Just for Kicks (closed for cynstv)

[cynstv]

Hearing Tori ask him to stay, Steve stayed put. He wasn't sure how the doctor was going to take it, so he stayed quiet, formulating what he would say if he was asked about his relationship to Tori.

Steve watched as the doctor examined Tori's foot, and ended up going with her to have X-rays done. He was not allowed in the back, so instead, he stood nervously at the door. He saw Tori tighten up and loom scared, so he involuntarily heldd we hand before realizing what he had done and went to let go.

"What the hell is wrong with me," he thought, "I don't even know this girl and I am acting like a mother hen". Steve was normally not this way, and he couldn't understand what was going on, but things were moving too fast in the hospital for his thoughts to longer in it.

Upon hearing the doctor announce a sprain, and not a break had occurred, Steve was relieved. The doctor informed them, apparently assuming they were a couple, that Tori should stay off her foot for a couple of days, and that someone should be available to help her with basic tasks.

Looking at Tori, Steve offered to drive her home. He would be more than happy to help her out, but that put them both in a rather awkward situation.

"What's the plan?" Steve asked.

 

[Angeleyz]

Tori wasn't sure if she actually started to relax or if her muscles just got overtired, but she eventually stopped shaking, although every little movement on the periphery of her vision had her tensing. Throughout the examination by the doctor and the x-rays, Steve stayed by her side, or at least as close as he was allowed.

When he reached out and held her hand, Tori was content to hold it, even tightening her fingers ever so slightly when he went to let go. She was holding it when the doctor informed her it was only a sprain, and when he went on to explain that they should keep her off her foot, she finally realized that all her clinging must have given the doctor the wrong impression. Oh dear... Thinking that Steve must be terribly embarrassed at going from savior to boyfriend, she dropped his hand like it was on fire.

Steve showed no signs of finding her behavior odd, as he calmly offered to drive her home. Thinking of all the stairs she'd had to navigate up to her garden style apartment, Tori grimaced, knowing she'd never be able to get up there under her own steam unless she went backwards up the stairs on her butt. She didn't want to have to keep asking him for help, especially as they had just met.

What's the plan?

Pulling on her bottom lip, Tori tried to figure out who she might be able to call, but kept coming up empty. "I... don't.... know..."

 

[cynstv]

Steve felt Tori grip his hand, accepting that she was ok with it. He didn't want Tori to think he was making any assumptions, so he held her hand, comforting her. When she dropped his hand, his body shuddered just a bit, he felt like the lights had just browned out for a moment, only then did he realize how good it had felt having her hand in his. Figuring her mind was whirling, he took it in stride.

I... don't.... know...

Hearing Tori say it, combined with the uncertainty in her voice, Steve said emphatically, "In that case, I will be taking you home. When we get you situated, we will figure it out from there. Sound good?"

Realizing he had no idea where Tori lived, Steve said, "Ummm... where exactly are we headed?" Then, turning to the doctor, asked, "Will there be any prescriptions we need to pick up?"

Waiting for the paperwork to be completed, Steve waited patiently as Tori signed off on the various forms.

 

[Angeleyz]

In that case, I will be taking you home. When we get you situated, we will figure it out from there. Sound good?

Tori felt awful for continuing to take advantage of Steve's generosity, but not enough that she made any protest when he indicated that he'd take her home. Telling herself that she'd release him from babysitting duty once she got safely ensconced in her apartment, she nodded her head.

Ummm... where exactly are we headed?

Shaking her head for assuming that he knew where she lived, Tori answered, a little blush tinging her cheeks, "I'm sorry... I, um, in the apartments at Union and Westminster... The ones across from the multiplex..." Feeling like she needed to warn him, she added, "Unfortunately, I'm on the 4th floor, and there's no elevator."

Once again, Steve seemed to take everything in stride, as he simply smiled that easy grin of his and then asked if there were any prescriptions they would need to pick up. The doctor indicated that he was writing three scripts for her - one for pain, one for the swelling and an optional one for something to help relax her if she felt she needed it.

Signing all of the required forms, Tori peeked over at Steve occasionally, wondering if he was regretting his Good Samaritan offer, when it took longer than she expected. "I hope I'm not totally ruining your plans for tonight," she said, finally realizing that just because she was planning a quiet night home didn't mean that the big guy had nowhere to go.

 

[cynstv]

"The fourth floor, you say? Well, I guess maybe I didn't have enough of a workout after all, a few flights won't kill me," Steve said, wondering how Tori would have made it upstairs on her own.

Steve took the liberty of asking the doctor to call the scripts into the Walgreens Drug Store he knew to be in the area, knowing they had a drive thru pick up window.

Hearing Tori say she thought she was ruining his plans, Steve chuckled to himself. "Tori, my plans were to run forms, I gave that up early... you are my plan now. Besides, what better opportunity to get to know a new friend," Steve said this with a smile.

