In Search of Home

Chapter 23

Viktor woke sluggishly. He struggled to open his eyes, and when he did, he was nowhere he recognized. He blinked away the sleepiness, trying to fight the panic rising in his chest as he started to sit up. He felt a large hand cover his chest and push him back down, murmuring at him softly. Viktor let out a groan of protest but complied, trying to wipe away the dizziness that crept around the edges of his vision. 

After a while of taking in his surroundings, he realized that he was in the limo. He was settled in the crook of Vok'Rul's arm, lain across his lap snugly. The blanket was wrapped loosely around him, and while Viktor didn't think he would contract frostbite anytime soon, he was still a bit chilly. 

The most notable thing Viktor noticed, however, was not that he was in Vok'Rul's lap like a damsel in distress, but that his arm was no longer burning with pain like hot fire. He squirmed to get it free from the folds of the blanket and Vok'Rul's extravagant jewelry, seeing that it was covered in a cast. 

It was black, like all the bandages from here, but much, much thicker. It was very similar to the casts they had back on Earth. It spanned from the middle of his upper arm down to his fingers. He huffed in displeasure. He had never broken a bone before, but he knew that the healing process could take weeks. He was not looking forward to it. 

Vok'Rul seemed displeased that he was moving around so much because he wrapped the blankets around Viktor tightly, murmuring quietly and sternly to the human. Viktor sunk back into the warmth with a sigh, still feeling the effects of the sedation. He wondered how long he had been out. 

Soon enough, they were back in the mansion. Vok'Rul carried him into his personal wing and up the stairs. Viktor did not protest, a bit too woozy and tired to do so. He'd probably just end up hurting himself even more. 

Instead of dropping him off in the office closet as Viktor expected, Vok'Rul turned to the bathroom instead. Humming his confusion, Viktor watched as the alien settled him on the floor next to the tub. Slowly, the pieces started to click together. 

"Nuh uh," Viktor said loudly, shaking his head. "No fuckin' way." He stopped when it made him dizzy. His tongue felt thick, three sizes too big for his mouth. Vok'Rul looked over at him, probably surprised by the volume. He said Viktor's name softly, petting his head. The alien turned back to the tub, fiddling with the taps that Viktor would have no hope of figuring out, and turned on the water. He spoke to Viktor, pointing at the ground and saying something. The alien left the bathroom in a hurry, leaving the door open. 

Viktor scowled heavily, trying to stand up. He would not stay here and submit to being bathed like he couldn't do it himself. He got to his feet for a second, feeling victorious even if he was clutching the large tub for dear life. His grip faltered and his knees crumpled below him. Reflexively, his arms shot out to catch him. He groaned as he felt pain, though severely muted, race through his arm. 

He laid on the floor mutinously, furiously staring up at the ceiling. He had no choice. 

Vok'Rul came back soon, decidedly more comfortable looking and less metallic. The shirt he wore looked old; there were a few holes at the hems. It had some text that Viktor didn't care to decipher. He looked alarmed to see him lain out on the floor. 

"Kohgrash," he said, asking him something. Viktor glared. The alien huffed, sitting the teen back up. Viktor easily could've sat back up by himself. He was just... taking a little break from moving. 

Whatever the vet shot him up with was lethal. Viktor yawned loudly. Vok'Rul gave him a fond smile. 

Viktor must have dozed against the tub because he was jerked awake as large hands wrapped around his middle carefully, lifting him up. A bit confused at the sudden movement, Viktor muttered half-hearted protests as he was set on the sink. He tried not to be wildly embarrassed when Vok'Rul peeled off his clothing. He was grateful to have it off, though. The articles of clothing were rather cold and stuck to his body uncomfortably.