That Summer

Come On It's Time to Go Outside...

The first week of Emma's recovery honestly flew by for both of them. Stevie was worried that the days would drag on if she wasn't keeping busy; however, the days seemed to go even faster because the two of them were having so much fun staying in bed all day.

Stevie of course still found time to journal, write songs at the piano, and take Sulamith outside for walks. But she couldn't remember a time in the last decade or so where she was able to lay in bed with someone she loves and completely disregard the rest of the world or the inevitability of time.

Though a lot of the day consisted of Stevie bringing Emma food or helping her to the bathroom, they found themselves watching old television shows, lots of romcoms, and the occasional trashy reality show – at Emma's request, which was when Stevie usually got up to do other things.

The two women had migrated to Stevie's bedroom after the first couple of days, once Emma was able to walk back upstairs. Stevie was happy to be back in her element – and her big bed. Though there was enough room to fit 2 more people in the bed, she and Emma were always snuggling. Both of them felt essentially naked without the other close by; it was getting difficult to sleep alone.

Emma found that even when Stevie was off doing other things around the house, she wasn't able to nap or get comfortable. She worried she was becoming too dependent on Stevie, and vice versa, but for now, it was okay; it was nice to need and feel needed.

Stevie woke up in the early afternoon, finding Emma already awake and reading a book. She turned to face her, staring at the beautiful brunette deeply immersed in her novel, reminding herself that this beautiful girl was all hers.

Emma caught Stevie staring, jumping a little in fright when she realized she was being watched. "Jesus, Stevie! How long were you watching me like that?" Emma laughed, still catching her breath.

"Like 10 seconds, chill outtttt..." Stevie whined, wrapping herself around her younger lover, careful not to get near her stitches. She softly kissed Emma's cheek and nuzzled her face into hers. "Good morning, my beautiful girl." Stevie whispered, followed by a little nibble on her ear.

"Good morning, although it's 1pm, sleepyhead." Emma giggled. Stevie playfully smacked her arm. "Well, you could've woken me up!" Stevie corrected.

"Why would I do that? You're so cute with your little snores." Emma replied, planting a kiss on her nose.

"I do not snore!" Stevie said defensively.

"Oh, don't even... you so do! It's like a little foghorn!" Emma laughed back.

"I don't believe you!"

"Stephanie..." Emma softly growled. Stevie giggled at the sound of her full name coming from Emma's mouth. She rarely used it, but whenever she said it, it was usually to try and assert some sort of dominance over Stevie, which was hot and sometimes went on for a little at a time, but at the end of the day, Stevie was the one in control.

"You must be starving, baby..." Stevie started.

"I actually went downstairs earlier and made myself cereal." Emma proudly announced. Stevie widened her eyes in surprise. "Oh? So I'm out of a job now?" Stevie asked playfully.

"I mean, I won't protest if you want to keep playing chef and waitress... but I think I can manage from now on, if you want a break."

"You know I love taking care of you..." Stevie kissed her lips. "But if you want to handle breakfast, I'll keep getting lunch and dinner." She conceded, drawing circles down Emma's arm.