Refuge - Chapter 14: Hidden Wounds
Imported from SF2 with no description.
Reunited at last, Casey and Nora grapple with the trauma they’ve experienced.
Refuge
by TypicalFloof
Chapter 14: Hidden Wounds
Chapter Theme: Johnny Cash - Hurt (Logan Version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL0RzgUpGjk
After their firefight with the Locust, Casey, Nora, and Freeman descended the mountain to regroup with Greer. Noticing that Casey had lagged behind, Nora circled back to check on him. When his ‘Mech sat unmoving, and he did not respond to inquiries on his radio, the MechWarriors wasted no time in getting Freeman inside the Stinger. Freeman found Casey collapsed at the controls, barely breathing. He was extricated from the ‘Mech and rushed back to Vella’s hospital.
Now, Nora slouched in an uncomfortable chair next to the hospital bed where Casey lay. She had lost track of how many hours she had been there. She stared at the floor, fighting to keep her eyes open. The nurses hadn’t answered her questions, but what little information she had gleaned was not good. Casey was unresponsive, and Nora had gathered that he was barely hanging on. He had an oxygen mask over his face and an IV in one arm. In contrast to the unsteady rising and falling of Casey’s chest, the continuous blips of the EKG monitor seemed to mock the exhausted vixen.
Nora shifted her gaze and focused on Casey’s face. She longed to curl up beside him, anxious to provide some semblance of comfort, but she didn’t for fear of disrupting his labored breathing. Not like he could feel it anyway, she reflected despondently. But she felt utterly useless just sitting there!
Approaching footsteps broke Nora’s daze. She closed her eyes and cursed silently. The nurses had been in and out of the room, and Nora had always made sure to get out of their way. For some reason, one of them became frustrated with her and demanded that Nora leave and stay in the waiting room. She flatly refused. Their argument grew heated and escalated until a doctor intervened and told the nurse in no uncertain terms that Nora could stay. That didn’t stop the nurse from muttering comments under her breath every time she made her rounds. With Nora’s shot nerves, it was all she could do to grind her teeth and ignore them.
Fighting her rising anger, Nora looked up at the visitor and was surprised to see Trish standing at the foot of the bed.
“Mind if I join you?” she asked. Nora shook her head numbly and Trish plopped into the seat next to her.
Nora flinched as Trish touched her arm. Concern played over the sergeant’s face, so Nora decided to tolerate it.
Trish cleared her throat. “You doing okay?”
Nora swallowed past the lump in her throat. She took a shuddering breath and nodded. The two sat in silence for a while before Trish spoke again.
“Hey, look at me.” With difficulty, Nora met the woman’s gaze. “Casey’s tough. He’ll pull through.”
Nora blinked back tears as Trish rose and patted her arm. She turned back toward the bed and resumed her miserable vigil.
***
Casey became conscious of a low hissing sound. Wei? He struggled to remember. Who was that? His mind groped for an answer. Concentrating, he was able to resolve the man’s face. Casey wanted to be afraid, but he was too exhausted to care.
Slowly, his senses returned. He was reclining on his back with something irritating his mouth and nose. He tried to open his eyes, but his eyelids were too heavy. Casey took a few breaths and mustered his strength. It was a struggle, but he managed to open them enough to see a stinging slit of light.
Casey tried again and got them all the way open this time. His eyes stared at the wall in front of him as the world slowly came into focus. Glimpsing an orange smudge to his left, he decided to try turning his head.
When he finally succeeded, he could hardly believe his eyes. Nora sat slumped in a chair close to his bed. Her head was leaning forward on her chest; she seemed to be asleep.
Casey struggled to recall how he had ended up here. He knew he had fought a Locust at the village, but everything was fuzzy after that.
He swallowed. His throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton.
“Nora…” he managed to croak. When she didn’t move, he struggled with the elastic on his oxygen mask. At last pulling it over his head, he tossed it beside him. Casey called her name again, louder this time.
