bakerstreet | The Bittersweet (Tragic) Love Meme

The Bittersweet (Tragic) Love Meme

The Bittersweet Love Meme

Happy endings are what we crave, right? If we see a couple we like in movies or in real life, we root for them to make it. Why, then, is there such a desire to see love that's tragic, doomed, or bittersweet? People watch sad movies like Titanic, and they know what will happen, but somehow that makes it more poignant. This goes all the way back to tales like Romeo and Juliet. There's just something about a good cry that makes us feel that much more human and even more receptive of beauty.

This meme is equal parts tragedy and beauty, sweet and bitter. Some prompts may be triggering, so tread with caution.

How to Play
- Comment with your character, preferences, etc.
- Comment to others.
- Roll the RNG to determine which scenario to play out.

Prompts

Romeo and Juliet: The classic starcrossed lovers. You can't be together because of warring factions, and you're at the end of your rope. You have to do something.
Not the Same: Angel and demon. Human and god. Whatever the combination, you're not of the same kind. This probably won't end well, especially if one of you is immortal and the other's not, or there's some kind of power difference.
Past Wounds: One of you was hurt in the past, and it was so bad that it's hurting your relationship. Can you be healed by love, or is this something that can't ever be fixed?
Bad Things: This bad thing isn't in the past. This happened when you were together, and now it's affecting how your lover behaves toward you.
Loss: Perhaps it's a loss only one of you suffered, like a family member. Or it's something the both of you share, like the loss of a child. Sometimes, together you can pull through. Other times, it's just too much to bare.
I Can't Live Without You: Whether it be through injury, curse, terminal illness, one of you is dying. There's only a limited time left. Will you spend your last days with the person you love, or will you end it for their own good, so they don't have to watch you die?
Unfaithful: One of you has been unfaithful, even if you still love your significant other. Can this wrong ever be forgiven?
Gone Away: You're being torn apart by location and distance.
A New Start: The sweet part of bitter. Where one relationship ends, another begins. But is your heart too hurt to accept new love?
WILDCARD

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Can be played as a modern version! If you have any questions etc feel free to PM me!]

[3 is especially good, but open to the others as well]

[[As usual - prose preferred. Previous threaders or canon mates encouraged, but all welcome.]]

(( CR, cuddles, and violence open to all, but restrict smut to M/M, please. ))

[ Fairytale Land version, but if you prefer Storybrooke Belle then that's fine too ]

When North Italy had stepped through England's portal into this fairy tale-like land to act as ambassador of the nations - they had deemed him the least threatening of their number and just in case there were two Italies - he had been terrified. Excited, too, but mostly terrified.

The Evil Queen had turned out every bit as terrifying as he'd feared and he'd been quite ready to go home until one evening, in a tavern, he'd met her.

Sweet and bright and every bit mortal. Human. From another world, even. Feliciano may not be the smartest of the nations but even he knew that nothing but heartache came from loving a human.

He had loved Belle and loved her well. He had seen the wonders of her world with her and showed her his own. He had taken her to Venice and Milano, to his mountains and his beaches.

Lately Romania had spoken of something evil being afoot in the lands of their fairy tale friends, some coming evil so terrible he refused to step through the portal anymore. He couldn't pretend anymore that Belle would live forever, not even nations did.

Feliciano had locked away the fear in his heart, but as they lay cuddled in bed at the end of a long evening celebrating her birthday, it refused to stay put any longer.

"I don't want to lose you," he whined softly as he hid his face in the crook of her neck. "You're going to die one day and I don't want you to."

[He's been hiding it for a long time. Almost as long as he and Eva were partners... and damn, he's lucky he lasted that long. Maybe working with her kept him going. Maybe the playful banter and the crazy adventures they had were enough to distract him from the illness... but it always wiggled its way back into his mind, a fog wrapping around him that he couldn't possibly escape. His only hope was to keep it from ensnaring others.

