Summer & Collin

Lanny had spent the last night with Raine, and despite how much he wanted to bring Randy back with him to the hospital the next morning, he knew what a fiasco that could turn into if the toddler saw who was next door. He'd returned early enough in the morning when the youngster was still asleep, and had Cassidy's daughter in his arms as he reclined his usual chair beside the bed. Next door to them, Summer was in the room, sleeping on the couch while Collin had left a little while earlier before the sun had ever come up, to tend to the garden again before he'd been back. Summer would have helped him with these chores, but as she was the one that Conan trusted the most of the pair, she had stayed in the room and let her husband do all of the traveling.

Cassidy*Others

After her talk with Lanny, Cassidy had slept a little rougher overnight; it wasn't that she didn't believe him when he promised that he'd take care of them... it was that she was disturbed because he was disturbed, and that made her brain more liable to create the nightmares she so dreaded. But on toward the early morning hours, she'd finally settled, and eventually her rest became more solid than it had been since she'd woken up from her comatose state. So when the young man came back the next morning, she looked much better rested, and was actually awake when he came into the room. "Ohhhh look who's here," she murmured, greeting her daughter with a soft smile and a caressing tone of voice that was reserved for the child alone. "And still asleep... did Daddy drag you out of bed early this morning?" She didn't reach to take Raine from him just yet, because she didn't want to wake the infant, but she was definitely pleased to see her.

And where Summer was asleep, Conan was awake - being a generally light sleeper, he'd awakened when Collin had left the room. He didn't think that the man had noticed, since he'd remained perfectly still and kept his eyes closed until he was sure that the husband had left. And after that, he'd felt obliged to remain awake and keep watch over the room in Collin's absence since Summer was sleeping, even though there wasn't much he could do at this moment to protect her physically if the Silvers again decided to storm in and cause a ruckus. And right now, he was listening to the sound of Cass' quiet coos as they echoed through the thin wall between them.

Laurence Zelkovii

It was a tough decision for Lanny to leave the hospital in the first place with Conan being next door, but after seeing the teen, he had been convinced that Laura was at least right in the fact that he was of little physical threat to Cassidy or Raine. Furthermore, as much as it bothered him, Johann knew far more than he did about the boy, and if there was one thing he could count on from the uncle, it was that he would let no harm come to his niece. That didn't mean he slept peacefully that night, not that he would have anyway, when he was getting up so frequently to tend to Raine, and he felt a certain relief when he reached the hospital this morning to find that all was well. "I'd say last night was better than the first one we spent together." Lanny chuckled tiredly, recalling all the bawling and fits that Raine had had, and the hour of total sleep he'd gotten on that particular night. "How was your night?"

Cassidy*Ohters

"It was fine," answered Cass, and "It was better," edited her uncle. She darted him a look that was questioning, and he went on, "We didn't have to call Charlotte in last night... but I heard you when you woke up. You took a hard breath, and tried to keep it quiet." The young woman didn't answer that, but her silence was pretty well a confirmation; she hadn't realized that her uncle was awake for that. Rather than comment on that, she turned her attention to Lanny, "Did she spit up last night?"

Laurence Zelkovii

Diplomatically, Lanny avoided commenting on Cassidy's first reply to him, and Johann's follow up edit. Either way, it was an improvement that she had been able to contain her fear after waking up from the nightmare, but the fact remained that she still suffered through one, and it bothered the young man enough that he added on a hopeful comment, "Just think, tonight you'll be in your own bed, and out of here." And as he was saying this, he was in the process of trying to trade Raine off with Cassidy, all while doing his best not to wake the infant. "Yeah, all over my shoulder... before I thought to put a cloth down in case of such an accident."

Cassidy*Others

Gladly reaching to take Raine, the new mother turned the infant over a little until she could lean back against the bed and lay her daughter on her chest, remembering what Dr. Marachek had said about the child needing to listen to and feel the heartbeat of her parents to base her own heartrate off of. Beginning to run a couple of fingers down the baby's back, she smiled at Lanny. "That's what I'm looking forward to... I'm beyond sick of this place. No offense to Dr. Marachek and Charlotte, but home sounds wonderful right now." She had never thought that she'd miss the bug-infested, cheap apartment where she lived with Johann - but given the choice between that and the hospital, she'd choose the apartment every time. And she actually laughed a little, trying to keep it quiet to avoid waking the baby, at Lanny's latter comment. "Last time you'll ever do that, eh Lan?"

Laurence Zelkovii

With the trade off complete and Raine being settled down with her mother again, Lanny seated himself in the chair and reclined back, "Just a few more hours, and we'll be homeward bound. Vacation time for you, more or less." The young man smirked at this, thinking back to their conversation on what the next few weeks would entail for him. He knew without asking that Cassidy wasn't going to like being so restricted in what she could do, and he wasn't entirely looking forward to being a maid for that long, but he wasn't about to complain now that Cassidy and Raine were out of the woods and recovering, and would do everything to make sure they both continued that way. "You can be sure of that. Lucky I wasn't wearing my favorite shirt."

