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fandomweekly2020-11-08 04:19 pm
iluvroadrunner6) wrote in fandomweekly2020-11-08 04:19 pm
Entry tags:
[#072] Why Regret What Cannot Be (Original)
Theme Prompt: #072 - Unspoken
Title: Why Regret What Cannot Be
Fandom: Original
Rating/Warnings: PG
Bonus: Yes.
Word Count: 832
Summary: Dealing with Argo Brand is a masterclass Leo trying to deal with wanting what he can’t have.
Every time Argo Brand walks into a room, it’s as though everything stops.
Leo knows it’s incredibly unprofessional. This woman is his patient, and more to the point, she belongs to the ruler of Prosperina. She’s untouchable in all of the worst ways, and yet the more time he spends in her presence, the more he wishes he could steal her away from this world. It’s a highly hyperbolic romantic notion, the stuff made for romance novels, but he wants it all the same.
Her picture-perfect exterior may be exquisite, but he can see the cracks. Whether it's because she purposefully allows him to see or because he wishes for them to be there doesn’t matter. Wanting to help is his goal at the end of the day. He has to try, at least.
Argo descends the short staircase and offers him a small smile as she passes into the examination room. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long,” she says with a small smile. “Unfortunately, Pavo wished to have an unnecessary conversation that went on for entirely too long.”
Leo shakes his head. “A doctor’s work is never done. You gave me the time to catch up on some much-needed paperwork.” He closes the door behind them, sealing the room in silence, before turning to face her as she perches delicately on the exam table, one leg crossing over the other.
“Then I’m glad I gave you a break in your day.”
Leo nods before beginning the examination. “Are there any concerns you’ve had of late?”
She pauses, glancing to the door almost as though to make sure it’s still closed, before turning back to him. “Can I tell you a secret?”
He can’t help but raise an eyebrow curiously, leaning back against the set of drawers behind him. “A medical secret?”
“Kind of?” Her nose wrinkles in the most endearing way. “I may have said my stomach was bothering to use you as an excuse to get out of the manor.”
“Ahh,” A smile creeps up the corner of his mouth. “So, this is the equivalent of faking a stomach ache to get out of going to school?”
She laughs. “I know it sounds so childish, but the manor can be so … stifling. Here at least it feels like I can be myself.”
“I understand.” He also knows it’s risky. If the Sculptor ever happens to get the wrong idea about their relationship or, more specifically, the right notion hides underneath the subterfuge, things could end badly for him. “And while I do support that endeavor, there have to be more comfortable ways of doing it. You shouldn’t have to fake a stomach ache every time you want some fresh air.”
“You would think so.”
She doesn’t qualify. There’s no need. Leo knows how this planet works, and it’s that the Sculptor’s word is the law, for better or for worse. He pushes away from the table before moving to sit next to her. Not close enough to touch, but close enough that she could if she wanted.
“Look, I don’t know what it’s like for you up there. And I probably never will. But if you want to use me to have a little time to yourself, then I’ll keep your secret.”
There’s so much more he wants to say. He wants to tell Argo that he’ll whisk her away if she wished. He wants to say that he could give her a life far away from here, but Leo knows that at least part of that is making a promise he can’t keep. He has no plan, no options, just idealized notions.
“I appreciate that,” she says softly. “I know there’s a lot I don’t say, but I truly do value your discretion.”
He wishes it could be more than just his discretion, but he also knows it isn’t that easy. So, he just nods. “You don’t have to say it. And discretion is part of the job.” Doctor-patient confidentiality, and all that. She smiles in return before tipping forward, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.
“You’re sweet, all the same.”
A soft rap sounds on the door, and she sighs, pulling from him and bringing one thumb up to smooth away some of her lipstick. “That’s probably my detail. I have to get back.”
Leo nods, checking the mirror to make sure any of the offending lip color is gone, before moving to open the door for her. Then he says loudly, in the presence of her guard. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to see you once a week. We should monitor this carefully.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” she nods as she steps out into the hallway. “I’ll make sure they understand.”
