It had been almost a week since I had been advised, well actually ordered, to stay inside the Medical Bay. Right now I was crossing my fingers, at least on one hand as I waited to hear my test results.
"Do you want the good news or the bad news?" Doctor Alexander said and I sighed, resting my bandaged hand on my lap.
"The bad news first. Then at least the good news might cheer me up." I answered and at my side Jason gave my shoulder a pat. After giving my chart a one over Doctor Alexander looked up.
"Well the bad news is you're still not not ready to return to active duty." He began and I chewed my bottom lip not liking the sound of that. "But the good news is you're no longer confined to the Medical Bay or N-Tek."
"So does that mean I can go back to my apartment?" I asked and Jason chuckled as my face lit up. "Hah hah, Naught. Besides you've been complaining nonstop about staying in the spare dorm." I told him and he rolled his eyes.
"Yes you're allowed to stay at your apartment from today on provided that Jason stays with you. Commander Forge's rules, not mine." Doctor Alexander added when both our jaws dropped. "I'll just remove your drip and you can get ready to head home."
That wasn't what I wanted to hear and I stiffled a gasp when he removed the drip from my hand. Thankfully my hand didn't bleed and as I watched he straightened.
"Okay you're free to leave whenever you want." He explained before he left and as I tugged the blanket off, Jason leant against the bed.
"Am I going to be stuck with you for the rest of my life?" Jason asked as I planted my feet on the ground. Ignoring Jason for the moment I stood and just for a few seconds I swayed though grabbing hold of the bed kept me upright.
"No I'm stuck with you for the rest of my life." I answered and he crossed his arms watching on as I took a few somewhat shaky steps around the room. "So I guess I have to make the best of a bad situation." I muttered as I returned to my bed, sitting heavily.
"Oh you're so funny, Crystal. Look I'll walk you back to the apartment if you promise me one thing." Jason said as he eyed me and after a few seonds I gave him a nod. "That you'll actually tone down the attitude?"
"Well I can try. But its a part of who I am so..." I trailed off when he frowned and I let out a giggle. "Okay I'll try my hardest. So are you ready to go?" I asked as I stood up and once I had my footing I started for the door only for Jason to move faster than me and grab my arm. Confused I raised an eyebrow at him.
"I'm thinking we should get a lift back." He suggested and I smiled touched by his kindness. Seeing my smile he coughed and with his face turned he added, "Since you're as slow as a glaciar."
"Very funny, Naught." I muttered as he helped me outside and as we wandered through the hallway I wondered just who would give us a lift back to my apartment. "Maybe we can ask Berto since my car's a wreak now." I replied as I remembered my last battle with Makino's forces.
Just as our feet cleared the doorway of Berto's lab he turned around, giving us a grin.
"Hola chicos. How's the hand?" He asked as he turned back to his computer.
"Pretty good. Doctor Alexander told me I can go home whenever I want. And that's actually why I'm here. After my car went bye bye I might have to walk back."
"So you need a lift back? No problema. Let me just change and I'll be right back. Oh and before I forget N-Tek managed to bring your car back." Berto answered, cringing a little when I smiled. "Sorry but its a total wreak." He explained and I sighed rubbing my forehead.
"That's just great. Guess I'm off the road for a while. At least until I can save up again for a car anyway." I replied and Berto shook his head at me. "Huh?"
"Well it'll take time but I'm sure I can fix it. Just give me a few days and I'll let you know." Berto answered and I laughed, letting go of Jason's hand to give the scientist a hug. "Uh you're welcome?" He muttered as his face went bright red. "Okay well I'll go and get ready. He quickly added as he left his lab, heading for his dorm now and Jason grinned.
"Not as tough as you think." Jason said and I narrowed my eyes at him. "Hugging one of N-Tek stooges?"
"Hey don't call my friends that. Unlike you I actually care about other people." I shot back and he rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. "Just be grateful that I'm letting you stay with me instead of sending my butt back to Dredd."
"Do you have to keep threatening me? I was nice enough to take care of you when you were sick and I ended up captured by N-Tek." Jason said and I sighed, looking down at the floor. Of course he was right about that and I did feel bad that I was picking on him even after he'd helped me, even coming to check on me when I was stuck in the Medical Bay.
"Okay I'm sorry. Look can we just start over? I don't mean to be cruel but I think getting hurt and feeling useless have really taken a toll on me." I answered and he cupped my chin, giving my cheek a kiss. Shocked I lifted my hand to my cheek as he smiled.
"Alright we can start over though I have one other condition. When we get back you are going grocery shopping because I checked your fridge and unless you want to live on takeway for the rest of your life." He grinned as I snorted, my arms at my sides.
