Part 3 - Catheters, Condos & Kisses
All hell had broken loose. North had Silas up against the wall and they were shouting at each other in Greek. Luke was doing his best to pull them apart, but not having much success. Kota stood just muttering to himself his hand wedged in his hair. I sounded like he was counting. I didn't now where the others were. They had all been in a family meeting in Dr. Greens office when I'd had my visitor. They thought I'd be safe here. Finding out they had been wrong only made their anger all the more explosive.
They had come into the room to find me sitting up, relatively calm but shaking. The boys immediately knew something had happened. I couldn't believe that Volto had been here. Right here inside the Academy hospital. How was that possible? I hadn't wanted to tell them. To add extra worry to the burden that they already carried, but keeping it to myself wasn't an option. They wouldn't trust me if I didn't trust them. I hadn't been able to talk I had been shaking so much, so I just held out the note to Kota. He had read it aloud.
"Sang, get well soon. Volto." God, he even knew my nickname for him. I didn't get a chance to explain anything else.
"What?" North had roared his face angry and red. I'd cringed back into the pillows. Seriously they must have left me alone just for a few minutes and here I was causing trouble. Silas was talking fast in Greek. Whatever he'd said had caused North to turn on him. They were shouting at each other. Loudly. It seemed to bring Kota back to the present and he immediately took charge of the situation.
"North! Silas!" Kota barked. "You need to control yourselves." He took out his phone and stabbed at the buttons. "Mr. Blackbourne we need you in Sangs room. Bring the others." North's voice cranked up a notch. Silas had muttered something that caused North to let loose on him. He'd shoved Silas by the shoulders up against the far wall by the door. Luke was trying his best to intervene, by pulling North away.
"Please stop." I tried to shout, but my vocal cords cracked and my plead got lost amongst the more dominate voices. Luke, Silas & North were all talking over each other, although its was hard to hear anyone over North. Kota was still trying to calm them down, but it was a loosing battle. Luke managed to get in between them. In reaction North jerked his arm away from Luke's grasp, sending him sprawling on to the floor. I hated to see them behaving like this and being stuck in the bed there was nothing I could do to prevent it. My body was shaking and I took in deep breathes in an attempt to get control of myself. Planting my hands over my face I leaned forward hissing in pain as my right elbow rested on my leg. This was too much for me. Really all I wanted to do was sleep, wake up and find that this had just been one of my nightmares. I felt the air shift as the door swung open.
"What the hell is going on?" Thank goodness. Mr Blackbourne had arrived. I looked up as Dr. Green and Nathan came to stand by the bed, Gabriel hovered by the door and Victor went to Luke.
"Mr. Taylor?" He demanded of North. This seemed to bring North fully back into the moment, registering for the first time his actions. He looked down at Luke, whom with Victors assistance was getting up.
"Shit. Luke I didn't mean..."
"It's ok dude. Just put Silas down!
"Fine." He snapped, taking a step back from Silas. He glared at him though, jabbed a finger at his chest and muttered "No more talk of doing that. It's not happening." What wasn't happening? I was throughly confused.
"Mr. Lee. Begin." Grim faced Kota handed Mr. Blackbourne the note and filled him in on what he knew.
"Miss Sorenson?" Mr. Blackbourne came to the head of the bed, his demanding expression giving me the confidence to relate the details of how I'd woken to find my head being held and what Volto had said to me. I looked at him only, avoiding eye contact with the others, afraid to see their reactions. I could hear the odd curse though and exclamations of shock and anger. I held back about Voltos kiss. I didn't want to keep things from them, but knew for sure that it would at the very least start North off again. He was reaching the limit of what he could take. I think we all were. Mr. Blackbourne gave me an assessing look.
"Are you sure there's nothing else you want to tell me Miss Sorenson?" I bit my lip and shook my head. Mr. Blackbournes eyes narrowed at me. I saw him exchange a fleeting glance with Dr. Sean who gave an infinitesimal shake of the head. He didn't press me further.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see him. I tried but he was too quick." The reassurance that Mr. Blackbourne had provided dissipated and tears started to well in my eyes.
"Hey Princess, don't do that. Don't cry!" Victor held my hand and took a tissue from the bedside table. As he did his attention was drawn by the stem of the rose that was now half hidden under the corner of the pillow. He grabbed it.
"Wait, where did this come from?"
"It was...it was next to the note." I murmured nervously looking anywhere but at the boys faces. Not easy to do when all nine of them were here surrounding me.
