Tyger Tyger, Burning Bright

[Erik Lucio]

It was true that he was usually more creative, but there wasn't much he could do about it right then.  He'd make up for it when he was feeling better, maybe even by making Ken believe he'd follow through with one or more of them.  That'd be nice.

He'd take it into consideration when the time came. 

In the meantime, the sooner he got inside, the sooner he could sleep.  "Think Mitchell would mind if I slept through everything?" he asked, mostly kidding.  He didn't think it'd work, since Mitchell would probably be worse than Kenji, though he doubted the doctor would be opening any doors for him.  How sweet of Ken.  Erik might puke yet.

"I can open the door myself, you know.  I'm sick, not helpless," he told the other man, though it was lacking in the venom it really could have had.  He didn't mind THAT much.  The comment was mostly for appearances.  He was no damsel in distress, so Ken didn't need to be a gentleman.  Ew.

[River Quattrone]

Surprisingly, Kenji gave Erik's question serious thought.  "I suppose he might.  I can tell him most of what happened, if you fill him in on the bits I don't know yet.  Then, while he is running tests, I don't see why you couldn't rest for awhile."

The bitching about Ken's "chivalry" only elicited an unimpressed stare from the raven.  "You were barely coordinated enough to turn your head when I found you.  I thought I would be polite and save you the embarrassment of failing to open your own car door.  Since you claim to not be helpless, however, I shall not insist on carrying you," he said, sounding so lofty and dignified that it was pretty obvious he was teasing.

[Erik Lucio]

The LAST thing Erik was expecting was 'serious thought' out of Kenji on anything he said.  Ken didn't seem to take much of ANYTHING Erik said seriously.  It was just a lot of banter and messing with each other, or killing things.  "Yeah, whatever works," he agreed, surprisingly easily.  He MUST be tired.

Of course, he wasn't too tired to take offense when Ken kept talking.  There were just some things he HAD to defend himself on, and having Ken find him a wreck like that had been something he'd hoped would never happen.  He'd have almost preferred strangers, if it would keep things from feeling awkward with Ken.  He wasn't sure, at this point, if it was going to be awkward or downright annoying, but it wasn't like he could do anything about it.  Other than punch Ken in the face occasionally.  That'd be satisfying.

"You caught me during a 'rest period'.  I was more active before you got there," he managed, pulling himself out of the car.  Maybe it was best that Ken had opened the door for him, but he wasn't going to admit it.  He was going to bitch about Ken treating him like he was helpless right up until Ken stopped helping him, and then he'd struggle to do things himself.  He was just stubborn.

[River Quattrone]

It did worry him a little that Erik was rolling with a lot more of Ken's jiving than usual, but given the other Hunter's condition, it was understandable.  Also, maaaaybe Erik felt a teeny bit humbled by his experience, and was grateful to Kenji for saving his ass. 

Yeah, right.  Like Erik would ever admit to something like THAT.  He was probably just too exhausted to argue.

"Uh huh," Kenji agreed dismissively.  "Resting.  Of course you were.  Silly of me to think otherwise."  True to his word, he did not offer to carry Erik into the infirmary, but he did walk attentively at the other man's side, ready to catch him if he stumbled.  His partner was really not in peak condition at the moment.  He was casual about it, though, hooking his thumbs in his jeans pockets and shuffling along in his battered sneakers.  Though he normally avoided footwear, he hadn't had a chance to remove the shoes since they'd returned from China. 

"I got your call," Doctor Mitchell said by way of greeting as he met them at the infirmary door.  "Let's get you strapped down, Lucio.  I don't want you going furry on me while I'm in the middle of taking blood tests.  Matsumori, stick around, I'll need to confirm some things with you."

[Erik Lucio]

Humbled.  Right.  It wasn't like Erik was a raging egomaniac, but being humbled into going along with Ken's whims just wasn't going to happen.  Nope. 

Exhausted, now THAT made sense.  It also made sense that Ken stayed by his side while they walked, and he understood that, so he didn't complain about it.  Ken could be as casual about it as he wanted, but Erik still noticed.  He WAS a little grateful for Ken's help, though.  Again, he'd never admit it, but it was the truth, and in the event that he NEEDED the help, it'd be good to have.  Even if it would hurt his pride, he'd rather have Ken keep him from impacting the pavement if it came down to it.

He was hoping it wouldn't.

Fortunately, despite his obviously bad condition, he didn't fall over, and made it as far as the door and Doctor Mitchell without incident.  That was good, since the incident was on its way. 

STRAPPED DOWN?!

Erik was somewhat claustrophobic, and that wasn't usually a problem, especially at the guildhouse.  He was never bad enough that he didn't like being indoors, just that he didn't prefer really small rooms.  Or being detained.  The fact that the last time he'd been tied down he'd been bled out, then infected with shifter blood, really wasn't helping.

Was the panic evident on his face, in every muscle in his body?

He didn't know, but he was just short of seeing if his already abused body was up for getting away.  He was still logical enough that he didn't try to bolt, but he was NOT going along with this.  "Negative.  That's not happening," he said firmly, or at least, as firmly as he could. 

