Northern Downpour

Part 9

You shot forward with a gasp. Someone caught you, and you groaned as you registered the dull ache throughout your body. They gently leaned you back against the wall, and you blinked rapidly, trying to gain a sense of what the fuck was going on.

Snow was on her knees in front of you, covered in blood. Colin was sitting next to you on your left. A TV was on your right. You were leaning against a wall. Bigby was unconscious in his chair, covered in blood, and Swineheart was...digging around in his chest?

"What'd I miss?" You asked, voice rough.

"Not much," Colin replied. "Just a game of Find The Silver Bullet Pieces."

"Jesus."

"How are you feeling?" Snow asked.

"Kinda numb," you mumbled. "What's the damage?"

"A bullet lodged in your left thigh," Swineheart said. "You're lucky. It nearly missed an artery that, had it been hit, would've resulted in you bleeding out in minutes. Your right shoulder had also been dislocated. Apart from that and some bruised ribs, you'll be fine. I should also warn you," he added, "the painkillers will be wearing off within the next hour or so."

"Duly noted."

You avoided looking at Bigby. Every time you did, something in your heart twisted. It had all gone to shit so fast. You shifted, wincing at the twinge in your thigh. You hoped to God you could walk at all now, though your right leg didn't hurt nearly as much anymore.

"Have you told him?" Snow whispered.

Your gaze snapped to hers. "What?"

"It's kind of obvious."

You sighed and winced. "Is it?"

"It's a wonder he hasn't figured it out yet."

"I hope he never does. Can you imagine how awkward that would be?"

"Oh, I wouldn't say awkward."

"More like embarrassing, I guess."

"I'm sure if you told him, he'd tell you."

You gaped at her. She offered you a tiny smile. "It's kind of obvious."

You had no idea what to say to that.

"Easy there," Swineheart said. "Try not to move."

Bigby blinked, looking around. His gaze landed on you. You grinned and waved, doing your damndest not to let your worry show. "Hey, Sunshine."

"We can't keep meeting this way, old boy," Swineheart continued. "I figured I'd be done before you were conscious, but I'm afraid there's little I can do for the pain."

Bigby looked at his arm. You winced at the sight of the bone sticking out.

"I don't recommend messing with it," you said.

"Yes, very ugly," Swineheart remarked. "But not life-threatening. I can't say the same for these bullets peppered throughout your vital organs."

"Isn't there something..." Snow trailed off.

"Look, I'm a little engaged with saving his life at the moment. If the fractured extremity concerns him that much, he can set it himself."

You really wished he hadn't said that. Bigby propped his arm on the armrest and set it. You cringed at the sound. "Jesus."

"Not bad," Swineheart said. "That'll do, I suppose. He's lucky to be alive, and he won't be next time if he keeps going like this. He didn't listen to me last time. Maybe he'll listen to you two."