Doctor Root:
Root awoke suddenly with a gasp. She needed to get to Shaw. The machine had told her that she was in trouble, with a fatal wound. She only had a 0.2% chance of survival right now. Quick, quick.. Where were her shoes?
Harold jumped up, a questioning look on his face. She stilled, and exhaled. They were already safe. They were in the safehouse, and Shaw wasn't in danger. No, she was safe. It came back to Root all of a sudden. She had rushed to Shaw, to find she wasn't in time. Sameen had fought off the Samaritan agents, but without keeping herself out of harms way. The left side of her black shirt was sticky with congealing blood, and her arm was wet with more red. It had dripped down as far as her finger, pooling on the floor. It stood out awfully against the cool grey concrete. Martine was laid unconscious but breathing, both kneecaps shattered and blood pooling from her thigh (all from Shaw's bullets of course). Root so wanted to go and end that bitch for hurting her angel, but She had reminded her of how desperately Shaw needed her help. At that, she had rushed to Shaw, who had been barely conscious, and had pulled her into her arms. Root may have been taller, but she was only slight. It made it hard for Root to pick her up from the floor, but she managed. Thinking about it, she really shouldn't have been able to do it, but somehow she could push through when it was to save her sweetie. It was kind of like the stories you hear of the mothers who manage to move a truck off of their babies' prams. Physically impossible, defying the laws of this world, but still able to happen. She had told Root where to take Shaw; Root's mind was too busy weeping over the fact that she was unconscious and dying in her arms to think rationally. When they got there, Harold had been ready. She was ready to talk Root through removing the bullet from Shaw's wound, but, ever efficient, Shaw had removed it before Root arrived. That had made Root giggle, Shaw was as capable of operating on herself as operating on someone else. And usually, she did so without local anaesthesia, just a big swig of whatever alcohol was in reach, or without if none was near. There had been no alcohol near enough for Shaw to use this time, but she had still managed. As always. All Root had needed to do was sterilise and dress the wound. Shaw would be okay, she just needed time to rest. And that was exactly what Root planned to make her do, whether she was keen on it or not.
After Harold had calmed and reassured Root, she realised that two days had gone by since the incident. Harold told her that she had been out cold for the last 12 hours in the armchair next to Shaw's bed. She hadn't realised it, but she was clearly exhausted. The call to help Shaw had occurred at a point at which she had been awake for over 42 hours. Her body had screamed for sleep between 28 and 34 hours, but after that, it had resigned to the fact that she would keep moving until she physically couldn't any longer (which, from previous experience, was at about 80 hours). Clearly, the emotional toll of finding Shaw dying and fixing her up had taken a whole lot more out of Root than she had realised. She smiled at Harold, and turned back to go to Shaw's bedside once more.
"Miss Groves, would you like me to get you something to eat or drink? You haven't done so in almost three days..?" He said quietly to her, as if he was afraid that speaking any louder would startle her, make her run.
She swallowed, and tried to sound as normal as she could. "Oh Harry, you do know how to treat a girl. Yes please, just something small. I'm feeling a little wobbly after sleeping so long."
He smiled at her, "Of course Miss Groves, a sandwich and some water?"
She nodded, hoping her smile showed at least some gratitude, and turned quickly before he could see her eyes begin to dampen. She couldn't cry infront of him, and she certainly mustn't cry in front of Sameen. Sameen needed her to be strong, and crying -to her- certainly didn't show strength. She inhaled deeply, and exhaled. She swallowed, and stepped into the little dark room where Shaw was. She had laid Sameen on the bed where she usually slept when she stayed here. This was a rarely used safehouse of Harold's, so She had felt safe in having Root stay there sometimes, and unbeknownst to Root, She had decided that it was the place Root felt most comfortable, so was the place for Shaw to heal in, because Root could be most calm and collected here, just what Shaw needed to recover.
