[IC] Just Passing Through

[LadyDove09]

Summer in Houston can easily be compared to Hell. Temperatures often soared into the 90's before the sun had even finished rising. Today threatened to be worse than normal. It was barely 9 am and it was already approaching 100 degrees. Samantha Wilson reached out to smack her partners hand as he tried to turn the air conditioning vent away from her towards himself. "Damn it Marc!" She cursed. "If you want to keep that hand, you won't touch the vents."

She was already irritable this morning, sweat soaked her uniform making it stick tightly to her. Every tiny rib on the tank top she wore underneath her white uniform shirt was visible as it clung mercilessly to her body in the heat. She was supposed to be off today, but the Mayor had declared a state of emergency entitling the department to call in all off-duty first responders. She understood the necessity of it, they had been flooded with calls the last several days as people succumbed to the relentless heat.

Marc opened his mouth to respond to her, but instead of a snappy comeback he must have realized she was at her breaking point. They had been running almost constantly. He just silently pulled to the Curb near a quiet little cafe. He informed dispatch that they were signing out for a short break. Sam looked at him with gratitude as she opened the door and let herself slide out. When Marc didn't follow her immediately she rolled her eyes. He wasn't giving her a break so much as he was making time to call his girlfriend. It was her understanding that she was even less thrilled with this new schedule than they were.

She opened the door and stepped inside, the temperature difference immediately causing her to shiver as goosebumps rose over her arm, and her soaked uniform chilled in the artificially cooled air. It looked as though she wasn't the only one who sought this place, as an escape from the heat. Her eyes lingered over one particular gentleman a little longer than was probably polite, but quickly her attention was pulled away as the line to order had moved.

She ordered a couple bottles of water, she would have loved coffee, or even an ice cold soda, but she knew that being out all day in this heat, the caffeine would just dehydrate her faster. She took the water and glanced over the place. Many of the tables were filled, of the few that were open, only one would let her keep an eye on the Ambulance and watch out for her partner. She headed in that direction immediately weaving her way through the other occupants, unfortunately, her fatigue had caused her focus to suffer, and her mind began to wander. She was steps away from her table when she bumped into the table, of the gentleman who had drawn her attention earlier jostling it slightly.

"I am so sorry!" She said quickly glancing down to the table to make sure she hadn't done anything really embarrassing, like spill something all over him or his things.

[Xion Demente]

A hundred years on this earth, but the heat was surprising for sure only had been here for a few weeks. An alarm clock went off in a small apartment. A thud was heard as a hand mashed down on the snooze button. Blinking his eyes open, James pushed himself out of bed. Looking around another day on this gods forsaken earth.

Getting to his feet, he threw out a pair of clothes on the bed. Pulling the black tank top over his head and getting his shorts on. Looking in the mirror a black haired blue eyed man stared back at him. A sigh escaped James's lips before he got his shoes on. Locking his small apartment behind him he went downstairs outside.

Getting onto his motorcycle the heat was bad, though the wound would take care of that problem. Stopping at the usual small cafe he went to. Shaking his head seeing it jam packed today which was understandable with the heat. Parking his bike he slung his laptop bag over his shoulder.

He had to maneuver through the bodies to get to a table. Setting his bag down before going to the counter to order himself some water and a soda for later. Paying the cashier, he went back to his table getting his laptop set up and loving in. He watched traffic go by while he surfed the web.

For now till he got a call from someone to take a look at their computer he would stay here. That was the plus for working for himself he had no hours or work times he had to get to. James could relax till someone called his cell. Surfing the web till his table moved a little bit. Grabbing his water before it could spill he looked up at the woman apologized to him.

Shaking his head he held up his hand. "It's fine not a problem to many people in here anyway and the heat isn't helping either." He gestured to the place that was still packed with bodies. "You did no wrong here."

[LadyDove09]

She gave a small smile, as he assured her she was not at fault. She nodded a little as she took in the large amount of people in the cafe. It really was pretty packed in there. She gave one last glance around before grumbling. "I wish they had stayed home. No one should be out in this heat unless absolutely necessary." She gave a little shrug as if to say "What can you do."

She reached down to her hip to turn her radio down as the sounds of radio calls began to blare over it. She then tucked the extra bottle of water into the thigh pocket of her cargo pants. "Well Anyway, I am glad there was no har..." She grunted and reached out using his shoulder to steady herself as she was pushed from behind. She narrowed her eyes at the back of the offender as she quicky righted herself and pulled her hand away.

