Changeling: Chapter 32
8 April 2007 00:00![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
randomweavingFic: Changeling
Characters: John Dorian/Perry Cox
Rating: NC-17 (eventually)
Chapter Rating: PG-13 (language)
Description: This is a wildly AU story with fantastical elements based on![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
thuri's Nano writing project. It begins late in season three, before Carla and Turk's wedding, and from there follows the characters as they face the Change, a strange, magical phenomenon that is turning ordinary humans into half-human creatures from fantasy.
Chapter listings: Contents Post
JD awoke to the sound of Jack babbling softly to himself, and he smiled without meaning to. "What're you talking about, bug?" he murmured, pushing himself up.
"Up!" Jack replied, wings popping out and beating quickly, lifting him right over the edge of the playpen, to plop into JD's arms. The young doctor laughed, and hugged him close.
"You're going to get into so much trouble, when you finish learning to use those things," JD informed him. "Have to give you more lessons, soon..." He gave Jack a soft kiss on the cheek, smiling again softly. He knew he'd dreamed; soft, confused images of Perry and an argument were still in his head, but somehow...the dream had taken away the fog. And it didn't hurt as much, without it.
JD scrubbed his hands over his face, feeling the remains of tears and bits of grit in his eyes, before picking Jack up. "Come on, kiddo, you need a new diaper and some food. Let's see what we can find you.."
JD changed Jack and took him to the kitchen, setting him in his high chair, and getting together an array of finger foods for him. To his own surprise, he realized he was hungry, and tried to remember the last time he'd had a decent meal. He couldn't. "Shit," he muttered to himself, "no wonder they're all freaking out..." He shook his head, and made himself a huge sandwich, finishing it off with a piece of pie, watching Jack and teasing him, occasionally retrieving bits of food that got flung to the floor and tossing them into the sink. "You're trouble," he informed the child, shaking his head when Jack threw a grape at him and burst into giggles. "Guess you take after both your parents on that front." He sighed, feeling a momentary flicker of sadness, but to his surprise (and relief) it did not bloom into the bone numbing, paralyzing pain he'd been living with for the last two weeks. It was just grief: the pure, simple emotion of mourning that accompanied any loss. He drew a breath and released it on a shaky sigh, then turned around and smiled at Jack again, moving to help him with the rest of his food.
That was how Turk found them, venturing downstairs to apologize later that morning.
He paused in the doorway, eyes widening in surprise. JD looked...well, he didn't look great, but he looked better. The circles under his eyes were still there, but they'd faded some, and there was color to his cheeks, and a light in his eyes that had been missing since he and Perry had first fought.
JD glanced up, finally noticing him as he handed the last grape to Jack. Turk looked down, feeling guilty, and swallowed. "I...look, JD, I'm...I didn't mean..." He trailed off helplessly, waving his hand.
"I know," JD replied, shrugging. "It's okay, man. You weren't completely wrong...and you didn't deserve me blowing up at you." He smiled wryly. "You're not the one I'm mad at, after all."
Turk looked at him, confused. "Dr. Cox?" he ventured hesitantly.
"Yeah," JD agreed softly. "But he managed to get out of being yelled at. Still doesn't mean I should've taken it out on you." JD sighed, looking into his glass for a moment, before putting it down. "I'm sorry I basically went AWOL on all of you. I just...couldn't deal." He sighed, softly. "But that part's over. I don't know why, but...it is." He looked up at Turk and shrugged, and grabbed a damp paper towel to start cleaning Jack's face. "I'm not one hundred percent, but I guess I'm back among the living."
"That's...that's great, man," Turk said, and there was genuine relief in his voice, even though he still looked a little perplexed. "We really missed you, you know."
"I know. You don't talk very softly. Any of you." JD offered him a shy smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...to shut down like that. I really didn't."
"Nah, man, it's okay--we understood." Turk padded forward, then hesitated, laying a hand on JD's shoulder. "So we're cool?"
JD tugged him close and hugged him for a long moment, letting out a shuddering sigh when he pulled back. "Yeah, dude. We are now."
Turk hugged him tight, then released him, smiling. "Good," he replied. He glanced over at Jack, waving his arms at them from his high chair. "Hey," he said. "Why don't you and Jack come to the field with us today? You haven't flown in weeks, and Jack could use the practice."
JD hesitated for a moment, remembered dreams of one day flying with Perry flickering painfully to his mind, but he shoved them aside, nodding. "Yeah...Yeah, we will," he said. "He needs the exercise, too. I think he's getting a little cabin fever." He made a face. "Truth be told, so am I."
Turk's face split on a broad grin. "Great--man, that's awesome. I'll tell the girls." He turned to bound up the stairs, but paused at the base, glancing back. "JD? I'm glad you're back."
Then he was gone, and JD smiled, listening to the door open and the sound of Turk's excited voice from upstairs.
"Yeah," he replied softly, walking back over to Jack and stroking his hair while the child giggled up at him. "Me too."
* * *
Over the next week, JD began to participate in more and more of the group's activities. He joined them on their trips to the field at least once a day, sometimes more, and tried to join in on their conversations as well. Sean and Elliot were talking about fixing up the shed so they'd have more space--the living room was fine for one centaur but with the two of them it was getting a little cramped.
"It wouldn't really be that hard," Sean told them, arm looped around Elliot's shoulders as she pressed in beside him. "I could rig the generator to power the shed and the house--there's enough extension cord out there, I looked. All we'd really need to do is clear the rest of the stuff out, move it to the garage..."
JD listened half-heartedly, eyes flickering out to the shed, memory drifting back to the day he'd found Perry passed out beside it, unconscious in the snow. The day Perry'd gone into rejection, and the first day he'd learned his lover was growing wings, not a tail. He sighed, drawing one knee up to his chest and resting his chin on it, looping his arms around his shin. He was so lost in thought that it startled him, when Elliot suddenly turned to him.
"You know about that sort of thing, don't you, JD?" she said. "Didn't you redo the floor at your mom's house one Christmas?"
"I...what?" JD said, turning back around and flushing. "Sorry, drifted off on you, there."
Elliot bit her lip and glanced swiftly at the others, then repeated her question more slowly, filling JD in on what he'd missed, but not remarking on his lapse in attention otherwise, for which he silently blessed her. He was trying, after all.
And it definitely wasn't easy. Even as the days passed, he still missed Perry so badly it ached, and often cried himself to sleep, clinging to the pillow that was slowly losing the other doctor's scent. He'd find himself forgetting, unexpectedly, turning to ask Perry a question before remembering that he wasn't there--that he'd never be there again. He'd broken down more than once, in the middle of mundane tasks like rearranging the food stores in the pantry, or changing Jack's diaper.
But he was managing, and that was more than he could have said, those first two weeks.
