Friends?
Dr. Barry was in a very good mood today, which means James’ job was ten times easier. Impressing this man is a warrior’s assignment.
“Potter!” He called when James dared to walk by him. You know the drill, the first one that he sees gets the prize. That means James and about five more interns chase the man around like lost puppies. Yes, me!
“Sir.” He nodded, winning a few annoyed glances from his colleagues. On a normal day, James would feel guilty for being chosen too many times in a row, the others also deserve a chance. But not today. Today is a great day and he is glad to be in Barry’s good graces. That, alone, is a miracle. In the beginning of the internship, the man hated him. Was always too hard, too mean, too tough. Always targeting him more than the others. James is so thankful for that. This extra aim at James made him a better professional. Made him work better under pressure and made him learn more. Being Dr. Barry’s prey made him a better archer than the others.
“I want your help with a patient, yes?” He said, looking at James a little uncomfortable.
“Everything alright, sir?” James asked, following him. He needs… my help?
Assistance is one thing. Helping? What? Is James really that smart?
Dr Barry stopped walking, turning around facing all of the interns following him and James to the patient’s room.
“Only Potter in, you’ll redo the anamnesis later, assisted by him.” Barry said, dismissing the interns like they’re a rock in his shoe.
One of them, Tyler Harrison, groaned, “This isn’t fair! Why him? It’s been only him for the past week!” He rolled his eyes.
Barry looked up from the file in his hand, glaring at Harrison, shooting daggers with his eyes. “I don’t need to explain myself to any of you, Harrison. I’m here to make sure the patient gets the absolute best.” James smiled internally, so you think im the best? he was curling himself up like a teenage girl after seeing Damon’s Salvatore entrance on the Vampire diaries for the first time. “Don’t question my choices.”
Tyler was still scowling, but answered the head doctor politely nonetheless, “yes, sir.”
“Let’s go, James.” Barry announced, already walking.
James followed, his ego almost the size of this hospital, now. Isn’t this lovely? It’s definitely a first. Oh, life really is awesome. Cheers.
“The patient’s name is Viktor Jones. They’re transgender, and they’re here to do top surgery. I haven’t met with the patient yet, I need your help because I don't know which… pronouns? Is it pronouns?” The doctor sounded confused, but motivated to learn. “To use. I intend to be extremely respectful, but I need you to get there.” Dr. Barry finished, handling James the file.
Oh!
That’s why James appreciates this man.
He may be an unpolite, annoying prick sometimes. But he has a big heart and cares about his patients like no one else would. In the end, after this tough, moody guy mask, there’s a soft, caring man.
“Of course, sir.” James skimmed the file on his hands, a cheesy smile he was trying to fight making place on his face. According to the file, Jones was a transgender male, which meant the name was probably correct. The surgery was to remove breast tissue, being a chest masculinization. “Sir, in conformity to this,” James pointed to the paper, “Viktor Jones is a transgender male, so they probably go by he/him. But you have to check with the patient, since they could go by they/them.” He stated, handling Dr. Barry the papers.
“Okay.” The man answered, thoughtful. “But…How do I ask him this?” He questioned watching James, completely engaged in the matter.
“Well. Be polite.” James smirked. Barry narrowed his eyes at him, making James go back to the normal posture. “Say good morning, ask how they’re doing and then say something like: ‘If you don’t mind me asking, what are your pronouns?’” James said, resting his hands on his lower back, like a wise old person.
“Hum. Okay.” Doctor Barry replied, clearly involved, entering the room the patient was in, followed by James.
Once they walked into the room, a sleepy young man laid on a stretcher turned to face them, rubbing his eyes, he looked really uncomfortable facing both of the doctors that just walked in. There was also a young lady accompanying him. She had medium blonde hair and a glare that could kill.
"Look," shu said, whispering to James and Barry, approaching them close enough that the man in the room wouldn't hear them. "This is the third hospital we are visiting. If you're going to be little prejudiced shits to Vik, don 't bother. We will leave first." She said, glaring at them, tiredness in her voice.
Dr. Barry didn' t even blink, "Ma'am," he nodded, "I'm sorry that you were unfortunate to reach unprofessional services before us." He said, giving her and Viktor a warm, reassuring smile; "You have nothing to worry about. We are here to help only. May I ask your relation to the patient? There wasn't a mention of an escort in his papers. " Dr. Barry said.
"Right." The lady smiled. "I'm Anya. The girlfriend". Dr. Barry nodded.
