Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in Side sim: Faced Fears and… Wrecked Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Helena Laursen (Helm/Navigation Officer) in Side sim: Faced Fears and… Wrecked Quarters

Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in Side sim: Faced Fears and… Wrecked Quarters
Posted by… suppressed (68) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Helena grumbled and complained the whole way from B deck to C deck and her quarters. “I do not need crutches. They are a pain anyway, and dangerous in these narrow corridors.” She grunted as the crutches dug into her arm pit, lost her balance and then winced/hissed as her weight landed on the damaged hip.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau caught her and helped her. “These hallways are not too narrow. I need mon pilot to heal well, Helena,” Marceau replied. “They are not for very long.”

~ Capt Renault

Helena gave him a shy look as he caught her, “Thanks.” She was such a klutz with crutches. “They are to narrow when I’m trying tonswing around on crutches and can’t keep my balance. Why couldn’t it be a knee scooter or something? Then I could get around without falling all over people.” She grinned wickedly, “I could make it to the bridge with a knee scooter. Yeah! Need to ask engineering if they can make one.” And getting off the lift the crutches got caught in the space between the lift and deck. Helena fell right over into Marceau, jaring her hip while trying to keep her balance, her the crutch free, and stay off her hip.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau held her up so she wouldn’t fall or hurt herself more, but he wasn’t the strongest, and in trying to help her, he fell, hitting himself on the wall as he went down, making sure she landed on him. And land on him she did.

~ Capt Renault

The wind was almost knocked out of her. Luckily she landed on her left hip and not her right. One crutch was still stuck in the grove, her feet were tangled around the other. She tried to get off him, but only seemed to make herself more tangled. She sighed and her forehead rested briefly on his shoulder, but not long before she grinned, “I mean, there are easier and less painful ways to go about getting to hug me.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau grunted and shook his head. “Ouille, Helena,” He said. “That is the only good part about this. That fall hurt,” he complained. “Is your hip okay?”

~ Capt Renault

Careful not to hit him, Helena untangled the crutch and threw it. It hit the one that was stuck, and in turn, it tilted down to a comical angle, still stuck. She huffed, “Stupid crutches.” She used her hands and good leg to shift herself off him. “Yeah, I didn’t land on it, thanks to you. Are you okay? Do we need to go back to sickbay?”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“I am fine. Maybe a little bruised.” He smiled at her. “I will take that over hurting you.” He sat up and looked at her, judging how to help her up.

~ Capt Renault

She grinned, but it wasn’t her usual sassy look. It was softer. It was such a sweet thing to say, and he meant it. She sighed, “I can get up. Not much different than when my muscles are acting up. At least this time, I have one good leg.” She shifted to get her left foot close under her, pressed her back to the wall of the lift and pushed up until she was standing.

Helena wasn’t usually one to deny help, but she was being stubborn about this. She looked angrily at the stupid, wedged in crutch and walked past it.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau grabbed her arm gently as he stood. He un-wedged the crutch and handed it to her. “I will be next to you. You won’t fall again. But you need to obey medical orders.”

~ Capt Renault

That was the gentle warning. Next would come out the strict doctor, then the captain, and lastly would be the very concerned friend that she could never say ‘no’ to. Helena took the crutches, but not without a muttered grumbling. “These things are going to cause me more hurt, or worse, than if I just walked the rest of the way to my cabin.” She put them back in place dutifully, and then swung her way down the corridor. She glanced over at him, watching him, “You sure you’re okay?”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“I’m okay, Helena. You can put an ice pack on me if I get any bruises.” He said and smiled. “I am right here. I will catch you again if you fall.”

~ Capt Renault

“And where would I get an ice pack? The Galley. And how would I get there? These … ahem … crutches. You aren’t going to let me do that alone because you are now convinced I will get hurt.” She paused outside her door and pressed the control. “I see what your plan is,” she moved into the narrow doorway and looked over her shoulder at him with that look, “You just want me all to yourself for a few days.”

Her quarters were always neat and pucked up, but the space was narrow in the entry with the bed and bulkhead. Too narrow to navigate and she rammed her hip right into the corner of the bed. Her breath tucked in loudly as she tried to stifle the moan of pain. She was never leaving that room again.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau stepped in after her and after she hurt herself again, he helped (and by helped, more like guided), her onto the bed and then sat down with her. “Would that be so bad?”

