Author's Note: Not a doctor and don't know the ins and outs of what Dean would actually have to be doing. So I just went with what came out.
Chapter Twelve
Kaitlyn walks into Dean's room the next morning, stopping when she sees a nurse by his bed looking over everything. Dean looks over and winks at her, making her smile a little. She'd managed to get more sleep than she figured she would. More than likely because she was able to smell him still.
"All right, Dean, everything is looking well. I'll be back in a bit to let you know about the room situation."
Dean nods. "Thanks."
The nurse smiles at Kaitlyn before walking out. Kaitlyn approaches the bed and kisses Dean softly.
"Hey," she says.
"Hey back."
"No Paige?"
"She got off at seven or something. Told me I'm her favorite patient."
Kaitlyn smiles as she sits down on the edge of the bed. "She obviously doesn't know you." She rests her hand on Dean's stomach. "Get any rest?"
"A little. Bed isn't all that comfortable. You?"
"More than I thought."
"Where'd you go?"
"Your place. I think that actually helped." She meets his gaze and smiles sadly. "You sound better today."
He nods. "I'm hurtin' more today too."
She frowns at that. "Did they give you anything?"
"Yeah. They said it isn't unusual. I'm fine so don't start worrying."
"Not possible. I've been worrying since it happened."
He sighs as he takes her hand. "You don't need to be."
"Yes I do." She shrugs. "I'm the reason you're in here." She watches as he looks at her once again. "I am, Dean, and you know it. If I would have told everyone about us sooner he wouldn't have been there."
"You don't know that. You know Nick. He would have tried anything and everything. From the looks of it, your mom probably would have still invited him. We all know she adores him."
"I don't know why."
"Because he's a charmer. Yeah, we've all seen the side that treated you like shit, but she didn't." He squeezes her hand lightly. "Enough about him. I don't want to talk about him anymore." He shifts a little and pushes the sheet down. "This is the one they were worried about."
Kaitlyn looks down at the mark and frowns. "Looks really bad." She trails her fingertips along the outside of the stitches. "They told us that one wrong move and they could've lost you." She chokes up at that. "I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost you, Dean."
"You didn't. You don't have to think about that, Katie." He brings her hand to his lips, kissing her palm. "I'm here. You're stuck with me."
She nods. "Good." She leans down and kisses him.
It's almost noon when Dean's lunch arrives. He shifts and hits the button to sit his bed up more. Kaitlyn moves to sit in the chair beside the bed. She doesn't miss the look the girl gives Dean.
"Thanks," Dean says.
"You're welcome, Dean," she says smiling at him. "See you later."
Dean simply nods as he pulls the lid off his soup. He looks over at Kaitlyn. "You should go eat. My wallet's in the drawer here. Take it and go down to the cafeteria."
"I can't eat right now."
"Kaitlyn…"
"I will in a little bit."
"Okay." He looks over when a nurse walks in.
"How are you feeling?" she asks as she takes the clipboard from the footboard.
"I'd be better if this food had any taste." He flashes her a bright smile. "I'm okay. Hurtin' a bit though."
She nods. "When was your last dose?"
"Seven. Right before Paige left."
"Okay. Think you can wait another ten minutes before another dose?"
"Yeah, that's fine."
"Good. Dr. Henry will be in shortly as well to check up on you."
"Okay."
"Hang in there, Dean. I'll be back in a few."
Dean looks over at Kaitlyn. "Did they mention anything to you on how long I'd be here?"
Kaitlyn shakes her head. "No. But don't rush anything, Dean."
"I'm not." Before either of them can say anything, Dr. Henry is coming in.
"You're looking great," Dr. Henry says with a grin. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm all right. Hurt a little."
"I know you just got your lunch, but mind if I take a look at you?"
"Go for it." Dean pushes the rolling tray to the side. "How long am I going to be out of work?"
"It's hard to say right now." Dr. Henry tugs the sheet down and looks at the stitches. "Who took the bandage off?"
"No clue. Never caught her name. Whoever came in after Paige." Dean looks at him. "Problem?"
"She should have put another bandage on. We'll get it cleaned up and bandaged up again. It's looking good though." Dr. Henry pulls his stethoscope off his neck. "Deep breath."
Kaitlyn can see the pained expression Dean makes as he takes a deep breath. She manages not to say anything about it though. It's an obvious expression, the doctor should see it.
"Hurt just on deep breaths like that?" Dr. Henry asks.
"Mostly that and when I cough," Dean answers. "Normal though, right?"
Dr. Henry nods. "It is. Especially with the location of this one. It should start easing up over the next 24 hours."
Dean nods. "Okay." He looks over at Kaitlyn and winks.