And, as if in answer to his own healing, the snow had finally begun to melt. The weather went from frigid to pleasant in about three days, and as the snow disappeared, it left behind a world that felt somehow washed and scrubbed clean. The field began to turn green, and the first of the spring flowers were pushing their way out of the mud. It was beautiful. JD smiled sadly, flapping idly along after the others as they ambled up the road. Elliot held Jack in her arms, and the young child would occasionally wave up at JD from where he hovered twenty or thirty feet up, then hide his face and giggle.
God, Perry, he thought wistfully as he waved back to the child, I wish you were here to see this.
The coming of Spring, late though it was, brought with it an awakening in the woods. The trees began to fill with the sounds of birds chirping, and the once still, silent forest floor began to rustle, teeming with shuffle-footed creatures that remained mostly out of their sight: squirrels and chipmunks and badgers, and various other furry woodland type things that JD didn't get a good enough look at to identify. From his lofty view, and with his enhanced vision, he watched them scurry about, busily foraging for food to bring back to their newly hatched or birthed younglings.
It also brought the coming of several new creatures, too. JD hadn't seen the gryphon since that morning when...he sighed, forcing himself to finish the thought: the morning he'd defended Perry from her. But he'd seen the unicorn again, and she hadn't been alone. Two foals, golden in color, had followed shyly after her; they'd both scrambled beneath their mother, when JD had flown overhead, but JD had simply smiled, and nodded acknowledgment, before continuing on his way.
He flapped lazily, letting himself dip before giving himself an extra push upward again, gliding easily along the warm spring currents. The field was coming up, and when they got there, he'd take Jack, carrying him up into the air and letting him hover and flit around until he tired out. Then JD would take him to whichever of the others had finished running first (usually Carla), and fly in earnest, working out the muscles in his wings and keeping himself fit.
It had been tricky, the first time he'd returned to the field; the combination of two weeks' worth of inactivity, coupled with his malnutrition, had taken a significant toll on his muscles. He'd only been able to fly to the field; once he'd arrived, he'd had to sit in on a tree branch and catch his breath, waiting while the others ran themselves out.
But his muscles had returned quickly with use, and now JD was as strong as he'd ever been, if a little less joyful in his daily flights.
They rounded the last bend in the road and veered off, making the short trek through the woods to the field. JD dipped down to the ground, landing a few feet away from the others and walking forward, taking Jack from Elliot's arms. He smiled at the boy, who was already pointing toward the sky and giggling. "Ready to go up, bug?"
"Up! Daydee go up, too!"
JD laughed softly, and held the boy tightly, keeping him safe and close as he took a running leap and opened his wings wide, one great flap lifting them both up into the air.
It wasn't until Jack was flitting about on his own, looking for all the world like a drunken moth, that JD started to feel cold.
It reminded him of the first day they'd spent at the cabin, and the sensation of being watched--and then of that day in the lower field, when the gryphon had driven them away from her nest. Eyes going wide, he scanned the sky around them, looking for the danger--and felt his heart plummet.
It was certainly smaller than the gryphon he'd faced down before, but the shape was unmistakable. And it was headed right for them, cawing eagerly.
JD backwinged, gauging the distance, then swore to himself. It would be here any moment--he'd have to play bait, if the others were to get to safety. "Jack!" he cried, whirling in the air and swooping toward the eagerly flapping child. "Jack, hold still...come here, come back to Daydee..."
Jack paused, hearing the fear in JD's voice, and it was enough. JD caught the boy up quickly, and dove sharply to the ground, trying to push away his panic. "Carla!" he cried. "Elliot, Sean, Turk! Get Jack back to the house, all of you get out of here, now!"
Carla dropped from a nearby tree branch and bounded over to them quickly, the hair on her back standing up in alarm at the tone of JD's voice. "JD--what's going on?"
He pushed Jack into her arms, shaking his head, even as the others pounded over to him, looking alarmed.
"Get out of here," he snapped at them. "Get out of here now. There's a gryphon coming!"
Coming, and diving even as he said the words. His eyes widened, and as the others made various cries of alarm and fear, a dark resolve formed within him. He'd already lost Perry; he would not lose anyone else.
He didn't think. He just took off again, hoping he could draw it away. Hoping that chasing something through the air would seem more entertaining than chasing things on the ground. Because it was entertainment, JD knew. The creature was obviously young, and just as obviously wanted to play...
Fine then, he decided grimly. He'd play.
He flapped quickly, clawing at the air with his wings, trying to keep an eye on the gryphon at the same time. Fortunately, it decided to follow him; the creatures on the ground clearly held no interest for it. He drew in a sharp hiss, realizing the others had not moved, but couldn't be too angry with them; it was likely their stillness that made the gryphon lose interest. In fact, keeping still was probably the safest thing they could've done, until JD drew the gryphon far enough away that it would not notice them running.
He knew that wasn't what had them rooted to the spot in horror, though.
The gryphon was closing in. It was only about the size of a large dog, but its talons and beak were very, very real, and as it blinked at him, still screeching eagerly, he knew the fact that it was young was not going to stop it from doing some very serious damage.
He dived, trying to gain ground, but the fledgling dived too, and JD cried out as it caught up to him, nipping at his heel and leaving a long, extremely painful gash down his ankle. He drew his leg away, banking sharply, putting some distance between himself and the creature but losing a little momentum--and more than a little altitude--at the same time. He glanced down at his leg, and saw the bright crimson streaking his calf and foot.
This wasn't going to end well.
And sure enough, no matter what he tried, the damn thing not only kept up, but slowed down to nip and scratch at him. It was playing, clearly enjoying itself, while JD was bleeding, fighting the pain and growing weaker by the minute.
He climbed higher, higher, diving, whirling, pulling every trick he'd managed since he'd started flying, and a few that he hadn't. And no matter what he tried, the half grown-gryphonlet out-maneuvered him at every turn. Its beak slashed across his thigh again, then higher, and he could feel himself falter, wings missing a beat, losing more altitude.
He was breathing heavily, physical exertion causing him to weaken as he lost blood through a dozen cuts and gashes, some quite deep. He glanced at the ground, then moaned in despair when he saw the others were still standing below him. He could read the horror on their faces, even at this distance, and silently willed them to run--because after the gryphon was done with him, he had no doubt it would look for something new to play with.
And it would be done with him very, very soon.
"Go..." he sobbed, breathless. "You idiots, run..." He paused for a moment, gathering himself to yell them to get the hell out of there. And though he only paused for a split second, that hesitation was enough for the gryphon to swoop in. He backwinged, almost managing to pull his face back, away from the clacking beak, but claws racked across his belly as the beak scored his temple, and quite abruptly he dropped like a stone.
He felt the wind rushing past his face, vaguely aware of the gryphon chasing after him as he fell; he tried to move, tried to bring his wings around to catch his fall, but he couldn't gather enough energy even for that. The ground rushed toward him, death from below, even as the gryphon followed--death from above. He was done for, either way, and he realized he couldn't even bring himself to care.
It's over, he thought, oddly detached about the fact as his eyes drifted closed. It's done. Jack...Perry...
