Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

TW: Heavy description of bruises and anatomy.

There are a lot of things a profiler can do. Usually, their job is to take every single detail they can grasp on their fingers of anyone he meets, even if it's a friend, and analyze their behavior coming from those objects, chats, and even by only looks and hand movements. It's both a blessing and a curse.

For example, one thing Gabriel knows now is that when Gloria is nervous, she drives fast. Very fast. Constantly ignoring every driving sign she could encounter.

But, given the context they are in, it's not like the driving signs even matter. And the reasoning is also on par, understandable and valid.

They just saw the Dome explode. And it was a powerful explosion, given that he still has a sensation of trembling in his ears from the sound of it, and the vision of the dust and fire going up is still as clear as day.

They weren't even that close to the Dome and still felt like they were a few blocks away.

And what's worse, they were informed just a few minutes ago that both of his teammates were in the position the explosion took place. That explains why Gloria was running the car as if her life depends on it. Maybe some lives do depend on this.
That also explains how he hasn't said a word ever since he got in the car, only looking through the window to see if the ambulance is following them.

It took less than half an hour to get to the epicenter of the explosion. The damn Dome. The same place that was full of mysteries, a whole Conspiracy going on, experiments and science, and many, many deaths and trouble for them, now is just reduced into rubble and debris, with a few structures still barely holding up.

- Here, let's start searching... they cannot be that far. - His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Gloria speaking and her door opening. That led him to do the same thing, almost automatically.
Before she departs, she indicates her whistle. Everyone has one, in case of an emergency. In this case, if they find any of the two.

Now, both have to be careful. Not only were they searching for their friends, but now they have to be on the lookout if any neohuman was nearby, ready to slit them open.

It's incredible how much those two individuals usually get themselves into trouble. Ever since this person who everyone calls as Player reappeared in the city, everything was turned upside down. And that apparently wasn't their first rodeo.

Either they have a magical intuition to let this happen, or it's just bad luck.

He just wants to think that it is a mere coincidence.

And lately, all the luck has been happening to his closest companion.

He thinks about this member for quite some time while searching. A lot has happened to this member. From finding and trying to ally old enemies of his that end up dead, to finding out that his girlfriend was without any memory, only to recover it with his help and murder someone. To then be killed.

He sighs. This member is prone to be explosive, no pun intended. His emotions are always extreme. Not that is a bad thing, but he thinks he never learned to keep an eye on them, and those can turn against him, as it did almost a week ago, almost ending with his own life.

Still to this day, he feels that he could have done something. Sure, now he looks better but the process is hard and emotionally draining, he knows that. Especially for someone like him. Maybe he could have made a little more in his journalism to find more stuff to address. Or maybe he could have found a way to...

No. Just find him now. That's your only objective. Find them both. Find them alive.

Both enter the hall and see fire. More fire than the normal they got already used. Debris everywhere, and tons of rubble around.

That was the epicenter.

They observe the place that has the most fire. An electric motor, or at least what remains of it, is destroyed into pieces.

- What on earth... - Gloria asks herself, with a very small volume. Gabriel can't give himself the answer even if he wanted to, he's just as shocked.
They keep advancing. He kept thinking about that as he kept going with a few paramedics near him. Still holding the whistle he was given so the rescue team could find him.

Suddenly, Gloria is the first to whistle.

- I found Player! - She exclaims, as she tries to take rocks that were from a supposed wall out of them. They were unconscious.

Aside from the bruises caused by the rubble, there weren't major injuries involved.

- C'mon hun, wake up. - Gloria says in a concerned tone as she tries to move Player in order to wake them up, with no positive results.

A few paramedics were already on the way to attend to them, so he didn't get closer.

"Alright, one found. One more to find." Was his train of thought as he kept on walking, almost running. He still can't find him.

- Hey! Is anyone there?!

No answer for the general call. He tries again. Maybe he just reacts to his name. Common reaction under shock.

- Hello?! J-

There is some debris going in one particular place that caught his eye. More than that, there was like an object, a lump of... something, that just fell out to the ground, prompting a sound loud enough to give some attention to it.

He approaches it, hoping it's not what he thinks it is. He even was telling himself to not think about it. It can't be.

"It can't be him. Don't let it be him." He thinks, almost prays.

But as he was approaching the lump, his suspicions were (unfortunately) getting more accurate. The lump was taking more form. He then noticed that the lump had arms.

And legs...

And a face.

A barely recognizable face.

The vision was almost nauseating. The clothes were ripped apart, with the exception of his jacket, which the back and part of his left arm took a bad hit. He can still see the ashes. The body had so many burns, he can't determine if they were second or third-degree... he can even see one part of the body not being in the right place. He can only explain to himself that he was the closest to the explosion.

His face took a major hit. This "lump" had a painful face, unconsciously feeling all that his body went through. Especially on his eyes.

They were bleeding (or at least one of them) as much as the top of his head.

The last time he saw that much blood in a body, was when he found Zoe Kusama in the psychiatric hospital.

"Oh no..."
And she was dead.

- GLORIA!!! - was all he could yell in the chaos that became his mind for a second. He didn't need the whistle, she came really fast.
- Are you okay?! What happened?! - She asks while running to the position.
- ... I found him.

She covers her mouth as soon as she gets to see the sight. He can tell that her mind became a fog, and honestly, his mind probably wanted to do that as well.

He blows the whistle to keep his brain from doing it. The sound keeps him on the ground.

They didn't even try to wake him up or move him. They just waited for instructions for the paramedics, who came running, applying everything they could apply to the lump of a human being that they call David Jeremiah Jones.

Chapter Text

Tw for Hospital talk, vomit mention, description of bruises.

- Surgery?!
- That's what they told me when I was in the ambulance with them, he was rushed immediately into surgery and they left us here.

The reaction the Chief gave as soon as Gabriel told her the news is understandable at best. The volume in her voice was too.

- How bad was it Gabriel? Be honest.
- It was… it was bad - he answered, pacing in the Emergency Room hall - to the point that I was only able to recognize him because of his clothing and his hair. His face... - he huffs. - He was really wrecked. He was given oxygen and paralyzed his body on the way here. The paramedic that was giving heart compressions looked scared too.
- I... I see... - her voice on the phone sounded concerned, yet firm. Trying to keep it together. Her face on the other side of the phone was worse than just concern. - And Player?

“Player is uncertain, but it looked way better than Jones” is what he told her right before giving his condition. She must have forgotten.

Again, he can't blame her. When someone is in shock, they can forget stuff that are not as alarming.

- I'm not sure. - he answers once more - They have been unconscious the whole way to the hospital, and we are right now in the waiting room as they ingressed both of them. But the doctor said at first glance that it wasn't as bad as Jones, it was kind of a miracle that they came with just bruises. Something tells me that Jones has something to do with that.
- Honestly, I think that too. Do you think they will be able to continue with the investigation?
- I'm not so sure myself. Probably they will give them a quick test as soon as they wake up, probably in the next few minutes. Player is tough as I can see. I guess if everything comes out well...
- Alright... tell Gloria that if Player is stable enough to keep going, she will accompany them.

