The whispered screams (open)

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

There were a few things that the staff of Haven feared. There was the ghosts. Yes, there were ghosts as much as their head of the department denied it, there were ghosts. Drew himself had seen them. The other thing they were frightened of was the high risk patients. Now Drew wasn't particularly afraid of them but he liked to keep his wits about him when dealing with them at all times. The very last thing that all staff hated was of course, dining hall duty. The reason for this being is that there were mainly two staff pressent.

Things that broke out in the dining hall were nasty affairs, especially when it came to food and medication. This was the reason that Drew was currently on edge. He'd been given dining hall duties for the last week and this was merely his first day. He was immensely on edge as he stood beside the medication counter and watched patients drift in and out. He also had no clue who was on duty with him except that he'd seen at least three new arrivals recently and they all seemed rather.... frightening to say the least.

The first he'd noticed was their new receptionist. He believed the man's name was Nathaniel. Of course, there wasn't much on the man himself. Only the fact that this man seemed to have dark intensions behind his blue eyes. The other thing he'd noticed was that the man had control over all the patients which was highly unnerving because it would either make him Drew's friend or Drew's enemy. Drew also noticed the new Nurse, also a man with dark intentions behind his eyes and it was another bothersome thing.

If anything, Drew felt that Nurses should be kind. He could tell that this man was far from that. Aubrey. He'd make sure to keep an eye on that one too. The last person happened to be a patient. She was pregnant as well and beautiful. Copper blonde hair and soft features. Her eyes showed so much fear. If he could only get her alone and set that fear at easy. Maybe he would get some chance while being on duty this week. These thoughts made Drew shift uneasily against the wall where he was standing as he watched people slip through the doors and waited for his companion staff member to surface from the crowd.

[Nate Schram]

He'd gone to bed at Highgrove, to wake up in an older, more creepy version of it. Also, not sharing a room anymore. That was the first indication something was different. Being on a top bunk meant the ceiling was a whole lot lower than in a normal bed, and waking up to see that same thing high above your head was an immediate slap that things were somehow different. He hoped that whatever had happened, Ace was alright.

He rolled out of bed, looking through the room he found himself in, and pulled out some rather respectable clothes for the day. A black polo that fit well and some black slacks. Nothing ostentatious, but far better than any stupid facility uniform. He'd also discovered a bathroom attached to his room, so he was extremely pleased about that. He made his way into the hallway, and was surprised to discover himself in staff quarters. Making the best of it, he went to find someone, and ask what he should be doing. He was stopped first, by a pretty nurse, and asked why he wasn't at the reception desk as his shift had started a few minutes ago. He gave her some made up reason, and hurried on his way.

The day had passed quickly as Nate settled into his new routine. He saw plenty of visions, but drew them on himself and was able to keep the worst of them in check. In the intervals, he cleaned and organized his working area, wanting it to be as easy to keep tidy as possible. The same nurse from earlier had come by and informed him that he was on dinner duty, so he'd hurried off behind her to arrive in the dining hall. He was supposed to report to some doctor, but at the moment he didn't see anyone and instead weaved through the crowds of obviously ill people towards the front of the lines.

Finally he spotted someone who might be the doctor, and walked over to the blond, putting his arms behind his back to hide his doodlework. "Helllo, Dr, Shepard? I'm Nate, I'm supposed to be on duty with you?"

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

Nathaniel showed up. It was Nathaniel on duty with him. The possible enemy. The probably friend and that tension that had always been there since the day he'd met Edward, curled into his back. His stomach rolled around in his lower abdomen to add more pressure to his already tense body. Yes. Of course it would be the new one. Drew held his breath and gave a quick smile when Nate showed his face. Drew held out his hand. Nate didn't know yet, did he? That he'd been working here a while. The name and the face changed but it was most of the time, always the same thing.

They were the same receptionist having worked here for a certain amount of time. The records showed ten years and yet is was only Nate's first day here. Drew gulped down. He always found it hard to deal with the new arrivals. It was hard to know what to say and how to react.
"I know Nate. You've been working here for ten years."
Drew reminded Nathaniel in case they were being watched. They were always being watched and Drew was always being careful.

He wanted to protect any new arrivals that came through the doors of Hope's Haven rehabilitation center. Maybe this was a good thing. Getting Nate on his side. He had a few hours to get to know the male. Maybe he could get Nate on his side after all.
"Did you want to get a coffee real quick? I'm sure you must be slightly more tired then you're making out to be."
Drew gave Nate a soft smile and nodded for Nate to follow him to the cafeteria service table.