~ Capt Renault

Helena would have said more like made her sit.
She didn’t protest because now she was hurting rather than just aching. Helena shook her head at him. “No, that wouldn’t be so bad except you can’t stay with me the whole time.” She shifted until she was as comfortable as she could be. She laughed though, “Well you get your wish. I’m not going anywhere on those things. I’m a hobbling disaster with them.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“Hmmmm,” Marceau said. “Maybe I need a break from the stress.” He was still having stress symptoms, and what had been going on wasn’t going to help them.

~ Capt Renault

Helena laughed softly and shook her head, “Well caring for my stubborn grumpy self in my convalescence is not relaxing. Lucky for me your quarters aren’t ready yet. Though you would be more comfortable there.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau smiled. “Maybe, but you need to be comfortable.” He wouldn’t really take time off, that would mean telling someone how bad his stress was.

~ Capt Renault

Helena wouldn’t suggest it either. She knew Marceau, it would only make him stress more. “Well then no more captainy talk. You have a patient Dr. Renault who is in need of being seen after.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau smiled. “Then lay down and tell me where you keep the ice.” He said, standing up off the bed. His voice was in fact, his doctor voice, but his look was softer than it used to be as he looked at her.

~ Capt Renault

Who knew Helena could blush? She laid back, scooting gingerly against the wall, on her left side. “I don’t have any ice, but my first aid kit should have a cold pack. Bottom of the locker in my go bag.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau retrieved the cold pack, activated it, and moved back over to her. He wrapped it in a small hand towel and handed it to her. “Press it against your bare hip, where it hurts.”

~ Capt Renault

Her brows went up. “Well you could have told me I had to strip before I got comfortable.” Then she gave him a suspicious glare, “This is the only time you don’t have to win at poker, Renault.” Her eyes danced at him though.

She turned on her back and wiggled around. Too many camping trips where it was too cold and she had to change inside of a zipped up sleeping bag, made it easy. It took just a moment before she got her workout pants loosened enough to slip them off her hip. She rolled back to her side amd took the pack.

Her hip was starting to discolor. Marceau could tell it was a deep bruise because it took so long to show up and it covered mist of the area just below the joint. Slamming into it had probably been agony. She set the pack over her hip, adjusting it to where it didn’t poke the bruise but covered where it hurt most.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

That bruise didn’t look good. Marceau reached her and gently helped her place the ice pack. He pressed with gentle pressure. “It’s going to hurt a little more, and then feel better. Okay?”

~ Capt Renault

A slow breath entered her lungs and then just as slowly was released. “Yeah,” Helena said through a voice tight through the sting as he pressed it. Then she let out an easier breath and smiled at him, but it wasn’t playful or flirtatious or outrageous. “Isn’t that how everything is? Get’s worse before it’s better.” She rested her hand over his. “Besides,” and the flirtatious look was back, “You always make sure I get better.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau kept the same gentle, even pressure on it. He smiled at her. “Of course I do. Have to. I can’t fly without you.” After another several minutes he set the cold pack aside. “How is it feeling?”

~ Capt Renault

Helena coughed as shebtried not to giggle. “You have flown plenty without me. You can and do just fine without me. But gallantry will get you everywhere.” She winked at him.

She shifted slightly, “Numb, which feels a lot better than it did.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“I’m going to wait about twenty minutes and then put it back.” Marceau smiled at her again. “It’ll help keep it from swelling and keep it from hurting.” He looked at her hip and seemed concerned. “I wish I had noticed. I should have paid more attention.”

~ Capt Renault

“I didn’t notice, and it’s me. There was no mark when I showered yesterday. I was stiff and sore everywhere this morning. I didn’t realize it was worse until I started my stretches. You noticed before me.” It wasn’t like him to show concern when he was in doctor mode. That worried her. She gazed into his eyes, her hand holding his tightly. “Do you think it’s worse than Grey thought?”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

It was the stress, making a hole in his normal facades. He shook his head and set a hand gently along her arm. “Non, Helena, you are fine. I just worry.” He squeezed her hand and smiled. “It is a deep bruise but it is just a bruise.”

