ST LOUIS PART 9
Summary: Day 13 — Learning more about the patients and being tested on your convictions.
Taglist: @ironsaladwitch @foggyturtleknightangel @scatterbrain1997 @imhungry675 @fanlovedlt @slasherstories123
The next morning
You woke up and sighed as the terrible headache came back. You still managed to ask, “How are the patients ?”
House raised an eyebrow at the question and shook his head. “You have a temperature hot enough to burn down a village, you’re sweating like you just took a shower, and you’ve passed out last night, yet you’re still thinking about the patients?”
You winced as you tried to sit up. “I did not make my round tonight. I need to do it now.”
He rolled his eyes and held you down by the shoulders. “You’re not going anywhere. You’re running a fever. You’re staying put until you’re not running a temperature anymore.”
You groaned and whined and complained and tried to squirm your way out of his grip, your voice cracking with every protest you made. “Let me go ! I have to—I have to check…The patients need—”
“You stop that right now, or I will be getting the sedative shots.” He seethed.
You were too weak and too tired to keep fighting, so you simply went limp in his arms, looking at him through weary eyes. “I need to.”
“You don’t need to do anything. Do you have any idea how panicked both the staff and the patients will be if they find the hospital’s head nurse passed out and unconscious in the hallway?”
You had to admit that he was right and finally gave up. You stayed still and silent for a moment—thinking.
“They are…exceptional, you know?” You eventually breathed out. “The most…exceptional people I have ever met.”
“What are you blabbering about? Who is?” He sighed.
You smiled. “The patients. But the staff too. All the people who work here. The ones who held on as long as they did. I could not have asked for a better job…”
He remained silent, confused but attentive. He didn’t understand you, that he was sure of. He probably never would. “If you love this place and the people who live here that much…then you better stay here with me and get some rest.”
You smiled and opened your eyes slightly to look at him. “Even you are…exceptional.”
He stayed silent and simply stared at your weary but sincere eyes and your feverish face. He couldn’t even bring himself to say something mean or sarcastic as usual. All he could do was slowly wipe the sweat away from your forehead. “Exceptional?”
You nodded and smiled. “The best in your field, or so I heard.”
He watched as you let your eyes slowly close, finally allowing your feverish body to rest. He placed another hand behind your head, his fingers massaging your messy hair, the sweat from your fever making your hair damp, and his thoughts raced through his mind again. He leaned his own head back and slowly exhaled, closing his eyes and letting his other hand gently lay on your back, feeling each rise and fall of your heavy breathing.
He had truly lost his mind, hadn’t he…But he did warn you. Everything that would happen next would be entirely your fault. Right. Everything was your damn fault.
You were nothing more than some healing Tinkerbell, a crazy woman…He was a man of science, he should start acting like it.
Later
A nurse came in and found the both of you on the couch—asleep. She approached and shook you awake. “Head Nurse Y/N ?”
You groaned and slowly opened your eyes. That was the most sleep you think you’d gotten in a while…wait. You opened your eyes fully, and realized that you were laying on top of a sleeping House.
You immediately tried to detangle yourself from his grasp and stood up in a hurry. “Right. What is it ?”
The nurse grimaced. “Hum…Sorry to bother you. But one of the patients is gone from their cell. Michael? Michael Myers? He’s gone.”
You sighed and shook your head. “I see. Another sleepwalking episode I imagine.” You sighed. “Fine. Thank you. We are coming. I will wake up House.”
The nurse nodded and quickly walked out of the room. You looked down at him, who was still sleeping on the couch. You then gently shook his shoulder, trying to wake him up. “House ? Wake up…”
He groaned and sat up, running his hand over his face and rubbing his eyes.
You sighed. “Sorry. But we need to go. Michael. He is gone.”
“Again ? Seriously?” He sighed and shook his head before standing up. “Hasn’t he done this enough times already?”
You smiled and shrugged before leaving the room. You then instructed all guards to swipe the surrounding forest. The nurses and doctors would look inside the hospital. House followed behind you. You looked in the cafeteria, the common living room which was still under construction and even the attic.
