Warning
This chapter includes topics related to ptsd, panic attacks, and depression.
Chapter 14
Cold crept up from the floor below, as darkness filled the room. Vi sat up, surrounded by bars in all directions. A small light could be seen off in the distance. Vi tried to scream, only for silence to be omitted. She rose from the icy floor, as a body made its way into the light. They stood, staring down at the crimson floor, as a hooded figure made its way through the shadows behind them. Vi tried to scream harder, louder, this time trying to warn the person of the dark figure, only to watch as icy breath left her lungs.
Vis body threw herself up, trying to escape the terrible fate of yet another nightmare. She found herself cold with sweat, her heart beating fast, as she laid herself back down, willing the last pieces of dark images to leave her view.
She stared up at the ceiling, urging herself to stay awake, for fear of returning to the dark cold cell. Just as she was becoming afraid that sleep would overtake her, the light in the hall turned on, shining its way into the bedroom where she lay. She watched as a tall thin figure made its way into the bathroom, just off the hall. She waited still, until the figure reappeared, turning the light back off. Vi sat, lonely, afraid, as the bed felt bigger with just herself as company. She continued looking forward, as the shadows danced on the walls, brought by the large bay window behind her, as the full moon stood high.
Her hopes of a safe night's sleep slowly fading, until the door in front opened slightly more, bringing Vis desires with it.
Caitlyn quietly crept through the room, slowly making her way onto the bed.
Vi slowly turned to look at Caitlyn, no words needing to be exchanged, as they looked at each other through the moonlight. Caitlyn pulled herself closer to her partner before wrapping her up in a tight embrace as they both closed their eyes, both less fearful than before.
The morning came early for Caitlyn as it always did. She slowly pulled herself away from the warm body next to her, hating how much she already missed it. She slowly made her way to the bathroom, where she welcomed a nice hot shower.
Vi sat still, as she patiently waited for her partner to emerge from the bathroom, hopefully ready to help her get her started with the day. The doors opened as Caitlyn made her way through the room, draped only in a towel. Vi quickly closed her eyes, not wanting the Sherriff to know she was awake yet, and not wanting to invade her privacy, just to have her inner deviant self-peek through. She watched as Caitlyn made her way into her walk-in closet, as she shut the door most of the way, leaving a small bit to peak through. Vi watched as Caitlyn dropped her towel before sliding a white pair of panties up her thighs. "Stop watching" Vi urged herself, without success, as Caitlyn then reached for a black bra, pulling it over her ample breasts. "You're such a perv", Vi thought to herself as she continued to enjoy the view as Caitlyn finished dressing. She then exited the closest glancing to see Vi still asleep, as she left the room.
Thoughts began to flood Vi's brain. 'you're a horrible fucking person. Your friend offers to take you in, and you completely betray her privacy because you can't just keep your eyes closed. Fuuck'.
"Hey, you're awake, you ready to get up, and use the bathroom? Caitlyn said as she entered the room.
"Um, ya sure". Vi said as she slowly pulled herself up on the bed.
Caitlyn then walked over, and repeated the usual routine, as she helped Vi get her needs taken care of.
"Hey, I was thinking after breakfast, maybe we could get you into a bath".
"You want to get me into the bath huh"?
"Vi, does everything have to be sexual with you"? Caitlyn said sounding annoyed but secretly enjoying the banter.
"Not everything, just the fun stuff".
"Yes, well it's been a few days, I figured you might enjoy getting cleaned up, you know wash away the hospital".
"Ya I guess that could be nice, but I thought I couldn't soak my stiches"?
"You can't, but the hospital gave you some aqua bandages, apparently they are waterproof, so you can at least have a nice bath, as they didn't give anything to cover your arm cast, and you definitely don't want to get that wet, as it will never dry".
"Alright, I'm game. So, what's for breakfast"?
"You ok with eggs and toast"?
"Sounds great cupcake."
Vi ate her breakfast as Caitlyn began prepping the bath.
"Alright let's do this". Vi said as she wondered just how this was going to work.
Caitlyn then handed her a couple towels, as she sat up on the bed.
"Alright let's get you undressed, then I put the bandages on, then we will head for the tub".
"This seems complicated" Vi said as she sat up so Caitlyn could undo the straps of the sling that held up her arm.