Sure, there were setbacks. A few times, he considered telling her, calling her up in the middle of the night when the pain was too much and he was so close to overdosing on the painkillers because they were the only thing keeping him sane right now and he wanted to say goodbye... and say I love you...

He'd hang up after he heard her voice and keep pushing forward. He was able to laugh off her confrontation during Johnny's case, and she didn't bring it up afterwards. He was pretty sure he was safe.

When he collapsed in the middle of the break room, before he thought of how much it would hurt this time and what the diagnosis would be this time and before he even thought of calling for help... he hoped Eva wasn't expecting this. It'd be easier if she didn't know. She could handle it better if he kept lying, kept building up the wall.

By the time she'd tear it down, he'd be dead.]

[ By the time Eva turns to dip into the break room, she's exhausted.

The dull ache has begun to blossom against her temples, threatening to reach, to branch out, as it reminds her of how little sleep she managed to claim the previous night. It isn't like the scientist is required by Sigmund Corp to keep such elaborate notes on a successful wish granted, an exchange of coin for services, but it's all she can manage to stifle the sickly feeling that plagues her every time they finally give in, breathe shallow and desperate, and then nothing. Every word that she pens is a tribute to their memory, allowing them to extend for that much longer.

And so far, she hasn't met one she wouldn't like to grant immortality to.

The familiar face brings a wash of warmth, a playful jab dancing upon the tip of her tongue --

And then it dies. He collapses, too pale, too weak, too mortal to be Doctor Neil Watts. Her folder drops as dark eyes widen, paperwork sent scattering like freshly fallen snow -- but with the scrawl of times new roman and neatly handwritten notes. Eva is at his side immediately, not feeling the angry bruise that will be present upon her knee tomorrow as the ground grinds into the injury -- because the ground was never meant to be found so quickly.

Shaking hands scramble, fumbling clumsily for his wrist, to check his pulse, before moving to support his neck as she slowly elevates his head. ]

Neil!

[ Because protocol be damned if she's going to let this one go. ]

What the corncob? Neil! Can you hear me? Should I call for a doctor? I'm calling for a doctor.

[ She's never felt so disorganized, so helpless, in her life. ]

[He's unconscious, though his body is still racked by shivering and coughing. His eyes are squeezed tightly shut, pained even with the relief of rest. There's something trickling out of the corner of his mouth... something that stains his lab coat red, and it's just best not to look at that.

A coworker nearby breaks out of his shock and calls the ambulance. Neil remains unmoving until the paramedics arrive, calmly leading Eva away and strapping Neil's limp form onto a stretcher.]

[ Doctor Eva Rosalene is calm. She is renown for doing what must be done, even when others don't agree; for her thorough nature, and for her ability to seal everything off until she is home, can claim sanctuary, and cry.

But she isn't calm now. She can't be. Her fingers and the sleeve of her lab coat are stained crimson from where she wiped his mouth and whispered to him of how he would be fine, and how this wasn't funny.

The woman with the dark eyes struggles against the paramedic's hold, demanding that she accompany him, because damn it she has a medical degree and an impressive resume, too -- and if that doesn't impress them, Sigmund Corp. is rumored to have a fine team of lawyers. ]

I'm not leaving him alone!

[ There's whispering, wide and downcast eyes, but none of it matters. It isn't time to grant Neil's wish yet, and she will be there to see that he isn't given the choice. Because he has decades ahead of him. ]

[The paramedic quietly shushes her, and in the same calm voice, informs her she won't be allowed to come unless she promises to stay composed and listen to whatever the doctors' orders may be, even if that means leaving the room. Even if that means leaving Neil's life in other hands.

If she cooperates, she'll be led to the ambulance, where Neil is already hooked up to breathing apparatuses and monitors. His pulse is there, but if they don't hurry, it could fade easily.]

[ And so she lies. Even as the words of agreement slip from her mouth, she can taste the lie upon them -- bitter, numbing. It's not her policy to deviate from the truth, but she'll do it a thousand times over, if only to be allowed a chance to linger at the side of the partner that she has spent innumerable hours, days, months, years of her life with. This is not a time for him to be alone, and so she hovers as as they paramedics will allow, the tears trailing down her cheeks, even if she can't feel them anymore.

