Beginning relationship development.

Chapter 10: Broken Foot

Severa lay on the couch, watching TV. "This sucks."

Inigo came from the kitchen holding a plate of pancakes. "Here you are." He set it in front of her and sat down. "How are you?"

Severa began eating. "Fine for now. You're fine with working overtime while I recover?"

He nodded. "Er, actually, I'm getting paid double for the time being."

Severa snickered. "Really?"

Inigo nodded again. "My boss said it was fine, considering the circumstances."

Severa sighed. "That's good; I'd feel terrible knowing you have to work overtime because of me."

He shook his head. "No worries." He stood. "I need to get going, if you need anything, call me, okay?" He leaned over and caressed her cheek. "I'll hurry home after work, so sit tight, okay?"

She blushed and nodded. "O-okay…" He stood straight and waved, then left the apartment.

Later that day, Inigo opened the door to the apartment and entered. "I'm home, Severa."

She looked over her shoulder and waved. "Hey, welcome home."

He rushed over to her. "You hungry?"

She nodded. "Only a little."

He hurried to the kitchen. "What would you like?"

"Pizza, please. Meat Lovers."

Inigo chuckled. "Alright, I'll get started."

Severa turned back to the T.V and watched as Reina ran over and curled up next to her. "Hey, there." Reina purred and rubbed against her leg. Severa cringed a bit and giggled. "That hurts a tiny bit, y'know." Reina jumped on her leg. "Ow. Reina, could you please not do that?" She began to walk up her leg, scratching it as she went. "Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow, OW! Inigo, help!"

He left his pizza and rushed to her aid. He plucked Reina off Severa's leg and put her on the ground. "Bad Reina! Severa is hurt! Don't… touch… her… leg!"

Reina lowered her head and weakly "Meow…" She turned and retreated to a corner, where she slept.

"That was kinda mean."

Inigo sighed and turned to her. "I know, but I was a tad angry."

He went back to the kitchen and went back to work. "You were angry?"

He sighed. "I guess."

"It's me, isn't it?" Inigo froze. "I'm taking all your time, after all."

He shook his head. "That's not it at all. I'm not mad at you. I never could be mad at you."

She blushed faintly. "How come? What about how mean I've to you?"

He ignored her and continued.

"Here you are." Inigo set a plate of pizza, topped with assorted meats, just as she requested. "Hope you like it." He looked over at Reina and sighed. "Great…" He walked over to her and began petting her. "Sorry about yelling at ya earlier. I just didn't want you to hurt Severa anymore."

Reina shyly let out a "Mew…". Inigo picked her up and carried her to the couch. "You can stay with us if you don't hurt her again." Reina climbed onto the couch and into Severa's lap, where she slept.

Severa watched as she slept. "Inigo, what happened to Cosmo?"

Inigo sighed and hung his head down. "Just call his name."

She did that, and he came running. "There you are. Come here, Cosmo!" He jumped up onto Severa's lap and curled up. "Both our cats are sleeping on me. How am I supposed to eat?"

Inigo shrugged. "Dunno. Be real careful, I guess?"

Severa scoffed. "Thanks for that, bud."

He took the plate and picked up a piece. "I'll feed you; how about that?"

She blushed and nodded. "A-alright…"

He laughed. "No need to get embarrassed. It's pizza; doesn't make sense for you to blush if this is what I'm feeding you."

Soon, the pizza was finished, and the kittens were off playing. Inigo stood up and began walking towards the kitchen.

"You're too nice to me."

He turned to Severa. "What're you talking about? I'm not being too nice."

"You are. I don't deserve your kindness."

He placed the plate in the sink and went over to her. He then flicked her forehead. "Stop it. You do deserve my kindness. If it weren't for you, I don't know where I'd be."

She rubbed the spot on her forehead where he hit. "That's true…"

"Besides, you're the reason behind my change. I owe you twice over. This counts for one, so I owe you one more thing."

She smiled. "Okay then, I'll remember that." She winked at him. "Don't let your guard down, kay? You never know when I'll hit you with the other favor, after all."

He nodded. "Yeah… wait. You'll be able to bath yourself with that injury, right?"

She blushed fiercely. "W-why are you asking?!"

He cleared his throat. "Just wanted to know if I'd have to call up Cordelia or Morgan."

Severa shook her head. "I-I should be fine…"

Inigo then crossed his arms. "Really? You know me. If you fall, I'd just rush in."

She nodded. "In that case, call my mother."

It is now late night. Severa sat on the couch, reading, with Reina in her lap, asleep. "Are you tired?"

She looked up and saw Inigo looming over her. "Yeah, I'm ready for bed."

He helped her up and led her to her room. "If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to wake me, okay?"

She sat on her bed and looked down. "You need your rest."

"Yeah, but still." He walked over to her. "Want me to tuck you in?"

She blushed and crossed her arms. "I'm not a kid! But… okay…" He did the deed and kissed her cheek. "Sweet dreams, kay?"

She blushed and nodded. "Thanks… you too."

Severa awoke to the sound of her door opening. "Good morning. I'm heading out now. Sit tight, alright? I'll try to hurry."

He closed the door and she smirked. "The sweetheart. When I'm better, I should do something for him. I know what he would want, and that's out of the question. I'd owe him after this, too. This'll make up for it." She looked around her room. "Let's see… I see." She turned to the door. "Cosmo, come here!" The white kitten rushed to Severa's beside. "Go fetch my notebook, okay? Make sure my pen is with it!" Soon, the kitten returned with the items. She took them from him and sat in thought. "Let's see… I should cook for him. My food is nowhere near as good as his, but he always said it was really good. Then, it should be something really special, right?" Cosmo simply meowed happily. "I'll take that as a yes." She tight sat and began planning her surprise.