Cassidy*Others

Johann was shaking his head some, but there was a quiet smile on his face. "Told you it's easier to go with no shirt." But it wasn't so much an 'I told you so' as it was a quiet little joke to keep the mood light - and it did the trick, because the young woman giggled a little. "You're leaving out one little fact, Uncle - it's likely freezing in the apartments right now. I swear that the landlady puts tab controls on the heater so that we all have to freeze." He shook his head some, and answered, "It was late October when I took you home - it wasn't that cold in there. Enough to get a few goose pimples, maybe. Which reminds me - you've got a birthday here soon."

She shook her head in exasperation; she'd never been much for birthdays. "Just too bad I'll have to spend it wheelchair-bound. Last birthday I got to spend my day in a big fight downtown; got a good knick when some dope tried to hamstring me and limped for two weeks. But at least I wasn't in a wheelchair." She scowled there - the whole concept of not being allowed to walk was not one that she was happy with, even now. She was willing to put up with it, sheerly because she'd seen how frightened Lanny was that if she walked, she might tear loose the stitches and bleed to death. But that didn't mean she had to like it. Not to mention... "It's going to be awkward trying to hold her and play with her in that thing." Her eyes turned down to Raine, who gave a hefty little sigh and then settled again.

Laurence Zelkovii

Despite the fact that an enemy was next door to them, and Cassidy was still very fragile and liable to run into trouble with her condition if not properly taken care of, Lanny was all cheer this morning. They'd finally be going home, where he felt safer for one in his ability to protect Cassidy, and far less stressed to know that her sleep would be more likely to come easier to her. "At least we know you won't be getting into any fights this birthday. You'll be stuck celebrating it with us." He just wouldn't be Lanny if he didn't poke a little fun her way, "You'll get to order us around, for one. And I wouldn't worry so much about the wheelchair-" The young man shrugged a shoulder as if to dismiss the negativity around the wheeler, "It'll only be one month, and you won't have to worry about her trying to crawl out of your lap and wonder about."

Cassidy*Others

Well, she never could stay too upset for long with Lanny joking around and making his sarcastic remarks; the very fact that he was cheery and apparently anticipating having her home helped to lift her spirits, and turn her attention away from the significance of the wheelchair. "Thus, it will be the most boring, corny birthday of my life," she muttered, rolling her eyes and not at all serious about that. Compared to getting an injury last year, a quiet at-home kind of celebration sounded like a nice change of pace. "Hear that, sweet? You get to see just how corny your grandda can be, and you won't even be three months yet, but that time." Addressing that to the sleeping infant, who responded with a slight scrub of one little fist to the side and a brief, soft noise, Cass turned her eyes up to Johann, who was rolling his. "Child, I sometimes wonder if there isn't something rolled around the wrong way in your head that I need to knock around straight! Sure hope that child of yours doesn't take after you." And she grinned, and put on a completely unbelievable face of innocence. "I? I am wonderful and perfect just as I am, thank you." He gave a huff of breath. "Oh brother."

Laurence Zelkovii

With Cassidy and Johann both joining in on the good natured bantering, the room was about as lighthearted as it had been since they arrived here, and the constant, underlying stress of this whole ordeal was almost put away. "Who are you kidding? There'll be nothing 'boring' or 'corny' about it, if I'm there." Lanny proclaimed, and went on to grin at the mock insults between the niece and uncle. He was going to add in another spirited jest of his own, but instead he went thoughtfully quiet a moment, and eventually looked to Johann, "Has Marachek said anything about when she'll be discharged today?"

Cassidy*Others

"Let's hope you can balance out Uncle, then," Cass answered Lanny, still rolling her eyes. "You remember what my parties were like when I was little." Indeed, there had been a couple of times when poor socially-unaware Johann had picked pretty inappropriate activities for the child's celebrations - Pin the Tail on the Donkey at her twelfth birthday was a prominent one that came to the forefront of her mind. And then when they got around to a more serious topic, Johann shrugged one shoulder a little. "I haven't seen her yet this morning - but my best guess would be when she comes to round today. Likely give her a last look over and lecture before she lets her go, I suspect. And I know she's already made the both of them a return appointment in two weeks for a checkup. Until she's satisfied with everything, she's made it quite clear that Cass and Raine will be having joint appointments."

Laurence Zelkovii

"You can bet we won't be playing musical chairs or twister." The birthday party blunders were coming to mind, and with them, Lanny had to give Johann a look before the conversation was turned onto the matter of Cassidy's discharge from the hospital. He could only imagine how much she was looking forward to this, and was beyond excited himself to get her out of the place that caused her so much anxiety and stress. "I hear we're suppose to get an instruction manual like the one we got for Raine." That was said with some sarcasm, even though he had definitely needed the advice that the physicians had been kind enough to put together for him. "Going together makes sense, getting them both taken care of at once instead of in separate trips." Again, he figured Cass wasn't too happy to hear this news, but whether he had to drag her here himself, he was determined to see that she got the care she'd otherwise skip out on.

