No Choice | Peter Ballard x Reader

Dove

Tick..

Tock..

Tick...

Tock...

Ti--

"God, can I have a different clock around here?" you mumble to yourself.

Being stuck in the infirmary is something you heavily despise. Sure, it's your job to take care of the kids and nurse them back to health, but waiting in a room all by yourself can get pretty lonely. No employees are allowed any electronic device that can be used as a distraction, so all you have in that room was the ticking clock and yourself. Sometimes, when you were really bored, you started organizing materials in the infirmary. 

Your favorite of them all included the band-aids in the med kit. You loved organizing them by color and design. You recently asked Dr. Brenner if they could supply you with different patterned band-aids, so the kids aren't so ashamed and dejected when they have one on. He was very.. adamant about how unnecessary this request was but still complied nonetheless.

You, even though the job can quickly become mind-numbing, love the fact that you barely had any interaction with the kids. You aren't the type to be well-liked by children nor was the feeling reciprocated from you. In fact, you even found it hard to like most of the kids in the Hawkins Laboratory. However, there are some that you grew to be fond of like 011, 006, and 010, but their visits are rare since they fortunately don't get hurt often.

You are currently counting the number of ferrous sulfate tablets to keep your inventory accurate for today. Your shift is almost over, and you could tell by the clock nearing 7:15. 

"Y/n?"

You look up, write the number you just said, and greet the man who entered the room. His dirty blond hair immediately catches your eyes. Out of all your coworkers, he always stands out to you the most. His posture was so proper, and his kindness was never overlooked. He would always have this reverent and serene smile whenever he passed you in the halls.

"Anything you need, Ballard?" you question as the man gave you a small wave and smile.

"Ah, just checking up on you. You always check on everyone, but who's there to check up on you?" Peter comments while slowly making his way towards you.

You let out a small chuckle as you set your clipboard down.

"Very philosophical, Peter Ballard. Now, what are you really here for?" 

Peter's smile becomes more polite.

"You've always been a smart one. Two ibuprofen, please," he gently requests.

You quickly make your way towards your shelf beside the gatch bed and grab a small container. You open it, carefully spilling out two pills, and hand them to Peter. You then ask if he needs water in which he replies with a friendly denial. You quickly write down in your clipboard about the two ibuprofen and list them under Peter's name.

"Are you sure that's everything you need? I am a nurse after all," you offer.

"No, no. I'm fine. My head just started bothering me is all. Thank you though."

"Okay, if you say so, Ballard."

There was a pregnant pause before he decides to speak up again.

"Since the kids have already gone to their rooms, would you.. want to walk with me to the dining room?" Peter insists.

Flustered, you quickly but carefully lay your clipboard down. 

"Oh! Um, yes. I would love to."

Peter then gives you another closed smile. The two of you stand there in the infirmary, not saying anything nor moving for a couple of seconds before Peter chuckles.