He could tell by her voice on the phone, stern and somewhat shaky at the same time, and by the breathing that she is pacing as well, probably she was in the common room. She will either reunite the rest to tell the news or is already in speaker.

There was something special around her voice tone. She says those words, almost like Player would come out without the bruises they saw on them as soon as they found them. That gives him some confidence as well, even if it could break. That’s the power of this Chief.

- Gabriel, do you think you can stay in the hospital for the time being? It could be great if we receive news about Jones' condition, as well as to know if you both have to evacuate in case the Neohumans get there. Besides, if anything happens, you will be way safer there than outside.

Gabriel takes a deep breath. She is right. Even if the Neohumans want to evaporate the entire human population, and even if they could with are the vulnerable ones, like the sick. And even if the hospital is full is sick people… is still the safest place they have.

And in their personal case, it would be essential to stick together if anything happens, like an evacuation protocol. No unnecessary risks.

- Yes Chief, I don't mind a bit. - his response is immediate.
- Great. I will tell the rest about this, and you can call any of us if you have news about... any of this.
- Yes, Chief.
- Alright, take care, both of you. Don’t play the hero.
- You too, Chief. Goodbye.
- Bye.

Both hang up. He takes one more deep breath before coming back to sit with Gloria.

They have been in the waiting room for the past ten minutes, and the ambiance hasn't changed a bit ever since they arrived. The room is filled with people, either talking or crying, to the point that some nurses have broken some rules and come to the area, fixing some minor injuries on the seats and giving water to people who were on the ground. He guesses that is normal when the whole city is in chaos, and the person who can make the call of an emergency status in the city is also involved in the same chaos and can be the one causing all of this in the first place, making them run this situation by themselves.

The hospital must be very aware of the whole situation going on by now. Every few seconds a new person or group of people appear, claiming to be attacked by green hair people, and the local news is all about it. He can only imagine the number of people who couldn't even make it to the hospital.

He tries to jog the thought. He can't do that for now. He can't give himself the privilege to do that just yet.

Gloria continues to move her restless leg, still looking at the door where both their coworkers were.

- I called the Chief... - he tried to make conversation, to help both of them to come back to the ground - she wants you to continue the investigation with Player if they are stable to get up-
- Did you know that the last time I was in this place was because of Carter?

That sentence took him out for a few seconds, trying to come back to it fast. She was in shock, ignoring her surroundings. He couldn't blame her. He takes pride that he has been able to control his emotions as best as he could for now, and has done it multiple times. But one is a human after all, and can’t deny the situation at hand. It was all very overwhelming.

- My poor dear had a bad case of a stomach bug and stayed in bed for almost a week... he... he threw up a lot. - he even could hear her giggle at it. Like a placebo effect.

He let her ramble a bit about how Carter later received a few letters from his classmates for a few minutes, before putting his hand on her restless leg, on top of her hand that was gripping her skirt as if life depended on it.

That makes her look immediately at him, petrified as if she was ready to attack. As soon as she grasped who he was, she let out a big sigh.

- Sorry, I...
- I know... I know.

He genuinely knows.

They kept silent for a moment while looking at the door at their left. No one opened the door, claiming their names.

- They have been there for a while… - Gloria breaks the silence after what they think was a few minutes. It was only three.
- Around ten minutes or so… maybe more…
- What if this is worse than we thought? We saw how Jones was... Oh God, I still can't shake the image of his face from my mind…
- They're going to be okay…
- How do you know?

He couldn't answer. He still doesn't know exactly what caused all of this in the first place.

- I don't know... we can only hope that they come out of this alive... Player… player is surely out of danger….
- And Jones…?
- … He’ll be okay. Both are okay.

It was a poor answer. A poor answer, with a voice that didn't sound too confident.

But it’s all he had.

He didn't realize that he was now the one moving his leg a little bit.

The door in front of them opens, and a doctor comes with a tablet in her hands.

- {Player}? - the Doctor called, to see if there was someone waiting for them.

Gloria and Gabriel immediately got up from their seats and got in front of him.

- We're their friends who found them in the Dome, how is it?
- Well, luckily they didn't get major injuries. A few bruises and a dizzy sensation on their part due to the shock of the explosion, but is stable and conscious, and the tests I gave them came without many issues. I can discharge them immediately if you prefer, so you can evacuate the zone. You just have to be careful with their head though, and try to evade jumping and running too fast. Maybe also evade the flashing lights.

Both smiled as they looked at each other. They know they can't evacuate. Gabriel tries to recall if it's the same doctor that they saw when Jones was ingressed due to his suicide attempt. Probably not.

“That was a very mundane thought,” Gabriel thinks as he moves his head a little bit, almost laughing to himself.

- Thank you sir... are we able to see them?
- Yes, please follow me.

The doctor allowed them both to enter the room. They could see now the chaos inside. A bunch of mechanical sounds and voices, nurses giving instructions, and people getting in and out of the boxes. Some crying, some hugging.

They finally get to the box Player is situated in. Indeed, they were awake and looking at their own injuries, still with a shocked expression.

- Player! Thank God you're alright! - Gloria cried as she runs and hugs her partner, relieved that matter least one of them is okay.

Player was showing a puzzled face, trying to understand why are they in the emergency room. Gloria lets go of her hug as soon as Player asks a single "what…?"

- We found you and Jones unconscious under the dome! It's lucky neither of you were killed in that explosion!
- But... What even happened? - Gabriel asked Player really concerned, hoping they could get an answer. But it seemed that he just stole the words from their mouth.
- I told you, the dome was too structurally unsound, there must've been a short circuit or a gas leak! It just… exploded spontaneously! - As she was explaining Gloria was using her arms to indicate how big the explosion was from their point of view.

Player agrees with a slow nod, also explaining that they saw the electric sparks. And that it was all too fast.

Well... it was Jones who saw it before bursting and losing consciousness.

That's when Player started to look everywhere, without finding him. Immediately they asked how was he.

- Well… - Gloria again took the lead - We got there a few minutes after that. We found you buried behind a shattered wall Player, which… must have shielded you from the burnt of the blast. You've come out unscathed...

She took a breath for the next sentence as if she was preparing herself for any reaction Player could give.

- His face was really messed up, and his clothes were completely shattered! He was barely breathing! He's been rushed into surgery, and we won't know his condition until the doctors are finished! His life is hanging in the balance!

At this point, Gloria is yelling, covering her eyes, and thinking of the worst outcome. Player also showed a face of full disbelief as she looked at her. Even he himself got a little emotional. Everyone went silent for a few seconds.

It was starting to sink in for them. One of their teammates could die in the surgery.

Their teammate could die.
Again.

Something like that sure can bring the mood down.

- But he won't.

Both Gloria and Player looked at Gabriel. His face was stern, confident. He doesn't know where that confidence came from him. Maybe it was just hope. Hope to see things on a positive note. Hope to believe that he will be okay and that this war will end before hitting sunrise. That the best outcome will be there.

- We can't lose hope. Jones is a fighter, and he won't give up that easily… And neither can we!