Directing himself to the patient, the older doctor smiled. "Viktor, Right?" the man assented. "I'm doctor Barry. I'll be your doctor throughout your time here." He stepped closer to the stretcher, and looking at the file, then looking at Viktor, he said, "If you don't mind me asking, what are your pronouns?" he questioned explaining right away, "They aren't on your file. "
And for the first time since they entered the room, Jones seemed comfortable, more like relaxed. So he smiled brightly, "It’s he/him, Doctor."
"Great!" Barry grinned. Then he looked at James, who was also smiling, proudly. "This man after me is Doctor Potter." James waved, making himself introduced. Doctor Barry continued, "Viktor, Anya. Are you aware this is a teaching hospital, yes?" He asked.
Both of them nodded, giving Barry space to finish his explanation. "Me and James here, we'll do your analysis first, then Potter will conduct the rest of the interns to do the same thing again." James.
The couple nodded again, listening.
James interfered, "Are you okay with this structure?"
"Yes, yes. No worries, Doctor Potter!" Viktor affirmed, reaching for Anya's hand, smiling ear to ear.
"Awesome!" Doctor Barry responded. James eyed him, smirking. 'Awesome?'
Doc eyed him back, 'Shut up, Potter’.
After instructing the other interns under Dr. Barry’s watch, they spent all day planning, discussing and checking on exams to schedule Viktor’s surgery. Once he got the man alone, which is very much hard, thank you, James asked him a question that was ricocheting in his mind since the morning.
“Dr. Barry?” James called his attention, breaking the silence in the long hallway they were walking through.
“Hum?” The man answered, not breaking eye contact with the pile of paperwork on his hands.
“How’d you know?” James asked, curiously. Concerned, but curious nonetheless.
“How did I know what, kid?” Dr. Barry asked back, plainly confused.
The awkward part where you have to explicitly explain what you mean takes a few years of James’s life every time. “That I… Uh- That I would be the right person to help you back there, with you know, Jones.”
And out of nowhere, out of a naturally crabby face, emerges a smirk. And then, a laugh!
HOW?
How on earth is this even possible?
“Well, I just knew you were a part of the community.” Barry smirked AGAIN. “And I’m never wrong, Am I?” Wow. Who knew this man could be… funny? James doesn’t even know what this is. ANSWER THE MAN, JAMES!
“You’re right.”
A huge victorious grin splashed on his face. “HA. I KNEW IT!” Oh, my god. James is probably redder than a tomato right now. “No need to be shy, Potter. I’m an ally!” He grinned, again. “That’s the word isn't it? Or am I allied?” He looked confused all over again.
“Ally, sir.”
“Right. Uh, thanks for today, James. You were a great professional and I learned a lot from you.” James.
James smiled ear to ear, blushing once again. “I learned from the best.”
“You know, that’s why I like to keep you kids around.” Dr. Barry said, reflectively. “I may not demonstrate it, but I learn more from you than you do from me,” he said, heading to his office, waving goodbye, “bye, kiddo.”
“bye!” James waved back, not even hiding his enthusiasm, while he headed to the lockers himself. One more shift ended. One more day doing good. One more day in a job that drives him nuts, but makes him completely happy.
On his way out of the hospital, James bumped into Adrian, the cute nurse.
“Hey, Doc. Already leaving?” He asked, all smiles.
“Hi, A!” James smiled back. They flirt a lot these days, James knows Adrian thinks he’s hot. James thinks Adrian’s hot. There’s just a lack of opportunities. “How you doing?” James asked, leaning on the door. Damn, he’s hot and he knows it.
Adrian's eyes flinch, but he quickly recovers, smirking, “better now that I saw you.”
James just smirks back, “oooh, is that so?”
Adrian rolls his eyes, smiling. “Yes, Mr. Big Ego. Actually, I was thinking…” He stopped, making suspense.
“You’re thinking? Damn, that’s impressive, coming from you.” James remarked, mockingly.
Adrian opened his mouth and closed it. Opened again, then closed again. “You little shit!” He said, still aghast, but in an alluring way.
“No, no, carry on in your thinking, please” James laughed, reaching to slightly touch Adrian’s arm.
