Roll Away Your Stone 8/18
May. 19th, 2011 06:01 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
whedonistSeries: Secret
Story: Roll Away Your Stone
Chapter: Things Unreal
Rating: R
Pairing: Nikki/Nora
Disclaimer: All bow to Nancylee Myatt. I'm mucking about in her sandbox...no harm no foul. Also, thank you Dirk…for uh, ya know, putting up with my sh!t.
A/N: Life got in my beta's way so this chapter hasn't been passed through his hands...EEP! So mistakes are really all my fault. Most of the time they’re Dirk's but he hasn't touched this so...uh...sorry...again...
Ch.8 – Things Unreal
Nikki gives off a hiss of pain, causing us to stop the slow shuffle from the bathroom back to her bed. My grip on her arm tightens and she leans against me a little more. Her forehead is clammy against my neck.
“Nik?” I ask tentatively.
“Good,” she hisses, “Just moved the wrong way.”
I nod and debate picking her up. She’s not that heavy and I’ve done it before.
“Don’t even think it Delaney,” she says looking up at me.
I give her a crooked smile and joke, “We could just put a bed in the bathroom for ya.”
I get a swat to my arm and she urges us forward. Complying, we move gingerly across the hospital room. She’s slated to leave tomorrow, but her stomach’s been giving her some trouble. I assist as she slides into bed and I hear, “I hate this shit.”
“I know,” I offer. “Tomorrow. We’ll get you home tomorrow and then it’ll just be me and whoever’s left at the house to play mother hen.”
She scowls at me as I take my seat on her bed.
“Darius may just want to bunk on the couch though.” I run a hand through my hair and think about the last time we talked. He hasn’t been able to come by as much as he’d like. Apparently one of the youth shelters he works with ran into some problems this past week.
“He tell you anything about what’s going on?” Nikki asks.
“Not really, just said that some folks caused a ruckus and he and the center’s director are handling it. It’s just taking up a lot of his time,” I explain.
She nods and asks, “Do you think we could get rid of some of the flowers? I know…”
I place a finger to her lips. “I’ve collected all the cards that were sent. You can work on thank you notes while you’re resting up. I’ll sick Jill on it. She needs something to keep her busy,” I snicker and amend,
“Pat said that she’s cleaned the house top to bottom and rearranged our kitchen.”
She smiles against my finger and then kisses it.
“Knock, knock,” Dan calls out before peeking his head through the door.
I wave him in and he smiles waving a folder around.
“Well if it isn’t the illustrious Nikki Beaumont looking better than ever,” he jibes, “That new hair cut is doin’ wonders for you detective.”
“Dan,” I warn.
She’s still really sensitive about her hair.
“I will find a way to kick your hide Harney,” Nikki threatens him.
He holds his hands up in surrender and asks, “How are you feeling?”
Nikki shrugs. “Like I was shot.”
“Hmm, well you were, so I guess that’s to be expected.” He flops down into one of the visitor chairs and props his feet up on the end of the bed.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Wanted to check up on you two and discuss some arrangements that have been made in your absence.” He wiggles his eyebrows before starting in, “Nik, I have to pick the papers up from the doc to take to your Union Rep. They’re still investigating the shooting, but I don’t think we’ll run into too much trouble. You’re also on leave until we get medical release…”
“That’s news?” Nikki jokes, “It’s not like I’m gonna run out of here and chase down a mugger, Dan.”
“I know that, but I told Chen I’d swing by and update you,” he smiles sweetly and bats his eyelashes.
I shake my head. That has never worked for him.
“Also, I needed to discuss what to do with your partner since she’s not gonna be any good to us while you’re laid up.” He runs a hand over his head and hands over the folder.
I take it from him and flip it open. ‘Transfer’ is the first thing I see.
