Please don't leave me (Maxine)

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

It had been a long night. Maureen didn't know how Drew had found out about Maxi, but he'd called her immediately to let her know her sister was in the hospital and that she'd been shot. The news had been a punch in the gut and Maureen wasn't sure she could even breathe when she'd heard. Maxi was shot?Would she be okay? Would God take her sister from her as quickly as he'd given her back? Devastated she rushed to the hospital to be at her sister's side.

Maureen had seen Drew and Jamie at the hospital and had even met Jamie's sister Lizzy. It was a strange sort of reunion, really. Maureen wasn't in the right mindset to meet someone new from her past and the girl was already upset over Maxi. No one was allowed in to see her just yet and Maureen brought herself to the waiting area and waited semi patiently with Drew, Jamie and his sister. They didn't talk much, Maureen not much in the mood for talking. For the most part her head stayed bent down, her hands folded neatly in her lap and she silently prayed for her sisters recovery. At one point she looked up and noticed August was there as well, though he was perched in a far, hidden corner and she could tell he was trying to make himself unseen. She found her sister's relationship with the man odd. Their eyes met and they stared at each other for a long moment and she wondered what he was thinking. He didn't look worried, but almost annoyed that he was there at all. When his stare turned cold she blushed and looked away from him and scooted a little closer to Drew, preferring his warmth and safety as if her mind might be eased as easily as her body.

Finally, after hours of waiting, a doctor came out and explained that though there had been some minor complications, Maxi had survived her surgery and was expected to make a full recovery on the grounds that there were no further complications. Upon hearing the news Maureen asked if she could see her sister and the doctor obliged, telling them only one person at a time. Maureen looked in August's direction. She knew he'd heard that Maxi was doing well, but his reaction, like him, was unexpected. He stood and pulled his coat on and then headed towards the door to leave. Maureen watched him with sad interest and then turned to Drew who was sitting beside her. He urged her to go see her sister and she nodded, excusing herself from the group.

Maureen didn't know what to expect upon entering the hospital room, but she was grateful to see that Maxi was awake and very much alive. With a tear stained face she rushed to her sister's side and leaned down, gently wrapping an arm around her face and cradling it gently before pressing her lips to her forehead. "I thought I'd lost you before I even got to know you again." She said in a teary voice, unable to hide the emotion that overwhelmed her. God must had heard her prayers and allowed her more time with her sister! "I'm so glad you're okay."

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi’s first memory after August’s face was waking up in a bed, attached to machinery. She moved to sit up, but fell back down immediately with a small cry. Her lower chest hurt so much, right into her back. She’d been shot in the back, she remembered. It must have punched right through her ribs, because that’s where she was feeling the pain. Her hand came up to rest over the wound, feeling both her hospital gown and the bandages beneath. The nurse noticed she was awake and gave her a warm smile. “Don’t you worry, dear. You’ll be just fine. You’re very lucky Dr. Dakanis was there to help you.” Dr. Dakanis? Oh, that’s right…Marius had been there. “What’s the damage?” she asked softly, finding that talking hurt too, as well as breathing. “You had a collapsed lung, but it’s fine now. There were no fragments left and there’s no fluid in your lungs now that we’ve cleared it out. You’ll be okay to go home in about five days.” Home…August! She jumped a little, reaching for the woman’s arm. “The man that was with me! Is he okay? Not Dr. Dakanis but the other man. August Witt.” The nurse looked uncertain at first but then she smiled warmly again, patting Maxi’s hand. “Oh he’s fine. You were the only one admitted. Dr. Dakanis promised him he’d stay with you as long as possible, and he did. Actually you just missed him.” Maxi was relieved August was alright and knew she would have to find Marius and thank him for saving her life. She was in debt to him. Thinking of Marius made her wonder about Abby though… “What about Dr. Dakanis’ girlfriend, Abby? Is she okay?” The nurse smiled again and nodded. “Like I said, dear, you were the only one admitted. I’m sure Abby and Dr. Dakanis will stop by soon to check up on you.” Maxi returned the smile and finally let herself relax.

The oxygen filtering through the tube under her nose was making her a little light headed. She was still trying to wake up from the anesthesia and no matter how many times she asked the nurses to let her visitors see her, they always insisted she relax just a little longer. The dull, persistent ache in her ribs didn’t bother her so much as long as she was still. Of course, she was on some kind of pain medication dripping in her IV. She imagined if she wasn’t hopped up on pain pills, she might be a little more uncomfortable. At last the nurses took note of how anxious she was and they told her they would go get her first visitor. Maxi tried to smooth her hair down a little before her visitor came in, certain it would be August. To her surprise, Maureen was the one who walked through the door, tear-stained cheeks and glittering eyes making Maxi want to hug her. She hoped Drew or Jamie or both had come to provide her some comfort. It probably wouldn’t be long until Gertie showed up too.