Cassidy*Others

Smiling a little, Cass muttered, "Thank goodness - since neither she nor I can walk, that's a good thing. And it'll spare us all the embarrassment." Johann good-naturedly endured all the teasing about his poor party-planning skills - he knew that he wasn't much of a party person. Without acknowledging what Cass said, he nodded to Lanny's question. "That's what it sounded like. No lifting, no walking, no stretching, no twisting... a lot of 'don't do this' instructions. And supposedly, a list of approved exercises, and a continuation of the high-calorie and protein diet, with some extra iron and calcium mixed in. At least, that's the jist of what Charlotte told me."

Laurence Zelkovii

Most of the physical stuff Lanny had down, from getting past the difficult issue of having to carry Cassidy up the stairs, to forbidding her to lift anything heavier than the remote. As far as this went, he might be just a little overbearing, but he also kept in mind that Dr. Marachek had mentioned a list of exercises for the new mother, and as much as he'd rather have her rest the entire time, Lanny figured the doctors probably knew more than he did in this area. "I might be persuaded to do some food shopping, but unless there's ramen noodles or frozen pizzas on the list, I'll let Johann handle the cooking." The Zelkovii abode wasn't known for its fine cuisine, unless they ordered out or invited one of their more cook-talented members over, and it was generally understood that Johann was a better chef than most of them could ever hope to be.

Cassidy*Others

“Cooking, I can handle,” the older man answered, with it pretty well understood that he enjoyed cooking, which was likely why he was so good at it. “What’s going to be harder is getting her up four flights.” He was picking at Cass for that – she was still just barely over a hundred pounds with the weight she’d gained, and not a huge burden to be carried – but of course, going up the stairs would be another matter. It would particularly become problematic if Cass decided to be troublesome about being carried; she hated to feel helpless, and being carried about was a definite way to make that happen. There was a brief pause, and then he told the young man, “You’re welcome to stay a few days if you like, so long as you don’t mind the couch. Between Cass’ bed, mine, and the crib in the bedroom, we haven’t got room for a spare bed.” That was saying something, coming from Johann – so far from the earlier days when he had once nearly forbidden Lanny to come into the apartment, he was now offering him leeway to stay and help take care of mother and child. That spoke deeply of how aware the uncle was that Cass had become very attached to and dependent upon the young man. For her sake, he wanted Lanny nearby to help keep her comfortable and to help influence her to take it easy while she recovered.

Laurence Zelkovii

The young man gave his head a shake, quickly and expertly trying to put an end to the mention of the carrying issue before it could be discussed too far, "We've already talked about that, it's a done deal." It would be a chore, not so much with carrying her, but dealing with the great uneasiness that she felt in being handled like that, where she had to rely entirely on them. Coming to the next issue of business, Lanny was surprised that he hadn't put a whole lot of thought in that area yet. "Oh no, not a problem. Thanks." Thankfully, Johann had taken care of that, to which the young man was quick to show his gratitude with a sincere, if not short, word of appreciation. He understood what a bid deal it was for Johann to offer that, and he wasn't about to turn the offer down; after all, he couldn't imagine Cass moving into his place, not with their place already occupied by three adults, a toddler, and a roaming gecko - another young adult and infant would be pushing the limits.

Cassidy*Others

Shaking her head some, Cassidy staged a groan, and an artificial complaint. "So you mean I have to put up with the both of you bossing me for the next month?" Of course 'bossing' would hardly be the word, since it had already been proven that neither of the men were going to be overly forceful with her, but she knew they would be watching her like a pair of hawks - that was a very real possibility. Anything she tried to do that was against what the doctor had said would cause them to react badly, which meant that she'd actually have to behave herself. Dadgummit. "It'll be like one giant sleepover... minus the sleep, if this little lady has her way," Cass murmured sarcastically - and about that time, Raine stirred and turned her bright blue eyes upon her father, cooing and burbling already and beginning to make the little sounds that he ought to know were precursor to the 'I'm hungry' whines.

Laurence Zelkovii

"Now hey," Lanny laughed quietly but heartily to her complaint, "-don't forget that you get to do your own bossing around too. You and Raine both." She was right however, in the area of them bossing her around, if she tried to skimp any of the rules and regulations outlined by the physicians. Lanny wasn't an overbearing fellow in most situations, especially not with Cass, but with Johann on his side and his fear of losing her so prominent, there was no doubt that she'd face quite the opposition if she strayed from the guidelines. "Speaking of the little lady, I think Raine is ready for breakfast." The infant hadn't been with them for very long yet, but it was more than enough time for Lanny to start learning her own ways of communication, and unless he wanted to reach the whining stage of her request for food, he'd best act now. The young man dragged himself up from the chair and began rooting about for the formula and bottle.