“Now, before you give me a tongue lashing that will not be near as much fun for me as it will be for you, let me explain. Baird and I were talking and we needed to make sure that all,” he points his finger between Nikki and me, “And I mean all of our bases were covered since Nikki’s out. Effective at eight a.m. this morning, Det. Delaney you are being transferred to Vice.”
“No,” Nikki speaks up before I have I chance to protest.
“This isn’t open for debate, either of you. It’s a temporary reassignment until you, Nikki, are cleared to come back.”
“I can still work,” I snip and snap the folder closed.
He shakes his head. “You can’t work on any of your open cases. The Knox murders have gotten way too personal for all of us. I’ve had Commander Hosli’s personal watchdog breathing down my neck because not only was an officer gunned down, but said officer was a decorated detective who happens to be a respected councilman’s daughter. I’m playing this by the books here ladies. None of this is open for discussion.”
Nikki huffs and then I huff while glaring at my ex-partner.
“Nor, you need to swing by tomorrow and pick up the new badge and assignment details, but from what Ron’s worked out, you’ll be playing baby sitter to his old partner. Seems the gal he used to work with got herself all shot up and needs to be looked after. Ron said that he thought you looked like the Nightingale type.”
“You’re joking?” Nikki and I both say at the same time.
Dan shakes his head. “It’s in the vested interest of our two departments that Det. Beaumont make a full and speedy recovery. Ron and I thought what better way for that to happen than to make sure that the one person she listens to more than anyone else be by her side to ensure such a recovery.”
My eyes narrow at him and I snip, “I’m not padding my time sheets for this shit, Dan. It’s not right.”
Dan’s eyebrows rise and he looks me over. “Nora, I know you ain’t been to the station in a few days, but let me just tell you, Nikki’s shooting has stirred a hornet’s nest. We all know that eventually things are going to come to a head. No one, and by no one I mean Ron, me, you or your partner, can afford to be caught unawares. Just how do you think it looks? She was targeted, shot up in your car, you’re her power of attorney and don’t think there hasn’t been chatter about your insistence to camp out here with her.”
“I’m not going to do it Dan,” I hold firm.
“You don’t get it Nora, this isn’t a request. It’s an order.” Dan stands and leans into me. “You do whatever Ron says and you’ll do it with a smile on your face. Why can’t you see we’re trying our damnedest to protect you both?”
“Nora,” Nikki’s voice breaks through my anger and my head snaps in her direction, “Do what he says.”
I growl. “What about the case?”
“As far as either of you are concerned, it’s an ongoing investigation that neither of you are to touch with a fifty foot pole.” He folds his arms across his chest and I resist the urge to punch him.
“That’s bullshit,” I snip.
He shakes his head. “It’s what it is. I’m still trying to work on getting your car out of evidence, but…Nora, she’s…your car’s probably going to need to be junked.”
“I don’t care,” I say, meeting his gaze. “Do what you need to do, take however long you want.”
He nods and finishes up, “I managed to get a few items from the car before Benton had a chance to work cataloging them. You can swing by tomorrow and explain to me why there were not one but two pairs of panties stuffed under the seat of your car.”
I groan and Nikki snickers. I knew I shouldn’t have let her talk me into that quickie on one of our last stakeouts.
The sound of my foot tapping against the linoleum of the hospital hall floor makes this hollow sort of sound. Arthur Beaumont just shoots me a look as my leg begins the inevitable bounce. I really wish they’d hurry up with Nikki.
The sooner they get back to me the sooner we can go home. The sooner I can give her a proper once over without the worry of prying eyes or someone from the station showing up to wish her a quick recovery.
Of course, we’ll also be able to avoid the few family members of hers that have stopped by. I don’t mind her family so much, if they don’t talk to me. Her Aunt Peggy and Uncle Gabriele tend to refer to me as Nikki’s “friend” and generally disregard me when I’ve been to the handful of family functions Nikki’s dragged me to. It’s her three cousins, Nathaniel, Gabriele Jr. and Aimee that annoy the living hell out of me. They seem intent on stirring up as much trouble as they possibly can in the shortest amount of time.