Then, suddenly, the gryphon gave a frightened screech, fleeing; over the pounding rush in his ears, JD realized he could hear another sound--a quick, rhythmic whoosh of wingbeats. Powerful wingbeats.
Seconds later, his fall came to an abrupt halt as he was caught in a pair of strong arms and cradled in against a broad, familiar chest.
He forced his eyes open, mildly curious. Then blinked. I must be dying... "...Perry?" he breathed, squinting as he tried to clear his vision, which was graying out around the edges.
Perry's face swam into focus above him. The older man was pale, features tight with fear, which JD found odd. After all, if JD was dying, well...it'd mean they'd be together, right?
"Yeah," Perry said gruffly, and JD felt the air rush by them as Perry tucked in his wings, diving for the ground. "Hang on, kid."
JD smiled softly, reaching up weakly to touch Perry's cheek. "Perry...be together soon..." JD felt his eyes closing, hand dropping limply to his side again, and the part of his brain that wasn't having hallucinations about his dead lover did a quick assessment. Massive trauma, heavy bleeding...he was done for. "Sorry about Jack..." he whispered, thinking that might be the reason ghost Perry looked so worried. "I tried to stay for him..."
"Shh," Perry said, and JD felt a slight thump as they landed in the field. Perry knelt holding JD tightly in his arms, his face tight with concentration. "Hold on, JD. I'm not letting you go."
"Don't think I've got a choice..." JD's voice was softer now, fading out. "Doesn't hurt..."
Good, Perry thought, gathering JD in--small favors, anyway, and if JD were screaming in agony Perry knew he might not be able to focus.
Vaguely he heard the pounding of hooves, and knew the others were approaching, but he held up a hand to silence their queries. In his arms, he heard JD take a faltering breath, then go limp, passing out as the blood seeped from his wounds and into Perry's clothing.
"Oh, God..." he heard Carla sob; Elliot was whimpering, and Turk and Sean were simply staring, stunned.
"Dr. Cox," Turk whispered after a moment, "I...it's too late, he..."
"Shut it!" Perry snapped, and Turk did, eyes widening.
None of them said what they were thinking--how unfair it was that JD was dying now, when Perry was back--but Perry could read it on their faces.
I don't think so, buddy, he thought, pulling JD closer, tucking the young man's head in against his neck and wrapping his wings around him to hold him close. Not today.
He concentrated, clearing the fear and commotion from his heart, and listened.
And heard the song, once again rising from the earth, filling him with its power. It calmed him some, soothing, assuring him, and he turned his attention to JD, felt the younger man's own chords--a dissonant series of screeches and cries, as his body bled its life force into the earth. He began to sing, reaching out calmly and weaving the strands of his melody into JD's, his music repairing the broken chords, enhancing them, making them stronger. He sang, the music aching with the sorrow of their separation, the love he held for JD, the hope for their future. He sang, and slowly, slowly, JD's body began to heal itself.
Elliot whimpered again behind him, clutching Sean's hands, and Jack bounced in Carla's arms, reaching for Perry. "Daddy! Daddy!"
"What's he doing?" Turk asked Carla, under his breath, but she just shook her head, too stunned to speak. The whole afternoon was impossible, going in moments from a playful run, to the horror of watching JD batted and tossed about by the gryphonlet, to Perry's sudden arrival, which had somehow driven the animal away. And now JD...she bit back a sob, drawing Jack tight against her chest and lowering her face to the child's hair. She'd been a nurse long enough to know it was too late.
Perry shut out their voices, and his own grew stronger, the song reaching its peak as JD's body healed itself, his heart faltering and straining before beginning again. Perry could hear JD's own song, hesitant at first, and weak, but Perry bolstered it, lacing his own strands of melody through JD's. Soon they were harmonizing, pulses in perfect synchrony as the last of JD's wounds knitted themselves together, and the blood JD had lost regenerated itself within his veins to be pumped through his strongly beating heart.
Elliot had her face buried in Sean's chest, and he'd wrapped his arms around her, his face hidden in her hair. Carla was trying to hold Jack, and so it was only Turk who saw the long gash across JD's eyebrow and temple just disappear before his eyes. And not in a cheesy Hollywood effect, either, but as if the body's process had been sped up, skin knitting and reassembling itself, leaving only a thin white scar. "Dude..." he whispered, eyes very wide. "That is seriously messed up..."
Perry slowly stopped singing, pulling his consciousness back from JD's body, though he kept the younger man cradled securely in his arms. He lowered his head, resting his brow at the crook of JD's neck and shoulder, breathing deeply of his scent.
"I'm here," he whispered, and his voice broke suddenly, the fear he'd pushed away to heal JD suddenly surging forward in a rush of adrenaline that left him weak and shaking. He did not loosen his grip, though, and rocked JD slightly, one hand going up to cradle his head and stroke his hair. "I'm here, Newbie. I've got you, I'm here..."
Just about then, Jack broke free of Carla's hold, buzzing over to squirm in against his fathers, patting Perry's face lightly. "Daddy!" he announced. "Daddy go up!"
Perry finally looked up, chuckling brokenly; he gathered Jack in, scooping him up with one wing and pulling him in against his chest. Jack came easily, wrapping his arms around Perry's neck and giggling; Perry lowered his head and closed his eyes, holding his family securely cocooned in his arms, feeling the rush of gratitude sweep through him. Safe. They were finally safe, and they were together.
Even if JD was still unconscious.
Carla finally broke the silence. "Perry?" she whispered, eyes wide as she looked over JD's body.
Perry raised his eyes to the others, and saw they were all staring at him with similar expressions of disbelief. He wondered what had them more amazed: his return, or JD's miraculous healing?
"Yeah," he murmured. "I'm back."
Elliot choked. "But... how... where...?"
Perry shook his head. "Not now, okay, Barbie?" he said, his voice soft and trembling slightly with exhaustion. "Let's get him home first."
Elliot looked like she was going to keep asking questions for a moment, and then abruptly changed gears. "Right. Sean, you're the strongest of us, you get Dr. Cox, I'll take JD. And if no getting fresh with my boyfriend," she added, pointing her finger at Perry, a half smile on her face. "Come on, people, let's move."
Turk was still staring, but Carla poked him. "You heard the doctor, help them up."
"I can walk," Perry insisted, frowning a little. "And someone will need to make sure JD doesn't fall..."
"It's miles and you're exhausted..." Elliot started, but Sean nudged her gently, and shook his head.
"If he thinks he can make it, let him try," he said softly to her. "Look at him, Elliot. He doesn't want to let go."
Elliot looked back at the doctor she'd once feared, who was still cradling her best friend with a tenderness she would've never guessed him capable of. She softened, then nodded at her boyfriend; with Turk and Perry's help, she maneuvered JD up onto Sean's back. They wrapped the unconscious doctor's arms over Sean's shoulders, and Sean gripped his wrists tightly, holding him securely in place. Still, Perry stood next to him, one hand on JD's back under his wings; Elliot moved around to his other side, silently offering support, if Perry needed it. "Well? Shall we?"
