from a work in progress

'I want you to listen carefully,' said the Doctor. 'It is vital you remain as still as possible. I've immobilised your head as much as I can, and your eye should be completely numb, but please don't flinch. The consequences would be dire.' He moved in close, much closer than for the eye test. Aramis and old garlic. Hamish was uncomfortable with the intimacy, although the discomfort soon transformed into something else when he saw the scalpel blade nestling between the pads of the Doctor's thumb and index finger.