C Rebuilding Crimson [Closed with Gre-y | Shifter RP]

[Sam260]

Devin nodded and left the duo mates alone. They needed each other more than they needed Devin poking and prodding at wounds that would heal on their own in a few hours. The scars would remain, but they would bind back up quickly.

RJ whimpered, his eyes still closed, as he felt Kodi's presence near him. He slowly cracked one of his eyes open, looking up at his mate "Kod..." he croaked the words out, his voice was raw and rough sounding.

"Ar...y... ok?" the words were broken up as RJ started fading in and out of consciousness again, the pain was unbearable and his entire body throbbed with each heartbeat that pounded against his chest.

[gre-y]

Kodi wrapped himself around RJ, careful of his wounds. He wanted to drown him in his scent and his warmth while he healed and rested. He also lightly groomed him for comfort. Finally, he simply rested his head near his. He would be unable to sleep or focus on anything else until RJ was alright.

Hearing a whimper in the otherwise quiet room made the omega lift up his head. “Hey,” He cooed gently, nuzzling him. “I’m here..” he assured him softly. “And I’m okay..” he added, pressing himself tighter to his alpha.

“Just rest..” he whispered as RJ quieted and went down again. The worried omega couldn’t do anything except being there for him. He glanced up towards the sky that he could barely see through the mouth of the den. The stars were as bright as ever.

[Sam260]

It took a few days before RJ was back to his full strength, and even then he was a bit weakened by the blood loss and wounds that had covered his body; patches of fur were regrowing in places he had lost it. The wounds, sealed now by the magical healing properties of all wolves blood, were now scarred over on his face, neck, and his upper torso - basically, he looked like he went through a wood chipper head-first.

RJ sat at the river, staring down at his reflection - He looked horrible, and no doubt he would look worse in his human form - he was almost afraid of shifting forms now, afraid to see what he looked like in the flesh, so to speak. but... he needed to know how bad the damage was and the likely reactions he would get from his neighbors when they saw him next in a few weeks.

RJ shifted, groaning in pain as he did so - the wounds still were fresh and they tugged as his body transformed from that of the huge red wolf and into the tall bronze-skinned man that he was. He sat in the grass, naked as all get out, and stared at his body. His face had claw marks running down the right side of his face - they were red and angry looking still, since not fully healed over on his human side; he had scars covering his chest and throat... Yep, he still looked like he went through a wood chipper.

RJ sighed and laid back in the grass, dipping his bare feet into the cold running river, staring up at the cloudy sky - it would rain today, and he did not feel like moving from where he was, even if he got soaked to the bone.

[gre-y]

It seemed Kodi was glued at RJ’s side while he was healing up. He would lay with him all day long, groom him, bring him meals, and water. He would lick on the wounds to clean them so they wouldn’t get infections. They looked dreadful and painful, but Kodi didn’t react or say anything about them. He just cleaned them.

After a couple days, RJ healed up and it almost seemed like he was hiding off from him. When Kodi woke up, he was gone. He felt a little bit lonely, since RJ had been so quiet and grumpy these past couple days since the fight, and how he was gone. He let out a dramatic sigh and stretched out. He stood up, shook out his fur, and walked out to get some food. Then he’d search for RJ.

Kodi didn’t look good either- Tessa did a number on him with her claws and bites. He had little scabbies everywhere, a new nic in his ear, and most notably a small scratch across the top of his muzzle from her sharp claw when he was clamping down on her ankle. He didn’t like thinking about it. The situation also made him a tad less trusting of others, since that attack just came out of the blue.

The little wolf padded over to get something to eat. Luckily one of his omega friends called him over, willing to share part of her kill with him. That saved him the trouble of hunting himself, and being afraid in the woods. He shared a meal of a few rabbits with his friend, thanked her, and then trotted on.

He strolled down the path to Their spot, as he knew RJ would be there. He soon caught site of him, but as a man, laying in the grass. “RJ?” The omega called as he padded over a bit faster.

[Sam260]

RJ blinked open his eyes, looking up at his mate now that he was standing above his head "Hey... I uh... How are you feeling?" RJ asked quietly, his voice was hoarse and scratchy; he hadn't spoken much since the attack and it was now obvious why - his voice was practically non-existent, the scars on his throat more prominent in his human form - it likely hurt a lot to speak and he did little of it.

RJ did not want to worry Kodi, but it was inevitable. He hated getting into fights; he was a pretty passive Alpha, not wanting to cause other's harm - the only things he had to kill were food, but the last few days he also had not been much into eating... and it showed; his stomach was flatter than normal, his features a bit sunken with the lack of nutrition.

