The next few days were rough. For both of them. Nines was inconsolable, and Gavin couldn't blame him. He'd lost men before, sure, but there was no way he could understand Nines' pain. Both of his brothers. Gone. He let Nines have his time. He didn't force him to get up and go out. The only thing he made sure of was that he kept eating and drinking. Even if he only had a little, it was better than nothing. After four days, he managed to coax him enough to share a bath. He was still numb as he let Gavin wash him. He closed his eyes and leaned into the gentle touches, accepting the praise as Gavin told him how well he was doing.

Somehow, being clean and warm made him cry more. His brothers never had the chance to be clean and warm. They'd been stuck on the front, and where had he been? Eating nice food, fucking Gavin, having baths, and relaxing in the sun. He should have been there! He should have stayed! If he'd been there, he could have kept at least one of them safe. Maybe he could have pushed Connor out of the way, or dragged Sixty down before he got shot and carried him away from the fighting. Maybe all three of them could have retreated together.

"It's not your phcking fault!" Gavin yelled as he wailed about it. The sharp snap made Nines stop, lips trembling as he looked at Gavin like he'd been slapped. "Sixty didn't want you out there! Don't you get it? He knew this assault was coming, and he wanted you safe! He broke your hand and put you out of action on purpose! This is not on you! If the higher-ups had their shit together, they would have sent in more men before this even became an issue!" Nines blinked out chastised tears as Gavin sighed and hobbled to the edge of the bed where he was sitting. He tucked him against his chest, whispering apologies as he fingered through his wet hair.

Gavin eventually sighed and drew back. He had to see Elijah for another examination. Maybe I'll see if he has anything to help Nines through this...Whether Nines would accept medication was another matter. He gently asked him if he'd be alright or if he wanted to go with him. Nines managed a small smile of thanks for the concern and insisted he'd be fine. Gavin wasn't so sure as he stepped out. He was pretty sure he'd return to find him huddled in a ball of misery. He laid a hand on the closed door, silently promising to return as soon as possible.

It seemed he wasn't the only one having problems as he approached Elijah's door. It was half open, likely because he was expected. He paused outside awkwardly; unsure he should interrupt as he heard Elijah and Chloe talking. They were clearly having an important conversation. Phck, I shouldn't be listening to this! He also didn't want to barge in, but he could hardly just abandon his appointment. He sighed as he peered around the door, finding Chloe with her back to him, facing the window.

"You won't be strong enough for the birth if you don't take care of yourself." He should have known Chloe would be having issues. Shit, who the fuck could she even talk to besides him and Nines? He kicked himself for not checking in on her more often. Connor had been her lover. Possibly the father of her child. Of course, she was taking it hard. He stepped back a little as Elijah got to his feet and hesitated behind her, running a hand over his tied up hair as he always did when he was agitated.

"It's him, isn't it?" Gavin's eyes shot wide as he put his head around the door again. Chloe looked just as horror-struck as she turned and leaned back against the window ledge. She looked awful. She was deathly pale, and he wasn't sure if it was from grief and fatigue or shock. Her bottom lip trembled as her eyes teared up.

"You knew?" She sounded so broken and guilty. Elijah sighed softly as he stepped forward. Chloe seemed wary at first as he raised his hand, but he didn't strike her. Gavin never thought he would. It wasn't in his nature. He cupped her cheeks instead, stepping closed and rubbing his thumbs across her damp skin. He smiled wryly as he bumped his forehead against hers.

"Of course I knew...How could I not? I'm not...I'm not blind, Chloe..." Gavin was as surprised as Chloe by the revelation. He'd thought his head was buried in his work the whole time. Did he see them together? He had a pretty good view of the gardens from the office, so maybe. He never let on when I spoke to him though. What did he think? That it was just a temporary fling? "I know you cared about him, and I'm sorry...I'm sorry about what happened..." Chloe sobbed harder as she leaned against his shoulder, accepting the strong arms that closed around her.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Elijah hushed her, rocking her slowly as he whispered gentle assurances in her ear.

"I'm the one who should be sorry...Gavin was right. I should have been more attentive...I should have married you sooner." Shit! The wedding! He could only assume Chloe had cancelled. They were supposed to tie the knot a couple of days ago. Looking at Chloe, he was pretty sure she hadn't been up to it. "I don't know what I'd do without you..." Gavin stepped back as Elijah kissed her. That was one thing he certainly wasn't about to intrude on. He listened carefully, ready to shuffle off and close the door if things got heated. What am I thinking? It's Eli! They parted a few moments later.

"You still love me?" Seriously? After a kiss like that?

"Always and forever." Gavin almost snorted. He'd used that promise since they were children. He heard a few more gentle kisses as they parted. "I have an appointment with Gavin soon, but...I-If you'd like, we can have lunch after and you can...tell me about him." He wants to know about Connor? Chloe seemed surprised as well, but somehow a little pleased as she nodded and dried her eyes. She coughed meaningfully as she saw Gavin in the doorway. He cringed a little at being caught, waving in greeting as he leaned around the door.

"I can come back later..." Elijah waved him inside.