Maureen rushed to her bedside and pulled her into a light hug, pressing Maxi’s face carefully into her shoulder. Maxi smiled at how much Maureen had worried and when she pressed her lips to her forehead she smiled more, touching Maureen’s face. “I thought I’d lost you before I even got to know you again. I’m so glad you’re okay.” Maxi ran her hand gently along her sister’s cheek, shaking her head. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Maureen was crying more and Maxi let out a soft, easy laugh. “It’s okay, Maureen. I’m fine! They told me I can go home in five days. No permanent damage or anything. It went right through me.” She took Maureen’s hand, trying to reassure her and ease her emotions. The poor thing was so worried about her! She had to wonder who else was going to burst into tears when they saw her alive and well in her bed. “Who else is out there waiting to see me? Is August out there? Is he okay?” Her tone was sounded a little frantic. He’d been the one to see her shot; she hoped he would be too traumatized or upset about it. Obviously he would be, but she didn’t want him losing sleep over it. All he had to do was come in to see she was fine!

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” She let out a teary sort of laugh and sniffled as she pulled away a little to see her sister's face. “It’s okay, Maureen. I’m fine! They told me I can go home in five days. No permanent damage or anything. It went right through me.” Maureen pulled away a little, sitting on the edge of her sister's bed as they held each others hands. She was so relieved to hear that Maxi would be okay. "That's such wonderful news." She said softly, smiling at Maxi with tear stained cheeks and reddened eyes. It had been so horrible waiting there for news to see if she would be alright. It was such a deep relief knowing she would be just fine!

“Who else is out there waiting to see me? Is August out there? Is he okay?” Maureen bit her bottom lip and blushed. She could hear the anxiety in her voice and she knew her sister wanted to know her boyfriend was out there, though she had seen him walk out the door only a few minutes before. "Well, Drew and Jamie and Jamie's sister Liz is out there waiting now." She told her honestly. "August.. well, August was waiting with us all day. He didn't sit with us, but in a corner away from all of us. I don't think the other's even knew who he was, but he was there. As soon as the doctor came out and said you were okay and that we could come see you he left." Maureen felt guilty telling Maxi the truth, knowing it would probably hurt her. She didn't know why August had left but she could see that it hurt Maxi that he was no longer there.

"I'm sure he had a good reason for going." She said truthfully, knowing that her sisters 'partner' cared about her enough to give her pricey jewelry so he must have some sort of fondness for her. "Maybe he went to go freshen up a bit? We were here an awful long time. Maybe he'd been here since you got here and he just wanted to clean himself up a little? Plus he knew that the four of us would want to come in and see you. I'm sure he'll be back!" She insisted wanting to ease her sister's mind. She pushed a reassuring smile on her face hoping it would be infectious. "Do..you want me to call him or anything?" She offered wondering if that would make her feel better.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi could see how nervous Maureen was, but she couldn’t figure out why. The mention of August shouldn’t have made her so uncomfortable, and it made Maxi’s brow furrow. “Well, Drew and Jamie and Jamie’s sister Liz are out there waiting now.” And August? “August…well, August was waiting with us all day. He didn’t sit with us, but in a corner away from all of us. I don’t think the others even knew who he was, but he was there.” Jamie knew who August was…not that it mattered. August had evidently shown no interest in them. “As soon as the doctor came out and said you were okay and that we could come see you he left.” Wait…what? He left? He didn’t even want to see her? She felt her stomach hit the floor and tears stung at the back of her eyes. Why didn’t he want to see her? What had she done? She’d told him she loved him…that’s why he left. That had to be it. She scared him and she was so afraid he wouldn’t come back. It took everything she had not to cry.

“I’m sure he had a good reason for going. Maybe he went to go freshen up a bit? We were here an awful long time. Maybe he’d been here since you got here and he just wanted to clean himself up a little? Plus he knew that the four of us would want to come in and see you. I’m sure he’ll be back!” Maxi forced a small smile to her face. Maureen was putting forth such a sincere effort to cheer her up, she couldn’t just go on being sad. Inside, though, she was terrified of what would happen next with August. She hoped he would come back sometime today. “Do…you want me to call him or anything?” It was sweet of Maureen to ask, but Maxi just shook her head, her hand coming to her throat, feeling for the necklace he’d given her. “No. I think he just needs time to cool off.” Her fingers fumbled at the collar of her gown and she suddenly felt a surge of panic. “My necklace…” She reached up to touch her ears and found her earrings were missing as well. “My earrings! Where are they?” she asked, looking to her sister with panic. Were they lost? Those were the best presents she’d ever gotten! She was reassured when the nurse came over and handed her jewelry to her. “Sorry, dear. We’re required to take them off.” Maxi sighed and smiled kindly at the nurse. “No, it’s okay. Thank you.”

