John and Alwyn

[petty_dabbler]

John had taken half the day off from cleaning to go to the children's ward to put on a magic show. He had his rings and handkerchiefs and disappearing balls and coins. Best of all, though, he had a tiny white bunny that was quite content in his pocket.

He started in the common room, then went from room to room to the kids that couldn't get out of bed.

"We appreciate you doing this, John," the head nurse told him.

"Don't mention it," he replied.

He was heading out to go home when he thought Alwyn might still be on the floor so he made a pass through neurology before catching the train.

Comments

[petty_dabbler]

"Maybe I should ask Mills for more staff instead of permission to be a clown," he said. "I hate seeing you like this, love. All you do is work and sleep. That's no life."

[sweet_alwyn]

"Mills can't do anything, it's too near graduation. The hope is to move students right into the departments. I'm pretty sure we have to have some vacancies to accommodate incoming staff. Hopefully it'll be better this summer- Though with our head leaving not many students chose us for rotation."

[petty_dabbler]

John shook his head slowly.

"I'm just worried about you," he said softly. "You work too hard."

[sweet_alwyn]

"It's part of being a doctor. One day I wont be a Jr. anymore and I'll rest then," Alwyn shrugged.

He was silent a beat, then dared to ask something he hadn't before.

"Does it bother you that I don't have much time to spare?" he asked awkwardly. "...For you, um, I mean."

[petty_dabbler]

"I wish I got to see you more...but I understand doctor's hours," he said. "I'll take every minute I can get with you."

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn nodded, thankful that John understood.

"Maybe one day, when it's less hectic, we can take a small vacation together?"

[petty_dabbler]

"I'd like that a lot," he smiled. "Maybe to the shore?"

[sweet_alwyn]

"Yes, a beach might be nice," Alwyn agreed with a small smile. "I'd enjoy that, I think."

[petty_dabbler]

"We could get an airb&b," he suggested. He'd seen those online and they looked so much nicer than a shitty hotel. Alwyn deserved something much nicer.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Isn't that expensive?" Alwyn asked, not sure he could afford that.

[petty_dabbler]

"I can work it out. Don't worry," he assured him. "We need to be more concerned with when."

[sweet_alwyn]

"Hopefully in a month or so?" Alwyn offered. "I'll let you know as soon as I know."

[petty_dabbler]

"Leave it to me, then," he grinned.

He picked at his salad a little more, picking out the good bits. Then he selected a carrot and snuck it into his pocket.

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn watched, slightly baffled as he sipped his water.

"I don't think I can finish mine. I think I might take the rest home."

[petty_dabbler]

"I'm done," he nodded in agreement.

He picked out a few more carrots and a bit of cucumber and wrapped them in a paper napkin.

"That'll do for me," he said.

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn put the lid back on his little bowl to carry out with him.

"I'm looking forward to bed," he admitted. "I don't have to be in tomorrow until the afternoon."

[petty_dabbler]

"I'll take the morning," he smiled. "We can lay about all morning."

That seemed like a luxurious way to spend his time, all sleepy an tangled with Alwyn.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I'd like that. We can have breakfast in bed," Alwyn decided as they walked.

[petty_dabbler]

"I could do up breakfast," he nodded.

They only had to wait on the platform a few moments for the tube and then they were racing home.

"Want to see a magic trick?" he asked when they were on the train.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Yes, alright," Alwyn nodded, turning slightly to face John. "I enjoy tricks."

[petty_dabbler]

John began to talk, keeping up a string of conversation as he moved his hands, magically producing coins and balls. Then he cracked a joke and the next time he produced something, it was a tiny bunny.

"Ta da," he said dryly with a lopsided grin.

[sweet_alwyn]

"You've had a rabbit with you this whole time?" Alwyn asked, looking startled. "...May I hold it?" he asked.

[petty_dabbler]

"Of course," he replied, answering both at once.

"Take it like this. Support its feet and bum," he said, nestling the little kit in Alwyn's hands. It settled in comfortably.

"I named it Fiver," he said.

[sweet_alwyn]

"It's lovely," Alwyn said softly, stroking it gently. "Why Fiver?" he asked, admiring it as he stroked it between its ears.

[petty_dabbler]

"There's a story. Watership Down. I read it a long time ago. It's about rabbits. Fiver was my favorite," he explained.