Traitorous Heir

chapter 16

Yuki woke up to a steady beeping. It was an unusual noise, so she slowly opened her eyes to be met with... White. It was on the walls, reflected in the sheer curtains, the blankets she was under and the machines around the room. Timothy's slumped form seemed to be the only source of color.

She must have made a noise, because just as she noticed him he sat up, rubbed his face and looked at her. She could see him visibly start, then rush over to her.

"Hey babe, you okay?"

Yuki tried to answer him but her voice came out as a croak. Timothy hurriedly got her some water and helped her to drink.

"What happened?" Her voice sounded feeble and it surprised her, but at least it was audible.

"You don't remember?" He asked worriedly. She shook her head and waited for him to explain.

"Yuki, you were in a crash. You've got several cuts and bruises, some broken bones, but the doctors said you'd be okay. God, I was so worried."

His face crumpled and without thinking Yuki reached out to hold his hand. At the movement though her ribs protested and she gasped. Timothy tried to pull away but she shook her head and held him tighter. "Don't pull away. Don't let me go, Timothy please. I just surprised myself; I'm alright really." She told him.

"You sure, babe?"

Yuki took inventory of her body. Her ribs throbbed, as did one of her legs and she felt bruised all over. "Yes, I'm sure." She replied with a brave smile. "You always make everything better, Timothy."

He looked flabbergasted and Yuki wanted to laugh at his expression, but was afraid of how her torso would react so she limited herself to a smile.

"How was I in a crash? I don't remember being in a car." She changed the subject.

"What do you remember?" He asked seriously.

"I was sad, you seemed oblivious to my advances, but that might be because I don't have much practice. I had gone to my dance class... And then I woke up here."

Timothy didn't say anything, just looked at her with a weird expression until Yuki realized her brain-to-mouth filter had broken again. She blushed scarlet.

A doctor walked in just then and looked at her, saving the awkward situation she'd put herself and Timothy in. "Good, you're awake. You had this young man really worried about you, you know?"

"He thinks it's his job." Yuki said looking down and fiddling with the edge of her blanket. Her eyes started to droop though. She knew the doctor was talking but couldn't quite focus on his words. Something about morphine?

"It's normal, she needs sleep to recover."

"But she'll be okay?" Timothy sounded worried again. She tried to pat his hand and tell him she was fine but when she opened her mouth she yawned which made her ribs burn.

"I'll be here when you wake up, Yuki." Timothy said and she managed to pry an eye open. The doctor had gone.

Thank you, Timothy. I love you...

She thought she said it before the drugs and pain took over her system and she slept.