As she slipped her jewelry back on, she looked up to Maureen, trying to cheer up. Worrying about August right now wasn’t going to help calm her sister and her friends. “If you wouldn’t mind, though, could you call my friend Becky? I think she’ll want to know where I am so she’s not worrying. I’d like you two to meet, too. What better way to meet than hospital bedside?” She gave a small laugh, trying to make light of the situation now. If she could be cheerful and playful, then no one would have a reason to worry anymore.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Maureen could tell Maxi's heart wasn't into the smile she offered while she tried to make excuses for her sister's boyfriend. How could he just leave her? How could he walk away as soon as she got the okay to have visitors? It was like he didn't care at all, but then again he had been waiting. For all Maureen knew he had been there far longer than any of them had. She didn't notice him right away, so who knew? She didn't understand him and frankly, she didn't care all that much for him either. It had been cruel to leave just then.

“If you wouldn’t mind, though, could you call my friend Becky? I think she’ll want to know where I am so she’s not worrying. I’d like you two to meet, too. What better way to meet than hospital bedside?” Maureen smiled and nodded. She had wanted to meet Becky, oddly enough. Becky hadn't come into the picture until after Maureen was out of it, which meant the woman wouldn't have any unknown shared memories. They could start from scratch as all relationships were intended to. "I could do that." She said softly with a smile, gripping Maxi's hand.

Maureen stayed and talked with her sister for a while longer before she got up to leave. "I'm going to go call Becky and let her know you're here and give the others a chance to come see you. I know they're all very eager." She explained, remembering how torturous it had been waiting to see her sister, and she didn't know her nearly as well as the others did. "I'm not leaving, though. As soon as they've have their fill of you I'm coming right back." She gave a small smile not wanting Maxi to feel abandoned by her as well. It was bad enough August had left, she wouldn't do the same. She bent down and pecked Maxi's forehead once more. "I'm so glad you're alright." She told her and then pulled away, smiling warmly before making her way out of the room and to the waiting area. There was still no sign of August, but the others were eager to hear how Maxi was doing and she eased their minds by telling them she would be just fine.

Maureen made the call to Becky and watched as all of her sister's friends went in one by one to see how the patient was doing. Maureen did finally get to meet Becky, who was cute and a little frantic it seemed. For a police woman she seemed very edgy, which was odd to Maureen, but once Becky had gotten a chance to see Maxi she settled down a little. Several hours ticked by and Maureen for the most part stayed in the waiting area while the others had their visits. At one point she had gotten something to eat with Jamie, but when they returned there was still no sign of him. It was getting later and once everyone was reassured Maxi would be okay, they left, leaving Maureen to have some time alone with her sister again.

[AUGUST WITT]

Angry didn't come close to how August felt as he sat in the hospital waiting area. He was furious he hadn't stopped her from going. He'd known it was dangerous and still he had permitted Maxine to go to that stupid protest. The only thing he wasn't upset about was the fact that he had been there to watch over her. She'd nearly gotten herself killed just by being at the front lines and it wasn't until he'd pulled her away that he thought she could be safe but he'd been wrong. The entire event played in his mind over and over, seeing the blood seeping through her. How could he have been so stupid? How could he have let her go to such a ridiculous event! He'd had the common sense to know not to go, why hadn't she? Maxine's kind heart would be her downfall, but in many ways it was what drew him to her. She was sweet and innocent, and though she came off as naive and stupid she was anything but. She was intelligent and beautiful and could certainly hold her own with him, all while keeping her gentle demeanor. It was a rare quality, but one he learned to value.

August had been waiting in his blood stained clothes for nearly an hour before Maxine's sister arrived with a few other people. He recognized Jamie, but not the hulking man who showed up with him. August was immediately curious about him; she'd never mentioned someone like that before. Who was he? Why was he waiting to see Maxine? Perhaps she was Maureen's boyfriend or the other young lady with them. He didn't know, but he didn't like him being there. He peered over now and then, trying to make himself unseen. August didn't feel much in the mood to socialize with the others and listen to their worried banter. He was worried enough on his own.

Despite playing the events over in his mind, he did his best to block out the last thing she said. She loved him. August didn't want to think about all of that now. He didn't like the thought of going through his emotions and letting something like this determine how he felt. Why did she have to even say it? August knew she cared. Maxine knew August cared, too. Confirming their feelings with a proclamation seemed silly to him and he did what he could to push it from his mind. He didn't care that she said it, he cared that she lived. He cared that he would get to spend more evenings with her, that he would get to fuck her in public and shower her with gifts and dine in fancy restaurants with her. Those were the things he wanted; he wanted to keep his companion.

When the doctor emerged to let them know what was going on, August was relieved to hear she was doing fine. She was likely going to survive unless some complications popped up like infection or her lung collapsing. It wasn't likely, so he was sure she would be just fine. A huge weight had been lifted, and though he was still angry with himself, he wasn't going to continue to beat himself up over it. Now it was a matter of sheltering her completely so this could never happen again.

Once they got the news, Maureen offered to go in and see her first. August looked at the three other face and he knew more would be coming. He wasn't about to fight them all to go see her, even though he would win. August didn't care to share his time with Maxine and if it meant waiting longer to see her in order to see her for as long as he pleased, then he would wait. He got up and left, deciding he would go home and shower, change and get something to eat. She would have plenty of company to keep her busy for some time now.

