"I'll just be a sec, okay Lara?"
Lara nodded, seeing Sam leave the room, surprisingly this time not to the bathroom. She figured Sam was getting her PJs from her room – Well, the guest's room – and getting ready for bed. Lara smiled weakly.
Thank God I still have Sam. Thank God she didn't die on that island. But Grim, Alex, Roth... I'm so sorry. Why did I let you die? Why couldn't I save you? You all died for me... Why? I know why but still, just why?
"Lara?"
Lara sighed as she felt tears coming down again, and felt like an idiot for worrying Sam. Soon, Sam's hands were on Lara's shoulders, with Lara doing her new natural reaction and tensing. She looked up to see a worried and confused Sam.
"Sweetie, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's just... The ones we lost."
Sam gave a look of understanding and rubbed Lara's shoulders.
"Why Sam? Why did they do it?"
"Because they cared about you, you know that. You and I both know that those three brave men would sacrifice themselves for all of us, especially you Lara."
"But why?"
Sam smiled at Lara.
"Silly, because they all love you of course! Grim cared for you immensely, Alex always wanted to impress you, and Roth – well, I'm sure you can figure out that one for yourself."
Lara gave a small, sad chuckle.
"He was the father I needed and I was the daughter he never had. Now, he's gone. I just... I feel so alone."
"You're not alone, Lara. You'll never be alone. I'm sure that all three of them are watching over you right now, urging you on to get better. There's also Reyes and Jonah, who promised to come by as often as possible to help as well."
Sam gently tightened her hold on Lara.
"And I'm here too. I'll always be here for you, I promise."
Lara gave Sam a smile, feeling a complete fool for what she just said.
"Thanks Sam. I'm sorry."
Sam rolled her eyes. "What for this time?"
Lara, slowly and bravely, raised her own hands to take hold of Sam's which still remained on her shoulders.
"For saying that in front of you. I'm clearly not alone, not while you're here. And quite frankly, having you here with me now is all I want right now."
Sam took hold of Lara's hands.
"Don't worry Lara; I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. Well, except for now since we've both gotta change into our PJs."
Lara widened her eyes. Changing? Oh God, no. I've already been topless in front of you Sam, please no more than that!
Lara's thoughts were interrupted by Sam's sot giggles.
"Calm down, Lara. I said I'd be leaving so you'd have your privacy! I'll go get changed in the bathroom so if you end up do needing help, just shout me, okay?"
Lara nodded. Sam smiled and collected her PJs and went into the bathroom, leaving the door slightly open. Lara then sighed and looked at her own PJs; the basic blue shirt and bottoms, plain and simple. It shouldn't be too hard to put those on, right? Guess we'll see. Lara grabbed the bottoms first, assuming they would be the easiest to put on. She unbuttoned her pants and slowly pulled them down, starting well until she reached her foot which she caught in the trap, feeling some threads stick and pull out of it, making her wince. She then pulled her PJ bottoms up, feeling the softer fabric and feeling more at ease.
"You doing okay in there?" She heard Sam call.
"Fine Sam! Just fine." And now, for the fun part.
Lara began to pull her tank top off, and soon unhooked her bra, knowing that leaving it on would be incredibly uncomfortable. She felt her body feel cooler with her top half exposed, feeling utter relief other than the burning pain.
"Are you done in there?" Sam called again. Lara knew Sam was finished ages ago, and was happy that she was waiting for her to finish. Always generous, aren't you Sam?
"Almost, Sam. Just one minute."
Lara let out a sigh. She then grabbed the shirt and began to push her arms into the sleeves. There was a bit of pain from that, but Lara shook it off. She then pulled the top over her, this time feeling cruel pain, and clenched her teeth, but allowed a little scream to escape. Soon after, Sam was back in the room.
"Lara! Are you alright."
"I'm fine Sam, don't worry."
She turned round to see Sam, wearing her pink Pjs; one shade of pink for the majority of the top and bottom and a darker shade of pink for the outline of the top. It was the same style as Lara's, only more brighter and exciting rather than plain. Even our PJs show the difference between us.
"Lara?"
Lara shook herself back into the present and gave Sam smile. To try and distract Sam from her worries, Lara pointed her hands at herself.
"I did it!"
Sam soon laughed, making Lara chuckle.
"Yep, you did! Good girl!"
The two giggled, and soon Sam walked over to the television, turning it on and switching to the eleven o'clock news.
"Might as well see what's happening here now shouldn't we?"
Lara smiled. Sam was trying in every way possible to bring back normality. It was both sweet and difficult. Lara then joined Sam, who was already in Lara's queen-sized bed. Both girls had pushed their pillows upwards, getting comfortable in a slightly slouched by sitting up straight position. The usual things came on; the travel conditions in and around London, the weather and a few heart warming stories.
"And finally, the incredible story about an edurance crew who have returned from what is said to be a cursed island. They had all returned with both scarred bodies and minds, especially the young archaeologist, Lara croft."
"The bastards."
