Logan

116. Christmas, Part 4

*Ripley's POV*

I walked up to Natalie after the gift openings and cleaning up were finished.

"I'm going to head out, seems like it's supposed to snow and I should get some rest before my shift." I watched Natalie place a blanket over her lap, her eyes looked tired. "It seems like you should be getting some rest as well."

Natalie nodded, "The painkillers make me feel woozy, I don't like taking them, but I wanted to make it through Christmas in one piece." She winced, "My body is telling me it's time to rest. Thank you for coming, really," She reached out and put her hand in mine, "It meant a lot to me, Thomas."

I squeezed her hand lightly and nodded, "It meant a lot to me too. Get some rest, and call me with what the doctor says."

She nodded, "I will."

I walked away and closed the door behind me, taking in the cold winter air. For the first time in forever, I felt truly happy.

-

-

-

*Natalie's POV*

I sighed, "Desmond, I'm barely keeping my eyes open. Can you help me to my room."

Desmond looked up the stairs, then at me, "Uh, sure... h-hold on."

He walked up to my room and I saw him turn on the lights and after a while he came back down to get me, and Wren came up to my other side.

"I'm gonna hang out with Alex a bit," Wren mumbled to me, "If you need anything let me know."

I patted his arm, "Goodnight, I will probably pass out very soon."

"Let me know what time your appointment will be tomorrow, then I can pick you up."

I gave a thumbs up and Wren kissed my cheek and went back downstairs, leaving Desmond and I alone.

"If you help me start the zipper, I can finish the rest." I let out a shaky breath, and turned away from him towards my bed. I swore I could feel Desmond's hands trembling against me as he pulled the zipper down, but then he pulled away just as quickly.

"Do you- need any more help or?" His words were shaky... he was nervous.

I shook my head as I let my dress fall to the floor, leaving me in just my lace bralette and panties, and I carefully stepped out of it and moved towards my closet, and reached for some pajamas "Actually... I don't think-" I took in a sharp breath, wincing as my muscles stretched "I won't be able to put this on by myself, tonight. I can ask Wren or my brother if you don't want to-"

He didn't say a word as he gently took the sweater from my hands, and motioned for me to hold my arms up. His fingers brushed against my skin as he pulled the fabric of the oversized garment past my waist, and I held back the impulses that jolted through me. It wasn't the right time for something like that...

He moved the blankets on my bed forward and helped me lay down, and then tucked me in. "Would you want to lay with me for a while?" I asked.

Desmond's eyes bulged and he pointed to the bed, "Right here? I mean, should I, how should I dress?"

I couldn't help but smile, "You can be fully clothed, or you can take off anything you want, whatever fits your fancy."

"I mean... it's just that I have my overnight duffel in Wren's car, so..."

I felt my eyes getting heavier. "Whatever you want to do."

He shook his head, "I'm okay."

"Are you nervous?"