spamalot } of bad hearts and last names

[tradedfireforname]

Gabe: [is up in his room at his grandparents’ house, sitting against the door and crying as he pulls out his cell phone. Nik's number was programmed into it, and he hits the number as he goes to call the man. He wipes at his face while waiting for him to pick up]

Nik: [picks up on the second ring] Hey, man. What's up?

Gabe: [have a scared child voice, Nik] Nik... Mom... she, she got sick and Aunt Sarah took her to the hospital and my grandma came and got me and they won't let me see her and... and.... [ramble on, baby wolf]

Nik: [he picks up "mom" and "hospital" and he's already sitting up more, trying to keep him calm] Whoa, whoa, Gabe, slow down. Take a deep breath and tell me what happened.

Gabe: [deep shaky breath] Mom. Mom got sick and Aunt Sarah took her to the hospital. [another deep breath] They won't let me see her. [deep breath] I'm really scared, Nik. My grandma doesn't know what I am. And she won't let me go home.

Nik: Okay, okay. Just remember what we talked about, okay? Controlling your heartrate controls the shift. Now what hospital is your mom in? Do you know?

Gabe: [you can't see him, but he's nodding as he tries to] Valley Center. It’s next to the Heart clinic where her doctor is. [he is trying to calm down, but he's really scared] Nik she was really sick.

Nik: Everything's going to be alright, buddy. I'm in Beacon Hills now, but I'll be out there in a couple hours to sort this out. For now, you just sit tight. I'll call you back when I know something, okay?

Gabe: Okay. [he has no idea how many days are until the full moon] Sarah knows where my grandma is. She can tell you how to find me. I don't know how to get you here.

Nik: I'll figure it out. You've got time, so don't worry about it. Just remember what I taught you'll be just fine. [he's already getting to his feet as his sister gives him a funny look] You start to get into trouble, you call me and I'll talk you through it.

Gabe: Okay. Just hurry, okay?

Nik: I will. I'll be right there. [and with that he's hanging up and booking it to Vegas. Sorry, Peter, dinner with your sort-of-brother-in-law is being postponed. He'll make it to the hospital as fast as he can before stopping at the front desk and asking for Marissa]

Nurse: Are you family, Mr.......?

Nik: Kirsanov. Nikolai Kirsanov.

Nurse: I'm sorry, Sir, if you're not family...

Doctor: [stepping over to interrupt her] Kirsanov? Like from the New York family?

Nik: [he smiles, as polite as he can manage. He doesn't like tossing his name around, but sometimes ... sometimes it works for him.] That's the one. I'm pretty sure my grandfather donated a ... wing or something.

Doctor: Nurse, Mr. Kirsanov can go see whomever he wishes to. What's the patient's name again?

Nurse: Marissa Kale.

Doctor: [reads from the screen] She's up in room 619 on the coronary ward.

Nik: Fantastic. Thank you. [he pushes away from the counter and points] This way?

Doctor: Yes. Second bank of elevators on your left.

Nik: Perfect. And which doctor is treating her?

Doctor: Doctor Alexander Sullivan.

Nik: Thank you. You've all been so helpful. [and with that he's going to head to the room indicated, not stopping until he gets there]

Sarah: [is in the hallway pacing when he gets there, sees him, and is relieved and nervous at the same time, walking down the hall to meet him] Nik, the doctor is in there with her right now.

Nik: [he slows when he sees her] What happened? Gabe couldn't tell me anything, just that she was sick.

Sarah: [blinks] She never told you? Damnit, Marissa... [deep breath] She was born with a heart condition. You've never noticed how her heart doesn't beat normally?

Nik: ... If her heart's beating normally when I'm actually paying attention to that then I'm doing something wrong. [... Nikolai.]

Sarah: [no, he's earning a slap on his arm for that, even if she really appreciates the humor at the moment]

Nik: [he sighs softly, before glancing to the door of the room] Is this guy her usual cardiologist? I can make some calls.

Sarah: The last few years. She's been dealing with this since she was born, though. [Sarah crossed her arms nervously] Her parents spent a fortune on people, but it's always the same - she's lucky she alive. And her blood type is rare so a heart transplant is almost impossible. That's why her folks moved her to Vegas as a kid. The desert air keeps a lot of airborne sickness away. But every time she does get sick... [Sarah took another deep breath] We've been friends since we were young, and I've been doing this game a long time and it's not easy.

Nik: [nods, reaching out and rubbing her arm gently] It'll be okay. I should go let her know I'm here.