[gre-y]

Kodi stood above him and sat, looking down at his face and looking over the human features. He was still handsome, even with the scars. “Oh I’m okay, don’t worry about me,” he said as he tucked his tail around his feet. A chilly breeze went through the air. “I’ve been worried about you.. how aren’t you feeling?” He asked gently.

He adjusted his position to lay down next to RJ, and be outstretched a paw to lay it across his arm. He was very worried about his alpha, and he wasn’t looking too good at all. “Hey.. maybe we should go back and eat?” He suggested hopefully. Kodi wasn’t hungry anymore, but he wanted RJ to eat something other than a couple bites.

[Sam260]

RJ shook his head and almost gagged at even just the mention of food "Can't eat..." he rubbed his throat with a large hand and hissed as a still open wound on his neck was rubbed the wrong way "It... hurts... so badly... it won't close..." RJ frowned deeply and laid his head on top of Kodi's back.

"Feel so... sick and..." he tried not to cough, but he did anyway, and with it came a bit of blood. RJ frowned and wiped the blood from his chin and lower lip - He had been doing a lot of that, but because he tried staying away from the rest of the pack, Kodi included, no one knew about it except for him - and, as he had said previously, he was stubborn as hell.

[gre-y]

Kodi frowns as RJ rejects food. He was becoming increasingly worried about him. He turned his head to peak at the wound. “This might sting,,” he muttered and lightly licked at it for a daily cleaning. It would be so bad if got infected. After cleaning the wound he puts his head back down, and RJ settled against his fluffy back.

“You look so weak and pale,” the omega noted worriedly. He wasn’t getting any better.. to him it looked like he was getting worse. He looks up at the blood worriedly when he coughs it out. “Oh my gosh- we’re going to Devin to get that looked at. That’s bad and dangerous and you know it,” he growled. He couldn’t believe how sick and dangerous that was. He got up, and nudged his shoulder with his muzzle. “We need to get that looked at. That can turn into something much worse,” he said bossily and nudged him again.

[Sam260]

RJ wanted to growl at being pushed around by Kodi, but... as mates, well... Kodi was literally the only one who could boss him around and get away with it, despite the fact that he was the pack master. RJ slowly stood up, wobbling on his two legs slightly - it had been nearly six months since the last time he had stood on two legs and they felt like jell-o, mix in the fact that he was running a high fever and obviously quite sick... well, stability was not a strong suit of his.

RJ followed, slowly, after Kodi, stumbling and tripping his way through the woods and back to the den area. Once there, he collapsed to his knees; coughing up more blood, and gasping for each breath that tried to pass through his constricting lungs "Fuck..." he wheezed loudly, clutching at the grass beneath him.

[gre-y]

Kodi forced him to finally get up, and was glad when he finally followed him. Good, he would get looked at.. he was so scared for him. He padded at his side, ready to be a support should RJ fall. He looked between the path and RJ. He looked paler and even worse. Even more a reason to bring him home.

Finally they safely arrived at the den, and Kodi wantned to get RJ settled in but sadly he fell over, coughing and gasping for air. “RJ!” He whimpered, cuddling at his side while he fell. “Devin!” He yelled, hoping where he was he’d hear and come. He didn’t want to leave his side.

[Sam260]

Devin heard the distressed call from his cousin's mate, he was slightly far away from the den area, teaching his own kids how to hunt small game when it rang out over and through the trees "Come kids." he told his four boys, running at full speed through the forest and back to the den.

A crowd had started gathering around RJ and Kodi, murmuring and trying to find out just what the heck happened to their Pack Master when Devin came barreling through - four childhood aged pups at his heels "Boys, go find your mother." Devin said and then turned back to his cousin and Kodi.

Devin shifted forms quickly, kneeling down at RJ's side "What the heck happened, Kodi?" Devin asked as he slowly turned RJ onto his back, laying him flat on the ground and tilting his head back slightly - he was running his hand alongside the uninjured portion of RJ's neck, feeling for a pulse; it was there, but weak and thready. The blood dribbling from his mouth was worrisome and the ragged breaths he could see RJ trying to take really did worry him.

[gre-y]

Kodi panicked, comforting his mate and shouting for Denin until he finally arrived. He supported his mate while he struggled on the grassy floor, watching in horror as he coughed up blood. Finally, Devin came to the rescue.

“He’s sick!” He exclaimed. “There’s something wrong with his neck wounds,” he started to explain as Devin flipped him over to get a look at him. “We were sitting out together, and he started coughing blood. His breathing got really bad, and he’s spitting up blood,” he said worriedly, looking between the pair.