Luckily they’ve only been by twice. Once, Chris was with us and acted as a decent buffer and then Arthur was there for the latest one yesterday. He and Nikki seemed to put his brother’s children in their proper place which is nowhere near Nikki.
Nikki quit making excuses for them when they decided that setting their cousin up with a doctor Nathaniel knew was the last straw. The setup happened a family function I was dragged to.
Apparently, they can’t accept the idea that their cousin is in a committed relationship with another girl, a “common, blue collar one, no less” as Aimee said at the last dinner we went to together.
Arthur sighs next to me and reaches out to place a hand on my knee. “I’m afraid, childe that you are going to bounce a hole right through the floor and land us in the floor below.” He smiles at me and gives my knee a fatherly pat before resting back in his lap.
“Sorry, I just…” I trail off as he smiles warmly at me.
“I know. I’m afraid my daughter’s intent on giving us both a heart attack at least once in our lives.”
I swallow and nod. Over the past few years, he and I’ve come to some fairly even ground. I still get pretty nervous around him, but he has made more of an effort than I ever thought someone like him would. My respect for the man deepened as I’ve gotten to see just how much he loves his daughter.
“So, Nikki told me you’re planning on telling your mother about you two?” he asks quietly.
My head whips in his direction. Arthur’s eyes reflect a hint of amusement and I swear that same mischievous glint that Nikki’s get when she’s leading up to something.
I can’t seem to find my voice so I just nod.
“Did Nikki ever tell you what happened when she told me?”
I shake my head.
“Well, I’ll have to thank her for that at some point. It wasn’t my best moment as a father.” He runs a hand through his hair, his pinky ring catching the light just so. “I had some suspicions, but never confronted her until…she had been injured on the job, a bit more troublesome last time than this one actually. Darius and I had taken her out to my family home.” He breathes out. “To make a slightly long story a bit shorter, on our way back, we had stopped at one of our favorite restaurants and I confronted her.”
“How’d that go?” I ask genuinely curious. Nikki’s made one or two off handed comments about her dad’s initial reaction, but nothing blatant, instead keeping it focused on how supportive he is now.
“I snapped at her. I was angry, hurt, confused as well. Fact of the matter is, is that I didn’t talk to her for nearly six months. Some of the worst times I remember of my little life.” He looks me over then and places another arm on my shoulder. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you need anything, with or without our Nicolette around, you’re more than welcome to whatever it is I can do. I’d be more than happy to be with you two when you talk to your mother, perhaps steer her around the curves a bit better than when I had to do it alone.”
“Uh, uhm, thanks…I…well, Patrick will be there…” I falter.
He nods and gives me another warm smile. “The offer stands Nora. I think you’re about as close as I’m going to get to another child and you should know I’m here for you. You’ve proven yourself to me and to Nikki enough.”
“Thanks,” I choke out and wipe the sweat peppering my brow.
Nikki needs to get back here. I’m not sure I can deal with a sentimental Beaumont much longer.
“Now, if you’ll just sign here and here, we’ll take care of the rest,” the nurse says pointing to a few lines on the discharge papers.
I look over the forms and listen for Nikki to finish up in the bathroom. Signing the discharge papers, I hand the nurse back her pen and she clucks as it slips into her pocket.
“Now, her prescription can be picked up at the pharmacy that you listed. I’ve included some additional pain pills in this bag,” she pulls one from her right smock pocket, “The doctor said that she shouldn’t need them, but the stitches are in a tender spot. We’ll call you to schedule a follow up at Dr. Leitzell’s private office.”
I nod. “Anything else?”
