Here ya go! Next chapter! So, I am thinking about dual uploading this on here and on AO3. I will let you know when/if I did that. Let me know what you think of this chapter, I hope you enjoy it!
Haven't done this in a while, but I do not own any of the original Longmire characters.
Chapter 10
"When is he supposed to be released from the hospital?"
Jonathon and Arianna were riding back from The Busy Bee with lunch for the two of them and Aponi. Henry had been in the hospital for a week under observation. She was relieved when she got specifics on his condition, and despite not being good, they could have been much worse.
"Hopefully today, depending on what they say when they come back for rounds this afternoon."
"I can't believe Matthew hit him hard enough to bruise a kidney and rupture his spleen."
"Being drunk can do that."
"Yeah, I wouldn't know."
Jonathon pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and put the car in park, "We haven't really had time this week to just talk Ari."
She stared out the window and sighed, picking at her fingers, "I don't think I've ever prayed so hard Jonathon." Her focus became glazed, "Even after mom and dad." Jonathon turned his head, and rubbed under his nose, "I have never prayed as hard as I did after Cady's phone call. I was so scared that I lost him. That this beautifully wonderful opportunity I had been blessed with was going to have been taken from me before I had the chance to take advantage of it."
"He's alright."
"I know," she looked back down at her fingers, "answered prayers."
"Yes." Jonathon smiled, "they were answered. He's alright. You're alright. There isn't a missed opportunity here."
She nodded and smiled half-heartedly, then grabbed the food, "You're right, let's take this in. Aponi must be hungry."
"Thank goodness you're back!" Aponi met them in the hallway, "Standing Bear's doctor is in here."
Arianna jogged into Henry's room to see Doc Weston standing on the opposite side of the bed, "Ah, Ms. Bailey, I'm glad you're here."
Henry smiled at her when she took her place next to him. He placed his hand on hers gently, drawing her attention to him, just as Walt walked in the room.
"Well, now that everyone is here, I have good news, Henry," he looked at Henry's chart, "You can go home."
Arianna smiled, "That's great. So, what restrictions will he have, what do we need to watch out for?"
"Well, you'll need to watch for swelling, increased pain. He needs to take it easy, no heavy lifting, no strenuous activity. I recommend another week of bed rest, just not here."
Arianna's smile was too big for her face, "Thank you Doctor Weston, thank you very much."
"Of course," he looked at Henry, "stay out of trouble Henry, or get that target off your back. You're in here too often."
At that, Doc Weston left the room, and Henry chuckled. Arianna felt the shock cover her face as she looked back at Henry, "What is he talking about?"
Henry slowly brought her hand to his face, and encouraged her to cup his cheek, "One story at a time. This one is not over yet."
Arianna helped him sit up as he began to lean forward. He moved his legs over the side of the bed and looked up into her eyes, "I have a question."
"Yes?" she pulled her hands back, frightened that she'd hurt him, and the longer he stared the more concerned she grew, "Henry? Did I hurt you?"
"No," he chuckled, "I was just going to ask you if you are trying to take care of me?"
Arianna furrowed her brow, confused about his question, but when she began to formulate a response, she remembered the conversation they had after she fell off the horse, and grinned, "If you'll let me."
He nodded, "of course."
"Well," she said, standing straight and looking at Walt, "in my capacity to take care of him, I don't think he needs to go home, not with the flight and a half of stairs. However, I think it would be inappropriate if he stayed with me."
"I agree that he shouldn't go home." Walt put his hands on his hips, "He, uh, he can stay at my place."
Refocusing on Henry, Arianna smiled, "Is this amenable to you?"
"Yes, it is not the option that I would prefer, but yes."
"I'm sorry, but the option that you and I would both prefer isn't feasible."
"I know. I would not ask you to compromise your principals."
Walt cleared his throat, "Well, I'm going to get the house set up for you. I'm going to be busy over the next few days so. . ."
"I'll be available for him to call," Arianna said, "I won't have to be traveling back and forth from Cheyenne. And of course, I will be visiting if he wants."
"I very much want that."
"Well, uh," Walt began again, "I'll be back to get you, and uh, you're welcome to the cabin at any time. Vic will be there too, to uh, help him with anything if neither of us are available."
"Great," Arianna smiled again at Henry, "let's get your clothes."
