The Odd Couple - A Norman Reedus Fanfic Romance

Chapter 21 - Haymaker

NORMAN

Sheeeeit!

Did anyone get the plate of the cab that hit me?

Know I've got muscles. What I didn't know was how much it'd hurt. When every single one of them starts screaming like a bunch of teenage girls at one of the conventions.

My eyes peel apart like gum on the sole of a shoe leaving the pavement. As soon as I see the walls, wardrobe and ceiling shade....I realise that I'm in Lu's room. On her bed.

God, I hope she's here too? Cos I need to piss like a racehorse, and I doubt I'll be able to move.

I don't know if it's the twist of my head or the neck creak when I peer around. Whatever....it wakes her. And she's on her knees beside me in a split second.

"Norman?"  Lu's voice croaked as she squinted at me in fright.

"Hey, my gorgeous girl"  I rasp back with a smile.

"Just once, do you think I could wake up in your bed? And find you stark naked next to me?"

"Oh, thank God....thank God...."

Her hands are caressing my face as if she can't believe I'm real.

What on earth?

"Rocky? Truly loving all this attention....but I'm gonna wet the bed real soon. Do you think you can help me to the bathroom?"

"And then tell me. Why the hell do I feel....as if Jackson has fallen on me from a great height?"

She slithered off the bed, coming to my side immediately. I groan as I rise to sit on the edge of the mattress. Stopping for a second to clear the muzziness from my head.

"Ummmm, just stay still while I get you some boxers."

She turned to leave, but I grabbed her hand.

"Lu....if I'm naked? Then you've obviously seen me in all my incredible glory already. Forget em. Just help me up, baby"  I glance at her blushing face.

Wait....what the?

"Lu, how did you get the fucking shiner?"

She ignored me and crouched so I could wrap my arms around her shoulders. Straightened slowly, bringing me with her until I was on my feet. Groaning....but standing at last.

We shuffled slowly to the bathroom and she repeated the process in reverse this time. My ass hit the toilet seat.

Ahhhh, bliss!

I sit there for long glorious minutes.

*

She left me alone to do the deed but returned when I called out. I'm finding my feet a bit better now but still lean on her. More so that I can keep my body in contact with hers.

The bed has been remade and she lowered me carefully. Lifting my legs onto the mattress and bringing the quilt back up to my chest.

Still so silent.

I swallowed the tablet she gave me and drank thirstily from the water bottle. Then tugged back the bedclothes on the other side.

"Please, baby....?"

Lu hesitated then eventually climbed in. But when I roll and move to wrap my arms around her? She quickly backed away....putting distance between us.

"Luce, tell me?"  I whisper with a frown, as the beginnings of unease flow through me.

And she did....also whispering. Kept her eyes glued to an invisible spot below her bent head..

Four days? Jeezus!

 Luckily I came out of it when I did. Otherwise, I would've been spending the rest of my damned break in hospital. Little wonder I feel as weak as a newborn kitten.

I reach a hand up and shakily place my fingers on the side of her eye. Gently caressing part of the bruise I'd unintentionally given her. I lean forward to let my lips follow in their wake.

She pulled back even more and turned away.

"Lu....?"  I ask worriedly.

But before I can get more out....it rings.

Goddamn doorbell!

"That'll be Doc Lewin."

She slithered out of bed again, wrapped a robe around her body and took off.

*

Lu's now down in the kitchen. Working on the scrambled eggs and juice that the Doc said I could have.

He's one helluva nice old guy, even though he's as bossy as all fuck  🤣

"Now you listen to me, young man! You were very lucky this time. So learn your lesson and look after yourself from now on. If you can't give up the damn fags? Then at least cut down on them."

"And take care of that little girl of yours too. She's a keeper."

"I hear ya, Doc. Thanks for looking out for me."

"Oh, I just dished out the orders. Lucy did all the grunt work. Make a darn fine nurse she would"  He shuffled out the door with a backward wave.

That comment made me sad. Yeah, she's had a lot of experience....that's for sure.

Luce made me eat every bite. But it wasn't hard as I was more than starving. Then I convinced her to let me have a bath.

Again, leaning against her....and holding on tight as she helped lower me into the tub.

She's still so quiet?

Needed her help to get out and dry. Well....not really. I shivered as she towelled my back. Then down my buttocks, wiping thighs and calves.

Despite my best efforts, the blood starts seeping from my head to....my other head.

'Looks like I'm well on the road to recovery'  I thought happily, wrapping a towel around my waist and slithering into bed again.

"I rang Helena and Ming to let them know you're getting better. They're going to drop over and visit for a little while after lunch."

"Please don't be angry....but I asked Sash to answer your phone whenever it rang. I was worried that it might've been Greg, Andy or someone else from the set wondering where you are. Here's all the messages she took for you."

Lu handed over some folded pieces of paper along with my cell.

"There's juice, water and some fruit on the bedside table. Try to get some sleep if you can....you need to rest up and get all better. I'll check on you, but just yell out or text me if you need anything. I'll be downstairs."

So quiet....

I sigh and throw a quick glance at the typed sheets. Fuck me....there has to be a couple of hundred messages? I ignore them, time enough for that later.

Try to keep my eyes open, yet I have to admit....I'm pretty tired. She probably is too I'm betting. And that's maybe why she's so subdued?

And it's in that half state of sleep when it finally hits me.

That look? The one that's been on Lucy's face....ever since I woke up?

It's the exact same expression I saw there, as she told me about her Mom and Dad. When she was absolutely devastated by their loss.

Lu....is grieving?