Her guard gestures to her with one arm, and she follows his lead, heading back up the staircase towards the door. And as she goes, he can’t help but let his eyes linger until she disappears around the corner and out of view.
Title: Why Regret What Cannot Be
Fandom: Original
Rating/Warnings: PG
Bonus: Yes.
Word Count: 832
Summary: Dealing with Argo Brand is a masterclass Leo trying to deal with wanting what he can’t have.
Every time Argo Brand walks into a room, it’s as though everything stops.
Leo knows it’s incredibly unprofessional. This woman is his patient, and more to the point, she belongs to the ruler of Prosperina. She’s untouchable in all of the worst ways, and yet the more time he spends in her presence, the more he wishes he could steal her away from this world. It’s a highly hyperbolic romantic notion, the stuff made for romance novels, but he wants it all the same.
Her picture-perfect exterior may be exquisite, but he can see the cracks. Whether it's because she purposefully allows him to see or because he wishes for them to be there doesn’t matter. Wanting to help is his goal at the end of the day. He has to try, at least.
Argo descends the short staircase and offers him a small smile as she passes into the examination room. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long,” she says with a small smile. “Unfortunately, Pavo wished to have an unnecessary conversation that went on for entirely too long.”
Leo shakes his head. “A doctor’s work is never done. You gave me the time to catch up on some much-needed paperwork.” He closes the door behind them, sealing the room in silence, before turning to face her as she perches delicately on the exam table, one leg crossing over the other.
“Then I’m glad I gave you a break in your day.”
Leo nods before beginning the examination. “Are there any concerns you’ve had of late?”
She pauses, glancing to the door almost as though to make sure it’s still closed, before turning back to him. “Can I tell you a secret?”
He can’t help but raise an eyebrow curiously, leaning back against the set of drawers behind him. “A medical secret?”
“Kind of?” Her nose wrinkles in the most endearing way. “I may have said my stomach was bothering to use you as an excuse to get out of the manor.”
“Ahh,” A smile creeps up the corner of his mouth. “So, this is the equivalent of faking a stomach ache to get out of going to school?”
She laughs. “I know it sounds so childish, but the manor can be so … stifling. Here at least it feels like I can be myself.”
“I understand.” He also knows it’s risky. If the Sculptor ever happens to get the wrong idea about their relationship or, more specifically, the right notion hides underneath the subterfuge, things could end badly for him. “And while I do support that endeavor, there have to be more comfortable ways of doing it. You shouldn’t have to fake a stomach ache every time you want some fresh air.”
“You would think so.”
She doesn’t qualify. There’s no need. Leo knows how this planet works, and it’s that the Sculptor’s word is the law, for better or for worse. He pushes away from the table before moving to sit next to her. Not close enough to touch, but close enough that she could if she wanted.
“Look, I don’t know what it’s like for you up there. And I probably never will. But if you want to use me to have a little time to yourself, then I’ll keep your secret.”
There’s so much more he wants to say. He wants to tell Argo that he’ll whisk her away if she wished. He wants to say that he could give her a life far away from here, but Leo knows that at least part of that is making a promise he can’t keep. He has no plan, no options, just idealized notions.
“I appreciate that,” she says softly. “I know there’s a lot I don’t say, but I truly do value your discretion.”
He wishes it could be more than just his discretion, but he also knows it isn’t that easy. So, he just nods. “You don’t have to say it. And discretion is part of the job.” Doctor-patient confidentiality, and all that. She smiles in return before tipping forward, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.
“You’re sweet, all the same.”
A soft rap sounds on the door, and she sighs, pulling from him and bringing one thumb up to smooth away some of her lipstick. “That’s probably my detail. I have to get back.”
Leo nods, checking the mirror to make sure any of the offending lip color is gone, before moving to open the door for her. Then he says loudly, in the presence of her guard. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to see you once a week. We should monitor this carefully.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” she nods as she steps out into the hallway. “I’ll make sure they understand.”
Her guard gestures to her with one arm, and she follows his lead, heading back up the staircase towards the door. And as she goes, he can’t help but let his eyes linger until she disappears around the corner and out of view.
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Thanks for reading!
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