#steve cunningham
No. 13 - THAT’S GONNA LEAVE A MARK
“This is gonna suck” | burns | cauterization
Ely as usual was stolen from @epochandeons
Steve couldn’t help but kick himself as he drove to the Daniels’. He’d been so stupid, he knew he had. It was entirely his fault, too. He shouldn’t have turned his back on someone who had threatened to stab him, he really should have known better.
Luckily, it was just a glancing wound, but it definitely needed stitches and of course it was just out of his reach. He’d called ahead, Fao was home, as were Finn and Ely for a change. There was no way he could go to A&E, they’d just act a million questions he didn’t have time or energy for. Fao would do.
He knew better than to use the front door; he’d had plenty of tellings off from Sheila and didn’t have the energy for another. He let himself in through the back, blood dripping as he unlocked the door. He’d obviously done a terrible job at an attempt at a bandage.
Fao met Steve at the door, unable to stop his smirk. “Well, this is a welcome change. C'mon, let’s get you sat before you keel over.”
Steve raised his hand in warning. “Don’t.”
“Alright, come on. Sit, yeah? I’ve got you.”
“Don’t take forever, will you?” He asked as he sat. “I just need it stitched up.”
“Mmhmm, I’ll be the judge of that.” Fao said, grabbing his supplies. “Top off.”
“It’s fine.” He told him, taking his top off. “See?”
“Yeah, because that much blood is always fine.”
“Nothing vital.”
“Sure.”
“See for yourself.”
Fao sat in front of him, adjusting the light to get a better look at the wound. It was still determinedly bleeding, but he managed to get a decent look at it. It wasn’t deep enough to have hit anything major, nothing about it had him worried.
“Alright, fine. Nothing vital, this time.” He said after a moment. “But you’re lucky it’s not worse.”
“I’m not lucky. I told you I was fine.”
“You are lucky, you’re bloody close to plenty of vital shit.”
“Stop with the lecture and just fix me up, will you?”
Fao hummed. “I’m getting there. Looking for the local…” He was sure he’d gotten some out.
“Alright.”
He couldn’t find it. It wasn’t with the rest of the kit where it was supposed to be, and as he rummaged through the drawers it was nowhere to be seen. Either someone had taken it and not put it back properly, or they’d forgotten to order some more when they’d run out.
“Fuck.” He muttered under his breath. “We’ve got none.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“I wish I was.”
He took a slow breath. “Fine. Just get it done.”
“We’ve got Midaz. Or propofol? Ely can come over.”
Steve scoffed. “You are not knocking me out.”
“I wouldn’t, Ely would.”
“None of you are.”
“I can hardly suture without giving you anything. Ely might be dating me but she’s not that bad.”
Steve stood. “You touch the propofol and you’re done.”
“Sit back down.” Fao told him, a hand on his shoulder. “Pain meds then. Morphine?”
“No. I’m working later.”
“No you’re not.”
“Not if you keep taking forever.”
“Without pain relief, this is gonna suck. It’s gonna suck even with pain relief. Take the Midaz, Steve. Or at the very least some oramorph.”
“No.” He pulled his shirt on. “I’ll ask Finn instead.”
“Finn’s been having myos all morning. Do you really want him to suture? Over the surgical reg?”
“At the minute, neither of you are doing it.”
“Fine, I’ll do it with no pain meds. If you’re so determined to suffer then you can. Shirt off.”
He pulled it back over his head, glad his back was to Fao as he grimaced in pain. “It’s not even that bad now.”
“Sure, sure.”
Steve sat on the bed, and turned to Fao. “Nice and quick, then.”
“Can you lay down for me?”
“If I must.”
“Just want to make sure you’re not going to go anywhere.”
“As if anywhere would let me in looking like this.”
“I don’t want you keeling over off the edge of the bed, yeah? Don’t feel like scraping you off the floor.”
“My blood pressure is fine.” He said, though did lie down.
“Surely that’s more comfortable, anyway?” Fao said, picking up his kit. “Just shout if you need a break, alright?”
“It is.” He agreed. “Do me a favour and don’t fuck it up.”
“Me? Fuck up? I’m hurt.” Fao said, and started to suture.
Steve tapped his feet. “You’ll get over it.”
“I might not.” He said, chewing his lip as he concentrated. He wasn’t about to do sloppy work.
“I’m sure you will.”
He was quiet then, too busy on his work. It was difficult, Steve was fidgety, and after a few minutes he frustratedly adjusted his light. Ely walked in after that, and he twisted to look at her.
“A stór. The last stock take we did, did we order any local? I’ve just turned the place upside down looking for some.”
Ely frowned at him. “I thought Steve did the last one. Are you suturing without any?”
“I wish I wasn’t.” Fao grumbled.