"I think we can manage". Caitlyn said as she released Vi's arm. "Alright, I'm going to slowly remove your shirt, the towels are so you can cover yourself up".
"Ya cause that's what's going to save my dignity". Vi said as she tried to cover her chest as Caitlyn removed her shirt.
"Alright I'm going to remove this old bandage, then put the aqua one on, after the bath I'll make sure to clean these up better and get them redressed".
Vi sat back as Caitlyn did her thing, appreciative of the gentle nature of the Sherriff. Once Caitlyn had finished applying both bandages, she helped Vi wrap herself in the towel before pulling her up from the bed and helping her to the bathroom.
Vi hobbled in, as she looked down at the massive, jetted tub that sat in front of her. "I thought I was taking a bath, not taking swim lessons".
Caitlyn just giggled at the comment, as she helped Vi closer to the tub. "Wait I forgot something". Caitlyn said as she stood at Vis side. "Screw it". She said as she began taking her pants off.
"Whoa what's happening". Vi said as she looked at Caitlyn now wearing a t shirt and the white panties, she saw her put on earlier.
"I forgot to change into shorts, but I'm not going to leave you now so come on let's get in". Caitlyn then helped Vi step over the tub's edge before reaching out her hand. "towel".
"Um what now". Vi said as she stood knee deep in the warm water.
"Well, I suppose you can keep it on if you like". Caitlyn said pointing to the towel wrapped around her.
"I guess there's no point in trying to hide anything anymore". Vi said as she ripped the towel off and handed it to Caitlyn.
Caitlyn found herself caught off guard, as she stared at the amazing body in front of her, trying not to look too obvious as a large gulp made its way into her throat.
"Hey, my eyes are up here Cupcake", Vi said as she pointed to her face.
Caitlyn's face flushed a bright rose color, as she stepped into the tub to help ease Vi down into the warm water. She then sat herself on the edge as she pulled Vi over so she was sitting against her legs. "Stick your right arm out if you can, I really don't want to get your cast wet", Caitlyn said as she pulled the spray nozzle away from the faucet and turned the water on to a slow mist. "Lean your head back over my leg if you can"?
Vi did as she said, as she found herself staring up at the Sherriff. Caitlyn then began spraying the water into Vi's hair as she ran her fingers along her scalp.
Vi let out an accidental groan, as the feeling of euphoria returned.
"Just relax, I'll do the rest".
Vi gave a slight head nod, as Caitlyn continued massaging her scalp. First with just the water, then with a flowery shampoo, that filled Vi's nose, leaving memories of mountainside fields. She then massaged a similar scented conditioner into her hair, as she let her hands drift down from Vi's head to her shoulders, repositioning her to begin to work the tight knots out of her upper body.
Vi felt her body relax, as she bent forward, wondering just how it was she found herself in this situation. She urged herself not to overthink it, as she continued to feel the soft hands of the Sherriff work there way through Vis tough exterior.
They both sat in silence as Vi let the warm water settle her nerves, as she enjoyed the soft touch coming from behind. Just as she thought she could fall asleep, Caitlyn pulled her close adjusting her, so her held fell back on her leg, she then began massaging the conditioner out from Vis hair, as they both looked into each other's eyes, neither willing to break the gaze.
Caitlyn finally looked away as she leaned forward to turn off the water. She then handed Vi a loofa, filled with a flowery fragrance, to scrub what she could of her body. Once done Caitlyn pulled the drain as she rinsed Vi of the suds one last time.
She then stood up, grabbed a towel, and made her way back to the Enforcer, as she helped bring Vi to her feet. She then helped wrap the towel around her as she led her back to the bed.
"Alright let's get the aqua bandages off, so we can get the areas cleaned up and get you dressed for the day".
Vi sat back, as she opened the towel enough for Caitlyn to remove the bandages.
"This might hurt, these things look like they're pretty sticky".
"It's fine just rip them off", Vi said, trying not to worry about it too much.
Caitlyn then reached for the smaller one on Vi's side pulling it fast and hard, trying not to inflict too much pain.
As she pulled, it sent a shock of pain through Vi, causing her to gasp, as she threw her arm up, catching Caitlyn on her shirt collar.
