Freedom [Complete, 18+]

CHAPTER 5: RIPPED STITCHES AND SCANS

"Kitty..., whaaattt your awake" I stuttered as I looked up to see her watching me. "Oh my God, you really are awake, are you okay? No of course you're not, stupid question..." my rambling abruptly cut off by her finger resting against my lips. It was soft and slightly cold against my lips and I my lips parted, my warm breath enveloping around the digit that was so much smaller than my own.

 I realised I was staring when after a while she opened up her dry lips and with a slightly scratchy voice said "Stop worrying so much Matt, you're gonna give yourself an ulcer and land in a bed right beside me." 

A peal of laughter escaped from me and I replied "anything is better than this infernal seat." I flexed the muscles in my legs and bum to try and wake them from sleep as I reached for the jug of water that had appeared when the hospital staff had transferred her to a different room. I poured her some into the hard plastic cup that resembled those I had as a child, though distinctly less colourful. Handing it over I gained a grateful smile that no doubt could save a drowning man, especially if it happened to be me.

 "Thanks Matt." I smiled at her serious tone, her eyes telling me that she wasn't just thanking me for the water. Colour filled her cheek as we continued to stare at each other, and I was glad for it since it was making her have a much healthier glow. "Um, how long have I been out?"

"Not that long, a couple of hours I think...yep" I replied, checking my watch. Boy did it feel longer though, I thought to myself, it seemed like forever.  

My mind must have been drifting as my fingers pulled at a straying thread in her blanket because her voice cut across them saying "hey Matt, can I have a get well speciality bear hug?"

My lips twitched into a small smile and I lowered myself on the edge of the bed. I was afraid to even touch her but as she shuffled over, grimacing in pain, I slowly placed my arms around her. She rested her head against my shoulder, her cold fingers playing with my shirt. Trapping her hands between mine I rubbed gently, the friction heating them. When they were sufficiently warm I lifted up to let the slightly scratchy blanket out from underneath me and pulled it up over her shoulder, smiling as she reached out to regain hold of my hand. Her hand was dwarfed in my own but I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't change her in any way: she was perfect. Tucked into my side as she was I felt every breath press into my body. I played with her now dry hair, twisting it round my finger to keep me from thinking about how right it felt to hold her in my arms. I traced patterns on the back of her hand with my thumb as I tried not to think about how soft and snugly her body fit against my own. We lay for a while exchanging words every now and then on random topics but I couldn't help but wish that we would remain in this position as I never wanted to let her go.

She turned her head slightly, her breath managing to seek out the sensitive skin on my neck caused me to shiver. She tugged on the thin blanket and she laid it over me as well though it wasn't the cold that made me shiver. I wasn't going to tell her what had though so I rubbed her side in thanks. Kitty snuggled closer into my embrace and I rested my head on hers, eyes closed and breathed in her newly scented hair.

After a while, the door opened which thankfully didn't utter the groan of protest the other did but slid smoothly. If it wasn't for the clearing of a throat I wouldn't have noticed that there was a group of people in the room. My eyes briefly took in the medical party: the doctor from before and a nurse from her clothes and still others which I didn't recognise. Inexperience shone through several of those in the back whose shuffling feet squeaked against the floor and sported heavy bags under their eyes no doubt from long hours working. What is this Piccadilly circus?

After realising how we were lying down I regretfully pulled away. Great now they ruined that too! Left perching on the bed instead as Kitty refused to let go of my hand. Squeezing her hand, I turned to face them but not before I saw the heat rise up her face producing the blush that I love so much.