Chapter one

The feeling of a cool hand carding through my hair causes me to stir as I realize it's just Miranda and I relax. I've been running a hell of a fever,she's been doing her best to keep me comfortable,I know she wants to go to the ER,but she's not forcing it yet,with the weather as bad as it is,it's raining hard,I don't want her going out in this storm,not for me,it's not safe. "Easy love,It's just me Martin,your fever's still high babe,I think it might be time for the ER,how are you feeling"she murmurs softly as I roll over to face her,looking at her with sleepy hazel eyes. I've been feeling bad since I got home, before that honestly,my stomach has been really bothering me,but it got worse this afternoon,I started feeling worse,so I cut out early,came home,I texted her letting her know I was heading home,and she was ready for me when I got here. I've been sleeping off and on all afternoon,she's been keeping an eye on me,I've only thrown up twice,thankfully,but this damn fever,I've been sitting at 104 all afternoon.

"OK babe I trust you,I'm not feeling any better darling,if anything I'm about the same"I murmur as I let her place a cool hand against my cheek,being gentle,being soft,she's the only one I allow to do this,I don't trust anyone else like I trust her,she's safe,she's home,she's love,she completes me,I don't know what I would do without her steady presence. The person I am without her is really something,I'm a better man with her,without her I'm lost,without her I'm a rebel,I do crazy stuff. I'm safer now,I have someone to come home to, I have someone other than myself to consider,I have someone who cares if I I live or die,who wants me home in one piece at the end of the day. "OK love, I think it's time for the ER as much as you don't want to,it's better to be safe than sorry"she murmurs as I let her help me sit up on the edge of the bed,and I lean on her for a little bit of support as I wince in pain. "OK,it hurts"I murmur softly as I let her rub my back softly. I hardly admit it when I'm in pain,reflexive instinct from my time in the millitary,so when I do admit it it worries her a lot. "I know Marty, I know"she murmurs getting up and kissing me on the forehead,then going over to the dresser to get me a change of clothes. She gets them and I let her help me change,I can't bend over for my life right now,it hurts too much. Then I let her help me up onto unsteady feet,but I manage to stay up right.

I then see her grab the overnight bag out of the closet,something we've kept since the last time I was in the ER,with a back injury. Then I let her guide me out of the room,down the stairs,where she grabs the keys,then out the door. It's raining hard,just pouring,a typical summer storm,so she tries to get me to the car as fast as possible,keep me from getting soaked. I let her get me inside,throwing the bag into the back seat,then she gets my seatbelt on and gets me settled. Then she gets into the drivers side and we take off into the storm. I find myself laying a fevered cheek against the window,and before I know it I'm drifting off,last thoughts being of worry,worried about the ER,having to stay over night,and whether or not I'll be ok.