It's like watching a memory, the edges faded, fuzzy. Created by an unreliable narrator. ]

You're going to be okay. [ The whisper finds life, but not enough to rise above the wail of sirens, or the quick, but too-calm words of the parametics who see this every day of their lives. Eva, too, should be conditioned by death, but what she doesn't tell anyone -- save for him; save for the man that lies dying before her, his live hanging by a string -- is that it doesn't ever hurt less, and her thoroughness is a eulogy to the deceased that will never be enough. Shaking fingers reach past white gloves just long enough to catch a few strands of hair, matted by sweat. ] You're going [ the doctor swallows ] you're going to be fine, Neil, do you hear me?

I ... I have to tell you something. So you have to --

[ Her voice breaks, and she chokes, sobs wracking her form and thieving her momentarily of speech. ]

[The paramedics can tell she's lying. She seems more connected to this man than any other patient she may have dealt with in the past, and more willing to take risks to get him back. They've seen the look in her eyes with hundreds of other witnesses to a loved one's death.

They see it, but they don't say anything. They can't turn her away for some reason. So she's allowed to ride on as they continue to the hospital, though they offer her warning glances as her composure breaks further.

Neil, for his part, does hear, for once. He's gotten enough air in that he can open his eyes a bit, though he's still fading in and out of consciousness. He hears a snippet of conversation, Eva's voice, muffled as if he's underwater, and he struggles to stay awake, hear what she has to say.

His eyes finally find her face, and she's the only thing that's not blurry and hazy and unfocused right now. Eva may not know it, but she's Neil's one connection to the living. His memento, if you will.]

...Eva...?

[He can't manage to say anything else before another coughing fit begins.]

[ It's him. The paramedics don't matter anymore; the rest of the world seems to fall away as her partner opens his eyes, and she reaches forward, brushing matted bangs from his forehead with soft, cool fingers. Her name upon his lips causes the pads of her fingers to tingle and her stomach to turn a sommersault, but she won't react, can't react. Even if she can't be strong for those who are tasked with saving him, she can strive not to crumble in front of Neil.

Not when he needs a lighthouse. ]

Shhh. [ And so Eva's fingers press against his lips, stained with fresh blood as he coughs. By some fragile miracle, the scientist manages not to cringe, although hot tears stain her cheeks, clinging to her chin, and then fall to cling, damp, to Neil's countenance. ] Don't talk, you'll make it worse. We're on the way to the hospital, and they'll figure out what went wrong.

[ What she should have noticed. What she could have done to prevent this. When he is released -- because her aching heart blinds her to any other option -- the dark eyed woman will watch more carefully, even if she can never forgive herself for this.

Her tone dips to nothing more than a desperate, panic-threaded whisper. ]

You can't -- you have to fight. Because I have a lot I still have to tell you, Neil. I'll even sit beside your hospital bed and watch those stupid Daleks while you recover, because -- because you can't leave me ....

[He grimaces, breath coming out in a groan once the fit subsides. It's not that it's painful, no. He's used to the physical torture already. It's Eva being here, Eva's stained fingers on her lips, Eva's scared whisper... the emotional torture is what really hurts.

She still seems so strong, though... stubborn and independent, just as he always remembered. He'd always hinted on those traits whenever they discussed their 'type', but Eva never seemed to catch on. That's good then. It would have hurt her even more if he would have died her lover.

Blood bubbles against his lips as he chuckles breathlessly.]

Eva... You... should be glad. I won't be around... to make you watch those stupid...

[The rest of the thought escapes him before he can put it into words, and his glazed eyes flit back over her face, trying to stay grounded, trying to stay awake.

He knows he should just stop breathing before he lets himself get attached to her, but curiosity gets him to keep going. What did she have to tell him? What in the world had her crying so hard? What had given her the connection to him that Neil had tried so hard to prevent?]