Cassidy*Others

As Lanny got to his feet to prepare a bottle, Johann laughed aloud, the sound rolling and deep, and enough to make their next door neighbor tense a little in his bed at the sound. He'd been awake, of course, but he still hadn't been prepared for it. Unaware of this, the old man explained, "Not a month old yet, and already we all snap to when she whines for something. That's a woman's wiles, there - and she's got her mother's talent for it." Rather than a scowl, Cass offered him a sly smile this time. "Men have their strength and aggression, and women have our wiles and tricks... we all play with the toys the gods give us." Her uncle gave her a look, and accused, "You stole that line," and she quipped back, "Of all the things I've ever stolen, that's among the least." And that effectively silenced him - after all, the young woman was an accomplished thief. She'd even once slid Lanny's keys from his pocket without his knowledge when she'd been sent to fetch him from one of his benders. Granted, he'd been drunk at the time, but that was still quite an accomplishment. As all this was going on, Raine's head was turning to the sound of Lanny shuffling through the bag - food? Was that food? Well, that thought wasn't quite concrete in her head, but since she was hungry, that was where her attention was focused. Any sound had to be someone about to be bringing her food, right?

Laurence Zelkovii

Over at the sink, Lanny was adjusting the faucet and flicking his hand underneath the running water until he'd found the right temperature, "This young, and already ordering us around..." The young man shook his head as he measured out the formula to mix with the water, then mixing the two together with a few good shakes, "That doesn't bode well for either of us when she gets older." A raised-eye look was given to Johann to go along with the tease of Raine being like her mother in those aspects, since it was well known that the two men would do anything they could for Cass as it was. Lanny tested the newly prepared formula against his inner arm, and when he was satisfied with the temperature, he carried it back over to Cassidy's bed to hand it off to her, while he sat back down in the chair, "You know, I think I'm starting to get the hang of this stuff. Some of it, anyway."

Cassidy*Others

Taking the bottle from the young man, Cass grinned, even as she began the inevitable battle to get Raine settle to feeding. "Rag," she prompted, while briefly using her pinkie finger to keep the formula the infant was spitting out from getting everywhere. And then she teased, "Don't think I won't give her a few pointers, either." Johann gave a staged groan, and a muttered, "Angels and ministers of grace defend us..." And Cass laughed, causing Raine to squeak and whine in protest as her 'bed' vibrated. After a few minutes of fussing and spitting formula though, the infant finally settled in and quit fighting the bottle, deciding once again that she was more hungry than she was fussy. "She's definitely attached to you," the mother commented as she adjusted Raine in her arms so that the infant's head was more elevated, hopefully preventing her from swallowing air bubbles, which would lead to all kinds of minor digestive problems and fussiness. "She knows your voice already."

Laurence Zelkovii

As soon as he'd sat down, Lanny leaned forward to dig out one of the cloths from the bag, having forgotten this vital piece of the feeding procedure; particularly after being reminded with a spit-up covered shoulder last night. "Don't want to feed her without this I suppose." Lanny extended the rag to Cassidy, half leaning over his chair to do so before he settled down again, finding that his only major gripe at this point was the lack of sleep he was getting; but it was a minor thing, and he wasn't going to complain about it when Raine and Cassidy were doing well again. "Huh? To me, you mean?" The young man tried to push back a surprised smile, but it came through anyway, "Well you know, we've pretty well decided she's going to be a daddy's girl; might as well start now."

Cassidy*Others

Thankfully enough for how tired Lanny was, the three of them had one hand up on most couples - once they got home, they would have all three of them to watch and look after the infant, because even if Cass wouldn't be walking, she could hold and play with Raine and make sure nothing happened to her while the others rested. Once the three of them were home, they'd all have time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Fortunately for Lanny, even though Cass could have been offended by his claim that Raine would be a 'Daddy's girl', she didn't seem to mind - indeed, she smiled softly. "There are worse things," she murmured, turning a smile to her uncle as he leaned forward and gave her a gentle squeeze. She'd been a 'Daddy's girl' too, even though it had been her uncle instead of her father. But then, Lanny wasn't related to the infant at all, so it really wasn't all that different a situation. And to prove what Cass had said, Raine actually left off from her bottle for a moment to turn her head toward Lanny's voice, displaying a definite knowledge that these tones belonged to her father. Cass took advantage of the moment to wipe the infant's face, and as Raine turned back to her bottle, the young woman muttered, "Told you so."

Laurence Zelkovii

Whether the girl turned out to be a momma's girl or daddy's girl, Lanny was completely invested in being a parent now. Things were still a little uncertain for him, and he'd never dreamed he'd be in quite the situation that he was in now, but felt ready to handle the responsibilities. When he was greeted by a curious look from the infant herself, Lanny's smile broadened a little, lifting in one corner in the lopsided way it usually did, "I might be able to get use to that." A moment later, after watching Raine settle back in to the bottle, Lanny's attention was back on the new mother, "Are you hungry at all? It's a bit early yet, but I can see if I can track down a nurse."

