Vices and Maces

Chapter 77: Here's Some Free Comedic Relief

CW: hospital stuff, near panic attack, being heavily medicated, guilt, mention: surgery, torture, execution

The hospital hallway felt much longer to Remus than it really was. His hands felt numb, though he knew he was still holding onto Sal's. Part of him wished it was Janus he was walking with, but Virgil needed them, and Roman was probably high on drugs and he's not too close to them yet. Sal on the other hand had been friends with both of them long enough for Roman to be okay with her seeing him so weak.

"His right humerus, his upper arm bone, was hit by the bullet," the doctor explained. "We removed it and stabilized the bone with a plate and screws. The surgery was a complete success, and after a few months, be sure to have him return to remove the plate. He should return in two to four weeks so we can see the healing process and determine when it can be removed. They don't need to be removed, however it is preferred, and he should still come back for a check up."

"Alright," Remus agreed, though he was only half listening. His head was still fuzzy because his brother was in the hospital. Because his brother was shot.

The doctor turned the door handle, and for a moment Remus thought he was going to see his brother in that same hospital room he had been in for, what was it, a month? Could have been longer, he wasn't really keeping track of the days.

But no, it was a different hospital room. There were no wilted flowers, there wasn't even a window to the outside. It was a single hospital room, and Roman was laying in a hospital gown, an IV stuck in his uninjured arm. Those three things were the only similarities. His right arm was in a sling now, covered in bandages.

The doctor let them in before closing the door. When it closed, Roman's eyes blinked open, though it seemed like he could barely see. "Remus?" he asked, though his voice was quiet and it tore at his brother's heart.

"Hey Ro, thought we were done with surprise hospital trips," Remus joked, walking over.

"I know I know I just... What was I doin'?"

"Well you're slurring now. And not even the naughty word kind." It was weird seeing Roman like this, he's not super serious, and was probably not gonna remember any of this. The part of Remus that kept his cool wanted to record this, but he was too worried.

"Hehe... naughty." Roman frowned. "The man with the gun was naughty. He tried to hurt Virgil and... and the other one."

"Anna?"

"Yeah... Anna. Was she hurt? I thought I heard a scream... I don't know."

"She... she's with a doctor," Sal said. "I think she'll be okay."

"That's good... I promised Virgil that... that she would be safe. Where is Virgil?"

"He's... resting," Remus lied. "You all have had a long day."

"Tha's good..." Roman giggled slightly. "We got him some clothes... Nice pretty clothes... He's so pretty. No, no he's handsome."

"Wow those are some strong drugs," Sal commented, making Remus smile, a real smile.

"I like his handsome face... No... I think I love him. Him and his handsome face..." Roman had a dreamy look.

"Wait what?" Remus asked.

"Yeah... Don't you agree? He's handsome."

"So... Do you like him?" It's been so long since Roman had a crush that it had caught Remus completely off guard.

"I'm smi'em...! Smitt... kitten? Was tha word? Hehe... kitten."

"I think you're trying to say 'smitten,' Ro."