Posted by Civilian Jason Reilly (Deputy Director - Colonial Intelligence) in Worrisome Complications

Posted by Lieutenant Hannah Lori Asimina (Asst. Chief Medical Officer) in Worrisome Complications

Posted by Civilian Jason Reilly (Deputy Director - Colonial Intelligence) in Worrisome Complications
Posted by… suppressed (26) by the Post Ghost! 👻

<snip>
“Slider’s waiting downstairs.” he said and led them.out of the room. A few minutes later, they were outside and Jason was easing Hannah into the slider and climbing in after her. He took her hand as the car began to move, and he signed You can stay downstairs until you feel better. Or we can put you wherever you want and I will be happy to fetch and carry for you.

Jason

Hannah laid her head back and nodded. Right now I’m just tired. She was quiet the ride back, not letting go of his hand. She shifted once as her back twinged some. The walk through the lobby to the lift was slow. Hannah leaned against Jason as she walked.

Once inside she paused and looked around. Things felt different now, but at the same time they didn’t. They felt a lot less complicated and no longer insurmountable. “I’ll lay on the couch.” She was still tired, and she had to be cautious. Climbing up the stairs just seemed exhausting. She moved back toward the couch, where she had been hours before after talking to Alexis. Was it just hours? Less than a day? It seemed so much longer.

She leaned back into the cushions and looked out the windows.

Hannah

Jason propped her up with pillows, put a blanket over her and brought her a tray water, juice, and some crackers. He then moved a chair over and sat down next to her; also looking out the window, across the balcony, and out over the city. The city looked the same. The apartment looked the same. But somehow, everything felt a litlle… less. Not his feelings for Hannah. No, those were stronger if they had changed at all. No, it was something else… as if the light everywhere had dimmed ever-so-slightly. He sighed slightly and then said “Well… this just sucks.” and he sighed again, but more heavily.

Jason

Hannah didn’t have the energy to protest his fussing. Truthfully, it was comforting. She drank the juice because she knew she needed to, after that she settled back into the pillows. Her hand reached out, fingers threading with his. It did suck. Seeing the apartment the same, brought into focus the immense loss. She was relieved about the other things. What she was missing was the possibility of their future together, of their family and what it would be like. Their life together. The three of them together. That loss is what she mourned.

A long silence stretched until finally, she spoke. “Jason,” her voice was thick from tears. “I really wanted a family with you.”

Hannah

Jason squeezed her hand and took a deep breath. “I know…” and he looked at her, smiling. “And we still can. Maybe this was just the catalyst for that to happen. Cause and effect… if you hadn’t been pregnant, you might have not ever come here. We may not have ever met. So… here we are.” He looked at her and said “And now? Now we can have a family of our own. The past is done. All we look at now is the future.”

Jason

Hannah stared out the window. It wasn’t like her to avoid things or overly worry, but especially now she felt the need for clarity. “Our immediate future looks a lot different now. We rushed into this because I … was … pregnant.” She glanced at their hands and then met his eyes. “I haven’t changed my mind, but if you want to take a step back, I understand.”

Hannah

Jason looked at her for a long moment, and then let go of her hand and said “I understand why you would think that. And I appreciate you thinking about how I feel right now.” and he stood up and walked out of the living room and up the stairs.

Of course she was worried about him. The physical consequences might be hers, but they were doing this together. No matter what Jason was feeling, the loss still affected him. She sighed as he left the room, but she wasn’t worried. Though she was sorry to have put him through this, she had no regrets or doubts about him and having him in her life.

A few moments later, he came back and sat down next to her, and he rtook her hand in his. He looked at her directly and he said “I can’t think, for the life of me, anywhere else I would want to be than with you.” Something cold and smooth caressed her skin around the third finger of her left hand. On it was a white gold ring with a truly amazing princess-cut diamond set in it. “I think I’d prefer to take a step forward, if that works for you?” he asked with a grin.

