Clean

Chapter VII: Plasma

Sebastian stood over the white bed, arms crossed. A few months ago he was in one of these. Now he was looking at the frail form of his boss, curled completely under the covers. The rise and fall of his shoulders rippled the blankets. Sebastian watched intently, making sure the man was still alive.

He hardly noticed the nurses rushing in and out and the frantic beeping of the machines. He had found a nice wall to lean on, and he was taller than everyone in the room so he had a good view. He didn't understand why everyone was in such a hurry.

Sebastian hadn't realized how much he had grown to like James until now, when the man was on the verge of leaving forever. The sniper now felt a strong protective urge, and refused to leave the room even when Dr. Lovelady yelled at him. He was out of the way, and that was fine with everyone else.

James didn't move. He just lay there, curled in on himself. Blood was staining the blankets rapidly, and once the stain grew too large one of the nurses lifted it off, exposing the injured man beneath. Sebastian's eyes widened at the sight.

Pallid skin was bruised, eyes shut tight. His arms curled inward, clutching at a crimson blossom on his stomach. Sebastian pushed some nurses aside (ignoring the shouts of protest) and stood at the side of the bed. "Fix him," he muttered, stomach churning with rage. In a few strides, he exited the room.

Down the hallway, up the stairs, down another hallway. The sniper had his suspicions. He reached the door he was looking for, then swung it open.

"Gordon," Sebastian growled, stepping in and slamming the door behind him. The Australian looked up with wide eyes, lips separating slightly. He stood, recognizing the look of rage plastered on his minor's face.

"Moran," Riley replied, backing up slightly, confused. "You think I did this?"

"I don't think, I know." Sebastian backed Riley up until his back grazed the wall. The two men looked at each other for a moment, a mix of rage and confusion. Sebastian swung.

A fist connected with Riley's jaw. Then another hit him in the nose, sounding a loud crack. Blood spurted and Sebastian's face was speckled with red. He didn't stop, swinging down to punch Riley in the stomach.

Riley tried to grasp Sebastian's hair, but was grabbed by the arm instead. Sebastian pulled his arm and held it behind his back, leaning close to Riley's face. The Aussie shivered violently at the breaths running across his neck and the lips almost pressed against his ear. Sebastian growled, yanking him closer. "If you do anything to him ever again, I swear I'll--"

He was cut off by sharp nails digging into his cheek. Riley dragged his fingers down, cutting deep gashes in the tanned skin. Sebastian let go of his other arm and Riley took the opportunity to knee his attacker in the stomach.

Sebastian stumbled back into the door, breath knocked out of him. Riley grabbed him by the wrists and slammed them against the door above his head, leaning in close. The two men looked at each other for a long moment, emotions unreadable. Sebastian braced himself for another attack, but instead a pair of lips crashed into his. Sebastian froze in shock. He brought his knee up to catch Riley in the groin and kicked him away with his foot.

Crashing to the floor, Riley let out a pained grunt. "What the hell?" he said frantically, panting. The look in his eyes was a mix of hurt and confusion.

"Look who's talking," Sebastian snapped, wiping his mouth. "Maybe I should ask you the same thing. I think I will. What the absolute hell, Riley?"

Riley looked up at Sebastian, eyes pleading. "I... I thought that all the fighting was just... j-just a way of saying that we had... feelings for each other."