Cassidy*Others

"You'd better," the mother prodded, though her tones were far from serious. "You've got her now, and you're stuck with her. Because I am so not going to explain to her that Daddy chickened out on being a father." She was completely kidding with this, knowing all too well that Lanny would not abandon her to raise Raine alone now that he'd given her his word - and now that the relationship between them was growing and morphing into something a little warmer than mere friendship. She shook her head to the next question, though, and quickly followed it up with an explanation, since the both of them had really been on her about her weight lately. "Johann's promised me my choice of 'doctor-approved' food when we get home, and I'm resolved not to force down any more of this mush. I know it's going to be all liquids and soft solids for a while but he can definitely make even that better than this garbage." Of course, that resolve might weaken a little if they ended up having to stay until the afternoon before Dr. Marachek discharged her, but for now she was hoping they'd be out of here before lunch time, and she could hold out until then.

Laurence Zelkovii

"Nah, I think I'm prepared. After all, I've had plenty of experience with Randy already - they seem to think I'm their official babysitter." Taking care of Randy was of course no problem for him, and he certainly enjoyed spending time with the youngster, but he had to give an eyeroll that showed his occasional exasperation at his brother and future sister-in-law. And nevermind that raising a toddler was quite a different set of responsibilities from raising an infant, and a preemie at that. "I didn't think of that; I don't suppose that I get a share in some of the food now, do I?" Johann-cooked meals were a far cry from the kind of quick meals assembled in the Zelkovii apartment, and one more reason for Lanny to look forward to this new temporary arrangement. "And I don't blame you Cass - even if Johann is fixing you mush for the next week, it's gotta be better than what they're serving you here."

Cassidy*Others

Cass shook her head a little, but didn't comment on the fact that she saw James and Sheryl as unreliable, irresponsible parents. Lanny knew perfectly well that Randy had been taken into a lot of situations where he just didn't need to be at his age, and was well aware of all the faults the couple had as far as being prepared to raise the child, so she didn't see any need to point those out to him. Instead, she let Johann take up the conversation. "We may not have all the money in the world, but nobody goes hungry under my roof," the old man answered, a twinkle in his eye, because he really did love to cook. "I doubt you'll starve while you're with us." And Cass laughed aloud, and went on, "More likely you'll end up needing extra trips to the gym, Lan - he seems to believe that nobody eats unless they come to our place. Cooks for an army, he does."

Laurence Zelkovii

"I could get use to that." And indeed he could, if he were getting meals that not only were better for him than the frozen stuff he bought, but actually tasted better as well. He didn't yet think of the awkwardness involved with him living in the same place as Johann, when his view of the man had been changed to some degree surrounding the whole shooting business, but... he'd known the man for so long that there was still that sense of trust that wasn't completely broken. And then, the other issue of he and Cassidy, and the undefined but increasingly obvious relationship they were in. Given enough time, these things would work themselves out, and in any case, Lanny wasn't worrying himself over them yet.

Cassidy*Others

The young woman laughed at that - Lanny had always had a healthy appetite, which was fortunately offset by both his exercise and his high metabolism. As Raine finished up her meal and Cass began to wipe her face and shift the baby up to her shoulder for burping, she commented, "I don't know, Uncle... when he gets into good food, he really gets into it. Not going to eat us out of house and home, are you?" Joking in a way that she hadn't been known to do since coming here, Cass grinned at Lanny... and right about then, a voice sounded outside the door. "Worry not, gentlemen - this is the last time I'll have to do this. Yes, I'll be glad to be rid of you, too." And in the next second, Dr. Marachek passed into the room. "Good morning, gentlemen... Miss Jones."

Laurence Zelkovii

"That could be a problem, now that you mention it." Lanny's newest round of laughter went a little louder than the subdued tones he'd been using the past week, but he quickly brought them back down and switched from jovial and light spirited to alert and intent in a matter of seconds. Dr Marachek was at the door, and that was potential reason for celebration. Blue eyes were fastened on the doctor who moved into the room, briefly scanning over her arms to see what she might be carrying with her before he spoke in a tone that was carefully neutral; as excited as he was to have Cassidy back home, he didn't want to jump the gun and end up finding out that she had to stay longer than they thought, or some similar type of setback, "Any good news for us, Marachek?"

Dr. Marachek

While both Cass and Lanny were invested in listening to the doctor, Johann was silent, his eyes on the large pile of paper in her hands - the promised manual for Cassidy's care, which was even thicker than the one they'd been provided for Raine. The thought that most of that list had to be things that the young woman was not allowed to do kind of made him dread reading through it, but on the other hand, he saw it as an invaluable tool. He'd never revealed as much, during his long weeks of stoic waiting beside her bed, hoping that she'd get better, but he'd been beyond frightened and desperate to do anything to keep Cass with him. And like Lanny, he had taken to heart what the physician had said about the risks posed if she tried to get back to her activities too quickly, so the manual represented knowledge to him - the knowledge that would keep his adoptive daughter safe and keep her with him for many years more.

