[semi-open] hurry up now, i need a miracle

[causational]

who: eddie thawne & semi-open
what: Eddie gets caught in a shoot-out and goes to the hospital
when: April 15 and afterward
where: around the quarantine
warnings: gun violence, blood, serious injury



✪ the incident

[It started like any other day, kissing Cisco good-bye while he sleeps in, heading off to work in his patrol car while eating a piece of toast, packed lunch beside him, dressed in his usual neatly-pressed three-piece suit. Nothing particularly notable is supposed to be happening, mostly, he intends to do paperwork and research on an ongoing case, to interview a few suspects. And that's what he does.

Until it hits just after noon and he eats lunch while checking his phone, sends off a quick series of texts to Cisco, smiling at the camera while he chews his sandwich. That's when the call comes over the radio, about a car chase downtown, that two officers are down and they need backup. Glancing around, Eddie notices that the station is close to empty and the call isn't too far away, so he buckles up his gun belt and heads out. The chase is short before the car careens into the side of a skyscraper, there's smoke and flame everywhere, and Eddie drives his car up to join the line of cars being used as cover while one of the perpetrators shoots bolts of electricity at the line of police officers, and another uses an old-fashioned gun.

Everything is a blur of adrenaline and fear and focus, Eddie draws his gun, he uses his powers to shield over and over to protect his fellow officers, and when a couple of the officers at the front get hit with a burst of electricity, tumbling to the ground, Eddie bolts out without thinking. It seems to happen in slow motion - the second bolt of electricity flies at him while he fights exhaustion to get his shield back up, the electricity hits the shield, and his concentration flickers. The bolt hits him hard, his body tries to absorb it, he jerks and twitches, falls to the ground, overloaded, burning hot, nose bloody.

It takes a moment to start moving again, he becomes aware that one of the officers is still down while the other staggers back to the line of cars. Pushing himself up onto his knees, he coughs out a mouthful of blood, and starts to stand.

And then the bullet hits him in the side.

For a moment, everything goes still and silent. Eddie has been shot before, in the chest, he's felt the bullet penetrate his body, felt the damage it did, struggled to cling to life. But that was a choice he made, he was prepared, and this is different. It enters from the side, hits him like a hammer, knocking him over on his side. Curled up on the pavement, he struggles to breathe while the side of his shirt and suit jacket get hot and wet and the rest of him gets cold, so cold...

The last thing he sees before everything goes dark is a blurry view of the line of police officers behind him, shouting his name, shouting something he can't hear...]

OOC: Drop a starter or message me for a starter if you'd like your character to be involved in this in any way. Any of Eddie's CR (close or not) is welcome to drop a hospital visit thread in here or ask me for one!

Comments

[causational]

I think an hour of the nuances of molecular weight would be more than worth a kiss from you.

[But when Cisco's voice goes quiet and a little pleading, Eddie stops joking about it, relaxing his body and resting his cheek against Cisco's hair.]

I won't let them make you leave. You're definitely contributing to my healing process, no question.

[Then Cisco starts speaking again, shifting so he can wipe at Eddie's tears, looking at him with warm dark eyes that shine with love and affection and empathy. This, Eddie thinks, is why he loves Cisco so much. The way he looks at Eddie and cares about him and what's going on inside him, the way he's willing to accept Eddie for what he is and not what he should, or could be.

It would probably be noble of Eddie, to break up with Cisco so he doesn't hurt him worse, doesn't make his life harder and sadder and more stressful. But he doesn't want to, all he wants is this, lying beside his boyfriend, looking up at him while Cisco touches his face and speaks with emotion and tells him it's okay to just be who he is, that he'll be loved for being just who he is. Right now. It's selfish, but Cisco makes Eddie feel safe being a bit selfish, like that, not having to sacrifice something he wants and needs so much.

Cisco makes him feel safe letting someone else be the strong one for a while. It's something that's never come easy to Eddie, he's always felt like he should be the strong one, the hero, that he should take his licks and not show how much he's hurting afterward so no one has to worry about him. That superpowers or not, he should be a superhero, enough that now, with powers, he's still trying to do more than he can. But right now, with Cisco lying next to him and telling him it's okay that he was worried, that he wants to reciprocate the things that Eddie's done for him, he feels such an intense wave of comfort and safety. For a moment, he chokes up again, looking up at Cisco.]

God baby, I love you so much. Thank you...for being strong for me. It's never been okay for me to be the weak one before. I feel stupid even...but you make it okay.

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco props himself up with one arm and kisses every part of Eddie's face he can reach, then. He wants to shower him in love, to prove he still cares about him, even if he needs to be weak for a little while.

