Sorry about the length of time since my last post. I had to re-write as I just couldn't get it right. Not even happy with this but thought I had better at least post something.

Chapter 10

It had been one whole day since Kurt had, had that conversation with Nars in the kitchen. He still hadn't discussed it with Jane. He knew he should. He knew he had to, but he just didn't want to. He didn't want to see the distrust and hurt churning in Jane's eyes when he explained what Nars had done. He didn't even know if he could make her believe that he had nothing to do with it. He knew they couldn't continue avoiding the topic but most of all he didn't want Jane still believing that he was only using her to bring Sandstorm down. It just wasn't true. They didn't have time to discuss it now but he resigned himself to the fact that they would have to talk more tonight.

With a sigh of frustration, he pulled himself off the kitchen stool to check on Jane. They really had to get going if they were going to make it on time to her doctors appointment. Today was the day that she would finally get her fiberglass cast. He knocked lightly on the door, "Jane are you ready yet. We really have to make tracks."

Kurt didn't hear Jane reply but what he did hear were frustrated muffled curses from the bedroom. He inched open the door to find Jane with her head and one arm in her t-shirt and the other arm flailing around trying to find the opening. He tried hard to stifle the chuckle that rumbled in his throat, "Having a bit of a problem there are you Jane?" She glared up at him with annoyance. "Don't just stand there Kurt. Can you help?" He moved forward and gently pushed her arm into her shirt and tugged it down over her bandaged torso. Kurt smiled down at Jane "Well I never thought I'd see the day that Jane Doe asked for help!" Jane glared back at him again but this time there was a slight curve to her mouth. She sat up straight in the chair and primly replied, "If you are finished laughing at me, I'm ready to go now."

When the doctor had entered the treatment room Kurt made no move to leave. He was relieved when Jane hadn't asked him to wait outside. He wanted to hear what the doctor had to say about how she was progressing because he knew Jane wasn't likely to tell him all the details, especially if the news wasn't so good.

The doctor had made reassuring noises about her broken leg and had suggested that in a few days she could start to try and put weight on her other injured leg as the knee was healing well. That was welcome news for Jane because it meant she wouldn't have to rely on Kurt getting her in and out of the chair, perhaps she could even go home although she didn't quite know how to feel about going home. She supposed getting out of Kurt's hair would be a good thing but she felt a twinge of sadness that she would be alone once again.

Jane was grateful for how attentive Kurt was when the doctor had removed her old cast. When she had winced with pain from the movement of her leg Kurt had immediately stepped forward and squeezed her hand. He certainly didn't act like someone who hated her and couldn't bear to be in the same room as her, that's why what Nars had said was so confusing. She shook her head to try and clear her mind so she could concentrate on what the doctor was saying. "Now remember that you can get this cast wet. I know your physiotherapist is going to get you into the therapy pool tomorrow so at least you will be all set for that." Jane was a little bewildered, what exercises could she possibly be asked to do in a pool?

"Now that we've got your new cast on I'd like to take a look at your injuries on your torso and change the dressing." Jane nodded in response. Kurt made to let go of her hand and leave the room so she could have some privacy but Jane held his hand tight, silently letting him know she'd like him to stay. He simply nodded in reply and squeezed her hand.

The doctor removed the bandages and turned Jane on her side, facing away from Kurt so that he could look at the most significant wound. "Well Jane, I think it's healing nicely. It's looking a little red and inflamed but nothing some stronger antibiotics won't fix." Kurt's eyes scanned Jane's bare skin with concern. "Doc that's some pretty dark bruising. Its covering nearly every surface of her skin and it looks to be getting worse." The doctor nodded, "Yes you're right but that's what we would expect. It will get worse before it gets better. Give it a few days and the bruising will start to fade which will greatly reduce the pain that you're feeling Jane." Kurt wondered again just how Jane managed to get through each day since the explosion. She rarely showed anyone how much pain she was really in. He guessed that once you've been tortured by the CIA an injury like this becomes inconsequential.

"So Jane, I think what we will do is keep your bandages off. I'm just going to place a dressing on a few of the larger wounds to keep them covered but the rest can be uncovered since they're healing well. I'm going to give you some more cream which I'd like you to make sure you apply at least twice a day to the other areas after a shower or bath." Jane nodded in agreement and waited while the doctor finished up.

After dinner Kurt lay Jane on the couch so they could watch some a movie together. He sat himself at the end of the couch and lay her legs over his lap. With one hand idly rubbing her lower leg they watched TV in comfortable silence.

Jane was trying hard to concentrate on the movie that he had chosen but she was finding it difficult with Kurt caressing her leg. She enjoyed the warmth that was spreading in her limbs but she also was wound tight with apprehension and confusion. She had already told him that she couldn't bare him to touch her any more. It wasn't because she didn't want him to, she just couldn't let her heart have any hope or expectations now that she knew that he didn't feel the same way about her that she did of him.

"Jane what are you thinking about so intently? I can hear your brain ticking away from over here?" Jane shrugged and quickly scrambled for something to say that wouldn't let him know that she was thinking about him. She stammered "I just... I was ...I thought ..." She decided it was best to be honest. She fidgeted with her hands in her lap and replied in a nervous voice, "I've already told you that I don't want you touching me. It really confuses me Kurt."

Kurt looked at Jane with a sad smile. "Jane, sometimes I don't even realize that I'm doing it. I feel relaxed when I'm near you and it just feels natural. It's one small way that I can connect with you and let you know how I feel about you." Kurt paused, wondering if he should go any further with his honesty. He needed to make her understand that what Nars had said was not true. "Jane, if I had my way, and if you weren't injured, I would be caressing more than just your leg."

Jane gasped at his admission. What was he playing at? Did he realize the effect his words had on her? "Kurt, please don't say things like that, it makes me feel like ..."

Kurt interrupted Jane's train of thought by sliding his hand up her knee and gliding it high up her inner thigh to where the hem of her small shorts sat. He gently squeezed her thigh and then using his fingertip he drew small circles on her delicate skin. Jane shivered at his touch and drew in a sharp breath. "Jane, I meant every word." Kurt could see Jane's eyes darken in response. She may not have wanted to acknowledge what he had said but her body was responding for her without her permission. He turned back to face the TV while his hands continued weaving intricacy circles on her thigh.

Jane fought hard to control her shallow breathing. Just when she thought she really couldn't get enough oxygen he removed his hand and placed it on her other leg. He began drawing small circles and lightly trailing his fingers down to her knee. She glanced quickly at Kurt, however he seemed to be captivated by the movie but she could see the small upturn at the corner of his mouth. By the time the movie credits rolled signalling it was finished, every nerve ending in her Jane's body was tingling and alert. She had no recollection of what the movie was about.

Kurt gently withdraw his hand and shifted his body to turn towards her a little. "So to celebrate your new waterproof cast would you like me to run a bath for you?" Jane had been fantasizing about having a bath ever since the doctor mentioned it. She yearned for the warm water that would soothe her sore and stiff muscles. Plus, it would give her some time to herself where she could relax. Jane eagerly accepted Kurt's suggestion. The broad grin on Jane's face was enough to melt Kurt's heart. To think she was so damn excited about having a simple bath.

Sorry its a short one guys!