House popped up a bottle of Vicodin in his pocket to take a pill but hesitated…
Did he really need it? He was able to fall asleep the night before without any Vicodin pills. Granted, he was exhausted and he was also tired from helping you through your fever, but…He put the bottle back in his jacket pocket. He would take it later, he decided. Right now, he needed to find that goddamn patient.
He then saw you outside and walked over to you. “Any news on Mikey Boy yet?”
You shook your head negatively, until the facility’s priest came forward. “Head Nurse Y/N? Doctor House?”
You and House turned around and looked at the priest. “Yes, Father Cornelius?”
He sighed. “I…believe I have found Michael. Please. Follow me.”
Both you and House followed the priest towards the chapel. House rolled his eyes and mumbled under his breath. “Of course. Of course he’s in the chapel. Because we all know Michael’s a devoted Christian man...”
You stepped in and Michael was indeed standing there with a bloody knife in his hand. You frowned and stepped closer.
“Michael ?”
He turned to you with those soulless eyes, the ones that showed nothing but pure evil.
The priest stayed by the door, keeping his distance. House stood behind you, trying not to show his own fear.
You took a deep breath and took a few steps closer. “…Are you okay, Michael?”
No answer. Michael simply continued staring at you with those unnerving lifeless eyes.
The priest spoke behind the both of you, his voice growing worried. “Head Nurse Y/N, be careful…”
You nodded wordlessly and looked down at the bloody knife. “…What happened ? Did someone attack you, Michael?”
No words came from him. The only thing that happened was him slowly lifting the knife higher in the air, the blood dripping onto the floor. The priest made a small, soft gasp from behind the both of you, and you could hear him speaking to himself, muttering a prayer.
Meanwhile, House was wordlessly watching the scene and feeling more tense by the second.
You didn’t flinch. “Could you please give me the knife, Michael? I wouldn’t want you to cut yourself with it. Are you hurt?”
Michael clutched the knife tighter. There was something about his cold, emotionless expression that was beginning to…make you uncomfortable. You’d seen him act like this before, but for some reason, something wasn’t right this time around.
The priest, from the door, began to speak again. “Dear Lord, please protect us…let us not come to harm—“
Another moment of silence, Michael surprisingly spoke. “It wasn’t me, that was hurt…” He looked down at the blood on the knife, his expression still unreadable and his eyes pitch black.
Doctor House spoke up behind you. “Y/N. Step back. The patient is currently unstable. He’s dangerous…”
You didn’t show fear and simply extended a hand. “Michael. I know you do not want to hurt me. I am sure you had a good reason for hurting someone else tonight. How about you give me the knife and we can talk about it? You and me?”
A few seconds of silence passed, Michael simply stared at you. The priest was holding his breath at this point. House seethed. “Y/N, I’m warning you. Back. Up. Right now. You’re too close.”
Suddenly, Michael lifted his knife again and House immediately tackled you to the ground before you could be stabbed. He then called out to the priest, his voice hard and cold.
“Call security! Now!”
The priest immediately ran outside and you quickly grabbed House to help him up so you could run away.
Michael followed the both of you.
He heard Michael behind you two, those odd footsteps getting closer and closer. House’s leg was suffering and you knew he wouldn’t be able to run for much longer.
You looked back at Michael who was getting closer…Your eyes watered and you knew you didn’t have much time. You saw the door of the confessional and pushed House inside before closing the door behind him—leaving him completely confused.
He pounded his fist on the door. “Y/N! What the hell are you doing?! Let me out of here!”
You used your body to keep the door closed and whispered. “You need to stay alive.”
He panicked, trying to open the door to no avail, and he realized that you were using your body to prevent him from getting out. His breathing was ragged by this point and he pounded on the door again, desperately. “Y/N! Let me out of here! Y/N!”
Before you could answer, Michael grabbed your arm and spun you around. He then grabbed you by the throat and pinned you against the wooden door…The tip of his knife pocking your side. Your eyes widened in shock and fear as you could feel the cold blade of the knife against your skin. You attempted to kick him, but he tightened his grip on your throat, preventing you from defending yourself.
House heard the commotion happening outside and pounded on the door harder and more desperately, his voice growing hoarse from shouting. “LET HER GO, YOU ASSHOLE!”