He kept his face as serious as ever when he ended the sentence.

That seemed to work it out because both of them smiled at him. Player also added a confident look from that energy boost, and nods, getting itself down from the medical bed, feeling the dizzy sensation again, his time a bit lighter.

- Easy there… - Gloria helps them get out of bed. - You think you can end the investigation in your condition?
- Wow, you sounded like the Chief right there - Gabriel states, in which Gloria puts a proud and smug face.

Player moved a little, registering the room. Probably also giving itself a check-up.

Once is done, nods slowly.

- Okay, I'll take over the investigation with you Player, while we're waiting for news on Jones.
- Good idea. - Gabriel's face changes, now turning into a sad one, swinging his arms a little bit - It's better to keep busy anyways… not that we have much of a choice, with the city falling apart around us…!
- Yeah…

He helped to get Player out of the box, and all of them went to their emergency doctor to make the discharge papers. She gives them almost immediately.

Once that is done, they head out from the door, and back to the very overwhelming waiting room. Nothing has changed much.

- Are you sure you’re going to stay here?
- The Chief wants me to update on Jones, and I think this place is a little safer than outside for someone like me, and since I still don’t think I can carry a gun…

He tries to make a joke out of it, giggling to himself. Gloria and Player just saw him trying to light up the mood. They helped with a smile.

- I will call if anything happens to us.
- You better, I will have my phone up and running. Just one call and I’m right here.
- Alright. Please, be safe, and don’t play the hero if it’s not necessary.
- Now YOU sound like the Chief - Gloria got everyone giggling again - we won’t Gabriel.
- Take care you too. - is what Player answers.

Gloria then goes to Player.

- Player, let's return to the City Hall, where you found Denise's severed head. It's possible the killer left some other clues behind!

Player nods in agreement. All 3 bid themselves goodbye with a tight and short hug, before Gloria and Player headed out of the room, leaving him alone.

And so, he seats down at the same place he was with Gloria a few minutes back. And looks at the door.

Any minute.

Chapter Text

(Criminal Case: The Conspiracy Spoilers in general, mainly of Case 60, Blaze of Glory.)
CW: Hospital Ambiance.

Gabriel was glad he brought an alternative charger with him on the way. He was always someone precautious and was almost ready for every single situation. Everyone in his job knows this. This is why they agreed when he offered himself to be the mole to infiltrate himself into a cult that wouldn’t allow you to use a phone (besides being the only one who could profile them). The art of being sneaky he supposes.

Even if he had his phone in hand, he still quite loses the perception of time. He knows that it has just been a few hours (two to be exact) since Gloria and Player left the hospital, and yet, he still feels that it has been more than five. He is not going to be surprised if the next time he looks at his phone, he finds out that it was actually more than five hours of waiting.

Chief Parker called a few minutes back. Fifteen minutes ago if he looks. There was still no positive or negative answer to Jones’ condition, he is still in surgery. Lord knows how much are the surgeons going to be there, by the looks of it, it can take hours until he gets a new one. If he ever gets one.

He still remembers the face… how his chest was all red, almost brown, almost black? His mind is not recalling it well, possibly trying to forget. Some of his clothing still had some burns or ashes and all-

Focus. Focus on another thing more than the TV, that the only thing that it does is to inform that the neohumans are going to the prison area. A lot of people they put in jail were dying by them at that very same moment. Sounds way more too ironic if you think too much about it.

The Nurses should change it for music. Ambiental music. At least that could change the scenario for everyone who is watching. The hospital is at Spring Fields, they are not that far away from the Airport district.

Chief Parker told him to remain calm and to stay in the same place. She will go there as soon as she ends a small paper. He is not sure how long is that going to take. He can only hope she gets safe.

He has to distract himself.

Time for the newest routine.

He gets up for the 12th time, to roam around. For the last hour, he decided to distract his thoughts by doing the one thing he can do and is actually good at; Being with people. Hearing them, giving them advice, telling a story or two. It helps them not develop an even worst mental state than the one they already have, which could affect their anxiety and behavior. He knows that he can try.

So he gets up and gets back to the mother that received kindly his advice on how to calm her baby an hour and 30 minutes ago the first time he got up from his seat, to ask how is she doing, and if he can hold the baby while she goes to the bathroom. That only took a few minutes and she thanks it. Then, he offers to be another kind of help by bringing another blanket to a recently arrived couple who suffered from a concussion and gives another plastic cup full of water to the old man that just woke up from his state, which means that wherever the medicine the hospital injected into his veins, it was working. Gabriel could see his son’s face, full of glee. It was like he was seeing a miracle.

Maybe it was under that man’s eyes. Gabriel can’t hold the smile from his face.

He has helped in calming some patients down so they can be given a shot, taught a few kids a song he remembered from when he was in college, and became a crying shoulder for a woman after just losing her young son.

How things change in a matter of minutes, doesn’t it? One moment you’re smiling because an old man is alive living a dream, and now you get punched in the face with the reality of death, in an unnatural kind of death too.

She keeps sobbing, and even when she is little by little looking calmer (More like in silent grief he can’t help but feel sorry for), he’s not letting this stranger go because what can you do when this kind of situation of utter pain happens? Holding her is possibly the most humane option you have.

After 10 minutes of her sobbing and holding her child, is taken by a nurse inside so she can be given some kind of medicine to get her head a little clean, and follow a cold protocol.

He breathes in, breathes out, gets up, and comes back to his original seat, which is not occupied for some reason.

That has been his only job ever since Gloria and Player left. Get up, help, see the door if the doctor’s call is about his teammate’s condition, seat, maybe receive a call or two, overwhelm himself, repeat.

It’s a crisis routine as how he started to call it.

At least it’s working.

—-------------------------------

Three hours. Three hours have passed. And nothing.

This time he’s trying to talk with some kids about The Roman Colosseum and how that was used for theater. It’s nice to break the mold for once.

- And it's not all - he says, his body on the cold floor as the round of kids from the made-up station the nurses created for them, and drawing an oval on a paper he borrowed from one of the kids’ mother - this is also the largest theater in the world! Oval in shape, it measures 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters high, about the height of a 12-story building. This ancient sporting arena could easily fit a modern-day soccer pitch inside!
- No way! - one of the kids exclaimed, eyes glittering - is that big?!
- Yes! - he answers, smiling - imagine how many soccer plays you can have at the same time!
He is still talking, using his hands to express himself. The kids are enjoying the show. That’s good

He just stopped when some familiar voice called.

- You look occupied, huh?

He immediately stopped his talk to see who was it. His face lighted up a little bit more than it already was. It was just a different kind of glow.

- Chief Parker!

She got closer to the group and bends herself over to the kid’s height.

- I see he is telling you about history. - she says with a smile on her face.
- Yes! I didn't know there was such a big thing like the Coliseum!
- It’s real, alright. - She puts on a sneaky smile while approaching as if she would tell the kids a secret - Let me tell you, he knows everything about this topic, and about so many other historical facts! So you better believe his words. - she ends up with a playful wink.