Startled, the fox jerked awake and settled her unfocused eyes on him. A beat passed. She gasped and sprang out of the chair. Her arms wrapped around Casey as she descended on him in a tangerine blur. Weakly, he lifted his arms and hugged her back. Nora’s reassuring warmth surrounded him as she pulled him more upright. She shuddered, silent sobs wracking her frame. Casey buried his face in her shoulder.
Pulling her close, Casey felt the thumps of Nora’s heart on his chest. Her ear tickled the side of his head as he nestled deeper into the embrace. She caressed his back and gradually, her breathing slowed.
Casey’s muscles finally gave out. Nora let him slide through her arms and he flopped back against the pillow. Brushing the damp tracks running down her muzzle with the back of his hand, Casey let his arm fall to his side. The two sat like that for awhile, neither one wanting to break the silence. He was content to lose himself in her blue eyes.
A wracking cough disturbed his trance. Casey groped for the oxygen mask. He coughed and struggled to inhale as he slipped the mask over his mouth and nose. He was finally able to draw a shaky breath.
Nora cupped the side of his face. Her fur brushed his cheek as she traced it with her thumb.
“What did they do to you?” she whispered. Casey shook his head and took her paw with his free hand.
“Don’t.” Casey wheezed, struggling not to cough again. Nora gently slipped the elastic band behind his head. His eyes fluttered, and he finally couldn’t keep them open any longer. Casey focused on the contrast of the rough pawpad and her velvety fur against his skin as he drifted off.
The next few days were a blur of doctors and nurses, tests and procedures. Casey’s strength recovered slowly, and though he was still too weak to do much besides lay in bed, he was thoroughly sick of all the poking and prodding. Casey drifted in and out of consciousness, but Nora remained a constant presence at his side. At his insistence, she reluctantly returned to Baker Company’s DropShip for much-needed rest. It was during this period that Freeman came to visit.
As Freeman settled into a chair, he described Baker Company’s attack on the Capellan base camp that ensued while Casey was in the hospital. The combined firepower of the Liao infantry coupled with their Vindicator, Marauder, Orion, and Cataphract put up brief, but fierce resistance against Baker Company’s Command Lance and Yates’ commandos.
The mercenaries prevailed, in no small part due to the close-range punch of Command Lance’s Black Knight and Stalker. The unit’s Victor and Orion rounded out the heavy lance. The skilled MechWarriors, including Roget himself, carried the day by destroying Devraux’s own Orion, slagging the Vindicator, and incapacitating the Capellan Marauder. The veteran MechWarrior at the helm of the enemy Cataphract was equally talented as he was pragmatic. After heavily damaging Baker Company’s Victor, he surrendered rather than face his opponents solo in his battered ‘Mech.
Part of the Capellan ground forces escaped into the forest and as a result, Baker Company routed patrols through the area. Roget was content to wear them down since they were cut off from their command and support structures.
Freeman snorted and crossed his ankle over his thigh. “The PBIs won’t last long without support, though, so it’s only a matter of time.” He fell silent.
Noticing his lancemate’s look, Casey said, “Are you trying to stare a hole in the floor?”
Freeman grinned, but Casey could tell it was forced. They had known each other long enough to pick up on each other’s cues. Casey kept his circle tight, but out of anyone in Baker Company, he considered Freeman a close friend. Freeman ran a dark-skinned hand over his coarse hair.
“Well, it’s… I feel responsible for what happened to you.” His hazel eyes finally met Casey’s. “If I would’ve moved faster, the Marauder and Orion wouldn’t have been able to gang up on you.”
Casey waved his hand. “Don’t beat yourself up about it, Freeman. I saw you redirect as soon as I radioed. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Besides, you mounted a hell of a rescue!”
Freeman grinned, for real this time. “Without your girl, it wouldn’t have happened! I mean, sneaking out under a recon ‘Mech’s nose, and pushing nonstop for days to get back here?” He shook his head. “She even beat Trish one-on-one in the sims!”
“You’re joking.”
