Chapter Two
Protector
I opened my eyes, I couldn't feel my body. I was expecting to feel sore, but I felt fine, drained, but fine. Was I dead? Everything was blurry, I could tell I was in a hospital room, but that was about it. I tried to move my hand and I couldn't even feel it. Whatever pain killers they had given me, it was definitely working. Unless I was dead, then where ever it is that I was, I felt good. I blinked my eyes, my mouth was so dry. I glanced over and saw an oxygen tank, but for one of the few times in my life it wasn't attached to me. I glanced down, as if to see the hose in my nose, but I didn't have one. And then I was almost positive…..I was dead. This was all not real, nothing was real right now.
A nurse walked in, she smiled at me and waved.
"How are you feeling?" She asked me, I nodded, "I'm good – great. Wonderful." I said with a smile, she laughed, and I just watched her. At least in death the nurses were nice.
"Glad to hear it." The nurse said, "You have a visitor, if you would like to see him." The nurse explained, I nodded, then she walked out to go get him.
If I was still alive, then it was probably my dad. If I was dead, then I'm not quite sure who it was.
Suddenly Dylan walked through the door. He was wearing a pair of faded jeans and a grey t-shirt with his usual black leather jacket over it. He looked good, as always. But why was he here? Was he dead, too? I was so distraught and all I could think of was water, because my mouth was literally drier than a desert.
Even if I was dead and Dylan was too, I'm glad he was here. Or even if I was just dreaming, I'm glad he was here.
"Dylan!" I said, it came out as a soft whisper though, even though I was extremely enthusiastic. He looked up and smiled widely at me. "You look handsome, as always." I said softly once he reached my hospital bed. He chuckled and I swear his cheeks turned slightly red.
"Thank you, Emma." He said softly and looked at all of the machines I was hooked up to.
"Am I dead?" I asked bluntly, his eyebrows raised then he shook his head.
He laughed a little, "No, you're not dead, Emma." He stated, "You're alive, you survived. I told you that you would." He said, I felt his hand touch mine, without a second though and intertwined my fingers in his.
So I wasn't dead, just extremely high from whatever pain killer they put me on. I liked it though, whatever I was on, I felt extremely confident, especially regarding Dylan. I'm sure I'd regret acting out so much later, but for now, I didn't mind the extra confidence.
"Oh okay, phew." I said, pretending to wipe sweat off my forehead with my free hand. Dylan chuckled, I must've been funny, because I had never seen him smile so much.
"How bad do I look?" I asked, "I bet I look rough." I added, Dylan shook his head. He was always so sweet.
"No," Dylan said softly, "You look beautiful, like always." He muttered with a soft grin, I smiled back. "It's different to see you without your oxygen." He said, I blushed. I had grown so use to having my oxygen on me, being without it felt a lot different.
"I've worn that damn thing for so long…it feels kinda weird not having it on, you know?" I asked, Dylan nodded, understandingly.
I continued, "It's almost as if I feel like, naked, without it." I babbled, anything that popped into my head honestly was coming out of my mouth. It was out of my control at this point.
"I don't mind you seeing me naked though." I said, then automatically regretted it, but I was so high that I didn't care. I could always blame the drugs, because if I was sober I would've jumped off a bridge before I ever said something like that to Dylan.
Dylan laughed, I was too high to be embarrassed.
"I can't believe you just said that." He said, still laughing, I nodded in agreement.
"I can't believe I did either." I said softly, Dylan sat down on the edge of my hospital bed.
"It must be the morphine." He said softly, I laughed, I couldn't help but just stare at him. He was so handsome, so calm, so collect. I felt safe with him, safer than I ever had before with anyone else.
"So, how does it feel to have a brand new set of lungs?" He asked, reaching forward and brushing a piece of hair behind my ear.
"Good, I think. I'm a little too high to even know. But I'm hoping good." I retorted with a smile, suddenly my dad walked in. Dylan stood up and greeted him.
"Hi Mr. Decody." Dylan said and my dad nodded at him.
"Hello Dylan, nice to see you." My dad said, "You didn't have to drive all the way up here." He added, Dylan shrugged and looked at me and smiled.
"I didn't mind. It was worth it." Dylan said, then looked back at my dad. My dad genuinely liked Dylan. Which was so shocking to me, because my dad rarely liked anyone.
I smiled at my dad, he smiled back at me.
"Do you mind if I have a minute alone with Emma?" My dad asked Dylan, he nodded.
"Of course, sir." Dylan retorted, he smiled at me, I smiled back, and he walked out of the door.
My dad pretty much asked me how I was feeling and informed me that my body seemed to be reacting normal to the transplant. He told me that the hospital would let me leave in the morning. Before I knew it I began to drift off, asleep.