They others nodded, and they moved off. It was slow going; Perry, despite his claims to the contrary, was exhausted, knees trembling. Eventually, he lowered the hand that had been steadying JD and put it onto Sean's back to steady himself.
"Perry," Turk said, frowning at him when he noticed the older man going a little pale. "Man, are you sure you shouldn't--"
He got no further before Perry suddenly stumbled, knees buckling. He would have fallen, but Elliot was there, catching him under the arm and moving up next to him. "Dr. Cox," she said softly, when he looked up at her blearily. "This is stupid. Let me help you."
He swallowed, eyebrows drawing together. "I'm fine..."
"You're not," she said gently. "You're dead on your feet." She lowered her voice further, tilting her head toward him. "You helped me, once," she said. "Now stop being such a stubborn ass, and let me return the favor."
Perry studied her for a moment, then smirked a little, defeated. "All right," he said, and Elliot knelt, bending her front knees. Perry wrapped his arm over her back and swung a leg up over her withers, arms going automatically around her waist when she stood again. It wasn't the best arrangement--Elliot was small, only about the size of a large pony, and Perry's feet dangled about two feet from the ground. But he was too exhausted to walk, and Elliot, despite her small size, was strong. "Hang on," she murmured. "We'll be home before you know it."
It was easier going, after that. Elliot walked near to Sean, so Perry could keep an eye on JD, and Carla and Turk flanked them, watching for any sign of the gryphonlet. Fortunately, however, it did not appear again. Whether Perry had frightened it off for good, or whether its mother had corralled it back to its nest, they didn't know, nor did they care to find out.
By the time they reached the cabin, Perry had regained much of the strength he'd lost from healing JD. He slid from Elliot's back, moving to stand in front of her, and reached out to squeeze her shoulder briefly. "Thanks, Barbie," he said softly, the nickname affectionate now, instead of derisive.
She beamed at him. "You're welcome," she replied.
Perry moved over to Sean's side, looking up into JD's face. It was pale, still, but JD was breathing steadily; with Turk's help, Perry pulled JD carefully down from Sean's back. Then, despite his exhaustion, he scooped the younger doctor into his arms, cradling him close, and moved wearily into the house. As he began to climb the steps, Turk stayed close behind him, ready to catch them if Perry should falter, but fortunately, it was not necessary. They reached the bedroom in short order, and Perry laid JD down upon their bed.
JD moaned softly, curling in on his side, and Perry gazed down at him for a moment, the sheer relief of holding him again, seeing him, making him giddy. He reached out, stroking JD's hair, then crawled in beside him, curling around him protectively.
Turk opened his mouth to ask where Perry had been, but Carla suddenly appeared, putting a hand on her fiancé's shoulder. He glanced at her, and she shook her head. "Let them sleep," she said softly. "I'm sure we'll hear all about it later." She didn't say what else she was thinking--that after they woke up, she was certain they wouldn't hear from them for awhile, either--but she knew that they'd eventually have it out, and the rest of them could be filled in on the details afterward. Well, most of the details.
She and Turk backed out of the room, pulling the door shut behind them.
Perry barely noticed. He lay beside his lover, studying him carefully. JD lay on his side facing the older doctor, his wings tucked up automatically, and Perry sighed, reaching out to stroke JD's cheek. The young man had gained some weight since Perry had seen him in his dream, but his eyes still had deep circles beneath them, and his cheeks were hollower than Perry liked to see them. He moved forward, planting a gentle kiss on JD's forehead, then one against his lips.
"Sleep well, Newbie," he whispered, curling close and wrapping his wing around JD, repeating the gesture JD had so often performed on him. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Then, drawing JD's head down to his shoulder, he sighed, and joined his lover in sleep.
* * *
Next Chapter
* * *
Characters: John Dorian/Perry Cox
Rating: NC-17 (eventually)
Chapter Rating: PG-13 (language)
Description: This is a wildly AU story with fantastical elements based on
thuri's Nano writing project. It begins late in season three, before Carla and Turk's wedding, and from there follows the characters as they face the Change, a strange, magical phenomenon that is turning ordinary humans into half-human creatures from fantasy.Chapter listings: Contents Post
JD awoke to the sound of Jack babbling softly to himself, and he smiled without meaning to. "What're you talking about, bug?" he murmured, pushing himself up.
"Up!" Jack replied, wings popping out and beating quickly, lifting him right over the edge of the playpen, to plop into JD's arms. The young doctor laughed, and hugged him close.
"You're going to get into so much trouble, when you finish learning to use those things," JD informed him. "Have to give you more lessons, soon..." He gave Jack a soft kiss on the cheek, smiling again softly. He knew he'd dreamed; soft, confused images of Perry and an argument were still in his head, but somehow...the dream had taken away the fog. And it didn't hurt as much, without it.
JD scrubbed his hands over his face, feeling the remains of tears and bits of grit in his eyes, before picking Jack up. "Come on, kiddo, you need a new diaper and some food. Let's see what we can find you.."
JD changed Jack and took him to the kitchen, setting him in his high chair, and getting together an array of finger foods for him. To his own surprise, he realized he was hungry, and tried to remember the last time he'd had a decent meal. He couldn't. "Shit," he muttered to himself, "no wonder they're all freaking out..." He shook his head, and made himself a huge sandwich, finishing it off with a piece of pie, watching Jack and teasing him, occasionally retrieving bits of food that got flung to the floor and tossing them into the sink. "You're trouble," he informed the child, shaking his head when Jack threw a grape at him and burst into giggles. "Guess you take after both your parents on that front." He sighed, feeling a momentary flicker of sadness, but to his surprise (and relief) it did not bloom into the bone numbing, paralyzing pain he'd been living with for the last two weeks. It was just grief: the pure, simple emotion of mourning that accompanied any loss. He drew a breath and released it on a shaky sigh, then turned around and smiled at Jack again, moving to help him with the rest of his food.
That was how Turk found them, venturing downstairs to apologize later that morning.
He paused in the doorway, eyes widening in surprise. JD looked...well, he didn't look great, but he looked better. The circles under his eyes were still there, but they'd faded some, and there was color to his cheeks, and a light in his eyes that had been missing since he and Perry had first fought.
JD glanced up, finally noticing him as he handed the last grape to Jack. Turk looked down, feeling guilty, and swallowed. "I...look, JD, I'm...I didn't mean..." He trailed off helplessly, waving his hand.
"I know," JD replied, shrugging. "It's okay, man. You weren't completely wrong...and you didn't deserve me blowing up at you." He smiled wryly. "You're not the one I'm mad at, after all."
Turk looked at him, confused. "Dr. Cox?" he ventured hesitantly.
"Yeah," JD agreed softly. "But he managed to get out of being yelled at. Still doesn't mean I should've taken it out on you." JD sighed, looking into his glass for a moment, before putting it down. "I'm sorry I basically went AWOL on all of you. I just...couldn't deal." He sighed, softly. "But that part's over. I don't know why, but...it is." He looked up at Turk and shrugged, and grabbed a damp paper towel to start cleaning Jack's face. "I'm not one hundred percent, but I guess I'm back among the living."
