Cough Syrup

Zombies in the Park

Hey. I know it's late but I had a really hard day and I want to see you. Can I come over tonight? Maybe stay over?

Christian sent the text and stared intently at his phone, his heart stuttering in his chest. It had been just a few weeks since their kiss and Christian still couldn't keep his mind off of her.

Her smile was infectious. But what really got him? Honestly? Jonas' smile. It was innocent and scared, but so much like his mom's.

He was infatuated.

Of course. I'm sorry you had a bad day. My door is always open, Christian.

Christian took a deep breath and looked around the desolate clubhouse. He performed fine at the plate. But he was hit on his hip and then his back tinged. He hated it.

He knew what it meant. 10 days. Failure.

When would he stop failing his teammates?

***

Christian quietly entered the house and he saw the second Elena's expression changed. She must've heard what Couns said after the game.

"Hi," he said quietly and gave her a gentle hug. She had enough to worry about. She didn't need the added burden of him. He had to leave his worries at the door.

"Sit, Christian. I got an ice pack ready," she said carefully and led him to the couch. She saw the look in his eyes, and the way he limped. He was in pain... and it did something to her. Stirred up a feeling she hadn't felt in almost two years.

"I'm okay, Elena," he whispered, gently taking her hand. "I just want to spend time with you."

Elena smiled softly and gently kissed his cheek.

"I made you Cuban pulled pork. It was too... adult for Jonas. So there's like 4 meals left," she chuckled a bit, still staring intently into Christian's eyes with her hand on his cheek.

She needed some kind of confirmation that he was okay.

"Sounds amazing, Ley," he whispered, closing his eyes and leaning into her touch. He wasn't okay. He hated disappointing his teammates. His fans... the whole fucking city.

"You didn't disappoint anyone," Elena said gently, as if reading his mind.

"I... I'm gonna be okay. Let's eat?" he mumbled, not wanting to burden her.

Deflect.

"Of course," she smiled and piled his tacos high and brought him his plate. "You don't need to move a muscle. Just rest."

Christian smiled a bit and kissed her wrist. He had a bad day, but life was so different now that he had her. She made any day brighter.

***

Christian took a deep breath and stood up, taking his plate to the kitchen. He had changed into PJs before eating, simply a light grey pair of joggers. The summer heat and humidity was stifling and he couldn't do a shirt.

"Thank you, Ley," he smiled, washing off his plate and wrapping his arms around her from behind.

His heart warmed as she gravitated towards his embrace and gave him a light smile. She was always so radiant.

"I'm glad you liked it, Christian. I'm making some strawberry shortcake," she whispered, her free hand holding over where his arms rested around her shoulders.

"You take such amazing care of me, Elena," Christian hummed softly, resting his head atop hers. He didn't know a feeling like this. Never got close to people... Definitely not close enough to trust them as much as he trusted Elena.