The kids’ eyes became a little more sparkly.

- I wanna go there someday! - the other kid said, clapping their hands.
- I'm sure you will - Gabriel replies, in a promising tone. It felt refreshing that he could bring some peace to that catastrophe.

Their parents knew that he had to go now that he has his own company, so they tell their children to let him go, also thanking Gabriel for the help he could provide. Gabriel smiles before going with his boss.

- It’s good to see you here Chief - his smile becomes a sympathetic one.
- I’m glad to see you safe Gabriel. I see you got an audience. - she says, still smiling at the scenario she saw.
- Well, what can I say? Kids love this kind of stuff… and I couldn’t be seated there just… letting them be bored - he says, giggling a little bit.
- Yeah, I figured.

Both walked to a spot near the door leading to the entrance of the surgical room. From there, Parker’s smile fades to a worried look as she sights.

- Any news about Jones?
- No Chief - now his face turns into a worried pout as he looks at the door where he was ingressed. He sights as well. - I think his surgery is going to take a while… it’s been hours already.

She nods.

- I see. Mind if I stay with you until the doctor comes? It shouldn’t take long… I hope.

She was holding her arms in discomfort. Her face was showing a clear sense of worry. He could not determine if she was worried about her partner’s uncertain future, or if something external was happening to her, something he didn't know about. Maybe it was a mix of both.

He decided not to ask. This place was already as chaotic as it was to add one more thing to the list.

- Yeah… the company would be nice. - Gabriel nods, leaning himself against a wall.

For some reason, the time went a little faster after she came in. Maybe because of the chatter they provided to each other. Mostly about the clues they found recently, even when they weren’t much, and some other mundane stuff regarding evacuations, how Cathy’s family was still in an uncertain position, and at some point about a Tofu recipe.

Chief Parker decided not to tell him about what Gloria and Player found out about her. Enough chaos already to add a discussion.

It seemed that Parker’s intuition was right. Because at three hours and 28 minutes of waiting on Gabriel’s part, the door opens, and a surgeon comes out of there. He looked quite agitated.

- David Jones?! David Jeremiah Jones! - he shouts at the public, waiting for an answer from someone.

Gabriel and Parker heard it and got up fast, walking towards him at the same fast speed.

- We’re his coworkers, and I am his Chief - Parker is the first one to talk - how is he? Is he okay?

The surgeon doesn’t show a smile. He shows a neutral expression like surgeons usually show when they are delivering news. Seeming like everything was okay. Or at least as better as they can be.

But that wasn't what Gabriel's mind thinks. He notices his hand movements through the paperclip, which are rather tense, and the very subtle twitch on his eyebrows. He wasn't neutral. He was worried.

“That can’t be good” he ponders.

Damn his profiling skills.

- Well, I'll be honest with you ma’am - He was steady as he sighs, looking at his paperclip - he came here with life-threatening injuries. We had to bandage and restructure his skull, and a few ribs were broken as well, so that had to be taken care too, as well as we relocated his right leg into position. And that wasn’t the worst part. What we were worried about the most was his burning injuries, due to the molten metal he got attached to his body. He presented severe 3rd degree burns on his chest, legs, arms, and especially in his face, which we bandaged. Sadly, we weren’t able to recover one of his eyes…

He puts his hand on the back of his neck, scratching it as he gives a long sigh, it was notorious that he was tired. Or worried.

Definitely both.

- During the procedure, we had to reanimate him. This probably was due to the electric shock he received, as his heart had an irregular beating. His physical state is extraordinarily fragile at the moment. He’s currently at the Intensive care unit, to moderate his evolution.

That left both in shock. A shock they couldn’t be able to explain. It definitely wasn’t the news they wanted to hear.

- Is… is he going to make it? - Gabriel asks, with a little spark of hope in him. As if with that question, every worry that started to grow on both of them and some external people could visibly see, would go away.
- To be frank with you, we are not sure. - The surgeon maintains the eyes on Gabriel, before going back to the clipboard - Only time will tell us if his body will be able to hold on. These next few hours will be crucial to determine if his body is strong enough to handle the consequences of the surgery, and the incident itself.

Both of them now look at each other. None of them are sure what face they are making, but they see the other. It’s just fretting. Raw nervousness, both trying to swallow the pill of the news that they were given. And trying to figure out how to tell the rest about this.

They weren’t sure if he was going to make it.
Again.

- Can… we see him? - Parker asked her voice tone low. It was a concerning one as well.
- Yes, you can. But just to let you know, we had to sedate him for a prolonged time due to the seriousness of the surgery. He is still asleep and probably will be in that condition for the next few hours.
- We understand. - she answered almost immediately.
The surgeon nodded, inviting them to get through the door and inside the hall, to get to the ICU room where Jones was resting.

Oh, how things changed in almost four to five hours. First, they hoped for good news.

Now they hope he is alive.

Chapter Text

The walk was silent. Very silent to Gabriel’s liking. Once again, as soon as they trespassed the door, the ambiance was less troublesome than the waiting room. They didn’t have to pass through the vitals room and the boxes, where there was even more turmoil happening. That was a relief for him.

It has some kind of irony in it. Silent and calming, but it's at the same time, momentarily overwhelming. His mind will get used to it. Or rather his ears.

He was mainly following Chief Parker’s steps, which hasn't yet made a single sound. She’s just keeping track, following the surgeon.

Her mind is also racing. Unlike Gabriel, she didn’t see Jones when the explosion happened. The last image she has of him was when he was in the office, asking her why her gun was at the city hall. After that, it was just one look after another from in and out of patrol, but that’s it.

She can’t even imagine how he is going to look. She was only able to imagine it through Gabriel’s statement.

She doesn’t even know if she’s ready to see the full picture.

Both keep walking, without talking, without even staring at each other through the hall until eventually, they get to the end of the hospital hall, to enter a new room with the words "I.C.U" attached at the entrance.

Gabriel looks at the clock on the long wall before entering the room. It was just a three-minute lapse from the surgeon’s appearance to this very moment. He doesn't know if it was because of the sudden change of ambiance or if it was by another factor, but this time he could believe that it was just three minutes.

He keeps that in mind because he knows he will lose track of time when they get to the room unless there’s a clock nearby.

Suddenly, both are inside and going to a few rooms, with little to no sound at all. A very different ambiance from anything that they saw in the last few hours. It almost felt like they weren’t in the middle of a near apocalypse, except for the many many people who were walking or even running in total silence, to not disturb the patients. Rules that still have to be accomplished.

(His mind doesn’t remember the moment he washed his hands, he knows he did it, but it's still a requirement.)

(Chief Parker doesn't remember either.)

Besides, the room was way far away from the entrance of the hospital. The last place the Neohumans could possibly reach. It's quite reassuring.

- This is Mister Jones' room. - The surgeon gets at the front of the door, turning back to the duo and making a notion to not emit a sound while whispering - Now, I will ask you to keep silent or at least keep the volume really low. Even even if he is occupying a single room, there are more patients than usual around, and we had to adapt ourselves to the circumstances. They will need all the rest they can get if we end up evacuating the zone.
The surgeon waited for them to agree before sliding the door open, and the sight took Gabriel back. Chief Parker unconsciously lets her hands cover her mouth, just for the shock.