Root sat back down into the armchair she had slept in, and glanced at Shaw. She appeared to be sleeping, rather than being unconscious. Her breathing was slow, but it was even. It wasn't laboured or hitching which would suggest a struggle, either due to pain or lack of consciousness. Her features were soft, her face almost peaceful. Root thought she was beautiful always, but when she couldn't force herself to scowl, she was more so. She was almost smiling, something that Root thought she ought to do more often. But she loved her just the way she was, loved the witty remarks that she threw back to Roots innuendos, her forced frowns, her lack of emotion in most situations. To Root, that was what made Shaw. She wouldn't be quite right if she cried or laughed a lot. In fact, she liked it. It made the times when Shaw did show emotion feel much more genuine, made it special. Seeing pure sadness from Shaw would make Root know that she trusted her, and that was just what Root was waiting to see before making a proper move. Sure, they messed around together, and even fucked a few times, but so far it had been just that. Nothing more. Root wanted to try to go further. Sameen said she didn't do relationships, but neither did Root really. She was never in the same place for long enough to have a proper relationship, but having a constant person for some parts of her life would be nice. Root had no constants. She has a constantly evolving job, changed personalities every few days, moved around the globe so often that she had lost count of the amount of countries she had temporarily lived in. There was nothing stable in her life. The only constant was Her. She didn't even have a constant address when she was in New York; she flitted between safehouses. It would be nice to be able to come home to New York knowing that Sameen would be waiting for her, preferably in a nice apartment with a big bed! But she wasn't going to push it upon Shaw. That would just make the woman run.
Harold had appeared in the doorway with a sandwich and water, and she took them silently. He stepped closer to Shaw, took a quick look, checked her vitals on the monitor, and then left. He probably knew that Root needed to be with Shaw right now. Or maybe he didn't, either way he had done what she needed without her asking. She lay her head back, and took a small bite of the sandwich. She knew she needed to eat, but she couldn't face it. She managed to force herself to eat a quarter, then gave up and sat it on the table beside her. She had eaten something, that had to be better than nothing. She took a few mouthfuls of the water, which was easier. It might stop her head from pounding, but she didn't hope for it. This felt like a worry headache, which would only cease when she knew Shaw really was okay. She laid her head back against the headrest, and lifted her feet onto the footstool. She closed her eyes, and let sleep take her.
This time she only slept for about an hour, before She began trying to talk in her ear. It sounded like white noise to begin with, what she used to use to help Root sleep. But it was way louder than that; more of an incessant buzzing than a gentle whispering. She woke up, feeling fuzzy. Root sat still, and waited for the dizziness to pass. She took a gulp of water, and sat up properly. Only then did She quieten. Root didn't question it, but that was odd. Something She had never done before. She glanced back over to Shaw, who was still sleeping. She settled back into the chair, and took another sip of water. She went to close her eyes, but then she heard it. Shaw's breaths had become shallower, and she exhaled deeply before coughing. Root leapt up.
"Sameen?" She whispered, only just audibly. Sameen sighed, moaned, then her eyes burst open.
"Root?" She asked croakily. "Root? Is that you?"
"Yes Sameen, I'm here." Sameen looked at her, and almost smiled.
"You saved my arse, thank you Root."
Root smiled. 'You're welcome sweetie. Do you want anything?"
"Water, please." Root could tell Sameen was trying so hard to be nice, realising that she had been close to death and that she really did need to rest. She hadn't even tried to argue with Root yet, which was an achievement in itself!
"I'll go get you some, stay here laid down sweetie. You took quite a beating, so you need rest"
"Fine Root. Go."
She smiled at Shaw laid in bed, then swept out of the room. Her headache had begun to subside slightly at knowing that Sameen was alive and not in imminent danger. She stopped infront of a snoozing Harold.
"Harry.." She touched his shoulder gently to which he opened his eyes, "She's awake, and staying in bed for once. Try to get some decent rest." She said softly. She knew he had been almost as worried as she had been for Shaw, she was a very valued member of their team, and they really couldn't bear to lose her.
She stepped into the kitchen, and poured a glass of water. She went to step out of the room, but then thought. Shaw was laid in bed and had hit her head pretty bad. Getting up might make her dizzy, so she ought to stay laid down. A straw would make drinking whist laid down much easier. She grabbed one, but then returned it and took another. The first had been bright pink, and whilst Shaw probably wouldn't react, there was no need to risk upsetting her over something so silly as a coloured straw. The second one was blue, a much better colour choice for Shaw. She stuck it into the drink then grabbed an apple from the counter. Now Sameen was awake, she could probably eat something, and she has always been able to eat fruit after being ill. The natural sugars would probably do her good.
When she got back to Sameen she was surprised to find that she has listened to her. She was still laid down like Root had asked. She stood beside her, and offered an arm to help Sameen sit up a bit. Sameen had actually accepted, so Root wrapped her arm under Shaw's good shoulder and had lifted her up a little. She gave her the water, which Shaw sipped at slowly, without using the straw. Inevitably, that went wrong. Shaw spilt a little down herself, then tried to drink too much. She spluttered and spat a mouthful down herself. Root couldn't help but giggle.
