Aaron (hospital AU)

[mooningremus]

Remus woke up laying in a bed in the emergency room. "Where... am I?" he asked, his voice a croak.

"Ah, welcome back," said a woman standing by his bed. She was wearing a nurse's uniform. "You're in the hospital. A helpful bystander found you passed out on the sidewalk. You don't have any ID on you. What's your name?"

"Remus Lupin." He rubbed his head, and realized he was connected to an IV.

"It's saline," the nurse said. "You're severely dehydrated. Malnourished too from the looks of it though we're waiting for more bloodwork. Any medical conditions we should know about?"

"I'm HIV positive," Remus said with a sigh. "I... I'm so sorry about all this trouble. I'm fine, I probably just... haven't been taking care of myself..." Or more accurately, couldn't afford food.

"Well you should feel better once you're hydrated, and I'll send a doctor in to do a workup," the nurse said. "Rest."

Remus nodded, feeling like a complete idiot. Or maybe burden to society. Or something. And a few hours later he had a diagnosis of nothing worse than what the nurse had said. Though at least confirmation that his HIV status hadn't transformed into something worse. Sometimes he had trouble with food when the shelters were full, but he went to the HIV clinic to get his meds.

The nurse also kindly brought him some fresh clothes. He did feel better as he prepared to leave.

Comments

[quitollis]

The nurse had also contacted Aaron - well, she'd come by to borrow some clothes. He had started a group talk for addicts and she'd told him a patient of hers might benefit from it and could he maybe delicately bring it up.

"Hello," he said, as he nearly bumped into the guy. The clothes were obviously too large for him. "Are they comfortable enough?" He asked.

[mooningremus]

"Oh, I... the clothes? Yes, they're fine." A year ago Remus might have been embarrassed, but he'd learned to live with the constant wounds to his pride. "Thank you, it was very kind of the nurse to bring them for me." He kept his clothes clean - or as much as possible anyway - thanks to laundry available at some shelters, but what he'd been wearing when he came in were pretty ragged.

[quitollis]

"They're donations, so feel free to keep them if you like," Aaron said, kindly.

[mooningremus]

"Ah, thank you," said Remus. He gaze slipped to the man's collar. "If the nurse sent me a priest I do hope that isn't a bad sign."

[quitollis]

"I came of my own volition," Aaron assured. "Thought perhaps you might need something else. Some extra clothes...perhaps a meal?"

[mooningremus]

Remus hesitated visibly. "I don't want to be anymore trouble than I've already been," he said. "It was stupid, ending up here. Some random kind stranger just found me on the street."

[quitollis]

"You were quite lucky," Aaron said. "I was about to have dinner in the canteen. Why don't you join me?" He suggested gently taking full advantage of the guess that this man would hesitate to say no to a priest.

[mooningremus]

Again, Remus had resigned himself to not being in a position to turn down charity. "All right," he said. "That's very kind. And... my name is Remus."

[quitollis]

Aaron smiled. "I'm Aaron," he said and extended a hand before leiding the way to the canteen.

[mooningremus]

Remus shook his hand. "Um. What did the nurse tell you about me?"

[quitollis]

"She told me you looked like you could use a decent meal," Aaron said honestly. "And that perhaps you might like to talk."

[mooningremus]

"I think 'malnourished' was the word she used," Remus said with a wry smile. "Though she also seemed surprised when I didn't come back with a blood alcohol level. I don't drink much. Better things to spend money on when I have it."

[quitollis]

"That was another point of concern, yes," Aaron admitted. "I've started a group for people struggling with addiction. Quite a few people who come to the chapel seemed to be struggling with it, so it seemed a good idea to set it up. I think she hoped I might convince you to join."

[mooningremus]

"I am not struggling with addiction," Remus said simply. "But it certainly is a popular assumption. As if it's the only reason someone could be struggling."

[quitollis]

"Well, I wouldn't dare imply anything," Aaron assured him. "But if you're struggling... you don't have to be alone."

[mooningremus]

"This is, as they say, a rough patch." Remus shrugged, not quite looking at him. "There's a spot waiting for me in transitional housing at the end of the month, maybe sooner. And it will be easier to try to get another job with a roof over my head."

[quitollis]

"That certainly helps," Aaron agreed. "What sort of job are you looking for?"

[mooningremus]

"I am not in a position to be picky," Remus said. "My career is over, I'm just looking to earn a living."

[quitollis]

"What was your career?" Aaron asked. "If you don't mind my asking. Through here," he added and turned to the canteen.

[mooningremus]

"I was a teacher," said Remus, with a small smile that was both fond and sad. "I taught English literature at a secondary school."

[quitollis]

Aaron looked back and saw the smile. It made Remus look so sad and Aaron felt bad for him. "Let's take a seat here," he suggested as he picked a table.

"Shall we get some food first? On me."

[mooningremus]

"That's very kind of you," said Remus. And then offered a wry smile before adding, "Though I should probably tell you I've never been to church a day in my life."

[quitollis]

"Don't worry about that," Aaron said and smiled. "I promise I'm not trying to convert you. Just to see that you leave with a full stomach." He put a tray in Remus' hand and took one for himself. "Don't hold back. Take what you like."

[mooningremus]

"Thank you," said Remus.

He wasn't stupid, or impulsive. He didn't head for pizza or cookies, but instead piled his place with leafy greens and whole grains and lean meat. Food that was better than what he could typically afford but that he knew was good for his health. He finished off with a cappucinno.

[quitollis]

Aaron watched him fill his tray with healthy food and took a salad for himself. Well, he wasn't going ho opt for the hamburger when Remus was making an effort for health.

Once they were back at their table Aaron spoke again. "Glad to see you didn't hold back," he said with a smile.