While he was turning those thoughts over in his head, the doctor was answering Lanny, "Yes, I have - in twenty minutes, the two of you will be free to take Miss Jones home. I have here the papers I promised detailing all those things necessary for her care, and I will be sending you home with a few little accouterments - a wheelchair, shower chair, and all of the equipment you will need until it is safe for Miss Jones to walk again. They are the hospital's property, and are being given to you on a loan, which will be returned when I deem that they are no longer required. On top of the packet are four prescriptions - three of which are supplements and one of which is a painkiller for the healing incisions. I would suggest that you pick them up on your way home, because the one she's taken will be wearing off in a couple of hours. They should not be too costly - they're covered by Medicaid, and she falls under the category of post-high-risk-pregnancy care, so if anything, you will have to pay some pittance for them. I've scheduled a return appointment for the both of the on November 22nd... which they will both attend even if I have to come to the apartments and escort them myself. Are we clear?"

Laurence Zelkovii

For all the differences they had, Lanny remained fully respectful of Laura, even if it was grudgingly done so at times, such as when Conan arrived, and the discussion of those things that he was fervently in denial about. She was one of the main reasons Cassidy was still alive and with them, and without her knowledge and dedication to her profession, the young man would be completely lost. "I can grab the medicine." He piped up first about that, because even though he didn't have a lot of money himself, one of the perks of being in the gang was having financial help with hospital related a bills, which was a good thing considering how risky their profession was and how often this member or that needed to come in for treatment for various wounds. The other thing that he took quick note of was the next scheduled appointment, which he didn't delay in marking in cell phone - that wouldn't be skipped. "Between Johann's vehicle and my own, we should have enough room for the equipment; is there anything else we need?"

Cassidy*Others

Now Cass was smiling, something of the carefree, genuine happiness that the two men alone were privileged to see now and then. As much as she'd enjoyed meeting Raine for the first time after she'd woken up and appreciated the way that both of them had stayed with her here while she'd had to remain in the hospital, nothing could quite match the relief of finally being allowed to go home. And Marachek was tactfully pretending not to be aware of how glad the young woman would be to leave, instead telling Lanny, "You ought to look through the dietary information before you leave. There are several things in there - protein powder among them - that I am fairly certain are not in your everyday kitchen stock. But other than that, all should be well. Mind to stick to the programme, and all should turn out well for the four of you."

Laurence Zelkovii

For all the time he had to think of things before this moment, Lanny found himself trying to organize all the little things in his head again and prepare for the trip home and all that had to be done. "I'll send Scott out to the store when we leave, and he can meet us back at the apartments before he heads home." Instead of addressing the doctor, Lanny was informing Johann, deciding it was best that he and the uncle remained with Cassidy instead of splitting up. He honestly didn't think any harm would come to her on the trip him, but at the least, he figured things would go smoother for her if the two people she trusted the most were by her side. That taken care of, the young man spoke to Dr. Marachek again, "Are there any papers we need to sign before we go, or anything like that? Anything else we need to know about Raine?" He'd already gotten a list of things to help him with the infant, but with Cassidy now going home with them all, he wasn't sure if there was anything else that needed to be covered.

Cassidy*Others

Johann was nodding, indicating that he understood Lanny's implications without the need for further elaboration - with as frightened and paranoid as she'd been about Raine ever since the infant's birth, neither one of them were going to let her go home without them. It was pretty well a given that she wouldn't be left alone in the apartment for a good, long while either. And as predicted, there were definitely forms to sign before the young woman would be released, as was demonstrated by how the doctor flourished a pen, and turned a clipboard toward the young man. "You sign by the checks and initial by the x's... and Mr. Jones, sign by the circles and initial by the squares. Miss Jones, your signature is required only on the last page as 'Dischargee'." The thing was four sheets thick, with a three places for each man to sign and a half a dozen initializations, and as they were doing this, Marachek went on, "It may be best to allow Miss Jones to perform as much of the care for Raine as she can given her limitations. It will ensure proper infant-maternal bonding, which is known to prevent all kinds of both immediate and future problems with children. Particularly in premature infants, mother-infant bonding is vital. Other than that, simply follow the instructions I have given you, and I'll see you in a month."

Laurence Zelkovii

Lanny wasn't really taking the time to read anything on the four sheets of paper put before him, and got down to business signing away on this line and that as quickly as he could. There was a palpable sense of urgency to get out of this place, a feeling almost certainly tenfold more intense in Cassidy than it was in him. For her, it was a return to familiar surroundings, and away from this place that didn't hold the best of memories. For him, it was security for her, and the peace of mind that she was feeling better and less stressed. "That shouldn't be a problem." Lanny murmured distractly as he filled out the last hasty signature and handed the clipboard to Johann next. No, there wouldn't be any problem with Raine spending enough time with her mother, not when Cass as as fiercely protective over her daughter as she was. "Almost there, Cass." While he waited for Johann to finish signing, he couldn't help but flash a grin at the new mother and spread the anticipation of leaving this place.

