Day 1: Head Wound
I blinked slowly as the light trickled into my vision. It was blinding. My body hesitated to move. Just the thought of attempting hurt. I let out a groan. I glanced around and discovered that I was in the hospital. On second thought, this room looked familiar. God. I'm in the clinic. I raised my hand to my head to try to ease the aching that I felt. My fingers met wetness. Great. Another head injury.
I was brought from my thoughts when I heard the door crack open. "You're awake," the voice let out a breath they had been holding.
I moved to sit up and was met with two strong hands. "Lay still, Roza."
I grimaced. "Comrade." His hands, rough from years of training and abuse, ghosted across my cheeks. I leaned in as much as I could to his welcomed touch. "I'm sorry," I whispered as I dipped my head down.
Dimitri's fingers went under my chin as he moved to gingerly tip my head back to meet my eyes. "What are you sorry for?" He questioned. His brown eyes held mine. In place of his usual stoic guardian mask was thinly veiled anxiety. I could see that my actions tonight had scared him.
I sighed and tried to look away, not wanting to see Dimitri scared for me. "I knew it was dangerous. I knew I should have waited for backup, but I couldn't. It was either risk myself or Lissa and I couldn't risk her."
Dimitri rubbed his free hand down my back, trying his hardest to avoid causing any more discomfort. "I know."
"Moments like that I wish I still had the bond with her." I motioned for Dimitri to lay beside me. I could see the brief hesitation before he slipped his boots off before sliding in beside me.
"Seeing you like that," Dimitri made a sound to clear his throat. "Seeing you like that reminded me of how I almost lost you a few months ago. Seeing you laying there covered in blood." Dimitri wrapped his arm around my waist as best as he could trying to avoid the IV line and monitor connections. "I have never felt more useless than in these moments."
Before I got the chance to respond, Dr. Olendski came in and did her standard battery of tests and confirmed and I did indeed have a concussion. After she left, I glanced up at Dimitri. "I've always been taught that they come first, but" I paused, wanting Dimitri to really look at me. "But I think it's time we put ourselves first for once. I think it's time to plan a trip to Baia."
I felt Dimitri tense up beside me. "It's time they know."