“Oh, fucking hell. Really, Steve?”
“Don’t be nice to him, he refused painkillers.”
“And we wonder where you get it from.” She teased.
“If you’re going to flirt, will you do it in your own time?” Steve interrupted. “I need this over with.”
“Painkillers would help.” Ely said, sitting down next to him. “I really can’t get you anything?”
“No.” He winced as Fao started up again. “It’ll be over soon.”
“I just saw you wince.”
“It’s difficult to suture neatly when you keep fidgeting, Steve.”
“I’m staying as still as I can.”
“Which is why you need meds.” He said bluntly.
Ely sighed. “Look, ignore him, he’s an ass. Won’t you let me give you something?”
“I told Fao, I’m working later.”
“Not with a wound like that.”
“A few stitches and I’ll be fine.”
“Judging by the blood that’s around, you need rest. Have some meds, and then you can sleep it off. We’ve got plenty of midaz and other stuff, we could do twilight or something. Then it’ll be done before you know it.” Ely said gently.
“Please, Ely. Just let Fao get on with it.”
“I’m better than Fao with the drugs. Not even some codeine, morphine? Just to take the edge off, Steve.”
His protests were interrupted as he jumped, jerking away from Fao. He groaned through clenched teeth. “Fuck.”
Fao swore, and dropped his stuff with a clatter. “I can’t keep doing this.”
Steve didn’t move, hands clenched into fists as he tried to breathe through the pain.
“That’s it, Steve, breathe through it. Nice deep breaths.” Ely soothed. “Let me give you something? Please, just so we can sort this.”
“What?”
“It would be best to try some sedation, some midaz or fentanyl. That’ll keep you still, really. Means we can finish quicker.”
“The bare minimum.”
“Of course. Only as much as you need.”
“I need to still be conscious and talking.” He countered, offering her his arm.
“Mmhmm. We’ll look after you.” Ely said, grabbing some gloves and a cannulation kit.
“I’m serious, Ely.”
“We need you to settle and be still, so Fao can suture. You’ll be relaxed.” She told him.
“Fao was doing a fine job.”
“I was trying my best, but you were too fidgety.” Fao told him. “I just need you to be relaxed enough not to move, yeah?”
“I wasn’t moving.” He grumbled.
“Alright.” Fao wasn’t about to argue with him, but just let his girlfriend work.
Ely got set up quickly, well practiced by now. Gone were the days when doing things like this used to scare her. Now it was virtually second nature. She got the cannula in easily - Steve was a welcome change from Fao’s difficult veins or a seizing Finn.
Steve watched her carefully as she worked. He trusted her clinical skills - it had been half the reason she’d been picked in the first place - but he didn’t trust her to not drug him. He didn’t trust either of them.
With the monitoring set up that she wanted (or rather, what she knew she could get away with without Steve having a strop) Ely shared a look with Fao as she measured out the meds. They’d worked together long enough now that Fao knew exactly what she wanted, and so he moved his stool slightly, aiming to distract Steve as she gave the drugs.
“Who are you on shift with tonight, Steve? Did you see the rota?”
He took the bait. “I didn’t recognise the name. Think it’s someone new.”
“Fresh blood? At least they can’t be any worse than us lot, eh?”
Ely gave the meds as quickly as she dared, enough to make sure Fao could get everything sorted. She rubbed his arm, hoping to be another welcome distraction.
“Oh, you…twat.” He slowly turned to Ely. “What did I tell you?”
“Just relax, Steve. I only gave you as much as you need, yeah? Couple of nice deep breaths for me?”
“I should go. Serve you right.” He struggled to focus, to piece the sentence together.
“Later, yeah? Let’s just take a deep breath, relax for me.” Her voice was gentle.
He hummed. “Yeah.”
“Well done, that’s it. Just relax, you can close your eyes if you want.”
He pulled his hand from Ely’s reach. “No more.”
She laughed. “No more, I promise. How about a little nap, hmm?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Always have a choice. Thought it might be nice, I bet you’re feeling pretty sleepy.”
“Twat.”
“So you’ve said.” She said lightly. “It’s alright, we’ll look after you.”
“Thanks.”
“That’s okay, that’s what we’re here for.” She said, and glanced over at Fao. He hadn’t started to suture again yet, but was fussing over the wound, trying to ease the bleeding a little.
As Fao hit a particularly sore point, he turned to look at the wound. “Ow.”
“Sorry, Steve. It’s a bit sore, isn’t it? Don’t worry, it’ll get better.”
“Will it?”
“Yeah, just focus on those deep breaths.” Ely told him. “Nice and relaxed.”
Steve did as he was told; after all, he didn’t really have much choice. He shifted slightly to get more comfortable (and just to annoy Fao, he was sure), and shut his eyes. He might as well try and sleep through it as much as he could.