"Again, I find myself in the position of needing to apologize. I truly didn't mean to grab you like that." She slipped her hand into pocket, as if by hiding the offending hand she could reduce her embarrassment at the situation. She just hoped he did not notice the scarlet blush creeping across her features.

[Xion Demente]

He shrugged, "people don't like to be home during the day that's how it works." Closing one tab on the internet he scowled at the screen in front of him. Closing down the internet entirely he didn't need these people trying to employ him as another tech guy when he worked for himself.

Looking up at her as she spoke. Before she was pushed she had grabbed his shoulder for support his body stiffening in response to the touch. James hadn't allowed many people to touch him ever since he lost the people he loved a hundred years ago. Though he relaxed some under her hold, before she righted herself.

"No its fine this place isn't that packed mostly, but on days like this...." He knew she would get his point. Though I miss when it wasn't like this. Getting pulled from his thoughts as she tried to apologize to him again. "Miss its alright just you caught me off guard is all." A pained sad expression passed his eyes before it was gone.

[LadyDove09]

Sam never noticed the subtle stiffening under her touch, she was too busy being embarrassed by the whole situation, but what did not escape her notice was the look that flashed across his eyes. There was sadness there yes, but to her it appeared almost haunted. She knew that look, she had seen it many times on the faces of her co-workers and friends. It was a look that spoke of a mind that had just reached a point of breaking, too much sadness and pain. She shook her head slightly to clear away her thoughts. She wished she was better at just flat out talking to people.

The silence between them stretched out for what felt like forever and the moment had now begun to hover on uncomfortable. She cleared her throat a little before chewing on her bottom lip. "I think this is where I am supposed to say something adorable and witty. Barring that, then this is the perfect moment for my partner to come through the door and tell me we have a call." She glanced expectantly toward the door, and when no rescue came she muttered "Or not."

She shrugged again, this time forcing a bright smile on her face. "Ok then, now that this moment has gone from slightly awkward to REALLY awkward, it is time for me to make my, what with my luck will now be my much less than graceful exit." She gave him a little finger wave. "I hope this place empties out soon, and that no one else runs into you."

She turned to leave praying she did nothing to embarrass herself further.

[Xion Demente]

The silence was dreaming to him. Leaving him to think on his past. His thoughts were broken when she spoke, eyes going to the door before she muttered or not. Sighing some, "seems like your partner is busy with something." He had said it before his mind registered it.

When she said she should leave with how awkward this was. "Hey just saying now since we didn't get the proper introduction names James." When she was gone he cursed, shaking his head and packing up. Going for his bike he got on and drove off.

James wouldn't let his thoughts get the best of him. An hour of riding in and around the city when he was going through a green light when a vehicle slammed into his bike. He remembered his body flying then nothing. Though he had a few broken ribs maybe a broken arm and cuts and bruises. He heard screaming and someone to call 911 of course being immortal his body made sure nothing was fatal once done it left his injuries alone.

The curse only made sure any hits he took wouldn't be fatal he only healed enough for it to keep him alive then he would have to heal at the regular rate of a human. The rest of the way.

[LadyDove09]

She heard him speak, as she made her break for the door. She was half tempted to turn around and say something, but she was terrified of embarrassing herself further. She rushed out the door and practically threw herself back into the cab of the Ambulance. Marc looked over at her and glared. He was still on the phone with his girlfriend, and appeared in no hurry to end the conversation. She just sighed and tossed a bottle of water in his lap.

She pulled out her own phone and began to play. She had resisted getting interested in the latest popular games, for as long as possible, but had caved in the end. It was certainly a great way to kill time between runs. She had been playing for several minutes when the radio went off again.

"Dispatch to Unit 24. Please respond."

"Unit 24, go ahead." Sam once again answered the call while Marc quickly ended his.

"We have a report of a Vehicle vs Motorcycle accident near your last reported location."

"Unit 24, still at last reported location. Will respond. Dispatch Enter 24 en route." She said as she reached over to flick on the lights and sirens.

Marc pulled out into traffic driving quickly to the location of the accident. It seemed that they were going to beat the police officers to the scene. Whoever got hit was lucky that this was a decent part of town, and that they wouldn't be required to wait. Marc stopped the ambulance and they worked as a well oiled machine. Sam was out the door grabbing the gear bag while Marc opened the bay doors to pull out the stretcher. They jogged toward the victim laying in the road while good Samaritans directed traffic away from the scene.

