Visiting a Friend (tag: Nolan)

[Sloane Taylor]

Sloane didn't like hospitals. It had something to do with her smelling death everytime she came close to the place. The strong smell of antiseptic, the bright lights, the sickly faces. And then amidst all the gloom, balloons and flowers and fruit baskets adorn gift shops. Sloane felt it was a bit pretentious. Like the hospital people needed to compensate or justify their acts by 'bringing joy and laughter' to the sick.

So if she hated hospitals so much and she thought that sending flowers and fruit baskets and balloons were overrated, why was she holding on to a bouquet of an arrangement of flowers in one hand, a fruit basket in another heading towards a room that would most probably be filled with flowers and fruit baskets? She didn't even know Nolan all too well yet here she was doing something she didn't even like doing.

After the little outing she had with her best friend and semi-friend, she had really thought of just going home and sleeping the day away. Her parents had even asked her to when she came home without her shoes after they found out about the shooting. They coddled her until she couldn't breathe so she decided to get out of the house and funnily enough, visiting Nolan seemed to be better than staying home being showered attention by her parents. This was starting to become a very weird day for Sloane.

When she arrived at the reception desk, she wondered what she should tell the receptionist of her relation with Nolan. Cousin? Sister? What was she doing right now? Why was she bending over backwards trying to be nice to a person who might even be thinking it was HER fault he ended up in the hospital?

"What is your relationship with the patient?" the haggard looking nurse asked tiredly. She must have been asking the same question over and over again today. Family members, close acquaintances...all wanting to see the injured students from the shooting. And the nurse must have had to see the tears, deal with the impatience, and tolerate the stupid behaviours of people who didn't know what she had to go through day after day.

"Friend...I'm his friend." Sloane decided to go with the truth, not worrying about whether she would gain entry. She would just push her way through anyway. The nurse nodded and waved her in. Sloane gave her what seemed to be the best smile she could muster. What came out looked like the product of a constipated person. She walked to the room indicated with her fruits and flowers and knocked on the door a couple of times before opening it herself and walking in, not sure exactly what to expect.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

Nolan felt loopy. He definitely didn’t feel his butt, or his right leg. It was a sensation Nolan was getting used to. His father was the fist to arrive at the hospital, the big man staying gruff. Nils had never been one much for emotion, even when his wife, Nolan’s mother, had passed. He offered Nolan words of encouragement, then the two changed the topic to less serious matters. Except Nolan found it hard to keep track of a conversation, and so the two finally ended up sitting in silence.

Marty and Freddy arrived together. Marty covered Nolan in hugs, while Freddy did much the same as his father. Nolan discussed with the family that it was only a flesh wound and that it wouldn’t affect him at all after he healed. Everyone was excited to hear it wouldn’t affect his football career. Marty then told Nolan that she had talked to Adam and that he would be flying in tomorrow. Again, everyone was excited to hear the news. Nolan hadn’t seen Adam in about a year, since last year’s offseason. Hopefully, Nolan would be out of the hospital by the time Adam arrives. The last thing Nolan wanted to deal with were the news reporters that occasionally pestered Adam. Being a high profile football star was not half as bad as being a celebrity, but occasionally there were a few pestering paparazzi.

Soon Nolan began feeling tired, and it was agreed that they would leave him in peace for the night. After many promises to return in the morning, Nils led his children exited the room, leaving the flowers and cards they had brought. Nils had even brought an old football, and Nolan cradled it as he laid back and closed his eyes.

Nolan wasn’t sure if he had fallen asleep or if no time had passed because it felt as if the second he closed his eyes he heard a knock on the door. He sat up a little, thinking it was maybe morning already, or that Adam had caught an early flight. Instead, he saw a face he didn’t expect to see.

“Umm… hey, Sloane.” Nolan felt a little awkward. He had no idea what she thought about him. He vaguely remembered her kissing him, but he wasn’t sure. Everything was kind of a blur after he had gotten shot, and Nolan had trouble separating what happened with what he dreamed. She had flowers and a gift basket, though, so Nolan thought that had to be a positive sign.