Arianna took a moment to take stock of everything she had made readily available for Henry, who was in the shower. Snacks, water, an extra blanket and pillow, an extension cord for his phone charger, and his medication were all set out on the side table. Despite all that, she felt dissatisfied. She looked around Walt's living room attempting to find some amount of inspiration when she heard the water shut off in the bathroom.
The hide-a-bed was made when she, Jonathon, Aponi, and Henry arrived. Jonathon helped Henry up the steps while the girls opened the doors. Immediately, Henry wanted to take a shower, eager to get the feel of the hospital sheets off his skin. Aponi and Jonathon took it upon themselves to make dinner, while Walt went back to Henry's apartment to get some of his personal items. Arianna decided to make the bed nicer after Walt left, but dissatisfied after having done so; she was going to do it again.
She was in the middle of repositioning pillows when Henry stepped through the doorway. He watched her place a pillow down and pick up the other. When she was done, she went back again to the first pillow.
He chuckled, "Aria, you do not have to do that."
He watched her jump as if he had caught her doing something wrong. She turned to him red faced, and he laughed.
"I just want you to be comfortable." She looked down at her feet.
The guilt that rose in him was slight, but enough, "I did not mean to embarrass you. I feel that it is cute."
As he spoke, he walked to her and corrected a misplaced hair on her face. A twinge in his side made the movement stop abruptly. When his muscles tightened and he grimaced, Arianna reacted immediately, moving him to the hide-a-bed. Henry relished in her touch despite the discomfort he felt. He was overwhelmed by her warmth and caring.
"Aria, do not worry," he rubbed her shoulders, "When you are not here Vic will be. I will be alright."
"Yeah," she sighed, "Well, Walt went to your apartment to get you some more clothes, among other things. Are these comfortable enough?" She gestured to his clothes, a pair of grey sweatpants and a black t-shirt.
"Yes." He nodded.
"Ok, well, I guess. . ."
When she stood to go to the kitchen, Henry grabbed her hand and held tight, "You aren't leaving are you?"
"No," she giggled, "I was going to see if Jonathon and Aponi needed help with dinner."
"I believe that if they need it they will ask for it. Please, stay." Although he attempted to be lighthearted, Arianna could see a sadness in his eyes that she didn't like.
"Ok, I'll stay." Shifting her weight, she moved to sit with her back against the back of the hide-a-bed and made herself comfortable. Keeping her hand in his, he sank down into his pillow and closed his eyes.
Arianna cherished this moment of peace with Henry. Watching his chest rise and fall was comforting. When she looked down at their intertwined hands, however, she saw the scars on his wrists and was immediately reminded of Doctor Weston's statement, stay out of trouble Henry, or get that target off your back.
"Henry?"
"Hmm?"
The low rumble was comforting, "I know you said that this story wasn't over yet, but I was thinking about what Doctor Weston said."
"Yes?"
"Where did you get these scars on your wrists?"
He sat up carefully and looked into her eyes, "Are you sure you want to hear this story? I do not tell it well."
"If you don't want to tell me. . ."
"It is not that I do not want to tell you. It is just not something that I have spoken about in some time. I also do not want to run you away."
She chuckled, "you would have to work very hard to run me off Henry."
He let her hand go and began to rub at his right wrist, thinking back on the cause.
He sighed, "Walt is the sheriff as you know."
"Yes."
"A year ago, there was quite a bit of trouble with a drug trade that had spread across Absaroka County and the reservation. I unfortunately managed to get involved myself. The man who was in the middle of it all, and his lackies, staked me to the ground on the crow reservation in the summer for three days. These scars are from the leather straps they tied me down with."
Arianna was quiet, unsure of what to say. Her mouth was agape, and she blinked far more than what was necessary. Her brain wasn't firing correctly, and she couldn't make coherent thoughts, save one, a clear image of Henry strapped to the ground.
"Are you alright?" Henry quizzed.
"Yeah, uh. . ." she stammered, "I just. . . I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around you possibly making anyone angry enough to do that to you."
"It was quite complicated."
"Quite complicated? That sounds traumatizing, not complicated."
"Well," He sat up, wincing for a moment before moving her hair again, "at the time, it was not exactly summer camp, however, I came out alive, so. . ."
"It is what it is."
He chuckled, "Yes, it is what it is."
She looked up at his eyes and locked her gaze on them. They were warm, and welcoming. However, after his story, there was a hint of sadness, and what she hoped was what she felt, longing."
"Why do you do that?" she asked.