Sam knelt beside the victim pulling on gloves before her hand reaching for the pen light in her breast pocket. She registered a small shock of surprise as she recognized the victim as the gentleman from the cafe. "Sir." She spoke a little louder than normal making sure her voice was clear. "Can you hear me?" She asked as she reached forward and flashed the light in his eyes checking pupil response, while Marc began prepping the collar and back board.

[Xion Demente]

All James's mind registered was the pain in his body a groan of pain escaped him. Once the light was flashed into his eyes though on response he shut his eyes. "I....can hear you not so.....loud though." His chest hurt to ever get the words passed his lips he knew he had broken ribs at least.

He didn't know how bad he looked, all James really know was the pain in his body. His bike was probably trashed so was his laptop all he wanted was darkness to take him so that he didn't need to feel this pain anymore.

He heard sirens probably cops, the car that hit him was long gone a hit and run. Probably another person on the streets could describe it for the police at the very least. Because he didn't get a good look all his body told him was brace for impact with the ground once he had been hit.

"What the hell happened here?" James heard a gruff voice. The person who was taking this scene though one of the people stepped forward. "Sir a red Chevy Malibu had hit the bike and kept going I got a picture of the plate though I think it's stolen because he didn't stop."

So that was the vehicle that had hit him. It hurt to breath, but at least he was able to breath. He wished though he could just get off this earth he had enough of these hundred years.

[LadyDove09]

Sam gently lifted his head and neck a tiny bit while Marc slid the collar underneath him so that they could stabilize him. "Glad to hear you are with us." She said speaking at a more normal tone. "You were involved in an accident. You're pretty banged up." She was speaking quietly with him while her partner started an IV. Her hands gently ran over his limbs checking for obvious fractures that would need to be splinted before they rolled him onto the back board. Marc having checked for a medical alert ID, injected a small amount of morphine into his IV. It probably wouldn't knock him out, but it might take the edge off the pain.

She continued her examination keeping up the chatter letting him know exactly what she was doing seconds before she actually did it. Her tone was a soothing one, as awkward as she was earlier, she was now clearly in her element. "Ok, we are now going to roll you a little bit. Try to stay relaxed, and don't help us. Let us do all the work." She said, but the medics didn't give him much time to react, almost as soon as the words left her mouth, they started to roll him and slid the board underneath him. They were soon fastening the velcro straps that would hold him in place before lifting him onto the stretcher.

Sam scooped up her equipment bag and settled it between his legs at the foot of the stretcher, and they rushed him to the waiting ambulance. Marc helped her load the stretcher in the back, shutting Sam inside with James. She settled in next to him, as they headed towards the hospital. "So now is the fun part." She said quietly. "Can you tell me your name? Do you know what year it is?" She asked pausing between each question to give him time to answer.

[Xion Demente]

Groaning slightly though when he heard her words. "Right now wish I really wasn't to be honest." Though his wallet was in his bag on his bike. Once the drug hit it took the edge off which he let out an audible sigh of relief. He knew he was in a pretty bad condition though he knew he wouldn't die from this since he was immortal.

When she said they were going to roll him a little. Letting out a groan when his body moved even though the pain was numbed a little he could still feel it if he was moved. That's how his body worked anyway, the gods made sure the meds wouldn't take all the pain away just enough for him to be comfortable. Feeling the straps securing his body to the board he was lifted to the stretcher before getting loaded into the back.

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath which was a bad idea pain shot through his chest from broken ribs he winced slightly. Not enough to cause the rest of him pain. When she asked for his name he cracked his eyes open a little just enough to look at her. "James Perez, the year?" He scowled slightly before answering the woman beside him. "2021," he usually lost track of the years why keep count if he was to live forever.

[LadyDove09]

Sam sat next to James and made notes in the chart as she continued to monitor his vitals. She knew he had to be in pain, which is why she hated having to check his pupils again. If he had a headache before this, she was about to make it worse. She noted that at this point they seemed to be equal and reactive, but the imaging machines at the hospital would make the final determination of his injuries. "We are almost at the hospital, just hang in there with me. You'll be back on your feet riding your bike again before you know it."

She kept up the quiet chatter, it was her habit to try to make things as calm and normal as possible. She saw people on what could possibly be the worst days of their lives, she felt the need to make them as comfortable as possible. "Is there anyone you would like us to notify about your accident? If you give us a number the hospital can call your wife, and let her know what happened." She said quietly bracing herself as the ambulance made a turn. Marc was a good driver, but occasionally he liked to cut those right hand turns kind of tight.