~ Capt Renault

“You’ve always worried.” Helena’s hand reached up, and her finger tips feathered across his cheek amdnthen just slightly into his hair as she studied his face. They had been friends, well really more than just friends, for a long time. They had shared a lot, but the small caress was intimate in a way they hadn’t shared before. “We’ve come a long way from two strangers sharing a trip on a tiny plane. You were the bravest person I’ve ever met.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau took it as an invitation and laid down next to her, cuddling into her. “I don’t think that’s true but it still makes me happy to hear it.” He laid his head on her shoulder, being careful to avoid hurting her. “I worry because I care.”

~ Capt Renault

Helena grinned, but it was sincere, “Of course it’s true. You were terrified to get on that plane, but you did. With a complete stranger in a tiny plane for a cross country flight. It took longer than a commercial flight because it was smaller. But you never complained once, were never rude, and you didn’t pass-out or get sick. I have always admired you for that.” She grinned playfully, “And you were cute too.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“I’m still surprised I didn’t get sick.” He squeezed her hand gently. “I was that scared.” Then he smiled. “Maybe that is why I trusted you. Because you were pretty. Or maybe I just have good instincts for people.”

~ Capt Renault

Helena swatted his arm. “I’m glad to know you thought I was pretty. I always wondered if you ever noticed that trip.” She ducked her head and kissed him. It was supposed to be just a quick peck, but it didn’t work out that way.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

The kiss was long and Marceau worked his way even closer to her. When it broke off, he smiled. “How could I not? I was just too shy to ask you.... to stay. I regretted that for a long time.”

~ Capt Renault

That was a revelation. One Helena had never considered Marceau feeling. He had been so in love with Lucy. “Mmmm… I don’t, well maybe a little. But we may not have stayed friends if it didn’twork out, and I would regret that more.” She shook her head ruefully. “I had hoped you hadn’t found a ride when I was done my post flight, but you were already gone.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“J’ai marché.” Marceau replied. “I walked.” He rested his head on her again. “I wish I waited for you. But I was afraid I had already asked too much.”

~ Capt Renault

“Silly man, I offered, you never asked. I guess I should have asked you to ride with me, but I was too shy, and I hoped it would take forever to find your lost bag. Then I was too late.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“Well, you aren’t now,” Marceau said softly, kissing her cheek. He grabbed the cold pack and set it back against her hip gently.

~ Capt Renault

“Hmmmm,” the ice felt good. She hadn’t realized the numbing had started to wear off until he set it back on her hip. This had been some mission. Thinking about it made her antsy. She almost shoved his hand off so she could get up and pace, but then she flopped back and laid her head on his shoulder instead.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau kept the ice pack down. “Feeling better, isn’t it?” He asked triumphantly. He gave her an odd look for several moments as he removed the cold pack again. “Helena.... Je t’amore.”

~ Capt Renault

She nodded, “Yes, but you know that.” She always loved that arrogant ‘I know I’m right’ look. It made her all warm and giddy inside.

Her face flushed and her gaze went soft. She was never going to not be moved by hearing him say that to her. Her arm slid over his side and around him. “I love you too, Ljón. I always have.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau rested his head on her and closed his eyes. He looked a little more relaxed than he had, and happy, as he lay quietly with her.

~ Capt Renault

As the cold settled deeper, Helena sighed silently and relaxed more. Soon she was curled, snuggled up against him, fast asleep.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau took the ice pack off, settled back in, and fell asleep next to her.

~ Capt Renault

It was a luxury to sleep extra. Sleep was the body’s natural healer though. It was a deep bruise but her body took advantage of the rest.

Helena woke with a groan and a muttered curse. Her hip had stiffened up and it ached deeply when she stretched her leg in her sleep.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau woke up when she groaned and stretched. “Helena…?” He asked sleepily. “Are you okay?”

~ Capt Renault

“Mmmhmmm,” she mumbled and then moved closer. She pressed her face into his chest and sighed. She curled up closer, huffed softly as she tried to get her leg comfortable again and then settled.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau smiled and took a deep breath. “Just relax, ‘elena. Did it stiffen up?”

~ Capt Renault

Again a sleepy, “Mmmhmmm.” She nuzzled closer, relaed against him, and then tried to stretch the leg again. He could tell that was a bad idea the way her whole body went stiff and she held her breath for a second longer.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

He reached down gently and pressed his fingers into the sore muscle - not where it was bruised, but close, and massaged it gently. “It’ll feel better soon.”