"Do what?" confusion washed over his face.
"Move my hair back?"
Henry took a moment to answer, deliberating over the best response, "If I am honest, it is because I am looking for an excuse to touch you."
She giggled, "Oh my," she feigned embarrassment, "Mr. Standing Bear, how forward of you!"
"Me? I would not do such a thing!"
They sat laughing as Jonathon and Aponi brought dinner in and sat at the end of the bed.
"What's so funny?" Aponi asked.
"Oh, Mr. Standing Bear here thinks that since he got beat up, he can say all kinds of frightening things?"
"Oh?" Jonathon was chuckling, "Such as?"
"Like he thinks you're cute." Arianna teased.
Henry sputtered, having taken a drink of water, "What!?"
"Oh, Mr. Standing Bear, I'm so sorry, but I'm taken."
"No, Jon, that is not. . ."
"Oh, I don't mind babe." Aponi added.
Henry interjected, grabbing Ariana's hand, "Now wait just a moment."
"Really Oni? That's great." Jonathon leaned forward and gave Aponi a kiss, "Alright Mr. Standing Bear, or I guess Henry is more appropriate, if you just drop my sister's hand, we'll be ready to go."
Henry's grip on Arianna's hand tightened, while he hid his eyes with the other. He slowly lifted his gaze when he spoke, "I think I will keep your sister's hand as long as she will let me."
Jonathon smiled, "Sounds good."
The next few days were uneventful. Henry was exhausted, rightfully so. During much of the time that Arianna came to visit, he slept. Not that she minded much, she enjoyed watching him sleep. Any worry etched in his face melted away, and she could really see him. So, she would come to Walt's cabin, wait, and leave. One evening he called to apologize, feeling absolutely terrible for not spending time with her while she was there. She assured him that there wasn't a problem. The only problem that occurred, had nothing to do with his sleeping at all.
Arianna pulled up to Walt's cabin with bottled water, and some tea she hoped Henry would like. As she began to gather things together, Arianna was startled by the sound of a speeding car hurling itself down the driveway. When it stopped in front of the house, the debris cloud that followed was massive, and rocks were being slung everywhere, she was glad she was still in the car. The moment the car was stationary, the driver's side door flung itself open and a tall skinny brunette stepped out of the car and ran up the steps. She was only a step from the door when Henry stepped out.
"Deena?"
"Oh, Henry!" The woman wrapped herself around him, bawling, "I just heard about what happened to you! I can't believe you didn't call me. I was so worried!"
Arianna watched Henry's hands come up to the woman's shoulders. She hoped. She couldn't even think what she hoped, but she hoped. When the woman kissed Henry, Arianna's heart dropped.
No. . . she thought, not again. She closed her eyes.
"Deena!"
Arianna's eyes snapped open, and they immediately found Henry's. His, however, were glued to Deena's. She had never seen them that way, filled with anger. No, she corrected herself, hatred, loathing. Combined with him raising his voice, he was frightening.
"What do you think you are doing here, Deena?"
"Henry? I. . ." Deena began, "I still love you. I know I made a mistake but Henry, you said you loved me."
"Deena. . ."
"Henry!" Arianna interrupted him, "Don't let me keep you from being with her if. . ."
"Aria, stop, please. You do not know what has happened." Henry stood straight, wincing ever so slightly.
"Who is she Henry?" Deena asked.
"You do not deserve to know that information, Deena. You no longer have the right to ask questions about the people in my life. I want you to leave."
"Henry, I. . ."
"No. Deena, leave."
Deena looked just a shocked as Arianna felt. Arianna watched her shake her back and forth, and cross her arms.
"Henry this is not ok! I have been here for you through. . ."
"Nothing!" he yelled, "You have been here through, ugh. . ."
Arianna dropped the case of water and the box of tea on the ground and ran to Henry who had begun to fall forward. When she got onto the porch, she shoved past Deena and knelt to give Henry something to lean on.
"You need to go." Arianna spat. She began to stand putting most of Henry's weight on her shoulder.
"I am not leaving him!" Deena yelled, gesticulating wildly.
"Yes, you are!" Ariana was full of rage, "If you cared about him at all you would leave. He is hurt, badly, and he is not supposed to be experiencing any stress, and you," she barked, "are causing nothing but stress."
Deena's eyes narrowed, "He means everything to me."
"Then where were you?"
Silence was the only response.
"I am going to tell you one more time, leave."