“That’s it, well done.” She said, rubbing his arm, and then turned to her boyfriend. “Go on, shouldn’t have any trouble now.”
Fao nodded, and started to suture, as quickly as he could. He hated this just as much as Steve did, they just didn’t have a choice.
No. 12 - ANXIETY (Alt. 15)
Finn had been dreading his appointment. He knew he’d have to miss part of school, which was always fun, and Fao had promised him ice cream after. He didn’t pay any attention in his lessons throughout the morning, but his teachers put it off to his absences and nerves - Sheila had warned them in advance, just in case he tried any of his antics.
With Finn still getting used to everything, Fao spent a lot of time at home, commuting into uni where he needed to. It was easier, being around for him. He knew Sheila struggled, and it reassured Finn to have him around, too.
On a rare afternoon free of lectures, Sheila had asked Fao to take Finn to his appointment. There had been a meltdown that morning, apparently, though Fao had already been at uni by then. The promise of having Fao had supposedly calmed things down, so of course Fao was going to take his brother. He didn’t mind, not really, but he did worry about the possibility of another meltdown.
He arrived at the school early, and waited for Finn, hoping one of the teachers would make sure he met him. He didn’t want to spend ages searching for him when he’d locked himself in a bathroom or something equally as ‘on brand’ for Finn.
Finnwas escorted to the main office, made to wait by reception for Fao to get signed in. He tried a few times to disappear, but was quickly made to sit back down. Always a bundle of energy, Finn was even worse when nervous. His myos were off the charts and he felt sick to his stomach.
“Hey, kiddo. You ready to go? Got everything you need?”
He nodded, clutching his bag to his chest.
“Want me to carry your bag?”
“No.” He said quickly, gripping it tighter. “I’ve got it.”
“Okay, that’s alright.”
“Can we just go home?”
“I’m afraid not. But it won’t take long, and we’ll go for ice cream after. Promise.”
“But I don’t want to go, Fao.”
“I hate going too. But it’s for the best, and it won’t take long.”
He scuffed his feet. “But if it won’t take long, then there’s no point going."”
“Ah, doesn’t work like that. But once you’ve been you don’t have to go again for a while.”
"Until Steve finds something else wrong with me.”
“I know it feels like that sometimes.”
“I’m in every other week anyway.”
“You’re getting better, it’s just taking time.”
“Yeah, right.” He slammed the door for good measure. “Sure I am.”
“Hey, hey, don’t slam doors.”
“I’ll do what I want.”
Fao couldn’t help but smile. “A couple of months ago you weren’t strong enough to slam doors.”
“It was the wind.”
“Could have fooled me.”
He grumbled in reply. He didn’t have the energy to argue with Fao.
“You know I’ll stay with you the whole time, right?” Fao said, as they headed towards the car. “Can hold my hand if you want.”
“No.” He folded his arms in a huff.
“Oh, are we too cool for hand holding now?”
Finn scowled at him. It was his fault he was going to the hospital, Finn wasn’t just going to forgive him.
“That bad, eh? Oh dear.” He murmured. “How was school this morning?”
“Fine.”
“What lessons did you have?”
He shrugged. “Stuff.”
“Science? Maths? English?”
“Yeah.”
“What are you missing this afternoon then?”
“Stuff.”
“Such as?”
“Stuff.”
“Okay. You wanna hear about what I learned this morning?”
“Whatever.”
Fao sighed, and left it at that. Finn was obviously just worried, he always got grumpy when he was stressed out. He unlocked the car and opened the door. “Wanna throw your bag in the back?”
“No.”
“Want to keep it in the footwell?”
Finn just glared at him, climbing in and hugging his bag to his chest. He didn’t care for Fao’s attempts at conversation. If he really cared, he wouldn’t be taking him to hospital.
Fao just let him get on with it, getting in on the opposite side. “Seatbelt?”
An idea flickered. “If I don’t put it on, we don’t move.”
“No, Finn. Come on, put your seatbelt on.”
“No.”
“Please?”
“No.” He scowled at Fao. “I’m not going to and we’re not going.”
“We’ll get the bus then, if you won’t put your seatbelt on. And getting the bus means no treat after.”
Finn made a noise vaguely like a growl, knowing he wasn’t allowed to swear, and strapped his seatbelt on.
“Thank you.”
He huffed, a quiet ‘Dickhead’under his breath as he glanced at his brother.
“You know I heard that, right?”
He froze, a blush spreading up his cheeks. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You’re stressed, I’ll let it slide.”
“I didn’t say anything!”
“Mmhmm.” He said, starting the car.
Finn stayed quiet as Fao drove out of the school grounds. Even nervous though, he couldn’t stay quiet for long. “What did you learn at school?”