I opened my eyes and sat up, I rubbed my eyes, I felt a soreness in my ribs. Among the soreness and sleepiness, I felt sober. Which I preferred, I glanced over into the chair across the room for me, Dylan sat there, asleep. He looked peaceful, I didn't want to wake him. I saw my phone on the stand beside me, I reached over to grab it and fought back the urge to yelp, my ribs were so sore. I grabbed my phone, or well, I thought I did and it slipped out of my hand and onto the floor, making a loud crashing noise.
Dylan jumped up, I looked at him and bit my lip.
"I'm sorry. I was trying so hard not to wake you." I muttered weakly, Dylan rubbed his eyes then stood up.
"It's fine, Emma." He said softly and grabbed my phone from the floor, handing it to me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to doze off." He explained, "Caleb took off, so things have been really short handed at the cabin." He said, I felt bad, for both him being short handed and Caleb taking off. I know Dylan didn't show much emotion, but I knew how much he liked Caleb, how developing a relationship meant so much to him.
"I didn't know Caleb left…I'm really sorry, Dylan." I said softly, Dylan shrugged.
"I figured he probably wouldn't have stuck around. Especially after something serious that happened." Dylan explained, then looked down, as if he wished he hadn't mentioned some type of serious event.
"Wh-what happened? I mean, if you don't mind me asking." I asked softly, Dylan sat down on the edge of my hospital bed and rubbed his eyes.
"He stole some money from someone…really bad. It's kinda a mess, just like anything else my family or I am involved in." He said, blankly. I could tell he was stressed, it wasn't hard to see. Dylan was a master at hiding his emotions and keeping secrets, I was aware that he had to because of the drug trade thing. And I knew deep down that Dylan probably told me more than anyone else, which wasn't much, but I couldn't help but care for him. Because I knew he wasn't bad, I knew he wasn't a mess.
"You aren't a mess." I said softly, and moving my hand onto his, squeezing it softly. "And even if you are, we can be messed together." I smirked. He looked up at me and smiled, weakly.
"I don't think I've ever met anyone so genuine." Dylan muttered softly, our eyes connected, I couldn't help but feel warm inside.
"What can I say? I'm an open book." I said with a smile, Dylan chuckled. I felt his thumb stroke my hand, before fully holding it.
We just looked into each other's eyes, and as much as I liked it, I didn't know what to do, so I changed subjects. I always got cold feet whenever talking about myself, especially with someone I really liked.
"So, did Caleb steal the money to help you with…whatever it was you were trying to raise money for?" I asked, I remembered him needing money for something. But all I knew is that it was important. I knew that Dylan held so many secrets, he had to really, especially in his, um, profession, I suppose.
Dylan paused for a moment, he looked conflicted, but then he just nodded, "Yes." He muttered.
Then the curiosity took over in me, "What did you need the money for?" I asked, his expression remained emotionless, "I mean…if you don't mind me asking." I bit my lip, "Are you in trouble?" I asked, panicking a little, because the idea of Dylan being in trouble worried me. So many people died constantly in the drug trade, if Dylan was one of them, I'm not what I would do.
Dylan smirked a little and shook his head, "No, I'm not in trouble." He said, "The reason I needed the money doesn't matter, but just know it was important." He explained, and by that I knew I had overstepped my bounds. I nodded, still curious, but again, I knew Dylan kept secrets. Maybe for the better. I decided a subject change was probably for the best.
"So, did you drive all the way up here, just to see me?" I asked softly, Dylan nodded.
"I did." He said, looking over at the wall then back at me.
"Why?" I asked softly, "You didn't have to do that." I added, genuinely curious. Not that I wasn't happy he did, but I felt bad for causing him to drive three hours.
Dylan smirked and moved a little closer to me, "I wanted to be here for you when you woke up." He said in almost a whisper, "I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to see you." He added, reaching forward to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear.
I blushed, and I knew he noticed, because my cheeks were burning up.
"I hope that's okay." Dylan added, sounding a bit concerned, I smiled and nodded.
"It's more than okay, actually. I'm glad you're here." I said softly, then smirked. "You should feel totally lucky, too. I wouldn't let just anyone see me –"
"Naked?" Dylan interrupted, I tilted my head, confused. "Earlier, when you first woke up, you told me that being without your oxygen made you feel naked, and then you told me that you didn't mind me seeing you naked." Dylan explained.
I let go of his hand and used both of my hands to cover my face.
"Oh my god, I can't believe I said that." I gasped, embarrassed. "Wow. I am so sorry, I assure you I was seriously drugged up." I explained, apologetic. Dylan shook his head and laughed.
Dylan then smiled, "It's fine, it was pretty funny actually." He retorted, I sighed softly, relieved that I hadn't made a complete ass of myself.
"So, uh, do you know where my dad is?" I asked, curiously. It wasn't like him to not be able, especially after this big surgery.
