My Patient...Or Maybe More Than That (Joey Jordison x Reader)

2. Wrap Me Up

Joey's POV

Y/N hurried to her car, seeming determined to tend to my injury. Meanwhile, Corey sauntered in with his trademark smirk, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

"Is that a girl from the signing?" Corey's question cut through the air.

"Yes" I replied. "She offered to help me with my hand since she's a nurse."

"Come on, Joey," Corey chuckled, his tone teasing. "You just want to get in her pants, don't you? This is your perfect opportunity."

"That's not true, Corey," I retorted, my words laced with frustration. "Do you really think I'm in any state to think about that after Scarlet?"

"I don't know, Joey," Corey countered, his tone shifting to one of admonishment. "Maybe this could be your rebound. You need to stop dwelling on that crazy bitch and move forward."

My heart sank as I noticed Y/N standing awkwardly nearby. Damn it. Perhaps I had been lying to myself when I denied my attraction to her, and now I had probably ruined any chance I had with her.

"Didn't see you there," Corey interjected, his voice filled with concern.

"Just fuck off Corey," I snapped, my frustration boiling over. Y/N approached, a mountain of medical supplies in tow, breaking the tension in the room.

"Sorry about that," I apologized, my voice was softer now. "Corey can be a bit of a dick."

"You don't have to apologize," Y/N reassured me, her gaze warm and understanding. "I forgot to ask I heard Chris has been puking quite a bit, do you think I need to check him out?"

"He will be fine" I answered, "Don't worry about him."

"I see" Y/N said, "Hopefully he feels better soon."

"Well whether he feels better or not he's gotta play tonight" I maintained, "That's what I have to do."

"Just don't go too crazy" she laughed.

"You're in for a treat tonight Y/N" I said.

"I hope so haven't been to a concert in so long" she said, "At least I get to see you play tonight." Her words stunned me. Was she just complimenting our music or was she complimenting me? I was left not knowing what to say.

"Well" I paused, "I'm glad you like us."

She started to open bottles and packages in order to help my hand. She meticulously tended to my injured hand, her touch gentle yet firm as she cleaned and bandaged the wound. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as she worked, each moment filled with a mix of discomfort and gratitude.

"Thanks for taking care of me, Y/N," I said sincerely, a hint of vulnerability in my voice.

"It's no trouble at all," she replied with a reassuring smile. "Do you need anything else?"

"No, this is more than enough," I replied. "Could you just wait here for a minute while I grab something?"

Y/N nodded, her expression curious, as I slipped out of the room. With a mixture of nerves and determination, I retrieved my bag and carefully grabbed some cash inside and a VIP ticket. I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a note to her.

The Note

Thanks for helping me with my fucked up hand. Here's some money and a VIP ticket for you. If you ever want to get in touch here's my number.

(515) - 367 - 495 - 2177

Returning to the room, I handed her the small offering, my hands trembling slightly with uncertainty.

"Here's a little something for you, as a token of my appreciation," I said, my voice wavering.

As she read the note, a smile graced her lips.

"I'll accept this gift under one condition," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Y/N's POV

"And what condition must that be?" He chuckled nervously.

"I want you to take off your mask," I asserted gently.

"I don't know, Y/N," he replied, his tone hesitant.

"I don't have a camera or anything; I just want to see what you look like," I explained, my heart pounding in my chest. "You've gotten to see my face this whole time, and you clearly like it, so why can't you do the same for me?"

He hesitated for a moment before slowly lifting his mask, revealing his features adorned with black paint around his eyes. Despite the imperfect view, it didn't matter how he looked; I just wanted to see how bold he was.

I gathered my belongings from the table and approached him, feeling a rush of boldness. Leaning in close, I whispered in his ear, "Cutie," before making my exit from the music store, my cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and exhilaration.

Joey's POV

I watched as she walked out of the music shop, her words echoing in my mind. Before I could process what had just transpired, Corey leaned in, his laughter ringing in my ears.

"So, what did she say?" Corey inquired, his amusement evident.

"She whispered cutie in my ear," I replied, feeling a mixture of confusion and excitement.

Corey erupted into laughter, struggling to maintain his balance as he doubled over. "I don't know if you're getting anywhere with that one, man," he chuckled.

"What's wrong with being called 'cutie'?" I retorted, my voice tinged with frustration.

"Look, no chick says cutie to describe a man she likes," Corey explained, his tone smug.

"She took my number," I admitted wearily, "You never know."

"Whatever you say, Joey," Corey replied, his smirk still evident.