Deena shook her head back and forth before turning on her heels. After slamming the car door, Deena peeled out of the driveway.
Arianna turned her head slightly to the left and was then incredibly aware of just how close Henry's face was to hers. The warmth radiating off his skin was intoxicating, and the smell from his neck was spellbinding.
"Thank you."
His voice permeated every fiber of her being and radiated down to her toes encouraging Ariana to take a moment and steady herself, "For what?"
She started to turn him to take him back inside when Henry grabbed the door frame and let her go.
"Henry, we need to get you back in bed."
"No, not before we talk." He stood straighter, "I want you to know that Deena and I have been over for over a year."
"Henry. . ." she shook her head, trying to move on.
"No, please Arianna. . ."
"Henry." She took a step forward, placing her hands on either side of his face, "I don't need you to raise your blood pressure and cause more stress in an attempt to convince me of something I have already figured out for myself."
His eyes were glassy, and he looked distraught, "You. . ."
"Yes, Henry, when you yelled at her, I figured it out."
"Oh. . ." he sighed, "you. . ."
He stepped forward and outstretched his hand, allowing Arianna to take his weight and lead him back to the hide-a-bed.
"I am sorry, Deena has always been a bit difficult if she did not get her way."
Arianna laid him down, and pulled his blanket up, "I'm not concerned about her."
"What are you. . ." he coughed, "concerned about."
"That's a fool question."
"That is not a fool question."
"Henry." She sighed, pulling a chair up, "You. I am concerned about you. Why did you come out there that way?"
"What way?" he smiled.
"Like you don't have a ruptured spleen and a bruised kidney."
"I originally believed that it was you in the driveway. I wanted to surprise you by meeting you on the porch. When Deena was there and you were not, I was very disappointed."
"I bet you were." she chuckled, then pulled his blankets down again, "Lift your shirt please."
"Ms. Bailey, who is being forward now?" Henry joked, pulling up his shirt.
"Oh hush," she pressed gently under his rib cage, like the nurse showed her; he winced slightly as she did, "Does that hurt more or less than it did yesterday?"
"Less, much less."
She smiled, "Are you sure?"
Hissing when she moved her hand again, he answered, "Absolutely, I am sure."
The incredulous look spread across her face before she could stop it, "uh, huh, have you been taking your medication, letting Vic do things for you, Walt too?"
"Yes, when they are here."
"How often have they been here?" she sat back down when Henry pulled his shirt down.
"They work Aria they cannot be here all the time."
"Yes, but when they aren't you were supposed to call me."
"I did not want to bother you."
"Henry," she sighed, desperate for some kind of understanding, "I told you I would be available."
"I know this."
She put her head in her hands, and sighed, "Please, Henry, call me. I don't want you to go back to the hospital."
Fingers began to wrap around Arianna's wrist and pull her hand back from her eyes. What Henry saw made him sad. There in the corner of her eyes, were tears. Those tears were almost silver against the white of her eyes. Stars, he thought, she's crying stars.
"Come here."
He pulled her hand until she was on the bed next to him. He rubbed her back softly, rested his hand on the small of her back, and began rubbing her shoulder with the other.
"Please, do not cry. I do not ever want to be the reason you cry."
"I know Henry, I know, I just. . ." Aria breathed deep, internalizing his scent as much as she could, and sighed, "You smell good."
He chuckled at the subject change and followed suit, breathing deeply, "you do as well, like coconut."
"Yep," she smiled, closing her eyes, "You smell like mint, mixed with something."
"It is mostly sage, and definitely lavender."
"Mmm. . ."
"You are tired."
"Mm-hmm."
Henry smiled and nuzzled his cheek into her hair, "Then sleep."
She nuzzled in further and sighed, considering the concept for a moment. She was tired. The stress of the last week had compounded, and she had yet to take anytime to decompress; but the strong arm around her shoulders made her feel that now was the time. But it wasn't. She knew that this was a bad idea. She was putting herself in the position to make an egregious mistake. This was something neither of them had discussed, and she did not think that this was the time to have the conversation.
"I shouldn't"
"There is nothing wrong with you taking a nap. I will stay awake."
True, she thought, but. . .
Rationalization. That's what it was. The drinking comparison was the equivalent. We don't do this, not because it's bad, but because it could lead. . . but what if it doesn't?
"Sleep."
She sighed, and relaxed, "mmk. . ."