Dylan cleared his throat, "He had some stuff come up at the shop that he had to go take care of. But I volunteered to stay with you and take you back home tomorrow." He explained, I couldn't help but grin.
"My dad must really like you. He doesn't trust just anyone with me." I said, Dylan smiled softly and shrugged, he was always so modest.
"Your dad really cares about you, Emma." Dylan said softly, "He wants to keep you safe." He said, his hand finding mine again. I liked holding his hand. I felt so safe with Dylan around.
"Maybe that's why he likes you. Because he knows you'll keep me safe, Dylan." I admitted softly, he smirked softly, then looked away, as if contemplating something more than just my statement.
"So, not to bring up the elephant in the room, but isn't there something we needed to talk about?" I asked softly, Dylan smirked, and I waited for his response.
"I don't know, what did you want to talk about Emma?" He asked me then grinned, I rolled my eyes.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Dylan Massett." I said, tilting my head, his smirk turned into a laugh.
"Using my full name now, things are getting serious, huh?" He teased, I sighed with a smile, pretending to get discouraged, although I could go back and forth with him for hours honestly. Just as long as it was with him, I was okay with talking about anything.
Suddenly the nurse came in, she cleared her throat and both Dylan and I looked at her.
"Sorry to interrupt, but visiting hours are almost over. If you're planning on staying overnight, that's fine. If not, I'm going to have to ask you to leave soon." She said, matter-of-factly. Dylan nodded, understandingly and said thank you.
He looked at me and smiled then stood up. "I should probably go find a hotel for the night." Dylan said, stretching. He moved his hand to let go of mine, but I gripped his hand tighter, he paused and looked at me, confused.
"You don't have to go." I said, a bit sad, hoping I didn't sound as desperate as I felt. "I mean, I'd like it if you stayed, if you want to." I muttered, breaking the eye contact. I was scared he wouldn't want to stay, but I really felt like I needed him, especially now.
Dylan smiled and reached over, brushing his thump over my cheek, I blushed, he did a little too.
"I would love to stay here with you tonight." He said in a whisper, then leaned in and kissed my forehead. I was a lot happier just hearing him say that. We locked eyes for what felt like hours, but was only a couple seconds. I smiled at him and he smiled back. Then he stood up and spoke up.
"I'm going to go get something to drink, can I get you anything?" He asked me, putting his hands into his pockets, like he always did.
I nodded softly, "Water would be cool." I said, he nodded and walked out of the door. I watched him as he walked out, in a way checking him out, but in another way just enjoying his company and admiring his existence. Dylan was dangerous, I knew that. But he was kind, caring, and sweet. And in a way I think we were the only two who both shared the same views on reality. I could get through anything, as long as he was there to assure me.
I had to use the bathroom, I know I probably should've called the nurse or something. But I wanted to go by myself. I sat up slowly and winced a little. My ribs and just stomach and chest in general were so sore, but not unbearable. I climbed out of my bed, and grabbed my IV stand, dragging it along with me, it was similar to dragging my oxygen tank with me honestly. Which I actually did try to reach for, forgetting I didn't have it on me anymore. I wandered into the bathroom slowly, shutting the door behind me.
After using the bathroom, I stood up and walked over to the sink, but forgot about my IV cord and I tripped over it and fell onto the cold, hard hospital floor. I bit my tongue and winced, holding onto my ribs. They hurt so bad, I felt tears stream down my face, but I refused to cry. I tried to reach the sink to help me up, but I wasn't close enough to it, I groaned and felt more pain than anything.
"Emma!" Dylan exclaimed, I glanced up from the floor but then had to look back down and grip my torso in pain.
"Fuck." I muttered, under my breath and felt tears continue to stream down my cheeks. I heard Dylan run over to me and I felt him bend down beside me, he put one of his arms around me.
"What's hurting?" He asked, concerned, his face was inches from mine, I could see the panicked in his expression.
"It's my ribs." I said, wincing in pain, I felt his other hand reach around me. "I'm fine, though." I muttered, then groaned in pain.
"Yeah, you look fine." He muttered, sarcastically. I would've smiled at that, but god, I hurt too badly. "Come on, let's get you off the floor." Dylan said, then I felt him embrace me gently and help me up, I couldn't help but breathe heavily in pain. He held me close, but not too close, because of my ribs. I held onto him though, because I trusted him.
As he carried me out of the bathroom, I glanced over into the mirror and saw myself without oxygen. I'd seen myself without the tube before, but this time it was different, because I didn't need it. I didn't know if I could handle the change. It scared me.
"Wow. I look different." I muttered, under my breath, Dylan stopped and looked at me, his expression confused and curious.
I continued, "Without the oxygen tube, I mean." I whispered weakly, "It's such a change, you know?" I asked him, he smiled softly, our faces were only inches apart.
"I like it. I can see your face better." He whispered, and looked me deeply in the eyes. I glanced away, my insecurities taking affect.
