I Do Believe In Egos

Patient Care

Mark made his way into the living room from his recording room and rose an eyebrow, taking in the scene. Jack was sitting on the couch, Henry curled up at his feet and Chica flopped on her back, half across his lap as he rubbed her belly. "Traitors." Mark grunted.

"Jealous?" Jack smirked, as Chica turned her head to the side, wagging her tail furiously as she watched Mark.

"They only like you because you give them treats... constantly." Mark huffed.

Jack shrugged. "You guys told me to do that!"

Mark crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Amy told you to give Henry a bunch of treats until he got used to you. I think he's used to you."

Jack glanced down at the dog curled around his feet and shrugged. "Still a bit nervous. Besides... he deserves them! He's such a good boy!"

"You're gonna make my dogs fat." Mark chuckled.

Jack gasped, covering Chica's ears. "Don't listen to him!"

Mark shook his head and walked over, picking Chica up as she squirmed, desperately trying to lick his face. Then he turned, dropping down onto the couch with her in his arms. She instantly flailed until she rolled over and launched herself off the couch, darting around the room. Henry let out a soft woof, and then jumped up to chase her.

Jack shook his head at Mark and then sighed, smiling. "So how's Amy?"

"She's upset." Mark closed his eyes, leaning his head back. "She wants to come home... she wants me to go to the doctor and get tested. She's worried. I can't say I blame her."

Jack slowly frowned, nodding. "Yeah. I get it."

"I called Dr. Iplier and let him know we weren't coming over today. He said he'll text if they desperately need us." Mark sighed, smiling slightly as Chica set her head in his lap, wagging her tail.

"Do you really think we're sick too?" Jack asked.

"I don't know." Mark muttered.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, the doctors were consumed with the sick ward, like most days, leaving the other wards to tend to themselves.

Ward three was quiet, as it often was with only Bim awake. The man was curled up on an air mattress, his suit jacket and shoes on the floor beside it, while he played Tetris on his phone. A scratching sound drew the man's attention and he dropped his phone, rolling over with a lot of effort and groaning.

Sighing, Bim watched Jackieboy who was on an air mattress a few feet away, pushing a nearby glass of water while his fingers futility gripped at air. "Hey..." Bim smiled a little and tried to get up, feeling his knees buckle under him and he fell back on his mattress.

Jackieboy weakly tilted his head to watch Bim, his brow furrowing in concern. Groaning in frustration, Bim sat up and then shifted forward onto his hands and knees and crawled over to Jackieboy. "Here." He sighed, helping to sit the other man up and held the cup of water to his lips. Jackieboy took a few drinks before turning his head slightly and Bim set the glass down, helping Jackieboy lay back.

Looking up at Bim, Jackieboy gently tugged at the mask covering part of his face. "Do you want that off?" Bim asked softly.

"What is it?" Jackieboy mumbled.

Bim frowned. "Your mask. I think you're a hero?"

Jackieboy's eyes narrowed and then he shook his head slightly. "No... I... I don't think so." He tugged at the mask again. "Can you help?"

"Yeah." Bim sighed, and pulled the mask from Jackieboy's face, then held it out to him.

"No... thank you." Jackieboy yawned, closing his eyes.