Jason

Hannah’s eyes flicked down to her finger and then back to his face. She couldn’t seem to find her voice. She gripped his hand, pulling herself up. Her forehead rested against his, her fingers feathering into his hair at the nape of his neck. She nodded against him, “Yes,” the first smile she’d had in hours. “That works for me.” Her lips brushed his. “I love you.” Then she kissed him.

Hannah

He kissed her back for a long moment and then eased her back onto the pillows. “I love you, too. Now rest, okay. I’m gonna call my parents and let them know. Do you want me to call yours? Or do you want to do it together or by yourself?”

Jason

“Will you? They’ll be making plans already to come.” Hannah settled back, suddenly sleepy. “Tell them I’ll call tomorrow. Do you want me with you when you call your parents?”

Hannah

Jason shook his head and said “No, you rest. I’ll be back in a bit.” He stood up and went upstairs. Sitting down at the desk in the master bedroom, he first called Hannah’s parents. As he waited for the comms to connect he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Jason

It took a bit to connect across the distance, and then for someone to answer. By luck it was Tahoma that answered the call. He was lowering himself into a chair, “Catawba Research…” He paused seeing Jason, but not Hannah. “Jason?”

Tahoma

“Get your wife, sir. I have news, and you both should hear it.” Jason said flatly, and he held up his hand to quell any questions. “Hannah is fine, bit I need to speak to you both, please.”

Tahoma’s face was a mask, but he nodded. “Lyla is working in the lab. It will be a couple of minutes. Please wait.” He put the screen on hold and stood to go get his wife. A handful of minutes later the screen flashed back to life as Lyla appeared and sat. She smiled warmly at Jason, but there was an edge of curiosity and worry in her expression. “Hello Jason. How are you?”

When Hannah’s mother arrived and sat down, Jason took a breath. ” I will not drag this out. Earlier today we received test results that indicated the fetus wasn’t going to survive, and the longer Hannah was pregnant the more dangerous it would be for her.” He took another deep breath and then continued. “We went to the hospital and the pregnancy was terminated. Hannah is sore and tired, but otherwise healthy. She told me to tell you that she will call you tomorrow or the next day. Right now she is resting on the couch.”

Jason

Their expressions changed immediately to one’s of grief and deep concern. Tahoma took his wife’s hand and held it. “Jason, wh…we are so sorry,” Lyla said. There were so many questions, but now wasn’t the time. “Thank you for calling us. I know it wasn’t easy.”

Jason declined telling them that, due to his ability to compartmentalize and decades of spy raft, it actually was no harder than discussing the weather. The true emotional toll he would put off u til after these calls were made.

Tahoma regarded him with understanding eyes. “How are you, Jason? Is there anything we can do for either of you?”

Tahoma and Lyla

Jason stayed silent a moment, his mind in ‘operatio s’ mode. Finally, he nodded more to hims3lf than anyone else and said “Yes. There is. I would like to ask you both to continue to make plans to travel to Oed as soon as possible. While we won’t be celebrating a birth, we can celebrate something else. I asked Hannah to marry me. She said yes. I would like you both to be here for the wedding… which I want to surprise her with when both you and my parents are here. How does that sound to you?”

Jason

Lyla smiled over her grief and concern. She had seen the way Hannah looked at him and the way he was with her. “That’s wonderful.” Tahoma actually cracked a smile. “We will still come. We actually may be able to leave a few weeks earlier. It is a long trip to Oed from here, after all. I will send you the details when we know the specifics.”

Lyla glanced at Tahoma and then back, “We won’t keep you longer. I’m sure you want to get back to her. Tell Hannah we love her and to take her time. She can call when she’s ready.” Tahoma sighed heavily. He wished he was there now, not that he could do much. “Thank you for calling us, Jason.”

Tahoma and Lyla

Jason nodded and said “Of course. I’ll tell Hannah you are thinking of her and love her. If I can be of help with travel arrangements, let me know. Take care.” and he closed the comms.