“M-Michael.” You tried to speak up.
Your voice was strained with his hand still tight around your throat, making it difficult to breathe. Michael kept a firm grip on you, pushing you up against the confessional door and his face remained perfectly expressionless.
House continued to bang on the door, desperately trying to get it open. “Michael! No! Don’t do it!”
“I’m your friend…Michael. You know I am. I do not want to hurt you. And I know you do not want to hurt me.” You told him with tears in your eyes. “I read to you. I taught you how to read and write…I am not your enemy, Michael. You know I am not. Do not let your bloodthirst overwhelm you, please.”
His soulless eyes simply looked at you, his grip not letting up. He did not want to listen to you.
“M-Michael?” You slowly lifted your hands to his mask. “It’s okay. Just…listen to me. Please.”
Michael tensed up once you placed your hands on his mask. He slightly loosened his grip on your throat, and it became slightly easier to breathe. You slowly removed the mask and strands of blond hair fell and covered Michael’s face. You could hear his ragged breath and when you touched his cheeks—you felt tears running down his face. You soothed him and slowly held him against you. “It’s okay…”
He stood there, still and stunned and his grip on your neck loosening even more. House was still shouting, although it was becoming quieter and he was running out of energy from the endless pounding on the confessional door.
You whispered. “It’s okay, Michael. You’re safe. No one will hurt you.”
He looked shocked as you held him. He was breathing heavily. He was confused and frustrated, but he didn’t try to fight you anymore. He just stayed there, feeling your touch, your soft voice and your gentle soothing.
House was no longer banging on the door and his breathing slowed down behind the confessional door. He was listening intently to the soft, tender words you were speaking. Michael was pressed against you and breathing rapidly.
He was trying to understand what was happening and why you were being so gentle with him. He didn’t understand it. Your voice…the words you were saying, the way you were holding him. It all seemed so…peaceful, gentle, kind.
You stroked the top of his head. “Drop the knife, Michael. I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.”
He stayed motionless, still breathing heavily and deeply confused by your words. He had killed numerous people already, yet you were still holding him, you weren’t repulsed by him, you were still being so kind and gentle. He could feel your hands on his head, your touch so soft and comforting…even when you perfectly knew who and what he was.
He could feel the tears streaming down his face and he couldn’t understand why he was even crying right now.
You continued to whisper words of comfort and affection, trying to make him understand that despite knowing what he has done, you still cared.
Suddenly, the knife clattered to the floor and he held you in a crushing hug with his face pressed against your shoulder. His nails dug into your skin painfully, but you did not complain. “I know this isn’t what you wanted. Let go of the knife, Michael.”
He was shaking and crying against your shoulder. And you? You just let him hold you tighter, allowing him to find comfort in you, even as your skin was bruised and scratched from his nails.
You continued to soothe and console, whispering softly and gently into his ear. “It’s okay, Michael…”
Suddenly however, guards came in and shouted for Michael to get down on the floor. You raised a hand. “Stop it. Do not frighten him.”
The guards were confused at your command, but they obeyed, as they watched the strange scene of you holding Michael in a tight hug, his maskless face buried against your shoulder. Finally, Michael released you and you managed to get away from the door of the confessional. House stepped out and stayed silent. You were still smiling…that sweet smile meant to charm and comfort.
“It’s alright. They won’t hurt you, Michael. I promise.”
Michael was still looking into your eyes, and there was something different about his expression…he looked almost…sad. House watched the whole scene with a stunned silence, trying to process what he had witnessed. The guards stepped forward and led Michael out of the chapel. The moment he was brought outside, you winced and started shaking.
You rubbed your own arms and tried to reassure yourself.
House stepped up to you and finally spoke, his voice quiet. “You’re an idiot.”
“I know.” You whispered—you eyes devoid of any emotion.
He kept staring at you for a few more moments before looking away and crossing his arms. “You could’ve died tonight.”
You nodded. “Well…death awaits us all.”
House’s eyes softened as he saw your empty expression. He put a hand on your shoulder.“Are you alright?”
“I…I’m fine.” You smiled at him. Even now, even when you almost died, you were still giving him that…damn smile.
