PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 36: Home

Andy gave Megan another reassuring smile before turning her attention back to the rest of the team. "Alright, let's get to work. We've got plenty to do, even without Maya here."
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The team nodded in agreement, the absence of their Captain driving them to work even harder. They knew they had to step up and cover for her absence, both on calls and in the station.

The atmosphere on the rig was a mix of solemn and chaotic as the team members went about their tasks. They missed their Captain acutely, her absence leaving a noticeable void.

Vic was hosing down the engine, her expression contemplative as she worked. "God, I miss Cap."

Travis, who was cleaning the ladder truck nearby, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, me too. It's not the same without her yelling orders at us."

There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, but it couldn't disguise the underlying respect and affection for Maya.
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Back at Grey Sloan Memorial, Carina continued to take care of Maya, the Italian woman's presence providing comfort and support to her sick girlfriend. Maya was curled up on the bed, her body weakened and tired but her spirits raised by Carina's attentions.

Carina sat on the edge of the bed, her hand stroking through Maya's hair in a soothing motion. She looked down at her girlfriend with a mixture of affection and concern. "How are you feeling, Bambina?"

Maya let out a soft sigh, her voice raspy and low. "Crappy. My throat hurts, and I'm tired."

She reached for Carina's free hand, wanting the physical contact to ground her.

Carina gave Maya's hand a gentle squeeze, her expression full of understanding. "I know, I know. But you're getting better, alright? You just need to rest and let your body recovery."

She continued to stroke Maya's hair, her touch light and soothing.

Maya glanced at the clock on the wall, her blurry eyes struggling to make out the time. "What time is it?"

Her voice was rough and raspy, her body still weary and fatigued from the illness.

Carina followed Maya's gaze to the clock and read the time aloud. "It's almost noon. You've been sleeping for a good while."

She gently adjusted the pillows behind Maya's head, making sure her girlfriend was comfortable.

Maya said "Don't you have your shift."

Carina smiled at Maya's words, touched by her concern despite being ill. "It's okay, Bambina. I took the day off to take care of you."

Maya looked at Carina, her expression grateful but tinged with guilt. "But... I don't want you to miss work just because of me. I'm sure there are patients who need you."

Carina reached out to cup Maya's cheek, her touch gentle yet firm. "You need me more right now. And besides, the other OBs can handle things for a day. I want to be here with you."

Maya's eyes softened at Carina's words, her guilt somewhat abated by her girlfriend's reassurance. She leaned into Carina's touch, seeking comfort and warmth. "I don't deserve you, you know that?"

Carina chuckled softly, her eyes full of tenderness and affection. "Oh, please. You deserve the world, and I'd be happy to give it to you."

She stroked her thumb gently over Maya's cheek, a small smile playing at her lips.

Teddy entered the room  again and approached Maya's bed, her expression both professional and caring. "Hey, Maya. How're you feeling?"

Carina moved aside slightly to give Teddy room to examine her girlfriend, her gaze never leaving Maya's face.