[ She curses, or at least seethes what passes for a curse in the dark eyed doctor's vocabulary -- a cutting remark about rhubarb, because the blood rises quicker than she can mop it away, dragging the forever stained sleeve of her lab coat against the crimson fluid. Try as she might to keep her hand steady, her form shakes like a leaf, and so she's left to hope and pray that he doesn't notice in the shape that he's in. A small trade. ]

Don't you dare say that.

[ What should be sharp, cutting, tumbles from her lips as more of a plea than anything else. Dark lashes flutter in quick succession to discourage more tears, but they burn in her dark eyes as one hand returns to press to his forehead -- the paramedics are murmuring, and working around her now, but if she notices, she pays them no mind -- and the other finds his cheek. The pad of her thumb drags against his skin as Eva swallows hard, fighting back the words I'm scared because she isn't entitled to them.

Not when he's like this. ]

We're going to marathon Doctor Who, right after we beat Portal 2 -- even though you know I don't know what I'm doing, and ... And I'll make carrot cake.

[ Bargaining. It's a weak front, but it seems to be the only chip she has left, because nothing prepared her for this. Her head dips, a curtain of dark hair spilling around her features, guarding them and teasing Neil's chin and neck as she fights for breath, fights to regain control over her sobs so that she can speak again. After all, she only has so long to bargain before they tear him from her, his life in their hands. ]

.. I can't ... Sigmund, memories, w-waking up .. Life ....

I c-can't do any of this without you, Neil.

[ Eva buries her face in the crook of his neck, the scent of cinnamon and fresh fallen rain clinging to her person. ]

[Of course he notices. He's having trouble breathing through the fluid in his mouth, and he can see Eva's sleeve in the corner of his eyes. That's... a lot of blood. His blood. He really is going to be gone for good this time. Fear tightens its grip around his heart, and he struggles in his binds, wishing he could move a hand and wipe those tears. The most he can do is swallow, bitter copper sliding down his throat, and keep speaking. He knows Eva hates that he's doing this, but he isn't going to leave her without saying something.

He shakes his head, smiles with too-red lips, a stark contrast with the rest of his face.]

You can... do this, Eva. Doctor Who... Portal... you were the only one who knew what they were doing at Sigmund anyways... you can keep going.

[He's suddenly hugged, and his eyes widen for a moment before he blinks back tears.]

Please... please keep living... Please keep...

[He trails off abruptly, seeing the hospital through the ambulance window. Well, he made it this far. That was unexpected. Maybe... selfish as it is, maybe he'll keep going a bit longer too.]

Edited 2013-07-24 16:19 (UTC)

[ The doctor's breath is warm, light against the crook of his neck as her dark hair tickles his chin, and another crack fissures her usually solid composure. Even if she cannot bring herself to lift her head yet -- the longer she avoids it, the longer she can pretend this isn't happening; or if it is, this is some distant stranger -- she can hear the smile in his voice, and it tears her heart apart. Who else would smile at a time like this?

It draws a chuckle from her lips that dissolves into a sob, because there is too much blood, and she is not ready to face a world without his horrible jokes quite yet. ]

I had plans ...

[ The ambulance is slowing, signaling that her time is quickly running out. It's minutes, no, seconds before they wrench him from her hold, separating her clumsy grip to wheel him into a room with white bleached walls and a place far too sterile
, too clinical for Neil Watts.

It is now or never. ]

I h-had plans. It was going to take some time, but I was going to tell you, all of it -- h-how ...

How you made me grin the second day if biology, freshman year. You probably don't even r-remember. How I have been waiting for you to stop flirting with all those stupid interns and just --

[ Eva will deny it. If he somehow pulls through, or when the hushed rumors begin to circulate at work, she will deny it at every turn. But he cannot face the odds without knowing. He cannot leave her without knowing. ]

.. See who has been waiting for you all a long, Neil.