"Don't be silly, this shouldn't take long." Gavin limped inside with his cane, touching Chloe's hand on the way by. He wasn't sure if it was in greeting or apology. He felt bad. Bad he hadn't been there for her, and that he'd interrupted. Chloe shut the door behind her, giving them some privacy. "Were you there the whole time, or..." Gavin blanched at the question, rubbing his neck sheepishly as he squirmed on the edge of the examination table.

"I guess I was there long enough..." Elijah nodded his understanding as he patted his prosthetic. Gavin got the hint and rolled up his trouser leg to take it off. There was an awkward silence as he did so. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to ask about it or not. Should I apologise? Is he mad? I knew about it, and I didn't say a phcking thing! He felt shitty, but he would have been breaking Chloe's trust and throwing her under the bus if he'd spoken up. "Look, about Connor...I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"You gave me enough of a hint to figure it out...Not that I hadn't seen the signs..." They hadn't been subtle at all with their long walks and numerous liaisons. He wasn't a stranger in Chloe's room, either. He'd seen the hastily hidden letters. She'd even left one out once. His chest had ached to read the sweetness and love in those words. Nines' brother had been quite the wordsmith. Were he a woman, Elijah may have loved him himself after reading those declarations. In a contest of romantic words, Elijah knew he would lose. He supposed he was lucky to have had a head start in Chloe's affections.

"How do you feel about all this?" Elijah sighed at the question.

"You'd think I'd be relieved he's gone, but...I don't have the heart for it. I knew there was always a chance that Chloe would choose to leave, but I just...I can't bear to see her cry." Shit, you're a better man than I would be...He couldn't even imagine what he'd do if something like that happened with Nines. I'd probably have gone out there and shot the guy myself! Elijah wasn't like that. He'd always been softer. He wasn't exactly tactile and romantic, but he did have a heart. A big heart. It was something that was often forgotten, with his scientific brain taking the spotlight all the time. "And I'd never wish the loss of a brother or son on anyone." Another good point. Connor's death didn't only affect Chloe. It carried across to Nines, to his father, and to every friend he'd ever known.

"You're a good guy, Eli." Elijah huffed at the compliment as he examined the slowly healing stump.

"If that were the case, Chloe wouldn't have sought him out in the first place." Touche...Gavin barely winced anymore as Elijah teased the tender skin. It seemed the new prosthetic was doing the trick. The rawness was dissipating, red fading to pink. "What do you know about him?" he asked as he examined the prosthetic for any stress or damage. Gavin almost balked at the question. I mean, I knew him a little, but...

"I know he was a good kid...He was a veterinarian before all this shit started. Real nice. Gentle. Caring...And I know he loved Chloe...You should have seen his face with he laid eyes on her. It was like cupid shot him right on the nose." Gavin smiled at the memory. Despite the unpleasant situation, it was one of the sweetest memories he had of him. He'd been utterly besotted the moment he saw her. "He looked like a kicked puppy when I told him she was taken." It could be argued that if he was truly good, he would have stopped right there, but love knew no bounds, it seemed. Elijah's jaw tightened as he nodded. He couldn't blame him. How could he blame anyone for loving Chloe?

"He sounds sweet."

"Yeah...yeah, it's a real shame...He would have treated her right, you know? If things had gone that way..." It was an odd reassurance to give, but Elijah found it helped somewhat. He was pretty sure he'd managed to win her back at this point anyway, but if hadn't, if she had left, he'd want her to be loved and taken care of. "I don't think she would have left you, though." Elijah gave him a wry smile. Brotherly loyalty...

"Thank you for saying so." Even if it was untrue. He knew for a fact there was a point that Gavin had seen it happening. It was why he'd been so stern with him during their talk. "Well...everything seems to be in order. You're not in any pain, I take it?" He was sure Gavin would have complained if that were the case. Gavin shook his head as Elijah returned his prosthetic and he pulled it on, hesitating as he tightened the laces.

"Hey-um, Nines hasn't been feeling so...you know...Is there anything you can do to help?" Elijah sighed his understanding. Grief was hard to handle, and he'd suffered quite a blow.

"Honestly, I'd recommend sticking to hot baths and massages...Anything I prescribe is liable to do more harm than good in the long run." Gavin nodded his thanks. At least there was something he could do. Baths were easy, and he could give a massage. I'm pretty sure I can, anyway...Any touching would probably feel nice. "Be with him...That's likely what he wants the most." He couldn't argue with that reasoning. Gavin thanked him as he hopped down and grabbed his cane. "Here...use this."

"What is it?" Gavin asked as Elijah handed him a small glass bottle of yellow looking liquid. It looked a little thicker than water, but still runny. Is it medicine? I thought he said he didn't have anything!

"Olive oil. I usual prescribe it for things like constipation, but it doubles as an excellent massage oil. It should make it a little more relaxing." Gavin hummed curiously as he looked closer. There's some sort of leafy shit in here. He could see a small sprig of something inside. It looked sort of flowery, or it had once. Some sort of heather? He held the vial up to Elijah, pointing out the curling plant head inside.

"What's with the plant?" Elijah huffed as he took in the almost suspicious frown Gavin was giving it.