"Fine, smart guy. Then you're coming with me since I can't put any weight on this arm." I muttered as I lifted my bandaged hand. "No arguments, Jason." I added before he could protest and with a bemused smile he nodded.
"Ready to go guys?" Berto asked as he reappeared in the doorway and we gave him a nod. "Okay let's rock and roll." I let out a laugh and even Jason stiffled a chuckle as we followed him.
Sitting in Berto's convertable I leant back feeling the wind rushing through my hair and for a moment i forgot that I was no longer on active duty. Then we arrived back my apartment and I climbed out, a slight frown on my face as I remembered why I couldn't fight. Seeing me looking up at my apartment with a sad expression Berto turned to Jason as he climbed from the car.
"Jason, keep an eye on Crystal. She's still not herself and I don't think she's taking being sidelined very well." Berto asked and Jason almost shook his head until he saw me wipe my eyes and he nodded instead. "Okay if you guys need to get back to N-Tek just give me a call."
"Thanks again, Berto. Have a safe trip back." I told him and he gave me a wave as he sat behind the wheel. The moment he drove off I headed for the front door with Jason not far behind.
"That's much better." I sighed as I sat on the couch leaving Jason to close the door. As he walked over I lifted my legs onto the couch, examing my leg. "Hmm wonder if its any better?"
"Why don't you take the bandage off and check?" Jason said sitting next to me as I stared at my leg, chewing my lip a little and he chuckled. "Too scared to check, huh?"
"I'm not scared I'm just...uh...being cautious." I stammered as I grabbed the end of the bandage then I froze and he rolled his eyes again. Before I could stop him he tugged the bandage free and my eyes went wide in shock when I saw my leg. Other than being overly pink it looked fine.
"See its not infected so stop freaking out." Jason told me and I fixed him with a glare. "Hey I'm not the one panicking over every little thing."
"Still the same jerk." I growled as I rested my head against the couch, legs against my side and he just laughed not taking anything I said seriously. When he gently stroked my cheek I turned my head ignoring him and that just made him more bold. Since I wasn't looking directly at him I didn't see Jason move even closer until he was pressed against me. Then I gasped as he kissed the base of my chin, fingers stroking my cheek.
"I'm much more than that." Jason smiled before his lips found mine and my eyes went wide as he kissed me. Then my eyes slowly closed as I reached up, running a hand through his hair as I kissed him back. It was actually a nice moment we had together then Jason ruined it by undoing the top two buttons on my shirt.
"Hey! Geeze do you mind? I've been home about five minutes and you try and undress me?" I growled as I pushed him back. "Figures. That's all I am to you, just another pretty face."
Looking slightly amused Jason watched as I climbed to my feet storming towards my bedroom. "So in there then?" He asked and I slammed the door the moment I was inside my room, leaving him a little confused. "Women."
After waiting for me to cool down Jason moved off the couch and started for my bedroom wondering why I was so angry. Thinking he could talk to me and maybe figure out what was wrong he gently knocked on the door. Getting no immediate response he slowly opened the door to find me lying on my side, fast asleep and he shook his head. He was about to leave when I sighed, still very much asleep and he wandered in instead. Reaching the base of my bed he looked down at me as I shivered and he grinned grabbing a nearby blanket and as he covered me with it, I sighed again.
"Well I'll let this slide but you have to make it up to me. Maybe when you're not so cranky." Jason whispered as he leant, brushing a kiss against my forehead before he headed back into the kitchen. Deciding to make himself a sandwich he opened the fridge immediately frowning as he saw nothing but a bottle of ketchup inside. What it was doing there he didn't know.
After closing the fridge he looked at the clock and seeing it was only just after 3pm he considered his options. "I can either wait until she wakes up and risk starving or I could get some groceries." Spending a minute thinking he shook his head and went in search of any cash I had lying around. "It isn't stealing and besides I don't have access to anything but the clothes on my back since Dredd decided to terminate me. Crystal will thank me when I get back with food." He muttered as he searched for my handbag. The moment he found it he took enough from the wallet inside to cover the cost of food and a taxi. Before he left he left me a note in case I woke before he returned.
"She's lucky I owe her for protecting me. Now we're even." Jason muttered as he stuck the note on the fridge before he headed for the door.
Just over two hours later I yawned and opened my eyes not sure where I was until I saw my blanket covering me. "Must have fallen asleep. Wonder if Jason's still mad at me." I sighed as I climbed off the bed. Heading for the door I rubbed at my eyes still half asleep until I opened the door. "Jason?" I called out and getting no reply I stuck my head out the door.
