Super Human ( ONC2024)

Chapter-3: Anticipated Deception

Ruben rubbed his temple as he felt it was about to burst, not from ache but from frustration. Kabbo kept whining every time the nurse tried to clean his wounds, making the atmosphere unpleasant. It was similar to the feeling one might experience when a whiny kid cries at the sight of an injection, but far worse! Because in this case, the kid in question was actually 35. His looks could be deceiving, but Ruben had known him for almost a decade now. So he knew Kabbo aged slowly, way slower than his peers, just like any other superhumans. But his childishness never ceased, not even with his growing age. And currently, they were witnessing that very childishness. If this continued, Ruben feared he might start having an actual headache soon.

Fortunately, they had Ian, the most patient nurse on duty. Despite all the interruptions, Ian diligently cleaned Kabbo's cuts and wiped away the blood without any complaints, even though Kabbo was interrupting him every two seconds.

They did not expect Kabbo to have so many injuries that they found during this session. His nose and lips were broken, and he had small pieces of glass stuck in his arms. Kabbo wondered where the glass came from, most likely when he fought those three drunken superhumans. However, he could not contemplate for long as the pain on the back of his head kept reminding him of its presence. His entire body was in agony, and he felt like crying, but he didn't want to appear weak to the others. But funnily enough, his whining seemed no different than crying to the other two.

Ruben rested his chin on his palm and watched Ian move away from Kabbo, sighing heavily.

"You are such a handful, Cab-boo!"
His head shook in a disappointed manner, distinctive gray eyes closing behind his black-framed glasses.

"If it weren't for you, I would have been home by now, hugging my pillow, and fast asleep." he decided to add, emphasizing his frustration for Kabbo's actions.

Kabbo winced as he stroked his swollen face while casting a side glance at Ruben. Usually, he would have put on a cheeky smile for such remarks, but this time his face stayed unnaturally expressionless.

"Well if it wasn't for me, someone else would've been hugging your gravestone by tomorrow morning, Doctor," he replied stoically which Ruben failed to notice as he continued.

"Bullshit! If Renessa hadn't asked me I wouldn't've even stayed back after my shift. Let alone face all these messes."

"How they are my fault?"

"Now please you two! Stop!" Ian returned sharply cutting off both the doctor and his patient. Silence enveloped the chamber abruptly, leaving Ian's footsteps to echo. Ruben noticed Ian had returned with some blades and a razor with him, and some other necessary kits on a stainless steel tray.

He returned his eyes to Kabbo. Taking a prolonged look at his head. Kabbo's hair was anything but short. His thick fringes almost reached his nose as they were now untidied. Making him appear even younger than he already did.

"Gimme those and leave."
Ruben stood up from his desk and reached to Ian. Ian wasn't even surprised. Even tho it was usually his job to do these tasks. But Ruben always insisted on attending Kabbo alone. So, Ian gave him a quick nod and left the chamber.

After Ian left Ruben turned around to face his patient. Surprisingly he found his patient sitting with quite a gloomy face, that one might rarely witness. His brow furrowed.

"You look like you just lost your second kidney. What's up with that sour face?" He asked while putting down the tray on top of his desk.

"Being left alone with you is as bad as losing my kidneys."

Ruben squinted, "Don't be so mean! I am here looking out for you, you know. Is this how you treat your well-wisher?"

"Cut the nonsense Dr. Dorrman, I am not in the mood for your yapping right now. Either shoot whatever crappy job you've prepared for me this time or just continue where your nurse left off." Kabbo's voice deepened. His raven-black eyes fixated on the shriveled man in front of him, void of any emotions.