[Lost] [Laine] Assistance

[yoda-ic.livejournal.com]

Laine guides Gareth through the doors of the Fiddler's Rest and into the back area where Laine makes his home. Pulling a key from his pocket, Laine opens the door to his office, opening it into his room in the Hollow-side of the hotel.

Gently, Laine rests Gareth down on the bed and pulls Gareth's shoes off before gently covering him with the blanket. Laine stays with him until he falls into a deep sleep. 

After a few minutes, Laine gets up and goes back towards reception, stopping at the staff apartment door. Knocking civilly, he waits until Beth opens the door. "Evening Laine. What can I do for you?" Beth asks, answering the door in pyjamas and a robe.

"Gareth's a bit of a mess from some bad news. You mind taking shifts with me to keep an eye on him? He's in my room." Wide-eyed, Beth nods. "Of course I will. You want me to sit with him now?" Laine nods and she turns away from the door. "Just give me a moment to get myself organised and I'll be right along." But when she turns back, Laine's moved on. 

In the bar, Laine's standing behind the counter. Two glasses loaded with ice in front of him. He pours a measure of fine whiskey into both before putting the bottle back down. Taking a glass, he raises it and pauses, considering. "To absent.. friends. Why'd you leave Punk?" He shakes his head and drains the glass before slamming it back on the table. Picking up the bottle he refills it again. Raising his glass again, he pauses before announcing "Velvet, this is for Gareth more than me. You weren't a friend, but you were one of us." Draining the glass, he slams it down again, reaching for the bottle to refill the glass again...

Gareth sleeps deeply, all through the night, Beth watching over him until Laine, two glasses of whiskey in hand, stumbles into the room. Unsteadily putting the glasses down on the sideboard, he shoos Beth back to bed and flops into a chair to sleep until the morning...