His plan to lay next to Eddie and stay awake until morning doesn't quite go as hoped. The two of them keep talking for a while after that, in quieter and quieter murmurs, until both of them fall asleep once more. And they are asleep like that on the bed - Cisco curled up in the small amount of space at Eddie's side - when the nurse comes in, in the morning, to check on Eddie and give him his medicine. But she doesn't try to make Cisco leave.

The next five days are difficult. The doctors insist on keeping Eddie in the hospital that long, so that they can be sure everything is healing the way it should be. Cisco appreciates their caution, but he can see that it begins to wear on Eddie. There are a lot of scans, a lot of check-ins, a lot of medication. Cisco stays as close to Eddie as he can, ducking out only for a few minutes at a time for a quick shower. He's grateful for all the food that people brought him, because even going down to the hospital's cafeteria would mean being gone too long.

He tries to keep Eddie as entertained as he can, to distract him from his environment. It helps when he gets other visitors, but Cisco can still see his restlessness growing. So it is a relief, when the morning comes for Eddie to be discharged. It feels strange, after all the paperwork and the pharmacy and the endless cautions from doctors, to be out in the open air again. They take a taxi home; Eddie can walk, but he is weak, needs to spend the next week resting as much as possible at home. When they arrive at the apartment, Cisco hurries over to walk beside Eddie, steady him and hold the door for him, help him inside.

As soon as they are over the threshold, there is a pattering of small feet, and Shadow comes bolting down the stairs from their room, meowing loudly and indignantly as he runs over and begins rubbing his face aggressively against Eddie's shins. Cisco can hear him purring from all the way up here. ]

I think somebody missed you.

[causational]

[By the time it's the day of his discharge, Eddie has decided he really, really hates the hospital. He's tired of lying on his back not moving, he's tired of being poked and prodded and scanned, he's tired of medication side effects and not being able to properly cuddle with Cisco. So when they give him his medications and he finishes the paperwork and he's in the taxi, Eddie could not be more relieved, despite how sore he is.

It's even more of a relief when they get home, the door opens, and he can smell home. Almost immediately, it sets him at ease, he lets out a soft groan of happiness at just being here, with Cisco, and...]

Shadow!

[The cat comes running up to him, rubbing his face all over Eddie's pants and purring, meowing, making all sorts of greeting noises. And it hurts, but Eddie crouches down, slowly, painfully, so he can gently stroke his fingertips over Shadow's head, scritching behind his ears.]

Hi baby, I missed you too. Oh, what a good cat...

[His voice is pitched soft, and he's breathing a little rough and heavy from the position, but he doesn't care, because Shadow is looking up at him with big green eyes and purring and Eddie couldn't be happier.]

I wanna pick him up but I don't think I can. Cisco, babe, can you help? Please?

[It's getting easier, after five days in the hospital, with Cisco the one person he knows and trusts to be on his side, to take care of him, to still like him even when he's weak, to ask for help so bluntly.]

[franciscoramon]

I got you.

[ Cisco drops his bags onto the couch - all his clothes and things from the hospital, the bag of medications, the folder full of various copies of paperwork. He can tidy it later, when Eddie is resting. For now, what's important is getting him settled. Cisco knows he's not supposed to exert himself too much, and that the journey back from the hospital is a lot more effort than he's exerted since his injury.

So he swoops down and scoops up Shadow, balancing the cat over his shoulder as he says: ]

I'll bring him up with us, let's get you settled.

[ He is also having an easier time being a little bossy, telling Eddie where he should go, what he should do. Which is why Cisco sets his free hand against Eddie's lower back, directing him towards the stairs leading up to their room. He can tell that Taako and Magnus and Lup had done a good job, watering the plants and looking after this place. All the mail is in a pile on the kitchen table, and Cisco can see food and water in Shadow's bowls.

Cisco insists that Eddie go up the stairs first, and makes sure he's taking them slowly. It's only one flight, but the last thing they want is for Eddie to re-injure himself being careless so they end up back at the hospital. ]

He's purring so much.

[ After their slow climb, Eddie opens the door, and Cisco can't help a sigh of relief, looking at their room. Home. He hadn't realized how much he missed it. Cisco goes around Eddie, dropping Shadow onto the bed so he can come around and help Eddie climb in. ]

How're you feeling?

[causational]

[When Cisco scoops up Shadow, Eddie latches onto his sleeve to help get himself up and onto his feet again, wobbling a little. Everything still hurts, every movement is a kind of grating, raw pain, but being out of the hospital and able to move is worth every moment of pain.]

Ugh, right back into bed. I can't wait until I can go to the gym again...

[It's good-natured complaining, though, and he keeps moving alongside Cisco, walking carefully, his hand on the railing. The truth is, he's already feeling tired out, and the prospect of lying down in his own bed, the one he shares with Cisco, that smells like him and Cisco, at home and napping or watching a movie is really nice. As they head up the stairs, Cisco comments that Shadow is purring a lot, and Eddie grins, glancing back over his shoulder for a moment at his boyfriend and their cat.]