[Nate Schram]

He caught the hint quickly, and nodded to Drew. "You're right, I haven't been getting enough sleep. Sorry." He scrubbed his palms over his face and then smiled at the other man. "I was just testing you, Shepard." He gave the man a smile and cast his gaze out over the inhabitants of the dining hall. Everyone seemed to be behaving themselves, although Nate wondered what the standard of behavior was here. Obviously, dropping people out of the blue into this place was normal, and they were just supposed to roll with it. He wondered how many times Dr. Shepard had had to help someone out like he'd just did with Nate.


"Coffee sounds good, Doc." Nate walked with the man over to where the coffee station was, and poured himself a nice piping hot cup of the dark, aromatic liquid. His hands cupped around the thick white mug, plastic through it was, and he sipped the beverage with a low, ragged groan of joy. There was nothing better than coffee, except perhaps alcohol, but Nate wouldn't get that here. That was impossible. So, instead, he sipped at the coffee, and looked over at the good doctor with a questioning expression.

"So, what's the deal here? I know I've been doing this a while, but why does today feel different?" Nate tried to phrase his question in a way that was innocent enough to anyone listening. The good doctor seemed to have a fear of someone saying the wrong thing and getting in trouble, so he wanted to make sure that he was being careful and wording things correctly.

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

Not getting enough sleep? That excuse would last long now wouldn't it? Drew doubted it would do anything for Nate. He was relieved that Nate took his hint and rolled with the story. It wasn't that Nate couldn't go splurting it out to the world. It was more of that if Nate did such a thing it would be the wrong world he was splurting it out to. This was ... a mental assylum where people who believe that came from other planets ended up. This was not a safe place to pronounce that you just woke up in someone else's bed. The testing part made Drew frown at Nate.

Seriously? Drew finally simply nodded allowing the strange male before him to think that Drew found him intriguing. Nate turned away and headed for the coffee table only to be used by staff as some medications did have negative side effects when other people drank caffeine with it. The flinch that crossed Drew’s face told everyone that he really did not enjoy being called Doc. That was one of his pet peeves and so far Nate was not leaving a good impression with the soft, smart therapist. Drew was curious about him.

Drew poured his own coffee, now slightly more out of earshot then when they were standing so close to patients and staff. Drew choose a thick ceramic cup and pulled out an injection showing it to Nate.
”These are used to protect ourselves. It’s important you use it when a patient approaches with violent actions to their bodies. If you don’t use it on that patient the orderlies will step in and if the orderlies step in.... you’ll be getting a visit from me. It won’t be a friendly one....”
Despite the fact that Drew’s voice was soft and calm, his eyes were ice cubes.

The doctor sipped at his coffee sliding the injection back into his pocket and letting his eyes glide over the room with its bustling patients. They’d all be medicated to the gills soon and meek and quiet. Drew returned his eyes to Nate and they hardened again when they met Nate’s.
”These are my patients. I love them and I care for them and if you, in anyway, cause a single one of them distress or pain, I don’t care where you’re from or what you did, I’ll make you live out your days in their shoes...And I don’t mean these free ones. I mean the ones hidden away in dark isolations cells.”

It was a threat. It was to be taken as a threat. Nate had to pay attention because Drew would not have some rookie come hurt his patients... ever.

[Nate Schram]

Intense. That was pretty much the single thought going through Nate's head as Drew spoke and offered to end what little freedom he was enjoying. Drew couldn't and probably shouldn't know that Nate had just come from a place where he was a patient that was generally as medicated as these folks. Being that medicated sucked, and Nate would not do anything to endanger his current un-medicated state. That would be akin to suicide, and he felt that he had enough ledges to teeter on in this new place. No reason to throw himself off one.

"Understood Doctor. Thank you for your help." Nate's voice was low and sincere. He really did appreciate the subtle guidance. Obviously Dr. Shepard really cared for his patients, and that was a nice changed from before. Not that the others hadn't cared, they'd just been absent unless you were doing something close to toeing the line, then they were on you like white on rice. Nate gave a small sigh as he took another sip of coffee. It was so nice to have the luxury of coffee again. He refilled the cup, then gazed out over the patients quietly eating their food.

Nate wanted to ask what else he should know, but this didn't seem to like a good time or place. He would have to get the good doctor alone when they both were sure of privacy and the ability to talk without being overheard. The artist was trying to get his bearings, and he had a feeling that the doctor could help him out with that little problem, when it was safe to do so. Drew seemed to be very careful of what he said and showed, so Nate wouldn't push, but a little prod couldn't hurt.

"How about we meet up later, discuss the new patients that came in? I had a couple of questions, if you don't mind."

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

Drew was pleased when this newling agreed that he understood and lowered his head for a moment before taking a deep breath and raising his eyes to meet Nathaniel's. Right well, at least he'd been the one to lay down the threat for the young male so he'd get what he wanted out of it. Thank God. Silence fell between them as Drew had expected it to do and his eyes gazed over his patients. They were always well behaved when he was there. The older ones at least. They had come to understand that Drew took risks for them and would continue to do so.