He gripped your shoulder tighter and stared at you. He didn’t buy your answer at all. “Don’t give me that crap. You just had a man try to kill you, and you’re telling me you’re fine?”
You closed your eyes. “…I am still breathing.”
He could see right through you, he noticed how your hands still shook, how your skin was pale with adrenaline and how you were holding back your tears. Why were you still trying to act like you were alright? You weren’t okay.
He forced you to look at him. “That’s not the answer I was looking for, sunshine.”
Your smile twitched. “…It is the only answer you will get from me, House.”
He shook his head, narrowing his eyes as he held your cheek in his hand. “Not good enough. Now quit smiling. You’re not fine, so why are you trying to make it seem like everything is ok?”
You sighed and pulled away. “Do not pretend you care.”
His expression hardened a little as you tried to pull away. “Believe it or not. I do care.” He put a hand on your shoulder and forced you to look back at him. “I swear, if you force me to ask you what’s wrong one more time—“
You turned around to face him and finally snapped. “Doctor House. I almost died today. So no. I am not okay. But I have a job to do. And letting the patients see my fear, my doubts and my anxiety won’t help them or me. I am the head nurse of a hospital for slashers and supernatural beings. Every word, every movement and every emotion is being put under a microscope. I do not have the time to be sad or angry or upset…”
There it was…the truth behind everything. The reason why you were so cheerful to a fault, why you were always smiling, why you were always helping people. He stared at you…at the tears and the emotions and the pain and the fear…He saw the size of your heart. And it scared him.
You wiped your eyes and stood up straighter, trying to regain composure. “I can’t be weak. I don’t have the…luxury of being anything but fine.”
House, for once, didn’t know what to say.
Your heart was so huge. It almost made him feel small.
Your entire body was shaking from the tension, and yet you were still standing there, with your hands balled into fists and trying so hard to hold it together. “I am not fine. But I am not an idiot. I am not crazy. I am not naive or stupid. I am more realist than you ever were! I know what it takes to be a nurse in this hospital! I know that if I lose that smile you hate so much, then all I worked so hard for comes crashing down! Everything breaks and leaks and runs into the sand to disappear forever!”
He just…stood there, silently listening to your words. You were yelling, and it was the first time he had ever seen you this…emotional. You were no longer trying to smile. You were crying and shouting and shaking and gripping your coat, desperately telling him what it was like for you.
“I CARE ABOUT THE PATIENTS, THE STAFF AND EVERYONE BETWEEN THESE WALLS ! I DO BELIEVE IN REDEMPTION ! I DO BELIEVE IN THE BEST OF YOU AND ME AND EVERYONE ! AND IT IS NOT FAIR THAT I AM BOUND TO BE THE ONLY ONE TRYING TO FIX THINGS ! IT IS HARD ! IT IS HARD AND IT HURTS, HOUSE !”
You stood before him, breathing hard, exhausted and struggling to keep it all together. This woman…this woman he would always call crazy, this woman he would insult and belittle day in and day out…was sobbing her eyes out in front of him. You were no longer the smiling, cheerful, optimistic person he had known you to be. You were angry, desperate, and emotional…everything he had accused you of hiding.
You tried to dry your tears. “Go on. Mock me. Drench me with your sarcasm and skepticism. I am sure you are dying to do so…But I will be back tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that. So watch me help the patients or stay out of my way !”
He finally spoke again, his voice quiet, and he took a step closer. “No.”
You looked up at him, surprised at his response. “No? What…what do you mean ‘no’ ?”
He took another step closer, looking at your red eyes and disheveled hair. “I’m not gonna mock you. And I don’t want to be in your way.” He took another step closer. “No…I won’t mock you. I won’t mock you because I’ve spent weeks trying to prove you’re delusional. Every time I think I’ve found the evidence, you go and make another murderer cry.”
You were taken off-guard. In all the teasing and arguing and bickering you would face with him, you had never, not even once, seen him agree with you.
“You know what’s annoying? You’re actually good at this. I still think you’re insane. I just don’t think you’re wrong. I couldn’t do what you do, even if I wanted to pretend to be a good person for a day and try.” He told you honestly.