Silas muttered something in Greek under his breath. North turned on him again, his biceps bulged as his hands balled at his thighs. "You are not taking her to Greece." He said through clenched teeth, desperately attempting to keep his anger under control. What? Silas wanted to take me to Greece? I groaned and rolled into myself trying to block out the escalating noise. The tears were flowing freely now. Frowning, Dr. Green came to me and took my pulse. I could feel my heart hammering fast against my chest so I knew it wouldn't be good. The grimace on Sean's face confirmed that it was fast.
"Silas, North, get out now. Come back when you've cooled down. I don't care if there is a good reason, I don't want this atmosphere around Sang again." Dr. Greens eyes swept across everyone, letting them know that he was talking to all of them. "Am I understood?" He snapped. I was a little shocked. I'd never heard Dr. Green talk to the guys with such terseness before. I guessed he was reaching his limit too.
"I think we can all agree that Miss Sorenson isn't up to dealing with this kind of behaviour right now." Mr Blackbourne pointed to me and the boys for the first time realised that I was weeping. Silent tears streaming down my face. My head was pounding. I was just exhausted and clearly very emotional. I knew that the boys hated it when I cried, but I couldn't hold it back and to be perfectly honest I didn't want to. It felt cathartic.
"Shit!" North turned, shifting uncomfortably. Looking at me he seemed to become a little calmer. "Sang! I'm sorry." Rubbing his hand over his face he came to me and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead and then on my cheek. Silas came up behind him.
"Aggele mou. Forgive me." Silas hesitated a moment before coming to the bed. He also kissed me on the cheek, but bent to give me a gentle hug too His hand lingered in mine for a moment before he placed it on Norths shoulder and they both left the room. The door closed with a decided click.
Luke stood quietly in the corner his eyes looked cautious as if he wasn't sure if he should approach me. Nathan came and held my hand, while the others began discussing what should happen next
"It's not safe here. We have to move her now." Victor said, "She should stay with me. Its the securest place for her to be."
Nathan snorted. "No offence Victor, but after the last incident I wouldn't call the mansion secure."
"That was exceptional circumstances. The staff have all been vetted now. It's perfectly safe."
"She's not fucking well enough to go anywhere." Gabriel throw back, his voice rising.
"Enough." Mr Blackbourne sliced his hand through the air, his authoritative tone cut through all the others and silence fell. "Mr Griffin take Mr Coleman, go home and bring back clothes and whatever else Miss Sorenson might need for a couple of days. Mr Morgan analyse the hospitals CCTV footage and see if you can access the cameras around the hospitals entrances and exits. Mr Taylor do a sweep in here, maybe he left something behind this time. Go!" The boys immediately sprang into action. Muttering their goodbyes, Luke, Victor, Gabriel and Nathan all came and planted a kiss on my cheek, but were then straight out the door. They needed the occupation. Waiting around wasn't something my boys did well.
"Mr. Lee." Mr. Blackbourne beckoned him with his head and they both moved to the far wall along with Dr. Green. A hushed, but what looked like heated discussion ensued. Kota was facing me, his lips pursed and he wore a bleak expression on his face. Luke came to stand next to me at the side of the bed, blocking my view of them.
"Well Sang, this is one way to get yourself sprung from hospital. Wish you'd chosen to do it a little less dramatically though." He chuckled and winked at me. I knew he was trying to distract me from the impromptu meeting taking place, but I still gave him a small smile and reached for his hand. He's warm fingers caressed mine for a minute before he went back to checking around the room. After a thorough search all Luke had found was a few bits of fluff and a strand of blonde hair, most likely mine. Dr. Green came and handed him a clear plastic bag in which Luke placed the rose, along with the note and the other finds.
"Mr. Lee, Mr. Taylor, ask discreetly if anything was seen in or around the hospital. We need a description." Luke bent to brush his lips to my cheek and then went to the door. He smiled at me as he waited there for Kota, he was usually quiet.
Kota faltered for a moment before coming to me as if he was uncomfortable with leaving. "I'll be back very soon. Don't stress. We are here for you." He murmured into my ear, before also kissing me on the cheek. Luke pulled the door open and they both left. I realised that they had all felt to need to kiss me. I had thought maybe they would be jealous when they saw me being kissed by another of them, but instead they just waited their turn to be with me. Even if that meant the others were watching, it didn't seem to bother them. I frowned wandering if they would feel the same if one of them had kissed me on the mouth. Surely that would be much more intimate. Would they object then?