“Oh, you do want to know?”
He grinned sheepishly at Fao. “Maybe.”
“I learned about the liver.” Fao said, glancing over at his brother.
“One thing I didn’t hurt.”
“Y’know what, I don’t know if you did or not? Not badly, at any rate.”
“What happens if you do?”
“If you hurt your liver? Well, the liver is clever, because it heals itself.”
Finn listened intently to Fao rambling about his lectures, and he had to admit it did take his mind off the looming appointment. Once at George’s, he clammed up again, refusing to leave the car. Of course, it wasn’t a surprise to Fao, it never was, and all the extra time had been factored into the travel time. Finn was eventually persuaded out of the car in exchange for Fao’s hoodie from the backseat, which he quickly wrapped himself in.
Together, they headed up to neuro, Finn silently sneaking his hand into Fao’s as they walked.
“What do you want for after?” Fao asked, as they made their way down the corridor.
“To not come here again.” Finn said quietly.
“I know. But you’ve got to pick a treat too. A new dinosaur? Ice cream? Something else?”
“I’m too old for dinosaurs.”
“Too old for dinosaurs?!”
“Yeah.”
“Never too old for dinosaurs.”
“I am.”
“Steve likes dinosaurs, and he’s even older than me.” Fao said, steering Finn into a chair to wait.
“He’s ancient.” Finn murmured, stiffening at the mention of Steve.
“Not too old for dinosaurs though.”
Finn shrugged. He didn’t want to talk.
“Ice-cream for after, then?”
“Maybe.”
“Have a think, yeah?”
He nodded and lapsed back into silence. It was almost half an hour before his name was called, by which point the butterflies in his stomach had turned into quetzalcoatluses. He felt sick and dizzy, and wasn’t convinced he wasn’t going to have a seizure.
They followed the nurse through, who was very chatty and tried to calm him down while she did his observations. All completed, he was sent back into the waiting room for Steve.
Fao was blathering on about something, Finn wasn’t paying enough attention to actually figure out what he was saying. If he got told off, he’d blame it on his absences - it wouldn’t be the first time.
He kept trying to breathe, but he couldn’t seem to take any air in. The bit he did manage did nothing. He was only growing more dizzy, his hands and feet tingling. He was going to die.
Fao could tell Finn was struggling. His questions to his younger brother went unanswered, and it wasn’t absences. Fao could tell from his breathing, the way he fidgeted. He moved to crouch in front of his brother, a hand on his knee.
“Finn? Look at me?”
Finn slowly raised his head, his breaths coming in short gasps. He needed out. He couldn’t do it.
“Hey, hey. You’re okay. I’ve got you, I’m here.” Fao soothed.
He shook his head. None of it was okay. He was going todie and Fao didn’t even care.
“Shhh, shhh. Focus on me, yeah. You’re gonna be okay, just a little panic attack.” He soothed. “It’s alright. Just look at me, yeah? I’m right here.”
Just?? Finn shook his head, pushing his brother away. “Get off.”
“You’re okay. Can you focus on me? Just me, nothing else that’s going on. You’re safe, you’re alright.”
“No.”
“I know, Finn. I know it’s scary. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you, it’s okay.”
It wasn’t okay, how could he keep saying that? His eyes darted around the room, trying to find a way out. Fao wasn’t helping, nobody was.
Fao took Finn’s hand. “Here, I’m right here with you. Look at me? Just try and slow your breathing down a little? Just a tiny bit for me.”
“Get off!” He shoved Fao away as hard as could. “Getoff!”
“Alright, okay.” Fao said, glancing around the waiting room. He took a step back, letting go of his brother’s hand.
He could feel everyone’s eyes on him, and he couldn’t take it. He needed out. He stumbled to his feet. He didn’t have a choice.
“Sit down for me, Finn?” Fao said gently. “We don’t need to go anywhere yet.”
Finn couldn’t hear Fao through the rush of blood in his ears. He squeezed his eyes shut to stop the dizziness, his hand instinctively coming out to try and balance himself.
Fao came alongside him, half reaching for him. “Come on Finn, let’s sit down.”
He shook his head. He wasn’t staying.
“You’re okay. Come and sit down with me?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’ve got to go.”
“You don’t have to go anywhere, it’s okay. We can stay here.”
“No.Please.”
“You’re safe, it’s okay.”
“I’m dying.”
“You’re not, I promise. Take my hand?”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not, I’m really not. Promise.”
Finn looked at Fao. The room was spinning and his legs felt like jelly. He whimpered quietly, too stubborn to reach for him.
Fao stretched his hands out. “Come on, Finn. It’s okay.”
“It’s not.”
“I’m right here, let’s go and sit down, yeah?”
He shook his head. Sitting down meant his appointment and he couldn’t do that.