You were speechless. Here he was, the most cynical man you had ever met…He was the last person you would expect to ever receive any sort of compliments from. And yet here he was, the man who had been a complete jerk to you, drying your tears and calling you exceptional…You sighed and pulled away before picking up his cane. You then returned to him and gave it back to him.
“…It may be so, but I can’t do this on my own. I need help. Your help.”
He looked at you, surprised at your words and a bit confused. He took the cane from you, his hand grazing over yours for a second.
He raised an eyebrow and gave you a look. “My…help? You need my help?”
You smiled. “Yeah. I know. Shocking. But you are the only doctor who actually lasted in this place. You made it where so many failed. You are just as exceptional as I am and this is maybe why I…respect you as much as I do. Our methods are different. But I believe together we can do great work.”
He stood there in stunned silence, just looking at you, before finally speaking again. “Alright…I guess someone’s gotta have your back. But I have to warn you. I am terrible at trust falls.”
And there he was, being the bastard that you knew again…and you didn’t mind it at all.
Your smile grew a little as his sarcasm returned. “It’s okay…We’ll get there eventually.”
You then both left the chapel.
Back in the hospital
You were sitting in the infirmary as House asked you to show him your injuries from Michael. You sighed and lifted your shirt for him to examine the bruises and nail marks. He examined them, running his fingers gently over the marks and bruises, trying to assess any serious damages.
His eyes were fixed on your skin, and you could hear his own breathing slightly uneven.“Michael did a number on you…”
You smiled weakly. “He was scared. And upset.”
He nodded, tracing his fingers over the marks on your skin without even thinking. “He was still an asshole for that…”
He suddenly realized what he was doing and stopped touching you, pulling his hand away.
He quickly spoke up. “…Anyway…these look like they’re gonna hurt at the end of the day. Let’s get some ice on these nasty bruises.”
You nodded. He stood up and headed over to where all the medical supplies were store. He grabbed some gauze and ice to help with your injuries. He returned and stood in front of your seat and placed the ice and gauze on the table.
He then spoke up again. “Lift up your shirt again.”
You huffed playfully and smiled. “If you wanted another peep, doc. You could have just asked…”
He rolled his eyes as you teased him, but he couldn’t help the small smirk that formed on his lips. “Ha ha. Very funny. Just shut up and lift up your shirt.”
You chuckled and did as he asked. “Is that what you do now? Ask poor nurses to show you their battle wounds so you can have an eyeful?”
He just barely suppressed another smirk as he started applying the gauze to your side. “Please, you have no idea the kind of things I’m willing to do just to get people to show more skin.”
He ran his hands gently over your side, feeling your skin and wrapping the gauze snugly around your waist. You chuckled and stayed silent after that. He finished up, making sure the gauze was securely wrapping you.
“Done. How does it feel?”
You stood up. “Better.”
He nodded, folding his arms. “Good. Make sure that stays on for at least 2-3 hours.” He then smirked, looking at your now gauze-wrapped waist. “And no more trying to get crushed by crazy patients, alright?“
You smiled. “No promises.”
He raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his face.“You planning on getting crushed again? That some new fetish of yours ?”
You huffed. “Who does not dream to be crushed by a murderous mountain of muscles ? Every girl’s dream…” You pulled down your shirt. “Well, see you later, Dr. House.”
He didn’t lift his head. “Gregory.”
You froze and looked back at him quizzically.
He eventually lifted his eyes towards you. “My name. It’s Gregory. You can stop calling me Dr. House.”
You blinked before smiling. “Alright. See you around then, Gregory.”
One hour later…
You went to Jason Voorhees’ cell. You asked the guards to open the doors and entered before sitting down on the floor of the cell.“Hello, Jason. Remember me?”
Jason lifted his head up to look at you, but the rest of body remained still. He stared at you for a few moments before slowly nodding.
You smiled. “Good. I am so sorry I couldn’t come visit you earlier. It has been a very busy month…”
Jason didn’t respond, he just continued to look at you. He didn’t look hostile or angry. He was just…quiet. You coughed and took out something from your bag. “I…brought you a gift.”