She nods and hands me a few papers from the back of the clipboard. “These are care instructions for her wounds. The bag on the bed is for the supplies that you’ll need. If you should run out, a local drug store should have what you need. The stitches she has need to be kept dry for a little while longer. If the area gets red or begins to hurt more than usual, bring her in here immediately.” She rattles this off and barely pauses for a breath before continuing, “If she develops a fever, if there’s any unusual abdominal pain, she needs to be seen at once. Now,” the nurse’s voice drops, “you also need to be aware that with certain types of head trauma, there may be prolonged repercussions, small things, small shifts in her personality, behavior, all of that can be normal for Ms. Beaumont’s type of wound. You should be aware of that. Give her some time and some patience.”
“She’s in good hands,” I say smiling tightly.
The nurse looks me over briefly before nodding and offering me a good day.
“Nora,” Nikki calls out.
I stride to the bathroom door and poke my head in. “You rang?”
She smirks and asks, “A little help getting me up and my pants back on?”
I shake my head. “I don’t mind helping you up, but it’s damn near criminal to put your pants on.”
“Nora Marie,” Nikki warns.
Giving her an exaggerated sigh, I shuffle into the bathroom and shut the door. I help her stand and then drop to one knee and begin to pull her underwear up first. I stop as I get them to her hips and decide to examine her for further injuries. Tilting my head I examine her and look around to the swell of her right cheek.
I feel a finger tap the top of my head.
I blink and look up.
“Pants? Underwear? Were you going to stay down there and stare at my derriere all afternoon?” Nikki’s lips purse in that way that tell me she’s not feeling whatever it is I’m feeling at the moment, it’s a cross between annoyed and…well mostly, it’s just annoyed.
“Uh, just appreciating the view from all the way down here,” I manage and focus getting her underwear and pants on her.
She tugs on my arm and I stand, pressing gently against her erect form.
“What’s so wrong with a girl admiring another girl’s…assets?” I query and kiss the corner of her mouth.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever properly admired your ass, forgive me?”
She reaches out and tweaks the tip of my nose. “You’re incorrigible.”
I shrug. Why argue with the obvious? “Come on,” I urge, “Your dad went to go get the car. We’re to meet him downstairs and the nurse and I just took care of all the paperwork.”
“Time for a clean getaway?” she questions as we move from the bathroom to the wheelchair I put just outside of the door.
“In deed, Ms. Beaumont, in deed.” I sling my overnight bag over my shoulder and stuff the rest of the items on the bed in the side pocket. “Ready?” I ask as we start towards the door.
“Way more than ready.” She tilts her head back and I look down at her.
The color has returned to her face, her cheeks are a nice pinkish color instead of the greyish hue that had persisted up until a few days ago. I lean down and kiss her forehead then whisper, “All right gorgeous, let’s get you home. Jill’s been bonding with my brother and Chris, I’m afraid to see what’s happened to our home in our absence.”
Nikki smiles. “I’m glad she’s here.”
“Me too,” I agree. We hit the elevator and I’m happy that someone was holding the door. “Thanks,” I say to the man that held the door. He offers a nod and I push the button for the lobby.
“I’m glad Patrick and Chris are there too,” she says quietly.
I look down at her and my eyes narrow.
“What?” she asks.
I shake my head. “You’re not that sly, Nik, but for what it’s worth, I’m more glad than you that they’re
here.”
As the elevator doors open the man once again holds the doors open for us as I wheel her out and towards the front door. I lean down; quickly nip her ear and whisper, “You ready to really go home?”
She swallows and nods her head. “I was ready to be home the moment I woke up. Now let’s not prolong this sugga, get your woman to her bed.”
I laugh and right myself. Best fucking idea she’s ever had.
Next>>>
Story: Roll Away Your Stone
Chapter: Things Unreal
Rating: R
Pairing: Nikki/Nora
Disclaimer: All bow to Nancylee Myatt. I'm mucking about in her sandbox...no harm no foul. Also, thank you Dirk…for uh, ya know, putting up with my sh!t.
A/N: Life got in my beta's way so this chapter hasn't been passed through his hands...EEP! So mistakes are really all my fault. Most of the time they’re Dirk's but he hasn't touched this so...uh...sorry...again...
