No Care For Others

Beau knew they were running short on medicine, and people's lives were on the line.

"Our orders were supposed to arrive two days ago. On top of having no antiseptics, we're almost low on Abacavir," Kaya whispered, her voice heavy with pain.

"Let's discuss this later in my office. Right now, we need to help those we can," Beau replied, his tone firm, though he could see the exhaustion in her eyes.

Kaya nodded, but her gaze was distant, weighed down by the mounting pressure.

It wasn't even that they were short on finances. It was just a lousy delivery service, something out of their control. With a frustrated sigh, Beau turned and headed out to check on the other patients.

Hours later, his feet dragged with each step down the long, sterile hallway. The cafeteria seemed miles away, and the weight of the day was beginning to drag him down. He felt like he was about to collapse from exhaustion.

"Dr. Langley." The voice caught his attention, and he turned to see Dr. Crane striding quickly toward him. "Rough day?"

Beau rubbed a tired hand over his face, his mind spinning. "Nothing new."

Dr. Crane nodded in understanding. "Today was the worst day of my entire career."

They walked in silence toward the cafeteria, both of them carrying the burden of the day.

"They're screwing us over," Beau muttered under his breath, the words barely audible. His mind flashed to the stacked paperwork and unfilled orders. Do I have to start stealing medicine too?

"I know," Dr. Crane said quietly. "They keep talking about shortages, but we know that's not the real reason. Other hospitals are doing just fine."

Beau's jaw clenched. Hue isn't the only devil.

He barely tasted his late lunch, eating in silence before heading back to help the rest of the patients.

By 6 p.m., his shift had ended, and Beau slumped into the dimly lit office. His legs were stretched out in front of him, his back pressed into the worn chair as he leaned back, trying to shake off the negative energy of the day.

Annoyance slowly overtook the tiredness in his bones the more he thought about it.

They better deliver our orders before I resort to violence, I will burn their shitty labs down if they don't.

His train of thought was disturbed by a loud knock on the door.

"Just come in," Beau said, glaring at the door as it slowly opened.

"Uh, I can come back…" Lanet peeked his head into the office. Though the anger was still rising within Beau, he felt a small sense of relief seeing him.

"This is surprising," Beau raised an eyebrow as he glanced from Lanet to Zane.

"It wouldn't be if your phone hadn't been on voicemail all day," Zane said.

Beau's mind blanked for a moment. Where the hell had he left his phone?

"Bad day?" Lanet asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Beau scoffed, the sound bitter. "That's putting it lightly. What are you two doing here?" His eyes darted to Zane, and then back to Lanet.

"Well, I was showing Zane around and thought we'd stop by," Lanet explained his usual calm demeanour back in place.

Beau's lips twisted into a wry smile. "Yes, I believe you've had a successful expedition." The words slipped out with enough sarcasm to sting. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were a joke to the Elite, just a bunch of "lazy humans" grumbling about the mess the district had become.

"Well, it's not like—" Lanet started, but Beau cut him off, the frustration bubbling up faster than he could control it.

"It's not like what? I'm sure you'd love a day off from your luxury to come explore the ruins outside your city." His voice was sharp, and biting.

"Beau!" Lanet's tone was a warning. The command in it made Beau stiffen, a jolt of adrenaline snapping him out of his self-righteous tirade. He shut his eyes, taking a deep breath to force the anger down.

"You know that isn't the reason we're here," Lanet said, his voice softer now.

Beau's fists clenched involuntarily. He didn't want to hear the good intentions bit right now.

"How about we grab some dinner?" Zane cut in with an easygoing tone, trying to smooth over the tension. He flashed Beau a soft smile.

"Of course." Beau's voice still had an edge, even if he tried to hide it behind the faintest mask of politeness.

"We'll wait for you outside, okay?" Lanet said softly. Beau nodded, watching them leave, but the tension didn't quite leave with them.

God, I lost it.

The frustration, the pressure—it all built up like a storm inside him. He couldn't even remember the last time he'd felt this defeated.

He quickly yanked off his scrubs and tossed them aside, heading out to meet Lanet and Zane. The cool air hit his face as he stepped outside, and for a moment, it helped clear the fog of frustration clouding his mind.

"Hey," he greeted Lanet, forcing a small smile. Before he could say more, Lanet yanked him into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry about back there," Beau murmured, his voice full of concern.

Lanet stiffened momentarily, trying to push the tension from his muscles. "It's alright. Let's just talk about it over dinner," he replied.

Lanet's hand patted Beau's back gently, there was a sense of warmth there—something Beau needed, even if he didn't want to admit it.

"So, where are we eating?" Beau asked, eager to shift the conversation.

"I saw a cozy little place when we drove into town," Lanet said, his eyes lighting up as he spoke.

Beau's stomach tightened. "People will see us," his voice was rough as he spoke. It was one thing to be seen with Lanet and Zane in the city, but here? In his neighbourhood? It felt like opening himself up to the vultures. He didn't even want to think about the scandalous headlines the tabloids would churn out.

Lanet shrugged. "I mean, they've already seen us together, Beau."

"Yes, but your people," Beau stressed. "The city doesn't know I'm middle class. They'll think I'm some kind of charity case."

Lanet's gaze didn't waver, his eyes were on Beau, steady and intense. "I don't care if you don't."

Zane had been quiet, watching the exchange between them with an inscrutable expression. His eyes held a distant look, like he wasn't even part of this moment, and Beau could feel the subtle tension in the air.

With a sharp exhale, Beau pushed the thoughts aside. "Let's go to my place. We'll order takeout. No one will care there."

They agreed, and Beau climbed onto his motorbike, feeling the roar of the engine beneath him, a welcome distraction. Lanet's car followed closely behind as they sped down the road.

When they finally reached Beau's house, he parked the bike in front of the garage.

Zane let out a low whistle, looking at the bike with admiration. "Wow, the bike's badass."

Beau couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips, a rare moment of pride breaking through. "My dad made this one, especially for me." 

"Your dad made that?" Zane's eyes lit up as he ran his hand over the sleek seat. "I want one."

Beau shot him a wry smile. "If he's still around, you can ask him for one."

He led Zane and Lanet into the house, the familiar scent of home greeting him. Inside, Teddy and Star were sprawled on the floor, engrossed in a game. The sight of his family, so normal, so untouched by the chaos outside, made Beau's chest warm.

"Hey, everyone," Beau called, his voice carrying through the house. "I brought visitors."

Two Elites. In his house. With his family and friends. This was going to be an interesting night.