“It’s okay. Nobody is going to hurt you.”
“They will.”
“I promise they won’t, I won’t let them.”
His legs had started to shake, but he was still not giving in. “They will. Youwill.”
“It’s alright, come on. You’re okay.”
He gritted his teeth. He couldn’t do it any longer. With a whine, he reached for Fao, his hands gripping tightly onto him.
“That’s it, I’ve got you.” He soothed, pulling him in for a hug. “I’m here.”
Finn relaxed into him, exhausted and mentally worn out. He pressed closer, fingers twisting in Fao’s hoodie.
Fao picked him up, holding him close as he moved back to the chairs. “You’re okay. Well done.”
He scrubbed his face against Fao’s chest, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. He was still completely overwhelmed with everything, and didn’t know where he stood at all.
“I’ve got you. It’s okay.” Fao told him, rubbing his back.
His breath hitched again and he hid his face fully. He didn’t want to cry, and definitely didn’t want Fao to know.
“It’s okay. Take some deep breaths.”
For once, he did as he was told, and listened to Fao. He was safe in his arms, he knew that.
“Well done. It’ll help you feel better.”
Finn smiled slightly, glad of the praise. It helped that it was making him feel better, and he was no longer on the verge of passing out. He’d almost forgotten where he was until an all too familiar voice called out.
“Finn Daniels? Ready for your appointment?”
Fao rubbed Finn’s back and stood up. “It’s alright, I’ll carry you. C'mon, nearly done now.”
No. 1 - ALL TRUSSED UP AND STILL NOWHERE TO GO
“You have to let go” | barbed wire | bound
Harrison and Fao had finally started to get along, much to the pack’s relief. It gave Sheila and Fred a (well deserved) break, and Finn a distraction.
They’d spend afternoons after school in the Sanctuary, dicking around until Sheila called them in for tea or bed.
Fao loved being able to hare around the sanctuary after college. Once he’d burned off his excess energy, he always focused better. He found his homework easier, and he slept better too. Finn was quickly becoming like a little brother to him, and Harrison was a friend. He didn’t get on with many people at college, it was nice to have someone.
Him and Harrison often got caught up playfighting, Finn left to his own devices somewhat. The older boys were bigger and stronger, he couldn’t always play with them. They didn’t even notice him slip away deeper into the sanctuary, whilst Fao and Harrison scrapped.
It really wasn’t fair anymore. Harrison always used to play with Finn and now he had Fao, often leaving Finn alone. With nothing to do and nobody to play with, Finn set off to explore.
They’d been doing some work round the back of the sanctuary, repairing where someone had tried to break in and ruin it all. It wasn’t all bad news, though, as they’d ended up receiving a grant from the local council, and the extra publicity had led to an increase in funding too.
He knew he’d be told off for playing around there, but assumed that exploring would be fine. He was only sniffing around anyway.
Despite his bravado, he was still skittery, especially when he was by himself. He was spooked by a bird flying at him, seemingly from nowhere, and he jumped back, tripping over his paws.
He didn’t feel the pain at first, but as he tried to stand, it burned through his leg and down his side. It surprised him and he yelped, overwhelmed with the pain for a moment. Finn tried again, trying to stand. It was agony.
He turned to nose at his side, met with barbed wire and blood. His leg was the same, and every movement tightened the wire around his leg. He yelped again, his cries growing more desperate as he struggled.
Fao and Hars must have been too far away, or maybe they’d even left. He continued to struggle, desperately trying to get free. His muzzle was covered in blood, mainly from his leg and side, but also from his attempts at pulling the wire off. He howled again, as loud as he could. It was filled with pain and fear, terrified he’d be left alone to die.
Fao and Hars hadn’t heard him at first, his yelps far too quiet over their own playful growls and the soft breeze that carried through the woods. They carried on scrapping, leaping about chasing eachother, until Finn’s howl pierced the air.
Fao stopped dead, digging his claws into the dirt. He called back to Finn, trying to let him know they were coming, before he rushed off in the direction of the howl, nose to the ground to find where he’d been.
Finn was too busy howling to hear Fao, panic overtaking him. He continued to struggle, screaming in pain as he got more and more tangled.
Finn’s pained screams terrified Fao. What the hell had he gone and done to himself? As he got closer, Finn’s scent was overwhelmed by the scent of blood. Lots of blood. Not long after that he saw him, caught in a pile of scrap, what looked to be barbed wire. He rushed over, pressing his nose to Finn’s head.
At the sight of Fao, his screams got more desperate, trying to reach him. He leaned into the older wolf, paws scrabbling on the floor to get closer.