Five hours after he'd left, August returned to the hospital. Visiting hours were likely to end soon if they hadn't already, but he was sure he could schmooze his way into staying as long as he desired. Not knowing she had company, a nurse led August to Maxine's room. August was dressed in fresh clothing; a casual button down shirt and black slacks. In his hands was a vase with pink peonies that he'd gotten to brighten her room, knowing she'd likely be there for a while. When they arrived he noticed Maureen in there still. Did the girl need to be glued to her sister's side constantly? He was immediately annoyed by her presence but tried not to scowl. He watched as the darker hair girl excused herself, kissing her sister's cheek and promising to stay near. August felt his jaw tense at the girls words. What would she stay near for? In case he did something? Was she intending to stay all night?

Once alone August came closer and set the vase down on the side table before taking a seat on the edge of Maxine's bed, looking up into her face. "How're you feeling?" He asked softly, trying hard to read her expression. Was she glad to see him? Upset? His eyes stayed locked on hers, refusing to look away for a moment. He reached out to hold her hand, not sure if she would allow him to or not.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi was glad Maureen was there. If she had just been left wondering about August, she would have gone nuts. She was hurt he had left, but there were so many people there to see her, she hardly had time to note his absence. Maureen left to allow others to visit. Drew had come in first, misty-eyed and solemn. By the time he left, they both felt much better, having had a few laughs and plenty of reassurances that Maxi would indeed be good as gold in a couple weeks. Next had come Jamie, emotional too, though not near tears like Drew had been—Jamie was much less emotionally expressive than Drew. Even so, it was obvious the whole incident had him rattled, being like her twin. Over and over she insisted it wasn’t so bad and she wasn’t going to die because of her wounds. His sister Lizzy followed, probably one of her closest girl friends, and she actually did let a couple tears loose much to Maxi’s dismay. When Becky finally showed up, it was a relief to assure her she was alright and not to worry, knowing she wouldn’t break down into tears, but it was also a relief to have her surrogate sister and her real sister meet for the first time. How many stories had she told Becky about Maureen? It was nice to see them together and to have Becky’s hand to hold. The emotional ups and downs of the day were exhausting her, even though she enjoyed visiting with her friends and being surrounded by so much support. She felt truly loved by the sheer amount of people surrounding her and she knew there would probably be e-mails from students in the coming week. No doubt Abby or Drew would have something to do with that.

When all of her visitors left, leaving just Maxi and Maureen together, Maxi felt so tired. Her chest hurt from talking and laughing and she felt so tired because of the pain medication. The nurse told her visiting hours were over and she gave a sad smile. No August. She had hoped he would come back while he still could, but there was no sign of him. She didn’t want to upset her sister by showing how perturbed she was by August’s absence. Maureen stayed by her side as Maxi resigned herself to just closing her eyes and relaxing for a little while, maybe even fall asleep. Dinner had come and gone and she was physically and emotionally exhausted. The TV was soft in the background as she drifted slowly to sleep. It wasn’t until the sound of somebody entering the room startled her that she slowly and reluctantly pulled herself out of her drowsy state and pay attention to whom was entering the room. The one face she’d wanted to see since she woke was there in her doorway beside the nurse and she was immediately awake again. “August!” she said softly in shock. She pushed herself up a little in her bed.

Maureen came to her side, kissing her on the forehead and promising she would stay nearby. Maxi smiled in return, comforted that her sister wouldn’t leave yet and she watched her leave the room before August and Maxi were left alone. He was holding a vase of beautiful pink peonies which made her smile a little more, though it was something of a sad smile. Why was he coming back so late? Maureen must have been right when she suggested he left to freshen up because he was wearing clean clothes. He placed the flowers on her nightstand and she knew she would be looking at them a lot over the next few days. She loved when he brought her flowers. As he sat on the edge of the bed, she watched him with sad eyes, worried he was upset with her. “How’re you feeling?” His voice was soft, obviously not angry, and his hand reached for hers. A wide, soft smile came to her lips as she gripped his hand gently in both of hers, trying to be reassuring since he looked a little hesitant. “Tired and achy, but much better now that you’re here.” Her smile grew a little bit more before she reached up and touched his cheek, her face worried. “Why did you go? I was worried about you. Are you okay?” she asked. If she had seen August shot, it would have been traumatizing. She hoped it wouldn’t have the same effect on him, though she was almost certain it would.

[AUGUST WITT]

“Tired and achy, but much better now that you’re here.” August offered a small smile in return, not feeling overly affectionate at the moment. He was upset she had put herself in this situation and more upset that he had allowed her to. This could have all been avoided. August firmly believed there were two types of people; the people who fought at the front line and the people who encouraged others to fight on the front line. August was the encouraging type and he expected anyone he cared for to be the same. Maxine was a front line fighter and he disliked this. A lot.