Sarah: Just don't try and scare Alex off. I've been trying to bag that since he took over as her cardiologist. [and she's going to go find a seat]

Nik: [he smirks a bit] I'll do my best. [and with that he'll make his way inside, lingering in the doorway for a moment]

Alex: [a whole load of doctor speak about heart valves swollen and doing too much work because of problems with lungs from the infection]

Marissa: [listening, but looks over at the door. She looks tired, weak, and pale but manages a smile for him with a tired voice] Hey handsome. How'd you find me?

Nik: [smiles softly when he sees her before making his way inside] Got a phone call. And the front desk was very helpful.

Alex: [looks up, seeing the unfamiliar face, then down at Marissa] Friend of yours, I take it.

Marissa: Very close, actually. Nik, Dr. Sullivan. Alex, Nik.

Nik: [gives him a polite smile as he extends his hand] Nik Kirsanov.

Alex: [oh, he recognizes that name all right, but he's just going to shake his hand] Nice to meet you. Can I call you Nik, or should we be more formal?

Marissa: [nope, she's just amused that he has a last name suddenly. No idea what it really means]

Nik: [nods] Nik's fine. How's she doing?

Marissa: I'm okay, Nik. You don't have to worry about me. Just a few days and I'll be back to normal.

Alex: [his look is saying that's not the case and she knows it] She has a viral infection that's causing stress on her lungs and heart. Since we can't treat the infection, we can only work to make sure he symptoms don't worsen until it runs it's course.

Nik: [he nods as he makes his way closer, slipping his hand in hers and gives it a soft squeeze] Why can't you treat the infection?

Alex: Viral infections are resilient to antibiotics. Like the flu, which is the most common kind. Giving her antibiotics wouldn't do anything, and could risk her body developing a resilience to them that would keep them from helping when she would actually need them. I've done all the tests and ruled out anything about this being bacterial.

Nik: Fine, then what can you do for a viral infection?

Alex: Treat the symptoms. Which, right now include anti-inflammatories, a decongestant, fluids to prevent dehydration, and she needs rest. Especially since she suffered with it at home for three days instead of coming in like she is supposed to when she gets anything more than a sniffle. [giving Marissa a look like a very patient man who is offended]

Marissa: It was just a sniffle... [trying to save face]

Nik: [sighs softly before nodding] Right. Of course.

Alex: We've scheduled a few more tests for the morning to see if any damage was done to her heart at that point. Until then, best thing to do is everyone get some rest. [there's more, but he can't say it without Marissa's permission]

Marissa: That means you too, Alex. I'm sure Sarah would take you some and put you to bed if you asked her.

Alex: [laughing] That wouldn't be professional of me. But no really, get some sleep. I'll check in with you in the morning.

Nik: [nods with a small smile before moving to take the seat next to her, because nope, not going anywhere] Thank you.

Alex: You're welcome. [and with that, he's going to go outside to be hounded by Sarah]

Marissa: You didn't have to come all the way here, Nik.

Nik: Yes, I did. [he gives her hand a soft squeeze as he turns to face her, pulling some of her pain as he does] Gabe called, I told him I would come find out what was going on. He's worried about you.

Marissa: [he would feel there's probably more there than either of them were wanting him to believe, and she relaxes into the pillows more with that] Yeah... he's a good kid. He worries too much about me sometimes. I'm supposed to be the one worrying over him.

Nik: You're his mom. Kids are always going to worry about their parents. [he pauses for a moment wincing just slightly at how much pain she's in, but keeps pulling all the same] Don't worry about him right now. Just rest, okay?

Marissa: [she smiles, then looks at their hands and chuckles] You're doing the thing Jake did while I was in labor.

Nik: [makes a slight face at that] Wolves can take pain. He must have really loved you.

Marissa: That or he wanted to stop the tirade of cussing coming out of my mouth at his general direction. [smiles, squeezing his hand]

Nik: [he laughs a bit at that, before pressing a kiss to the back of her hand] You just worry about getting better, alright? I'll take care of everything else.

Marissa: [a bit confused] Everything else?

Nik: [he nods] Everything else.

Marissa: [has no idea what he really means by that, but she'll go along with him] Alright. You do everything else, and I'm going to just take a nap. [she squeezed his hand again] Be here when I wake up?

Nik: [he nods a bit, before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her forehead] I promise.

Marissa: [and she is just going to fall asleep like that. If he listened, he would hear her heart beating out of sync every few beats, sounding like it was working too hard and kept getting caught up on itself.]

Nik: [yeah, he is listening this time, and he frowns. He stays until he's sure she's asleep, before getting up and heading in search of the desk where he can talk about making sure her medical bills are taken care of, because he can.]