[Sam260]

Devin nodded and leaned over RJ, looking closely at the wound on his neck. Devin sighed quietly, brushing the hair rust colored hair that was matting up with sweat on RJ's forehead away "He needs to get to a hospital... a real hospital... his neck is infected... something must have gotten into the wound before we started trying to heal him... That's why it hasn't healed yet." Devin said, looking his cousin's pale form over before looking up at Kodi.

"Are you going to come with him? If so, we will need to find you some clothes that will fit..." Devin looked around at the group that had gathered, nodding toward one of the Omega's that was similar in size to Kodi "You, Thomas, go fetch your clothes from the trunk..." Devin turned back to Kodi then - his brown eyes, so similar to Rusty's, were shining with tears and kindness "Everything will be alright Kodi, I promise... You need not panic anymore."

Thomas returned a few seconds later, a pair of jeans, tshirt and shoes gripped in his jaw. He dropped them at Kodi's feet, bowed his head and then backed away.

Devin lifted his cousin up slowly into his arms - RJ groaned loudly, coughing and spitting up more blood on his bare chest and Devin's face "It's going to be alright cousin... We will get the help that you need." Devin started walking away with RJ in his arms "Arlene, fetch me and RJ's clothes, please!" he called to his wife as he picked up the pace, running as carefully as he could with his cousin in his arms -- The parking lot where they all parked their cars was not far from the den area, and Devin made it in record time, easing his cousin into the trunk of his SUV.

[gre-y]

Kodi watched worriedly as the wound was being inspected. It looks bad.. infected.. the thing they wanted to prevent. He nervously nuzzles at RJ’s hand with his muzzle, trying to comfort him where it wouldn’t hurt. “A hospital?” He squeaked, as he had never been to one. He had never been that deep in human towns, and he was scared. He’d do anything for RJ though, and he needed help. He’d brave through his fear for him.

“Yes I will come. Don’t leave without me please,” he said hurriedly as tears brimmed in his eyes. He stood up and accepted the clothes from his packmate. “Thank you, Thomas..” he looked towards Devin. “I’ll get these on and will be right there,” he said and took the clothes in his mouth and padded off to a den with them. He transformed into his human form, which he was a bit rusty with. He wobbled around and pulled on the clothes, and wrestled on some shoes.

After changing he tripped out of the den, trying to keep up. He was soon at Devin’s side following him to the car. He grasped RJ’s hand as Devin carried him out to the car. “I’ll sit with him,” he offered, not wanting him to be alone. He was trying his best to hold back his tears, but his eyes were wet.

[Sam260]

RJ gasped raggedly, his brown eyes open and unfocused on the SUV roof as Devin drove them - as fast as possible - back into the town. "Take... take... care of them..." he whispered, slowly turning his head toward Kodi, his hand blindly reaching for Kodi's hand, his eyes were wet, shining with tears that seemed stubborn to fall.

Devin had already gotten RJ changed into a pair of clothes before leaving the forest area, so when he pulled up to the hospital - bright lights and people milling about every where in quick fashion - he was able to just jump out of the SUV and get his cousin and Kodi out of the trunk. Devin carried RJ into the hospital - bridal style - and caught the attention of the first doctor he could find "Please... You have to help my cousin - He was attacked by a wolf..." Devin hated lying, but it also wasn't a complete lie, as his cousin had been... "We tried to treat him, because he refused medical care, but the wound on his neck... It is infected." Devin explained to the doctor.

The doctor nodded and motioned for Devin and Kodi to follow along - they got RJ onto a gurney and were rushing him back through the double doors of the Emergency Department. A bunch of words flew over head as the doctor and nurses worked around RJ's body - setting him up on IV fluids, cleaning the wound and wrapping bandages around it.

The chaos was enormous and Devin stayed out of the way, and close to Kodi, a strong hand on the young omega's shoulder the entire time - Devin could sense the fear and anxiety rolling off of Kodi in waves "It will be alright, Kodi... This is one of the best hospitals in Florida."

[gre-y]

Kodi sat with his alpha, worriedly looking down at him, wondering if this would be the last time he’d see him alive. He wasn’t doing well at all. He thought he was doing a good job holding in his tears, but the Rj was weakly trying to speak. Tears now freely rolled from his eyes as he reached for his hand. He held it tightly and with his other hand he lightly stroked his hair to comfort him. “Shhh..” he hushed gently. “We can talk later.. save your strength,” he whispered, brushing his fingers through his red hair.

Soon they arrived at the hospital and it was a lot to take in. So many people.. everywhere! The place smelled clean, yet he could sense the sick people. It made him uneasy and he felt like his stomach was in knots as the approached. He was at Devin’s side as they came in together, trying to get help for RJ.