[Xion Demente]

He watched her take notes, before flashing the light in his eyes again. "Your going to give me a headache if you keep doing that you know." He nodded when she told him they would be at the hospital soon. Sighing some closing his eyes fully once more. As he waited for them to arrive, though she kept the small quiet chatter up.

Opening his eyes once more he knew it wouldn't be good to fall asleep on her in his condition though he did know he wasn't going to die. When she asked the question, a flash of pain passed through his eyes though it was gone as soon as it came. "I don't have any relatives you can contact no one to come and get me I'm on my own."

It was true, everyone died a hundred and forty five years ago. No one was taking care of him since the stupid gods had cursed him to be immortal because he wouldn't bow down to them. He didn't get why they just didn't kill him out right for rebelling against them.

[LadyDove09]

"I am sorry about the light." She said apologetically. "Have to make sure your brain is still functioning properly." She replied to him. They were just minutes away from the hospital when he told her he had no one. It was not uncommon, many folks confessed to her that they were alone in the world. While it always made her sad, his admission bothered her more than the others.

"I am sorry to hear that." She said softly, her hand resting gently on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. "I am sure you'll think of someone who will want to know that you have been hurt. An employer, or co-worker. We are seldom as alone as we feel." She would have said more, but they pulled to a stop in the ambulance bay of the hospital, and the medical staff opened the doors. It was time to get back to work.

James was rushed through the doors while Sam followed behind giving information to the staff. She watched them begin to get him treated and looked at the nurse. "I want updates on this one." she demanded before leaning over the bed and making eye contact with James.

"Hang in there. It will get better soon." She gently squeezed his shoulder again before straightening. She had every intention of returning after her shift tonight to make sure he was ok. She didn't think his injuries were terribly severe, but she would feel better when she knew for sure.

[Xion Demente]

He nodded at her apology, knowing she did have to make sure his brain was working to where he wouldn't be anymore hurt than he already was. His brows scrunched together at her comfort. It had been a really long time since anyone had actually comforted James he usually kept his distance scared out of his mind to watch another person he loved die with age.

He felt the ambulance stop, before the doors were opened and the stretcher rushed in through the hallway. He heard her giving information to the other doctors and nurses that were around. Just before he heard that sentence that made him almost freeze. She was going to get updates on him which meant to him she was coming back, but why? He hadn't known her for long he was confused as hell right now.

Looking at her blue eyes connected with dark brown ones. Nodding at her words, before she straightened and he was rushed through the remaining doors. He had x-rays he clenched his jaw when they had casted both broken limbs. The broken ribs were the worst though they had to reposition them before wrapping them tightly in bandages. For at least a few hours he lost count he had been probed and prodded with questions.

Now left in his room with his own boredom his left arm in a cast and his right leg hanging above the bed in a cast he flipped through channels on the television in front of him. He looked at the clock seven pm he had a few more hours before he would call it a night getting injured and then hassaled for answers. Took a lot out of a man.

[LadyDove09]

The rest of the day was just as hectic as her morning, by the time shift changed at 6, she was exhausted. She showered, and dressed in a pair of skinny leg jeans, and a tank top. She pulled her hair back into a quick pony tail, and then hurried the hell out of there before she could get roped into staying over. She would have gone home to shower, but with as tired as she was, she would have done something silly like lay down. If she did that she certainly wouldn't manage to make it back to the hospital. She did have to run home, and pick up a few things, but the temptation to sleep wouldn't be as bad.

She arrived at her apartment and quickly ran inside. She opened the door to her hall closet and rummaged around on the top shelf. She knew it was here somewhere... Ah Ha! She found it. She pulled down an old portable DVD player. She hadn't used it in years, but thought maybe James could get some use out of it. She thought about stopping to put on makeup but talked herself out if it. She wasn't trying to impress him, she was just being nice.

She parked in the multi level garage, before stopping at the Redbox across the street from the hospital. She had no idea what kind of movies he might like to watch, so she rented a few different ones. She headed across the street, and slipped through the entrance. She was lucky he hadn't requested to be listed as a private patient, so she was able to look up his room number on the computer terminal in the lobby. She glanced at her watch as she stood in the elevator. It was getting close to 8, she hoped it wasn't too late. Even if he was sleeping, she would leave the movies and just head home.

The elevator stopped and she walked out into the hall. It took her only a few seconds before she reached his door. It was open slightly, but she didn't want to just walk right in. So she knocked gently, hoping she wasn't disturbing him.

