all. Kieran simply chuckled and shook his head at her comment -- he truthfully had no reply for that. Meeting her gaze again, he replied. “I suppose you’ll have to find another, less painful reason to come by.”

“You think that if I’m given the option to leave, that I’ll stay?” She asked with a raised brow. “Would you if the roles happened to be reversed? Look, Doc if you want me to stay, just say so.” She teased smirking, watching him avoid looking at her. “I’m sure a nice hot shower will help with whatever wounds I have left rather than me just sitting on this bed twiddling my thumbs.” Seeing her shirt was indeed where he indicated to, Reagan jumped down from the bed and walked over to grab it. “Why so reserved now? I mean you’ve already seen me half naked.” She questioned while pulling the material over her head and wincing slightly as her muscles stretched in protest.

A laugh left his lips in response to the brunette’s comment. “Well, most people wouldn’t, but there’s always the odd chance.” He shrugged. “But, no. I spend enough time in here as it is.” He mentioned. Kieran also knew that there were many people stuck here who weren’t able to walk out that door yet, even if they wanted to. He chuckled at her next comment. “Unless you’re offering help...” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Just make sure you’re resting, whether it’s here or at home, after your shower.” He told her, turning around shortly after she had retrieved her shirt -- making sure to give her enough time to put it on. But he turned in time to see her struggle and wince as her shirt fell into place. “It’s hard to believe, but many of my patients like their privacy after the hard work is done. It’s courtesy.” He smiled, meeting her gaze. “And, please, make sure you don’t overdo it. You don’t want to end up back here.” 

“It’s withholding things that are rightfully mine. I just wanted some stupid chocolate but I can’t even have that. Does anyone else want to take anything else away from me?” She ranted hitting the machine with her fist trying to control her emotions.

Kieran’s brows furrowed as he listened to her comment. “I know these are stressful times, but I don’t think hitting the machine is going to help you or it.” He took a coin out of his pocket and offered it out to her. “Here. Try again.”