"I get WHY, but no."  He shook his head, shooting a glance at Ken.  Would his partner stick up for him on this one, or help the doctor?  That was need-to-know information, since Ken was close enough to be unfortunate if he helped Mitchell.  Erik took a step sideways, away from the other hunter.

[River Quattrone]

Kenji nearly winced at the doctor's brusque tone, especially when he mentioned strapping Erik to the table.  Ooh, bad move.  Having been Erik's partner for nigh on three years now, Kenji knew exactly how much the other man HATED to be confined.  Particularly after having such a harrowing experience as he'd just had. 

Noting that Erik was edging away from him, Kenji reached out cautiously and touched his shoulder, but did not make any sudden motions or attempt to grab hold of him.  It was a simple, calming gesture--- all the more unusual for the fact that Kenji had initiated any sort of physical contact.  He generally kept his hands and other body parts to himself, unless he was fighting off vampires or sparring with Erik. 

"The restraints will not be necessary, Doctor," Kenji assured him. 

Mitchell did not look convinced.  "You know the procedure, Matsumori.  I can't have a potential shifter on my table unrestrained.  It's a safety hazard--- mostly for me!"

"If Lucio begins to shift, I shall restrain him myself."  His dark, unblinking eyes bored into the doctor, leaving no room for argument.  "I would not allow him to infect you, and he cannot hurt me."

Wavering, the doctor finally capitulated under that unsettling stare.  "Fine.  He's YOUR responsibility, then," Mitchell warned.  "All right, Lucio, lie down.  Try to relax.  I'll make it quick."

Kenji took up position at the head of the examination table, pulling up a chair as he did so.  He didn't sit in it so much as he perched, feet under him, hands resting lightly to either side of the thin pillow. 

[Erik Lucio]

Really, Erik did NOT think he had the ENERGY for anything like shifting.  Didn't that require energy?  That must require energy, and if he didn't use all of what energy he had on taking off, he still wouldn't have much available to him.  It was good that he didn't HAVE to physically object, since he might have failed pretty badly at it. 

Ken actually came to the rescue.  For the second time that...day?  Had it been only a day, or more?  He couldn't remember, but the point was there. 

He still wasn't so sure that he wanted to be on that exam table, but after making a scene about the restraints, he couldn't really refuse again, so he took a deep breath and did as he was told.  Bad idea.  The instant he was actually laying down, not to mention 'trying to relax', he wanted to fall asleep.  That put him in a funny situation, since he wasn't really comfortable, but just so dead tired that sleeping was almost the only option available.  He flicked his eyes up to where Ken was practically hovering over him, just trying to keep them open.

"Don't let me do anything stupid."  The LAST thing he wanted was for something to happen that might get him tied down again, and if Ken was right about the potential for shifting in his sleep, then he didn't want to fall asleep.  He was TRYING to stay awake.

[River Quattrone]

Kenji leaned forward enough so that Erik could see his face--- hovering about a foot above his own and upside-down.  At Erik's request, he nodded slightly.  "Easier said than done, Lucio-kun, but I shall try my best," he promised solemnly.  Then, his mouth quirked in a blink-and-you-miss-it smile, and he brought his fingertips up to rest at Erik's temples.

"You may rest now.  I will make sure nothing happens.  When the doctor is finished, we will have to put you in one of the observation rooms for the night, but it will not be a very small space."  His tone was low, slightly monotonous, and about as soothing as Kenji could manage even as he explained what was going to happen to Erik.  Apparently, everything had pretty much been arranged before their arrival at the guild house.  Kenji wanted to make sure his partner got the care he needed, so that he would recover quickly.  "There will be an intercom in the room, should you need anything, and I will be nearby at all times." 

As he spoke, his fingertips moved in small, gentle circles at Erik's temples.  It was an ancient relaxation technique--- one that Kenji rarely used, due to his reluctance to touch people, but Erik looked like he needed it just then.

[Erik Lucio]

He snorted at Ken's reply, simply because it was required if he wasn't going to give some snappy remark.  He was just too mentally, and physically, exhausted for banter.  Snorting didn't take much, and so it was allowed.  So was twitching when Ken put his fingers on his temples.

What the--

Oh, great.  Naturally, Ken would decide to HELP him relax and fall asleep now that Erik was trying NOT to.  Earlier, it was the exact opposite.  Unfortunately, Ken's tactics were working.  He caught most of what the man was saying, but there were definitely a few words he missed in there.  It wasn't like it mattered.  He intended to sleep for awhile, and then he'd probably be stuck sitting out the rest of his fever in observation.  He hated just the theory of those places, even if they were useful.  He didn't want to sit alone in a box, even if it was a big one. 

Hopefully, he'd sleep through most of it.  It looked like he was going to sleep through the rest of the blood taking and examination, so why not?  "Since when are you all touchy feely?" he asked, though it was really just for the sake of speaking.  It sounded like he was drifting off, and possibly like he wouldn't be aware of Ken's answer.  He could have said 'since the sky turned green', and Erik quite probably wouldn't have registered that.