"That's...that's great, man," Turk said, and there was genuine relief in his voice, even though he still looked a little perplexed. "We really missed you, you know."
"I know. You don't talk very softly. Any of you." JD offered him a shy smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...to shut down like that. I really didn't."
"Nah, man, it's okay--we understood." Turk padded forward, then hesitated, laying a hand on JD's shoulder. "So we're cool?"
JD tugged him close and hugged him for a long moment, letting out a shuddering sigh when he pulled back. "Yeah, dude. We are now."
Turk hugged him tight, then released him, smiling. "Good," he replied. He glanced over at Jack, waving his arms at them from his high chair. "Hey," he said. "Why don't you and Jack come to the field with us today? You haven't flown in weeks, and Jack could use the practice."
JD hesitated for a moment, remembered dreams of one day flying with Perry flickering painfully to his mind, but he shoved them aside, nodding. "Yeah...Yeah, we will," he said. "He needs the exercise, too. I think he's getting a little cabin fever." He made a face. "Truth be told, so am I."
Turk's face split on a broad grin. "Great--man, that's awesome. I'll tell the girls." He turned to bound up the stairs, but paused at the base, glancing back. "JD? I'm glad you're back."
Then he was gone, and JD smiled, listening to the door open and the sound of Turk's excited voice from upstairs.
"Yeah," he replied softly, walking back over to Jack and stroking his hair while the child giggled up at him. "Me too."
* * *
Over the next week, JD began to participate in more and more of the group's activities. He joined them on their trips to the field at least once a day, sometimes more, and tried to join in on their conversations as well. Sean and Elliot were talking about fixing up the shed so they'd have more space--the living room was fine for one centaur but with the two of them it was getting a little cramped.
"It wouldn't really be that hard," Sean told them, arm looped around Elliot's shoulders as she pressed in beside him. "I could rig the generator to power the shed and the house--there's enough extension cord out there, I looked. All we'd really need to do is clear the rest of the stuff out, move it to the garage..."
JD listened half-heartedly, eyes flickering out to the shed, memory drifting back to the day he'd found Perry passed out beside it, unconscious in the snow. The day Perry'd gone into rejection, and the first day he'd learned his lover was growing wings, not a tail. He sighed, drawing one knee up to his chest and resting his chin on it, looping his arms around his shin. He was so lost in thought that it startled him, when Elliot suddenly turned to him.
"You know about that sort of thing, don't you, JD?" she said. "Didn't you redo the floor at your mom's house one Christmas?"
"I...what?" JD said, turning back around and flushing. "Sorry, drifted off on you, there."
Elliot bit her lip and glanced swiftly at the others, then repeated her question more slowly, filling JD in on what he'd missed, but not remarking on his lapse in attention otherwise, for which he silently blessed her. He was trying, after all.
And it definitely wasn't easy. Even as the days passed, he still missed Perry so badly it ached, and often cried himself to sleep, clinging to the pillow that was slowly losing the other doctor's scent. He'd find himself forgetting, unexpectedly, turning to ask Perry a question before remembering that he wasn't there--that he'd never be there again. He'd broken down more than once, in the middle of mundane tasks like rearranging the food stores in the pantry, or changing Jack's diaper.
But he was managing, and that was more than he could have said, those first two weeks.
And, as if in answer to his own healing, the snow had finally begun to melt. The weather went from frigid to pleasant in about three days, and as the snow disappeared, it left behind a world that felt somehow washed and scrubbed clean. The field began to turn green, and the first of the spring flowers were pushing their way out of the mud. It was beautiful. JD smiled sadly, flapping idly along after the others as they ambled up the road. Elliot held Jack in her arms, and the young child would occasionally wave up at JD from where he hovered twenty or thirty feet up, then hide his face and giggle.
God, Perry, he thought wistfully as he waved back to the child, I wish you were here to see this.
The coming of Spring, late though it was, brought with it an awakening in the woods. The trees began to fill with the sounds of birds chirping, and the once still, silent forest floor began to rustle, teeming with shuffle-footed creatures that remained mostly out of their sight: squirrels and chipmunks and badgers, and various other furry woodland type things that JD didn't get a good enough look at to identify. From his lofty view, and with his enhanced vision, he watched them scurry about, busily foraging for food to bring back to their newly hatched or birthed younglings.
It also brought the coming of several new creatures, too. JD hadn't seen the gryphon since that morning when...he sighed, forcing himself to finish the thought: the morning he'd defended Perry from her. But he'd seen the unicorn again, and she hadn't been alone. Two foals, golden in color, had followed shyly after her; they'd both scrambled beneath their mother, when JD had flown overhead, but JD had simply smiled, and nodded acknowledgment, before continuing on his way.
He flapped lazily, letting himself dip before giving himself an extra push upward again, gliding easily along the warm spring currents. The field was coming up, and when they got there, he'd take Jack, carrying him up into the air and letting him hover and flit around until he tired out. Then JD would take him to whichever of the others had finished running first (usually Carla), and fly in earnest, working out the muscles in his wings and keeping himself fit.
It had been tricky, the first time he'd returned to the field; the combination of two weeks' worth of inactivity, coupled with his malnutrition, had taken a significant toll on his muscles. He'd only been able to fly to the field; once he'd arrived, he'd had to sit in on a tree branch and catch his breath, waiting while the others ran themselves out.
But his muscles had returned quickly with use, and now JD was as strong as he'd ever been, if a little less joyful in his daily flights.
They rounded the last bend in the road and veered off, making the short trek through the woods to the field. JD dipped down to the ground, landing a few feet away from the others and walking forward, taking Jack from Elliot's arms. He smiled at the boy, who was already pointing toward the sky and giggling. "Ready to go up, bug?"
"Up! Daydee go up, too!"
JD laughed softly, and held the boy tightly, keeping him safe and close as he took a running leap and opened his wings wide, one great flap lifting them both up into the air.
It wasn't until Jack was flitting about on his own, looking for all the world like a drunken moth, that JD started to feel cold.
It reminded him of the first day they'd spent at the cabin, and the sensation of being watched--and then of that day in the lower field, when the gryphon had driven them away from her nest. Eyes going wide, he scanned the sky around them, looking for the danger--and felt his heart plummet.
It was certainly smaller than the gryphon he'd faced down before, but the shape was unmistakable. And it was headed right for them, cawing eagerly.
JD backwinged, gauging the distance, then swore to himself. It would be here any moment--he'd have to play bait, if the others were to get to safety. "Jack!" he cried, whirling in the air and swooping toward the eagerly flapping child. "Jack, hold still...come here, come back to Daydee..."
Jack paused, hearing the fear in JD's voice, and it was enough. JD caught the boy up quickly, and dove sharply to the ground, trying to push away his panic. "Carla!" he cried. "Elliot, Sean, Turk! Get Jack back to the house, all of you get out of here, now!"
