Thread: Coming Home [Firm x SYD3RS]

Ashley watched him look around as she closed the door behind him. She had kept things as they were before during his absence in order to keep her memories intact. That, and so that he would have less to get used to upon coming home to her. Her hope was that it would be easier for him to get back into the swing of things if there was little to no change. It was why she had worked so hard to keep herself in the same shape as she was when he had last seen her, why she cut her hair to keep it the same length, why she did pretty much everything she had done while he was away in Iraq. It was all for Steven. Ashley practically lived for Steven. She smiled at his statement, his words making her feel like she was successful in her endeavor. That was the plan. She replied as she set the bag down, massaging her shoulder where the weight of it left a depression in the skin. She dropped her hands once the slight pain was gone, hooking her thumbs in the pockets of her jeans as she stood in the middle of the living room. In her head she had made plans about everything she was going to say or do once they got back home. Now that it had come to pass, she had no idea what to do with herself. Uh, no. Go ahead. I'll... Her voice trailed off as she looked around for something to occupy herself, otherwise she knew she would find herself watching him sleep. She was well aware that he hated to have her invade his personal space, but sometimes she could not help herself. She just wanted to be close to him. I'll put your things away. Or something. She added lamely, having no idea what the hell she was going to do. She'd find something. By that point he was already walking away, so she was basically talking to herself. Again. Great. Ashley ran her fingers through her hair, releasing the air she held in her inflated cheeks as she looked around. Maybe she could read a book... A loud thud triggered reflexes honed by almost a year of spending all day surrounded by five year old children. Ashley moved quickly, heading towards the source of the sound until she came upon Steven rolling across the floor. Her heart beat so hard she could almost swear it was visible through her rib cage, and adrenaline spiked so high in her system that her temples pounded. He looked like he was in pain, and she remembered him telling her about being shot in the shoulder. He had assured her that he was fine though. He sure as hell did not look fine at the moment! She looked up with wide eyes as he looked around, wondering what it was that he was seeing. Her gaze quickly snapped back to him at his command, but she did not make any other moves. Get down? For what? She grimaced when it seemed like just drawing a breath was killing him, her own lungs aching with phantom pains as she involuntarily imagined what he must be feeling. Oh dear God, what was happening? Alright! Ashley finally acquiesced when he shouted at her and gestured wildly. She bent her legs, falling into a crouch beside him. Frantic tears slid down her face as she stared at him, having no idea what in the world was going on or what she was supposed to do. She rose to her feet as he sat up, looking him over from where she stood as he stared blankly at his bag. Are you okay? What the fuck just happened? She asked when he turned his head and looked at her, closing the distance between them. Judging by the startled look on his face, he didn't seem to know any more than she did. A nap? She repeated, extending a hand towards him to help him up. God, he was heavier than she remembered. I think we should go to the hospital, Steven. Something is wrong with you. Despite her own opinions, she was not a doctor. He said he just needed to lie down, and he was probably right. So she helped him back towards the bedroom, holding onto him tightly until it was safe to let go.