#[ thread. modifiedcode ]

[assetrisen]

@modifiedcode demanded a starter and i’m happy to oblige

Shaw hissed as the blanket brushed against the inflamed skin on her leg. While the bullet hadn’t completely shredded the muscle, it had done enough that it was making healing a bitch and a half. Reese was perfecting his impersonation of an unobtrusive guard dog, stopping by with coffee and food periodically enough that she didn’t get hangry, but not so often that she was sick of him. And he’d left her Bear too. 

The dog in question had been napping in the dim daylight that was coming through the window, though he padded over when he heard her sound of pain and gave her a low whine. “I’m alright, buddy,” she murmured, scratching behind his ears. “I’m alright,” she repeated to herself as she swung herself to her feet. There was half of a cold burrito still sitting on the counter from earlier, though for once, her stomach did not demand sustenance. One of many signs that things were not as ‘alright’ as she kept telling herself, but the idea of admitting weakness in front of the others, even now, it didn’t sit well with her. Besides, Finch had gone off the grid entirely and if Shaw hadn’t been off her feet, she was pretty sure that Reese would have chased after him. She almost felt bad for interrupting their gay porno in the making.

But as the shadows grew longer, Shaw knew that she needed to eat something, if only to take the OTC ibuprofen to take the edge off the pain. The burrito looked even less appetizing now, and she hesitated before opening the container and dropping it on the ground for Bear. “Don’t tell Finch,” she said to the dog as he bounded forward at the unexpected treat. Instead, she reached for the stack of takeout menus from the counter but whirled around as she heard Bear beginning to growl lowly. The quick movement, though normally not an issue for her, made her leg nearly give out underneath her. 

“Damn it, Root. What the hell are you doing here?”

[fatherofmachine-a]

@modifiedcode | CONT.

 ❝ I’ve arranged a stay at a nearby HOTEL for now.    We’re almost there.  ❞

Not ONLY did he notice the need for a bandage change,  he noticed the pained  sound Miss Groves made once his voice had startled her,  breaking the tense silence.  She needed something for the pain—–something Harold would see to once they were settled.  They all  rode in SILENCE for the twenty more minutes it took to reach the fore-mentioned hotel  &  once the car was safely stored within the hotel parking lot,  they all made their way to the front desk.  

Harold provided Miss Groves with his jacket in place of her own,  for the leather jacket she’d worn throughout their  ....  time  together was form-fitting  &  would likely put too much pressure on her wound if she attempted to wear it fully.  He helped her CAREFULLY slide both arms inside of the sleeves to conceal  the fact that she’d suffered a gunshot wound  in her upper arm.  It was difficult for her ;  she made the same pained noises while Harold quietly apologized,  sounding on edge but CONCERNED nonetheless.  Once it was on entirely,  the piercing pains from movement  &  pressure seemed to subside.

Miss Shaw INSISTED upon her own room  (  Truthfully,  Harold would hardly blame her  ),  but he,  Miss Groves  &  John were to share a three bedroom hotel for the night.  John lead the way while Harold guided Miss Groves forward,  a hand gently,  but FIRMLY settled against her mid-back.

Once inside,  he lead her to a large couch while John provided what they needed  to change her bandages.  Harold requested his friend retrieve some things whilst he re-dressed Miss Groves’ wound—–some food  &  water  &  something to ease the PAIN  (  &  provide her with enough drowsiness that she might get a couple hours of sleep,  at least  ).  John was reluctant  to leave Harold alone with her,  but he ASSURED him  several times  that he would be fine  &  agreed to keep the comms open.

Taking the jacket OFF was far easier  than putting it on,  thankfully,  but crimson had begun to stain her skin as the blood SEEPED through.  Carefully,  he peeled away the soaked bandages  &  began to clean up what was left from it.  Her skin was pale  &  her dark brown eyes seemed glazed,  as if she were somewhere far  away from here.  Harold quietly attempted to REACH her,  regardless,  whilst tired  blue eyes remained FIXED upon the task at hand.

 ❝ How are you feeling ? ❞

He could GUESS just by looking  at her,  but the question simply held a tense,  albeit still gentle  concern.