Sam immediately got up to turn the Tv off, only to be stopped by Lara grabbing her wrist. She turned back to Lara, who was giving her a smile.
"It's alright Sam. This story is going to be everywhere for a while now. We might as well get use to it and also see if they're telling the truth."
"But Lara..."
Lara gently tugged Sam, who got the message and returned to the bed.
"It's fine. Besides; I would like to know what they're saying about me, and see if what the doctors said is accurate."
Sam sighed in defeat and the two girls turned to watch the rest of the news segment.
"The endurance had begun their journey to the lost kingdom of Yamatai, where many have gone in search for but have never found. As a result to finding it, the endurance return battered and bruised, and Lara Croft is said to have been emitted from hospital almost 2 days ago, left in the care of the filmer, translator, and also her best friend of the crew, Sam Nishimura."
"I always wonder how new reporters are able to get this information." Sam questioned.
"They're crafty, Sam. Some must've gone into the hospital and looked at records or asked questions which some doctors would answer freely. After all, we didn't exactly say to them to not say a word about my condition."
Sam sighed again. "I really wish we did. Things could've been a lot more private if we did."
"Sam, its fine, really. I mean, think; how many times have we watched the news about a story which such little detail and us wishing they would tell more? It's just a natural instinct."
Sam shook her head. "I know, but still, that doesn't mean we're forcing information."
"No one is forcing information from us Sam,- Well, not yet anyway. I wonder if there will be any paparazzi in the morning."
"There better not be or I swear to God..."
Lara gave a chuckle, making Sam raise her eyebrow.
"Lara, how can you laugh about this? Do you not feel anything towards this?"
"Of course I do; I hate it. I wish everyone would stay away and that normality would return, but you and I and the whole world knows that that will never happen. There's always going to be someone wanting to know everything about anything."
Sam rose and walked over to the TV, switching it off as the news ended.
"Although, you should take into account that were pretty lucky. The reporters don't know everything. All they know is that we've returned and that I'm being taken care of by you. They know nothing about anyone's condition."
"They don't need to because there is no condition! Lara, you're perfectly fine."
"Sam, you and I both know that's not true. You've seen both my night terror and vomit. There is clearly something wrong."
"But it's something that can be helped! You're making it seem like there's no cure."
Lara starred at Sam for a moment, and then bowed her head.
"Then what is the cure? Where is it? How can I get it? When can I get it? Can you answer that Sam?"
Sam smiled and walked back to the bed, sitting on her side and taking hold of Lara's hands.
"Yes; the cure is time. That's all we need. Time to get you better. As for where, from the hospital, but we have the luxury of being able to give it to you in your own home. And for when, anytime. Anytime you need anything, just ask."
"Time?"
"Yes, time. You just need to work on your patience Lara. Honestly, you always love to make things quick don't you?"
"It's just better for things to be done quicker, that's all."
Sam chuckled and soon sorted her pillows out for her to fully lie down, which made Lara do the same shortly afterwards. Sam then turned herself on her side, leaning on her elbow and placing her head in her hand's hold. Lara just looked at her.
"What's the plan for tomorrow?"
"I think we'll have to go to the hospital again, to ask about the nightmare."
"What about the vomiting?"
"Don't worry, the doctor already warned me about that. I thought what I gave you wouldn't be to much, guess I was wrong."
Lara felt embarrassed and foolish. "I'm sorry. At first I was fine, that nightmare made me throw it up."
"Stop apologising, Lara. That nightmare gives us all the more reason to go. I'll even go by myself if it's easier. It probably will be too, especially since paparazzi are most likely to be dead in waiting like a pack of wolves."
Lara chuckled. "I wonder which wolves are worse."
"Huh?"
Lara shook her head. "Never mind, I'll tell you another time. I think I'll have to go tomorrow Sam. Won't the doctor have to examine me or something?"
"Maybe. Look, Lara, only if you want to and are able to, you can come with me. I don't want you forcing yourself, okay?"
Lara nodded, and Sam smiled.
"Good. Now, let's get some sleep, Sweetie. I'm here, so nothing bad is going to happen to you. I promise."
Lara gave a smile back. "Good night, Sam."
"Good night Lara. Sweet dreams."
Lara watched Sam close her eyes, and soon followed in her steps. As the night went on, to her assumption, she struggled to sleep, tossing and turning for what seemed like endless hours. Lara then sighed and sat up. She then looked at the alarm clock, which read 02:42AM. Lara knew she needed sleep, and very badly wanted it, but she knew it would happen so quickly. She rubbed her eyes and then turned her attention to the sound asleep and softly breathing beautiful creature beside her, unable to resist her smile. She soon felt herself unable to resist another urge, and being bold and brave, and feeling the heat rising immensely on her face she gently placed a kiss on Sam's forehead, making the sleeping girl stir, but soon settle.
Now we're even, aren't we?
Lara then lay herself back down into bed, facing Sam, and feeling more at ease. She then took hold of Sam's hand, which was resting just below the pillow, and felt Sam return a hold.
Oh Sam, what the actual hell would I do without you?