PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 13: The Morning

Andy relented, her body finally succumbing to the exhaustion. She snuggled closer to Vic, a small smile tugging at her lips as she drifted off to sleep.
——————————————————————————————————

As the first light of dawn crept into Maya's hospital room, she stirred from her sleep. She blinked groggily a few times, her vision slowly clearing as her eyes adjusted to the dim light.

Maya looked around, seeing her friends sprawled out on the floor, still asleep. She then shifted her gaze to Carina, who was sleeping peacefully beside her.

Dr. Teddy Altman, the seasoned trauma surgeon, entered the room quietly, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, Captain Bishop."

Teddy approached Maya's bedside, checking the monitors and taking note of her vitals. She paused for a moment, noticing the sleeping crew on the floor.

Teddy chuckled softly, keeping her voice low. "Looks like you have a bit of a slumber party going on here."

Maya smiled sheepishly, her voice raspy with sleep. "Yeah, they kind of refused to leave."

Teddy nodded understandingly, resuming her check on Maya's vitals. "Well, they're a loyal bunch, that's for sure."

Maya chuckled faintly, watching as Teddy checked her blood pressure. "They're a pain, but I love them. Especially this one."

She glanced over at Carina, still snoozing peacefully beside her.

Teddy followed Maya's gaze, a knowing smile on her face. "Ah, yes. Dr. DeLuca. She was quite adamant about staying with you. She hardly left your side since you were brought in."

Maya nodded, a soft smile on her lips. "Yeah, she can be pretty stubborn when she wants to be."

Teddy chuckled, completing her assessment. "She certainly can. But it's clear she cares deeply for you."

Maya's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "I know. I'm lucky to have her. I don't know what I'd do without her."

Teddy finished with her checkup, giving Maya's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Well, you're recovering well. Just take it easy and let your body heal, alright?"

Maya nodded, feeling a little better knowing her vitals looked good. "I will. Thanks, Dr. Altman."

Teddy smiled, her gaze flickering to the crew still sleeping on the floor. "You've got a good support system here. Make sure you rely on them, alright?"

Maya glanced at her friends, their sleeping forms bringing a warm feeling to her chest. "Yeah, I will. I know they're always there for me."

Teddy gave Maya's arm a final pat before turning to leave. "Rest, Captain. Your body needs it. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to have one of the nurses call me."

Maya smiled gratefully. "I will. Thank you again, Dr. Altman."

Teddy gave a final nod and quietly exited the room, leaving Maya alone with her thoughts and her sleeping friends.

Carina's eyes fluttered open, her vision still a bit blurry with sleep. She rubbed her eyes with her hand, yawning softly.

As her vision cleared, she noticed Maya watching her with a fond smile on her face.

Carina's lips curved up into a sleepy smile, her voice still raspy with sleep. "Bongiorno, Bambina."

Maya's smile widened at the sound of Carina's gravelly morning voice using her pet name. "Morning, my love."

She reached out, her fingers gently brushing away the hair that fell onto Carina's face.

Carina's eyes fluttered shut for a moment, enjoying the feel of Maya's touch. She then opened her eyes again, a hint of contentment on her face.