"They mean well Miss Sorenson. It's been a hard 24 hours for the team and this latest new is...unexpected." He came over and taking a handkerchief from his pocket. He gently dabbed at new tears that filled my eyes. It was such an intimate gesture that I felt a little taken aback. I was used to Mr. Blackbourne keeping a certain distance. "We have decided that you are to stay with Dr. Green for a few days." I began to protest, but Mr. Blackbourne merely carried on. "It'll be best for your injury as the property is all on one level. Its also close to the hospital in case of any complications." I know that challenging the plan would get me know where, but I had to try anyway.
"Can't I stay here? Or go home?"
"Don't you want to come and keep me company pumpkin?" Sean's asked.
"I don't want to get in the way."
"That's not possible Sang. I'd be delighted to have you stay for a few day." Dr. Green gave me one of his soft smiles. Sometimes you had to chose your battles. This was one I wasn't going to win. Sean came to the edge of the bed and placed a hand on the sheets over my knee. He expression was serious.
"Sang, we need to take your catheter out." My eyes widened and flittered all over the place. I worried my teeth at my lip, fingers resting at my mouth. My eyes pleaded with Dr. Green and I knew I must have looked a little panicked. Rationally I knew that it was just a simple medical procedure, but that wasn't how I felt. I understood that I was overreacting, but a small part of me thought that I might feel violated. "I want you to be comfortable with this pumpkin. It can happen however you want. I can get Dr. Roberts to come and do it?" I grimaced at the idea. Dr. Roberts was a lovely man, but I didn't want him to see me like that. "We can leave and send a female nurse in?" I vehemently shook my head at this. The thought of a female touching me in general made me feel uncomfortable, but in such an intimate place it was abhorrent to me. The women in my life had taught me to cautious of my own gender. I wished I didn't feel this way, but I just did. My heart thumped in my chest. Mr. Blackbourne sat on the edge of the bed next to Sean. He took my hand from my mouth and held it in both of his.
"Miss Sorenson. I understand that you are not comfortable with things like this and you have good reason to feel this way, but in light of recent events we are going to take you away from here now and we need to remove this to be able to do that. Would you feel more comfortable if Dr. Green did this for you?" I looked at Sean. His expression was soothing and patient. I thought maybe he cared for me a little and I didn't want it to be strange for him, but I knew I could trust him and that he would be professional. I eventually nodded, clearly acutely embarrassed.
"If you don't mind Sean" I whispered.
"Not at all Pumpkin." He smiled. "I am a doctor after all! Lets get it done now." He always managed to put me at my ease. I sent him a small smile back.
"Shall I go Miss Sorenson? Would you like me to send in one of the boys?" Did I want one of them? The guys were clearly struggling with the whole situation that I was in as it was. I didn't want to worry them further. I needed a level head right now and that was Mr Blackbournes forte.
"No. I...I'd like it if you'd stay with me." My face had turned a beet red. For a brief moment Mr Blackbournes face flickered with surprise.
"Of course Miss Sorenson." Mr Blackbourne pulled up a chair and sitting beside me he took possession of my hand again. I followed Sean's instructions and laid back. I didn't want to see what he was doing. Mr Blackbourne's steel eyes locked with mine and I just gazed into them. Sean talked me through what he was going to do, but when he peeled back the bed sheet and I felt cool air circulate around my legs and in between my thighs I couldn't help but blush furiously. Sean gently positioned my legs to the correct place. Closing my eyes I lost all ability to draw in air.
"Breath Miss Sorenson." I felt the warmth from his strong elegant hand on my cheek and I opened my eyes to find him only a few inches from my face. "Take a deep breath." His voice was stern. This was an order and I knew better than to disobey him. Looking at his perfect features I took a shuddering intake of air.
"Nearly done Sang." Dr Green reassured me. I felt an odd sensation as the tube was being pulled out, but it didn't hurt. "All finished. You've got to pass urine now, so we know everythings working ok." He came and unhooked me from the IV and the oxygen.
"Thank you Dr. Green." I murmured as Mr Blackbourne flicked the sheets back and slid his arms under me. Lifting me as if it was no effort at all he took me to a bathroom in the corner of the room. He sat me on the toilet and looked at me expectantly. I raised my eyebrows at him. I wasn't going to pee in front of him that was for sure!