Fao rushed over, trying to stop Finn from struggling too much. The more he wriggled, the more Fao could see the wire pulling at him, ripping through fur and flesh and causing the bleeding to get worse. He pressed up close to him, trying to soothe him. It was going to be okay, they’d make sure he was.
Finn couldn’t move with the weight of Fao on top of him. He was too stressed for Fao to help, though his cries slowly dwindled into whimpers, his whole body shaking.
Fao whined softly, trying to reassure him. He twisted to look for Harrison. They needed help, and now. This wasn’t good.
Harrison wasn’t as fast on his paws as Fao, but had been stood there long enough to see what had happened. He jutted his nose towards the camera, a warning to Fao. They couldn’t shift, even if he went to get help. They couldn’t blow their cover.
He’d run back and get help, Finn needed Fao more than him, and the other wolf would probably be better at calming him down.
He bolted off, paws pounding against the ground. He just had to hope someone would be free.
Of course they were next to a camera. If Fao wanted to shift, he’d have to leave Finn. And he couldn’t leave Finn without someone else there with him. He whined again, trying to stop Finn from moving so much.
Finn kept struggling, pressing his nose to Fao and then turning to bite at his leg. Why wasn’t Fao helping?
Fao huffed, and gently licked Finn. He sent him an image of the camera, and then tried to send him one to soothe him too. The more he moved, the more it was going to hurt.
It hadn’t occurred to Finn about shifting, but the more he thought about it, the better it seemed. The camera didn’t matter, they could sort that out after, he was sure. He whimpered, pawing at Fao with his free paw and trying to beg him for help.
Fao shook his head, nosing gently at him. He just had to stay still, it would be okay. They’d get him out. Harrison would come back and Fao could move away to shift and they’d get him out of the mess.
Harrison had grabbed as many people as he could, out of breath and only barely covering himself with a towel. The pack sprung into action, Steve and Sheila heading to Finn while the rest shut the cameras down and went ahead to prepare the clinic. It didn’t sound good.
Waiting for the pack was like torture. Every minute that dragged by felt like an hour, watching Finn bleed onto the dirt. He was clearly terrified - Fao could feel how scared he was. He was in a lot of pain, too. He wished he could do something to help, but it was just a matter of waiting.
Steve ran ahead, his medical kit slung over his back. He arrived at the boys’ side breathing heavily as he knelt down. Finn was covered in blood, but nothing was pouring out. He’d need to get him back to the clinic before doing anything, but he could already see Finn would need stitches.
“Hey, you’re okay. You’re okay, Finn. You’re doing so good.” He started murmuring, quickly drawing up a sedative - it would be easier to assess without the risk of him shifting or pulling away.
Fao whined, gently nudging Steve’s side. Could he shift and help without getting caught?
Steve shook his head slightly, pushing Fao’s muzzle away for show. “Not yet.” He whispered. “They’re still on.”
He sighed, and went back to fussing over Finn. If he couldn’t shift, he could at least keep Finn as calm as possible. It was hard to tell, but it looked like Steve was about to sedate. That would help, but it would probably scare Finn more for a bit.
“Thank you.” He returned to fussing over Finn, gently and quickly getting a cannula in. “You’re okay, Finn. Just relax, okay?”
Fao whined, desperate to do more. But he couldn’t, not unless he shifted. He nosed at Finn again, all he could do.
Finn snarled at them, trying to pull his paw away. Steve was quick to respond, a low growl in warning as he gave the meds. They wouldn’t take long to work, but Finn needed to stay calm.
Fao stretched out to lay next to Finn trying to send over a calming thought, forcing himself to relax to relax the younger boy. He sent images of the two of them asleep together, the way they slept during the moons.
Despite the panic and pain, Finn slowly began to relax. He nudged Fao, trying to fight the sedation. Steve stroked Finn’s shoulder, quietly shushing the young wolf. It would be okay.
The sedation finally took hold, leaving Finn more out of it than not. He didn’t fight as Steve began cutting him free, choosing instead to press closer to Fao. His wounds were deep, and they’d have to fully sedate him to sort them, but they needed to move him. He’d be okay.
Fao stayed with him, careful to avoid the wire as Steve cut Finn free. Once they got him free he could shift and help Steve at the clinic, but for now he was still useless. It felt like an eternity to wait.
Sheila finally arrived, nodding to Fao. “Your bag is just by the tree. Go shift.”
As soon as Sheila spoke, Fao darted away to grab his back and shift. He hurriedly pulled on his jeans, rushing back over as he pulled a t-shirt on. His hands were covered in blood, but he had to get back to Finn. He had to help.
“I’m here.” He breathed.
He was quick to help Steve with Finn, trying to stop the bleeding the best he could. There was no time to think, to wait about for instructions. They only had a limited time until the sedation wore off, they needed to get him moved and into the clinic as quick as possible.