But what did he think of Sloane? That was the real trouble. She confused the heck out of him, but not as much as he was confusing himself at this point in time. He didn’t know if he liked her or if it was just that they had been through a traumatic moment together and he felt attachment because of that. Was it even that complicated? Nolan had two girlfriends in the past, but neither of them were serious. One was when he was in middle school. None had made him feel the way Sloane did. Nolan sat in silence, unsure of what to say next. He hoped Sloane would make the next move so that he’d know what to do.

[Sloane Taylor]

Slipping into the room and closing the door behind her, Sloane approached the bed cautiously. She put down the fruit basket and flowers on the side table and wondered whether she should stand or sit on the chair or on the bed. After seconds of arguing with herself, hoping Nolan didn't think she was any weirder by staring into space, she decided to stand by the window. It was almost dark out. Sloane looked at Nolan who looked a bit pale under the bright flourescent lights over his bed. A million things ran in her head. She didn't know the protocol for visiting the person you helped get shot in the butt.

The last time she visited someone she knew at the hospital, it was when she was a kid. Her grandfather had a massive stroke and she remembered she couldn't even look at him. Blinking the memory away, Sloane focused on the one on the bed right then. "Um...you don't hate me...do you?"

Loser. She sounded like a loser. Like a whiny...a bit desperate and a little clingy loser. Why she even bothered coming here in the first place she didn't know. Did she suddenly have the urge to make a fool of herself in front of someone she didn't know? Did she suddenly enjoy self-humiliation?

Looking at Nolan, she wondered what could possibly be in his mind right now. He must be thinking: God this girl doesn't have life. Why is she stalking me? She's the reason why I got shot. Why did I even talk to her in the first place?
He must be regretting approaching her that morning. Wow...was it really just this morning? Had it only been a few hours since they first met?

Sloane ran her fingers through her hair and waited for him to answer.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

Hate her? That couldn’t be further than what Nolan felt for Sloan, though he didn’t fully understand what it was he did feel. Nolan watched her has she stood by the window, the last rays of the setting sun seeming to light her hair aflame. She looked gorgeous standing there, and Nolan felt a sudden urge to grab her and kiss her. Of course, he couldn’t. He wasn’t sure if he could even stand right now. And his brain seemed to be pulsing. She ran her fingers through her hair, a habit Nolan noticed Sloane did often. He smiled.

“Come here,” he spoke softly, patting the bed next to him. The blankets felt warm, for which Nolan was thankful for. He was wearing a hospital gown and nothing more, so if it weren’t for the blankets he would be freezing his injured butt off. Not to mention he would be very inappropriately dressed to be hanging out with a girl like Sloane. Or maybe not.

Nolan’s thoughts wandered to what Sloane might look like in the same gown. Not that Nolan hoped she was injured, just that…

He shook his head. It was hard to concentrate. He glanced over at the I.V. drip hanging on the pole next to him. He tried to focus his thoughts. He needed to be able to get through this.

“I don’t hate you. I hope you understand that.” Nolan shifted a bit, and grimaced. Even though he couldn’t’ feel most of his lower torso, some parts of his body still ached from the surgery. “To be honest, I approached you because I thought you were hot, and I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just wanted to talk you. So when we… so in the shower I was just kinda confused. It seemed really fast and with what was going on…” He sighed, his thoughts drifting back towards the men with guns.

No. Focus.

“I’m sorry, Sloane. I was actually worried you hated me.” Nolan looked up at Sloane and smiled. “But I’m glad you came.”

[Sloane Taylor]

When Nolan invited her to sit on the bed, she furiously debated with her own mind. She really didn't know why though. On the one hand, if she sat down it would suggest intimacy, something she wasn't sure she should be displaying. But if she didn't, she'd be misconstrued as rude. Either way, it wasn't any good to her. She didn't want to be seen as submissive nor did she want to be thought of as inconsiderate.