I looked down, away from him. "You make it sound like that's a good thing…" I said, insecurely, but laughed to try make light of it. I looked at him, he shook his head.
"No, it is a good thing." He whispered, then moved his hand up to my head and cupped my cheek. "You're beautiful, Emma." He whispered, I blushed,
But before I could think or reply, I felt his lips on mine. I gave in and kissed back. Our lips collided, as well as our tongues a little. It was soft and sweet, Dylan kept the kiss light, as if he thought I was made of glass. It was sweet though, I moved my arm around his neck, and he moved one of his arms gently around my waist. I felt safe, the pain I was feeling seemed to vanish, or maybe my mind focused less on the pain and more on Dylan. Either way, I felt complete. I felt safe. I felt normal.
After a few minutes, we both pulled away. I couldn't help but smile, but he was smiling back.
"Did I mention how happy I am that you're here?" I asked with a soft smile. Dylan laughed. Then I winced, my ribs started hurting again, I grabbed it with my free hand and felt my eyes water again.
"Okay, that's enough, let's get you back into bed." Dylan said, before I could protest, I felt him reach down and pick me up in his arms. I hurt too bad to make some sort of a sarcastic comment, but the thought of Dylan carrying me into bed did make me blush.
I bit my lip and allowed him to carry me, he set me down gently onto the hospital bed, I took a couple deep breaths, he covered me up in the blanket on the foot of the bed.
"Thank you." I whispered softly, looking at him. He looked back at me and nodded.
"Do you want me to call the nurse or anything?" He asked, alarmed.
I shook my head, "No, it's fine. They told me I would be really sore." I mumbled.
Dylan nodded, "Rolling around on the bathroom floor I'm sure didn't make that any better." I rolled my eyes and Dylan smirked.
"Shut up and come lay by me." I said softly, patting the empty space beside me in my hospital bed.
"Are you sure? I don't mind sleeping in the chair…it's fine, Emma." Dylan said softly, motioning to the chair in the corner that he had fallen asleep in earlier.
I shook my head, "No. I want you to come lay beside me." I said, Dylan smiled and walked over to the other side of the bed. "Besides, that chair looks like the most uncomfortable thing ever." I said softly, watching him.
"Oh, it was." He said with a laugh, as he took off his leather jacket and put it on the chair. I was checking him out a little, luckily he didn't notice. He climbed into the bed, I made sure he had enough room.
Once he was laying down, I laid my head on his shoulder, and his hand found mine.
Neither one of us said anything for a few minutes, we just laid there. It was nice though. I felt safe and happy, just by his hand being in mine. Finally I decided to break the silence.
"So…what are we?" I asked softly, looking at him, he reached his arm around me and held me closer.
He took a deep breath, "Well, what do you want to be?" He asked, softly. His tone made me feel as if he'd been through a lot of stuff emotionally dealing with relationships. I guess I never thought about Dylan's past relationships, I never asked….but his tone made me curious.
"I don't know." I said, honestly. "You tell me." I said with a soft smile, he smiled back at me then looked down for a moment, deep in thought.
He took a breath then continued, "I really like you, Emma." He began, looking me in the eyes, but then he looked away.
He continued to speak, "But I'm terrified of anything happening to you. Things can get really dangerous with my...profession…and I don't think I can live with myself if I put you in harms way." He muttered, "You're so perfect and beautiful. You have so much going for you…and I sell drugs and put others in danger." He didn't make eye contact with me again.
I rolled to face him, and I cupped his cheek, causing his face to face mine.
"Dylan, I don't care what you do for a living. I care about you." I whispered, "You make me feel so safe, and if being with you is dangerous, then so be it. I know you will protect me." I said. His expression changed from upset to a soft smile.
I leaned in and kissed him softly, it only lasted a couple seconds until he pulled away.
He looked me in the eyes, deeply. "Emma Decody, I want to be with you, if you want to be with me." He whispered, I nodded.
"Besides a set of new lungs, there isn't anything I've wanted more." I whispered back, causing him to smile.
We both leaned in and our lips met, the kiss started out soft and sincere, then our tongues collided, I felt him wrap his arms around me gently, pulling our bodies a little closer together, but not too close, maybe because of my ribs or maybe because he was a gentleman, either way I enjoyed it. That is, until our hospital bed make-out session was interrupted by a nurse bringing in my dinner for the night.
But even that didn't bother me or embarrass me. Dylan Massett was mine, and I had a new set of lungs….life was looking up. I couldn't be happier.
I know it was long…I didn't have time to reread it, so I apologize for errors.
Please review! Otherwise I don't know if this is worth continuing. I have a lot of crazy story lines filled with drama in mind, as well as some super cute Dylemma scenes too.
Thanks for reading. Please review/favorite/or whatever. (:
xxx