Marissa: [and he's going to find that there is a very long list of them in various payment plans over the years - the visits becoming more and more frequent the last three years]

Nik: [yeah, well, he's just going to pay all of them. Because he can and she can yell at him for it later, when she's better, even if there's a sneaking suspicion she won't be getting better]

Alex: [one of the nurses happened to mention what was going on and he comes over to meet him at the desk] So, how long have you two been together, Nik?

Nik: [he gives a bit of a shrug] A few months.

Alex: I take it this is the first time you've seen her like this.

Nik: [he nods] It's not really been that kind of relationship.

Alex: Well, whatever kind of relationship it is, take it from a guy who's been watching over her for a while - every time she ends up in here, the odds of her walking out go down. Her body can't take much more of the stress she puts on it. So whatever you two have - just enjoy it because chances are, it'll be over before you know it.

Nik: [his eyebrows go up at that as he turns to face him] That's optimistic. [he makes a face, he's supposed to be not scaring him off] I'm sorry.

Alex: No, it's fine. It's never easy telling someone that their loved one is slowly dying. [he looks towards the room] Giving birth to her son did irrevocable damage to her heart, and it wasn't a good heart to start with. I think that's why she does the racing - it's symbolic to her that she thinks she can outrun the devil.

Nik: [he nods slowly] I know you know who I am, and I know that she doesn't have insurance, but since that's not really a problem for me, is there anything that can be done that isn't? [he's not impugning his honor as a doctor, he just knows that a lack of money can limit things]

Alex: [sighs, drumming his fingers on the counter] Honestly, I wish there was. Marissa's an amazing woman. But the stress on her body and her blood type - she's not even a good candidate for a transplant, and I don't even think at this point she'd survive it. Maybe a few years ago, she would have had a shot, but now... [he licked his lips] You're welcome to ask for second opinions - I'm going to claim that I'm the best out there and know everything. But I know what the tests tell me, and it's not good.

Nik: [he nods, considering for a moment, before glancing up at him with a small nod] Thank you.

Alex: You're welcome. The best thing you can do, in all honestly, is just make her comfortable and happy. Sometimes that alone can extend a person's life a bit longer.

Nik: [oh, there are other things, but he's not really going there right now in front of her doctor. there's too much to talk about on that front.] I'll do my best. How long will she need to stay here?

Alex: It'll depend on the test results tomorrow. The ambulance notes basically had her lethargic when they went to pick her up this afternoon. I'm going to say at least through the weekend.

Nik: [he nods again. Through the weekend means after the full moon. But he'll try and sort that out with Sarah rather than stress Marissa with it] Great. Again, thank you.

Alex: I'll talk to you both tomorrow. Get some rest yourself.

Nik: [he nods in agreement, before making his way back towards the room]

Sarah: [is in the other chair not by the bed, curled up and asleep]

Marissa: [still out cold, and will be until the morning when they come to take her away for tests]

Nik: [is going to ignore the texts from his brother about rather large payments being made to a hospital which is weird because they're werewolves. Sarah gets his jacket stretched over her before taking the chair and settling in comfortably, and closing his eyes. He'll make arrangements for Gabe in the morning]

Marissa: [when she's back from the tests, it's time for breakfast now. Hospital breakfast for heart patients suck. Very bland and no salt or condiments] You'd think with what they charge, you could at least get pancakes...

Nik: When you get out of here, I'll take you to this diner I know. Stacks as big as your head.

Marissa: Sounds like a place Gabe would love.

Nik: I'll take both of you. My treat.

Marissa: So taking you up on that. [and she goes into a bit of a coughing fit]

Nik: [he sits up a little, worried, but doesn't say anything]

Marissa: [when it passes, she just relaxes back into the bed, closing her eyes a moment] Stupid cold.

Nik: Mmmm. [and he relaxes again, leaning back in the chair and letting his fingers rest against his lips]

Alex: [comes in with the test results, closing the door behind him] Hope I'm not interrupting another amazing breakfast.

Nik: [glances back to him with a small smile] Not at all.

Marissa: I'm still waiting for real food. Cafeteria can send it up any time.

Alex: Well, I hear that lunch today is turkey and mashed potatoes. I'm sure I could sneak you chicken nuggets from the kids ward if you're good.

Marissa: I'm always good

Nik: [his eyebrows go up like he doubts that particular statement]

Alex: Well, I have your test results. [he went to sit on the edge of the bed as Marissa sat up] And since we have this agreement to just cut to the chase.... the infection has accelerated the atrophy of your heart, Marissa, and because of that, the reason you're having a hard time breathing is because the excess blood is backing up into your lungs like we suspected.

Marissa: [looks at Nik, then Alex] So can we just... get it out?

