The Angel Below [Complete]

In Which He Stays in the Hole

I'm embarrassed my boss is here, but it's good for me I'm too weak to move a muscle. My body is flooded with another poison that I'm sure is killing me further. I haven't given up, but struggling to open and keep open my eyes...well, I just have no strength.

Bourne has been here for the past two days and one night. Every now and then he offers a whisper of courage in my direction. His being here only reminds me of what I'm going to do when I get out of here-- crush his trust in people. I wish I didn't have to do it, but what other option do I have?

His body heat flows through my frigid bones and I welcome it. I'm sure I'm a sight for sore eyes, but he's yet to mention it.

"Are you awake? Can you hear me Mikaela?"

"Hmm..." I croak.

"Any noise is a good sign. I'd ask you how you feel, but I'm sure you feel terrible." When I don't respond, he goes on, "Doc says you're doing better than you were."

"Mmm..." was all that could pass through my lips.

"He wants you to try to sit up, maybe drink some liquified food. Are you up for the challenge?"

I feel like hurling at the mention of food. I haven't been able to keep anything down and am only sustained by an IV drip.

"No...lay here." I mumble.

"Don't you think you've laid here long enough? Come on, just try. Legs and arms first."

I tried, I did, but I'm in the same spot. My limbs are heavy and I think I'm about to throw up. I begin coughing and swear I felt my ribs crack. Dying via a collapsed lung is not an option.

Soon warm hands slowly pull me from my side and roll me onto my back. Ugh, motion. "Just breathe. I'm going to position you just so you're upright."

I think I hate this man and he won't let me fight my fight. I'm not his responsibility. "You're frowning."

I battle to open my eyes, heavy as they were, they connect with his aquamarine gaze. He looked just as impeccable as I last saw him. Not a hair out of place but I do notice he's greying at each temple. Fine lines are etching their way around his mouth and he's clean shaven. He's absolutely a knock out! "You're staring. That's impolite."

"You...staring...me first." I manage.

"True. I was making sure you were somewhat coherent."

Each time Bourne came to see me, he looked less and less like himself. Gradually the suits disappeared, hair was expertly disheveled, and his stable was starting to grow into a full on beard. He looked... comfortable and quite vulnerable. Everyday he helped me exercise my limbs until I was on my feet, wobbly at best. But he was here even though I hadn't asked him to be.

Turns out, he wasn't such a grinch after all. Don't get me wrong, he definitely has his mood swings; shortage of patience, but he never leaves me for long.

I was treated to a smile then laughter when I apparently said something funny. He chuckles on and off wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. This is nice, I could get used to it if my feelings of guilt would stop easing up at the slightest sign of temporary happiness.

"So, don't you have a company to run? Breaks been over for a while."

"Tired of me already?"

"I didn't say that."

"I help you get better and this is the thanks I get."

"No, not at all." I begin to panic. Bourne's face was so stern I wanted to crawl back under the covers until he bursts out in a guffaw. "That's not funny. I'm not supposed to be under any kind of stress."

"Hey, hey. Can't take a little joke?"

"Whatever, boss."

"Call me Dominic from now on, huh?"

"Are you sure?"

"Quite. You're not an employee anymore."

"You're probably relieved I left when I did. I would have missed too many days of work." When he didn't respond right away, I knew I was right.

"The most important thing is you're alright."

"Sure." I nod solemnly.

"I'm serious. I won't say anything to you I don't mean." I recline my head against my plush pillow and close my eyes to slowly drift off. Before I float into another world, I hear him utter, "I want to be here, don't ever think otherwise." A ghost of a smile tickled my cheeks. Now he's telling me what to do, as if he's still my boss and I think I kind of like it.