Chapter 10

Waking up was again horrendous. The pain in her shoulder awful. But when she places her left hand on her right shoulder all she felt were bandages. No metal, no fixation. Now, her work can really begin.

'Hey, you awake?', a groggy voice asked from beside her bed.

'Yeah', she opens her eyes and sees a rumpled Daniel in one of the chairs. 'What are you still doing here?'

'Waiting for you to wake up, silly. You didn't think I was just waiting for you to be back up in your room and then leave, right?', he's sitting straighter now, examining her face. 'How are you?'

'Still a little groggy, the shoulder hurts and I'm thirsty'

'I call the nurse. They should give you some pain killers'

'No, I'm always sleepy when I take the pain killers', she whines.

'It's the middle of the night, Betty. You should feel sleepy. And you shouldn't be in pain. You know that the second you leave on Monday you will be back on the sucky pain killers. So enjoy the good ones while they last', he sighs, rubbing his face. As the nurse enters her room.

'Ah, you're awake, how are you feeling?'

'She's in pain. And thirsty. Is it ok for her to drink?', Daniel answers for her.

'Yes of course she can drink a little water. And I will get something for the pain', the nurse leaves them alone.

'You are evil', she grumbles. But gratefully excepts his helping hand, to take a few sips of water.

'I know, you better get used to it, babe', he says stifling a big yawn.

'This is a strong pain killer. You took it before. You will probably feel a little droopy afterwards, but it will definitely help with the pain', and she's gone again.

'Come on, be a good girl and take the medication', Daniel insists.

'If you will come and sleep in the bed with me. You look so tired. These chairs can't be comfortable. I feel so bad', she argues with him. Weren't relationships all about compromises?

'I would hurt you'

'No you wouldn't, come on. It's either this or you could go home and sleep in your own bed'

'Alright, I'm not going to argue with you tonight. I'm too tired. If you take the pain killers I sleep in the bed with you', he sighs.

She takes the pain killers and scoots over to the right side. He slips out of his sneakers and into the bed next to her. Rolling onto his right side, his left arm curls around her waist on autopilot. Trying to keep her as close as possible. And as soon as her head hits his shoulder and buries in his chest she's fast asleep again.

That Night Daniel got the most content sleep he ever got in his entire life. Waking up to her still sleeping form in his arms, makes his heart skip a beat. He can feel her soft warm breaths against his chest. Her face nuzzled in the crook of his shoulder pressed against his chest. She looks so peaceful. The sun rays through the windows give her this otherworldly glow. Betty looks so beautiful. He lets his eyes roam over her face and down her neck to her shoulder. The fixation really was gone. In it's place a thick bandage. Looking down her arm, he sees her hand. Ever since the first surgery and the broken wrist her right hand was slightly swollen. But her fingers looked still so delicate.

His left hand snakes around her waist further. Draws her into his body. Just a little bit closer. He couldn't dare to do much more in fear to cause her any pain. When his hand lays soft against her back. His warm hand on her incredibly soft skin. He begins to draw gentle little circles over her back. Feeling the scar of her spine surgery under the pad of his fingers. Slowly drawing them wider, he can feel the goosebump on her spine. Follows it up til his hand rests in the nape of her neck. Scooting a bit closer again, he presses his whole arm along the length of her spine. Buries his nose in her hair.

'Good morning', she moans into his chest. Her left hand on his chest softly wandering down to the hem of his shirt, slipping under it, ghosting with her fingertips over his stomach and lays her hand over his heart. Softly rubbing his hot skin.

'Morning', Daniel groans. The simple touch has such an intense effect on him. It's been five weeks and all they could do is kiss and carefully cuddle. You would've thought by now he would be used to it. And he is used to it. To the closeness and stepping over this boundary. But the feeling when she touches him. He will probably never get used to it. And he never wants to. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

'How did you sleep?', she asks, softly stretching her head up and places a wet kiss under his jaw.

'Really good, thank you', he sighs, his head drops down, places a few kisses along her hairline. 'And you? How are you feeling?' His left hand plays with her hair, sends another round of goosebumps down her spine.

'Me too, and I actually don't feel to crappy. The shoulder hurts way less then after the last surgery. Which I hope is a good sign', Betty nestles her head closer against his chest. Hears his heart beat pick up.

'That's good', he whispers and softly draws back. 'I think I should get up. I don't know what time it is, but when the staff comes in they will give me the riot act for sleeping in your bed'

'It's alright. They were already here', Betty carefully lifts her right arm. Could barely feel the pain thanks to the really good painkillers. She slowly encircles his waist under his shirt, plants her hand firmly on his back, tries to pull him back to her. 'Stay, no one will say anything'

'What do you mean they were already here?', he's shocked but moves his body back into her embrace. Careful to not hurt her right arm.