Carla dropped from a nearby tree branch and bounded over to them quickly, the hair on her back standing up in alarm at the tone of JD's voice. "JD--what's going on?"
He pushed Jack into her arms, shaking his head, even as the others pounded over to him, looking alarmed.
"Get out of here," he snapped at them. "Get out of here now. There's a gryphon coming!"
Coming, and diving even as he said the words. His eyes widened, and as the others made various cries of alarm and fear, a dark resolve formed within him. He'd already lost Perry; he would not lose anyone else.
He didn't think. He just took off again, hoping he could draw it away. Hoping that chasing something through the air would seem more entertaining than chasing things on the ground. Because it was entertainment, JD knew. The creature was obviously young, and just as obviously wanted to play...
Fine then, he decided grimly. He'd play.
He flapped quickly, clawing at the air with his wings, trying to keep an eye on the gryphon at the same time. Fortunately, it decided to follow him; the creatures on the ground clearly held no interest for it. He drew in a sharp hiss, realizing the others had not moved, but couldn't be too angry with them; it was likely their stillness that made the gryphon lose interest. In fact, keeping still was probably the safest thing they could've done, until JD drew the gryphon far enough away that it would not notice them running.
He knew that wasn't what had them rooted to the spot in horror, though.
The gryphon was closing in. It was only about the size of a large dog, but its talons and beak were very, very real, and as it blinked at him, still screeching eagerly, he knew the fact that it was young was not going to stop it from doing some very serious damage.
He dived, trying to gain ground, but the fledgling dived too, and JD cried out as it caught up to him, nipping at his heel and leaving a long, extremely painful gash down his ankle. He drew his leg away, banking sharply, putting some distance between himself and the creature but losing a little momentum--and more than a little altitude--at the same time. He glanced down at his leg, and saw the bright crimson streaking his calf and foot.
This wasn't going to end well.
And sure enough, no matter what he tried, the damn thing not only kept up, but slowed down to nip and scratch at him. It was playing, clearly enjoying itself, while JD was bleeding, fighting the pain and growing weaker by the minute.
He climbed higher, higher, diving, whirling, pulling every trick he'd managed since he'd started flying, and a few that he hadn't. And no matter what he tried, the half grown-gryphonlet out-maneuvered him at every turn. Its beak slashed across his thigh again, then higher, and he could feel himself falter, wings missing a beat, losing more altitude.
He was breathing heavily, physical exertion causing him to weaken as he lost blood through a dozen cuts and gashes, some quite deep. He glanced at the ground, then moaned in despair when he saw the others were still standing below him. He could read the horror on their faces, even at this distance, and silently willed them to run--because after the gryphon was done with him, he had no doubt it would look for something new to play with.
And it would be done with him very, very soon.
"Go..." he sobbed, breathless. "You idiots, run..." He paused for a moment, gathering himself to yell them to get the hell out of there. And though he only paused for a split second, that hesitation was enough for the gryphon to swoop in. He backwinged, almost managing to pull his face back, away from the clacking beak, but claws racked across his belly as the beak scored his temple, and quite abruptly he dropped like a stone.
He felt the wind rushing past his face, vaguely aware of the gryphon chasing after him as he fell; he tried to move, tried to bring his wings around to catch his fall, but he couldn't gather enough energy even for that. The ground rushed toward him, death from below, even as the gryphon followed--death from above. He was done for, either way, and he realized he couldn't even bring himself to care.
It's over, he thought, oddly detached about the fact as his eyes drifted closed. It's done. Jack...Perry...
Then, suddenly, the gryphon gave a frightened screech, fleeing; over the pounding rush in his ears, JD realized he could hear another sound--a quick, rhythmic whoosh of wingbeats. Powerful wingbeats.
Seconds later, his fall came to an abrupt halt as he was caught in a pair of strong arms and cradled in against a broad, familiar chest.
He forced his eyes open, mildly curious. Then blinked. I must be dying... "...Perry?" he breathed, squinting as he tried to clear his vision, which was graying out around the edges.
Perry's face swam into focus above him. The older man was pale, features tight with fear, which JD found odd. After all, if JD was dying, well...it'd mean they'd be together, right?
"Yeah," Perry said gruffly, and JD felt the air rush by them as Perry tucked in his wings, diving for the ground. "Hang on, kid."
JD smiled softly, reaching up weakly to touch Perry's cheek. "Perry...be together soon..." JD felt his eyes closing, hand dropping limply to his side again, and the part of his brain that wasn't having hallucinations about his dead lover did a quick assessment. Massive trauma, heavy bleeding...he was done for. "Sorry about Jack..." he whispered, thinking that might be the reason ghost Perry looked so worried. "I tried to stay for him..."
"Shh," Perry said, and JD felt a slight thump as they landed in the field. Perry knelt holding JD tightly in his arms, his face tight with concentration. "Hold on, JD. I'm not letting you go."
"Don't think I've got a choice..." JD's voice was softer now, fading out. "Doesn't hurt..."
Good, Perry thought, gathering JD in--small favors, anyway, and if JD were screaming in agony Perry knew he might not be able to focus.
Vaguely he heard the pounding of hooves, and knew the others were approaching, but he held up a hand to silence their queries. In his arms, he heard JD take a faltering breath, then go limp, passing out as the blood seeped from his wounds and into Perry's clothing.
"Oh, God..." he heard Carla sob; Elliot was whimpering, and Turk and Sean were simply staring, stunned.
"Dr. Cox," Turk whispered after a moment, "I...it's too late, he..."
"Shut it!" Perry snapped, and Turk did, eyes widening.
None of them said what they were thinking--how unfair it was that JD was dying now, when Perry was back--but Perry could read it on their faces.
I don't think so, buddy, he thought, pulling JD closer, tucking the young man's head in against his neck and wrapping his wings around him to hold him close. Not today.
He concentrated, clearing the fear and commotion from his heart, and listened.
And heard the song, once again rising from the earth, filling him with its power. It calmed him some, soothing, assuring him, and he turned his attention to JD, felt the younger man's own chords--a dissonant series of screeches and cries, as his body bled its life force into the earth. He began to sing, reaching out calmly and weaving the strands of his melody into JD's, his music repairing the broken chords, enhancing them, making them stronger. He sang, the music aching with the sorrow of their separation, the love he held for JD, the hope for their future. He sang, and slowly, slowly, JD's body began to heal itself.
Elliot whimpered again behind him, clutching Sean's hands, and Jack bounced in Carla's arms, reaching for Perry. "Daddy! Daddy!"
"What's he doing?" Turk asked Carla, under his breath, but she just shook her head, too stunned to speak. The whole afternoon was impossible, going in moments from a playful run, to the horror of watching JD batted and tossed about by the gryphonlet, to Perry's sudden arrival, which had somehow driven the animal away. And now JD...she bit back a sob, drawing Jack tight against her chest and lowering her face to the child's hair. She'd been a nurse long enough to know it was too late.
