Work Text:
It was another sleepless night for Lester Sheehan, and as funny as it may seem, it wasn't because of the huge storm blowing on all sides of this small building they were in, but it was something different. It was someone.
He snaps out of his thoughts once he hears shuffling from the top bunk, indicating more movement from his partner— or patient. It wasn't difficult to piece two and two together to realize Andrew was probably having another nightmare. He was his doctor after all. He knew the symptoms it would lead to someone once they got off their meds, but Lester and Cawly knew this could be worth it in the long run. Their only chance.
But that didn't stop Lester from feeling guilty for putting his patient through this. He knew how hard this must be for the other, yet he could only stand there and watch as he pretends to be clueless. But apart from that, Lester had sort of enjoyed working with Andrew in this little fantasy of his. Maybe it was because Lester could spend more time getting to know Andrew, and spend more time hanging out with him. Not that they haven't had enough of those already, but something about getting to pretend that everything — or that Andrew was— somewhat normal ignited a small hint of joy in him. But soon that would be replaced by dread when he does realize that this, at the end of the day was fake, and nothing more than a little game; a ploy to bring Andrew back.
Maybe sometimes Lester wished that this was real— although the circumstances were bleak at times— like having to sleep in a shed like this instead of his own bed, a small part of him still hoped that him and Andrew were actually partners. Solving a mysterious case in a mysterious island where everything seemed out of the ordinary (not that there is any ordinary in a place like this), where they solve the case in the end, defeat the bad guys and leave the island with smiling faces. But unfortunately, this was real life. And circumstances are different. Reality is harsh, but we have to live with it, and accept it, and hopefully realize that it does get better. That's something he wants Andrew to realize eventually.
Lester releases a long sigh, listening to the pitter patter of water drop from the cracked and broken ceiling onto the floor below.
He remembers when he first volunteered to be Andrew's "partner". They wouldn't allow a patient like him to roam the institution by himself without supervision, so without a second thought, Lester volunteered.
Cawly looked at him with a soft gaze, before nodding, meaning it was final. It was obvious no one would protest, since they wouldn't wanna work near someone who could easily hurt them in a snap. And everybody seemed to notice that Lester was determined in this decision. everyone knew that he cared deeply about Andrew, and knew someone like him needed to be with his side.
He realized how everyone would wonder why he could put so much work and effort onto someone who was at this point a lost cause? Someone unable to be saved. Unable to be changed, or restored, but Lester continued to look on the bright side. Hanging on to that tiny slither of hope no matter how challenging it could get.
He cares a lot about Andrew, he really did, and he knows Andrew felt the same.
Although Andrew constantly forgets everything, it's like deep down, he still knows Lester. The connection between them never faded. He could tell how safe the other felt with him. How— even though he had 'never met' him, he realized how easy Andrew trusted him. Even if he's mentioned countless times that he doesn't open up easily, he always tells Lester everything. It makes him warm inside everytime he thinks of it. He just knows that Andrew is in there somewhere. Somewhere burried beneath all that trauma, all that guilt and all that regret. He wants to find him. To help him. What he would give to see Andrew happy again. He'd die a happy man to see that day come.
But for now, he's willing to go through hell and back, if it means that there's even a tiny bit of possibility to get him back. Just to see him smile...
Lester's thoughts trails off, as his eyes slowly closes, feeling the tiredness finally envelop him, his last thought being the man he cared for and loved so dearly. Maybe, just maybe, they could be happy. Maybe he could take Andrew out of here. Someday. "Someday." Lester mumbles before drifting to sleep.