Only Human

1.3

"I can give you a painkiller, but other than that you'll have to just heal up on your own. I don't have anything to speed up the healing process," The doctor informed us, giving me a pitiful smile and handing me a pill with a glass of water.

"How long are her painkillers going to last?" Gabriel asked from his position behind me. He had refused to let go of me, and I didn't mind.

"They should last until tomorrow, and then I'd advise some Ibuprofen. The bruising will probably keep developing through the night but then it will start to go away after that. Swelling will be minimal," She informed, walking out of the room. Gabriel sighed and cuddled into me.

"I'm so sorry," He whispered. I turned my head and pressed a kiss to his jaw.

"I already told you," I whispered back, "It's not your fault."

"I love you, I'm sorry. I should have been there," Gabriel chanted, rocking us on the bed. My heart twinged and I teared up.

"You were there. I am okay thanks to you," I explained, the tears slipping out. I felt myself being picked up and turned around.

"Hush, Love. Don't cry," Gabriel cooed, smoothing my hair back and wiping away my tears.

"I just really care about you, and I don't like that you are blaming yourself," I cried.

"I'll stop. I won't if it will make you happy," He pledged. I nodded.

"Take me home?" I asked, cuddling him. He smiled, choking out a laugh.

"Of course, Sweetheart," Gabriel nodded, scooping me up and walking out the door.

His body was so warm I didn't need a coat but he wrapped me up in a blanket before we walked out of the clinic anyway.

I rested my head on his shoulder and the gentle rocking from his walking lulled me into a state of half-consciousness.

"We're here, Sweetheart," Gabriel whispered in my ear, pressing a kiss to my head.

I think I mumbled something in response but I was too tired to remember. I felt myself being set down on something soft before I was wrapped up in something warm again. I snuggled into the warmth and let dreams consume me.

-----

I could feel fingers running through my hair and felt a smile on my face. I kept my eyes closed, enjoying the moment.

"Good morning Sweetheart," A husky voice whispered in my ear. I flinched at the sudden noise and my elbow hit something. My eyes popped open and I saw Gabriel grimacing and holding his arm.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, still feeling groggy. In my daze, I decided the most reasonable way to help him feel better was throwing myself onto him.

Gabriel caught me and chuckled, leaning back into the headboard and positioning me on his chest.

"If this is how you apologize you can hurt me any time," Gabriel promised, resuming running his fingers through my hair.

"Shh," I instructed sleepily. I reached to pull the comforter up on my body again and shut my eyes.

"Are you going to wake up?" He whispered, kissing the top of my head. I shrugged, sighing deeply. I must have fallen asleep again because the next time I woke up Gabriel was having a hushed phone conversation.

"I want you to meet her too, but I don't want to overwhelm her," He was saying. I cuddled into his side further and felt his gaze on me.

"She's perfect, Joel. I don't deserve her," Gabriel said. I fluttered my eyes open and smiled up at Gabriel.