Bridging Destinies

Chapter 56: Props to Comfort

I woke up to the sensation of being lightly jostled in the arms of my lover. He held me carefully in his arms as he carried me in the comforter that had been laid over me from his room to another. He seemed hyper focused on his task, and I chose not to alert him to the fact that I was now awake. I heard Hoseok speak, "Joonah, my room is the cleanest. I know Tae isn't here, yet, but put her in my bed. I changed the sheets yesterday and haven't slept in the bed yet. I can take your bed after the sheets are switched. That way you can stay with her." The man suggested. Saying nothing, Namjoon simply nodded and adjusted his course of action, moving towards Hoseok's bedroom, rather than Tae's, which was currently vacant.

Hoseok hurried in front of his leader and opened the door for him, rushed into the room and pulled the bedding back, readying it for my occupation. Yoongi followed behind him, carrying my bag and set it next to the bed. Namjoon half laid me down carefully onto the mattress, mindful of the pole with its bag of saline that Jungkook had brought into the room with us. My torso was propped up against his, as he partially released me, so that he and Seokjin, who had also followed us into the room, could remove the soiled comforter wrapped around me.

Namjoon lifted me a little ways from his body to examine the bra and loose sweats that clothed the rest of me, along with the bandages wrapped around my middle. He was careful to attempt to use his body to hide my half naked state from the others, which I found adorable, but unnecessary. He disclosed, "There's a little bit of blood on her clothing. I will need to change them." He peered at Seokjin, then Yoongi and directed the other man, "I think she has a sleep shirt in her bag. Could you get it for me?"

Nodding, Yoongi started going through my bag and pulled out a large shirt. I then murmured tiredly, "Not that one. That's Namjoon's shirt."

Turning his head from Yoongi to me, Namjoon examined my features from the side, as I once again rested against his body. He smiled softly and touched my cheek with the backs of his fingers, trailing them down to my neck and resting his hand lightly on my bare shoulder, "Good morning, beautiful, stealing my clothes again, I see." He whispered, gently teasing me.

Smiling, I turned my head to look up at him from my half prone position and responded, "Always. I like to have you close to my skin."

"Me too." He retorted with a twinkle returning to his eyes, "Only, I don't think your clothes would look as good on me as mine do on you."

Teasing him I responded, "I don't know. You look good in ruffles. I think I will have to find something like that for you to wear."

Namjoon smirked at my words, the stress somewhat leaving his features as we lightly bantered between us. Yoongi pushed an item of clothing into his line of sight, avoiding looking at me directly, "I think this is the shirt you wanted." He reported and emphasized his words by dropping the clothing on the bed next to where Namjoon sat with me.

Grabbing the cloth with one hand, Namjoon reviewed the item, then attempted to help me change into the shirt when Seokjin stepped in to assist, "I've already seen her half naked, so let me help." He informed Namjoon.

There was some authority in Seokjin's voice, which only surprised me a little. I had seen this side of him before, though sometimes rare, and I was thankful for his aid. I knew changing into the sleep shirt would likely exhaust me too much. I was putting on a brave face for the man I loved, but I was far from recovered. Leaning my palm against Namjoon's chest, I tapped his skin and softly voiced, "Let him help. It doesn't bother me."

Pouting lightly at me, Namjoon seemed to cave into the necessity of the moment and handed the shirt to Seokjin, who took it from him. He maneuvered my body and with the help they pulled the shirt over my head. Namjoon unhooked my bra under the cover of my shirt and carefully pulled it from my body, then proceeded to remove the sweats as well. Once my clothes were changed they laid me fully on the bed and made me comfortable under the covers. I noticed that everyone else had left the room, either out of a sense of modesty or respect for Namjoon.

Leaning over me, Namjoon tucked the covers around me, then kissed my forehead. When he lifted himself up from me, he gazed into my face, "Are you comfortable?"

I closed my eyes and half nodded with a faint smile, "Yes. Thank you, Joonah." I swallowed and licked my dry lips, "I could use some water, though."

As if he was now reading my mind, Jimin walked in with a pitcher of water in one hand and a glass in the other, "Did someone say they wanted water?" He asked, almost grinning at me.

Closing my eyes I laughed then winced at the pain the laughter evinced. Once I caught my breath I uttered, "Bless you, Jiminah." He sat the pitcher down on a side table with a grin and poured a glass of water, handing it to Namjoon, who took it and supported my body so that I could drink comfortably.

"Thanks, Jiminssi." He spoke in agreement with me.

"Of course." Jimin murmured and gave us a respectful half bow. He stood watching our interaction as Namjoon brought the glass to my lips. When I had enough water to satisfy both Namjoon's sensibilities and my thirst, he set the glass to the side and settled me back against the bed. For a moment Jimin continued to watch us as Namjoon tucked the covers back around me and made me comfortable. The man modestly offered, "Hobi and Jungkook are cleaning up your room and Jin and Yoongi are making broth for Felina and breakfast for the rest of us. Do you want any coffee? I can make a fresh pot." He contemplated Namjoon, then looked around the room, wanting and needing to be useful. Spying the discarded and soiled comforter, he gathered it into his arms, then wadded the material into a ball, as he turned his attention back to Namjoon, waiting on his response.

Nodding, Namjoon agreed with the younger man, "I could use some coffee, and I think Lina needs to rest." He stood from his seated position, lingering close to the bed, almost uncertain.

Before he was able to pull away, I reached for his wrist, but only managed to lightly trail my fingers with the tips of his, before my hand fell back to the blankets, "Could you stay, Jagiya?" I asked softly as he looked down at me, dismay in his eyes.

"Yes." He said, capitulating easily. He sat back on the bed, an apology in his eyes, "I have already bothered you enough and didn't want to disturb you more, but if you want me to stay, I will."

Smiling softly, I closed my eyes in weariness, "I do want." I told him, "Very much."

"Okay." He told me and reached to pull the covers back. He settled himself carefully beside me and pulled the blankets over both of us.

I heard Jimin speak gently, my eyes remaining closed, as I began to drift into sleep, "I'll make that coffee and bring it to you, then." He turned, at the end of his announcement and began to walk out of the room. Namjoon appeared not to hear him as I felt his gaze upon my face. I closed my eyes, comforted by his presence, and slipped further into repose.

Within minutes both our breathing slowed into dormancy, the man beside me softly snoring, both of us worn into lassitude by the events of the night. I was unaware of the presence of the younger man who had come back into the room moments later, a warm cup of coffee cradled between his hands. I was equally oblivious to his regard, as he set the coffee cup on the stand next to the bed and walked from the room, quietly closing the door behind him.