[River Quattrone]

"I make certain exceptions for you," Kenji told Erik wryly, not pausing in his gentle ministrations until he was certain the other man was asleep.  Then, he spoke to the doctor, but kept his voice low so as not to disturb his partner.  "Even if he shifts in his sleep, I think he will be too exhausted to be much trouble.  Go ahead and do your work.  I will watch him."

Mitchell looked mildly impressed, despite himself.  "You two definitely have that 'trust' thing working for you.  It's good to see that, in Hunting partners."  Without further delay, he checked Erik's vitals and took a sample of blood for further tests.  Most of Erik's injuries had already been treated in China by the field medic Kenji had brought with him, so there was nothing else to do with the infected man except put him in observation until his first change.  Erik wouldn't like it, but Kenji would try to make him as comfortable as possible during that time.

"All right.  I'm finished with him, for now.  I'll want a follow-up appointment after his first shift.  He's all yours."  The Doc peeled off his latex gloves and tossed them in the bin. 

"Thank you."  Polite as ever, Kenji bowed to the doctor and helped move Erik carefully onto a rolling stretcher.  This was wheeled into the observation room, which contained a television set high on the wall, a small private bathroom, and a simple bed, but not much else.   Cameras were set at various points in the room, and there was a large bullet-and-shifter-proof observation window taking up most of one wall.  This would be Erik's home for however long it took him to shift.  It could be hours, days, or even weeks.  It all depended on Erik.

Though he was not the most physically powerful shifter himself, Kenji had little trouble rolling Erik from the stretcher onto the bed.  Pulling the blankets up to his partner's chest, Kenji turned to leave with the stretcher. 

[Erik Lucio]

Erik may have been so tired he was practically comatose, but 'practically' allowed him to wake ever so slightly when he was jostled around and moved like he'd been.  Not that he really cared at that point.  Sleep was all that mattered. 

Of course, he had no idea that he'd be out of commission for as long as it ended up being.  He seemed to fall right back into the feverish sleep, with short spurts of 'awake time' for food or just because he felt like it.  He dealt with two days of that before he started to improve to a point where he was actually moving around, watching TV and getting extremely bored.  He hadn't shifted yet, though.

His fault, or no?

He didn't know.  He actually didn't know HOW to shift, and hadn't yet been willing to listen to anyone on the subject.  Besides, it made him feel funny to turn into a damn TIGER in front of a bunch of cameras and people who were just WAITING for it.  It really made him feel like he was in a zoo or something, and it was making him cranky, not to mention seriously uncomfortable. 

He was just about at his limit for TV, too. 

[River Quattrone]

A polite knock at the door preceeded Kenji's entry.  He was holding a couple of well-worn paperback books, a portable chess set, and a can of soda.  Tossing the can to Erik, he set the books and chess set on the bed before hopping up himself and settling cross-legged next to his temporarily imprisoned partner. 

"You have not shifted yet," Kenji observed.  He hadn't brought in a soda for himself, but he didn't need one.  There was a cherry Tootsie Pop in his mouth, which he didn't bother to remove as he spoke; he just shifted it over to his cheek.  This was fairly common for the raven, who rarely went anywhere without something sugary on hand. 

"It is boring to watch you like this.  Are you making any effort at all?"

[Erik Lucio]

"No, I haven't," he snapped, tired of hearing it.  Mitchell showed up fairly often to prod him about it.  Personally, he didn't see the rush.  If he could hold off on it, then why force it?  This whole situation was retarded. 

He caught that can of soda, though. 

"You think you're bored?  I might strangle Mitchell the next time he stops by, just for the key," he continued, giving the can of soda a moment to settle before cracking it open.  He didn't comment on the question about whether he was making any effort, since he really wasn't.  He wanted out, but he couldn't quite make himself do it.  "I don't see what the big deal is.  You guys sound like a bunch of adults do when they're badgering a kid to get a loose tooth out.  I don't see the damn rush, or why I have to be locked up."

Seriously, even if they were worried about a control issue, it wasn't like ONE shift would be enough to put him in control, would it? 

[River Quattrone]

It wasn't like Kenji didn't care that Erik was bored.  After all, he'd brought the books, hadn't he?  Erik just needed to get his priorities straight and shift already. 

"We are not just doing this to be sadistic," Kenji reminded him.  "You were infected in a highly irregular ritual.  We do not know for sure if that has affected your physiology in any other unexpected ways.  Just to be safe, we need to observe your first change.  It is easier to do that with you in here, than running around out there--- where, I might add, you could potentially cause some real damage in your tiger form."

He looked as though he wanted to continue, but another knock came at the door.

[Isabelle Sweet]

Lore and Vin entered the chamber, making it kind of crowded all of a sudden.  "Hi, Erik!" the perky teenager greeted, grinning a mile wide.

"Looks like a lot of people I know are turning furry lately," Vin said, rolling his eyes heavenward and shaking his head with an over dramatic sigh.  "Now you, Lucio." 

He set a Tupperware container on the small bedside table.  "Lore made you some home-cooked dinner.  I figure it's gotta be better than whatever the Doc is feeding you."