If I could purr, I would be too.

[Eddie lets Cisco go ahead of him, walking into the room and dropping the cat onto the bed, then coming back to give Eddie a hand getting into it, himself. Carefully, Eddie sits down and then smiles up at Cisco.]

Tired, but really happy to be home. I can't wait to curl up in my own bed with you and Shadow and watch a movie or something.

[A bit of a pause, and Eddie shifts on the bed, starts tugging at his shirt.]

Would you mind helping me with this? I really want to...change into something clean that's not...covered in hospital, you know?

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco fusses with the pillows, makes sure Eddie is comfortably settled, without even needing to be asked. He is glad, in a way, that something like this hadn't happened earlier in their relationship. He would have still been all too eager to make himself helpful, but he thinks it would have been more embarrassing for Eddie, made him feel more uncomfortable. But now, they are close enough that it's easy. Not exactly what they're used to, but they're both adjusting to it together.

So Cisco goes and starts rummaging through Eddie's drawer in the wardrobe, pulling out a shirt that Cisco knows is one of his favorites for lounging around the house. It's a henley that Eddie never wears out, anymore, because it's too old, worn thin enough that there are a few holes along the seams and in the cuffs. ]

It's like paradise. Your own bed, your own cat, your own clothes, and no more hospital food!

[ As he is joking, Cisco gently pulls Eddie's T-shirt over his head and off, and helps him slip into the clean one. He has, of course, seen Eddie's bare chest plenty of times in the last few days, as the doctors examined him and performed various tests. But it's going to take some adjusting to the new scars that'll be there once he heals. While he is tugging down the shirt, Cisco pauses, touches Eddie's stitches with the tips of his fingers - so lightly he will probably hardly even feel it. Cisco wants to touch him, but is careful of hurting him.

Shadow has settled in on Eddie's lap and is, indeed, purring as if his life depended on it, kneading the blanket over Eddie's thighs with a vehemence Cisco's never seen him exhibit before. ]

I know it sucks, being stuck in bed, not being able to go to work or the gym or stuff. But we can have fun with it, right? Do a little Princess Bride LARPING, just call me 'servant boy' and I'll answer everything with 'as you wish'?

[causational]

[It's strange, to Eddie, how natural this feels - sitting on his bed, half-helpless, his hair a mess, letting Cisco help him get his T-shirt off, watching as Cisco pulls out the exact shirt he was hoping to wear. He's not sure when it happened, this feeling of safety with Cisco, like he can be unkempt and sick and unattractive, but Cisco will still want him, still want to be with him, still want to be here helping him out. But the truth is, that's how he feels, for...well, for the first time in as long as he can remember.

As Cisco helps him get the shirt on, he touches Eddie's stitches, his fingers so gentle Eddie barely feels them, and he looks up at his boyfriend's face, abruptly, watching the expression he makes as he finishes sliding on the shirt.]

No kidding. And you forgot the most important part, which is being able to cuddle you without the IV in the way. Seriously, that thing was so annoying. I missed you, and how you feel in bed with me.

[Eddie's hand settles naturally into Shadow's fur as the cat sits in his lap, purring and kneading and making himself comfortable, obviously pleased to have Eddie home. For a moment, it takes Eddie's breath away, how much this feels like having a family. How right this feels.]

Did you just suggest Princess Bride LARPing? I can't believe it. That's either the nerdiest or kinkiest thing I've ever heard. Maybe both.

[Eddie's eyes are warm as he watches Cisco, head a bit tilted.]

Come on, Cisco. Come on the bed with me and Shadow. Join your family.

[He says it without thinking, and when he realizes what he's said, he stubbornly refuses to take it back.]

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco changes quickly while Eddie is talking, stripping off his clothes and shoving them in a corner. He can clean once Eddie is sleeping. Cisco makes the decision right then to be really good about keeping the apartment as clean as he can while Eddie is healing; he knows that Eddie hates mess much more than he does, and wants to remove any temptation he might feel to get up and tidy when he ought to be recovering. He pulls on fuzzy socks, boxers, and one of Eddie's big, comfortable t-shirts.

The comment about LARPing makes Cisco grin, wagging his eyebrows suggestively and saying, in the smokiest, sexiest voice he can muster: ]

I vote for both.

[ He can't keep that up for long, however, and giggles, ducking his head. It's so good, to be here, in private, in their home. While he'd gotten used to the hospital, it's more comfortable being here. He and Eddie belong here, together. Not in the ICU.

Cisco doesn't question the way Eddie calls him (and Shadow) his family; he just lifts up the blankets and slides under them, sighing with satisfaction as he scoots over to curl up to Eddie, fitting himself to him since Eddie's movements are limited both by his injury and the slightly tubby cat that has now planted himself on Eddie and shows no signs of wanting to move. But this bed is more than wide enough for them, and there is no IV in the way, as Eddie said. Cisco nuzzles his face against Eddie's neck, lets out a soft noise of contentment. ]

I gotta text everybody and tell 'em I got you home okay...

