Remedy

25

"You said you were a good driver!"

"And Percy said I had never driven before in my life, and he was right." Arthur laughed and turned the corner sharply, only narrowly missing hitting against it. "I apologise now, Captain for my awful driving. I only know how to steer a horse, wheelchairs are a new area for me."

James didn't get filled with much confidence and looked over his shoulder at Arthur, who had a broad grin on his face. Against his better judgement he smiled too. Despite gripping onto the wheelchair handles for dear life, James was having fun. It was a strange moment of idiocy, which came to an end when nurses called out behind them. "Quick, Percy get the door!" Arthur exclaimed and then pulled a face, looking over his shoulder he laughed at Percy who was only just managing to keep up.

He hit the door open with one of his crutches and the two continued on their way. Luckily the manor turned hospital had a porch area which ran all around the grounds. Sure there were a set of steps which lead down from the main doors but that was the only foreseeable obstacle.

"Don't you dare," James said while frowning at the stairs which were getting closer and closer. Turning him around Arthur managed to go down the steps backwards while pulling him down too.

Percy tackled the stairs with more grace and looked at the two of them proudly, they in turn narrowed their eyes at him. "I don't mean to point this out now chaps, but it seems like we are breaking out."

"Nah," Arthur retorted to Percy, "We're just out for some fresh air considering how long they've cooped us up in there for."

"There's a reason why you're in there," a voice said plainly, a grey and white horse appeared trotting by their side. "It's because you're all injured and need a certain thing called rest. You don't get enough your bodies will give out on you." Dorothy smiled from her spot upon Orion's back.

"Are you like a watch dog?" Arthur muttered.

"You're an idiot." Dorothy muttered and made Orion run away from them.

The three of them stood at the end of the stairs and at the beginning of a long driveway. The driveway went on for what seemed like forever and right at the end was an iron gate. Every so often Dorothy would become visible riding Orion.

Percy sighed sadly, "I'll miss horse riding." He admitted, James and Arthur looked at him sadly and then at each other. They didn't know what to say to his words, so they thought the best thing was to not say anything.

"So, are you three are breaking out of the hospital huh?"

"No no!" Percy exclaimed back to Dorothy's words, she stopped brushing Orion and looked over his shoulder at them.

"You can tell me the truth, I don't blame you. Why else do you think I'm out here with him?" At this she gave the horse a firm pat on the neck. "To escape from that place."

"Wow," Arthur nodded slowly, "You really love your job don't you?"

"Hah," Dorothy walked around and crossed her arms over her chest. "You lot," she nodded at them and then at the manor. "I can't even begin to imagine what you've all seen. Nor can I imagine what you're all going through, or feeling. But I, and all the other nurses, get to see the horrors which men can do to each other." Dorothy shuddered and put her hands over her eyes.

"You signed up for it."

"And so did you." Dorothy peeked out from her hands and narrowed her eyes at Arthur who had spoken. "Pfft, well everyone needs a little break, Orion and Fletcher are my break away from work." Dorothy smiled and led the horse back into the stable. She appeared a few seconds later brushing her hands on her white apron. "Technically you three shouldn't be out here, or out of bed. Especially you," she nodded at James. "You've only been awake for two days."

"Consider yourself scolded." Arthur laughed and ran a hand through his dark hair. "Can't we explore?"

"Sure, I'll give you the grand tour." She smiled and walked off, they followed after her.

----

"Go fish."

"I swear he's cheating again."

"Arthur, stop cheating."

"I bet all three of you are cheating." Dot said, Arthur, Percy and James all in turn narrowed their eyes at her. She grinned and waved a hand at them. "Sorry, continue." She lifted up her book again and continued reading, she jumped when she got tapped on the shoulder. Looking around her eyes settled on James, who had managed to get himself out of the wheelchair and now sat beside her on Arthur's bed.

After the 'grand tour' they had all returned to Percy and Arthur's ward. James was going to be allowed to move in here too once they made some room for his bed.

"Where have the other two gone?" Dot asked sceptically while looking around, she couldn't see much considering they had curtained the bed off for peace sake.

"I'm sorry how I reacted."

"I'm used to it, that reaction has happened several times in fact." Dot smiled and picked up her book again. James sighed and looked up at the ceiling. She lowered the book and looked at him, he looked at her sidewards. James hissed in pain and winced when she threw her arms around his neck and had pulled him tightly against herself. "Please, don't leave me again." She whispered to him while burying her face in his hospital shirt. James smiled lightly and managed to fidget around so he was sitting comfortably. Reaching up he held onto her.

"Sure, I shall try to be by your side as much as possible." James said simply, Dot laughed and looked up at him. "What? As far as I can tell what I said wasn't funny."

"You being sentimental."

"What about it?"

"It's cute."

"The thing is, have you got a solid reason?"

"No, much like I still have no solid reason as to you being funny." Dot smiled. "Maybe one day I'll come up with a reason."

----

(Edited: 29/August/2019)