Jason

Hannah made the effort to eat a few of the crackers Jason had brought her, but she really didn’t have much of an appetite. Mostly she was physically tired; she was sore and uncomfortable. She ended up curling in her side, stuffing one of the cushions around to press against her back. Soon after she had dozed back off.

Hannah

Jason went downstairs to check on Hannah before returning to call his own family. The call went much the same as it did with Hannah’s, with the added exception of Jason not getting the chance to invite his family before his mother told him that they were coming to help, full stop. She said that they would call when they figured out when they would be arriving, and while Jason said goodbye to his father his mother came back to say they would be there in three weeks, if not sooner. Jason simply sighed and said ‘Fine.’ and then made an excuse to cut the comm short.

He went back down and made up a small pallet on the floor next to the couch and stretched out, falling asleep and dreaming of a family that would never be.

Jason

Hannah’s sleep was restless, punctuated by heart breaking images and half awake moments where she tossed and turned trying to relieve the pain and discomfort. She woke fully from a combination of a particularly disturbing dream scenario and an intense and sudden cramping now that the meds had worn off. The apartment was dark except for the light of the night sky and the city lights far below coming through the huge windows.

She sat up far too quickly, making herself dizzy and causing the monitor to beep in warning that there was a sudden change to her blood pressure. A stark reminder and quick return to reality. She sat still letting her body adjust, reminding herself to move slowly, even as she reached across herself to silence the alert. She stared around the room. Everything looked the same, but it felt so different.

Hannah

“Take it easy…” a soft voice said from, weirdly, below her. “You okay?” Jason asked as he sat up and took her hand. “Can I get you anything?”

Jason

Hannah blinked and looked down at him. Her face was slightly puzzled for a moment before she realized he was sleeping on the floor rather in bed, in case she needed him. That realization eased the knot in her stomach. “Just starting to hurt a lot. It woke me up.” She squeezed his hand as she turned and set her feet on the floor. “Umm the anti-inflammatory they sent home. Then I think,” She let out a harsh breath. “Bathroom and then go to bed.”

Hannah

Jason reached over to the table and grabbed the hypo. “Here, let me.” he said quietly. He set the device against her neck, pulling back her hair gently, and activated it. “You should feel better in a few seconds. Do you want to eat anything? You should drink something, at least.”

Jason

His fingers left a tingling behind where he brushed her hair out of the way. Hannah leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him, and stayed there for several minutes just holding on to him.

He was right she really should eat. Her body couldn’t heal if she didn’t take care of herself, and that meant providing a source of energy. “Yeah, creamy zucchini soup with walnuts.” A small sound, close to a laugh, but a bit bitter sweet, snuck out, “My mom used to make it for me when I didn’t feel good.”

Hannah

Jason smiled and said “If that is what the lady wants, that is what she will get. Be back in a bit. Rest now, okay?” He stood up and trotted up the stairs.

The corners of her mouth curved upwards. “Okay.” His care and presence were soothing and his words made her grin. She waited for the medicine to take effect. When Jason returned she was in the bathroom. She suddenly wanted to freshen up. She couldn’t do too much, but she did wash her face and managed to braid her hair back out of the way for the time being.

A few minutes later, he came down with a PaDD and was reading. He went to the replicator, called out for some ingredients, and then went to work in the kitchen. It took the better part of an hour, but after he came walking out of the kitchen with a tray soup bowl and some warm bread. “Ok, try this. See if that will do as substitute. Your mom isn’t great with precise measurements.” and he chuckled.

Jason

Hannah had settled back on the couch, able to get a little more comfortable and dozed a little. She sat up, slowly this time, and gave him a warm loving look. “Thank you. You could have just asked the replicator for it. It would be easier than following my mom’s recipie. Well lack of a recipie.” She took the bowl from the tray and blew across the top watching the steam curl. It smells just as good.

Hannah took a spoonful. Her eyes closed briefly, the flavor brought back memories. “This is almost how I remember it. Mom never put enough walnuts though.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. You should eat too.” Hannah ate the whole bowl, soaking up the last of it with the bread.