You put down a small toad figurine in front of him. “I hope you like it? If you’d prefer a frog, I can bring another one.”
He looked down at the small figurine before gently picking it up, turning it over slightly to inspect it.
He seemed to…like it.
He wasn’t smiling, he wasn’t speaking either, but the way he was gently holding the figurine made you believe that he wasn’t disappointed. You sat down opposite him and smiled, watching as he kept observing the figurine. The two of you just sat there for quite a while in almost absolute silence, with the exception of the occasional sound from the guards standing by outside of the cell.
It was strangely peaceful. Just the two of you sitting across from each other…
“You like it ?”
He slowly nodded, still gently turning the figurine over in his hand.
“Are you…doing okay ?”
He looked up at you for a moment before slowly nodding again. Even though he wasn’t speaking, Jason had no problem communicating when he felt like it.
You observed him closely as he stared at the figurine and gently pet its head with one finger. He seemed so incredibly fascinated with this figurine, holding it with such care and attention that he never showed for anything else. Meanwhile, you just sat there, watching him, noticing those little mannerisms that made him so much more human than people made him out to be.
You coughed to catch his attention. “I was actually wondering if…perhaps you would like to see the frogs and toads near the lake?”
He tilted his head quizzically and stared at you thoughtfully, as if you contemplating a particularly difficult question. Then, after a few moments, he nodded once more.
Your smile widened and clapped your hands together. “Wonderful.” You stood up and knocked on the door of Jason’s cell. “Could you please open the door? Jason Voorhees is allowed 30 minutes of fresh air outside of the facility.”
One of the guards looked at you with a worried frown. “Are you serious? You’re letting this guy out of his cell?”
You coughed again. “When I will need your opinion, I will be sure to ask for it, sir. Now, this is my patient. And each patient will be allowed 30-minutes of recreation.”
The guard just grumbled to himself, not happy about this situation but he had no choice but to follow your orders. “Just know I won’t hesitate to shoot him down at the slightest sign of aggression.”
Your smile turned forced. “Right. Thank you for your valuable input. Open the door.”
The guard muttered one final remark before opening the door and letting out Jason. “This is a terrible decision…”
Jason stood up and quietly walked out of the cell door as soon as the guards opened it. He took note of the guards and their guns and looked at you, expecting your instructions.
You smiled and offered him your hand.
Jason gently placed the figurine in his pocket before looking at your hand. He stared at it for a few more moments before gently taking it. His hand was so much bigger than yours, almost enveloping your hand entirely. However, he held your hand very gently. You kept walking forward and opened each door until the very last one. Jason lifted a hand to cover his eyes as the sunlight reached his eyes. But he still let you lead him outside…hearing birds chipping away in the distance as you both kept walking.
He followed you with his head ducked down slightly. Even when the intense sunlight hit his eyes, he continued to follow you, trying to keep a hold on your hand as you guided him to the edge of the lake. He looked around, trying to get used to the sun on his skin, the breeze, the birds and the smells of nature. It had been such a long time since he had experienced something like this…
And then, you released his hand. You had arrived and smiled back at him. “Nice, huh ? I do sometimes miss the sunlight staying inside all day.”
His hand hovered in the air for a few seconds, feeling the absence of yours before dropping it back down to his side. He just nodded at your question, still not saying a word, as he kept looking around. He seemed entranced by it all. It was as if he hadn’t seen nature in years…and maybe he hadn’t. He just stood there, his eyes still adjusting to the brightness of the sunlight on the water of the lake, his head looked around as he drank in all of the different smells and sounds…
He then stepped closer to the lake and crouched down to sink his hand inside the fresh water.
His eyes closed and he looked genuinely happy.
Your smile softened at the sight of him gently stirring up the water with a single finger, the ripples continuing across the surface. He still hadn't said a word, but his breathing, his body language, his facial expressions, his mannerisms and the way he was sitting by the lake…all of it was enough for you to know exactly what he was thinking and feeling.
You walked closer and crouched down next to him to ask knowingly. "Enjoying yourself?"
He turned towards you and stared for a few moments before nodding. He then turned his gaze back towards the water, his large fingers gently skimming the surface, causing ripples to travel across the water and eventually reach the edge of the lake.