"It's lavender, to imbue the oil with scent. Lavender is known to help with sleep deprivation." It made sense that Elijah would have things like that lying around, especially with all the patients he was treating. Gavin had sleepless nights himself sometimes, but there were men who went days without even shutting their eyes. That oil was probably a great help for them. He wasn't sure Nines was the type to have trouble sleeping like that, but a soothing massage did sound nice. Thanking Elijah again, he slipped the bottle into his pocket and headed back to his room.

Once he reached the door, he turned the handle slowly and quietly to click the door open. If Nines was sleeping, he didn't want to risk waking him. He tried to be quiet as he slipped inside and shut the door. Nines was on the bed, lying on his side facing the window. It was a little difficult to be quiet with the tap of his cane, so he propped it by the door, moving slowly as he approached the bed. Since he was behind, he couldn't see Nines' face. He was careful as he climbed up, resting his prosthetic leg on the bed as he leaned over.

"Phck!" He didn't see it coming as Nines reached up and fisted a hand in his shirt. With one good tug and a turn of his shoulder, Gavin rolled over his side and onto the bed. "Nines! What the phck?" His heart was racing from the surprise, and he was worried about Nines' arm. He sighed as he was pulled against him. He could feel the splint against his back, but his shoulders were snug against Nines' chest. "Nines?" Warm breath tickled the back of his neck as Nines buried his face between his shoulders.

"Missed you..." Gavin felt his chest swell at the admission and reached up to rest his hand on Nines' arm, stroking up and down his white sleeve. "Every time you leave, I start to worry you won't come back." Gavin gripped harder at the thought. He knew it was likely some sort of temporary trauma reflex. He'd just lost his brothers. Of course, he was going to be clingy for a while. Gavin wriggled and turned over so that he could look him in the eye. His silvery eyes were still red rimmed and puffy, but he wasn't crying.

"Hey, I'm not going anywhere, alright? I'm staying right here, with you." Nines softened at the reassurance, leaning into the gentle hand that reached up to caress his smooth cheek. It seemed he'd been productive since he'd left. He's shaved and fully dressed, which was more than he'd done the day before. Gavin was hesitant to make any suggestions about what they should do. He wanted Nines to do that. If Nines didn't suggest going out, then they'd stay right there in the bedroom. They'd done it for the past four days already, but he'd do it for a month if that's what made Nines feel better.

He pushed close enough to reach his lips, but didn't close the distance. Nines hummed as he took the silent invitation and leaned in to peck his lips. Gavin sighed into the kiss as Nines pressed closer and stroked a searching hand up and down his side. Blue eyes blinked open as his hand found the bottle in Gavin's pocket. He seemed suspicious as he tugged it out and looked at it. The bottle was plain glass with no outward markings.

"What's this? Is it medicine?" He didn't think Gavin needed medicine anymore. He'd been walking better and better every day before...Was that it? Had staying inside for four days caused his leg to deteriorate? Had he hurt Gavin? Something must have shown on his face as Gavin pushed himself up and took the bottle.

"No! I mean, he said it can be, but it's not." Well, that clears everything up...

"It can be medicine for what?" Nines asked curiously as he eyed the yellow liquid. It looked like some sort of oil.

"Constipation." Nines looked confused. He wasn't constipated, and he hadn't noticed Gavin having any trouble. I haven't exactly been tracking his bathroom habits though. Is there a problem I don't know about? "But that's not what we have it for!" He was quick to add that second part. So, what do we have it for? "I'm going to use it for a massage." Nines smirked at the idea. It sounded somewhat farfetched when he said it like that.

"You're going to cover me in constipation medicine and rub it into my skin?" Gavin clicked his tongue and frowned. He was pretty sure Nines was making it difficult on purpose.

"No! It's just an oil that doubles as constipation medication. I'm going to use it to make you feel better. See? It even has lavender in it to help you sleep." Nines hummed as he looked at the small plant tip. The tiny flowers had been purple once, before they were soaked in oil. They were much darker now, the colour shrouded by the greenish yellow of the oil. Nines heaved himself up and pulled the cork from the bottle, being careful as he used his left hand. Gavin quickly reached out to help, so he didn't strain himself. He sniffed the oil and held it for Gavin to do the same. It smelled nice.

"Thank you. We should use it later." That was probably for the best. They should do it before bed, so he was tired and went to sleep after. Nines' chest warmed as he returned the cork and handed the bottle to Gavin. He was touched that he'd gone to such trouble for him. Gavin set the bottle on his bedside table so he didn't lose or forget it. "Do you want to go out today?" He knew he did. Gavin hadn't seen Blossom since that day. He'd been stuck inside and was probably pent up and restless. Nines huffed at the bright glimmer that appeared in Gavin's eyes at the mention of going out.

"We don't have to, if you don't feel up to it." He was too considerate. Nines smiled warmly as he tugged Gavin closer by the collar of his shirt. He knew he wanted to go out, but he was willing to sacrifice that to make him happy. "You want to go downstairs for lunch? Or were you thinking about heading to the stables? Or the gardens? We could eat first." Nines silenced him with a kiss, holding him in place as his eyes fluttered.