“There isn’t much tearing lately,” Grim said. Hawk winced as he checked his messages. The X-ray tech was ready and waiting and Blink wanted a prognosis because Grim’s services were “vital.” “I’m done,” Grim announced and Hawk leaned around the wall hesitantly. Nothing flew past his head and there were no panicked splashes. Grim’s hair was washed and hung around his shoulders and the unblemished parts of his skin were pink from being scrubbed.
“Can I get you out and get you ready for an X-ray?” Hawk asked and approached warily. Grim hugged his left knee against his chest and rolled his eye as he pulled the chain for the drain.
“I don’t want to live in here and you won’t go away, so you might as well.” He was morose and defeated and it should have been encouraging but Hawk didn’t like seeing Grim wilted and weak. Grim stuffed the hand towel between his legs then looked away as he held up his arm, signaling that he was ready. Hawk had the wheelchair waiting and it only took a moment to lift Grim and lower him into the seat. He handed Grim a towel and pushed him to the counter.
“Dry off as much as you can and I’ll help with whatever you can’t reach and get you dressed.”
“I don’t need your help!” Grim snapped then his face scrunched, as if he was remembering whatever it was he considered manners. “I can dress myself, I just can’t walk,” he grumbled and his brow fell. “What’s that?” He asked and tossed his chin at the folded garment on the counter.
“A hospital gown?” Hawk said as he glanced at the counter in confusion.
“I’m not wearing that.” Grim gave his head a quick shake and Hawk laughed.
“Sorry it’s not filthy and black. I would have asked Blink to send a pair of skin-tight black jeans and combat boots but that’s fucking insane and ridiculous. You can’t even get your leg into a pair of jeans, you lunatic. Dry yourself and put on the gown. There’s a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush. Let me know if you need any help,” he said then went back into the hall to give Grim some privacy. “You know, this doesn’t have to be exhausting. You could cooperate and make this easier on both of us,” he suggested as he leaned against the wall.
“You could leave and not be exhausted at all,” Grim countered.
“And you’d die.”
“Ah. You mean the consequences of my own actions?” Grim replied with a dry chuckle and Hawk frowned.
“Right. But survival could be a consequence,” he said and there was a long pause.
“Survival has always been the consequence for me. Whether I’ve wanted to or not.”
“I get that but you’re just a man, Casper. And you’re in scary shape,” Hawk replied and heard Grim’s weak, rasping cackle.
“I’m like a cockroach, nothing will kill me. Believe me, I’ve tried.”
“I can relate, to a certain extent, but you might not be as miserable if you weren’t in pain all the damn time,” Hawk said but there was no response for several moments.
“I’m done,” Grim said and he was staring at the window when Hawk took a quick peek around the wall. His hands were in his lap and his hair clung, long and sleek from the sharp angles of his cheek and jaw. He was striking with his opalescent skin and thick, black lashes. The sun caught in his hair and there were glints of blue as his head turned and he grinned at Hawk. “The misery was always the point. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without the pain and it’s a beautiful muse. The ideas that come to me, when I’m in the deepest depths of pain...”
“Huh.” Hawk gave his head a shake and lifted Grim out of the wheelchair. “That’s one way to waste a life.” He juggled Grim so his stronger arm was around Hawk’s shoulders then carefully hugged his right thigh as they side-stepped through the door. “I went through a phase where I was bitter and self-destructive but I realized it was useless. I was tearing myself apart but it hadn’t changed anything. It didn’t undo the past or make me feel better and it drove me away from the few good things in my life,” he said as he carried Grim down the stairs. The portable X-ray machine was in the living room and Grim’s head swung around as he became alert and wary of the activity around them. Contractors rushed in and out, quickly and quietly repairing the cottage and Blink looked on as a new mantle was installed over the fireplace. He turned and his brows jumped as he regarded Hawk and Blink.
“Did you break him?” Blink asked.
“Did you break him?” Grim mimicked and pulled a face. “I can’t walk and he destroyed my clothes, you prissy dickhead.”
“He’s sedated too,” Hawk said cheerfully as he set Grim down next to the X-ray machine. The tech was wide-eyed and his hands shook as they helped Grim into a vest and guided him into the proper position. Hawk and Blink hovered and were ready to intervene but Grim was remarkably docile and allowed the young technician to turn and pose him. “Thank you,” Hawk murmured as he picked Grim up.
“You should have these shortly,” the tech informed them as he hurried from the cottage with his slides. A van was waiting outside and Blink seemed pleased as he watched the younger man hustle into the back.
“I’m glad the two of you are getting along,” Blink said but he slid Hawk an expectant look, as if he was waiting for a report. Hawk’s brows lowered and he felt Grim tense. He was ready for another fight but he was still weak and sick with a low-grade fever.
“It’s a trial truce. I can call you after I’ve had a look at the X-rays and talked to Grim,” Hawk offered and Blink’s head pulled back as he sensed that he was being dismissed. “Was there something else you needed?” Hawk asked suggestively and widened his eyes at Blink. Blink’s tongue slid across his teeth as he studied Hawk but he wasn’t going to be intimidated. Hawk already had his hands full; he wasn’t getting bullied by Blink on top of the abuse he was taking from Grim. Hawk could be on the next flight to Chicago and Blink could find himself a new doctor.
“I just wanted to be sure Mr. Grim wasn’t being too difficult and the repairs were going well,” Blink said then flashed them a wide smile. “You’ll keep me posted and let me know if there’s anything else you need. Casper’s extremely valuable to me and I want him to have the best care and we deeply appreciate your patience, Dr. Hawkesworth,” he said with a half bow. He rose and held up a hand as he pushed the other into his pocket. “But I’d warn you not to take my patience for granted. Good day, gentlemen.” He ducked his head at Hawk and Grim then strolled out the open front door. Hawk snorted and rolled his eyes.
“What can he do to me?” He said as he carried Grim back up the stairs. Grim’s eye swept to the ceiling.
“Ruin your reputation, destroy you financially and order me to kill you,” he guessed.
“Don’t ruin the mood. I’m enjoying the truce,” Hawk said and Grim hummed thoughtfully.
“I don’t think I’d do it, though.”
“Really?” Hawk narrowed his eyes suspiciously but his lips curved into a smile as he angled Grim through the bedroom door. He carried him to the desk by the window and set him down.