"Sam, why do you think I gave you a straw? Now you're damp. Better change that shirt, and then I can check your dressing too." Shaw glared, but didn't resist. Root grabbed a spare pillow and slid it behind Shaw so she was sat up slightly, but completely supported. She had relied on Root holding her up to drink, which told Root just how much pain Shaw was actually in. Root collected what she needed to redress the wound, put it all on the bedside table and stepped to the dresser. In the bottom drawer was a few sets of spare clothes that she knew she had left there on previous visits. She picked out a baggy vest top, not unlike Shaw's usual tops. She then saw a pair of Shaw's shorts that she had borrowed back when she had first joined the team, and had gotten soaked on a mission. Shaw had leant her a fresh set of clothes, and she had never given them back, instead keeping them for pajamas. They would come in handy now as they had needed to remove Shaw's bloodied trousers before leaving her to sleep. Root remembered that Shaw was currently wearing only underwear and a huge spare teeshirt that Reese had given her for Shaw. She put these onto the arm chair, then turned back to Sameen.
"Sameen sweetie, this is going to hurt, but I need to get this shirt off of you. Ready?"
Shaw nodded, and let Root pull the shirt from her right side. Once it was over her head, Root took a firm hold of Sameen's injured arm. Sameen grimaced as Root slid the shirt along her arm. It was the least painful way to do it, but the muscle still throbbed. Root gently placed her arm back down, laid the teeshirt over Shaw's top half (since they had had to remove her sports-bra to sort out the wound earlier) and smiled gingerly at Shaw.
"Sorry sweetie, I'll be done soon I promise." She sat onto the edge of the bed, and leant over Shaw. She drew back the bandage, to reveal a slightly bloody gauze. She picked up a wad of gauze which she had soaked in medical spirit, and gently but firmly wiped over the wound. Shaw inhaled, hissing as she breathed through her teeth. Root continued, knowing that the best she could do was to do it quickly. Shaw was coping. She wiped it a second time with a clean piece of soaked gauze, then stuck a new bandage over the wound. Shaw exhaled, and visibly relaxed against the pillow. Root then took the clean shirt and slid the left arm hole over her injured arm. She then scooped Sameen up off of the pillow on her good side. She lifted the teeshirt over her head, and wiggled the teeshirt around to let Sameen slide her right arm in. She then laid Sameen back against the pillow, and dropped the damp teeshirt into the washbasket.
"Right, you're in Sam. That wasn't too hard!" She laughed quietly. She was trying to keep the conversation light but free of innuendos so that Sameen would continue allowing her to take care of her. It had worked so far.
Shaw smiled at her, "Thanks Root. One other thing..."
"Yes sweetie?"
"Can you take me to the bathroom please?"
"Of course Sameen, but you know you have no trousers on now, right?" She didn't know how Shaw would react to this, she hadn't reacted to being braless, but Shaw was a funny woman when it came to her privacy. There was an ensuite for this room, so there was no need for Shaw to worry about John or Harold seeing her in only underwear, but whether she was comfortable with Root seeing her was for Shaw to decide. Shaw seemed to think for a minute, before speaking. When she did speak it was cautious and had a hint of worry.
"Root, did you remove my trousers? Did you look down there at all?"
Root wasn't expecting that response. "Yes Sam, I did. I didn't want John or Harold to just incase you didn't want them to. And no, I didn't look. I only glanced enough to check you had no injuries."
"Oh, okay. Well, thanks Root." Root smiled, but she thought she still heard a trace of worry in her voice. "Do you think you can walk or shall I carry you?" She asked, knowing she might upset or offend Shaw with that question. But Shaw didn't snap back.
"I think I can walk if you help me. Please." She looked almost vulnerable to Root, which hurt her a lot. She just wanted to hug Sameen close to her and never let her go again. But even showing pity would upset Sameen, so she kept her face as bright as possible.
"Okay, let's get you sat up properly first." She said, as she lifted Sameen up to a sitting position. She kept a strong hold of her as Shaw shuffled to be sat on the edge of the bed. Shaw gently pushed herself to standing, but Root kept a firm hold. She held Shaw close as she stood, clearly dizzy.
"You okay Sam?" She asked quietly. Shaw only grunted in reply. Root stood for a moment, allowing Shaw's head to clear. She waited until Shaw pushed to take a step, then moved gently with her. They got halfway across the room when Shaw suddenly leant hard into Root.
"Root," Shaw whispered. "I don't think I can, my legs are.." But before she had even finished her sentence, Root scooped her up into her arms.
"It's okay Sam, I've got you."
