Chapter Text
“My mind is so loud and I’m afraid it’ll never be quiet again” said Siebren, trembling as he hugged his legs and hid his face against his knees. It was obviously one of those days where “the melody”, as Dr. de Kupier called his auditive hallucinations, was at its strongest.
Moira had never been good at comforting other people, so now this scene presented her with a dilemma. Was she supposed to stay professional and keep the regular schedule of procedures? or…?
After a couple of moments of tense silence, she finally spoke. Her tone was awkward, but still trying to keep a certain professional coldness to it.
“Would you... like to be left alone-”
“No, please, '' pleaded the man, lifting his face and looking into Moira’s eyes. She noticed Siebren’s were puffy and the grey irises shone brighter than ever when surrounded by the sea of red.
“I don’t want to be alone, not with this- this hellish music…”
Unknown to her, Moira’s stance softened and she took a seat on the couch, just beside the tall man.
“Very well, I will stay”
Siebren noded, his expression showing deep gratitude towards the scientist, and he sighed heavily.
For a while, there were no words, no movement apart from Siebren’s occasional shivers. This was new to Moira. Not the fact that his test subject suffered from such violent episodes, but that he had her asked for comfort.
Siebren felt a reluctant hand rest on his back and that touch alone was enough for the melody to slowly decrease in volume.
Going against his better judgment, he got a little closer to his colleague. It was foolish to think someone like Moira wouldn’t push him away for his audacity, but much to his surprise he felt the woman’s entire arm embracing him, almost hugging him.
Soon, he felt the entire universe had gone from a violent and booming symphony to a softer, more manageable song.
As the man looked up, Moira slowly withdrew her arm but was stopped by Siebren’s long fingers taking her hand.
“Thank you… doctor” a small, sad smile formed on his lips as he gave the thin, veiny hand a gentle squeeze.
It was bold, probably a death wish to some people, but Moira didn’t mind that much and simply nodded.
“You’re welcome, Dr. de Kupier…”
She didn’t realize she had the same sad smile on her own face.