- Hey, mister Jones… - the surgeon talks in very low volume almost at the tone of a whisper, even when his patient couldn't respond - you got visits.
Indeed, the person in front of them was David Jones. Their coworker and even friend, once again on a hospital bed, eyes closed, slumped. He was wired up by many machines that were making various types of sounds, as well as connected to an I.V. where he was given other types of medicine.

If that wasn’t enough already, another thing that highlights his body is the color red. Red, some blackish spots, and brownish tones, like different skin tones. Many… parts of his body were placed with skin patches, a treatment that the doctors call "Skin grafts", which is supposed to help him to recuperate the lost skin, as well as for protection against other injuries. They were all around the body, with the objective of recovery and not infecting the burned areas. Both can see his arms, with those little bandages-look-alikes with holes in them. Other parts of the body were wrapped up in common bandages. Gabriel thinks that, since his ribs were broken, the chest was bandaged as well.

And just like last time, he was intubated. The sound of the air coming from the tube to his lungs is the loudest noise in the room.

His mind brought him back to a few hours when he and Gloria found him. Now he can answer Gloria. It was that bad.

When the surgeon said that they had complications, he wasn’t joking at all. In all ways, he never looked more fragile. Even if he was peacefully breathing, with not much reaction on his part, it was obvious that this procedure was painful, and was actively hurting him. Both can only imagine how the surgery went. It would be even more obvious if he wasn't sedated.

"It will be notorious once he wakes up." That's all that Gabriel has in mind.

Because he will wake up. He has to.

Both got closer to him. They wanted to touch him, to make sure it was him. The real him.

But none of them had the guts to do it. It was an overwhelming sensation that he was going to break or he would wake up suddenly and scream in agony the moment he would be touched. It was very painful to see.

- You both can stay all the time you need for the moment, I suppose it’s better to be here than in another place. - the surgeon tells them again in the same volume. - It can't be for a long time though. We usually accept this but given all this situation, we prefer that only one person stays.
- It’s okay. - Parker answers, same low volume as his. Gabriel could sense that, aside from the shock, her voice sounds quite shaky. - I’ll be out of here in a moment to conduct the evacuation. My partner, Profiler Herrera will be staying.
Gabriel also hears some hesitance. As if she was doubting her own words.

That was a first.

The surgeon nods. Before he could walk out, Gabriel gets closer and asks if he can call from that same room.

- You could take the room that is at the end of the hall - he says, indicating the spot where there was a door, probably the entrance of some balcony - is the only place we have for now that is not occupied. You will have privacy there.
- Thank you.
As soon as he thanks the surgeon and the latter walks away, he tells his Chief that he will tell Cathy everything, before walking to that room.

He did that as soon as he opened the door. There was no sound at all, more than a few beeping coming from another room and some chatter that he couldn't identify the words of.

It took a few seconds until the phone finally caught a voice.

- Gabriel?
Cathy. She has been very nervous about this whole situation, and he cannot blame her at all. It wasn't the people from the precinct nor the case the only things she was worried about. Her husband and son were also away from her grasp, and as far as he knows, there is no news from them, more than the evacuation.

- Yes, it's me - he tries to get a hopeful sound in his voice. He doesn't know how much he can do before giving the news - how are you feeling?
- Eh, right now I'm trying to focus on something else than everything that is happening. I hope that Sammy and Alex are okay...
- Me too... don't overdo yourself Cathy, we will understand if you need a bit of a cry.
He prefers to change the topic.

- You sound occupied right now, I hope I didn't interrupt you on a task.
- Oh, don't worry about it! I'm just... trying to get some information from a USB key that Gloria and Player found around the city hall, so it's nice to have a little bit of a distraction... It's actually really good to hear from you.
- Right! I reckon that they went there right after leaving the hospital. I'm glad you're taking a bit of a break.
- Speaking to the hospital, I heard that Chief Parker was getting there with you. She's there... right?
- She is. - He answers, opening the door just to look at the room Parker was currently in. - In fact, she's right now in Jones' room. She's safe and sound.
- Wait, Jones' room? - a gap comes from her mouth - Did he get out of surgery?!
Sigh. Here we go.

- Yes, he just got out of surgery.
- What did the doctors say? Is he going to be okay?
- They... - another sigh. Tough choice to make. Telling her or not. He will. - they are not sure.
- What... What do you mean?
She sounds nervous. Better to not turn this into a panic.

- They ran through complications with him during surgery.
- Complications?
- Yeah... he's right now at the Intensive Care Unit area, being monitored. His body is apparently too weak and is currently sedated until they are waiting for progress. Needless to say, he will be staying here for a while. But they don't know if he's going to make it. It all depends on the next hours.
He could hear her voice. It's quite shaky, through her breaths, becoming shorter as the words came by.

She's trying to not panic.

She already had enough on her plate for that new to come by. She wanted to ask if he was serious if it was some kind of ugly joke to calm the waters, to then snap at him and say that it was the worst joke.

But he would never joke about something like this. So she couldn't open her mouth until just a few seconds later.

- How... Does he look? Is he... too hurt?
- I... don't want to give you a lot of detail... I'll just say that he's heavenly bandaged due to the explosion. - He has grabbing his neck as he vaguely explains.
Another silence came from her side. She was processing all of it, while the USB key was giving every single bit of detail of the neo-humans. Is not that she could care about that right now.

She was sitting. Her knee was trembling. She doesnt think she could handle another blow. But again, she quite asked for it when she asked.

Gabriel on his side feels guilty. Maybe saying that he wouldn't give detail led her to imagine. He didn't realize how much he explained the situation until the words were said.

Why at this very moment, he wasn't acting like the proper profiler that he is? He shouldn't have said everything so bluntly.

He won't tell her that he's on the ventilator. And that he lost an eye... and that-

- Do you... think he's gonna make it?
Her voice speaks up again, taking away his bumbling thoughts. Gabriel doesn't see it, but she's currently cleaning her face of the many tears that are forming, trying to keep the investigation she has. She's now up from her chair, pacing as well through the broken station.

It didn't take him long to elaborate on the answer. Think well, and choose your words.

- Y-Yeah. Don't worry Cathy, he will make it. - He tried to be as confident as last time. It was working so far. - He has been through worse, right?
- But not like this. Sure, a few years back he got poisoned and took a while to get the antidote... and he got saved from the overdose just a few days ago but-
- But he's here. That day, he battled against his mind. - He stopped her train of thought. - And little by little, he was able to put himself together... as best as he could.
Cathy can't see it, but Gabriel is keeping a hopeful smile. That smile was not intentional.

- He has us to support him. His mind knows it, and therefore, his body as well. We will be the strength he needs until he gets his own. - his voice tone changed suddenly from a sensitive one to a smug one - Besides, we know him, he's too stubborn to give up like this...!
Cathy breathes in and out, giggling a little bit. It wasn't a relief. But it was calming.

