Lara (Long-Fic Levihan | Armin Arlert X OC)

Chapter 72 - Care

When Armin woke up, some stars were already rising in the sky. He looked up and saw Lara biting her nails, looking a little bored.

"Do you want me to go to your house to get some clothes for you to spend the night?" he asked, startling her. "Maybe some books, too..."

With her hand on her chest from the fright, Lara noticed that Armin was a little disheveled and had to close her hands to hold on and not touch that silky blond hair.

"No, no..." she replied, giving him a kind smile. "Since my parents are at the port, I'm staying here in the old bedroom where I used to sleep with my mother. I can't be alone in that big house at night, I feel scared," Lara chuckled. "But I would appreciate it if you could stop by my bedroom later and get my suitcase, 'cause my clothes are all there."

Armin nodded and gave a little stretch, grimacing in pain.

"I've already told you that you do not have to stay here," said Lara, worried and putting her hand on his arm. "You're gonna have a heck of a pain in your back because of this chair..."

"And I've already told you that I'm staying here until you're discharged," replied Armin, squeezing her hand. "Don't worry about me, what matters is you getting better." He pointed to her foot, "Is it hurting?"

"Just a little... The first dose of the medication has already done a good effect."

Armin ran his hand over his face, shaking his head.

"I'm really sorry, Lara... I'm feeling awful."

"No!" she exclaimed, squeezing his arm. "You don't need to apologize. It was my fault, I didn't know how to express myself properly and I ended up hurting you as well. Please forgive me, too."

They both stayed gazing at each other, with a little, silly and passionate smile. Without meaning to, Armin stroked her hand with his thumb. Then, they heard a voice:

"You guys were really made for each other, huh?!"

It was Dr. Wilson. He was holding his medical coat over his arm.

"Lara darling, I'm going home now. My shift's over and I've left everything in the hands of the nurses, who will come here at night to give you another dose of the medication. Do you want me to do anything else for you?"

Lara and Armin glanced at each other, quite embarrassed by the doctor's commentary, and quickly released their hands. Trying to act naturally, she cleared her throat and said:

"Yes, please... I'd like to know if there's any armchair or something here in the infirmary that Armin can feel more comfortable."

Armin looked at her, surprised.

"Oh, sure..." replied the doctor. "Hang on, I'll be right back."

Armin barely had time to open his mouth to protest, and Lara asked him to stop.

"No sir!" she exclaimed, lifting a finger. "Since you insist on staying, I want you to feel well. It's already enough for me to go to Liberio looking like a lame mule. I don't want my Officer to feel weak, with lots of back pain."

He laughed, raising his hands as a sign of giving up. Seconds later, Dr. Wilson popped out in the doorway, dragging a small armchair. Armin promptly went to him to help. With the armchair in place, the doctor headed for the door.

"Oh, Armin?" he said, turning around. "Are you going to spend the days and nights here?"

"Yeah."

"Right. So I'm gonna ask the cooks to include your meals, as well."