Chapter Text
At his desk, Dan was about to start working on some piece of international politics news. It was an easy job: some emails to send, some phonecalls to make. Nothing difficult. While he was sending the first email, his cellphone vibrated. A text. He quickly looked at the screen. A text from Jonah. It said only "congratulations for the new job at CBS".
Dan frowned. He quickly typed a "thanks" and went back to work. He didn't want to waste time speaking with Jonah right now.
After a few minutes, the cellphone vibrated again. Another text from Jonah.
Do you want a scoop?
Dan sighed. What the hell wanted from him, now? He wanted to ignore it, but who knew, maybe Jonah could have been useful, for once. So he answered.
It depends. Is it something from one of you totally not reliable sources?
The next answer was quick to arrive.
No, no. It's about me and I'm the source, so it's reliable as fuck.
Oh, God. Who needed a scoop about a New Hampshire congressman?
Let's hear it then. Did you finally find out you're a Reptilian?
Dan was still smiling for his joke when Jonah answered.
No. I have cancer.
Wait, what? What the fuck was that? Was it true? Who jokes about having cancer?
Another text.
Testicular cancer, to be precise.
Dan shook his head. This was clearly a joke. With all the Jonad files and the sexual harassment thing, Jonah probably thought it was funny.
Great, asshole. Only you would joke about cancer.
I'm not joking, you idiot. I was diagnosed the other day!
Okay, this needed a phone call. Dan saw that he received an e-mail in response to the one he just sent, but decided to ignore it. He took his cellphone and quickly called Jonah. He answered right away.
"Hello?"
"What does it mean 'hello'?"
"Well... I think it means 'hello'".
Dan sighed and rolled his eyes. He almost wanted to put down the phone.
"I know that, okay? What the hell were you talking about? Cancer?"
"Yes. I found out a few days ago".
"And... you contacted me so that I can do a piece of news about it?"
"I... I don't know... should I? I mean, people will find out anyway, eventually. Maybe it's better if I say that now."
Dan sighed again. "I don't know, Jonah. Maybe it's better if you figure out exactly what is going on with you, before making statements".
This time was Jonah's turn to sigh,. A big sigh, clearly audible over the phone. "I kinda know what's going on with me. Chemo and surgery. The only incognita is if it's going to work or not".
Jesus. That was bad.
"Look... it's going to work, Jonah. You're young... I mean, these things are so common now, that is going to be okay. Doctors are good at this". He didn't know why he felt like he needed to reassure Jonah. He didn't like him, but he would never wish cancer on anyone.
"Thanks, man. I have surgery tomorrow".
"Okay. And surgery means..."
Another sigh from Jonah. "Yes. It means I'll lose my testicle".
"I'm sorry". Dan was sincere.
"Thanks. I have to go now. What... what do you think I should do for the news about it? I'm asking you because... I mean, you were a good campaign manager, and maybe you can..."
"I wouldn't do anything yet. Have your surgery, start the treatment, and then we'll see. You can use it to make a campaign for early detection, for example. I don't know. But you don't have to decide now".
"Okay. Well, I'll let you know. Thanks for the suggestion".
"Don't worry. And good luck for the surgery".
"Thanks".
After the call ended, Jonah stayed silent, watching his computer screen. Three new emails. Good.