A calm silence surrounded the two of you, with nothing to disturb the tranquility.
You mimicked his movements.
He looked at you briefly, noticing that you were stirring up the lake water with your fingers as well. He returned his attention back to the water. But you could guess the ghost of a smile on his face.
His eyes then caught something moving in the water and in a matter of seconds, he had caught a fish with his bare hands.
You were about to congratulate him and ask if he would like to cook it for dinner when he suddenly lifted his mask to bite down into the fresh still-kicking fish.
You blinked before chuckling. “Well, that’s certainly a way to eat fresh.”
He looked satisfied with his catch and tore through the skin and flesh with his teeth, ripping it apart with savage strength. It was both disturbing and impressive, seeing such a grisly display, but…there was something else in his expression, beneath all the gore and viciousness. All the other patients ate their food as they were served, but Jason…he had always preferred to eat with his hands and mouth directly.
You smiled and looked into the water before attempting to catch a fish yourself, only for the fish to slip out of your fingers and slap you with its tail. You were stunned and started laughing. Jason made a small sound—a light chuckle, and his chest rumbled slightly. You turned to look at him and you were surprised to see that he was smiling. He was actually showing his teeth.
But he then realised he still had his mask off and promptly pulled it back down.
You continued to smile at him, having caught a glimpse of that small moment of genuine emotion. There was a sudden silence, save for the sound of the lake water and the birds chirping.
He was still holding the now fish skeleton in his hand, wiping the blood off his mouth with the back of his hand. But that small smile was still burned into your memory. Unfortunately, the 30 minutes were up quicker than expected and the guards brought Jason back in his cell.
Once back inside, Jason curled up into a ball where he usually slept and held onto the figurine, pressing it to his chest. You couldn’t help but smile at the precious sight.
But then, General McCain arrived and stopped next to you. “I heard you almost got killed by Michael Myers this morning. And now you let Jason Voorhees out of his cell? Do you have a death wish? Is that what this is?”
You turned to look at him with a frown on your face. “Jason’s a patient—same as the rest. And he has been behaving very well lately. As for Michael, he was sleepwalking and was scared. He just needed someone to reassure him. So no, I do not have a death wish. I’m just doing my job.”
McCain shook his head, his expression harsh and unforgiving. “I don’t think you understand how serious this is. We’re not dealing with regular patients here. These are mass murderers, psychopaths, rapists, serial killers—”
You rolled your eyes, cutting him off. “I know the file of every patient here. I know the severity of their disorders. I know them better than you do. You may be the head commander of this facility, but I’m in charge of all the patients. I am responsible for the well-being and recovery of every patient here, and that includes Jason.”
McCain gave you a disapproving look before l suddenly grabbing your upper arm tightly. “You are gonna get yourself killed. You think a couple of smiles and kind words are gonna magically cure these monsters?”
You winced. “Let go of me. It is that sort of attitude that has been damaging the patients’ health and safety.”
McCain tightened his grip on you, his fingers digging into your skin. He was more than fed up with your insolence. “You think these people want to get better? You think they even can get better? They’re mad, and the only thing you can do is lock them up in a cell and throw away the damn key.”
You glared at him. “Now that is going too far! I know you would rather that be the case. But I can assure you that as long as I am breathing, none of the patients will ever be treated like wild animals or mistreated ever again!”
McCain rolled his eyes. “Don’t you get it ? There is no rehabilitation for these people. You trying to get all chummy and friendly with them is only gonna get you killed!”
You growled and finally managed to yank your arm away from his grip. “No, you don’t get it. You haven’t even tried to talk to them. They’re not getting better because of the lack of treatment, the terrible conditions, and the fact that they are left alone with their thoughts!”
McCain scoffed. “The whole ‘being stuck in padded cells’ thing is to keep them from killing each other, and themselves for that matter. That’s the only treatment they’re gonna get, because they can’t be trusted around anyone else. They’re too dangerous.”
You were furious at this, clenching your fists by your sides. “That’s a load of crap and you know it! I know about the lack of therapy they used to get, the crappy food, the solitary confinement. None of that helped at all! They need help…And I want to give them that help.”