"I think I'll be alright Mr Blackbourne." His steel eyes assessed me for a moment before turning and walking out the small bathroom. He didn't close the door though and I could see the edge of his jacket by the doorway. Ready if I needed him. When I finished he carried me back to the bed. I could quite clearly feel Mr. Blackbournes body through my thin hospital gown. With some surprise I registered how hard and defined his muscles were as he held me against his chest. I shouldn't have been surprised, all the boys were incredibly fit. I just hadn't had the privilege of seeing Mr. Blackbourne without his shirt on, or even his tie for that matter! The thought popped into my head that I would really like to see him shirtless. I was unable to stop a small moan escaping my lips at the thought. My goodness, where did that come from? What was wrong with me? I shouldn't be thinking like this. I was too used to seeing the boys half clothed. I shook my head in an effort to get rid of my thoughts.
"Miss Sorenson?" He asked me curiously.
"Ummm...I'm fine Mr. Blackbourne." He knew I was lying, but for the second time that day he didn't call me out on it. For which I was sincerely grateful.
The rest happened quickly. The few items I had with me at the hospital were packed. While Dr. Green collected medical supplies he would need, Gabriel had arrived with some clothes for me. He patiently helped me into some sleep shorts, T-shirt and hoodie. The bandage on my leg was relatively small considering the damage that had been caused. I caught Gabriel looking at it, his jaw clenched. My hand went to his arm reassuringly. "I'm sorry Meanie. I'm fine."
"Yeah, right." He grumbled, "and you're not sorry. If it wasn't for the fact that you're lying in a hospital bed I would chop you on the head!"
An hour later I found myself tucked up in Sean's bed. Nathan had driven us from the hospital, while I sat in the back being held by Kota with my leg resting on Gabriel's lap. Kota had carried me to Dr. Greens condo and straight through to his bedroom. Both Gabriel & Nathan had fussed around me for a few minutes until Dr. Green had come in and told them that I needed to rest. So for the moment it was just Sean and myself. The condo wasn't big enough to accommodate everyone anyway and the guys had gone to their respective homes to get some much needed rest. I didn't want them to leave but Dr. Green was right, the events of the day had been draining as was the move from the hospital and I feeling fatigued.
Dr. Green settled me in. I was to have the IV for another 12 hours depending on how I progressed. He changed the dressing on my leg and did his usual checkups, filling out my chart which he'd brought from the hospital. My leg ached and I was feeling sleepy. Tucked up in Sean's comfortable bed, surrounded by his reassuring scent of ginger, cedar and citrus I felt very relaxed. Placing the chart on the bedside table he looked down at me and raked his hand through his hair. He's hair was left mussed and totally adorable, but as his soft green eyes locked with mine I could see how stained and tired he was. He frowned.
"I'm going to go and grab some food from the kitchen and then I'll be back." He walked towards the door but faltered before he reached it. Turning, he let out a shaky breath and made his way back to me. He stood beside the bed for a full minute without speaking. Slowly he bent down and with great gentleness he pressed his lips to mine. For a moment I was shocked and didn't respond. His hand settled on my cheek and I angled myself better so that my mouth molded to his. His lips were soft and welcoming and he brushed them against mine a few more times before pulling away. I instantly felt the loss of them. I knew I was blushing as his eyes searched my face. My hand reached up, finger tips tracing along his jaw that was roughened by a few days stubble. I couldn't take my gaze off of his lips and unconsciously I bit my own. Sean closed his eyes for a moment and let out a gentle sigh as he leaned back into me. His cheek nuzzled into mine. I closed my eyes in expectation. This time when our lips met there was no hesitation on either of our parts. The gentle kiss simmered to a burn. I couldn't get enough of him. It was as if someone had opened a door and a flood of sensation had surged in, swamping me. So that all I knew in that moment was Sean and nothing else existed. Under the pressure of his mouth my lips parted and I felt his tongue gently sweep along my own. The heat that rose within me as he explored my mouth was unexpected. Sensations traveled down my body and I couldn't help but try to press myself closer to him. I wanted...no needed him this way. The closeness. The utter breathlessness. It gave me a resolution I didn't realise I had and I began to return the kiss with more confidence. As I slowly moved my tongue over his and into his mouth I'm sure I tasted a hint of warm apple pie. Sean had stolen my senses, overwhelming me until I felt a little dizzy. He must have realised as I could feel him begin to hold himself back. Taking control he slowed the kiss. He pulled away again and as my fingers touched my swollen lips he give me the biggest boyish grin I'd yet seen on his face.
"I knew it would be perfect. Rest now. I'll be back in later." As he reached the door he glanced back at me and winked. I'm not sure if I was supposed to hear what Dr. Green mumbled to himself but I managed to catch the words "Sometimes I just need to be Sean."