"Is this your wife?"
"Girlfriend, actually."
"Oh, sorry. Just assumed."
"That's okay." Dean smiles. "Someday it would be nice. Have to wait for her brother to kick my ass though."
"Overprotective brother?"
"That and he's my best friend."
"Ouch. Know what that's like. My wife is actually my sister's best friend."
Dean grins. "How long have you been married?"
"It'll be ten years next month." Dr. Henry looks at Dean. "All right, this may sting a little."
Dean winces when Dr. Henry wipes his wound. "Yeah, just a little."
Dr. Henry grins. "Sorry." He gets the bandage in place before stepping back. "All right. Well, they're getting a room set up for you. Should get up there after lunch."
"Okay. Thanks." He looks over at Kaitlyn again when Dr. Henry walks out. "Penny for your thoughts."
"Just don't like seeing you in pain." She smiles sadly.
"I'm okay though."
She nods. "I know." She watches as he starts eating once again.
"Do you want some?"
"No, you eat."
"Kaitlyn, you need to eat." He takes a bite of his sandwich.
"I will. Once you're done I'll go."
"Good." He winks at her.
Kaitlyn walks into Dean's new room after she returns from lunch. She smiles when she sees Seth, Roman, and Eve sitting around the bed. "Hey," she says.
Seth looks over. "Hey you," he says. "I'm going to guess last night went okay since I didn't hear from you."
She nods as she hugs him. "Yeah. I thought about calling you this morning, but it was early so I didn't want to wake you and…"
"Let's not mention her."
"Oh, okay. You okay?"
Seth nods. "No worries."
"Okay." She looks at Dean. "How're you doing?"
Dean gives a thumbs up. "They've drugged me again, I'm good."
She grins. "Just don't get up and dance."
"No fun." He pouts at her. "I never got to dance with you though."
"And we're done now," Seth says with a slight laugh.
Kaitlyn kisses the top of Seth's head. "Sorry."
He smiles at her. "It's okay."
After a little while longer, everyone but Kaitlyn leaves. She moves to sit down on the chair beside Dean's bed. He looks at her and smiles.
"You don't have to stay," he says.
"I'll leave soon. Should probably get papers graded."
He chuckles which is followed a slight wince. "Probably a good idea." He reaches out and takes her hand. There's a knock on the door before either of them can say anything else. Dean looks over and frowns.
Kaitlyn sees his expression change and turns to find her mom standing there. "Mom," she says.
"Hi," Shelly says walking over. "I just wanted to come see how you were, Dean."
Dean raises an eyebrow. "I was shot twice and almost died because of an ass hole that you continue to like. I'm great, thanks."
"Dean," Kaitlyn says softly. "Don't get yourself worked up."
"Well, I certainly didn't expect him to do that," Shelly says. "You aren't exactly…"
"No," Kaitlyn interrupts. "You are not blaming Dean for what Nick did. What is wrong with you? Nick cheated on me, mom. How many times do I have to tell you that? Not only did he cheat on me, but he got her pregnant." She gestures to Dean. "Dean has been nothing but amazing since we've gotten together. And I almost lost the love of my life yesterday because of Nick."
"You don't know…"
"No, I do know he is. Because I would give everything up for him in an instant if he wanted me to. If he wanted to drop everything and move across the country? Yeah, I'd do it. He makes me laugh and smile. And yeah, he's made me cry a few times but he's right there making sure I'm okay after we both calm down. He laughs at my stupid jokes even though I know he doesn't think they're funny. That's how I know he's the love of my life." She shakes her head. "I can't believe you, mom."
"I think you should leave," Dean says.
"Well, I just wanted to come and make sure you were okay. And to say I'm sorry." Shelly nods at them both before leaving.
Kaitlyn frowns and looks at Dean once again. "Dean…"
"No, don't apologize for her."
She grins. "You know me better than I figured." She leans down and kisses him. "I love you."
"I love you too. Now, you are going home and grading papers."
She pouts at him. "I don't wanna leave you."
He smiles at her. "Kaitlyn, you need to go grade papers. Come back up and we'll have dinner together."
"Think they'll let me bring you something?"
"I don't see why not. I'm not on any restrictions."
"Good, I'll bring dinner." She kisses him again. "Think they'll let me sleep here?"
"Don't think that one would be allowed." He smiles at her. "Stay at my place as long as you want."
"Okay. Need me to bring you anything when I come back?"
"My charger for my phone."
She nods. "Okay. Call if you think of anything else."
"I will." He watches as she stands up. "Six?"
"Six is good." She leans down and kisses him. "Try and get some rest while I'm gone." She trails her fingertips over his cheek. "Bye."
"Bye."