Luckily he was offered help immediately, and was now being taken care of. He had no idea what these people were saying and he felt like his head was spinning. His mouth was dry. He couldn’t focus on anything. His mate was shortly taken care of- wounds cleaned and stuff applied and bandages. This would make him better.. he hoped.

Luckily Devin stayed close to Kodi, which helped him to relax. He appreciates the hand on his shoulder and it kept him as calm as he could be in the situation. He wiped at the tears rolling from his eyes, still watching RJ being tended to. It took everything to not rush over to him, but he had to let the doctors do their work for him.

He looked up at Devin, his eyes pathetically leaking hot wet tears. “Do you think he’ll be okay?” He asked softly.

[Sam260]

Devin nodded his head and smiled a bit weakly in Kodi's direction "He will be fine. He has endured worse than this before..." Devin said quietly, looking to his cousin "His fever is not all too high, which means we caught the infection early enough... They will give him antibiotics to wipe it out of his system and..." Devin shrugged slightly "It will be like nothing at all happened to him, he will bounce back, Kodi."

Devin stayed for as long as he could in the hospital, but with RJ here, keeping the pack in line would fall to his shoulders "Call my phone if there is any changes, Kodi... I will come as fast as I can back here." and with that, Devin took off; he did not want to leave Kodi here alone, but responsibilities needed to be taken for the pack.

---

A few hours had gone by, doctors and nurses coming in and out of RJ's room - they had moved him, after only an hour, into a semi-secluded part of the hospital, his room had no other people in it which meant that Kodi would feel a bit more comfortable, except for the constant string of medical personnel.

RJ was hooked up to an IV that was not only delivering antibiotics into his system, but something to keep him hydrated as well. There was a feeding tube running through his nose, since Devin has said that because of the infection he had not eaten in days - so he was also getting nutrients through that as well.

RJ grunted and tried turning on the bed, but he found he had little room and no strength to move even a finger at this point. RJ blinked his eyes open slowly and sighed - Why in the hell was he in the hospital? Everything seemed to be a blur to him, he could hardly remember the last few days, let alone why he was here. RJ turned his head to the side and saw that Kodi was right there with him "Kod..." he croaked out, his voice sounding so much like sandpaper against wood.

[gre-y]

Kodi felt a little better when Devin would explain what they were doing and how it would help. He had never been to a hospital before so obviously he was on edge, but knowing what was happening eased his worries. He took in a deep shaky breath and ran his fingers through his head of thick curly hair. “Thank you Devin,” he said softly, glancing up at him. His presence made this whole situation easier.

Unfortunately, Devin had to go home and look after the pack. “Alright.. I’ll stay here,” he said uneasily, but he understand that RJ’s cousin had to go back home. “I’ll let you know if anything new happens to him,” he said with a nod. He watched as he left the room, and now he was alone.

—————

Kodi stayed put on the chair next to RJ’s bed and waited for him to wake or do something. He nervously eyed doctors and nurses as they walked about, and came in to check on him, and other patients making noise outside of her room. Finally they were moved into a less crowded area and Kodi was able to loosen up and relax without so many people around.

Kodi stared at the glossy hospital floor, thinking about their pups. The thought comforted him while he waited for sick RJ to come to. He lights brushed his hand over his stomach and sighed softly, biting at his bottom lip.

He heard RJ start to speak softly and he perked up, turning towards him. “Hey,” he whispered softly, reaching out a hand to lightly place it against his arms. “I’m here,” he assured him when RJ called for him.

[Sam260]

RJ smacked his dry lips, his throat feeling like someone had poured a bag of cotton balls down his throat and left them there "Wa...water... please..." he croaked, trying to move his body into a sitting position - Kodi helped him do both of those things with aid of the hospital bed controls and then the pitcher of water that seemed to always be present in hospitals, pink pitcher and matching cup - as always.

Once RJ felt like the cotton balls disappeared, he sighed and looked over at Kodi with more focused eyes "Why... Why am I here? What happened?" RJ asked quietly, not wanting to put too much strain on his still very pained neck.

[gre-y]

Kodi worriedly looked at his battered face. His weak voice made him felt like a wasp stung his heart. “I’ll get thet for you,” he said quickly. Before he could, he helped him sit up a little better. He grabbed the remote that made the bed go up, and he moved it for him. Then he turned around and poured he water in the pitcher into the little paper cup that was on the table. He turned and handed him the water. “Here..” e said gently, making sure RJ was holding onto the water cup before he let it go.

Kodi noticed he looked a bit better after having some water. “You’re in the hospital,” he told him. “Your wounds got infected, and you started spitting up a lot of blood, so Devin and I brought you to the hospital,” he explained. “Devin left to look after the pack, and I’ll call him soon to let him know you’re awake,” he answered.