'It must be around 7 in the morning. When they begin they're shift they usually go through all the rooms and see if everything's ok. Hailey was already here, said she makes sure no one disturbs us. And that she will give us a heads-up before the doctors start their rounds', Betty swiftly lifts her right leg up and throws it over his hip. Creating enough pressure with her foot against his leg that he gets the hint and moves closer. She can move her arm, that's a progress. A small one. But a progress.

'Are you using your leg as an arm? Wow, the physical therapy is really paying off, huh?', he says amused.

'That and the fact that I never missed a leg day in five weeks. Do you have any idea how much I've worked out for my legs in the last two weeks alone? I would be devastated if I would still need a crutch. And Daniel, I'm a little desperate here. I can only do so much with only one good arm and the other still sort of limp-y. And the fact that you still think that I'm going to break, drives me nuts. So what else should I do?'

'Don't be desperate. We have all the time in the world', Daniel explains. His hand cupping her chin, making her look at him.

'I can't help it. I want you so much', she lets out between laboured breaths.

'I want you too, Betty, so badly. But you have only six weeks of recovery left and then when your as good as new we can go on our first date', he explains softly, kissing her nose.

'I know, it just seems so far away, and I want you now', Betty whines. She strokes over his back, explores the broad expanse of his muscles. Using her fingertips to stroke all the way down his spine to the waistband of his jeans. Her fingers softly slip into his waistband, ghosting over his skin. She wants him more then she ever wanted a man before in her entire life. Her wanting him goes so much deeper. She wants to be as close to him as humanly possible.

Looking up under her lashes, she bites her lower lip. She softly bumps her nose against his.

'Betty, don't test my resolve', Daniel groans.

'Just kiss me, please', she pleads. And he doesn't need to be told twice. His lips are on hers devouring her mouth. She whimpers in the back of her throat. And it only spurs him on. His hand drives through her silky hair, holding her head securely in his hands. Not wanting to let go.

Betty winds her leg even further around his hip to scoot closer. Feels his leg muscles tense against her calf. Her right hand carefully sneaks further into his jeans, finds the waistband of his boxers and overcomes the last barrier between her and his skin. Grabbing his butt, she pulls him as close as possible. Never in her life was the need to be with someone so huge. It's all incompassing. Takes over her complete body. The only things she feels are his lips on hers, his tongue massaging her own and his hand on her back softly gliding down her spine. Coming to a rest right above her butt. Pressing her further into his lower body. And she knows they should stop or at least calm down a bit. But she can't, it feels amazing to be with him like that. And she wants him to touch her so bad. Wants his hands all over her entire body. Exploring, stroking, massaging. She squeezes his butt, gets the wanted reaction. His hand glides over her butt, lays there warm and soft and the feeling absolutely delicious. When she moans into his mouth, he grabs her butt for real, holds her steady in place. After another minute of heavy making out, they come up for air.

'We should calm down', he huffs out between breaths and kisses along her cheek.

'I know, but I don't want to', Betty whines and tries to wiggle her way even closer to him.

'Stop that, we already have a big problem', Daniel groans.

'Huh?', she's so oblivious to the fact how sensually beautiful she is. How much she turns him on, with every little thing she does. How she eats her food. Relishing every delicious bite. Moaning her way through a meal. The way she licks her lips, when she eats dessert, because she doesn't want to waste one single bite. Or when she bites her lip or looks up through her lashes. Yeah, that's very effective. That she is still oblivious to how sexy she is and that men in general are lusting after her drives him absolutely wild.

'You are so beautiful, so sexy, even in this godawful hospital gown', Daniel whispers against her temple. Her snort was loud and spontaneous and so - Betty. It makes him chuckle. 'It's true. The fact that you don't know how gorgeous and attractive you really are drives me wild. Makes me want to do unspeakable, dirty things to you. But I still think we should wait til you got a clean health bill. It will be so much better, if you don't have to use your leg as an extra arm. Although I have to say, Ms. Suarez, that is good thinking. And boy, are you flexible', his eyes roam over her face. Delighted in the blush on her cheeks.

'Thank you, and I guess the years of yoga practices does pay off', she whispers.

'Definitely, the things we could do', he muses. 'I'll definitely keep that in mind. We're going to have so much fun together', he nuzzles her neck makes her giggle.

'Ok, ok, if you still want us to wait, stop saying things like that. Though I personally wouldn't mind not having my arm. I guess I do respect your wish to wait a little longer. But even you can't deny it. You saw what I can do with only two and a half limbs. Imagine I'm using both legs, my left arm and a limp-y right one', she says pointedly at him.

