Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

70) The Final Threat

Bandage the scrapes, stitch the cuts, disinfect the wounds, tend to the ill. It's the same job as always. It's always the same.

I used to like that. A lot. The stability, the knowledge that I would have this to fall back on, the assurance that this was always waiting for me, was such a big reason I was stable. It keeps me sane.

Now it's just pointless. No matter how many people or extreme the injury, I can't help but have this sinking feeling that it’s all for nothing. That nothing matters.

“I’ve got to go tell Vince we need more Advil. Can you hold down the fort?”Mary checked. Seeing as there are three people here, two of them unconscious, I assured her it was no problem. “Thanks. It’s good to know I can always count on you,”She complimented. Managing a forced smile, I shrugged before looking away. I’m not sure if she saw, but that's besides the point. An exchange was done, everything will be taken care of, yada yada.

Turning back around, I confirmed they were still there. When not one of them had moved, I faced the entrance again only to freeze against my will, my shoulders tensing as my chest tightened.

I should know either of their names. Especially the leader of the monsterous duo.

I don't though. I don't even think they're worthy of that.

That doesn't change the fact that I’m losing the me I worked so hard to build because of them.

“Scraped my knee. You can fix that up though. I’ve heard you’re great with blood.”

“I’m a Nurse. I don't have a choice,”I said simply, forcing my face expressionless as I walked past him. Taking the opportunity, he kicked the back of my ankle as hard as he could. Already expecting that, I didn't even wince as I grabbed the supplies. “Sit down,”I instructed.

“You're used to people listening to you, aren't you?”He taunted.

“If they want to be fixed up, yes.”

“Wow. All these healing abilities and still such an ugly past,”He whispered, his eyes narrowed in hatred.

“You have to sit if you want my help.”

“No need. You tend to hurt more than help,”He insulted to where only I could hear. As I was about to just get out of the way so he could leave me alone, he forced his way past me, elbowing my ribs as hard as he could, finally making me groan as I held my side, closing my eyes that threatened to sting with tears.

“I’m going to ruin everything you never deserved,”He hissed. Opening my eyes, I looked at him, trying to search for any sign of why. Why did he feel the need to target me? Why did he assume so much when he knew so little? Why did he hate me after I helped save his life? Why am I so despicable that someone I’ve never met can tell?

And as I looked at his stone expression I remembered that sometimes there is no why. Sometimes the world just has bad people. And bad people do bad things.

I know all about bad things.

× ~ × ~ × ~ ×

I should go home. I should stop thinking so deeply into stupid sentences. I should realize I’ve faced much, much worse than anything they’ve done. Every act has been as good as child’s play.

I’m used to people not living long enough to hurt me for a second time though. I’m not used to having to see their faces in real life again. This is new, and inescapable, and makes the safest place there probably is feel so terrifying.

I should have gone home after work to grab what I needed to shower.

This seemed like a better idea. Dumber but better.