[ But it's clear from his tone of voice that he wants to put it off, that all he'd like to do is just stay here, as long as possible. Carefully, Cisco slips his arm over, splaying his fingers and letting his hand come up to rest on Eddie's chest, over his breastbone. ]

Promise you'll tell me if you're in pain, or you need anything? No matter how small.

[causational]

[There's something so calming about watching Cisco head over to the corner and strip off his clothes, slide into boxers and socks and Eddie's T-shirt. It feels right, comfortable and natural, and Eddie realizes abruptly how much he'd been missing this while he was at the hospital, how normal this has become, being with Cisco, sharing a life together. He loves how Cisco looks, wearing his shirt, he loves how Cisco teases him gently while he slides into bed beside him, his voice warm and sexy even as he makes a silly joke.]

Mmm, don't tempt me. It's been way, way too long...

[Eddie's brows raise, and he smiles warmly at his boyfriend, reaching out and gently brushing some of his hair back. It's soft and warm and smooth, and Eddie lets his fingertips slide through it while Cisco settles in beside him and sighs with satisfaction, fits his body up against Eddie's. He's not sure he's ever been with someone who fit against him so smoothly and perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle that were meant for each other. Tilting his head to the side, he rests it against the top of Cisco's head, making a soft hum in his throat as Cisco says, somewhat idly, that he's going to text people to let them know he's home.]

You sound really motivated to do that.

[It's a gentle tease, and when Cisco's arm slides across his chest, Eddie makes a soft sigh. It still hurts to breathe deeply, but Cisco has gotten good at finding the right way to drape his arm across Eddie's chest so that it doesn't hurt. For a moment, Eddie closes his eyes and sighs, just soaking in the sensation of it, Shadow warm and purring against his belly and thighs, Cisco curled up against his side, hand on his chest.]

I promise. But right now I couldn't be more comfortable. I just want to stay like this forever. Everything smells like you and me, and Shadow is warm and your hair feels good, and just...it's perfect. I love our home and our room...

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco heaves a huge sigh, letting his head drop onto Eddie's shoulder, cheek smushed up and cute as he says, with exaggerated despondency: ]

I wish. That one doctor - the one with the super red beard - cornered me when you were getting your last x-rays and lectured me for ten awkward, awkward minutes about how we really shouldn't have even the gentlest, tamest sex for at least another week. He looked me dead in the eyes and made me promise to cool it and let you recover a bit more.

[ There are still things that will be difficult for them, now that they're back from the hospital - side effects from Eddie's meds, stopping him from trying to do too much, keeping his spirits up. But things feel like they are beginning to get back to normal, as Eddie relaxes into his embrace and then gently teases him for being lazy. ]

Soooo motivated. The most motivated. Put me on a poster.

[ Cisco makes a wordless noise of agreement, as Eddie talks about how much nicer it is to be here than the hospital. The light coming in through the curtains is gentler, it doesn't smell of hospital, it is quiet except for the sound of Shadow's rumbling purr. He doesn't even think, really, about the words before he says: ]

Let's never move. Let's just stay here forever, okay?

[ Whether he means the two of them here in this bed, the two of them in this apartment together, it's not entirely clear. He just watches Eddie, with his eyes closed, looking happier than he has since before he got shot, and Cisco's heart feels so full. ]

[causational]

Wow. That was really rude of him. You know, I could totally handle some gentle, tame sex right now.

[He still has his eyes closed, as Cisco curls up against him, his cheek against his shoulder, warm and comfortable and solid in a way that's intensely reassuring. He hadn't realized, he thinks, until now, exactly how much he'd needed to let himself relax against Cisco's body. Cisco had broken protocol, had climbed into the bed with him, but with all the wires and cords he'd been attached to, with all the supervision and the size of the bed, the discomfort of it, it wasn't really like cuddling at all.

This is something else, sunk into his own bed with his boyfriend curled up against his side, making soft jokes in a murmured voice, and with Shadow purring in his lap, warm and soft against his belly, all unconditional love and affection. This is proper cuddling. This is what he'd been craving, body and soul, for the whole time he'd been in the hospital.]

I'm really okay with that. I know it's selfish, but I want to keep you for myself for now. Even if it's just for a few minutes.

[For a while, they're quiet except for Shadow's purring, and Eddie feels like everything is perfect, like he could fall asleep for a nap and it would be more restful than all the sleep he'd had in the hospital combined. Then Cisco is murmuring that they should never move, just stay here forever, and Eddie feels a pang of love and affection and happiness that almost hurts.]

Okay. Forever. Just you and me and Shadow.