The touch of her cheek brought him back to the moment and he gazed down into her eyes, not sure what to do with himself. He was glad she was alright which was the main reason he was acting as mildly as he was. Relief tended to calm August down. “Why did you go? I was worried about you. Are you okay?” His brows furrowed and he glowered slightly. "I'm fine." He grumbled, reaching his hand up to take hers off his cheek, clasping it into his own hand as he brought it to his lips and kissed her knuckles gently, keeping her fingers close to his mouth as he continued talking. "I don't care to share you, Maxine. You know this." He started softly. "Your sister and three others were here to see you and considering your popularity I was certain others would follow. I wasn't interested in vying for your attention so I decided to go home, change, rest and eat before returning to you. I wouldn't have taken kindly to being asked to leave by Jamie." He practically spat the boys name, disliking how Maxine had male friends. He kissed her hand again and brought it down into his lap, holding it there.

"Things are going to change, Maxine." His voice was low and firm, but not harsh. He stared into her sapphire eyes, his worry clearly written in his own storming gray ones. "I will not support you putting yourself into situations I deem dangerous. I went against my better judgement this time and look where it got you? Shot in a hospital bed, fighting for your life. No cause is worth getting yourself killed over when there are others who are far more capable of defending themselves willing and able to fight for the same cause. I don't care if you're passionate about it, I will not stand by idly and watch you get yourself killed. You want to make fliers? Fine. But this will never happen again. Not as long as you intend to keep me by your side." August didn't care much for worrying and he'd done it twice with Maxine so far. Once when she got herself kidnapped by Sebastian Davenport and now. "Do you understand?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

There was a time when August’s glowering would have deterred Maxi from her line of questioning, but that time was long past. Instead she only watched with mildly sad eyes as his hand came up to take hers off his cheek. “I’m fine.” She wasn’t going to argue and a small smile curled her lips as he kissed her knuckles. There were times when he was just so sweet. Even after he’d kissed her hand, it stayed close to his lips. “I don’t care to share you, Maxine. You know this. Your sister and three others were here to see you and considering your popularity I was certain others would follow. I wasn’t interested in vying for your attention so I decided to go home, change, rest and eat before returning to you. I wouldn’t have taken kindly to being asked to leave by Jamie.” Had she been somewhere other than a hospital bed she might have been upset at the way August spat her friend’s name, obviously disliking him. Right now, all she did was smile more, finding it childish and cute in its own way. He was so possessive of her, like a little boy would be of his mother, and she found it adorable. Again he kissed her hand, easing her more, before he brought the soft pale hand to his lap. She was far from a mood to fight him.

“Things are going to change, Maxine.” Her brow furrowed again at the look in August’s eye and his insistence. What was going to change? “I will not support you putting yourself into situations I deem dangerous. I went against my better judgment this time and look where it got you? Shot in a hospital bed, fighting for your life. No cause is worth getting yourself killed over when there are others who are far more capable of defending themselves willing and able to fight for the same cause. I don’t care if you’re passionate about it, I will not stand by idly and watch you get yourself killed. You want to make fliers? Fine. But this will never happen again. Not as long as you intend to keep me by your side. Do you understand?” It was another way she knew he loved her. He worried about her so much when she was in danger and it always upset him. Had she really seen tears in his eyes when she lay on the ground in a pool of blood? It was very possible she was remembering incorrectly. Still, her reaction surprised even her and she wondered if the drugs she was on had something to do with it. Instead of getting upset and arguing, she rested her head against her pillows propped up under her and smiled. “Yes, I understand. I think every one of those people who visited me today agrees with you, too. I never expected for this to happen. It was supposed to be a peaceful protest, you know that. We’ve done them before without issue! And it was a freak accident that the bullet got me like it did when we were already so far off…but you’re right. I don’t want to put you or anyone else through that kind of worry again. For that I’m sorry; I never meant for this to happen. From now on, I’ll stay behind the scenes where it’s safe.” Her hand squeezed his gently. “I don’t want to die, August.” The words were soft, almost a whisper, her eyes sad. She never wanted to make August worry like this again.

With a little sigh, she looked at their hands and weaved her fingers with his. “Not that Gertie would even let me back at the front lines. He’ll probably come by tomorrow and tell me something similar to what you did. I’m okay with it, though. I’ve had quite enough excitement.” A hole in her lung was more than Maxi bargained for and while all of the tears she thought were unnecessary, the whole experience had her rattled. She was far too young to die…but at least she had told August how she really felt about him. She supposed that was the best thing to come out of this whole situation. With a soft smile, she pushed herself forward some to be closer to August, her free hand coming to his cheek. “Don’t worry, August. I’m not going anywhere.” To seal her sweet promise, she leaned in and kissed him gently. The hand on his cheek moved back into his hair, her fingers curling lightly among the dark strands. She hoped it would ease some of the fear he’d felt in the past twenty-four hours.

[AUGUST WITT]

“Yes, I understand."

