[ he's not expecting it. perhaps he should've been. the contact is a shock, jolts him slightly - sentiment in the midst of all this packs a certain impact, and John's expression crumples under strain. he keeps the breath that's bound to stutter locked in behind clamped lips and grit teeth until the click-thud-drag of Prior's laboured steps carries up again, and then releases as best he can in a steady stream.
they both leave. Prior one way, John the other. he's been a bad doctor today, but perhaps an alright friend. which one of those is worth more he'll find out in time, when Prior's either worse or in a place from which he might be willing to sit still long enough to get better.
right now, John has places to be. the inside of a supply cupboard, maybe. or Thesa.
he opts for that, and before John's gone more than ten steps, he leaves his end of the corridor empty. ]
no subject
they both leave. Prior one way, John the other. he's been a bad doctor today, but perhaps an alright friend. which one of those is worth more he'll find out in time, when Prior's either worse or in a place from which he might be willing to sit still long enough to get better.
right now, John has places to be. the inside of a supply cupboard, maybe. or Thesa.
he opts for that, and before John's gone more than ten steps, he leaves his end of the corridor empty. ]