- You always have the right word to say, you know that?
A small chuckle comes from his mouth. Another word that took him aback.

- I try. - he answers with a compassionate tone - But I mean it. He will be okay.
- Mhm, yeah... I think I'll tell the rest about this too.
- Great! I'll let you know when there's an improvement, okay?
- Please do! I'll be waiting...
Gabriel again looks at the room. Parker hasn't gone out of the room. He wonders how is she doing.

He also wonders if the situation she is in is actually good for her. She's commanding an evacuation and strong emotions like this one could make anyone feel shaken.

- ... I'm gonna go back to the room, so the Chief goes back to the precinct. - He says, still looking at the hall. - I think you guys need her too.
- She was really worried for him, I don't blame her if she wants to stay a little longer... And hey…
- … yes?
- When he wakes up... tell him I say hi... and to stop being that accident prone GOD DAMMIT! HOW IS HE ALWAYS INVOLVED LIKE THIS?!
Both start giggling, taking all the reason that once was formed, at least for a moment, with each on their own volume according to their circumstances.

- Okay, maybe not that last part just yet - Cathy continues, still giggling.
- Heheh, maybe it will be better if you tell him yourself - Gabriel tries to also claim his own voice.
- Maybe that could be our little secret.
- Maybe!
Gabriel keeps the smile. Once again, the smile is compassionate.

- Take care, Cathy. Call me if you need anything.
- You too... Bye.
- Bye. - Both hung up at the same time.
Gabriel gives a deep breath. He doesn't know the truth was the lines he told her. He admits to himself that it took some courage.

She was stressed already, she didn't have to go with one more thing. That news probably wasn't the thing she was expecting. Just like Chief Parker. Just like him. And probably it will happen to the rest once Cathy tells them.

As he prepares himself and gets out of the room, he hopes that Cathy at least could calm herself down, knowing that he's out of surgery and hopefully out of danger ("he is. Stop saying that he may not, he is.").

He hopes that his optimism trespassed through the phone.

It didn't. At least not the way he wanted. No matter how concentrated she was after the call and how sweet that tension break was which actually she is thankful for. As she was researching the real purpose and mechanism of the neohumans, there was a lingering thought that Jones, the person that she met five years ago, and who became a big ally, and even a close friend, was at the Intensive Care Unit after apparently severe surgery complications.

And that there was a chance that he was not going to make it.

Chapter Text

Gabriel walks, still thinking of the choice of words he gave to Cathy, trying to repair the damage he probably did to her psyche.

He doesn’t understand why all of the sudden, he was telling her everything. He has to be more careful around that, she could only handle so much under her situation.

The only positive thing he can rescue out of this is that Cathy will tell the rest of everything he shared with her. It wasn’t every single detail, and he didn’t have to call everyone else to tell the same news over and over again. It could be an opportunity to be more cautious, but he leaves it at that.

He gives a long sigh as he walks through the hall and the many other rooms that the area had. The surgeon was right when he said that they were more than busy. He has never seen this amount of people in the same room. There were at least 3 rooms with 2 or even 3 people in them, with their respective companions, either talking to each other or in case the patient was asleep the companion was either looking at something on the phone or sleeping as well. Each person is in their own little world.

Even if it was shared at the very moment.

Suddenly, he hears an alarm behind him, and a red light appears. A lot of nurses make their way quickly, passing through him. It all happened so fast.

It was one of the rooms where there were two patients. Out of pure curiosity (and nosiness as a core part of his job), he goes back from his steps, and gets close to the door, without looking like he was watching.

One of the patients was losing their vital signs. They were reanimating. Or at least that's what he could hear. He couldn't see much around the whole situation since part of the door slide is taped for privacy. But he could hear.

And what he could hear was just chaos coming from that room, between the yells from the nurses to clear the zone, and the partner’s cries, all of them muffled by the anti-sound door.

He stepped back when he saw the door slide open, as one of the nurses was taking someone out of the room. It must have been the patient's companion, they were screaming that they wanted to come back. Before it could close, he had a like peak of what was happening. Indeed, there was a reanimation machine, and the doctor was clearing the room.

He looked away when it happened, it didn't feel right. His heart started to feel more agitated. Probably because he just saw that. It must be that.

At some point, it stopped. He wants to guess that the patient was regulated given that there's no talk coming through the room.

He could pretend so much that he was walking and trying his shoe to see or hear what was the result. But he knows better than to be extremely nosy, to the point of being creepy. He has enough information to hope that the patient is okay.

So he just continues his walk back to the room. He sees many professionals from many health areas, especially nurses going and coming through the secluded space. They are filing papers, talking between them, and seeing what they can do with some patients. Some were rubbing their heads, with puzzled faces.

Some others were looking at the TV, thinking if they would have to apply the evacuation system.

Even if it was a very silent ambiance, you could sense that there was some tension due to the events.

When he got to Jones' room, he was about to open it, when he saw what was going on inside through it.

Jones was still asleep, intubated, and wired up. All the same, just as how he left it a few minutes ago.

The only difference was that his Chief helped herself by putting a chair beside him and sitting on it. Her face was looking at him. He couldn't see her facial expression, as her head was starting to tilt a little onto his side, he knew that it wasn't the right moment to interrupt.

He just stayed at the entrance for a few seconds, looking at how Parker was stroking his hand. Is like she completely forgot that she was David's leader, and became something or someone else, someone, more emotionally closer. It was a moment he didn't want to ruin by his entrance.

But again, he didn't want to look like a "nosy to the point of being creepy" kind of person, so he just let her have her moment for a little while, taking the opportunity to go to the bathroom. There was one nearby, made specifically for the patient's visitors.

He didn't realize how messy he looked until he saw himself in the mirror. He looks tired. He could see some eye bags forming.

He doesn't know the time right now, he hasn't checked the phone.

He did everything he needed to do, washed his face to wash away the tired look he had (without much success), and came back to the hall.

When he got to the room, the scenario was very similar. Parker was still sitting beside him, her face looking at him. But this time, she had an open book. The book was big.

And she was still stroking his hand gently. Very gently.

Gabriel smiled to himself, not wanting to interrupt once again to the moment. But now he couldn't excuse himself.

He tried to slide the door very slowly, so the noise would be almost non-hearable. Sadly, Chief Parker's hearing senses were better than what he estimated, making her immediately get out of her train of thought, her head looking at fast speed at him and taking her hand away to close the book.

- Oh! Gabriel I... - She tried to excuse herself for the moment that was happening.

But stopped. Both knew that he, out of everyone, would be the one who would understand the most.

- I just... I don't know. - She again tries to excuse herself after a long sigh. But this time, there was way less panic, and even a small sympathetic smile was coming out of her mouth.
- I understand. Cathy told me that you were worried. - Gabriel gets closer to the pair, voice expressing compassion.
- Are they okay?
- Yeah, I think they are making progress. Cathy was analyzing an USB key. Maybe it has something to do with the Neo-humans…
- I sure hope so.

She corrected her posture, making her body look straight at him, still sitting beside David. She looks back at him, before giggling sheepishly, giving a sigh right after.