Cassidy*Others

Unlike Lanny, Johann actually took the time to read what the papers said as he worked his way through them, making slower but still very steady progress through the pages. He wasn't going to criticize the young man's need to work through them quickly, however - he understood and shared Lanny's urgency to get Cass out of here, but he figured at least one of them ought to know what the documents entailed. And indeed, when he'd finished with his final signature, marking the line with his distinctively tiny but oddly artful handwriting, he turned to the place where Cassidy was to sign and held it up for her, and she too took a few moments to read what she was agreeing to before putting pen to paper and producing her large and curvy but elegant signature. When that was done, she returned the pen to Johann, who brought that and the clipboard back to Dr. Marachek. While Cass was returning Lanny's smile, the doctor went on, "If one of you gentlemen will come with me, I'll direct you to where you can pick up all of your equipment, plus all of Miss Jones' personal effects that she possessed when she entered the hospital." Pretty well knowing that Lanny would want to stay with Cass, he offered the young woman a kiss on the forehead and then told the doctor, "My truck keys are among her things - she'd been driving it. I've been having to bring her car." Laura nodded. "We'll fetch those first then. Mr. Zelkovii, Charlotte will be in shortly to disconnect all of the cables and the intravenous medication. By the time she is finished, Mr. Jones and I will be done as well. If you ask at the nurse's station, they can provide you with a chair to wheel her out - we will meet you at the front entrance." And with that, she and the old man were gone.

Laurence Zelkovii

It was no surprise when Lanny didn't jump at the offer to go out of the room just let, and sat back to let Johann take up the task of going with Dr. Marachek to retrieve all the equipment and items they'd be bringing home. He gave Laura a nod to show that he'd heard her, and after she and Johann left, he spoke to Cassidy as he stood up, "I'll be back in just a second, then you can ride out of here in style." The whole wheelchair business wasn't going to be a fun or dignified one for Cassidy he knew, but he tried to make light of it as best he could. And with that, he disappeared from the room, momentarily leaving her and Raine to silence, and under the protective watch of Tyler and Scott. It wasn't long at all before he returned either, having gotten the wheelchair from the nurse station, which he wheeled into the room and positioned beside her bed, "Just think, you'll have your first real meal pretty soon. That's cause enough for celebration, huh?"

Cassidy*Others

"In style?" Cass asked, one eyebrow raised and clearly skeptical of how 'stylish' a gray wheelchair could be. And when he came back, she still didn't look too thrilled - but she'd promised Lanny she would try to behave, and so she took a deep breath, as if bracing for a death-defying feat, and shifted Raine in her arms. "Here - take her for me for a minute. At least I can stand long enough to put my own self into this bloody contraption." And after waiting for him to take the infant, she swung her legs out over the edge of the bed and, keeping most of her weight on her arms to keep the pressure off of her stitches - which, after all, was the goal of this whole thing - she slowly shifted her weight into the chair. The young man would just have time to hand Raine back before a familiar large woman bustled into the room. And for once since they'd come here, she had a faint smile on her face. "I see someone's eager to leave?" She asked, eyeing the chair-borne young woman and offering a rare joke before she moved forward to detach all the monitor cables and remove the IV from Cass' arm.

Laurence Zelkovii

In his ever growing trust in handling Raine, Lanny took his adopted daughter without any hesitation, expertly cradling her tiny body and supporting her big head. "Careful now..." Contrary to his jesting self and generally easy attitude, Lanny portrayed a definite and abrupt voice of concern when she moved from the bed to the wheelchair, and since his hands were occupied with Raine, he couldn't do much to help her. Once she was safely in the chair, the tension that had sprang up in his muscles melted away, and he handed the infant back to her. And just around that time, he was throwing a look back at the door to see Charlotte coming in. "A couple someone's are eager." The young man clarified with a return of his humor, now standing at the back of the wheelchair as the nurse went about disconnecting the last of the restraints that were keeping Cass here. "Ready?"

Cassidy*Others

It didn't take efficient Charlotte long enough to disconnect the various wires and cables, and to pull the needle from Cass' arm and provide her with a bandaid to cover the tiny hole left behind. And when that job was done, she reached a couple of fingers to run gently over one of the infant's arms, a small and deft caress that looked so strange coming from such large hands. "I will miss this little one," she murmured in an undertone. "She's pure sunshine." And as if that wasn't a complete change from her usually gruff and grumpy self, she directed her attention to Lanny, and changed the subject quickly as she got to her feet. "Dr. Marachek will meet you at the front door and take care of everything - policy says one of the staff has to be present when a new mother steps into the car, just to be sure. Take care." And just as quickly, she was gone, and Cass was turning a smile up at Lanny. "Let's go home."

Laurence Zelkovii

In the time that it took Charlotte to unhook everything, Lanny had picked up his backpack-turned-diaper bag and threw it over his shoulders, and draped his jacket over Cass's lap like a blanket, to somewhat help with the brisk chill that had set in outside. "Alright, whatever it takes to get them home." All he needed after that was Cassidy's reply and the smile that went with it. "Yes m'am." Out they went with those words, moving greatly out of the room and down along the hall, where Tyler was left to follow along them after Scott set out to do some grocery shopping once he'd gotten the food portion of the list. Down one hall and through the next, Lanny wheeled the new mother and her child down to the front door, going as fast as he dared considering her condition.