August was barely able to keep the look of surprise off his face. He was expected a full out fight with her on the topic, a fight he intended to win, but it seemed that wouldn't be necessary at all. Slightly bewildered, he watched her as she continued to talk about how it had been a fluke accident but that everyone who visited had come to the same conclusion; she was too valuable to lose in such a way. "…but you’re right. I don’t want to put you or anyone else through that kind of worry again. For that I’m sorry; I never meant for this to happen. From now on, I’ll stay behind the scenes where it’s safe.” Her hand was squeezing his, and he allowed his eyes to move to his lap to watch her delicate digits lace through his. “I don’t want to die, August.” The words were soft, almost a whisper, and August met her sad gaze. He didn't know how to respond to that. She would eventually perish as all living things tend to do, but he knew she meant soon. He didn't want to say something wrong, though, so he kept his mouth shut, squeezing her hand harder.

August was glad when she continued talking, telling him how the Blurr leader would come by to see her tomorrow. Part of him didn't want her fraternizing with him anymore. It was Gertie who had encouraged these damn protests to begin with, but August kept his mouth shut knowing protesting against her wishes would be fruitless and actually cause an argument. Besides, August was more to blame than Gertie, for allowing her to go in the first place.

Sensing his mood, Maxine leaned forward and slid her small hand against his cheek. He looked into her eyes, his face nearly expressionless though his brows creased slightly and his bottom lip protruded just barely, making him look sulky. “Don’t worry, August. I’m not going anywhere.” He sighed into her, eased by the way her fingers curled into his hair, glad she was able to still do that. "Of course you're not. I didn't tell you that you could leave." He grumbled, though it was a borderline playful comment. He kissed her back, his lips moving harder and more passionately than hers though he was still far more gentle than he normally was with her.

August pulled away before he could get himself too worked up. His face stayed close and he reached up, grasping her chin between his fingers. "I'm glad you're alright, baby." He practically whispered. "I'd have been heartbroken to lose you. You know how much I care about you." His eyes searched hers, her words ringing in his ears still, though he was trying to erase them. He wouldn't return her words, but he would come close. "Don't you?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi ran one hand along August’s jaw as he continued to kiss her, his kiss hard and passionate. The fingers of her other hand stayed curled in his hair, keeping him close as she let him know just how much she loved him in her kiss. By the time he pulled away, her heart was racing, which was reflected by the beeping of the machine monitoring her heart rate. It almost made her laugh, but she was far too absorbed by August and the way he stayed close and held her chin in his hand. “I’m glad you’re alright, baby. I’d have been heartbroken to lose you. You know how much I care about you.” Her eyes gazed back into his, hoping he would say the words she had before she woke up in this bed. His eyes searched hers in return and for a long moment she thought they might just gaze into each other’s eyes forever. “Don’t you?” She let out her breath, realizing she had been holding it, and she gave a soft, slightly disappointed smile. “Yes…yes, I know. You don’t have to put it into words like I did.” Maxi had long since come to terms with the fact that he might never say those words, no matter how much she wanted to hear them. While it stifled her freedom to say them as well, perhaps it was better that he preferred to show her rather than tell her how he felt. Those words would never wear out if he guarded them like a life-saving secret.

She leaned in and planted one more soft kiss on his lips before she pulled back to look in his eyes as she pushed her fingers through his hair. “I wish you’d just fess up already, though.” The look he gave made her giggle and she kissed him again. She was so glad she could still kiss him. Part of her just wanted to smother him in kisses to make up for what she had put him through today. When she pulled away, she let her head fall back to the propped up pillows, her ribs aching from forcing herself to sit up for so long. She took one of his hands in both of hers, cradling it against her stomach, her gentle fingers very lightly running the length of his hand, tickling as they went. They moved from his palm to the tips of his fingers and back down again. It was a very simple show of affection, but it was sweet and adoring. “The doctor said I can go home in about five days and there should only be a small scar. He said in a couple months it should be completely healed, but I’ll probably feel a lot better by next weekend if I just rest easy. I haven’t even seen the wound.” She looked down at her ribs and ran a hand over the area where the bandages were. She could feel the slight dip where the hole was, but she hadn’t dared look at it. Just seeing the bloody bandages might make her faint.

Talking about her wound wasn’t a good idea, though, not from the look on August’s face. It obviously upset him, so she wanted to veer from the topic as soon as possible. With a little sigh, she looked like she was pouting a little, her eyes fixed on her fingers moving across his hand. “But how am I going to go that long without making love to you? It’s going to be torture.” Though she was trying to wear a pouty look, she looked up at him with a coy grin mixed into her pout. It really was a concern for her, though. After over a week without sex, she was pretty sure she was going to jump his bones no matter how uncomfortable she was.

