CHAPTER 12 #2
“Hm.”
“He’s not that bad.” He mumbled, offering a small smile.
I huffed out a laugh in return “you okay?”
“An elk charged at me, gutted me and threw me against a tree. So…yeah, great.”
“Fuck.”
“Yeah, fuck’s about right.”
I watched Stryker struggle to sit up, bringing a hand to his head.
“Hey-“ I started, but Octavia got there first, jogging over, her brown eyes wide.
“Lie down, you fool.” She hissed “you have a concussion.”
Stryker frowned at her, expression dazed. “That explains why I’m seeing things.”
Octavia laughed lightly “you’re not.”
I frowned too, and Stryker’s eyes narrowed further.
"I just need to check you up. What's your name?"
His mouth ticked up on one side, amused even when half asleep and clearly very confused. "Stryker Aisen."
“And do you know who I am?"
"I think so, if I’m not seeing things. Octavia Florence. Ex girlfriend. Virginity stealer."
A flush crept up Octavia’s cheeks "I didn't steal your virginity" she said hotly "it was mutually….exchanged."
A beat went by before Stryker let out a burst of laughter, all deep and rumbly and maybe a little bit painful if the way his hand settled on his side was anything to go by.
Octavia ducked her head, trying to hide both her blush and her smile.
"Mutually exchanged," he repeated. "That's a good one, 'Tavia."
"Shut up," she muttered, looking back up at him.
His eyes were crinkled in a smile. "So you're okay? Not in too much pain, I mean?"
"Nothing I can't handle."
I cleared my throat, feeling increasingly uncomfortable “excuse the interruption but…you two fucked?”
“What a nice way to put it.” Stryker mumbled “so, when can I be out of here?”
“A few days with an injury like that.” Octavia raised her eyebrows.
Stryker snorted “yeah, okay, I’m checking myself out. Theo, help me up.”
My brow furrowed slightly but I aided Stryker to sit upright.
“Thanks.”
“Stryker-“ Octavia started
“What you gonna do, watch me and pump me with pain meds? I can do that in my own bed.”
“Theo’s going to watch you?”
“You know each other?” Stryker asked.
I rolled my eyes “yeah, she’s actually my neighbour. And have a little faith, okay?” I grumbled at Octavia “how’s the elk wound, hotshot?”
Stryker’s eyebrow raised at the nickname before replying “painful.”
“Hah. Oh, Jack’s totally freaking out about you.” I spoke as he pushed the blanket down from his waist and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He was still wearing torn clothes.
“Poor thing. I’m fine.” He replied, one hand fisting the bedsheets as he spoke. His expression stayed neutral for a moment but he betrayed himself by wincing, colour draining further from his already pasty face.
“Are you sure you should be leaving…?” I trailed off at his glare.
“Okay then.” I crouched down to slide Stryker’s boots on and tie his laces.
He offered a tense thanks once I was done, allowing me to aid him to his feet. He swayed where he stood, swallowing convulsively a few times before offering a thumbs up “good. I’m good.”
Octavia’s nose had crinkled in disbelief but she didn’t comment, reaching to take a bowl from his bedside table and holding it out for me to take. There was some kind of pasty, green mixture inside. I pulled a face.
“It’s ointment for his injury.” She explained “to apply twice a day. He can take painkillers. Numbing cream. Whatever he wants.”
“Great.” I mumbled, patting Stryker on the back “off we go, then.”
“Bed rest!” Octavia shouted.
“Yeah, yeah.” Stryker muttered under his breath. I didn’t comment.
He staggered his way back to our unit, glaring at me every time I tried to comment on it, insisting he was fine. Jack spotted them as soon as they opened the front door, scrambling to his feet, eyes dark with concern.
"Out already?"
"I'm fine." Stryker grumbled.
"Yeah, and dressed like shit." Jack scoffed, lingering in the hallway.
I kicked my boots off and patted Stryker on the back "bed."
"I've just been in one."
"Stryker." Jack said in a warning tone.
"I'll call Johnathan." I added, lowering my voice "disobeying doc's orders."
Stryker scowled but snatched the ointment off me and pushed past us to our room. I watched him go, then sighed and shifted my attention to Jack, who was glaring.
"You shouldn't have let him leave."
"Alright. But I did. So." I shrugged dismissively, rolling my eyes and shouldering past the boy to the living room where Matthew and Nico were examining a map.
He was really starting to get on my nerves.
The two's eyes shot towards me as one and Matthew offered a questioning look.
"He's back. Bedrest." I slumped down beside him "not happy about it."
"He never is." Nico sighed "and he never sticks to it, either."
Great.
Matthew shifted towards me, lowering his head so his lips grazed my ear "feeling better?"
I shuddered "hm."
"You know." He murmured "if you're up to it, Jack's out tonight. The room's free."
I met his gaze- it was neutral, gave away nothing.
"Maybe." I muttered back, a little thrill shooting through my body.
Matthew's mouth twitched upwards in the beginnings of a smile as if he’d already detected what my ‘maybe’ really meant.