“Hell no! She didn’t tell you?”
Casey shrugged. “Guess I’ve been pretty out of it. We haven’t really had a chance to talk.”
“I won’t give anything away, but trust me. You’ll want to see that sim footage! And you know how Trips is about betting, right? He was not happy with that payout, lemme tell you what…” Freeman rubbed his thumb over his fingers and raised his eyebrows. Casey laughed.
As if on cue, the vixen in question padded through the doorway hot on the heels of a nurse who was pushing a wheelchair.
“I’d better get going,” Freeman said, rising to his feet. “Let’s grab a drink when you get outta here.”
“Sure. Later, Freeman.” He exited, leaving the two women. “Do I finally get to check out of Hotel Vella? I’ll leave a rave review.”
That earned him an eye roll from the nurse. “Yes, you’re bein’ discharged.”
Casey was helped into the chair and wheeled outside to a waiting skimmer. Nora helped him inside and hopped in the driver’s seat next to him.
“So, am I off the hook now? I’ve had my fill of hospitals!”
Nora leaned over. “Sorry to disappoint, but doctor’s orders are to check in with the docs at your… field hospital?”
“Oh, our MASH?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“Well, at least I’ll be back in my bunk. Speaking of which, did they get you in a berth?”
Nora nodded. “I’ve been with Trish.”
“My sympathies.”
The fox grinned. “She’s warmed up a little since I beat her in the sim. I only hear the occasional comment from her now. But—” Nora stopped.
“What?”
“Nothing,” she said, a conspiratorial look in her eyes.
Nora eased the skimmer away from the hospital and soon the two reached the DropShip. While she returned the vehicle to the motor pool, Casey was able to walk to his berth under his own power. But when he reached it, something wasn’t right. Staring around the small space, Casey finally stepped down the short hallway of the MechWarriors’ quarters.
“Hey, Freeman, you in here?” he called. Freeman popped his head out of a berth.
“Yeah, why?”
Casey reached him and leaned on the doorway. He turned to Freeman in surprise.
“You moved your stuff in with Trish?”
Freeman bobbed his head. “Yep! You’ve been replaced, Casey. It was a win-win. You and Nora can bunk together, and she’ll be out of Trish’s hair.” He leaned in. “Me and Trish are… sort of a thing now.”
Casey’s eyes widened. “Really? Since when?” He smirked. “She got you with her feminine wiles?”
Freeman raised his eyes to heaven. “Did I make a comment when you brought home an anthro girl?”
Casey held up his hands in surrender and chuckled. “Alright, alright, point taken.” Eyeing the berth, a thought occurred to him. “Hey, would you mind helping rearrange the bunks?”
A lanky man with a blond crew cut and goatee poked his head into the hallway.
“Ooh, gettin’ some action, Casey? Attaboy! It’s about time!”
“Some of us prefer to actually learn a chick’s name before the clothes come off, Jeremy.”
Jeremy laughed and flipped Casey the bird before ducking back into his berth.
Baker Company’s DropShip was a Union-_class that boasted key improvements over the standard model, including slightly improved weapons. While most _Unions had a rightfully-earned reputation for being cramped and foul, Baker Company’s had been refitted with two-man quarters for the crew and single quarters for officers. Since Casey was all-too-familiar with the typical Union, the improved air filtration was definitely noticeable. Perhaps most important, at least to the crew, was the addition of lockable doors for each berth — a priceless upgrade.
Though the crew bunks were tight, they were somewhat modular, leading to a few common setups. Most kept the standard layout with one bunk on top of the other since it was easiest. Others flipped the top bunk 90 degrees to make a loft. Couples preferred a third setup since there was enough room to bring both beds together on the floor. This limited floor space the most, but the payoff was more than worth it.
Freeman agreed to help and they stepped inside Casey’s quarters just as Nora arrived. Casey helped as much as he could, and the three accomplished the switch without much trouble. Thanking him, Casey promised to buy his friend a drink. Since it was late in the evening, he decided to turn in for the night. After taking a short shower, he lay on the bed with an arm over his face awaiting Nora’s return.