[He had to smile, for her, to help her gain strength... though it seemed that he was doing more harm than good. It fades, slowly, and he tries not to look at the hospital doors looming closer as she speaks. He doesn't want to go in there. It's nothing like his messy, homey office, nothing like his apartment, strewn with take-out boxes and wrinkled blankets. In there there's no Doctor Who DVD ready to play, no cupboards to hold snacks... no indentation in the couch from the many nights Eva stayed overnight, too exhausted from work to make the commute home. He's not ready to be in such an unfamiliar room...

He keeps looking at Eva then, and... what is she saying? Why is she saying that? Of course he remembers biology class, but back then, she wasn't giving him the time of day. They only ended up being friends because of that stupid year-end project. No, they only ended up being coworkers... They can't be friends, that would hurt too much...

...Almost as much as it hurts to be her secret crush. He inhales sharply, breath hoarse, and tries to find the energy to say one more thing...

But then the paramedics set to work, pulling Eva away, placing Neil on a gurney that's rushed into the ER, and all Neil can do is sit there, watching fluorescent lights whiz past above his head, sterile white eventually fading to black as he loses consciousness again.]

[ At first, she fights.

The fiery resolve of the dark eyed woman who aggressively pursued scholarship after scholarship to enter a program that should have been way out if her league -- because she isn't stupid; Eva knows how poverty works -- is placed on display as she struggles in the hold of a paramedic whom can't find the drive to alert security (yet). Fingers curl into angry fists and barrel against the man's chest weakly, but it's no use. There is no comfort in it, as he is too broad, his hair too bright to play the role of Doctor Neil Watts.

When that doesn't work, she paces. And bargains. And paces. A thousand steps and a few bribes later (or at least attempted bribes; only now does she realize how underpaid Sigmund Corp employees are) and Eva has worn herself ragged with worry. The updates are few and far between, and the lack of sleep from the night before has begun to take its toll.

But she can't sleep. Everything aches, and her form feels like a thousand pounds as she slumps down in the waiting room chair, burying her face in her hands as she awaits the return of David, herher paramedic. He has promised her news in exchange for a few stories and a Reece's. Had this been any other time, any other circumstance, it might have caused her to crack a smile.

But instead she waits, idly remembering that she hasn't eaten since the wee hours of the morning and has a craving for coffee that she won't leave to find. ]

Edited 2013-07-24 23:37 (UTC)

[David returns just over an hour later, and he seems a bit less... cheery than before. At the very least, he's lost the appetite for his reward. He sits down next to her, clearing his throat quietly and whispering her name. When she sits up, he tells her what she has been asking to hear...

The doctors haven't been able to keep him in a stable condition, and he's fading fast. He woke up for a moment, though he seemed delusional, mumbling something too difficult to hear with the blood still pooling in his throat. The symptoms point to hemophilia, though it's still hard to say if there were complications besides that.

David then says something that isn't as true, but should cheer her up... He's fighting. Neil has been fighting to keep going, when the doctors were thinking he should have died in the ambulance. There may still be a chance that he'll be alright.]

[ She tasks him with the impossible, or at least the highly improbable. He is the only one who has kept her connected, kept her involved, when by all legal and sane standpoints she should be considered incapable of making coherent decisions until she's slept, eaten, and maybe dragged a brush through her messy dark strands. Trusting that he'll understand, that she can find a way to pay him back, Eva drags the back of her wrist against her eyes, pursing her lips tightly. ]

Can I see him?

[ As if there wasn't enough pressure upon his shoulders already, she reaches to take his hand in both her own, nearly broken -- but the flicker of hope in large, dark eyes seems to light them as she lifts her brows, hanging on bated breath. ] Please? Name your price. Not candy. A real price. I can pay. [ Because this isn't how things are supposed to happen. Eva has a meticulous life plan that has room for a few surprises here and there, but this is not how this chapter of her life is to end.

And if he's fighting, who is she not to be there, rooting him on? ]

[The paramedic responds with a large sigh, refusing to meet her eyes. He's never been good at refusing people like this, turning them down when they believe they're the only ones who can rescue their dying companions. And really, who's to say they couldn't help? If he refuses, and this coworker of hers dies, then she'll be convinced she could have saved him. If he agrees, and he still dies, at least he can tell her that she made his passing easier.

