Number 6 grimaces in sympathy. "That's no good. This one should be far more comfortable for you. Here." He takes it upon himself to pull one of the kitchen table chairs over so Gaeta doesn't have to try to hobble to a seat.
"Now, I would still recommend regularly using and replacing a sock as a barrier to catch any sweat or dirt; that's far easier to wash. But the rabbit's fur should be the primary cushion. We want it good and snug. There should be less chafing that way."
Gaeta settles onto the chair with the requisite tiny groan and thank you. "Of course," he agrees with a swift nod. "Not much different from a shoe, that way."
(Though try telling that to some of his rackmates back on Galactica. How anyone could tolerate not wearing socks with their boots, between the chafing and the stench, Gaeta will never know.)
Number 6 stoops to show Gaeta the two leather straps on either side meant to cinch him snugly into the leg like belt buckles. He will guide Gaeta through the process of stepping into the prosthetic, securing it, and then checking that it all looks and feels good once it's in place. All that's left after that is to test it.
"Are you ready to take your first steps on your new leg?"
A flutter of nerves tightens his belly. What if it still hurts? What if Peter did the best he could, made this astonishing thing in the hope of improving Gaeta's life, and it isn't enough, because nothing will ever be enough? There are so many things that could go wrong. The damage to his lower leg was irreparable to start with, and what Doc Cottle left behind -- what if that's truly irreparable, too?
Stop it, Gaeta tells himself, as firmly as he can, and grasps Peter's hands to pull himself to his feet. Feet, plural.
It's... to be honest, a little uncomfortable. His right leg hasn't supported his weight in months. It aches in multiple spots. He feels kind of wobbly, like someone could kick his whole leg out from under him with the slightest tap.
And you would never know any of it from the way he's beaming as he takes a careful, careful step forward.
"Well done," Number 6 says encouragingly. He's keeping his hand in Gaeta's to help balance.
"Now, there may be a period of adjustment still. I'd recommend at least using a cane while you acclimate. I wouldn't sleep in it if I were you. How does it feel? Is it pinching anywhere?"
"No, no pinching -- " He laughs, giddy, and the suddenness of his joy seems to take even Gaeta himself by surprise. "Hurts a little, but it's not the prosthesis, it's just because I haven't walked in a while. Gods, look at that."
Another tiny, bright laugh as he stares down at his feet. He takes another cautious step with Peter's help.
"I'll keep using my crutches a little longer, yeah. And I never tried sleeping in my old one anyway; I'm used to that."
Number 6's eyes are warm with joy as well. This is what he's wanted to do for so long, to make a tangible difference, one he can be there to witness--not from the shadows, not as an anonymous spy, but as a friend and member of the community.
"Just be sure to give it plenty of rest starting off. As you know, you'll have to get the nerves used to it. But, from here it looks to be distributing your weight evenly. Something tells me you won't be needing those crutches for long."
no subject
"Now, I would still recommend regularly using and replacing a sock as a barrier to catch any sweat or dirt; that's far easier to wash. But the rabbit's fur should be the primary cushion. We want it good and snug. There should be less chafing that way."
no subject
(Though try telling that to some of his rackmates back on Galactica. How anyone could tolerate not wearing socks with their boots, between the chafing and the stench, Gaeta will never know.)
no subject
Number 6 stoops to show Gaeta the two leather straps on either side meant to cinch him snugly into the leg like belt buckles. He will guide Gaeta through the process of stepping into the prosthetic, securing it, and then checking that it all looks and feels good once it's in place. All that's left after that is to test it.
"Are you ready to take your first steps on your new leg?"
no subject
A flutter of nerves tightens his belly. What if it still hurts? What if Peter did the best he could, made this astonishing thing in the hope of improving Gaeta's life, and it isn't enough, because nothing will ever be enough? There are so many things that could go wrong. The damage to his lower leg was irreparable to start with, and what Doc Cottle left behind -- what if that's truly irreparable, too?
Stop it, Gaeta tells himself, as firmly as he can, and grasps Peter's hands to pull himself to his feet. Feet, plural.
It's... to be honest, a little uncomfortable. His right leg hasn't supported his weight in months. It aches in multiple spots. He feels kind of wobbly, like someone could kick his whole leg out from under him with the slightest tap.
And you would never know any of it from the way he's beaming as he takes a careful, careful step forward.
no subject
"Now, there may be a period of adjustment still. I'd recommend at least using a cane while you acclimate. I wouldn't sleep in it if I were you. How does it feel? Is it pinching anywhere?"
no subject
Another tiny, bright laugh as he stares down at his feet. He takes another cautious step with Peter's help.
"I'll keep using my crutches a little longer, yeah. And I never tried sleeping in my old one anyway; I'm used to that."
no subject
"Just be sure to give it plenty of rest starting off. As you know, you'll have to get the nerves used to it. But, from here it looks to be distributing your weight evenly. Something tells me you won't be needing those crutches for long."