She’s waited at his side, for as long as she could. During the mornings before she carried on with work, and the evenings where she sat. It was all she could manage in between her flurry of paperwork. Champ had grown exceptionally annoying during this period. A wide array of emotions spread throughout her petite frame, coaxing her into a phase of anger and depression. Without her father’s comforting presence, she relied solely on Ginger — though, even with her comfort, something was amiss. She lacked the want to disturb her in the evenings, when his breathing would hitch, and his body would stir, if but a moment. This happened a few times, as she noted. A stir, and then stillness. Joy, and then despair. But, it was evening when she saw a particularly promising motion. His eyes darted back and forth from under his lids, her own eyes caught by the slight movements — it drew her away from her novel, the object now discarded in an attempt at focusing on him. When his eyes pop open, she’s nearly startled out of her seat, her voice raising for Ginger, in an attempt at lessen his struggle. But Rey is pulled back more, by a weak call. Hazel eyes snapping quickly to the uttered word. It brings a small smile to her face, one that’s laced with joy. ‘
— I was wondering when you were gonna wake up. ’
STRAIN IS PRESENT IN EFFORTS to sit up, pain within shoulder lit aflame, sparking ‘neath bandages through the haze of drugs in his system, hiss drawn between teeth as he does so. however, no call for help is issued ––––– jack daniels doesn’t ask for help ––––– & he situates himself, regardless of the throbbing ache it creates. fingers snake to trace the white of gauze & medical tape, feeling the textural ridges of his near - death experience, gaze taking in the red that bloomed underneath. it’s a quiet moment, with jack not quite out of it yet, before he settles on returning his attentions to rey. he can see the weariness that lines her young face & the hushed sorrow within her eyes : things that act as pangs of guilt, knowing all too - well what he ( could’ve ) put her through. with a swallow, presented inquiry is rough, raw, & quiet, digits now scratching at the collected stubble ‘round jaw. ❝ how long’ve i been out ? ❞