Alex: We can, but it will just keep filling up again. The damage to your heart it irreversible, and if the blood going out can't keep up with the blood coming in... [he closed his eyes] There's a few drug treatments we can try to slow your heart down, maybe try the pacemaker again...

Nik: [just sits back and takes that in, leaning back in his chair and just watching her mostly]

Marissa: [she leans back, biting her lip] So that means...

Alex: It means that sooner or later, your heart is going to give up because it can't keep up with the supply, and the pressure will be too great in your chest. Based on my calculations, you've got about two weeks minimum, maybe longer if you rest and try the drug treatments.

Nik: [yeah, this one's just going to make sad wolf eyes over here] What would the treatments involve?

Alex: [describes a few more radical treatments designed to relax the body, make the heart slow, and of course the syphoning out blood of the lungs]

Nik: [he nods, before looking back to her again. it's her decision, no matter what he asks]

Marissa: [reaches up to rub at her face] I, um.... can I think about it?

Alex: Sure, you can. I'll leave the information here for you to look at when you're ready. [he put the folder down on her table] You can have the nurse page me if you have questions.

Nik: [nods with a small smile] Thank you.

Marissa: [just nods, her hands over her eyes as she's crying]

Alex: [doesn't want to walk away, but he just gets up, squeezes Nik's shoulder and goes to leave. They'll page him if they need him]

Nik: [waits until he leaves before getting up and getting closer, sitting on the edge of the bed as carefully as possible. He takes his hand in hers and gives it a soft squeeze] We'll figure something out.

Marissa: Figure what out? A miracle? [still crying]

Nik: Stranger things have happened. [he thinks for a moment] I can do some research, see if there's some other treatments available. I'll make some calls.

Marissa: [looks at him, confused] I can't afford other treatments, Niky. I can't even afford these crappy eggs let alone the tests.

Nik: I said I'd take care of everything else. I'll take care of it.

Marissa: I can't ask you to do that.

Nik: You're not asking. I'm offering.

Marissa: Nik. You can't.

Nik: Actually, I can.

Marissa: [and he's getting a look] I'm not going to put you in debt just because of this.

Nik: You wouldn't be.

Marissa: I don't understand...

Nik: [he sighs heavily, rubbing his eyes for a moment] My net worth is over twenty million. [there's a beat] It actually might be higher, I haven't checked in a while. But let's just say I can afford it.

Marissa: [and she's just going to stare at you like you now have three heads]

Nik: [just waits for her to say something because he knows that's a pretty big bomb he just dropped.]

Marissa: [blinks.] Did you actually say.... twenty... million?

Nik: [he nods] That's just me personally, my family is over a hundred and fifty. It's ... really old money.

Marissa: [she thinks for a moment. really hard and then she just started to laugh. because yes, really... she finds out she has two weeks to live and her boyfriend is a multi millionaire.]

Nik: [he just watches her for a moment before shrugging. Not the worst reaction he's ever gotten. He'll just let it pass until she's ready to talk again]

Marissa: [laughing until she starts coughing again] You gotta wait till a girl's dying before you drop bombs like that on her, handsome?

Nik: [he laughs a bit] I don't usually live like I do. I figure it comes up when it comes up.

Marissa: [she sniffles] Well, pointer for the next girl you fall for? Don't wait that long. Most girls don't care about it long as the guy's good to them.

Nik: Mmmm. But it does help me weed out the girls who just want me to be too good to them. [he's used to girls in New York knowing it right off the bat. It's why he doesn't date in New York] I don't mind spending it on things that matter, though. [and this? This matters]

Marissa: You're way too good to me for your own good.

Nik: I think you're worth it.

Marissa: [and now she's going to tear up again]

Nik: [oh, no, don't do that. He's too big for this particular move, but he's going to try it anyway, stretching out on the bed next to her and pulling her into his arms]

Marissa: [she doesn't care. She likes him the way he is, and she's tiny enough that she can curl up into him as she starts to cry again, which will be interrupted by coughing fits]

Nik: [and he'll just hold her and rub her back, letting his lips rest against the top of her head. There's a part of him that just wants to say it, to tell her that there are ways that don't require a doctor, but he doesn't know if he can. He's not the alpha, Victor is.]

Marissa: [but speaking of him...] I need to talk to your brother. About taking Gabe in. I can't leave him with my parents.

Nik: [he glances down at her, before nodding] Yeah. Yeah, I can call him.

Marissa: Please. [because the realization she isn't going to see her baby boy grow up is about to send her on another crying fit]

Nik: [he nods again, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead as he rubs her back] Don't worry about it. Just get some rest.