Root walked quickly to the bathroom, and sat Shaw gently onto the closed toilet. Shaw asked Root to help her sit to use the toilet first of all. Root kept her eyes on Sameen's face as she lifted her, lifted the lid then placed her back down. She smiled at her, then stepped outside the door, pushing it closed behind her. This whole thing had made her realise how much pain and how exhausted Sameen must be. She really wasn't just letting Root help her, she needed it. She couldn't do things herself, and wasn't even trying to. It made Root feel kind of warm inside; Shaw needed her now, and had accepted that fact. Maybe this was a good sign, a sign that Sameen was beginning to trust her, maybe even wanted to trust her. She smiled to herself, and leant back against the wall.
"Root? You there?" Shaw called, just loud enough for Root to hear.
"Yes Sameen, do you want me to get you up?"
"Erm, no. Could you do something for me?"
"Yes sweetie, what is it?" Root couldn't think what Sameen could want, but she went along with it.
"Erm, well.." Sameen giggled nervously, which Root had never heard her do before.
"Sam, what's up?" She said sticking her head around the door, making sure to look at Sameen's face. Sameen blushed at this, so Root closed her eyes.
"Root, I err, can you getmesomenewunderwear? Please?"
"I'll have a look, see what we have here. But Sameen, why? Is something wrong?" Root asked tentatively.
Sameen blushed at this, "Nothing drastic Root."
Root couldn't think of any other reason other than Sameen feeling dirty, so she left her in the bathroom and went back to the dresser to see what was in there. She pulled out all that was in there. She found two more teeshirts, a blouse, another pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, a pair of leggings and two pairs of pink and black lace underwear, all of which belonged to her. That was all that she could find, so Shaw would have to cope with wearing pink for a while. She picked up a pair, and laid out a teeshirt and the shorts for her to wear later. She grabbed the shorts she had found earlier and made her way back to the bathroom.
"Shaw? I've found a pair, but I'm not sure you'll like them." She laughed gently.
"Come in." Shaw called, sounding tired. Root decided to get this over with quickly so she could get Shaw back in bed to sleep with some pain relief. She stepped into the bathroom, and, keeping her eyes up, handed Sameen the underwear and offered her the shorts. She took them both with a small groan at the pink, but dropped the shorts onto the floor.
"Erm Root, you wouldn't happen to have your handbag or anything of yours with you would you?" Shaw asked. It was another odd question, but Root answered, deciding not to agitate the tired woman.
"I don't, no. Why?"
"Erm, well IkindaneedsomethingandIhaventgotany.."
"You what sweetie? Speak slower."
Shaw blushed slightly, "I need something and I haven't got any and can't find any in here.." She said, looking away from Root. Root suddenly realised what was going on.
"Oh Sameen, why didn't you say earlier! I could have sorted something as soon as you woke up. I'm sorry. I didn't even think of it when we were sorting you out!" Root smiled at Sameen. She had realised that Sameen meant that she was on her period, and needed supplies. They had never discussed anything overly personal, and definitely never spoken of their periods, so it hadn't even crossed Roots mind. She felt a little guilty now, and wanted to help Sameen. She was sure that there would be something in the apartment, and if not she would sneak out and get something from the local corner shop. Harold wouldn't be happy but she couldn't let Sameen down now.
As if she had read Root's mind, Sameen answered her unspoken thoughts. "Root, this isn't your fault. How would you have known to make me take the tablets? Only I am to blame for never telling any of you."
Sameen had now confused Root. What tablets? What did Shaw mean, and why did taking tablets affect her period?"
Again, as if hearing her unspoken question Sameen answered Root. "I am on a pill which means I can totally prevent my period for up to six months as long as I take a pill every morning. It means I don't have to deal with it whilst we are on missions."
"Ohh, that's sensible" was the only thing Root could think to say. She had never been affected by her period. But then she had never gotten bad cramps or any other side affect. The only inconvenience was the actual bleeding. But that was nothing really. She decided to go and check the main bathroom, see if there was anything there for Sameen. She told Sameen what she was doing, then left. Once in the bedroom however, she realised she hadn't asked what Sameen preferred. She stuck her head back into the bathroom.
"Sameen, have you got a preference for what you use?" She asked, a slight blush creeping into her cheeks.
"Erm, not really." Sameen answered. "I've used both before." Root smiled, and left.