Caitlyn immediately fell back from the bed, as red flooded her vision. She fell to her knees, as the sound of gunshots echoed inside her head, causing her to throw her hands over her ears, as she screamed silently. Visions of Vi laying on the ground began flooding her vision, as the screams found their sound, she begged for it to stop, the sounds of gun shots were replaced with the sound of the enforcer gasping for air.
Vi sat up, reaching for Caitlyn. She watched as her partner kneel on the floor, screaming out for help.
"Caitlyn"
"Caitlyn"
"Caitlyn please". Vi begged.
Vi then used all her strength as she brought herself up off the bed, slowly lowering herself in front of Caitlyn on the floor, positioning her left leg out with her right knee tucked in, she pulled herself closer to the Sherriff. She then pulled one of the sheriff's hands free from her head, and pulled it onto her own chest, as she then took her hand and put it in on the sheriffs chest. Caitlyn then looked up, as she made eye contact with Vi, as she felt the Enforcers chest rise and fall with each of her deep breaths, as her body fell into sync matching breath for breath.
Seconds turned into minutes, as the two sat, letting the weight from the world fall away. Vi watched as Caitlyn visibly relaxed, she then reached her arm forward as she pulled Caitlyn from her knees and into her chest. Holding her in an intimate embrace. Neither knew how long they had been sitting like that, and neither cared. They were both just grateful for the other.
"We should probably finish getting you dressed" said Caitlyn, as she lifted her head from the naked chest of her partner.
"Ya, probably not a bad idea" Vi said as she pulled the towel down, covering herself with it. "How about you go get the clean bandages, and ill finish taking this one off myself". Vi said as she looked down at the large aqua bandage still covering her hip.
"No Vi its fine, I can do it".
"Cait, that wasn't a request, so please if you could just help me up to the bed, and then go get the other bandages".
Caitlyn did as she was told and left the room after helping Vi onto the bed, putting her pants back on as she entered the bathroom.
Vi then reached down, gritting her teeth and ripped the bandage off with one quick motion. Caitlyn then returned, cleaning and dressing the wounds, and helping Vi to get dressed.
They both sat as Caitlyn strapped Vi's arm back in the sling.
"You think your up for sitting on the couch, and watching some tv with me"? Caitlyn said after finishing up the straps.
"Sure Cupcake".
Caitlyn then helped Vi back to her feet, then through the room and into the living space. Caitlyn stood Vi up, as she quickly reclined the couch for Vi to rest her legs. She then sat Vi down, while getting her a blanket and pillows.
"You want a snack or anything". Caitlyn said as she made her way to the kitchen.
"Maybe just water, and something for the pain".
"You got it". Caitlyn said as she brought Vi her water and medicine.
She then made her way next to her partner leaving no space in between them, despite the extra-large couch they sat upon.
Vi sat back distracted by the thoughts of the morning. Scared of what she had just witnessed. Vi was used to helping someone through panic attacks, as she used to help Powder through them when they were younger. After witnessing their parents die on the bridge, powder found herself triggered by small things at first like smoke, or loud sounds. Vi helped her overcome her fear, by encouraging Powder to make large bombs herself, something she now finds herself regretting. But how can she help Caitlyn, especially if it's her presence that triggers her?
"Hey Vi"
The sound of the soft voice pulls Vi from her thoughts.
"Ya Cait"
"Jayce was wondering if it was ok to stop by soon, maybe bring us some lunch, what do you think?"
"Sounds great". Vi said as reached her arm around Caitlyn bringing her even closer.
They both sat in silence, as they watched the program that filled the large TV across from them. After a short time, Vi could feel her partner's breath become deeper, as small snores become present. Vi sat back happy that Caitlyn felt so comfortable in her embrace.
knock, knock
"Oh shit, that must be Jayce". Vi said as she tried to slowly wake her partner.
Knock, knock.
"Come in Vi yelled" As Caitlyn slowly began to wake.
Vi looked up, to see a large man enter the room.
"Shit" Vi said as she tried to pull herself away from the Sherriff.
"Caitlyn" Said the man as he slowly entered the room, shocked at seeing the two women tangled up in each other's arms.
Caitlin's eyes were finally open as she looked across the room.
"Jack"
"Fuuuck". Vi said under her breath, as she watched Caitlyn jump up from the couch.