Seeing no one I walked into the combined living room and kitchen, suddenly afraid that he's left while I was asleep. As I searched the spare room the fear grew until I had to sit down, shaking a little.
Okay I need to just calm down and think this through, I thought as I leant against the cushions. Maybe he just went for a walk...back to Dredd, oh please say he's not really working for him again. After an hour passed and he still hadn't returned I leant back against the couch trying to keep as calm as I could. Seconds later my head snapped up when I heard the door slowly open and my eyes went wide as Jason stepped through the door.
When he noticed me staring he sighed and held up two plastic bags.
"Well are you going to help me or not?" He asked as I climbed off the couch, making my way towards him. As soon as he saw the glare he shook his head. "Okay what's wrong with you now?"
"Me?! You're the one who disappeared without a trace, no note or anything." I answered as I stared up at him and after a pause he walked past me. "See I was right."
After setting down the bags on the kitchen table he turned to the fridge, plucking something from the door before he walked back. When he waved it in front of my face I cringed, blushing as I realized it was a note.
"If you're unsure it bascially says that I was restocking the fridge and I'd be back soon. Thought I'd left you for Dredd, huh?" He asked as he handed me the note, heading back to the bags.
"I didn't...um think that." I stammered as he started to unpack them, not looking at me as I wandered over. "Do you still need help?" I offered and he chuckled as he finally looked up. By the time we'd finished putting everything away I rubbed at my eyes, trying not to show just how tired I was.
"You look like something Mega Elementor dragged in. Look just sit over there and let me worry about food. In this state you'll probably burn the kitchen down." He joked as he not so politely pushed me towards the couch. I gave him a glare which had no effect whatsoever especially when I yawned, pretty much giving up on fighting back. My legs visibly shaking I sat back as he walked towards the kitchen a slight grin on his face. After about half an hour I could smell something wonderful coming from the kitchen and as Jason returned to the couch, now holding two bowls he grinned. "Wake up." He said and I blinked awake earning myself a chuckle as I sat up.
"Huh? Sorry must have dozed off." I answered, my cheeks growing hot as he handed over a bowl filled with what looked like pasta then sat down beside me. "Yeah whatever." I muttered embarassed by my inablilty to stay awake for more then twenty minutes. We ate in silence and for that I was grateful as I began to consider what I'd be doing until I could return to active duty.
"Sitting on your behind I'm guessing." Jason said and I frowned at him, pausing with my fork just in front of my mouth. "You were thinking about work, weren't you?" He asked and I gave him a nod, still trying to figure out how he knew.
"Well yeah but...hang on did you just say I'll be sitting on my butt?" I asked and he gave me a nod, his lips curling up as I glared at him. "That's not true. I'll probably be writting reports about..." I trailed off when I couldn't think of any else to say.
"About what exactly? You're not allowed to fight anymore so what could you possibly write about?" Jason challenged and I didn't response, having realized he was right. Not that I would admit that to his face.
"Maybe how annoying you are right now. Actually all the time now that I think about it." I growled and he stared at me. "Huh nothing to add, Naught?" I taunted and he snorted at me, returning to his meal. Letting out a giggle I finished mine, all the while thinking about the next week or so I had to myself. Sadly the silence didn't last and Jason spoke, jarring me out of my thoughts.
"So where do I sleep while I'm stuck here? And before you say 'the couch' not again." Jason asked and after a pause I told him about the spare bedroom. "Wait you have a spare room and you're only just telling me this now because...?"
"You never asked." I grinned, giggling when he crossed his arms. "Okay I'm sorry but you did cause me to lose my job at the time. Now we're even. Thanks for the meal by the way." I added and just for a second I saw a grin appear on Jason's face before he caught himself and he rolled his eyes.
"Hmph you're really annoying, you know that?" He pointed as I leant back against the couch cushions, a smirk on my face. Ignoring me for the moment he climbed off the couch and silently reached for my bowl. I released it and as he headed towards the kitchen I leant over slightly, tilting my head which gave me a good view of his backside.
I smiled for a few seconds only to shake my head and quickly lean back, bumping my head against the back of the couch in my haste. Seeing me rubbing the back of my head with a pained look on my face he sighed and walked over.
"Okay now what are you doing?" Jason asked as he sat beside me and I shrugged, afraid he'd noticed me staring a few minutes ago. Thankfully he didn't ask me again. "Like I care. So are you going to shower first?"
"Actually since you made dinner you get dibs." I replied only to recieve a blank stare. "Nevermind. You can shower first if you want." I sighed and he gave me a slight nod, standing and heading towards the bathroom. As I waited I leant back against the couch getting comfortable as I waited for my turn, still wondering why I was being so polite.
