OTP Writing Challenge

3. Patching Each Other Up (ft. Frazel)

The tunnel outside of New Rome had never been under so much attack in such little time, and unfortunately for Frank and Hazel, they were the ones on guard duty. After an onslaught of gorgons, an empousa, a hellhound, and several pit scorpions, Hazel was exhausted, thoroughly beat up, and barely on her feet. Frank wasn't much better off, his bow snapped in half and two quivers of arrows used.

Limping back to camp, they managed to make it to infirmary before collapsing, but to their chagrin, there was no one to help them, which meant they had to help each other.

"Frank, you need help," Hazel started, forcing herself back up on wobbly legs to grab ambrosia, nectar, and the first aid kit. Frank caught her wrist, pulling her back to him, and wrapped his arms around his waist.

As he buried his face in her stomach he murmured, "I thought I was going to lose you."

She ran a hand through his hair before saying, "You aren't going to lose me, Frank."

"I know but I--"

"Shhhhhh...." she admonished, rubbing his back. "You aren't going to lose me."

Leaning back he questioned, "Are you hurt?"

"Of course I am, and so are you."

Ignoring her last statement, Frank looked up at her and asked, "Where?"

She didn't say anything, only pulled away, claiming she needed the first aid kit. She sat down again, this time chewing ambrosia and tearing a bandage. She was clumsily trying to wrap a deep cut on her bicep, but failing miserably.

"Let me help." Frank took the bandage from her hands, then took it and wrapped it around her arm slowly, his large hands surprisingly gentle. Tying it off, he kissed her cheek lightly and Hazel hummed as a thank you. Frank absently wiped the blood from her cheekbone and lip, and a blush rose in Hazel's cheeks.

"You're hurt too," Hazel murmured, prying her eyes from Frank's and grabbing an alcohol wipe to clean a cut on Frank's forearm. It stung, and the smell was sharp in the air, but it was a comfort to both of them. The smell meant healing, it meant that they were both alive. Hazel wrapped the cut and tied it, then moved on to another.

"Hazel?" Frank whispered. A tear had dripped off her chin, splashing against the white gauze she was working with.

"Yes, Frank?" she answered, avoiding his gaze.

"Hey, look at me." Her eyes continued to water, mixing with the blood on her face. "What's wrong?"

"I... I'm not sure. I thought you were dead once. I lost sight of you and I couldn't find you and everything seemed to stop. My breath stopped just because I thought you were gone."

"But I'm not, am I?" Frank murmured, trailing gentle kisses from her forehead to her cheekbone, planting a sweet, gentle kiss on her lips before pulling away. "And I'm not going anywhere."