unpavemypaths | open post

Are you actually relaxing, or are you just checking in on something else?

Catching up on lectures actually relaxes me.
So, both?

I'm learning so much about what a nerd you actually are.

[Said with fondness, it's not like she's really better.]

But I'll allow it.
I should probably stop distracting you though.

[He doesn't even have an argument, just sends the little smiley face with the glasses and buck teeth.]

You aren't, it's fine, I can multitask.
How's your side? [He'd know if she was in a lot of pain, but it's hard to really think about her in any amount and not want to do something about it. Especially if he was the one to make it worse at all.]

It's not too bad. Pretty sure nothing's getting worse.

[She's downplaying the pain a little, but she doesn't want to make him worry.]

You also didn't say it was getting better? [It's possible he can read between the lines of her words anyway.]

[This is what she gets for trying not to outright lie.]

It's not going to kill me to be sore for a little while, it's fine.

How sore? More than it was?

[And because he's just in the next room over, not wanting to be too far away from her, she can probably hear as he starts moving, getting off the bed and going towards where she is.]

Not really.

[That's a secret yes. But it's also a lost cause, because she can already hear him moving, rolling her eyes a tiny bit and trying not to admit to herself that she wants the company. It's silly, she's barely been alone lately.]

You know-- [is how she greets him the second he starts to open the door, sitting up against the pillow with a little curl of a smile.] There is medication, if it really gets bad. You're not the only pain relief in the house.

[He doesn't say anything, just walks over and presses a kiss to her forehead, hand holding the side of her head as he does so, being not so sneaky about taking her pain. Unfortunately when they are together, it doesn't tell him much, because it's always practically nonexistent when they are together, so he then turns around and leaves again, walking far enough that he can actually feel it before yelling from the living room.] This is definitely worse!

[And once he's made his point, he does head back, also secretly not wanting to be away from her for very long.]

It depends on when you're talking about!

[She calls back, seeming unrepentant when he gets back to her. She does look a little better without it, though, the little bit of discomfort easing from her expression.]

It's getting better overall, that's what matters. But if you're going to insist on taking care of it, at least come here so it's not too bad. [She holds out a hand to him, not willing to take argument; it's the least she can do when he's keeping her well.]

[He takes her hand, going closer easily, moving as far as to get onto the bed with her, settling in next to her, still holding her hand.] It was getting better. This is definitely a little worse than...before.

[Before they decided to throw caution to the wind on multiple different levels.]

And it was also better when I woke up. I might have moved wrong or something. But it's not much worse.

[She squeezes his hand, adding with a slight smile:] This is why I wasn't going to tell you, it's nothing to worry about.

I guess this [A gesture between them.] makes it a little harder to keep that secret. [Completely ignoring the fact it is mostly him and not the bond. He is the one taking the pain instead of letting her stay silent. He sighs, leaning into her slightly.]

I just don't want to end up leaving too soon. [He isn't leaving yet, but they talked about the fact that her getting better means he is running out of time here. The soul bond gives him a bit more time than normal, but not enough to stay as long as she plans to.]

Edited 2025-06-21 05:44 (UTC)

[The reminder makes her a little nervous, not really looking forward to him heading back, seeing how things go once they're separated. But she does her best to swallow it down, tries to pretend the idea doesn't bother her, reassuring him instead.]

Like I said, I can take something if I need to. And I'm definitely not alone. If something goes wrong, I can get help. Which it probably won't, because I'm still healing fine.

[Really if it was just her, there wouldn't even be a need to stay. But she doesn't want to leave until Dagny's a little farther along in the healing process, in case either of the boys need her.]

Knowing that and actually having to live with that are two different things.

[He lifts her hand to his lips to kiss the back of it gently, feeling a little extra affectionate while he still can be. Her recovery isn't the only reason he feels hesitant to leave. They've made so much progress here, and not just because they slept together, even though it was amazing, they are finally moving as a single unit. He doesn't know what might happen if he disappears now.]

[She softens a little more at the gesture, something she's going to take a while to get used to and stop being surprised by. Not that he's been particularly distant, especially since they've been here, but it still feels different now. And honestly, she wasn't really used to that, just putting off that surprise because of the circumstances.]

I won't be here that much longer. Probably only a couple of extra weeks. [As much as part of her really just wants to stay, there's only so long they'll give her off, especially when it's not for her own recovery.] Barely enough time to miss me. [Joking.]

[He smiles softly, running the fingers of his other hand along hers.] Just barely.

[If he's being honest, he missed her already, just being in the other room to study, so used to being directly with her now after almost a week of near constant contact. Going home to an empty apartment feels like torture.] At least I'll be able to catch you up to speed on all the hospital gossip.

I expect thorough updates. And to know who I need to worry about beating when I get back. Besides you.

[Chances are her distraction before leaving is already going to mean her grades took a hit, but she's been doing well enough that she'll probably be okay in the long run. She can afford to graduate in the top ten instead of the top three, it's still pretty good, all things consider.]

Anyway, you're not leaving yet. [A reminder to both of them. It's hard not to dwell on it, but she can try.]

I'll make sure no one comes close. I still have the group study guide. I can sabotage it for you.

[Clearly a joke, one that he smiles through, he's not even sure he's that far ahead these days, he's stopped checking awhile ago, and with all of this going on, he hasn't been nearly as focused as he should have been. Something he isn't too concerned about.]

Exactly. There is still time for me to try to beat you at cards. [Even if last time that lead to other things happening. He wouldn't mind a repeat of either.]

My hero. [Playfully. It's not like she was ever that focused when it came to most people anyway, the only person she ever cared that much about beating was him, which isn't exactly true anymore. The rest of it's always been about her own need to do better.

She raises an eyebrow a little at that suggestion, clearly thinking about what happened last time herself. A slight smirk on her lips, her tone perfectly innocent.] If you think you can keep from getting distracted, maybe.

Obviously. [Said with a light smirk as well.] I have to actually try to leave with some dignity, that means making sure I win at least one game.

[He's still teasing, although it is nice to have some harmless competition. It's always fun to try to win against her when she is such a good component, he feels like he always has to be on his A game when she's around. Even if it is clear that neither of them are actually thinking about the cards.]

Probably lucky for you that I don't have much else to do, then. It might take you a while.

[It's easy to fall into the light teasing, grinning a little at him, openly challenging. It doesn't matter, but it's fun, even if part of her would much rather try to distract him again. And it's nice to have an excuse to keep him near, especially one that doesn't involve being in pain and needing his help.

She could probably keep him there just by asking him, but she's not great about that.]

Ouch. [He makes a mock offended face, nudging her softly.] Way to hit a guy when he's already down. I'm going to remember this once I start winning. You're about to see a real ruthless Nathaniel.

[He frowns slightly at the fact he used his real name, eyes drifting sideways to the mark on her arm. It's hard not to see it all the time, to realize that is him. He meets her eyes again with a genuine smile, whatever moment he had clearing.] I don't think you're ready.

[It catches her attention, both the use of his name and his reaction to it. Her hand twitching a little against the comforter, automatically wanting to move to the mark when his eyes are drawn to it. It's been a little more visible lately, loose t-shirts a little more comfortable while she's healing than her usual long sleeves.

She means to let him draw her back into the teasing and let it go, but she can't help it, her curiosity getting the better of her, and when she opens her mouth what comes out instead is:] Is there a reason you don't use your name?

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