Hannah

“I grazed as I cooked. And if I am being honest, I hate nuts. Of all kinds. Taste like dirt to me for some reason.” and he chuckled. “I did happen to program in a favorite dish of mine in the replicator, though. Be right back.” He went into the kitchen and came back with a bowl of something that smelled truly amazing. Scents of herbs, cream, and the sea all blended together. “One of the best dishes I have ever had, Risian chowder. If you want a bite, I might be willing to share. In fact, the chef that created it said it was a great cure for soreness and inflammation.”

Jason

“Noted. No nuts for you. I guess I got used to them. My dad always put them in trail mixes for when we would be out in the wilds.” Hannah inhaled, her brows going up. “Really?” She grinned at him a hint of playfulness and ease seeping into her. “And what do I have to do to get you to be willing to share?”

Hannah

He grinned at her and said “Share with you? You just have to ask. What’s mine is yours, after all.” and he leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss. He leaned back and got a spoonful of the cream that made up the base of the chowder. “Here, try this. If you like it, you can try it with the stuff in it.” and he held the spoon towards her lips.

Jason

Hannah took a taste off the spoon. Her brows drew together slightly as the flavor and texture played over her palette. It reminded her of home, but she’d never tasted anything like it. “Mmm… That’s interesting. It’s very good, but I don’t think I have ever tasted anything like it.” A taste mixed with the aroma made her mouth water for more. “No wonder this is a favorite. I bet the real thing is even better. And it’s supposed to cure soreness? I may eat a diet of only this for a few days.”

Hannah

Jason slid the bowl to her and said “Here, eat all you like. I can get more if you want it.” He smiled at her and then sighed. “I love you, Hannah. Vey much.” and then he stood up and walked to the kitchen. He called out from out of view “Oh… you should know I talked to both of our parents. And mine are going to be here in around three weeks. Yours are still coming as well, but it will take longer.”

Jason

“I love you, too.” Hannah watched him stand as she slid the bowl back over. “Thank you, but you eat it. Really. I don’t want to put too much on my stomach, I’ll eat more later.” Hannah picked up the glass of water that was still on the table from earlier and drank it. Then she turned on the couch, leaning her arms across the back. She took a moment to process that. “I suppose that was inevitable.” She smiled at him, “I’m glad. I want to meet your parents and you to meet mine.” Hannah could wish that the circumstances weren’t so sad. Her father used to tell her to never have regrets because each choice, each event in life, even the bad ones, brought you to where you were and where you were going. The light from the kitchen caught on her ring, and she smiled. Not so sad circumstances after all.

Hannah

“You need food, Hannah. You are a doctor. You know this.” came his voice from the kitchen. “So while you eat-” and he poked his head around the corner and playfully scowled at her and pointed before ducking back- “- you can also think about when you want to do this thing.” He came back with another tray and bowl and sat down.

Jason

Hannah grinned at him. “I didn’t know you could be so bossy,” and she laughed softly. Even now it was easy to be relaxed and just be with him. She turned back around on the seat. When he returned she was dutifully eating the chowder. Slowly though, it was heavier than the soup, and she knew from experience that sometimes her stomach was unsettled after anesthesia. Her brow furrowed as she thought back over the conversation. She knew what he was talking about, but decided to tease him anyway. “What thing? Our parents? They are coming when they come, I can’t decide when they arrive. They will arrive when they do.”

Hannah

Jason shook his and stuck his tongue out at her. “No no… I’m the professional fibber and deflector of questions. You don’t get to horn in on my turf, lady.” and he grinned at her. “But if you don’t want to think about that right now, I totally get it. It has been a day, after all…”

Jason

Hannah’s eyes danced at him over her spoon as she grinned back at him. “I was not deflecting. I was teasing, but I can’t say that now is a good time to decide. I’m still tired, and likely to fall asleep and drop my bowl. Right now my first reaction is ‘how fast can you find an all night chapel?’ So…” Hannah lofted a shoulder and then reached to put the bowl down and laid back against the cushions.

Hannah