Senses

Chapter 53

AN: Sorry for the delay.

Hermione let out a deep moan, every muscle in her body finally releasing the day's tension. The water that came down overhead was much warmer than she'd thought it would be and she was eternally grateful for it. Their dinner had been a nearly mute affair with plenty of long lingering glances between. It was still early in the evening, just after seven; even still, she felt unbelievably worn out.

Watching after someone was more taxing than she ever believed. While she was no stranger to taking care of others. Worrying about their health and not having the answers to possible problems had worn her nerves thin. As much as she wished to be there for him in every way she could it was still very clear to her that she had much to learn from him.

For the most part, he had taken well to her doting. His comments hadn't held the same bite to them or at least hadn't felt as though they'd held any heat behind him. He wasn't the most willing patient but it was clear to her that he had been trying to make an effort. Whether he was simply too fatigued to fight her advances off properly or if he was genuinely starting to see her as something more than a burden; she hadn't really decided.

A slow roll of her head brought a well-needed pop to her shoulder and she carefully stepped out of the shower. The room was pleasantly warm and she didn't feel the need to immediately swaddle herself up in a towel. Instead, she took a moment to look down her ever-changing frame. While she was mostly pleased with how she'd grown and built muscle, the harsh lines that crossed her skin were still something of a worry to her. Not because they hurt but because the illusion of her childhood was completely shattered.

With pursed lips, she pulled the towel closed and cast a quick drying charm over her hair before looking around the small sink for a brush or something she could transfigure into one. Finding only a weak comb, she turned to try and locate her wand when a sharp pain shot all the way up and down her side. Her gasp of pain was sharp, and her hand instantly went to her bandaged side. She'd almost forgotten she'd been injured.

A small sneer curled over her features as she pulled the towel lower, wrapping it around her waist before she pulled a hand mirror from beside the tap to try and see if she'd done any damage. With the tips of her nails, she pulled away the tape that held the gauze in place. A deep hiss left her gritted teeth as she pulled it free, unfortunately, the small hand mirror didn't really show her much.

Unable to turn to see properly she turned her head towards the ceiling trying to debate on the best course. She knew Severus was just in the bedroom back in bed as standing had been a rather vertigo-inducing experience for him. She'd helped him from the bathroom back to the bed after having given him the privacy to dress himself.

Deciding that the adult thing to do would be to seek his help, she carefully turned towards the small bundle of clothes she'd brought with her. Some sweatpants and a loose button-up, she slipped on the bottoms before pulling the towel back under her arms. There was no point in putting on a shirt as she knew he'd just have to take it off to look at her wound.

"Severus?" Hermione opened the door slowly and quietly on the off chance that he'd fallen back to sleep though let out a small relieved breath when she found him to be sitting up in bed reading the book she had been reading while she watched over him.

"Yes, Mi-Hermione?" Her name felt odd on his tongue, not bad—just unpracticed. It showed on his face as well, making him appear as if he'd tasted something too sweet.

Hermione's lip curled up to the sound of her name, her eyes lowering as she tried to keep herself from smiling too brightly, "I uh...can't see my back could you take a look?"