scientists' POV - Holden and Green

[coniurati]

A needle to the vein. It's simple, and quick, and she knows it but it doesn't make the pain lessen. She was always afraid of needles.

His hands are big and calloused, but surprisingly gentle. Precise.

"Unusual." She looks like she wants to smile, to giggle, to laugh. He doesn't raise a question; he knows she'll answer anyway. She always does. "I didn't think you knew how to be kind." He smirks.

"The best men are not consistent in good-- why should the worst men be consistent in evil?" A quote, always quotes, passages, other peoples' words. They're far more elegant than his own. He doesn't look at her, pushing the chemical into her veins, counseling himself to patience, patience, patience.

"You pretend to be kind, and now you pretend to be evil. Do you pretend to be mad, too?" It's a moment before he answers.

"...We're all mad here." A beat. He adds, quietly, "It's rather cliché by now." She mumbles a soft sound; agreement? It's hard to tell.

"I'm going down the rabbit hole." The medicine is taking effect. She'll be asleep before long.

"I know. Lie down." He puts a hand on her back, guiding her down onto the hospital cot. She closes her eyes. Yes, it's time to sleep.

"Holden."

"Yes."

"Tell me a story."