- Did you know that he was the first one to offer me a tour around as soon as I got here? - her smile grew a little - I was familiar with precincts and everything, I didn't necessarily need a rundown. But he insisted, showing me every single part of the whole building, and the crew, and a few rules like not letting Ramirez get his heating slippers because that usually causes a blackout problem. In a way, it made me feel more welcomed into the community.

She cannot help herself but reach the side of his hair that wasn't bandaged by his eye, not bandaged by his skull injury, fixing it a little bit. All of it while smiling. The smile was compassionate.

- Funny, he did that with me as well when I got there. - Gabriel starts to remember the first day that he also came to the precinct.
- Apparently, he does it with everyone that was inside, by looking at the records. And he had to do it a lot. The team you met wasn't the same as mine. Little by little, every member started to leave the precinct. The first was Player. Then Ramirez... soon enough was their coroner and lab crew...
- I knew a bit about them... it shouldn't have been easy for him.
- I'm not sure how well he handles the departures of coworkers, but I could see that he was trying to adjust himself to the changes. He is always nice to everyone... always looking after us...

Gabriel finds himself thinking about the last sentences that his boss said. There is a say, that the person who is usually the nicest with the people around them, is usually because they have been in a situation where they needed that assistance, and it wasn't given. He only was able to see how his mental health was getting worse from the events that were happening during the past year, until he made the decision to give it all up.

… He wasn't there for the ones that he experienced with Player, or when everyone was leaving. He can only imagine the moments through the readings of the case files, and a few pictures and evidence objects there and there, complementing the full story.

And even with that in his hands, it is not like he read all of them. In fact, only recently he knew why Chief Parker became the Chief in the first place. As in how was the former's departure, being similar to a case in which both of them got involved that last year. That sure must have left him in a state that wasn't great at all.

And he isn't accepting any kind of help, as if he thought he could handle it all by himself. Maybe because that's all he had. Or he felt that he had.

He gives a long sigh. He thought about this after the attempt, but not as deeply as now. It was a whole battle with himself.

- I just wish that he would know how much I appreciated the gesture... how much I... we appreciate him.l in general...- a slip in the tongue as she shakes her head. Gabriel giggles a bit. He knows what it meant. He could sense it. With time it was becoming a little more obvious.
- Well, there is scientific evidence that shows that there's a possibility that someone who is in a comatose state is able to hear sounds and voices, being that you know, our sense of hearing is the last one we lose before death. They are just in a deep sleep of sorts. So, there is a chance that he is listening to us right now.

Both now have their eyes on him. Still sleeping soundly, and a machine giving him the air he needs momentarily... and yet there's a chance he can hear them. It's rather comforting.

- Well... if that's true...

Parker fixes herself so her face is once again looking at him, one of her hands making a move that would make his face look at her a little. Her voice becomes a little less concerning and more confident.

- Jones. This is Chief Parker. I don't know how real this is… but if this is true, I need you to hear this, and listen carefully: I know how strong you are. And how capable your body is. There's a reason why I chose you to be the leader in that paintball match a few weeks ago. So now you have to show me that I made the right choice. I just know that you will have the strength to wake up and get out of here. And you know why I know this?

Silence. As if she was waiting for the answer that she knew it wouldn't come. At least as a word.

- Because that's who you are. That's who David Jones is. - she sounded like if she was scolding him. But she couldnt
She never did. - A damn fighter, and a way stronger detective than so many I have seen… not just physically. We all know it, we all have seen it. I know you will make it. Make me proud, okay?

"Like you always do. I know you can. You have to. Please… " Was something Parker wanted to say as well. But not even she had the strength to do it. Not out loud at least. She just gets up and puts her forehead next to his. And kept silent, as she closed her eyes. As if he could reach and send the words through telepathy.

Cathy was right, Gabriel thought. She was way more concerned about this than he thought. That gesture definitely was her forgetting that she was his boss. Here, and now, Chief Parker, the Chief of the Police Department, was just Diane Parker, a common citizen who really wants her coworker (and dare he say friend) to be safe. She is not well aware, or even sure as to why she is currently holding his hand, closed eyes leading to his face. Maybe because as soon as she gets out of those doors, she will have to command. Lead. Be strict. Wash her face, keep a stern look and end the madness that she didn’t start.

Maybe it’s because right now, she can be vulnerable. She can express it, in the most out of character way she can. And, if by some atrocious fate, the enemies win, and someone dies here, or there, she won't regret her choices.

None of them will really know if the pep talk Parker gave to him will work. But there was a small chance. And both will believe in their odds.

Gabriel doesn't say anything to interrupt the moment. A small smile crept on his mouth. The scenario was something he has seen in families, as of relatives who were closer one to another.

He likes to call it "Emotional Support". She was his emotional support.

His thoughts suddenly disappear as he hears a vibration coming from his phone.

1:49 am. That explains the tired look.

It was Gloria, she just sent a message.

"Gabriel, Chief Parker can be our killer. Apparently, she had the intention to kill Denise for a while. We're not so sure though, we still need some clues. I'll update you."

His face changed from a smiley and pacific expression to a mildly shocked one. He looks back at the Chief, who is still in the same position, whispering something he couldn't hear, fixing his hair once more, unconsciously.

If this was true, maybe the out-of-character gesture was more than just the emotional connection. Maybe it was a way to thank everything he did for her, everything he told her, and probably kept to herself.

This could be her way to say goodbye.

After a few more encouraging words and a very small kiss on his head injury, Parker finally separates her face from his. She didn't realize until then that her eyes were tearing up.

She giggles with a bit of shame in her voice as she cleans her face.

- Oh what a mess I am, I'm sorry Gabriel. You shouldn't see me like this right now. - she still giggles, quite embarrassed.
- Don't worry Chief, I understand… I won't tell anyone - he says it as he "sips" his mouth in front of her. That makes her smile.
- Yeah… I should get going, this case has been hectic. With all the neo-humans and the evacuation, I'm glad to see you both in a safe place.
- Oh, of course, Chief. I'll inform you if anything happens to him.
- To you both… I'm counting on that.

She was clearly trying to come back to being the Chief.

Before she could go, she took the big book she had in her hands for a while, as well as taking another similar book out of her bag, to give to him.

- I found this while searching for stuff to bring here. - she hands it to his hands - Apparently, Jones was making a photo album of some sort…
- Ah, those are scrapbooks! - Gabriel interrupts as soon as he recognizes the form of the books - It’s an album where you get to write some stuff as well, it doesn’t only contain pictures, it can be literally anything he can put on paper. I didn't know that he was doing this!
- I saw him making this thing for a while, after coming back from his leave for Marconi's case in Misty Grove.

After Marconi's case… that explains it a bit. That time gave them all a headache, but it seemed that Jones just had the hardest hits. One by one.

He never thought that David would be doing a scrapbook, let alone a hobby this artistic. It sounds like a mechanism coming from another person. He was maybe taking advice from his therapist.

- And there’s a chance that Jones may develop some kind of amnesia… because, you know, the explosion.

