Non Verbal

79

Random short update cos why not:) 

Lottie's POV

"I really can't believe that they think you are well enough to go home." I say frowning at him. It had been a week, my exams are over, school is basically finished.

Roe makes a dismissive sound and lifts his hand to hold onto my shoulder for support as I help him to the bathroom.

"I am here for one more night, then they'll discharge me tomorrow."

"But you are still hurting."

"Yeah but I can do the hurting at home."

A nervous pull tugs at me. "But what if you- what if your head starts bleeding again or what if your lung collapses again."

"Neither are going to happen. All scans are clear and good. Stop worrying."

"That's easier said than done."

"I know. Trust me."

I help him to sit down on the closed toilet lid and I get the shower ready for him. He's had one shower since he was here, he needs another one. And a haircut. But we tackle one thing at a time.

"Can you just turn it on for me, then I can do the rest."

"What if you fall?"

"You'll hear a crash."

"Roe." I frown. "You need help."

"No I am actually pretty stable." He stands up, opening his arms to show me his version of stable.

I stress and go to him. "If you don't want me I can get your mum?"

He cringes, shaking his head.

"Fine I can get a nurse, that one Gloria that you like."

He deadpans at me.

I smile.

"I don't need help."

"I-"

"Okay, help me untie my clothes and then go, I really want to get back to being able to do things on my own. And plus, you are not coming home with me Lots."

"I could." I mumble.

"I feel like friends do not do that." Rowan says.

"Shut it."

He chuckles lightly as I stretch up and untie his gown, helping him out of it. His chest is still bruised, but the ones around his eyes and face had cleared significantly.

I let my fingers gently run down the middle of his chest, looking. 

He looks down at me. 

Both of our breathing paused for a moment. 

Then he lifts my hand off him and I look up.

"No touching." He whispers.

"Sorry." I whisper back.

He drops my hand and I let him be, turning around and going to wait crossed legged on his bed because it had just been changed and it was a lot comfier than the chair I spend most of my time in.

Rowan showers and I sit there mostly tense, waiting to hear him call out in pain or my name or anything.

But instead, he showers quickly and no disasters happen so I reply to messages in the meantime.

Sutton: Are you still at the hospital, I am just finishing work so I can come and check in with Roe and take you home?

Lottie: Perfect, yeah, thankyou