'It's all I'm trying not to think about', he groans.

'Just saying, when you change your mind, you know where to find me', she flirts back, toying with the waistline of his jeans.

'Yeah, maybe we shouldn't see each other in the next six weeks', he says under his breath.

'What? You don't want to see me? First you pull back, and when I think I got you back, you don't want to see me anymore?', she says sad. Tries to hide the hurt behind a chuckle.

'Wait, you thought I pulled back?', the thought ridiculous to Daniel. Why would she think that.

'Well, you were really busy with the double workload. I'm not denying that. And I don't want to sound bitchy. But from coming over once a day, most times even twice a day, you were sort of gone. I got a few sweet texts and a phone call in the evenings. And I'm not complaining. It's so much more then most people done. I just couldn't stop thinking that maybe you regret telling me how you feel. That you maybe changed your mind', she says vulnerable. And he can see the tears in her eyes. 'I mean, this is not what you signed up for. Most of the time I feel like a cripple in a bed or on a couch. I need a crutch to walk a longer distance, I have scars all over my body. If you think my face looked bad then you should've seen my upper body. I'm still a bit yellow-greenish from the accident. My whole body was one big bruise. I was purple and blue in places I had no idea even existed. This sucks. I hate that I can't do anything. And now with my shoulder I feel like I'm back to day one. So, I wouldn't have blamed you for pulling back. For changing your mind. It's all a bit much', the tears start to fall. She can't keep them in any longer. She knows she is not the kind of woman Daniel is used to, but she thought they had something special. But maybe that wasn't enough. He needs more, and most importantly someone healthy. 'If you want an out, then I will give you one', she whispers.

'I'm an idiot, you know', Daniel says, physically in pain.

'I know', she mumbles, a little wet smile tugging at the corners of her lips. 'Care to explain, why this time?'

'I'm not pulling back. And I don't regret telling you how I feel. I'm so glad you can remember everything. You have to believe me when I say, that I'm so committed to you. To us. I don't care how long it takes you to recover. I wanna be there, the whole way. And I hope that you let me. I could kick myself for making you feel that way. I can't live without you, Betty. You have to believe me when I say that. When I got the call from the police I thought my heart was being ripped out of my chest. My whole world went upside down. I couldn't breath, think, function. Waiting in the hospital for the doctors to tell us what was really going on was hell. This whole time I thought why couldn't it be me. Why her. If I could've traded places with you, I would've, in a heart beat. And then they said something about brain surgery, spine injury, a coma and possible irreparable damages. Everything sounded so bad. The prospect of you waking up, being your normal quirky self, seemed smaller with every passing second. And when it took you four days to wake up, I thought I lost you for good. And I haven't even told you how I felt. I had no idea what I would do if you didn't wake up. Or what if you would wake up and had brain damage and couldn't remember me or our friendship? I'm not sure if I would've survived that kind of pain', he chokes on his words. His own tears well up and spill over. He looks broken, vulnerable and so lost. Betty strokes his cheek, wipes away his tears with the pad of her thumb. Her own eyes welling up. She gives him a minute to find his composure again.

'When I saw your beautiful brown eyes again for the first time. It was pure bliss. And despite all bad prognosis, you were still yourself, badly injured, but yourself. Your recovery is going so well. It seems like a miracle to me. Think about it. You didn't feel your legs, Betty. You had absolutely no feeling in your legs. And now you are walking, yes sometimes on a crutch, but you are walking. That is so much more then I hoped for. I don't care if you can walk or not. It doesn't matter. Not to me. That's not the reason I fall in love with you. I want you to be here, with me. Talking to me, telling me what an idiot I'm for not reaching out to my long lost brother. Yelling at me for going backwards with Trista. Giving me one of your pep talks, when I can't see the light. I want you to be peppy and bossy, quirky and as colourful as human possible. I never wanted for you to believe that I pulled back. Not when I want so much more for us'

Her jaw drops. She looks at him so stunned. Her tears are falling freely.

'I can't deny that I wasn't as present as before. And I'm so sorry for that. I wanted to surprise you. I talked to your father. On Monday when you get out of here, I was suppose to pick you up and bring you home. With a little detour on our way, to show you my new home. Over the last four weeks I looked at places. I know my apartment has a little to much history. I knew that you wouldn't want to go there. Hell, I didn't want to bring you there. I figured this is the perfect and overdue opportunity to make a cut and start over. To begin this new chapter of my life. The paperwork was finalized yesterday. So I can officially call myself the proud owner of a small townhouse. When I move in in a few weeks, I'm going to sell my old apartment. Get rid of it for good. The last ugly reminder of my past'

Her jaw is still on the floor. She couldn't believe it. Every time she thinks she knows all about him, he manages to prove her wrong. And completely blows her mind along the way. Now he proved how well he really knows her. He's done the most incredible, considerate and sweet thing. He really knows her better than she thought. She would've never admitted it. Not to him. That she would have a problem with his apartment. Who is she to tell him to get rid of it, that she doesn't want to be where so many other women were before her? It only makes her love him more.