Nikki gives off a hiss of pain, causing us to stop the slow shuffle from the bathroom back to her bed. My grip on her arm tightens and she leans against me a little more. Her forehead is clammy against my neck.
“Nik?” I ask tentatively.
“Good,” she hisses, “Just moved the wrong way.”
I nod and debate picking her up. She’s not that heavy and I’ve done it before.
“Don’t even think it Delaney,” she says looking up at me.
I give her a crooked smile and joke, “We could just put a bed in the bathroom for ya.”
I get a swat to my arm and she urges us forward. Complying, we move gingerly across the hospital room. She’s slated to leave tomorrow, but her stomach’s been giving her some trouble. I assist as she slides into bed and I hear, “I hate this shit.”
“I know,” I offer. “Tomorrow. We’ll get you home tomorrow and then it’ll just be me and whoever’s left at the house to play mother hen.”
She scowls at me as I take my seat on her bed.
“Darius may just want to bunk on the couch though.” I run a hand through my hair and think about the last time we talked. He hasn’t been able to come by as much as he’d like. Apparently one of the youth shelters he works with ran into some problems this past week.
“He tell you anything about what’s going on?” Nikki asks.
“Not really, just said that some folks caused a ruckus and he and the center’s director are handling it. It’s just taking up a lot of his time,” I explain.
She nods and asks, “Do you think we could get rid of some of the flowers? I know…”
I place a finger to her lips. “I’ve collected all the cards that were sent. You can work on thank you notes while you’re resting up. I’ll sick Jill on it. She needs something to keep her busy,” I snicker and amend,
“Pat said that she’s cleaned the house top to bottom and rearranged our kitchen.”
She smiles against my finger and then kisses it.
“Knock, knock,” Dan calls out before peeking his head through the door.
I wave him in and he smiles waving a folder around.
“Well if it isn’t the illustrious Nikki Beaumont looking better than ever,” he jibes, “That new hair cut is doin’ wonders for you detective.”
“Dan,” I warn.
She’s still really sensitive about her hair.
“I will find a way to kick your hide Harney,” Nikki threatens him.
He holds his hands up in surrender and asks, “How are you feeling?”
Nikki shrugs. “Like I was shot.”
“Hmm, well you were, so I guess that’s to be expected.” He flops down into one of the visitor chairs and props his feet up on the end of the bed.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Wanted to check up on you two and discuss some arrangements that have been made in your absence.” He wiggles his eyebrows before starting in, “Nik, I have to pick the papers up from the doc to take to your Union Rep. They’re still investigating the shooting, but I don’t think we’ll run into too much trouble. You’re also on leave until we get medical release…”
“That’s news?” Nikki jokes, “It’s not like I’m gonna run out of here and chase down a mugger, Dan.”
“I know that, but I told Chen I’d swing by and update you,” he smiles sweetly and bats his eyelashes.
I shake my head. That has never worked for him.
“Also, I needed to discuss what to do with your partner since she’s not gonna be any good to us while you’re laid up.” He runs a hand over his head and hands over the folder.
I take it from him and flip it open. ‘Transfer’ is the first thing I see.
“Now, before you give me a tongue lashing that will not be near as much fun for me as it will be for you, let me explain. Baird and I were talking and we needed to make sure that all,” he points his finger between Nikki and me, “And I mean all of our bases were covered since Nikki’s out. Effective at eight a.m. this morning, Det. Delaney you are being transferred to Vice.”
“No,” Nikki speaks up before I have I chance to protest.
“This isn’t open for debate, either of you. It’s a temporary reassignment until you, Nikki, are cleared to come back.”
“I can still work,” I snip and snap the folder closed.
He shakes his head. “You can’t work on any of your open cases. The Knox murders have gotten way too personal for all of us. I’ve had Commander Hosli’s personal watchdog breathing down my neck because not only was an officer gunned down, but said officer was a decorated detective who happens to be a respected councilman’s daughter. I’m playing this by the books here ladies. None of this is open for discussion.”