If they lost Drew, there would be no one else on their side. Most of the doctors here just liked to experiment. They liked to test all kinds of new drugs. They cared little for the side effects. Death was one of those side effects. Drew glanced to his side when Nate asked if they could have a private meeting later and after taking a good look over Nate's body posture and expression, Drew reluctantly agreed with a slight nod. If he wanted Nate to do as he was told then he's have to try and make the other man an ally.

"Meet me in my office later. I have some work to do anyway. Excuse me."
Politely, Drew nodded before moving off to start walking through the patients as they ate their meals.

~~~

Drew avoided any more contact with Nate for the rest of the meal, helped clean up and returned to his office for work and that all important discussion with Nate. His lamp light flickered for a moment as he sat behind his desk fiercely tapping away at the keys of his computer on the notes relating to some patients. He really did care for them and he needed to keep himself safe for them but he did think that he was more or less safe in his haunted office. Yes, this office of his was most definitely occupied by something but then again, so was the whole facility.

The heads of the facility could say what they wanted, even he had seen unexpected things. Like the light flickering. There was no reason for that. Drew stopped typing and stared at the lamp light. Then.... it stopped and on his scream in big bold letters: I MISS YOU!

Drew let a gasp at the knock on the door shooting his eyes to it before he fixed them back on the screen. Nothing....

The Psychologist closed his eyes and took a deep calming breath.
"Come in..."
Drew said softly, calmly hoping the slight quiver in his voice was not as apparent to his visitor as it was to him.

[Nate Schram]

They had split up and Nate had pretended to go about his duties among the patients. He wasn't really sure what exactly he was doing, but he just tried to make sure people weren't going crazy and attacking people. Dinner turned out to be entirely uneventful, which was something that Nate was thankful for. He wasn't even sure what he would be doing if something had gone wrong, so it was good that it hadn't. Eventually, it ended and he wandered back to his station at the reception desk.

He spent some time organizing the filing that the last receptionist had left. It wasn't like he was kept all that busy. The phone was quiet, the patients were kept in their rooms. The only thing he really had to deal with an orderly now and again. This job was entirely uneventful as well. Mostly, he spent a ton of time turning his arm into a nice sharpie exhibition.

Finally, he made his way to Drew's office, knocking lightly on the door. He didn't want to disturb the man, but he did want to understand what it was that he had fallen into and how to fix it. After all, bumbling around here for however long he had left on the planet was not all that appealing. So, talking to Drew was something that was very important.

He peeked his head around the door frame and smiled. "Hi, Doctor, have time for that talk?"

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

Drew ran his fingers through his blonde hair and motioned to the seats infront of his desk when Nate peeked in and then hid his trembling hands under the desk. His eyes flicked to the computer screen again. Still nothing. The chill in the room told him that he wasn't alone. He was wondering if he should not have disposed of those ashes on his mantle piece yet. His eyes flicked to the urn. Could Edward be trapped her? Drew wondered lightly and gave a soft sigh at the thought of his fiance being trapped here, with him, safe. Drew knew if this was the truth, he would not be able to let Edward go.

"Nate? I'm sorry. I was just doing some work here....."
Drew frowned and lowered his eyes to his desk. No, that was a lie. He wondered if Nate would believe him if he were to tell Nate of this. If Nate would believe in spirits. Drew shook his head and lifted his eyes to Nate.
"Nate? Do you believe in ghosts?"
It was a strange question and the question begged to the fact that Drew might have gone insane.

There was a ping, the sound of his computer. A message appeared and right underneath another followed.
Doctor? Do you believe in ghost?
The second, he knew, was from his fiance.
Dewdrop. Don't trust him! He's a patient! He's a Patient!
Drew quickly reached under the desk and pressed the button of the tower and soon enough the screen faded to black.

His eyes were wide and fear was clearly seen in them when they returned to Nate.
"What do you have?"
Drew asked softly, clearly.
"What were you diagnosed with?"
Drew hissed the second question, his eyes fixed on Nathaniel

[Nate Schram]

Nate walked in and took a seat. The older man didn't look well, and Nate wondered what happened to him between the last time he'd seen him and now. Obviously, something was going on with him. He didn't want to delve into the other man's head, it wasn't going to help him with his current problem and all he wanted to do was figure out where he was and how long he was going to be stuck here. He just wanted to make sure that he wasn't going to die.

Nate frowned as the computer pinged, but didn't worry overmuch about it. The man was probably right in the middle of working when Nate had bothered him. After all, Nate was imposing on Drew's time, and he was simply trying to not to offend or anger the doctor anymore. He figured he'd done enough of that in the cafeteria. This place was crazy enough, and he didn't want to make it worse.

