(no subject)

[e_delmar]

Ain't nothin' but a normal room. Pretty one, too, if'n you don't think too hard on what's goin' on in there. Ennis' sleeping more now, at least -- the drugs help with that -- but he's still awake a lot (and damn grumpy about it, too. But he ain't no less grumpy about the sleep, neither).

But he's there, and at least that's something.

Comments

[e_delmar]

He opens his mouth to protest, but then her hands move, and instead he gasps in a breath, pulling his face in tight.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She lightens up her touch, but doesn't stop.

"I'm sorry, Ennis, but if I work this out, you will be in less pain."

[e_delmar]

He shakes his head, eyes almost a little panicked.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She sees the look and stops, removing her hands and leaning down to look at him more closely.

"Ennis, what's wrong? I know it hurts, but..."

[e_delmar]

He shakes his head more, turning aside slowly.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Ennis. Ennis, please tell me what's wrong."

When he doesn't turn back around, she gets up and moves to the other side to face him.

[e_delmar]

"Ain't you."

The words are low, almost can't hear 'em.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Okay."

She waits a moment.

"What is it, Ennis. Please."

[e_delmar]

"Pain's part of it."

And it don't make sense, maybe, outside of his head, but it's all he's got breath for at the moment.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She waits, reaching out to gently rub his back, like she would a baby, not realizing that she's holding her breath.

[e_delmar]

"Bone pain."

Is all he says, and maybe he's been spending too much time with River.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara's not a doctor, but she knows that can't be good.

She nods, and keeps rubbing, hoping he'll say more.

[e_delmar]

He looks up at her, blinking through the pain

(drugs)


and gives her half a smile.


"You know."

It's not a question, really.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She looks at him. Nods.


It's a moment before she can speak.
"How long?"

[e_delmar]

A shrug, again, and that hiss of breath as he winces.


"Ain't too long, now."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She sighs and reaches down to take his hand, squeezing it tightly. She really can't speak now.

[e_delmar]

Ennis squeezes back. It ain't too hard, what he can do now, but it's somethin', and he hopes it helps.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"I'm so sorry, Ennis."

She knows it's stupid and pointless, but she has to say it.

[e_delmar]

He looks at her, a little surprised, and shakes his head.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Have...has what I've been doing helped?"

[e_delmar]

"Yeah," is all he says, but the real answer's more'n you know.



There's a pause, and Ennis swallows around a dry throat.


"Can't help everything."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She nods, understanding.


"Who all knows?"

[e_delmar]

A confused shake of the head.

"Sallie, Jack. Few other folk came 'n visited."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"I won't say anything."
Client/Companion privilege here.


She sighs again, then leans down and kisses his cheek. "I'm going to miss you, you stubborn old fool."

[e_delmar]

Ennis blushes a little (can't help it, even with a wrinkled face and empty eyes) and ducks his head.



"You'll be a'right."