Cassidy*Others

Noting the little attentiveness that he paid her by spreading his jacket over her, Cass smiled and settled a little more easily into the wheelchair, leaning back some until she was semi-slouched with Raine propped on her chest. As they rolled down the hall, she double-checked her tiny daughter's blanket to ensure that she was well-covered and protected from the elements, and then leaned her head back against the chair, her eyes closing a little. This wasn't because she was precisely tired - no, it was an expression of contentedness at finally being allowed to leave the hospital, and a subtle sign that she was placing her full trust in Lanny to ensure that both she and Raine got safely to their destination. It wasn't until she heard the front doors swing open that she brought her eyes open again, to offer Dr. Marachek a quiet smile. "No offense, Doc," she muttered, "But here's to hoping we won't do this again any time soon."

Johann's truck was parked at the curb, but this was one thing Cass wouldn't be able to climb into on her own, since it was such a large step up. As Cass handed the infant to Johann, thinking it might be easier if they separated out the weight some, Dr. Marachek answered quietly, "None taken, Miss Jones - I feel the same. Mind you follow the instructions, and we won't have to do this anymore." Finally deciding that she liked the physician, even though she was forcing her to use the wheelchair, Cass turned her eyes expectantly to Lanny - she knew that Marachek wouldn't let her clamber up into the vehicle, so that meant...

Laurence Zelkovii

The trip from the room and on out to the exit couldn't go fast enough for Lanny, and he wasn't even the one that had been laid up in bed all this time. On the way to the door, he'd been a bit alarmed by how Cassidy had rested back and closed her eyes, initially fearing that maybe this was all too much, and it was wearing her out, but he knew her well enough that he was able to read the subtle signs in her face and body language that said she was more relaxed now than she had been in days, and the worry trickled away. "Not at least for another month, that is." Lanny quipped once they reached the curb, where the truck was waiting for them. "Okay Cass, I'll make this quick." That part was whispered with a flash of a smile, giving her a last bit of reassurance since he knew how greatly she despised the feeling of helplessness. Trying to keep to his word, Lanny reached down to scoop one arm under her legs, and the other around her back, and carefully made to hoist her right up out of the wheelchair, where he could settle her in the seat of the cab.

Cassidy*Others

Hopefully, this would get easier as time went by, since they were going to have to carry her up and down the stairs for a whole month. But right now, it was awkward at best, and somewhat frightening for Cass, as was signified by how she took hold of Lanny's arm in a death grip, as though she honestly expected him to drop her. Of course, it had nothing to do with a lack of trust in him - it was simply because she was not accustomed to feeling that she had no control over the situation; her entire weight was resting in his arms, and she could do nothing but lay there. That ultimate feeling of helplessness seized her so that she lay stiffly in his embrace, her grip on his arm easily enough to leave a good bruise and her teeth gritted in tension as he moved to carry her that short distance to the truck.

Laurence Zelkovii

He transfered her as quickly as possible, without moving too fast, and with the combination of his strength and her slight frame, it wasn't too difficult of a task for him. Lanny didn't stop once he'd gotten her in the seat however, and obligingly grabbed the seatbelt and stretched out it, pondering for a moment how it could be comfortably buckled around her. The lap belt probably wouldn't be the most comfortable thing, and might be just as dangerous as wearing no seatbelt at all, for the pressure it'd put on her abdomen. "Hmmm... well, lets try it this way." Stretching it out as far as it would go, Lanny maneuvered the lap belt to go behind Cass, while keeping the shoulder strap in front; an awkward set up, but it was the best he could think of, "I'll meet you guys back at the apartment, and Scott should be there shortly after with the food."

Cassidy*Others

Part of Cass was beyond angry at herself for displaying as much fear as she did, even if it was obvious to no one but Lanny since all she did was keep a death-grip on his arm. But the other half was afraid enough that she didn't dare let him go. It wasn't until he set her in the seat of the truck that she actually gave his arm a rest and released it to allow him to go about the business of arranging the seatbelt around her. In the mean time, Johann was on the other side of the truck, settling Raine into her carseat and beginning to buckle it into the middle between his own seat and Cass'. He might have been inclined to let Lanny take the seat in his vehicle, since it was kind of crowded in the small silver truck, but he was accounting for Cass' fear, after all - she would not like her daughter out of her sight for that long. And indeed, the look that the new mother gave her infant as the seat was buckled into place made it clear that this was a wise decision - the instantly wrapped one arm around the portable seat and dangled her fingers in to rest against Raine's stomach, so that even if she didn't look at the infant, she would still know that she was there and breathing. Some of the alarm settled out of her eyes then, and she reached to squeeze Lanny's shoulder, with a gentler grip than she'd used before. "See you at home," she murmured.