~ Capt Renault

“I know,” her voice was muffled in his shirt. Her shoulders raised like a shrug as she inhaled. She turned her head so she was pillowed on his shoulder and cuddled closer as she exhaled. “You’re warm. You’re making me sleepy.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau smiled. “Good. You need sleep and rest.” He said, continuing to massage the sore muscle. He kissed the nearest part of her head. “It’ll help.”

~ Capt Renault

“You help.” It shouldn’t feel different. Marceau had always taken care of her when she was sick or hurt. They’d spent 3 days in a nearly frozen crashed shuttle, curled up like this. This was different though. She had loved him for a long time, but knowing he felt the same made it different. “You always make me feel better.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Like usual, somehow when she thought of it, so did he. “Do you remember our hospital stay?” He asked softly. “You always make me feel better, too. Safe.”

~ Capt Renault

Helena finally opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Which one? 3rd year? Yeah I remember. I remember waking up and you weren’t there. I ripped the stitched they put in my leg…” She paused and set a hand over his, “This one. It’s always this one.” The scar was still noticeable to the touch after all these years.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau smiled. “I was too confused. Didn’t even know where I was to start with.” He rubbed his thumb along her hand. “I am still sorry I couldn’t do more. Even though I know there wasn’t anything else possible.”

~ Capt Renault

“You saved our lives. If I had been on my own, I would have bled out. I always felt bad about that crash. I know it wasn’t my fault, but I always felt like I had broken my promise.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“Non, ‘elena. If it wasn’t for you, we would have died, not just been knocked around.” He rubbed his thumb along the scar. “I was terrified. But I knew it would’ve been worse without you.”

~ Capt Renault

His hand sent sparks over her skin. She searched his eyes. “I was devastated when you weren’t there. I thought you had died, and it was my fault.” The possibility still brought tears to her eyes and a strain to her voice. “I never knew why you volunteered to be my passenger for the race.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

His eyes held adoration for her. “I kept asking for you…” He furrowed his brow. “It drove Lucy crazy.” He hugged her tightly. “I wanted to be there for you.”

~ Capt Renault

Helena folded into his arms. “Yvette and Emilio told me. They had you out for some tests. My mom was with you, they said. I made them swear it. Kenson had to help Emilio hold me in the bed. I’m pretty sure I did more damage to myself. I just didn’t care.” She couldn’t help the petty happiness it gave her that it drove Lucy crazy that Marceau was worried about her.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“She was,” Marceau said. “Wouldn’t leave my side.” He smiled a little bit. “She said I needed someone with me. That you had the squad.”

~ Capt Renault

“We both had the squad.” Helena corrected him. “You know any of them would have gone with you. They wouldn’t have left you alone.”

“My mom has always adored you. Dad and Edílon came too. Then she made you come home for the whole summer.”

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceaul laughed and nodded. “They said I had to. To have a safe place and familiar people around to recover from my head injury. That I shouldn’t be alone.”

~ Capt Renault

“And she was right,” Helena grinned, “That was a great summer. I hated when it ended.” She had hated going back and seeing Lucy waiting for him for their final year.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

“It was the best summer I had,” Marceau said. They’d done everything they could to make him comfortable and safe while he recovered, and then everything they could to make sure he had a good time all summer too.

~ Capt Renault

“We all loved having you there. Me most of all. Though Edílon would probably argue with me. He looked up to you, still does. You’re why he became a doctor.” Helena had been sure something would happen between them that summer, but it never had.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer

Marceau had wanted it to. But he was with Lucy, and as unhappy in that relationship as he was, he’d never, ever do that to someone. He smiled. “I’m happy for him. I hope he is as happy in that career as I have been.”

~ Capt Renault

“I think he is. He certainly likes telling everyone he’s a doctor just like you. I’m glad he decided not to join the Fleet though. I don’t think he would have been happy in space.” Helena had never pressed because if Marceau was happy she wasn’t going to ruin it. She always thought he could do better than Lucy, but he had always said he was happy. Even when she knew he wasn’t.

She posted, “You were awful to me that summer. You never let me forget my exercises or miss PT, even when I was exhausted and hurting.” He also never let her miss her medications or failed to get her heat packs or pillows to help her rest.

Lt. Laursen, Helm/Navigation Officer