Nikki huffs and then I huff while glaring at my ex-partner.
“Nor, you need to swing by tomorrow and pick up the new badge and assignment details, but from what Ron’s worked out, you’ll be playing baby sitter to his old partner. Seems the gal he used to work with got herself all shot up and needs to be looked after. Ron said that he thought you looked like the Nightingale type.”
“You’re joking?” Nikki and I both say at the same time.
Dan shakes his head. “It’s in the vested interest of our two departments that Det. Beaumont make a full and speedy recovery. Ron and I thought what better way for that to happen than to make sure that the one person she listens to more than anyone else be by her side to ensure such a recovery.”
My eyes narrow at him and I snip, “I’m not padding my time sheets for this shit, Dan. It’s not right.”
Dan’s eyebrows rise and he looks me over. “Nora, I know you ain’t been to the station in a few days, but let me just tell you, Nikki’s shooting has stirred a hornet’s nest. We all know that eventually things are going to come to a head. No one, and by no one I mean Ron, me, you or your partner, can afford to be caught unawares. Just how do you think it looks? She was targeted, shot up in your car, you’re her power of attorney and don’t think there hasn’t been chatter about your insistence to camp out here with her.”
“I’m not going to do it Dan,” I hold firm.
“You don’t get it Nora, this isn’t a request. It’s an order.” Dan stands and leans into me. “You do whatever Ron says and you’ll do it with a smile on your face. Why can’t you see we’re trying our damnedest to protect you both?”
“Nora,” Nikki’s voice breaks through my anger and my head snaps in her direction, “Do what he says.”
I growl. “What about the case?”
“As far as either of you are concerned, it’s an ongoing investigation that neither of you are to touch with a fifty foot pole.” He folds his arms across his chest and I resist the urge to punch him.
“That’s bullshit,” I snip.
He shakes his head. “It’s what it is. I’m still trying to work on getting your car out of evidence, but…Nora, she’s…your car’s probably going to need to be junked.”
“I don’t care,” I say, meeting his gaze. “Do what you need to do, take however long you want.”
He nods and finishes up, “I managed to get a few items from the car before Benton had a chance to work cataloging them. You can swing by tomorrow and explain to me why there were not one but two pairs of panties stuffed under the seat of your car.”
I groan and Nikki snickers. I knew I shouldn’t have let her talk me into that quickie on one of our last stakeouts.
The sound of my foot tapping against the linoleum of the hospital hall floor makes this hollow sort of sound. Arthur Beaumont just shoots me a look as my leg begins the inevitable bounce. I really wish they’d hurry up with Nikki.
The sooner they get back to me the sooner we can go home. The sooner I can give her a proper once over without the worry of prying eyes or someone from the station showing up to wish her a quick recovery.
Of course, we’ll also be able to avoid the few family members of hers that have stopped by. I don’t mind her family so much, if they don’t talk to me. Her Aunt Peggy and Uncle Gabriele tend to refer to me as Nikki’s “friend” and generally disregard me when I’ve been to the handful of family functions Nikki’s dragged me to. It’s her three cousins, Nathaniel, Gabriele Jr. and Aimee that annoy the living hell out of me. They seem intent on stirring up as much trouble as they possibly can in the shortest amount of time.
Luckily they’ve only been by twice. Once, Chris was with us and acted as a decent buffer and then Arthur was there for the latest one yesterday. He and Nikki seemed to put his brother’s children in their proper place which is nowhere near Nikki.
Nikki quit making excuses for them when they decided that setting their cousin up with a doctor Nathaniel knew was the last straw. The setup happened a family function I was dragged to.
Apparently, they can’t accept the idea that their cousin is in a committed relationship with another girl, a “common, blue collar one, no less” as Aimee said at the last dinner we went to together.