[AUGUST WITT]

She looked disappointed at his words, which made him frown. Why would that upset her? "Yes…yes, I know. You don’t have to put it into words like I did.” August pulled his lips into a tight line. He knew exactly what she was waiting for and she would be disappointed again and again if she continued to try and manipulate him into saying it. Did she honestly think this would change things? He cared for her more than any other person in his life at that moment. He was willing to make many sacrifices for her, willing to shower her in lovely, expensive gifts. Willing to show her over and over how much he cared by letting his guard down, something he did for no one, and yet none of it was enough. No, on top of that she needed him to utter some lousy little three word statement that would make no difference to anything. What did it matter if he fessed he loved her or not? He didn't know if it was love and he didn't think on it, but clearly Maxine did. It was hard not to think of her as a foolish girl when she pouted over such trivial things.

Her lips were soft as she leaned in and pecked him once more and threaded her fingers through his hair. “I wish you’d just fess up already, though.” August was not amused in the least and his expression showed it. Maxine giggled and it irritated him, but considering the scare he'd had considering her life, he was glad she found amusement in pestering him. Had she been well he wouldn't have tolerated it so nicely. In fact he was certain he would end up physically putting her back in her place. He kissed her back as she kissed him once more, this time a little less enthusiastically.

August stayed silent, not wanting to upset her by opening his mouth and knowing without a shadow of a doubt he would say something that might bring her down. After the day she had, he didn't need her going into a funk on his account, and he was sure he would have a fight on his hands when he came back and encountered her sister, the gate keeper. His stormy eyes watched the hand on her stomach, her fingers caressing his warm, hard flesh. It felt nice and made something in the pit of his stomach churn. Was that desire? “The doctor said I can go home in about five days and there should only be a small scar. He said in a couple months it should be completely healed, but I’ll probably feel a lot better by next weekend if I just rest easy. I haven’t even seen the wound.” Again August frowned. She was scarred and it was all his fault for allowing her to go. He should have said no to her, he should have let her stay disappointed at home with him. Now she had an extra gaping hole in her body that wasn't supposed to be there. Three was enough for him

She looked down at her ribs and ran a hand over the area where the bandages were. She could feel the slight dip where the hole was, but she hadn’t dared look at it. Just seeing the bloody bandages might make her faint. “But how am I going to go that long without making love to you? It’s going to be torture.” He noticed the not so very sincere on her pout and cocked a brow. "Laying in a hospital bed after being shot and undergoing surgery and you're worried about our next romp?" He knew he shouldn't be surprised, but he was. "You're not so useless after all." He teased back, moving the hand that was on her stomach down a little so his palm could press against her sex. "I think it's best you concern yourself with healing. Leave the pleasuring to me. If you're feeling better tomorrow, perhaps I'll consider helping you release some tension, but for now I need you to rest and stop worrying about trivial things like fucking and 'fessing up'. Your health is far more important if you intend on ever pleasing me again." He pressed his palm down into her soft flesh, a darkness in his eyes. "Now, is there anything you need?"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“Lying in a hospital bed after being shot and undergoing surgery and you’re worried about our next romp?” Maxi bit her lip and grinned wide at August. It was really just a way to tease him, but she found she actually was disappointed at the thought of not being with him for over a week. She had a hard enough time when she was on her period, and for her that didn’t even last a whole week. “You’re not so useless after all.” Knowing he was teasing, she laughed even though it sent a sharp pain through her to do so. She tried to mask her discomfort so August wouldn’t scold her, but she couldn’t help her brow furrowing slightly. While she focused on hiding her pain, his hand slipped down and the feel of his palm against her made her heart jump. She smiled again, but this time a little bashfully. “I think it’s best you concern yourself with healing. Leave the pleasuring to me. If you’re feeling better tomorrow, perhaps I’ll consider helping you release some tension, but for now I need you to rest and stop worrying about trivial things like fucking and ‘fessing up.’” Maxi rolled her eyes a little despite her smile at him mentioning the fessing up. He was so guarded, but she shook it off as something rather endearing about him. “Your health is far more important if you ever intend on pleasing me again.” Again she bit her lip, a slight blush coming to her cheeks. She had every intention of pleasing him again, and from how his hand was pressing into her, he had the same intention. A small gasp escaped her at the feel of his hand sending a shock of pleasure through her.

“Now, is there anything you need?” If he didn’t stop looking at her like that and touching her as he was, she was going to need him. The drugs she was on for the pain did nothing to help her judgment and she would have readily fucked August in her hospital bed. She reached down and gently grabbed his hand with a smile, pulling it back up toward her stomach. “I need to focus on my recovery, of course.” Her voice made it obvious she was teasing along with the coy smile spreading across her mouth. “Your sneaky hand is going to make me forget what I’m supposed to be focusing on.” With a soft giggle, she held his hand again on her belly, both of her hands cupping one of his. She’d been in love with his hands since the night they met and she found holding them was comforting. Of course, tomorrow she might actually let that hand wander further than it had a few moments ago.

