Chasing The Impractical (Brian Quinn Story)

Dying Man - Apollonia

"I can't fucking deal with this pain in my head. It's driving me crazy" Q groaned as I helped him back into bed.

"Well if you just stayed in bed and waited for me to bring painkillers"

"I needed a drink" he snapped.

Sighing heavily I pulled out the painkillers from my bag and popped two tablets out for him. "I can't be here 24/7 Bri, you need to rest when I'm not here, not climb up and down the stairs".

"It doesn't matter either way. I move and it hurts, I lay down my head explodes".

Softly i sat on the edge of the bed next to him. "You have a temperature" I sigh whilst placing my hand on his clammy forehead.

"No shit" he grumbled under his breath.

After Brian's 'mini' stroke two weeks ago, we had quickly become a part of each other's lives again. It wasn't romantic or happy. In fact I spent most of the time dealing with a bad tempered Q, but I wanted to help. I couldn't make myself stay away. Brian's health had also grown worse, he was constantly sick and suffering from awful headaches. Last week, I had driven him to a doctor's appointment. The medical professions had no idea what was causing it, but continued to run tests.

"Im dying Apps" he continued to groan.

"You're not gonna die, okay? The doctors will figure it out soon".

"I wish I would just die"

"Oh fuck you then. What about me, how'd I feel if you just gave up"

"You wouldn't have to deal with my shit anymore. You'd get over it".

Quickly I grabbed onto his chin and forced him to face me. "Quit being so dramatic. I thought you use to be a fireman, not some moaning, self pitying grump. Now come on, have the tablets helped?"

"Yeah, a bit"

"Sweet, come on. I'll run ya a bath"

"Don't you have work?"

"I told Jorma I'd catch up on stuff tonight. He knows where I am if he needs me though".

Once Q was in the tub, I went about changing the sheets on his bed and clearing up a little. Once I was done, I went back into his bathroom, it was nothing I hadn't seen before anyway, and put down some fresh towels.

"Shouldn't you knock" he coughed as I walked further into the room and picked up a cup.

I didn't respond, I knew we would only end up arguing. Instead I just silently bent to my knees and began pouring water over his head to wash his hair. Gently I began to massage shampoo into his scalp and finally felt him relax into the warm bath water.

"I've been thinking" I announced.

"Oh shit" he scoffed back before I quickly and 'accidentally' poured the cup of water over his face.

"It would be a lot easier if you came and stayed with us. You can take my room and I'll share with Bella. That way I don't have to worry when I leave here. It will only be until your better... which won't be much longer".

"I can't be around Bella like this".

"You can't fight this here, alone. Im not saying it will be easy and we can act as some happy family. But fuck Q, I can't keep running between here, home and work. This will make it easier for everyone"

"This isn't your problem Apple, you don't have to be here"

I quickly moved to face him, still bending on my knees, I reached into the water and took hold of his hand. "Im not leaving you Q. Don't you dare ask or tell me to. Im not going anywhere, whether you want me or not".

Without warning Q quickly tugged at my hand which was holding his under the water. I was completely off balance on the balls of my feet. Easily he was able to pull me into the bath tub.

"Brian" I gasped.

Q just smiled and then pulled me in towards him as his arms wrapped around my waist.

"You're suppose to be a dying man" I giggled now.

"Exactly, you going to refuse a dying man's last wish" he growled into my ear.

Well this complicates things....