Arthur sighs next to me and reaches out to place a hand on my knee. “I’m afraid, childe that you are going to bounce a hole right through the floor and land us in the floor below.” He smiles at me and gives my knee a fatherly pat before resting back in his lap.
“Sorry, I just…” I trail off as he smiles warmly at me.
“I know. I’m afraid my daughter’s intent on giving us both a heart attack at least once in our lives.”
I swallow and nod. Over the past few years, he and I’ve come to some fairly even ground. I still get pretty nervous around him, but he has made more of an effort than I ever thought someone like him would. My respect for the man deepened as I’ve gotten to see just how much he loves his daughter.
“So, Nikki told me you’re planning on telling your mother about you two?” he asks quietly.
My head whips in his direction. Arthur’s eyes reflect a hint of amusement and I swear that same mischievous glint that Nikki’s get when she’s leading up to something.
I can’t seem to find my voice so I just nod.
“Did Nikki ever tell you what happened when she told me?”
I shake my head.
“Well, I’ll have to thank her for that at some point. It wasn’t my best moment as a father.” He runs a hand through his hair, his pinky ring catching the light just so. “I had some suspicions, but never confronted her until…she had been injured on the job, a bit more troublesome last time than this one actually. Darius and I had taken her out to my family home.” He breathes out. “To make a slightly long story a bit shorter, on our way back, we had stopped at one of our favorite restaurants and I confronted her.”
“How’d that go?” I ask genuinely curious. Nikki’s made one or two off handed comments about her dad’s initial reaction, but nothing blatant, instead keeping it focused on how supportive he is now.
“I snapped at her. I was angry, hurt, confused as well. Fact of the matter is, is that I didn’t talk to her for nearly six months. Some of the worst times I remember of my little life.” He looks me over then and places another arm on my shoulder. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you need anything, with or without our Nicolette around, you’re more than welcome to whatever it is I can do. I’d be more than happy to be with you two when you talk to your mother, perhaps steer her around the curves a bit better than when I had to do it alone.”
“Uh, uhm, thanks…I…well, Patrick will be there…” I falter.
He nods and gives me another warm smile. “The offer stands Nora. I think you’re about as close as I’m going to get to another child and you should know I’m here for you. You’ve proven yourself to me and to Nikki enough.”
“Thanks,” I choke out and wipe the sweat peppering my brow.
Nikki needs to get back here. I’m not sure I can deal with a sentimental Beaumont much longer.
“Now, if you’ll just sign here and here, we’ll take care of the rest,” the nurse says pointing to a few lines on the discharge papers.
I look over the forms and listen for Nikki to finish up in the bathroom. Signing the discharge papers, I hand the nurse back her pen and she clucks as it slips into her pocket.
“Now, her prescription can be picked up at the pharmacy that you listed. I’ve included some additional pain pills in this bag,” she pulls one from her right smock pocket, “The doctor said that she shouldn’t need them, but the stitches are in a tender spot. We’ll call you to schedule a follow up at Dr. Leitzell’s private office.”
I nod. “Anything else?”
She nods and hands me a few papers from the back of the clipboard. “These are care instructions for her wounds. The bag on the bed is for the supplies that you’ll need. If you should run out, a local drug store should have what you need. The stitches she has need to be kept dry for a little while longer. If the area gets red or begins to hurt more than usual, bring her in here immediately.” She rattles this off and barely pauses for a breath before continuing, “If she develops a fever, if there’s any unusual abdominal pain, she needs to be seen at once. Now,” the nurse’s voice drops, “you also need to be aware that with certain types of head trauma, there may be prolonged repercussions, small things, small shifts in her personality, behavior, all of that can be normal for Ms. Beaumont’s type of wound. You should be aware of that. Give her some time and some patience.”
“She’s in good hands,” I say smiling tightly.
The nurse looks me over briefly before nodding and offering me a good day.
“Nora,” Nikki calls out.
I stride to the bathroom door and poke my head in. “You rang?”