“Since I’ll be in here for a little while, would you mind bringing me some reading material? Just whenever you can, it’s not a big deal.” She gave a sweet smile, knowing he wouldn’t mind bringing her a book or two. “Maureen’s already called the school and I’ve got more than enough time off to cover my recovery. I’ve told them three weeks. So for three weeks, you’re stuck with me all day.” Of course she was teasing. She didn’t expect him to wait on her hand and foot once she could move around freely. It has been nice getting used to saying goodbye to August in the mornings before work, though. It felt so domestic to do so and it was cute how groggy he would be when she kissed him goodbye. For a few weeks, that would be on hold.

[AUGUST WITT]

“I need to focus on my recovery, of course.” He noted the teasing tone she used and the way she moved his hand up and away from her erogenous zone, making him smirk a hair. “Your sneaky hand is going to make me forget what I’m supposed to be focusing on.” August felt warm towards her in that moment and gave a sincere little smile that was laced with mischief. He liked how they could be this way, like they were a couple, but still be intimate like she was a high end prostitute paid handsomely for pleasing him in all the ways he desired. Maxine was truly a gift, and he silently wondered why he couldn't just cave and be to him what she wanted to be? She already was. He knew those silly emotions she wanted him to feel he already did despite how hard he tried to fight them. Why not just give in? Even as he thought the questions he knew the answers. Snow. He had worked his entire life to be what he was and he couldn't allow Maxine to ruin it for him by being his girlfriend. He thought of the masquerade and felt himself get angry at his leader, but then stopped himself. There was no point in dwelling. It was what it was and it wouldn't change. Besides, even if Snow were out of office it would take ages for something like August and Maxine being a unit to be alright. His mother had reminded him of that little detail over lunch the day after she'd met Maxine.

“Since I’ll be in here for a little while, would you mind bringing me some reading material? Just whenever you can, it’s not a big deal.” She said and gave him a sweet smile, pulling him from his thoughts, August nodded as she continued speaking. “Maureen’s already called the school and I’ve got more than enough time off to cover my recovery. I’ve told them three weeks. So for three weeks, you’re stuck with me all day.” He offered a small devious grin. "There's plenty I can do stuck with you all day," He teased, "Once you're feeling better, that is." His thumb was gliding back and forth over the hand that held his on her stomach. "I'll stop and get you some magazines and some books from your home. I can bring them when I visit tomorrow." He lifted the hand that was clutching his and brought it back to his lips, nuzzling it gently and planting soft, delicate kisses across her knuckles. "Until then I'm serious about you resting. Don't think I won't spank you because you're lying in a hospital bed." He teased, the devious look making his eyes smolder. "I would imagine that hospital gown would allow easy access." His teeth grazed her knuckle and he scooted off the bed, still holding her hand as he looked down at her. "I'm going to let you rest now though before I get anymore bright ideas about how easily accessible that gown is. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" He asked, his tone more gentle now as he leaned down to press his lips against hers lovingly.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“There’s plenty I can do stuck with you all day. Once you’re feeling better that is.” Maxi giggled and blushed a little to think of having August to herself all day again. They tended to barely get out of bed on those days…She watched his thumb grazing over her knuckles for a moment as he assured her he would get some things for her to read before he came to visit the next day. It was hard to resist the urge to ask him to bring her students’ papers with him. They still needed to be graded and she would need to call the school to work out the details of the curriculum over the next few weeks while she was out. She wanted to be responsible for reading their papers, but she knew August would object to her doing work while she was recovering. Seriously, though, what was so bad about reading and grading papers? She’d have to do it on the sly…A smile spread across her lips as August nuzzled and kissed her hand, her heart swelling at this show of affection. She doubted he’d ever been so tender with any other woman before, and he’d almost certainly never visited one in the hospital before. It made her feel so special.

“Until then I’m serious about you resting. Don’t think I won’t spank you just because you’re lying in a hospital bed.” She cocked an eyebrow at him, her stomach clenching at the way his eyes were smoldering. “I would imagine that hospital gown would allow easy access.” Giggling, she bit her lip as his teeth grazed the skin of her knuckles. In all honesty, there wasn’t much between him and her naked body in this get-up…“I doubt my sister would let you back in here if she knew you spanked me while I’m in recovery,” she teased in return. He got off the bed but kept a hold of her hand, causing her eyes to follow him and he moved over her. “I’m going to let you rest now though before I get anymore bright ideas about how easily accessible that gown is. I’ll see you tomorrow, alright?” She smiled wider, more warmly as his mouth moved down to hers. “Okay,” she agreed in a soft, sweet voice. His lips pressed against hers lovingly and she returned the gesture, her hand coming up to his cheek. She would never get tired of his kisses, especially since they grew more and more tender every day they were together. When he pulled away, she leaned back in with a giggle and pulled him into another kiss. Even lying in a hospital bed, her ribs shot through, she was giddy with love for August. Finally she pulled away and rested her head on the pillow, looking up at him with an adoring smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, baby,” she assured softly, her thumb skimming across his cheek. One more brief kiss and she sighed as he walked from the room. Now to get used to sleeping without him for a few nights…

-----------------------END THREAD------------------------