Somehow, the debate came to an end and she ended up sliding on to the bed awkwardly. She was quite glad she changed into jeans after the whole Bree thing because as she crossed and uncrossed her legs on the hospital bed, she found it rather hard not to think that Nolan might look up her skirt, if she were to wear one. She didn't know why that thought occurred nor did she know why that bothered her. She never cared when other guys looked up her skirt, in fact she almost always made it easier for them.

Great...just one day of a shooting, Sloane was suddenly Mother Teresa. And this Nolan character isn't helping either. He's making it a bit difficult for her to be who she really was. Why she wanted to impress him, she didn't know. Right at that moment as she listened to him talk, she couldn't help but smile at his deep almost...warming voice. She bit back her laughter when he told her why he approached her. As did every other male she had ever come across thought. All they thought of her was that she had looks. And when they start talking to her, they find that she doesn't have much brains. And when they're in bed, they find out just how easy she was. Standard procedure. Comes with every Sloane Taylor doll.

“I’m sorry, Sloane. I was actually worried you hated me.” Nolan looked up at Sloane and smiled. “But I’m glad you came.”

"Why would I hate you, Nolan? I barely know you." Sloane shook her head and when he smiled up at her, she wanted to look away but she kept her gaze fixed on him. She even came up with a little small smile as a reciprocation. She leaned forward and patted his hand with hers. "I'm glad I came too. You have nothing to be sorry about and...I have plenty to be. I got you shot, I stood you up and...well...that's all I can think of right now. And I guess...I'm sorry about the whole drama of me walking out on you. If I hadn't, you wouldn't have had to bring me back in and you wouldn't have gotten shot. So...yeah. I'm really really sorry." Sloane sighed, casting her eyes downwards.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

After everything that they had been through today, Nolan still couldn’t read anything about Sloane. Just as he was starting to think her showing up was a good sign, she started giving him some differing vibes. She sat after a few moments of deliberation, and seemed awkward and uncomfortable being near him. Was she just being nice, polite, by showing up? Did she really care if he was doing okay?

After Nolan spoke it was his turn to listen, and he caught on to why she came. She felt guilty, that it was her fault he was shot. Nolan’s smile dropped from his face as he began to unconsciously protect his emotions.

“Well, don’t worry about it. I made the choices I did, and I got shot because of me. Not you.” In retrospect, Nolan felt like that came out a little harsh. He tried to soften up, but it was hard. He was adrift here, with no bearing to head for. If he sailed on blindly, he could crash and burn. “I would have been very upset if you had gotten hurt.”

Nolan tried to sit up, hoping to get closer to Sloane. After a momentary struggle, he gave up. He gave a weak smile to Sloane, embarrassment bringing a flush of red to his cheeks.

“I was going to give you a hug, but, uh…” He motioned to himself, feeling a bit awkward. He laughed quietly, hoping it would break some of the tension he felt. It did little. He hoped at least she felt a little more comfortable, so he put his other hand upon hers and the one she was holding. It wasn’t a hug, but it was something.

[Sloane Taylor]

Sloane heard Nolan's tone change but she wasn't about to let that get in the way for now. He might not have thought it was because of her but she did. And she might be feeling this guilt for quite some time.

When Nolan told her he would get upset if anything were to happen to her, it made her wince slightly. Here was a guy who only knew her name and she only knew his, who would care if she got hurt. Where had he been all her life? Probably having serious relationships while she had been sleeping around. It was laughable. Two completely different people leading two completely different lives, suddenly coming together to form the basis of an acquaintance, or at least she thought it was an acquaintance. It could be more but she couldn't be too sure. It couldn't be any less, that was for sure.