She padded into the berth sometime later. Sleepily, he raised his arm at the sound of the door clicking shut. Casey threw his legs over the bed and hauled himself to his feet.
“You could’ve had the wall side, silly,” Nora said, stepping closer.
“But I want the other side,” Casey said. His heart threatened to leap out of his chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “And I also wanted to do this.”
Casey brought his lips to Nora’s muzzle in a gentle kiss. She inhaled in surprise, before leaning in and pulling him closer. Casey felt charged with electricity as her soft fur brushed his chin. Her whiskers tickled as she tilted her head so that her wet nose lay alongside his own. Casey’s chest suffused with warmth; his gaze was captivated by her vivid blue eyes. He didn’t want the moment to ever end.
His lungs had other plans, however, and Casey was forced to pull back and gasp for breath. With how hot his face felt, he was sure it was bright red. It grew even hotter as he tried not to think about the way her breasts pressed against him. Nora’s face was barely separated from his own, and he couldn’t help but flash a wide smile. An equally happy one was reflected across her muzzle. He noticed a shade of pink creeping up the inside of her ears.
“I, uh… wow,” Casey breathed. He kicked himself mentally. Real smooth, genius.
Nora laughed and gave a small shake of her head. “You sure know how to make a girl work for a kiss,” she murmured. Her tail swished freely behind her
The awkwardness was palpable as both fidgeted, unsure of what to say next. Nora yawned, causing Casey to follow suit. Seemingly reluctant to let go of him, Nora guided him to the edge of the bed. She climbed in first and cleared him a spot. Casey flicked off the light and flopped down onto the mattress. Exhaustion crashed over him like a wave as Nora draped the blanket over both of them. Feeling her gentle breath on his face, he blinked in the darkness until he could make out the dim light of Nora’s eyes. They reflected the thin strip of light invading their room from under the door. The two lay face-to-face until Nora yawned again and turned over to face the wall.
“C’mere,” Casey whispered, wrapping an arm around her. Goosebumps broke out and ran down his arm when he felt Nora intertwine her fingers in his. She pressed against his chest as he scooted closer. He could feel her tail rubbing against his bare legs as it twitched a few times. Casey tried to keep his other hand as still as possible since it was pinned down his front between them. Resting his head behind hers, he felt his heart flutter as he breathed in the scent of her hair. It was earthy and hinted of flowers. It smelled like home. Swaddled in cozy warmth, Casey felt his tense shoulders relax as he matched the rhythm of Nora’s breathing. Sleep quickly found him.
***
Nora’s awareness bubbled to the surface. She peeked out of one eye, frowning. Surely she couldn’t have been asleep for more than a few hours. Why had she woken up?
She got her answer as Casey’s arm tensed for a moment against her stomach. Nora felt his breath on the back of her neck. His heart pounded against her back. It was quick, almost like Casey was agitated. Nora ran her palm along his arm, trying to soothe him, but she worried as his breathing became more erratic.
Just as Nora was contemplating whether she should roll over or not, a sudden jerk propelled Casey away from her. Nora turned as she felt him fall off the bed and bang on the floor. Hurriedly, she scooted to the edge of the bed.
“Casey! Wake up!” she whispered, shaking him.
Casey’s eyes snapped open and frantically shot around the room. Wide-eyed, he brought his knees to his chest and curled into a shuddering ball. Alarmed, Nora slid to the floor and wrapped her arms around him. She grunted as she dragged him into a sitting position. When he didn’t respond, she grasped his face in her paws and turned it toward her.
“Casey! It’s Nora!” He focused on her, finally seeming to awake from his hysteria, and lay his head against her. Nora rocked him gently. His breathing steadied only after long moments. Fear coursed through her at his panicked state. She pressed her chin to his head.
“Casey,” she choked. “What did they do to you?”
It was a long time before either of them felt ready to climb back into bed.