Rich Appreciation 2020 Day 5
Word Count: 950
Fandom: Driven
Pairings: Roger x Reader (although I have decided to keep it platonic)
Warnings: None
A/N: Might be more Hurt/Comfort than fluff but its in there, dont you worry. also i am aware that this writing challenge ended over a year ago. I dont care. do you?
~~
<- Chapter 4
Chapter 5: Fluff
“Oh man,” Roger said as he chewed a mouth full of food, “what is it about one am pizza that makes it taste so damn good?”
He took another big bite, a long string of melted cheese pulling between Roger’s pizza and his mouth. Y/N hid her smile behind her hand, her injured arm wrapped tight to her chest with a makeshift pillowcase sling. Her body shook with restrained laughter, but it shifted quickly into another wave of muted pain from her shoulder and down her spine. The already fragile yet carefree mood of the night drained from Y/N as she hissed in pain and clutched at her arm.
“Hey,” Roger worried, half eaten slice abandoned on the open pizza box between them, “you ok still? Need more pain pills?”
“No,” Y/N grimaced out. “No, it’s ok.” Even as she curled into herself, Y/N did her best to alleviate the growing alarm she saw in Roger’s eyes. She forced a smile, although based on a look from Roger that just screamed come on, it must have been unconvincing.
“Yeah, ok.” Roger passed the pizza box to the hotel room’s table, making room for him to scooch closer. The two of them sat crossed legged on the surprisingly comfortable bed, knees touching and Roger leaning forward to poke and prod at Y/N’s injuries. “Let me see.”
Out of instinct, Y/N pulled back. Roger paused, hands hovering over Y/N’s arm.
“‘M sorry,” she apologized quickly. But the corner of Roger’s lips pulled into a crooked smile, and with a questioning bounce of his brows, Y/N nodded her head. “But you don't have to.”
Roger blew a raspberry, half a laugh and half a way to say yeah right. “Just let me see.”
With shallow breaths and brows pinched in pain, Y/N gaped at the closeness of the man in front of her. Amber eyes filled her vision, a sharp focus swirling through them. Roger worked meticulously as Y/N gazed at him, quick fingers pulling back the bandages and prodding her painful injuries.
She found true concern in his scrutiny of her wounds, and Y/N couldn't help the pang of affection that wrang though her chest.
Y/N quickly averted her eyes. This man saved her life. More than once in the short time that she knew him. But still…Y/N couldn't help but feel like whatever happened, she would never forget this kind man.
“I don't think that you’re bleeding again.”
“Wha-?” Y/N asked, the words knocking her out of her thoughts.
“Your occupational hazard.” Roger smiled as he pointed to her injured shoulder, the bandages put back in place, “It’s still looking pretty good, considering. Maybe I could pass off as a surgeon in the future.” He laughed, the crinkle by his eye catching Y/N’s. Roger looked so carefree, even though Y/N knew what went on in his life on a daily basis.
“How do you do this?”
“Huh?” Roger’s easy smile gained a touch of confusion. “Do what? The stitching? Well, I guess my Grandmother taught me well. Give me a pair of old nasty socks and I can make them look like new!”
Roger’s laughter bounced around the room, and yet Y/N’s eyes started to fill with tears.
“No…” Y/N swallowed, a tightness building in her throat, “How can you go out and do this,” she grabbed at her arm, wincing slightly at the pain she caused in her shoulder again, “every day. Every night. You risk your life and no one even knows that you kept them safe.”
Roger’s look softened, a soft sigh escaping him. “It’s not about that,” he said in a quiet voice. “It’s about taking control of a terrible thing my family started. It’s about responsibility. Honestly, I wouldn't care if nobody ever knew what I do. But…” His eyes flicked back to Y/N, a small smile on his face, “knowing that you know that I’m out there, doing the dirty work and keeping the world safe-” He placed a hand on her good shoulder, pulling her close, “it makes it all worth it.”
The tears in her eyes finally fell, each wet track on her cheek an apology for his grueling life. For each opportunity that he lost. For each connection in this world that had to be cut off for fear of retaliation from the dredges of the demon army that Roger gave his whole life fighting against.
“I’m sorry,” she whimpered. “I’m sorry it has to be like this for you.”
“I’m not.”
Y/N fell forward, closing the small space between them to clutch Roger into a tight hug.
“It isn't fair,” she sniffled, holding him tight. “You deserve a life.”
Roger hugged Y/N tighter, still cognizant of her injury. “Oh, Y/N. The world needs more people like you.”
After a hushed moment, the two of them finally separated, Y/N filled with a feeling that she couldn't quite put her finger on (although she knew she was sad for the man in front of her) and Roger happy to know that there was at least one person out there who knew what he was dealing with. That all his late nights fighting demons and trying his best to end the horror his family brought into the world would mean something.
Their hands were still loosely held together, and neither one of them felt the urge to speak. But with tears still in her eyes, Y/N leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Roger’s cheek.
“Just know,” Y/N smiled even through the slight tremors rippling in her voice, “I will absolutely never forget you or this crazy night.”
@nongaberichbang