He looks down the hallway, ensuring they're alone, before slowly standing up.]

There's no price. Just come with me, and be quiet, okay?

[They should have left him alone by now to struggle through the night while they wait for test results to come in. She can speak to him for a few minutes. No one will know.]

[ Eva owes him. More than she's confident repaying.

As she pushes herself weakly to her feet, running her hand through her dark strands in attempt to tame her disheveled hair, she considers offering him a single wish when he passes, or an eternity (limited by her existence, of course) of home cooked meals, one delivered every week. It's a start, at least.

The scientist tugs her wrinkling lab coat a little closer and falls into pace with David, silent for a long moment as they begin down the white-washed hallway, dark eyes locked ahead, set upon their goal.

Until -- ]

Neil would like you. You might have been friends, under different circumstances.

[He looks back at her, surprised to hear her voice. David had thought she would need more time to plan out what she wanted to say... but this was a Sigmund Corp agent. She wouldn't have been hired if she wasn't a quick thinker.

He smiles slightly, slowing down until he's beside her, so he can squeeze her shoulder.]

I would have liked to meet him.

[With that, he steps forward to open the door to Neil's room, where he lays in total darkness, surrounded by machinery that monitors his status, beeping and clicking and measuring away every last second of his life. His breath is raspy, but level. He's at least managed to sleep a while longer. He might look peaceful, if it wasn't for his pale skin, looking as if it was stretched too far across his face, his stained lips, the immaculately clean hospital gown.

David steps aside, trying to give Eva space. He doesn't want to interfere with her goodbye... Though honestly, he isn't too worried. She'll forget anyone else but Neil exists in this room if she's anything like other people who have faced this situation.]

[ His use of past tense doesn't go unnoticed and she cringes, the reassuring squeeze a small comfort, even if she can't quite fully register it. At first she thinks it might only be the kind paramedic that is divorced from the world, but then upon closer inspection Eva finds the walls hold a fuzzy quality, and she can't quite seem to focus, no matter how hard she tries.

The logical part of her mind places the blame upon a mix of tragedy and exhaustion, but it's all the thought she gives to the concept, because she can't seem to concentrate on it. Or anything, for that matter. Eva thinks to mention something to David as he pushes the door open, flooding a bit of light into the darkened room of her partner -- who is still living, still breathing; the reminder causes her pulse to race, dark eyes a little brighter -- but the idle conversation is forgotten instantly.

Stumbling into the room, the scientist moves to kneel at the side of the his bed, falling almost reverently to her knees as she reaches to smooth his damp bangs from his forehead. He's skin is clammy and pale, his lips too red, and he is far too silent.

But he is still Neil.

And that can be enough for now. ]

I'm not sure if you can hear me, but I'm here now. You're not alone. [ Her lips ghost against his forehead -- warm, light, reassuring. ] .. And if worst comes to worst, [ against her best wishes, her breath catches ] I'll grant your wish. I promise, Neil.

[He doesn't react to her words, still breathing evenly, still coughing every few minutes. There may have been the smallest smile when she kissed him, but that could have been a hallucination. Other than that, everything remains silent and still, as if the doctors had given up, just placed him in the morgue instead of the ICU.

David remains silent, and tries not to let Eva's actions get to him. This always is the worst part of the job, though. Seeing a love so strong... yet not powerful enough to overcome death.]

[ She makes a feeble attempt to wipe away her own tears as she tends to him, wiping the blood from his mouth when he coughs, and stroking through his hair as she whispers to him. It's cruel trade, as he has put her to bed countless times in his apartment, murmuring and brushing strands of dark hair behind her ear, so this is more than only fair. ]

I -- I wish I would have known. I would I could have done something.

[ Dark eyes clamp tightly shut as she shakes her head slowly, clearing her throat and lifting her voice to carry to the waiting paramedic.

