gabriel_tam | (no subject)

(no subject)

The room is fairly nice, all things considered. There are several chairs, a porta-cot set up discreetly against one wall for visitors that for one reason or another are reluctant to leave, and it's clear that whoever designed this particular private room in the first place intended to make it seem as warm and welcoming as possible.

Of course, given that it's a hospital, there's really only so much that can be done.

Currently, the hospital bed is tilted upwards at an angle, with the evident intention of making the patient comfortable. It seems to be working, at least a little, because Gabriel Tam is asleep.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

At first he struggles against it, coughing and wincing in agony -- he can't help but do so, as the rush of heat-cold-heat pours through him, over him, reminding him horribly of drowning and choking on his own blood while he burned from the inside out.

But as she tries again, and again, finally crying aloud, Gabriel feels some deep shadow within him dissipate, pulled up and out and away.

His face still hurts, as does his body; he still can't take a single truly deep breath-- but despite that, he feels lighter, somehow.

Gabriel Tam stares at her, in shock that turns to slowly-dawning wonder.

She smiles faintly. "Is it better?"

"It... is."

He can't bow formally, but he makes a small motion in that direction all the same, ignoring any pain that it causes.

"Xièxie nĭ."

On those words the door opens again, just enough for Simon to slip back into the room and close it behind him.

He looks from his father to Yuna -- "Did you ...?" -- and back again.

She can feel exhaustion tugging on her skirt-hems, now that the moment is past, and she subtly lets more of her weight hang on the staff.

That's one of the things a staff is good for, after all.

She nods to him. "It should be all right, now. You still have the remedy I gave you?" she adds, half a question.

To Gabriel: "If you feel that, darkness returning, I think you should have some of it."

It's all but gone out of his head, but --

"I still have it, yes. It's back on the ship."

To his father: "I'll bring it, next time I come."

"All right."

Gabriel settles wearily back against the pillows, giving Yuna a thoughtful glance.

"I'd like to talk with you again sometime, miss. Perhaps back at Milliways? I'm sure the trip here must be inconvenient for you, to say the least."

"It wasn't that difficult," she says; the smile comes easily. "Simon just brought me. But--I'd like that, yes. When you're feeling better."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only