Steve got done as much as he could before taking a step back. He couldn’t do any more without the clinic. He kept murmuring to Finn in hushed tones as he picked the wolf up, hopping on the back of the ?truck?. He invited Fao up with him, the other boy very obviously calming Finn down.
It wasn’t a far drive back to the clinic, but it felt like an eternity for Sheila. She spent the drive glancing over her shoulder, checking on Steve and Finn. Her youngest had started to fight through the sedation, whimpering and whining as he struggled. Without the clinic though, Steve couldn’t give any more. He quietly shushed Finn, running his fingers through the small bit of fur that wasn’t covered in blood.
Fao sat with Finn and Steve, doing his best to soothe the younger wolf, keeping a careful eye on his breathing. It wasn’t long to the clinic, and he helped to get him out of the car and straight through into their theatre. Finn would need proper intervention to fix this. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the best thing for everyone.
Finn batted a paw at Fao as everyone rushed around him. He made a quiet whine in protest, but the anaesthesia was strong in his system. He couldn’t have done it without Fao, had to tell him that he loved him. He huffed at him, his head too heavy to lift.
Fao leaned over to kiss his nose. “You’re okay. We’ve got you. Just go to sleep, it’s alright.”
For once, he did as he was told, slipping under. With Fao close, he didn’t panic either, letting the anaesthesia take over.
He stroked over his ears. “I love you. We’ve got you.”
No 23 - NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE (Alt. 11)
part 1//part 2
Fao’s hands burned across his skin, barely conscious but unfortunately aware enough to feel the pain. His breath hitched, a quiet gasp of pain. The fog was too thick to fight through, unable to force his eyes open.
Fao took a step back, looking Harrison over as he called Steve. Harrison’s clothes were ripped and torn, drenched in blood. His face was swollen, his cheek obviously disfigured. His left arm was pointed in all different directions, and his hand, bloody and bruised, was tucked to his chest. With each breath his ribs shifted in different directions, grating and rubbing against each other. His legs were even worse; while his prosthesis was nowhere to be found, his other leg was so obviously broken, the bone sticking through the skin. There was too much blood, far too much blood.
Steve answered, on a break from theatres. “Fao, morning. What’s up?”
“I’ve found Hars.”
“Is he alright?” Something in Fao’s tone had already given him the answer.
Fao took a breath. “No, he's… He’s a state. He’s got a compound fracture to his left leg, his left arm is broken too. Ribs are… Well, ribs are fucked, and his prosthetic is gone.”
“Shit. Where are you? I’ll get Trauma out to you.”
“On the edge of our land. North edge.”
“Conscious?” Steve asked, turning to gesture at the receptionist as he scrawled instructions down. “Get as many obs as you can.”
“I’ve got no kit.”
“You’ve got your phone.”
“Hang on, then.”
Steve was worried beyond belief. With the trauma team alerted and starting to prepare, he had no choice but to head out to find Fao. He didn’t have all the equipment the team had, but he could do something. The car tyres spun as he rushed out, and he swore quietly, trying to keep the worry from overwhelming him.
On his knees next to Harrison, Fao carefully took as many obs as he could. It wasn’t a lot, and the numbers he was getting weren’t exactly comforting. The younger man was in a bad way, and there wasn’t much he could do about it either. He’d seen patients like this at work, overseas, but not without a kit, or a senior, or someone else. He was all alone, and there was nothing he could do other than try and stop the bleeding. He tugged his shirt off, the only thing he had to put pressure on, and the cool air made him shudder. He just had to hope Trauma found them soon.
Steve found them before the team did, lugging his bag as he ran. He could smell the blood a mile off, and it made his stomach turn. It didn’t smell good at all.
“Steve!” Fao called, catching sight of the other man.
“Fao. Thank God I’ve found you. North edge is a lot of land.” He gave the other man a forced smile as he knelt to assess Harrison. “Fucking hell.”
“Sorry. Was out running, wasn’t exactly keeping track of where I was.” He murmured. “He’s not good, tachy and his resps are shocking. Think he’s just conscious, but he slips in and out. I’ve done my best with the bleeding, but…”
Steve nodded. “Did a good job. Grab some kit and keep going.” He rested a gentle hand on Harrison’s cheek. “Stay with us, okay? We’ve got you. Just hold on.”
Wiping his bloody hands on his shorts, Fao reached for the kit. “How far out is trauma?”
“Too far.” He leaned back on his haunches. “Do as much as you can. I’ll bring the truck, we’ll get him back to the clinic. It’s not enough, but it’ll have to do.” Steve didn’t have much of a choice. They either tried to get him to the clinic, or he’d die in the dirt. At least they’d know they’d done their best.
“Redirect trauma there? They can meet us.” Fao muttered. “To think I thought Afghanistan was bad. Fucking hell.”
