Canadian Sniper [ON HOLD]

9: Jesse

"Lean back," Dylynn coaxed.

"No way," Jesse said through gritted teeth.

"Your last CT scan showed no signs of regression, so lean back or I'll make you," Dylynn threatened playfully.

"I hate you," Jesse whined.

"You love me," Dylynn said, winking.

Jesse opened his mouth to say something and closed it, knowing there was no use in arguing with her. He sighed and leaned back. Dylynn placed her hand on the small of his back and on his chest, helping Jesse arch his back. Jesse exhaled loudly. "That hurts," he groaned.

"It's gonna be a little tight," Dylynn admitted. "You haven't used these muscles like you used to. If you think this is bad, you're in for a shock when we start rehab in the gym next week."

Jesse's eyes flew open and he bolted upright. "WHAT?" he demanded, shock filling him. Then the pain hit him and he swore. "Shit, shit, shit."

"Oh my god, Jesse," Dylynn groaned. "You are an idiot."

"Why are we starting in the gym?" Jesse wailed. "I'm not ready!"

"Jesse, I know you're ready." Dylynn's steady blue gaze met his. Then she grinned. "You'll be sniping shots in no time."

"I hope so." Jesse couldn't help but feel reassured by her words of encouragement and proceeded to finish their therapy session without another complaint.

"You did really well today, actually," Dylynn said, picking up her clipboard and writing Jesse's progress.

"Did you think I wasn't going to?" Jesse challenged, but he was joking.

Dylynn stared at him, raising an eyebrow. "Well, you didn't complain for almost fourty-five whole minutes," she said.

Jesse grinned at her. "I figured I'd give you one easy day."

"Yeah, all right," Dylynn said, pulling her hair out of her ponytail. "We're done for today, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thanks," Jesse said, standing up. He was walking almost normally now, and able to bend down to reach his toes. He really was making progress.

"We'll start running tomorrow," Dylynn added.

"I hope you're joking," Jesse said.

"I'm not," Dylynn said, walking over to him with her clipboard as they left their rehab room and headed back to the main area. "I'll see you out on the jogging track," she added.

"You are gonna be the end of me," Jesse said, laughing.

"I hope not," Dylynn joked.

"Hi, Dylynn," Charlene Vachar said when the two entered the waiting area. "How was today?" she asked her.

Jesse rolled his eyes. "Hi to you too, mom."

"Everything's going really well, Charlene," Dylynn replied, smiling. "We're gonna get Jesse running again tomorrow and we'll see about getting him in the gym at some point next week."

"That's awesome," Charlene said, beaming. "I'm so proud of you, Jesse."

"Thanks, mom," Jesse grumbled, mildly embarrassed.

"We were wondering if you and your uncle would be interested in coming out for dinner some time," Charlene said.

Jesse groaned. "Mom! Will you cut it out?"

"What?" Charlene asked, indignant. "I'm just being curious."

Dylynn laughed. "I will certainly ask, but he's been working a lot lately. When did you have in mind?"