She smirks and asks, “A little help getting me up and my pants back on?”
I shake my head. “I don’t mind helping you up, but it’s damn near criminal to put your pants on.”
“Nora Marie,” Nikki warns.
Giving her an exaggerated sigh, I shuffle into the bathroom and shut the door. I help her stand and then drop to one knee and begin to pull her underwear up first. I stop as I get them to her hips and decide to examine her for further injuries. Tilting my head I examine her and look around to the swell of her right cheek.
I feel a finger tap the top of my head.
I blink and look up.
“Pants? Underwear? Were you going to stay down there and stare at my derriere all afternoon?” Nikki’s lips purse in that way that tell me she’s not feeling whatever it is I’m feeling at the moment, it’s a cross between annoyed and…well mostly, it’s just annoyed.
“Uh, just appreciating the view from all the way down here,” I manage and focus getting her underwear and pants on her.
She tugs on my arm and I stand, pressing gently against her erect form.
“What’s so wrong with a girl admiring another girl’s…assets?” I query and kiss the corner of her mouth.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever properly admired your ass, forgive me?”
She reaches out and tweaks the tip of my nose. “You’re incorrigible.”
I shrug. Why argue with the obvious? “Come on,” I urge, “Your dad went to go get the car. We’re to meet him downstairs and the nurse and I just took care of all the paperwork.”
“Time for a clean getaway?” she questions as we move from the bathroom to the wheelchair I put just outside of the door.
“In deed, Ms. Beaumont, in deed.” I sling my overnight bag over my shoulder and stuff the rest of the items on the bed in the side pocket. “Ready?” I ask as we start towards the door.
“Way more than ready.” She tilts her head back and I look down at her.
The color has returned to her face, her cheeks are a nice pinkish color instead of the greyish hue that had persisted up until a few days ago. I lean down and kiss her forehead then whisper, “All right gorgeous, let’s get you home. Jill’s been bonding with my brother and Chris, I’m afraid to see what’s happened to our home in our absence.”
Nikki smiles. “I’m glad she’s here.”
“Me too,” I agree. We hit the elevator and I’m happy that someone was holding the door. “Thanks,” I say to the man that held the door. He offers a nod and I push the button for the lobby.
“I’m glad Patrick and Chris are there too,” she says quietly.
I look down at her and my eyes narrow.
“What?” she asks.
I shake my head. “You’re not that sly, Nik, but for what it’s worth, I’m more glad than you that they’re
here.”
As the elevator doors open the man once again holds the doors open for us as I wheel her out and towards the front door. I lean down; quickly nip her ear and whisper, “You ready to really go home?”
She swallows and nods her head. “I was ready to be home the moment I woke up. Now let’s not prolong this sugga, get your woman to her bed.”
I laugh and right myself. Best fucking idea she’s ever had.
Next>>>
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Date: 2011-05-19 02:29 pm (UTC)Oh and Nora's mother is going to be pissed, that Nikki got shot, that she is Nora's partner and she wasn't invited to visit Nikki in the hospital!
Waiting for more :)
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Date: 2011-05-22 03:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-19 04:42 pm (UTC)I love the moment between Arthur and Nora， so sweet！ and that's also the first time we got to find out what happened when Nikki came out to her father.
I don't like that Nora's getting transfer to Vice, even just for temporary. >.<
But *^_^* to Nikki's going home, finally, some alone time for just two of them... well, and Jill, Patrick, and Chris.
no subject
Date: 2011-05-22 03:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-20 12:29 am (UTC)Woohoo, a hospital getaway for Nikki and Nora - now for the talk with MOM! Wondering...wondering what's that's going to be like. Arthur offering to go with them was sweet and shows how much they have made an effort to get along and be like family.
Is trouble on the horizon for Darius? Is the rumors going to be an end to Nora's and Nikki's work relationship?
no subject
Date: 2011-05-22 03:33 am (UTC)