[Xion Demente]

Flicking through the shows on the television James sighed some. Mostly it was news and he was on the main part of it which he didn't really care to watch. Shutting the TV off he threw the remote onto the nightstand beside him. A sigh escaped his lips before he ran his hand through his hair. "The TV sucks just as much as the food does here." His voice was loud enough to hear through the door though he didn't care.

Having nothing to do really drowned out the boredom no not really. Who was he fooling with that idea. Hearing the knock on the door he scowled some. "If its another doctor to probe me for answers then go away if not then come in." He was tired with the stupid questions he told them the age he had rehearsed in his head told them he had no family though they kept prying.

Shaking his head, sighing as he looked to the two casted limbs great he would have trouble getting up the stairs to his apartment just great no one to help him either. He would figure it out when it came to the right time to worry about it.

[LadyDove09]

Sam poked her head in the door after he made his complaint about doctors. "Well I am certainly no doctor, I don't even play one on TV." She said cheerily as she continued to walk in the door. She held up the portable DVD player and movies. "I come bearing gifts." She set them down on the little table at the foot of his bed. She pushed the table towards him so he could get a better look. "So how do you feel?" She wanted to know.

"Mind if I sit down?" She asked gesturing to a chair near the bed.

[Xion Demente]

Watching her come in he snorted at the comment. "I sure a heck couldn't pull off a doctor act if I tried to do it to save my life." His brows scrunched when she pushed the table closer to him seeing the portable DVD player then the movies he smiled some. Blinking when she asked if how he was.

"I feel like hell well to be expected from getting hit from a car that ran a red light and slamming into your bike." He shrugged his good shoulder. "Yah you can take a seat plus I never got your name I don't see it as fauir since you have mine."

[LadyDove09]

She laughed as he made the doctor comment her steps bringing her closer to the bed. She rocked back and forth on her feet as she asked him how he felt. She had no earthly idea what really had possessed her to come up here tonight. Maybe it was that all she had seen on his face was varying degrees of sadness. Today had completely sucked for her, she wanted to bring a smile to someone today, hopefully, it would make her day seem less crappy.

"I feel like hell well to be expected from getting hit from a car that ran a red light and slamming into your bike." She winced a little, yeah it was kind of a stupid question. Once again she was out of her comfort zone. This was a personal visit not a professional one. "Well, hopefully they are giving you the good drugs." She said as she reached out her foot hooking the leg of the chair pulling it closer to the bed.

She positioned the chair closer to the bed, the back towards the TV, so she could look at him easily, and he wouldn't have to shift to speak with her. She sat down in the chair fighting the urge to close her eyes. She hoped her exhaustion didn't show.

"I am Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam." She said as she shifted to perch on the edge of the chair. She was afraid to get too comfortable. "Have you heard anything from the Police?" She wanted to know. "I tried to listen to the radio and see if they found the guy who hit you, but we got a little busy today."

She stretched her legs out in front of her crossing her ankles as she studied his features. He really was a handsome man, maybe that's all this was, just a fleeting physical attraction. She normally wasn't a believer in fate, but there had to be a reason their paths continued to cross. Right? She asked herself silently.

"Oh, I didn't know what kind of movies you liked to watch, so I just rented a bunch from the most popular new releases. I hope you don't mind. Mind me stopping by that is. I mean I just hated the idea of you being up here all alone. No one should be by themselves after the day you had." Her words were a little rushed. She was just talking to fill the silence, and to cover her nervousness.

[Xion Demente]

Hearing her laugh he perked up a little his mood shifting slightly from past memories he buried for now. Knowing they would rise up some other day for now he wouldn't let that get in his way. Though he was partly confused why she came here, but he was careful to not get to close to her no need to watch another person he cared for age and die while he didn't.

Looking at her when she said something about the drugs, "they are since I haven't felt any pain coming off my arm or leg." Nodding his head toward the two casted limbs. Which was true in a matter he was going to be glad once he was out of here.

"Sam" he tested out the name on his tongue felt good to have her name finally. On the info on who hit him he shook his head. "Police came in earlier said the car was stolen the driver had bailed after a few miles away from hitting me they haven't found him yet." His brows scrunching in thought as he thought about it. "He would probably keep low and wouldn't draw any attention to himself with this on his head."

He didn't know if the gods were trying to be cruel to him. Trying to get him to care about her since this was twice they had met. James honestly didn't know, shaking his head to get rid of past thoughts before they could rise to the forefront of his mind, and ruin his good mood. It had been awhile since anyone put him in a good mood.

Looking to the movies that were on the table, he looked back to her. "It's fine I'll find something in this stack no worries. It's better than what's on the TV right now most shows are news."