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Striker leaned his hands on the polished wood vanity in front of him, catching his breath after finally pulling up his black suit pants and tucking his charcoal dress shirt into the waistband. An intense, burning pain rippled through his belly, causing his body to break into a sweat. Nausea crept up his throat, but he swallowed hard, pushing down the feeling, and he clenched his teeth until his jaw ached.
It's just for one day, he told himself. You can relax once today's over.
He lifted his head, looking at himself in the mirror. His forehead glistened slightly from a thin layer of sweat, and he frowned when he noticed that his slicked-back hair was beginning to fall forward into his face in small alabaster strands.
You just gotta give her today. Then you can rest.
Striker suddenly stiffened at the sound of the door clicking open, and he whipped his head around to see a familiar face peeking through the doorway. He smirked. "Ain't it bad luck or somethin' to see the groom before the weddin'?"
Miss Daisy mirrored his expression. "It's the bride," she corrected him, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. She wore a deep purple mother-in-law gown, her thick ebony hair pulled back into a single large French braid. "And that's only if the groom sees her."
"Damn, I was way off."
"Shows how much you know 'bout this sorta thing," Daisy quipped. She eyed the man in front of her for a moment, then glanced at the black satin tie hanging crookedly from his neck. "Exhibit B," she added, approaching him and adjusting the knot.
"I had it, Miss Daisy," Striker argued. "I just needed a second to—"
Another jolt of pain shot through his belly, causing his body to go rigid as he struggled to refrain from doubling over. He quickly gripped the edge of the vanity beside him, his claws digging into the varnished oak.
Daisy noticed the sudden change and carefully finished straightening Striker's tie. "Deep breaths, baby," she cooed. "Focus on your breathin'."
Striker closed his eyes for a brief moment, inhaling slowly through his nose before letting out a long sigh through his mouth. He rubbed his free hand over his face, letting it fall to gently curl around Daisy's arm.
"I'm alright," he said when the wave of pain finally subsided.
Daisy pursed her lips, looking up at him in uncertainty. "Have you taken somethin' for it? Don't be too proud to take any pain meds on your weddin' day — today isn't just for you, remember?"
"I know." He hooked a finger under the collar of his dress shirt, giving it a light tug away from the front of his neck. "I took somethin' a little while ago. Probably just hasn't kicked in yet."
YOU ARE READING
Come Hell or High Water - Striker x Reader (18+)
RomanceWhen your injured friend Stolas sends you on an errand to the Wrath ring, you meet a roguish imp who offers to work as your body guard during your time there. Taking place after the events of the season 2 episode "Western Energy". A she-fell-first-h...