Perry shut out their voices, and his own grew stronger, the song reaching its peak as JD's body healed itself, his heart faltering and straining before beginning again. Perry could hear JD's own song, hesitant at first, and weak, but Perry bolstered it, lacing his own strands of melody through JD's. Soon they were harmonizing, pulses in perfect synchrony as the last of JD's wounds knitted themselves together, and the blood JD had lost regenerated itself within his veins to be pumped through his strongly beating heart.
Elliot had her face buried in Sean's chest, and he'd wrapped his arms around her, his face hidden in her hair. Carla was trying to hold Jack, and so it was only Turk who saw the long gash across JD's eyebrow and temple just disappear before his eyes. And not in a cheesy Hollywood effect, either, but as if the body's process had been sped up, skin knitting and reassembling itself, leaving only a thin white scar. "Dude..." he whispered, eyes very wide. "That is seriously messed up..."
Perry slowly stopped singing, pulling his consciousness back from JD's body, though he kept the younger man cradled securely in his arms. He lowered his head, resting his brow at the crook of JD's neck and shoulder, breathing deeply of his scent.
"I'm here," he whispered, and his voice broke suddenly, the fear he'd pushed away to heal JD suddenly surging forward in a rush of adrenaline that left him weak and shaking. He did not loosen his grip, though, and rocked JD slightly, one hand going up to cradle his head and stroke his hair. "I'm here, Newbie. I've got you, I'm here..."
Just about then, Jack broke free of Carla's hold, buzzing over to squirm in against his fathers, patting Perry's face lightly. "Daddy!" he announced. "Daddy go up!"
Perry finally looked up, chuckling brokenly; he gathered Jack in, scooping him up with one wing and pulling him in against his chest. Jack came easily, wrapping his arms around Perry's neck and giggling; Perry lowered his head and closed his eyes, holding his family securely cocooned in his arms, feeling the rush of gratitude sweep through him. Safe. They were finally safe, and they were together.
Even if JD was still unconscious.
Carla finally broke the silence. "Perry?" she whispered, eyes wide as she looked over JD's body.
Perry raised his eyes to the others, and saw they were all staring at him with similar expressions of disbelief. He wondered what had them more amazed: his return, or JD's miraculous healing?
"Yeah," he murmured. "I'm back."
Elliot choked. "But... how... where...?"
Perry shook his head. "Not now, okay, Barbie?" he said, his voice soft and trembling slightly with exhaustion. "Let's get him home first."
Elliot looked like she was going to keep asking questions for a moment, and then abruptly changed gears. "Right. Sean, you're the strongest of us, you get Dr. Cox, I'll take JD. And if no getting fresh with my boyfriend," she added, pointing her finger at Perry, a half smile on her face. "Come on, people, let's move."
Turk was still staring, but Carla poked him. "You heard the doctor, help them up."
"I can walk," Perry insisted, frowning a little. "And someone will need to make sure JD doesn't fall..."
"It's miles and you're exhausted..." Elliot started, but Sean nudged her gently, and shook his head.
"If he thinks he can make it, let him try," he said softly to her. "Look at him, Elliot. He doesn't want to let go."
Elliot looked back at the doctor she'd once feared, who was still cradling her best friend with a tenderness she would've never guessed him capable of. She softened, then nodded at her boyfriend; with Turk and Perry's help, she maneuvered JD up onto Sean's back. They wrapped the unconscious doctor's arms over Sean's shoulders, and Sean gripped his wrists tightly, holding him securely in place. Still, Perry stood next to him, one hand on JD's back under his wings; Elliot moved around to his other side, silently offering support, if Perry needed it. "Well? Shall we?"
They others nodded, and they moved off. It was slow going; Perry, despite his claims to the contrary, was exhausted, knees trembling. Eventually, he lowered the hand that had been steadying JD and put it onto Sean's back to steady himself.
"Perry," Turk said, frowning at him when he noticed the older man going a little pale. "Man, are you sure you shouldn't--"
He got no further before Perry suddenly stumbled, knees buckling. He would have fallen, but Elliot was there, catching him under the arm and moving up next to him. "Dr. Cox," she said softly, when he looked up at her blearily. "This is stupid. Let me help you."
He swallowed, eyebrows drawing together. "I'm fine..."
"You're not," she said gently. "You're dead on your feet." She lowered her voice further, tilting her head toward him. "You helped me, once," she said. "Now stop being such a stubborn ass, and let me return the favor."
Perry studied her for a moment, then smirked a little, defeated. "All right," he said, and Elliot knelt, bending her front knees. Perry wrapped his arm over her back and swung a leg up over her withers, arms going automatically around her waist when she stood again. It wasn't the best arrangement--Elliot was small, only about the size of a large pony, and Perry's feet dangled about two feet from the ground. But he was too exhausted to walk, and Elliot, despite her small size, was strong. "Hang on," she murmured. "We'll be home before you know it."
It was easier going, after that. Elliot walked near to Sean, so Perry could keep an eye on JD, and Carla and Turk flanked them, watching for any sign of the gryphonlet. Fortunately, however, it did not appear again. Whether Perry had frightened it off for good, or whether its mother had corralled it back to its nest, they didn't know, nor did they care to find out.
By the time they reached the cabin, Perry had regained much of the strength he'd lost from healing JD. He slid from Elliot's back, moving to stand in front of her, and reached out to squeeze her shoulder briefly. "Thanks, Barbie," he said softly, the nickname affectionate now, instead of derisive.
She beamed at him. "You're welcome," she replied.
Perry moved over to Sean's side, looking up into JD's face. It was pale, still, but JD was breathing steadily; with Turk's help, Perry pulled JD carefully down from Sean's back. Then, despite his exhaustion, he scooped the younger doctor into his arms, cradling him close, and moved wearily into the house. As he began to climb the steps, Turk stayed close behind him, ready to catch them if Perry should falter, but fortunately, it was not necessary. They reached the bedroom in short order, and Perry laid JD down upon their bed.
JD moaned softly, curling in on his side, and Perry gazed down at him for a moment, the sheer relief of holding him again, seeing him, making him giddy. He reached out, stroking JD's hair, then crawled in beside him, curling around him protectively.
Turk opened his mouth to ask where Perry had been, but Carla suddenly appeared, putting a hand on her fiancé's shoulder. He glanced at her, and she shook her head. "Let them sleep," she said softly. "I'm sure we'll hear all about it later." She didn't say what else she was thinking--that after they woke up, she was certain they wouldn't hear from them for awhile, either--but she knew that they'd eventually have it out, and the rest of them could be filled in on the details afterward. Well, most of the details.
She and Turk backed out of the room, pulling the door shut behind them.
Perry barely noticed. He lay beside his lover, studying him carefully. JD lay on his side facing the older doctor, his wings tucked up automatically, and Perry sighed, reaching out to stroke JD's cheek. The young man had gained some weight since Perry had seen him in his dream, but his eyes still had deep circles beneath them, and his cheeks were hollower than Perry liked to see them. He moved forward, planting a gentle kiss on JD's forehead, then one against his lips.