Nate blinked as Drew's eyes met his and the questions came at him quickly. How could Drew have found that out? Not that it really mattered, Nate was going to mention it. He couldn't really expect to not share it given the position he was now in. However, he'd definitely downplay it. Make it seem like it was less of a threat.

"I was diagnosed with OCD a while back. Nothing more dangerous than that. I draw on myself some, I like the way it looks." He paused and pulled up a sleeve so Drew could see the random marks. "Where is here? Is there any way back to my world? Why am I here?"

Nate was full of questions, he wanted to understand, and then maybe he could figure out a way to make this all work. There had to be a way right? He couldn't be stuck here forever. He had to get back to Ace and Ellen and figure out how to make the best of his absence.

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

Drew lowered his eyes to look at the beautiful young man's arm and sighed softly. OCD. Drew slowly shook his head. OCD made you NOT draw on yourself. He had something else. Something different.There was something to this young man and he had to find out what it was. Edward didn't usually come to him unless it was important. The others did. He had frequent hauntings to contend with which was what made this one so particularly, frightening. Drew fixed his eyes on Nathaniel and pressed his lips firmly together waiting for Nate to release he'd done something wrong and upset Drew.

Drew finally sighed softly eyeing Nathaniel.
"Do you think I'm an idiot? You drew on yourself. You have no problem with opening the door and closing it and you're not in the slightest worried about touching anything in this place or drinking from cups, the coffee, anything. I'm a psychologist. You're lying to a psychologist, not a psychiatrist."
People who didn't know the difference. It annoyed the ever living daylight out of Drew. He showed no signs of having OCD.

There was something he wasn't telling him. Drew slowly pushed back his chair from the desk.
"I will not answer your questions until you answer mine without lying. I'll get up right now and leave. You'll have no one."
The lights flickered as if to add to Drew's warning and he frowned. Suddenly the computer started up again and Drew jumped, wide eyes fixed on the computer screen. Drew jumped up when a Word document opened up.

'DEWDROP CURE HIM!'
Drew frowned at the words and slowly shoke his head before his eyes returned to Nate.
"What do you have? Let me help? "
Drew asked carefully finally easing back into his chair. It was only Edward. He was safe right? Only Edward.

[Nate Schram]

Nate watched the good doctor, and a frown formed between his brows. He said he'd been diagnosed, not that he believed he had it. He wondered all the same things that Drew had mentioned, he didn't have any obvious compulsions, other than the drawing, and it didn't make sense that OCD was a proper diagnosis. However, it was what the doctor had said, so that's what the institute had accepted him on. Still, Drew didn't believe him and wanted more information, but if he were to tell him the entire truth of it, Drew would certainly lock him up.

"I said I was diagnosed, I didn't believe him and still don't, as I have no outward signs as you said. I see violent things in my head, I see people as they would be if they died." Nate paused, trying to explain further. "For instance, you have ghosts tearing you apart. You are haunted, and its bloody and awful. The fat orderly, he explodes from all the food he eats. Everyone inspires these visions, and its all blood and guts and zombies. It's all I ever see. In the rare cases I don't see it, I simply stare at people in hopes that they are all going away."

Nate had reached the end of his ability to prevaricate, and instead, simply told most of the truth. He didn't add in the drawing part, although his right hand was tracing the lines of the drawing on his left arm. Over and over again, the fingers traced the black lines beneath his shirt. Drew was beginning to act a bit odd, and Nate was wondering what all was going on in the man's head.

"Dude, you need to chill out. I just want to go home, find Ace, and get back to my life. I'll do whatever I need to do to get out of here, alright? I won't hurt your precious patients or anyone else."

[Dr. Andrew Shepard]

Drew frowned at the words,skimmed his eyes over Nate and noticed the continuous tracing that helped calm Nate down. Nate was frightened too it seemed. Drew's eyes widened when Nate explained what he had. It sounded like Schizoid but... it was real?! He swallowed hard and stared at Nate. How did he know about the ghosts and why would they tear him apart? Drew's eyes flicked to the computer screen again as he slowly took a seat again, taking an elastic band from his writing holder and offering it to Nate.

"Put it around your wrist and flick it when you feel stressed out. Like now. "
He offered watching Nate a little worriedly before his eyes returned to the computer screen where there was a new set of words to read.
'I won't let them tear you apart Drew. I also will protect you from Nate.'
Drew frowned.

"Protect me from Nate?"
Drew's eyes flicked back to Nate and he shook his head.
"I think you should go. It's best for you to go now. "
Edward had always been very possessive. Drew was his and no one touched his Drew. Edward Scott was a ghost now and a ghost with the ability to do certain things. This proved dangerous for everyone involved.

[Nate Schram]

Nate was more than happy to leave the good doctor's office, it was creepy, and the doctor was talking about needing protection from him. If anything, Nate was sure that he needed protection from this place.

"Thank you."

It was all he said before he surged to his feet and took off, getting out of there as fast as possible.