'You amaze me', she says, in awe of the man in front of her. 'I don't really know what to say. Only that I knew when you came to Queens the first time that there was so much more to you than you let the world see. You were hurt one too many times. So, I came back. Because I saw how kind your heart was. Even back then. But even I don't give you enough credit. Because I didn't realize until today, how huge your heart really is. Daniel, I'm so sorry, that you had to go through this on your own. I wish I could've been there for you'

'That definitely would've solved the problem', he chuckles softly.

'Hey, let me finish. I'm on a roll here', she flicks his nose gently, causing another chuckle to burst out of him. 'I think what I want to say is, that you mean the world to me. You are my world. I don't know where I would be without you. And I don't want to know. My life is so much brighter and lighter with you in it. The thought of losing you to hurtful. I always thought the way I felt when Henry or Matt left was awful. But it was nothing compared to this. Like my world was coming to an end. I couldn't breath. I love you so much it hurts, Daniel. I love you so much, that all I can think about is you, and how much I want to be with you. If it's us just talking, having lunch, or a late work night or if we're like this. Well, preferably like this. But all I care about is to be with you. When I'm not with you I fell like a part of me is missing. And when we're so close together, the lines get so blurry. Sometimes I don't know where your heart begins and mine ends', she tries to desperately explain to him what she feels.

'I love you so much, Betty', he whispers, voice hoarse, tears in his eyes.

'I know, I can feel it through every touch and kiss. I hear it in every word. That's why it hurt so much more thinking that I'm loosing you', she strokes his cheek, wipes away the tears. Placing a few kisses along his jaw, she drives her hand through his hair, loves the soft feeling under her palm. 'And you know, even if you would've told me about your plans. It would've still be a huge surprise'

'Like I said, I'm an idiot. I didn't think about it like that'

'I'm not gonna lie, I would've loved to come house hunting with you. Help you to find exactly what you're looking for. It would've been so much fun. But I know that you needed to do this on your own. Remind yourself that you are capable to do so much more then you give yourself credit for. I'm so proud of you. And it's kind of freaky that you really do know me so well', she teases his hair at that, makes him chuckle. 'And yeah, going back at your apartment, now? When everything is so different? It wouldn't have been my most favourite place to be with you, but I'm not in the position to tell you what to do or what to get rid off'

'That's where you're wrong. You are in that position, Betty. If we want to make this relationship work, we have to be honest with each other. Don't be afraid to tell me how you feel, even if it is uncomfortable for you. I hope that one day you can be comfortable enough around me to say such things. This time it all worked out, because I know you. I know what you think about my past and I'm not judging you for it. Thinking about it, I cringe myself, while being in awe of you. That you can look past all that and still be here and not showing me the way. I knew that I finally had to move on from it all. I knew what I had to do. Do you understand what I'm saying? We're in this together. I want to be with you. And if that means to get rid of my apartment, or I don't know, a weird painting you don't like, then tell me. You are worth so much more than that'

'Wow, I feel like I'm seeing you for the first time. I had no idea you could be so eloquent, Daniel', she gushes, hand pressed against her heart.

'Betty...', he chuckles and shakes his head.

'You are so different from who you were. And I never saw Daniel the boyfriend. Except for that small glimpse when you punched Matt. Which by the way, was so hot. I can admit that now. But this is just new. I have to get to know you in this new light. Yes, the physical connection is new and really blowing my mind. But I feel so comfortable with you being so close. That I want you so close all the time. I can't get enough of it. It's the way you react in certain situations. It's different from best friend Daniel. You still are my best friend, but now you are so much more. Do you get what I'm trying to say? I don't know how to describe it'

'Yeah, I know exactly what you're trying to say', Daniel smiles softly at her. Kissing the tip of her nose, before he embraces her in a hug.

Betty wishes this moment could last forever. She feels so amazing in his arms. Safe, loved, beautiful, deliriously happy and simply like coming home. Only his deep chuckle interrupts this wonderful moment. She can feel it before she hears it. Looking bewildered at him he chuckles even more.

'Sorry, but all this time I thought we should really have a talk about everything. I mean the short talk we had five weeks ago was good but didn't even scratched the surface. And here we are. It's so - us', Daniel laughs and this time Betty understands and laughs along.