When he started struggling, Sloane moved to help him but thought otherwise. He might push her away, thinking she was trying to somehow emasculate him. But then the smile proved her wrong. And what he said next took her by surprise. "You were trying to...oh." Sloane slid her hand out of Nolan's grip before circling it under his neck while the other pulled his hand so it can rest on her waist. She pressed her cheek against his while her body rested lightly on his, not wanting to put too much pressure on his wound. She stayed there for quite some time, actually liking the feeling.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

Sloane gently slid next to Nolan’s body. Everything about her enveloped him, and he ignored any of the slight pains he felt as the two came together. She smelled incredible, as usual, and her hair tickled Nolan’s face as he felt the soft warmth of her cheek press against his. His hands held her slender waist. Everything about this felt right to Nolan, and he found himself secretly hoping Sloane felt the same.

He could feel her breath on his neck. His heart was picking up speed and before he knew it his pulse had skyrocketed. The machines next to his bed began to give away his heart. Nolan thought about ripping off some of the cords attached to him, but that would probably be just as obvious as the machines beeping and blipping rhythmically. He might as well just follow his heart.

Nolan slowly pulled his cheek back from Sloane’s, catching her gaze for a moment before closing his eyes and kissing her. Not long, and not deeply. Just a soft little kiss, lightly, on the lips. Nolan wasn’t sure of what to say. He knew what he wanted to say, but he wasn’t sure it was a good idea. He struggled to come up with something perfect to say in this moment.

“Your flowers are the prettiest.”

[Sloane Taylor]

There was something to be said about the first kiss after a traumatic event. Things weren't muddling your brains too much. Everything seemed clear. Everything seemed to make sense. Even Nolan's heart reading going skyrocket didn't seem to bother Sloane that much. The kiss was, for all it's worth, perfect.

What he said next might not have been so but it certainly made her want to laugh out loud. She only offered a little smile before straightening herself up, crossing her legs and placing her hands neatly folded on her thighs. "Of course they are. I bought them, didn't I?" She smirked before looking at him. "Do you need me to fluff your pillows or something? I really don't know the standard procedure for visiting someone in the hospital." She confessed, although she didn't really know why she had to be so honest all of a sudden.

Sloane sigh inaudibly before sliding in next to Nolan, making sure she didn't move him but give enough space for her not to fall down. "These beds are pretty comfy." She said, more to fill in the silence than anything else. "Maybe I should consider hurting myself so I can try getting on these beds..." she joked lightly. Their arms joined felt a bit warm. She was a bit stiff as she lied there beside Nolan. "You got some nice digs here, Ahlstrom."

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

The thought of Sloane bending over and fluffing Nolan’s pillow made him look away in embarrassment. He didn’t know if it was the drugs, Sloane, or the recent high-stress experience that had got him thinking this way. He wasn’t normally so dirty. But certain thoughts of a certain girl just kept popping into his mind. He tried to focus on other things.

“It’s probably good you don’t know a lot of hospital protocol,” Nolan joked. “I’d be worried if you came in here acting like a nurse or something.” Although, Sloane would make for a very pretty nurse. Nolan began imagining her in one of those Halloween costumes, walking into the room with soapy water and a sponge…

Nolan shook his head. He could barely concentrate! This girl was doing bad things to Nolan, but he wasn’t sure he didn’t like it. Sloane sighed and laid back down with him, and that helped calm the tall boy. The feeling of her body on his was a little odd, since part of him was numb. But the parts that were together had a nice warmth to them.

Nolan looked down at her when she mentioned getting hurt. “No,” he frowned, “you can’t get hurt after all this! Plus, they’d have to put you in a different bed, and I think you’re much better right here.” He reached up and ran his fingers through her hair, leaving his hand on the back of her neck. He liked touching her hair, it felt different than his own. Softer, or something. A thought occurred to Nolan. Even though they were lying next to each other, he still felt a little nervous asking. Nolan looked up towards the ceiling.

“How about tomorrow, you know, when I’m out of here… uh, we could go out. On a date.” Nolan kept looking away from Sloane, half afraid she was already scowling at the thought. His heart began speeding up again.