Care [Raven; LJ Idol season 9, week 6]
I held the front door open for Dani, watching her nervously. She came inside slowly, tottering a little on the crutches. Little frown lines etched her forehead as she concentrated on swinging herself forward one small step at a time. It wasn't quick, but she crossed the threshold without tripping or falling over. I let out a breath when she was past and closed the door behind us.
I followed closely behind her. When we got to the living room, I said, “Here, wait, let me --” I slipped around her. “I'll move this.” I shoved the coffee table towards the wall. “Should I move the rug? I'll move the rug.”
“Leave it.” God, she sounded tired. Looked it, too. The usual sparkle in her eyes was dull and her face dragged with weariness. I held out a hand and helped her down onto the couch. A sigh escaped her as she settled into the cushions. Her eyes closed. It was the closest to relaxed that she'd looked in hours.
I set her crutches aside but within her reach. “The doctor said to elevate your foot. I'll grab some pillows.” I dashed up the stairs. There were two spares in the linen closet. I snagged those and another two from the guest room. Back in the living room, I lifted my armload triumphantly. “Pillows.”
Dani cracked her eyes open and chuckled. “Yes, pillows. I don't think I need that many, though.”
“You need to elevate your foot,” I repeated firmly. I stacked three pillows at the end of the couch, plumping up each one. “Try this.”
She turned and pulled her legs up onto the couch. Gingerly, she set her wrapped ankle on the stack of pillows. “Good.”
“You're sure you don't want another one?”
“This is more than enough,” she said. Before I could argue, she added, “I'd like that last one for behind my back, though.”
“Oh, right, of course.” I tucked it behind her, cushioning the arm of the couch. “Better?” She nodded. “What else can I get you? Glass of water? I'll go --”
Dani caught my hand before I could run off. “Allison. Sit.”
I responded like I do to all of her gentle commands: I complied.
When I was sitting cross-legged on the floor beside the couch, Dani smiled at me. “I'm fine.”
“You broke your ankle!” I protested.
“It'll heal.”
“You're in pain.” I looked at her unhappily. “I don't like it when you're in pain.”
“I know.” Her rich voice was warm. She reached out and smoothed hair away from my face, her fingers lingering on my skin. “I think it bothers you more than it does me.”
“Of course it does,” I agreed. I tipped my head into her hand, closing my eyes. “Babe, I am so sorry.”
“For what?”
“I should have had someone come fix the front walk ages ago. It was only a matter of time before someone got hurt. And it had to be you --”
Dani slid her fingers down my jawline and tapped the underside of my chin. I opened my eyes. She met them seriously. “This is not your fault.”
“It's my house --”
“Our house,” she corrected me mildly. “And I knew very well the walk was cracked. I should have been paying attention.” She lifted a shoulder in a little shrug. “I was careless.”
“You're never careless.”
She tweaked my chin. “Newsflash, love: I'm not perfect.”
“Yes, you are,” I said stubbornly. “You're perfect and I'm a mess, and how am I going to take care of you? You're the one who takes care of me.” The words were plaintive.
“You'll manage,” she said. “Just...” She hesitated. “Promise me something?”
Taking her hand, I pressed my lips to the backs of her fingers. “Anything.”
“Don't try to cook.” Her serious expression gave way to amusement, her eyes dancing. “I'd rather not be poisoned in addition to having a broken ankle.”
I tried to give her a wounded look but spoiled it by laughing. “Okay, deal. I just hope you're okay with lots of takeout.”
“Takeout, soup, sandwiches...” Dani shrugged a little. “We'll manage,” she said, lightly emphasizing the word we. “You know how I know?”
“Because you're a hopeless optimist?” I grinned.
“Because it's us,” she said softly. “We can handle anything.”
My grin melted into a smile. “You're also a hopeless romantic.”
“Yes, I am.” She squeezed my fingers. “And you love it.”
I squeezed back. “I really do.”
If you want to read more of Allison and Dani, check out my Raven and Ravenverse tags. Many thanks to katscanx and spacefiend for their suggestions this week!