Work Text:
“We’ve been worried sick about you.” Athena to Buck.
“It was just a follow up appointment?”
“To a possible cancer diagnosis.”
“I mean, yeah. But, I’ve been doing this for years. I’m used to it.”
“You only found out about Daniel last year.”
“Yeah.” He says nonchalantly. “I’ve always been told I’m at a higher risk of cancer. Never why or who had it, but always had tests like these. They call me back sometimes, redo the tests, tell me what’s up. It’s always been fine.”
“Until it's not.” She stresses, wondering how to get it through his thick skull that this is serious.
“What’s the point of worrying? Not like it’ll change anything.”
“Because you’re the beacon of peace.” She rolls her eyes. “What did they say?”
“Everything’s fine, new blood test proves the last round of tests were a fluke, an anomaly, not accurate, just a cold I had, ecetera. Athena takes a big deep breath. “You good?”
“Me?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re gonna be the death of me one of these days.”
“For not having cancer?” He asks, entirely confused.
“I’ve spent the last three days organizing a future where that test is positive. I’ve planned days off, cancer treatmetns, looked up risks, what insurance will cover, what they won’t cover.”
“You’ve done a lot then.” He nods along to her list. “Hey.” He gets her attention, trying to soothe her worries. “I’m ok.”
“Yeah. And you better stay that way.”
Later, he thanks her for all the thought she’s put into this, and for showing him how much she cares about him.
“I one time was discussing chemo options with my doctor, I was 22, my parents didn’t care. You heard I was getting a second test and were already making plans. Maybeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee don’t make plans until it’s confirmed next time. I appreciate it though.”
Even later that night. “Wait, what happened last time?”
“Test tubes got mixed around twice. That person got fired. The right person got the care they needed. Worked out in the end.”