"Sleep well, Newbie," he whispered, curling close and wrapping his wing around JD, repeating the gesture JD had so often performed on him. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Then, drawing JD's head down to his shoulder, he sighed, and joined his lover in sleep.
* * *
Next Chapter
* * *
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:14 (UTC)SQUEE. You both get the use of my special love icon.
At first, I was just so happy for JD to be moving out of his funk, but then he spring something like that middle-end wherever Perry's entrance in the chapter on us?
Happy Hols (Easter, yes) to you! Mine is surely starting off nicely.
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:36 (UTC)Arg. :D
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:14 (UTC)*cries* YES YES YES YES YES YES.
Oh god, thank you. Thank you so much. Just... thank you.
*disappears in a fit of happy weeping*
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Date: 9 Apr 2007 05:07 (UTC)All sorts of win ^______________________^ 6 hours of rereading Changeling.... *dies of the win*
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Date: 15 Apr 2007 04:01 (UTC)Wheee!!! :D Next chapter in an hour!
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:16 (UTC)AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FREAKIN FINALLY!!!
*back to read the rest now*
~m
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:29 (UTC)Ok, now you get a real comment. I just had to fangirl you, before, because MY GOSH how long have we been waiting for Coxy to come back? I mean really.
I loved this. The angst of the flight, the mix of horror and innocence of the baby gryphon just wanting to play, while killing JD. That was very well-crafted, hit right in the middle of the chest. And Perry's return was just lovely.
The best part, though, was Turk coming in to see if he and JD were cool. I love their friendship in canon, and in this arc, and that was just the perfect touch.
Great fic, guys! You get a gold star for this one.
~m
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:44 (UTC)no subject
Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:46 (UTC)OHHHHHH MYYYYYYYYY GODDDDDDDDDD. HOLY SHIT HE'S BACK HE'S BACK PERTRY IS BEACK OHHH MYYY OGDDDDDDDDDDDD AND HE SAVED TJD WHAT AWOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF HE HADN'T BEEN THERE TO SAVE HIM OGHFAJNHKGFJHLKSJHSK BUT HE'S BEACK AND GJFKHJSLHJS I AM INCHOHERE.
I just realised I typoed back the exact same way twice. BUT DUDE. GJFLHSFGJ!!! I am a little sad though, that this is the second to last chapter - what on earth am I going to do without my Changeling? :[
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:48 (UTC)This chapter made me so happy! XD I love you guys.
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 05:54 (UTC)Can't wait for the pr0n. :D
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 06:36 (UTC)icon
Date: 9 Apr 2007 04:08 (UTC)Is it real???
Re: icon
Date: 9 Apr 2007 04:30 (UTC)no subject
Date: 8 Apr 2007 08:15 (UTC)no subject
Date: 8 Apr 2007 08:28 (UTC)::glomps Dr. Cox and squeeshes him:: DUDE TALK ABOUT GOOD TIMING I LOVE YOU MAN.
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 09:04 (UTC)oh! And we have to have art of bewinged Perry - please? please? pleeeeeeeeaaaasseeeee?!!!!
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 11:19 (UTC)*wildgrin*
I am beyond happy right now!! I am so excited that Perry is back! I can't wait to see how JD reacts in the morning!!
God I so do not want this story to end!! It's to good!! and I totally agree, you should so do a pic of Perry with his wings, actually I would love to see a drawing of when Perry, JD and Jack are all huddled together, pretty please?? *puppydogeyes*
Cant wait for the next chapter!!
EEEE!!
WOW again..
Date: 8 Apr 2007 11:32 (UTC)Sooo beautiful!
After reading this one a few times I can
honestly say it is one of the best.
What will we do when the story will be over?:(
Keep on the amazing work , will you?
--Sharon
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 14:06 (UTC)JDs going to be super pissed.
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 14:21 (UTC)this just gets better and better!
Perry is BACK!!!!!!
thankyouthankyouthankyou SO MUCH for this wonderfulness!!!
love it!!
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 18:05 (UTC)You guys...seriously, you're so awesome!:hugs: :scatter confetti in celebration:
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 19:57 (UTC)I can't wait for the last chapter! But then, I never want it to come at the same time! Arrgh!
Thank you! Awesome job!
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 21:48 (UTC)--Alissa
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Date: 8 Apr 2007 22:39 (UTC)no subject
Date: 8 Apr 2007 22:47 (UTC)Remember how this fic is known to my roommate as 'that one that makes you squee'...?
Date: 8 Apr 2007 23:32 (UTC)Only one left! I can't believe it... my comfort is that there has been talk of a sequel. I'm gonna miss this fic so much! Jack is so adorable! I am still awed by you two.
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Date: 9 Apr 2007 01:01 (UTC)s
Date: 9 Apr 2007 01:12 (UTC)He's BACK!!! Perry's Back alright!!!!
I Can't wait for JD's reaction.
This chapter kept me on the edge of my seat and boy oh boy am I glad I waited for this. Excellent as always.
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Date: 9 Apr 2007 11:15 (UTC)no subject
Date: 10 Apr 2007 00:54 (UTC)JD smiled softly, reaching up weakly to touch Perry's cheek. "Perry...be together soon..." JD felt his eyes closing, hand dropping limply to his side again, and the part of his brain that wasn't having hallucinations about his dead lover did a quick assessment. Massive trauma, heavy bleeding...he was done for. "Sorry about Jack..." he whispered, thinking that might be the reason ghost Perry looked so worried. "I tried to stay for him..."
Perfect JD a doctor and lover till the very end. Thank God it wasn't really the end.
Dr. Cox," Turk whispered after a moment, "I...it's too late, he..."
"Shut it!" Perry snapped, and Turk did, eyes widening.
None of them said what they were thinking--how unfair it was that JD was dying now, when Perry was back--but Perry could read it on their faces.
I don't think so, buddy, he thought, pulling JD closer, tucking the young man's head in against his neck and wrapping his wings around him to hold him close. Not today.
He concentrated, clearing the fear and commotion from his heart, and listened.
This is the blend of the characters I fell in love with on the show and the world I've fallen in love with here. Amazing writing.
I love how they all come together like the family they are. I am so excited about the next chapter. jule
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Date: 14 Apr 2007 04:27 (UTC)Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update. Want. Update.
>.>
<.<
o.o
So close...
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Date: 14 Apr 2007 04:28 (UTC)no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2007 10:15 (UTC)And so happy that he is back with the rest of the group.
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Date: 3 Jun 2007 02:00 (UTC)I noticed something interesting - the story's come full circle. JD first needs help, Perry helps him. The tables turn, and Perry's the one who needs JD's help when he almost dies of rejection. And now, Perry gets to heal JD physically, after already healing him emotionally through the dream.
Only one more chapter and the epilogue... you guys had better finish your sequel. Fast.