A short time later Jason emerged from the shower, rubbing his hair with a clean towel he'd found in the closet closest to the bathroom and as he walked past wearing just his black shirt and boxers he called out. "Bathroom's yours." He said only to hear a weird noise and it seemed to be coming from the couch.
As he wandered over he stifled a laugh when he found me leaning against the armrest, eyes closed and when he moved closer he heard me snort. That set him off and he let out a laugh only to quickly clamp a hand over his mouth. But I just mumbled something unintelligible, shifting slightly until I was lying on my left side and promptly went back to sleep. Giving me a smile he left the room returning a few minutes later with a blanket. Without distrubing me he covered me with it and when I didn't move he chuckled, shaking his head as he headed to his own room.
The night passed and just after the sun rose Jason emerged from his room, stretching as he wandered into the living room. "Hey Crystal. Are you awake yet?" He asked only to find me sprawled on the couch, my head dangling off the headrest, and he rolled his eyes. "Apparently not. All you do is sleep and annoy me." He muttered as he leant over me, reaching over. Giving my shoulder a poke didn't wake me and he grinned, amused. "Crystal?"
Instead of responding I just snorted, pulling the blanket over myself and giving up on waking me Jason headed over to the kitchen. It wasn't until I could smell something cooking that I finally showed signs of life.
"Hmm...something...cooking?" I mumbled as I sat up, or tried to anyway. Ending up on my face wasn't part of the plan and in the kitchen Jason chuckled as I rolled onto my side. "Whoa...didn't mean to do that." I muttered as I righted myself, rubbing at my eyes.
"Can't even sit up properly. Why did Forge Ferrus recruit you again?" Jason teased as he looked over and I crossed my arms, a slight curling of my lips telling him I wasn't happy. "Don't pout at me, you're the one who fell on her face."
"Because you distracted me. What are you cooking anyway? And who said you could use my kitchen?" I added, remembering I was annoyed with him and he raised an eyebrow at me.
"Oh I guess you don't want any breakfast then." He grinned as I climbed to my feet and stumbled over. Seeing the pancakes he made my eyes went wide and he laughed.
"Okay I'm sorry. Can I have some?" I practically begged and he tilted his head to one side, thinking. Then he gave me a nod and I sat, giving him a smile. As he handed me a plate my cheeks went red, ashamed at having basically begged for my enemy to make me breakfast.
"Why are your cheeks red?" Jason asked as he scooped some of the pancakes onto my plate before he did the same for himself. I didn't answer, mostly because I had no idea why I was acting so strange and he grinned. "I get it. You have a little crush on me, don't you?"
With a third of a pancake in my mouth I wasn't expecting that question and I coughed, immediately choking and his eyes went wide. Shocked he dropped his fork and now standing behind me he whacked me with his open palm, directly in the middle of my back. I coughed hard and the piece of pancake lodged in my throat ended up hitting the fridge. More concerned with me, and I did find that a little unusual later, Jason stared as I coughed again eyes streaming.
"Are you okay?" He asked as I rubbed at my eyes, face even redder and when I could breathe I gave him a slight nod. "Try not to do that again, you almost gave me a heart attack." He sighed as I rubbed my throat.
"Not...going to." I gasped and he chuckled as he returned to his seat. This time I managed to finish my pancakes without choking again and Jason gave me a smirk as he stood up. Taking my plate and his, he moved over to the sink and dropped them in along with the frying pan. "Thanks for cooking breakfast. I usually do but..." I trailed off, not sure why I was feeling so worn out.
"Relax. How's the hand?" Jason asked as I looked at my bandaged hand with a frown. "Are you going to keep pouting?" He sighed and I glanced up at him for a moment, eyes slightly narrowed and he chuckled. Moving to my side he grinned.
"What's so funny?" I asked not liking him teasing me and he leant close, face almost touching mine and I tried not to blush at just how close we were. "Can you please stop teasing me? Its getting old." I grumbled hoping he didn't see how badly I was blushing...and how much I liked him being this close. In response he drapped his arms around my shoulders and I tilted my head back, eyebrow raised at him. He leant in slowly only to move back a step when I growled.
"Are you always this uptight?" Jason asked as he attempted to kiss me again, at least that's what I think he was going to do and I glared at him. "Really uptight." He sighed as he straightened and I stood, moving past him as I headed for the bathroom. Once I noticed Jason following me I shook my head.
"Can I have five minutes alone?" I asked and he just gave me a wide grin. "If you keep misbehaving its back to N-Tek and a nice Stasis Cell." I added, giggling when he frowned at me. Ignoring him for the next few minutes I had a nice, warm shower not knowing that Jason hadn't given up on making me fall for him...not by a long shot.