She was stumbling on her words, giving a silence that was kept from both parties for a bit. Gabriel nods, making her know that he understands what she is explaining.

- So, I thought that, if it happens, this could work to… regain some of it? Maybe? So he won’t be as disoriented? Apparently he had this second one too, and since I didn't know which one to bring, I brought both of them… - Parker tries to make some sense of her words, trying to be careful in her next sentences - We don’t know how bad this could be. It could be nothing, or it can be like Zoe so…

Another silence. And a sigh.

- Yeah. - She ended her train of thought.

He gave a short smirk with a huff at the thought of that while looking at the bookcase.

- I'll show it to him if that’s the case.
- I'll trust you on that…

She was smiling. This time was fondly.

Before she could walk off, she gave one more look at the scenario. Like if she was preparing herself to wear that stoic face again.

- And Gabriel…
- Yes, Chief?

She walks to him and puts a hand on his shoulder.

- Thank you. For this.

"For this very moment that will not get out of this place, because I trust that you won't share it."

Of course. Don’t worry, I'm sure we will catch this killer once and for all.

Parker didn't answer right away. Just a small breath before returning the smile back.

- We will. Be safe as well, and remember-!
- Don't play hero - he answers. She nods with serenity.

With that, both bid their goodbyes with a bit of a smile on each face, and she slid the door to get out of there.

The surgeon catches her, telling her to sign something that Gabriel doesn't know at the moment. It was just a visitor registration, to make sure to identify her in case she comes back.

As he sees her walk away after signing, and seeing a nurse take Jones' vitals, he takes the chair that Parker was using.

- Hi Jones, it's Gabriel - he speaks at a low volume. - Chief Parker gave me your scrapbooks… I'll read it to you, when you get better.

Jones didn’t respond. As usual.

Gabriel looks at them. He inspects them. But only on the surface.

He can’t be THAT nosy.

Chapter Text

A scrapbook can be considered as this kind of book, where the owner can write their daily experiences, talk about their friends, share their good and bad moments etcetera, all in the form of pictures and writings. This can be similar to a journal or a personal diary, but what makes this special is that the user can put anything onto the pages to make it important.

And by that, they can mean anything. It’s useful during times when the user wants to be creative if they don’t know how else they can share their feelings, and usually because of this, is the reason why some therapists have been able to find some therapeutic meaning to it, giving their patients their own scrapbook so they can be able to, every week or month, explain their lives more uniquely and characteristically than just their voices.

Gabriel thinks of all of this as he looks at the cover of the scrapbook.

He still thinks that this is probably one of the most out-of-character things he could ever imagine of Jones. He thought about many therapy forms. There are a lot of techniques, depending on the abilities and strengths of the therapist, and the attention and volition on the patient’s part.

But never in his mind thought about this one.

He shakes his head with a very tiny smile. It’s pretty ironic, coming from the place he is.

David didn’t give a response. None at all. He looked at the body, slumped over the bed, his chest ascending and descending, with major help of the ventilator. It gave Gabriel a little shiver down his spine at how artificial it looked.

He puts the books aside. He couldn't be reading all of it, he knows that this kind of therapy can sometimes be very cathartic. While it keeps you organized, it also gives you have a vision of your feelings and most deepest emotions of your psyche. And David’s psyche was still in repair.

So he distracted himself with other activities, like his phone. He had a few crosswords online that he could solve, as well as giving some updates to the team. Not like he could do much more than the current “He’s still unconscious.”

While being on the phone, he suddenly got a text.

“Gabriel, I saw the news! Are you okay mi bambino? Sei al sicuro?”

Sofía. His girlfriend. The love of his life."

"Sto bene, tesoro, sto bene. Sono in ospedale con David in questo momento, ma sono al sicuro.

For some reason, talking in Italian with Sofia felt more genuine than anything else he had experienced during this whole night. Maybe it was because sine it was another language, he could detach himself a little bit from Grimsborough in general.

"David? Che cosa è successo?"
"Un incidente, si è fatto molto male. È in terapia intensiva, ma dovrebbe riprendersi."
"Gabriel, per favore, non osare uscire dall'ospedale. Ho bisogno di te con me, amore mio, ho bisogno che tu sia al sicuro."
"Lo farò, non preoccuparti. Probabilmente sono nel posto più sicuro di tutto l'ospedale."
"Non fare l'eroe, tesoro. Non posso perderti."

He is so glad that she is not in Grimsborough right now.

He also explained, very briefly, what happened. He doesn’t want to worry her more than what the news already yelled at her through the television. He did have to tell her that he wasn’t at the explosion.

The conversation through text messages didn’t take long until it turned into a call, Gabriel hearing how worried Sofia was. He missed her voice a lot, especially during this time, when the calls were now a luxury, due to the signal traffic. She just wanted to hear his voice saying that he was okay. She made him promise that he would find shelter, and hide as soon as he could. She pleads with a tearful voice.

He makes the promise. He has to.
They ended the call once Sofia was more calm, 10 minutes later. They kept texting from time to time when he wasn't watching the TV at the reception, or when he was napping.

But despite all of it, he grew bored. He already completed his 14th crossword of that daily challenge the app brings, and the news wasn’t promising either. He just heard that apparently the prison and mental ward were demolished by the Neohumans, all people from there either escaped or died. He could only imagine the massacre. In a way, now he is happy that Zoe died before, without this threat.

That is such a twisted thought, he ponders.

He grabs his head, as he sees that everything is too grim to think about. He didn’t want to see that news again. He was charging the phone with a lent charger at the reception, so there was very little he could do.

And then he touches the books. The scrapbooks, that he didn’t bring himself to read. Such privacy, that even if he is unconscious, feels too delicate to interfere.

He sees the cover of both books.

He knew instantly why there was a gap. It must have been that event.

The first one was covered by some stickers. He does recognize them, it’s usually the ones that the mental wards have. He only can wonder if those are the same ones.

There was one that stood out. A police badge sticker. It made him think that this is the resemblance Jones wanted to put out to the world, or rather to himself.

The other felt more empty. It didn’t have stickers, more than a smiling cloud. This wasn’t as used as the other, there you could see some pages sticking out, having some color.
This idea of David making a scrapbook was laughable in Gabriel’s eyes, but still for some reason it was there, and it felt somewhat right.

It felt too personal. He doesn’t know why Chief Parker gave it, Maybe she thought it was a good idea. It was an idea nonetheless.

Parker told him that David might suffer from amnesia when he wakes up. That could be true. Several traumas can cause heavy damage to the brain areas, causing emotional issues, lick of sensations, mobility, hearing, vision, impaired speech… and memory. It can cause such a memory gap that it could be there forever unless it intervenes soon. Maybe Parker saw this as one of the things that could help him feel better.

Maybe he could give it a watch. Just to scan it, and see which pages he could use and which ones would cause his friend to have confusion or a full-blown collapse. He wasn’t going to risk that. Not when David was on the line between life and death.

He breathes deeply. He feels nervous. But it’s for David’s own good.

And so, he opens the first book.