She tiptoed around a sleeping Harold, and made her way into the master suite. Luckily John had decided to leave the master for Harold, who hadn't made it as far as his bed before falling asleep. She opened the bathroom door, and began searching through the drawers under the sink unit. She had no luck, the only things in the drawers were two clean towels and a bottle of shampoo. Then, as she walked back into the bedroom, she spotted a ladies leather jacket hanging over a box. She walked over to it, and upon picking it up, realised it belonged to Detective Carter. She must have stayed here at somepoint with a number. She felt in the pockets, and found nothing, then felt a slight lump which felt to be inside the material of the jacket. She looked inside, and found a concealed pocket, behind the actual pocket. Inside there she found three tampons! Perfect. That would at least start them off. She then gently opened the box which the jacket had been laid on, and inside saw a small makeup bag. Again, it was probably Carter's or maybe even Shaw's (on second thoughts, no, it couldn't be Shaw's, it was pink..) from when they stayed there at somepoint. She opened it, and found another two tampons, two pads and a pair of black boyshorts. Much more to Shaw's taste! She took them, and tried to put the bag and jacket back exactly as she had found it. She snuck back out past Harold, and back to Shaw. She put the boyshorts in the drawer with the other spare clothes, to save for later.
"Sameen, I'm coming in." She called, only receiving a grunt in return. She went in, worried Shaw was in pain. But she wasn't, she was just shattered. She could hardly keep her eyes open. Root smiled to her.
"Here, it's all I could find." She handed over her findings, and Shaw took them gratefully.
"Thanks Root, I'll sort myself out then can you help me back to bed?" She asked.
"Of course Sameen." Root smiled, "one word of advice though, if you can, use a tampon now and save the pads for overnight? I can wake you up in a few hours, but im less likely to manage overnight?"
Sameen smiled, "okay Root, good plan!" That was music to Roots ears, that was a compliment from Sameen's mouth! Wow!
Root stepped out of the room, and let Sameen sort herself out. She called for Root to go back in. She now had the shorts on too. Root lifted Sameen up and sat her back on the closed toilet. Silently, she picked up a flannel and washed Sameen's face and good arm. Then, seeing Shaw's eyes drooping, she picked her up bridal style and carried her back to the bed. She laid her down gently, and went to sit back in her chair. She turned to say goodnight to see Sameen's eyes following her. She looked slightly upset.
"What's wrong Sameen?" She asked quietly.
"Root, would you do one more thing for me?" Shaw asked, not meeting Root's eyes.
"Go on," Root smiled, encouragingly.
"Will you laywithmeplease?"
"Sameeeeeen, I've told you. Talk slower!" Root said, with a hint of teasing in her voice.
"Will you lay with me, please." Shaw said, very quietly.
Root smiled. "Of course Sweetie. Just let me get changed into something comfy."
Sameen smiled. Root stood, and picked up a small vial.
"Sameen, do you want me to give you this or do it yourself?"
Root had been wary of injections, even giving it to someone else after Control abused them to torture her. Sameen knew this, and took the vial and needle from Root. She drew the liquid from the vial and went to inject herself, but stopped. She gave the needle back to Root, then held Roots hand in her own. She pushed the needle into her thigh and pressed the plunder. Root's hand was only there, not doing anything. Root smiled down to Sameen then picked up her spare clothes and went to go into the bathroom to get changed. She paused and smiled as Sameen's eyes clouded slightly, the drugs already coursing through her bloodstream and making their way to her brain.
"Oh, one more thing." Sameen whispered. "You've seen me practically naked today, now can you show me you?" Root was sure she saw a smirk and a glint in Sameen's eyes.
It took all of her strength to walk into the bathroom with an innocent smile. She didn't want to push Sameen, and she knew it was the drugs that were making Shaw more amiable than usual. Though she had asked her to lay with her before she had taken the drugs, Root couldn't be sure whether Sameen's final request was Sameen or the drugs talking. She smiled to herself. Sameen asking for Roots companion ship was a big enough step for Root, and proved that Sameen was beginning to trust her. That made her feel good. Maybe they were getting somewhere after all. Laying with Sameen would be blissful. She got changed quickly, and hung her clothes over the airer in the bathroom. She stepped back into the room, expecting Sameen to be asleep already so was fully prepared to sleep in the chair beside her. But she wasn't. Sameen was watching her -her eyes less misted than before- laid on one side of the bed with her good arm open for Root.
Root smiled, and stepped over to the bed. She laid down gently onto the bed, and lace her fingers with Sameen's. She looked over to Sameen, who was fighting sleep. Sameen smiled to Root, who smiled back before Sameen's eyes closed.
After a moment, Sameen's breathing evened out, and Root knew it was safe. She leant over and kissed Sameen's forehead, then laid back down to sleep next to the woman she so dearly loved. This was a good day. Sameen Shaw was safe, and Samantha Groves was truly happy for the first time in a long while. Yes, it was a good day.