If Eva is to make good on her promises, she has to face the truth, even if she isn't ready to hear the words; even if she wishes that he would simply lie to her. ]

.. How long does he have?

[His hair is wet, slicked back with sweat, though he shivers occasionally, when he isn't having a coughing fit. It's a relief he can even sleep through this, but he needs to save his energy.

At her words, his brow furrows, just slightly, and he starts mouthing words, but without air behind them, they aren't audible.

David watches the two, and winces at the question. He wants to lie too, but... she's a doctor. She probably already knows.]

...The most he'll have is probably a week.

[ Her efforts to make out the whispered words are wasted, because try as she might to piece them together -- to steal them away for later, when she isn't so close to breaking down again; when the tears don't sting her dark eyes, begging her attention -- the task proves impossible. It's for the best, though. Every unnecessary task is an unneeded strain on his dying form, and she is only egging that on.

And so Eva pushes herself to her feet slowly, shoulders slumped and a note of defeat in her tone. ]

I need you to look after him. I'll be back in ten, fifteen minutes, and then I won't ask anything more of you, I promise.

[ Because she won't have the chance. The scientist has every intention of clearly cutting ties with Daniel so that his career won't be dashed, all of his hard work set aside for something foolhardy that she intends to accomplish. She will find a way to anonymously send a token of her gratitude, but for now -- ]

Thank you.

[ Her fingers ghost against his shoulder and then she's gone, sprinting down the hallways and sidestepping nurses. ]

[David offers a nod, though his expression is rather confused. Where is Eva going? All that work to come see Neil and now she's suddenly leaving? Maybe she couldn't handle seeing him in such a state... but she seemed to be looking for something.

He still waits patiently for the time it takes Eva to leave and then return, keeping an eye on the monitors and making sure Neil won't be dying any time soon.]

[ When she finally returns, the scientist is dragging a large briefcase with her, cheeks flushed from the exertion. The outside is pristine, and it looks nothing like a travelor's suit case, so --

Eva pauses a few steps into the whitewashed room, biting down hard against the inside of her cheek as she chooses her words carefully, as the paramedic has been more than accommodating. He has provided her with a chance to give Neil a final wish before he passes, because as much as she teases him, the bespectacled scientist is still the most wonderful person that she has ever met in her life.

He deserves at least this. ]

Thank you. You should leave now, though. Pretend you never saw me. [ A melancholy smile takes to her lips, never quite reaching her dark eyes, puffy from crying. ] I won't tell anyone that you helped.

[David's frown deepens as he sees the suitcase, so polished that he can see his concerned face reflected back in it. What could she have needed to bring here? Something for Neil? People often left keepsakes for family members on their death bed, but that looked like some sort of tool kit, not a case for heirlooms.]

What's in that case?

[He gets even more concerned when she speaks to him.]

Pretend... What are you planning on doing? I agreed to let you see him, but I didn't agree to anything else! I don't want to get in trouble, and I don't want you getting involved in something you shouldn't.

Edited 2013-07-27 05:58 (UTC)

[ The scientist is patient, explaining as she settles the suitcase upon the floor and kneels down beside it, unlocking it and slowly opening it to reveal a mass of wires, equipment, and a helmet. The sight causes her to freeze momentarily, cringing. This is Neil's equipment, as he is the only agent she knows who doesn't wind his cording neatly back up. ]

I work for Sigmund Corp, like he does. There isn't time to put in a request, and even if there was, whoever would be assigned to the case doesn't know as much as I do.

[ She is winding the black cording about her arm almost reverently when she glances up, a tired resolve reflecting in her dark eyes. ]

I'm not supposed to do this, because we know each other, and it's dangerous to go alone sometimes -- but I know what I'm doing. As far as either of us are concerned, I never met you, David.

Even if we might have been friends otherwise.

[ But she can't take no for an answer. Not when he could fail at any moment. ]

[Maybe if he'd known he wouldn't be using the equipment next, Neil would have wound the cording himself. Either that, or he would have made some joke about some 'wire witch' tangling them up.

