RS/Debt Collection

[thegentlemanthug]

After Matthew sweats out his addiction, life returns to what passes for normal in the Drake-Judge household. Matthew signs Susan's papers, and they both agree not to politely ignore anything Reid may have to say about her.

But still something is bothering his lover, whether it's his pained leg or the lingering shadow of the drugs. Bennet does all he can to soothe his lover's frazzled nerves, with his clumsy words and the warmth of his body, but he will not be consoled.

Still, they are content, he thinks, and he's looking forward to returning home from a long day, walking Whitechapel by night without care.

Until a shadow falls across his path.

"It's time we took what's owed."

Something heavy strikes him on the head and Bennet falls to the ground, and knows no more.

Comments

[thegentlemanthug]

Bennet stands up straight, determined he isn't going to wobble, even if it kills him.

"I'm fine."

[thirstforvice]

Moving his supporting hand to the small of Bennet's back, Matthew does the best he can to keep his lover steady.

"Come on, then, Mr. Fine."

[thegentlemanthug]

"You take care of you and I'll take care of me. 'Til we get home."

Bennet knows they must look a pair, but he doesn't mind as long as they're by their fire with a cup of tea.

[thirstforvice]

"So long as you keep standing," Matthew will only go so far, and he keeps his eyes trained on his lover as they make their slow way from the hospital to the roadside, and the cab Treves has ready for them.

[thegentlemanthug]

Bennet nods to Treves and accepts his hand up into the carriage, not even blinking when the surgeon does the same for Matthew.

"He's still fond of you," he teases lightly.

[thirstforvice]

"He can be all the fond he wants," Matthew huffs as he sits himself down at Bennet's side.

"He knows he doesn't stand a chance."

[thegentlemanthug]

Bennet pats his lover's knee.

"Good. Because I'm still in the mood to hit something."

[thirstforvice]

"That wouldn't be a fair fight, darlin'," Matthew chuckles and drops his head down onto Bennet's shoulder.

"We doctors are small and fragile types. You'd kill a man like Treves in two punches."

[thegentlemanthug]

Bennet squeezes Matthew's leg.

"You? Toughest man I know."

[thirstforvice]

Matthew twists in his seat to kiss Bennet on the cheek.

"We should drug you more often. You say nice things."