“Whatever.” Adrian rolled his eyes again. “So.” He started, tone all flirty, “I was thinking, maybe we could get some dri-“
“JAMES!” Someone shouted from afar, interrupting them, making James and Adrian take a step back. There may or may not be a rule about not getting physically or romantically involved with a coworker. Not that anyone cares, but better not be caught. Except, James would recognize this voice anywhere now. Now that he got to hear it again, he knew it was Regulus the moment he heard his name coming from his mouth. But, wait. What the hell is he doing here? It is almost seven pm, shouldn’t he be having dinner with his parents right now?
“James! Ah, there you are.” Regulus said, now coming closer. “You know, this thing is huge. Didn’t know which door you would use to leave.” He said, smiling, then directing himself to Adrian, not so smiley anymore, “Hi.”
“Uh. Hi” Adrian answered, rather confused and a little annoyed at being interrupted, apparently.
“Regulus, hey.” James smiled softly, when it hit him, “I didn’t know you were coming! Is there something wrong with mum or dad?” He questioned, concerned.
“Oh! Is this your brother, Jamie?” Adrian asked, realisation hitting him.
“No.” Both Regulus and James answered, weirded out that he made that assumption.
“Adrian, this is Regulus. Regulus, this is Adrian.” James introduced them.
“Hi.” Regulus said again, then turning to face James. Adrian waved him a ‘hi’, smiling miserably. “Nothing happened, don’t worry.” Regulus assured James.
“Gosh, you scared the hell out of me.” James said, resting a hand in his heart, breathing out in relief.
“Nah, they’re ok. Actually, they’re on a date. Again. Today is Tuesday, James! Tuesday!” Reg declared, stupefied, cracking laughter out of James.
“Sounds like them.”
“No, you don’t get it. They practically threw me out of the house, claiming I need to have some fun myself, but what they really wanted was the place all for themselves!” Regulus exclaimed.
“Ew. Please don’t ever tell me details like these again,” James pleaded absolutely disgusted.
Regulus smiled warmly, completely forgetting they weren’t alone. “I’m tired of Sirius’ face, so I came here to bother you, instead. Your place?”
James grinned, involuntarily. Completely out of his control. “My place.”
“Excellent.” Regulus said. “We have so much to catch on.”
James took Regulus’ arm, like he does with Six, and like they were kids all over again, heading to his newly stolen car (let's just say Monty doesn't have a car anymore), looked back and smiled at Adrian, who was almost completely forgotten for a bit, then said, “bye, A! I’ll see you Thursday?”
“Sure, Doc! Bye Regulus!”
“Bye!” Regulus also replied, smiling a little.
They headed to James’s car in silence, arms hooked. Regulus said he would try. James wants his friendship back. Maybe this is their chance to make things really right. Being around Reg makes him happy, Regulus is the most funny human being in his own little way, he makes an excellent, loyal, supportive friend. So what evil could it do having him back? James is not a kid anymore, he can’t keep acting like one. He won't hold a grudge. He never did, even if it hurt.
Once they got to the car, James instinctively opened the door for Regulus, like it was something he does on a daily basis. Reg smiled, entering the vehicle, allowing James to also close the door for him.
After they buckled up and James started leaving the hospital’s parking lot, Regulus looked at him through the mirror, agitated on his seat.
James knew exactly what he wanted. “Just ask, Regulus,” he smiled.
Reg blushed, but asked nevertheless. “Let me choose the song?”
“Feel free!” James said, gesturing his head to his phone in a little department all cars have, since his Spotify was the one connected to the car. “Password is 2809.”
Regulus took the phone, smiling. “Still your parents’ marriage date.” It wasn’t a question. It was a statement, full of fondness.
“Yeah.” James confirms, softly, eyes locked on the road.
Soon, a song began playing in the speakers. James would recognize these tunes even if he was drugged and zero lucid. He was never a big One Direction fan before, but he started listening once he discovered Reg liked them when they were kids, and somehow never stopped. And this song, this song has a special place in his heart. It was the first one Reg showed James, the one he listened to every day for weeks just because Reg said he liked it.
“No way.” James said, smiling and starting to sing along with Reg.
People say we shouldn’t be together
We’re too young to know about forever
James swiftly looked at Reg, fully performing.
But I say ‘they don’t know what they’re talk-talk-talking about’
‘Cause this love is only getting stronger
So I don’t wanna wait any longer
I just wanna tell the world that you’re mine, boy
They both looked at each other, after changing the lyrics, laughing hard.
“One direction really sang the gayest lyrics and then said ‘girl’ to cover up.” James laughed. “Really smooth of them.”
“I know, right!” Reg smiled. “James?”
“Hum?”
“Friends?”
“Friends.”