“Exactly. It’s the same distance for them.”
“Saves them wasting time looking for us.”
He nodded as he stood. “I’ll be five minutes. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Keep him…” He trailed off, gave Fao a nod and ran off again.
“Yeah, got it.” Fao replied, not even looking up.
As Fao pressed hard against a wound, Harrison let out a quiet groan, struggling to breathe against the pain.
“I know, Tomcat, I know. We’ve got you.”
Steve returned as quick as he could, backing the truck as close as he could get. He jumped out and lowered the back. “We okay?”
“Well, that depends on your definition of ‘okay’.” Fao muttered. “We’re the same.”
“I’ll take that as okay. Help me get him in?”
“Yeah. Ready?”
“As careful as we can.”
Despite their soft hands, the movement jolted Harrison. He screamed in pain, trying to pull away from them.
They didn’t stop as Harrison screamed, quickly getting him in the back of the truck. Fao kept the kit close by, and then hopped up next to him. “You drive, yeah? I can try and keep him stable back here.”
“Thanks. Just shout if you need anything.” Steve told him, before he started the car and sped off. He kept glancing in the rearview, praying to a god he no longer believed in. He couldn’t lose Harrison again.
It was a job to stay upright as Steve sped through the territory, and Fao tried his best to keep Harrison stable. He just had to make it to the clinic, they had more there, he’d have a better shot at helping him there.
Steve had managed to source a couple of people to help out, some staff already working and others called in for the emergency. They met him at the clinic entrance, trauma board ready.
It was a smooth and practiced transition, getting Harrison into the theatre and everything connected. He barely made a noise, the pain finally too distant to hurt him. As Fao had found, his reps were through the roof, as was his heart rate. His sats were awful, and the blood pressure kept cycling, refusing to give a number.
It was impossible to find a vein through the swelling and bruising, their limited options quickly exhausted. They weren’t left with much else of a choice when Steve grabbed the kit, turned Harrison’s head to the side and apologised to the younger wolf. It was luck, pure luck that he managed it, the cannula flushing back and ready.
“Let’s get him out.”
Fao had been turning the room upside down, looking for meds and kit that they’d need. Induction drugs were already laid out, and he handed them to Steve. They didn’t have a massive stock of human meds, but they kept enough.
“Have we got blood to transfuse?”
“We’re getting it. Has to be wolf.”
“He needs it now.”
“Fluids are up.”
“Fluids won’t be enough.” Fao said. “I can donate, right?”
“I need you treating, Fao.”
“I can do both. Bloods out, fluids in, I can treat.”
“No.”
“How long will bloods take at this rate?”
“Fao, I need a chest drain in.”
“I’m on it.” He muttered, though it was hard. His landmarks were fucked, ribs shifting under his touch, bone grating on bone. Muttering under his breath in a mix of English and Gaelic, he made his incision and hurriedly passed the tube in. It was more blood for him to lose, Fao all too aware he’d need more, and soon.
Steve glanced over at Fao’s work, mentally ticking it off. He gave it a moment to work, blood pouring through the tube, but it didn’t help. Harrison had reached his limit, his body had started to give up and was starting to decompensate.
“Right, fuck it. Fao, blood.”
“I can’t cannulate myself.” He muttered. “I’ve tried.”
One of he techs grabbed him, steering him to a chair. Fao’s veins were shit, everyone knew that, but Harrison’s life was on the line. No time for niceties, they cannulated as quick as they could.
Fao didn’t fuss, and he was glad when everything was in. It was made easier by his run, the way he was completely on edge, still so hot and strsssed. Better warm than freezing cold. He’d managed to throw on a scrub top now, and they set up to transfuse.
Steve wasn’t happy with the set-up, but it was dirty medicine. Not everything could be perfect all the time. As long as it worked, it didn’t matter.
Fao didn’t like it either, but he didn’t have a choice. If it would stabilise Harrison, it would buy them time.
Their hail Mary worked. Finally they got a blood pressure from Harrison. It was terrible, of course, and ready to bottom out again, but it was there. Slowly things started to stabilise again, allowing Steve to take a breath.
More blood was pushed, as was the sedation, and they gradually clawed back some control. Blood was still pouring from the chest drains, and Steve was sure there were more internal bleeds. It wasn’t something he was happy opening on his table, so he just hoped Trauma would hurry up.
With Harrison out, they also put his leg back in place. It was a struggle, and they weren’t sure how long it had been out. He was already at high risk for infection, and that just made it a million times worse. They knew if he made it through all this, it was going to be a long recovery. Nerve damage, chronic pain, and poor mobility threatened his recovery. Steve wasn’t sure he’d make it through it. He wasn’t convinced there wasn’t going to be another amputation.