McCain sighed, getting irritated. “And how many more times are you gonna get almost killed today? Michael Myers attacked you earlier. How did you calm him down? By reassuring him and calling him by his name. That won’t work on every one of these psychos! You can’t talk your way out of danger every time !”
You were about to answer when Jason, who had been woken up by the screams, roared as he pounded on the door. He was clearly unhappy by the way McCain was yelling at and grabbing you.
McCain looked at him and huffed before getting his remote out. “See? You keep thinking that they somehow feel something for you. But you’re wrong. They don’t. They attack anyone and everyone…They’re animals.” He then pushed a button and Jason screamed in pain as electric shocks went through his body.
You looked at Jason who fell to the ground as the electric shocks ran through his body.
You felt pure anger.
Not only had McCain yelled at you, but he’d shocked a patient who had been completely non-hostile just a few moments ago. You could see the pain in Jason’s eyes as electricity coursed through him.
You grabbed McCain’s wrist. “Turn it off. Now.”
McCain did not look happy, but he did turn the remote off. “You gonna defend him now? He’s a psychotic, murderous serial killer, same as the rest of them. They’re not even human.”
You looked at him, your eyes filled pure, cold anger. “You say that like it’s a hard fact.”
You could see Jason still laying on the ground, groaning in pain as the electricity stopped. His breaths were haggard, but he was at least okay. McCain, on the other hand…
You just looked at him, taking a step closer. “You keep saying that you want to protect everyone…but they are the patients. They should be treated with as much respect and dignity as everyone here. How do you assume they will get any better if you only keep punishing them? They do feel things.”
McCain was becoming increasingly annoyed.“They feel blood-lust and killing instinct. That’s about it.” He suddenly grabbed your arm again. “And they’ll turn on you. They always do.”
You grunted as he grabbed you again, and you tried to pull your arm away. “No, they won’t. They aren’t stupid. They know better than to attack the only person who’s willing to listen to them.”
McCain scoffed disdainfully. “Oh yeah? Let’s put that theory to the test, shall we ?!”
He then dragged you away towards another cell and without a second thought…threw you in it. “They haven’t had their dinner yet. Let’s see how long they’ll ‘listen’ to you.”
You stumbled after him. “McCain, what are you doing?” McCain stopped in front of the reinforced cell doors, the yellow warning lights casting harsh shadows across the corridor.
“Proving a point. You think you can just waltz up to any of these monsters and have a little chat? You think they’re all gonna be friendly and sweet to you? Well, let’s see how you deal with the ones who are not human.” He looked at you with complete certainty. “Prove it.”
You frowned. “…What?”
He pointed towards the heavy steel door. “You keep telling everyone these monsters can be rehabilitated. You keep saying they’re people. Fine.” His voice was cold. “Walk in there and spend the night.”
Silence filled the corridor. The guards looked at each other—horrified. They knew who’s cell that was. The Penny Brothers…
“I-I don’t.” You started.
He stopped walking and looked at you from over his shoulder. “And why not? You said you could handle yourself, that the monsters in there are just misunderstood people. I’m giving you a chance to prove that. So go on.”
Your heartbeat sped up and you tried to quiet it down. You shook your head and looked at the cell. “Listen. That wouldn’t prove anything…”
McCain spoke again. “Does that mean you understand and give up? You will let me do my job without interfering?”
You remained silent for a moment, then you quietly answered. “I’ll spend the night.”
McCain blinked and stared. “What?”
He hadn’t even considered that you’d be foolish enough to agree.
You turned towards him. “If I refuse, then every time I’ll ask for better treatment, you’ll remember today.” You took a slow breath. “You’ll say I didn’t even trust them myself when it was time to prove my convictions.”
You looked at the guards. “Please unlock the door.”
None of them moved. They all looked towards McCain—waiting for him to put an end to this madness. But he didn’t. He gave a single nod.
The heavy locking bolts disengaged one by one. The massive door slowly rolled open. You looked at Pennywise and Penny who were now both staring at you with bright yellow or red eyes.
They were hungry…and you looked like dinner.
You took a deep breath and entered the cell. McCain seemed to regret his decision, but it was too late. He walked away.