He's not joking now, and David certainly isn't either, watching her with his arms folded and a weary look on his face.]

I understand how you feel. I know you want to help him, and I know that's your job, but if you weren't authorized to do it, I shouldn't allow it.

...Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think Neil would want you risking your job and your life just so you could grant him one wish. He fought for you. He spoke to you and didn't even try for anyone else.

Having you as a partner was all he needed.

Now please, come with me.

[David holds out a hand, trying to lead her out of the room.]

[ He doesn't understand, and as much as she wants to show him, to make him understand, there's only so much time to do so. Usually careful hands drag the laptop from the briefcase with a soft clunk, trusting it can take the abuse -- after all, it's found worse at the hands of her partner. ]

I'm not changing my mind.

[ It comes out harsher than she had meant it and the scientist sighs, plugging in wires and pressing buttons, appearing more alive, more awake, and more assured than she has since she arrived. The tail of her lab coat flutters as she rushes about, taking great care to hook Neil to the machine. ] I know you think this is wrong, but when you've worked with someone for so long, when you --

[ Oh. Her hands are shaking. Squinting her eyes shut, Eva takes a breath before trying again, dark eyes reopening to punch a few sequences into the laptop. ]

He's saved my life. This is the least I owe him.

There's a good chance I can plead for my job back, but this is ... It's once in a lifetime. He's dying, David. Please, let me give him this.

[David watches her rush around and... he can understand why she won't take no for an answer. She seems so determined, so convinced that she knows what she's doing and that this will be what Neil wants in the end. As a paramedic, he's seen so many people die... and not just the ones hooked up to the machines counting down the days before their hearts stop beating. The ones who care for their loved ones, who adore them so much that they can't even imagine living without them.

People like that often just... stop living after a death. They're still alive, but they don't enjoy anything anymore. They don't have a passion, and they don't find anything to focus on.

If he lets Eva do this, then maybe she'll still keep her talents and feelings and determination to do all the things she used to do before, just without Neil. He's breaking so many rules, but... protocol be damned if he can safe a life here, right?

He fixes stern eyes on her, and slowly looks away.]

Do what you need to do. I didn't see anything, and you never gave me that candy bar.

[And with a wave over his shoulder, he disappears, leaving her alone to accomplish her goal.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Bittersweet (Tragic) Love Meme

Anne Neville | The White Queen | OTA

Elizabeth Woodville | The White Queen | OTA

Mina Harker | Dracula | F/M

cloud strife » final fantasy vii

Buffy Summers > Buffy The Vampire Slayer > OTA

aerith gainsborough | final fantasy vii | ota

Joan Watson | Elementary

Marian Hawke | Dragon Age | OTA

Orson | Record of Lodoss War | OTA

Julio Richter | Marvel Comics

Duo Maxwell | Gundam Wing

Bulma Briefs | Dragon Ball Z

Elissa Cousland | Dragon Age: Origins - M/F for shipping, otherwise OTA

Julian | The Giliath Saga

Belle • Once Upon a Time

2 flavored with 8

Heroine | Amnesia | OTA

Eva Rosalene >>> To The Moon

Hi canon option 6 aren't you glad you have me as your partner? :3c

You got some explaining to do. :|||

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Have some feels.

Eva whyyyyyyy

It is all HIS FAULT.

It's his fault for having a terrible illness?

YES. He should have just. Checked the do not want box, okay?

Oh yeah, of course. Because that would have worked. You forget To The Moon is tragedy.

IS THAT WHY IT MAKES ME TEARY EYED? ;;

OF COURSE. IT FEEDS OFF YOUR TEARS

That must be why it's so HUGE

IT'S A GIANT :O

Even Tokyo is afraid!

But they deal with this on a daily basis!

But it has never been Neil ...

...Why did you have to give me the image of giant Neil stomping on skyscrapers in this thread

BECAUSE GODZI -- ... Neil! Raaawr.

Scariest monster ever.

Chills. I have CHILLS.

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