The nurse told us that hospital policy stated that Tori had to be wheeled out, so Steve instantly had a dilemma. Both vehicles were at the gym. Knowing they still had a good bit of time before they would be cleared to leave, Steve excused himself briefly, stood in the corner of the room, and called Master Jamison. He quickly laid out the events, and asked if he would mind dropping his car off at the ER entrance. Master Jamison said he wouldn't mind at all, and tried asking questions, to which Steve informed him he would fill him in later. The call was ended with Master Jamison saying he would have a friend follow him so he had a ride back. By the time Tori was all checked out, Master Jamison was pulling up in the car... perfect timing.

Helping Tori into the car, Steve then went around, got in, and drove to the pharmacy. Steve drove carefully, not wanting to force Tori to move her ankle any more than needed. Steve attempted to make small talk with Tori as he drove, trying to get to know her a bit, but more to make her comfortable with him being there, after all, he was still a stranger.

After finishing up at the pharmacy, Steve made his way to the apartments. Pulling up to the entrance, Steve looked up the stairway, then at Tori, pondering how this was going to go.

"Any suggestions on how to do this, or shall I improvise and just go with it?" Steve asked, fearing Tori would be horribly embarrassed being carried upstairs, but he had to get her up there somehow.

 

[Angeleyz]

Tori wondered for the millionth time if she should just ask Steve to drop her off, and even that seemed to be a huge imposition on someone she had just met. Dark eyes took his measure as he spoke to the doctor about Walgreens. He certainly had come forward when she was under attack with no apparent thought to his own safety, and he really didn't have to come to the emergency room with her but she was grateful that he did.

Tori, my plans were to run forms, I gave that up early... you are my plan now. Besides, what better opportunity to get to know a new friend.

Tori returned his smile, although it faded slightly when the nurse informed them that she'd have to use a wheelchair as part of the discharge process. She understood it was policy, but it just further underlined her feeling of helplessness which seemed to be weighing her down at the moment. When Steve stepped away to place a phone call, she had to force herself to listen more closely to the nurse as she continued with the discharge instructions as opposed to wondering what he was up to.

It wasn't until she was being wheeled out the door that Tori even remembered that neither of them had a vehicle nearby. Thankfully Steve wasn't operating under the same fuzzy thought process as was evidenced when Master Jamison pulled up. She wasn't sure what Steve had told him, but other than throwing the keys to Steve and admonishing her to take it easy, Master Jamison said nothing else.

After he so solicitously settled her into the passenger seat, Steve drove off, keeping up a steady chatter which left her feeling like they had known each other forever. Before she knew it, her drugs were picked up and they were idling in front of the stairway of the apartment complex.

Any suggestions on how to do this, or shall I improvise and just go with it?

Laughing softly, Tori answered, "Sorry... I'm not usually this spacey... Let me off here and park in spot 408 under the car park. I should be able to hobble up the stairs if you give me a hand." At least she seriously hoped so... The idea of any other way was just too embarrassing to consider.

 

[cynstv]

Steve hopped out of the car, came around the front, and helped Tori out. He delicately helped her to the stairs. Deciding that he didn't really want her sitting alone while he parked the car, he said, "Tell you what, I will help you up now, then park." After what she had just gone through, leaving her feeling vulnerable at the bottom of the stairs wasn't about to happen.

Carefully, he held is arm out, allowing her to lean against him, and slowly he began the trek up the stairs. Tori had to lean against him, then do a sort of hop to the next step, with Steve lifting her as she went up each step.

After several steps, Tori was getting winded. The effort was too much going up the stairs in her condition. They hadn't even gone one floor, and she lived on the 4th.

"Tori," Steve said, "you're never going to make it at this rate." Without even thinking about it, Steve
gingerly placed his arm behind her knees, and his other around her shoulder, and lifted her. He felt Tori tense up, and stated "Don't worry, I won't drop you, I promise."

Carefully and slowly, Steve made the journey up the stairway, Tori's weight barely registering.

 

[Angeleyz]

Tori was rapidly running out of steam, and all she wanted to do was crash, so she didn't protest when Steve said he'd help her upstairs before parking the car. Besides, she wasn't all that keen on waiting by herself while he parked anyway.

Going up the stairs was a lot more work than she had thought it would be, and her good leg was definitely not appreciating the extra work it was having to do... Especially after a grueling class earlier. Just as she was thinking perhaps she should try going up on her butt, Steve called her out on her progress and picked her up

Don't worry, I won't drop you, I promise.

Tori wrapped her arms loosely around Steve's neck, trying not to squirm but still concerned about him carrying her up so many steps. After two flights, she finally relaxed enough to the point where she wasn't convinced he wasn't going to drop her.

 

[cynstv]

About half way up the stairs, Steve felt Tori relax. Her arm was around his neck, and he couldn't help but notice the closeness. Tori smelled amazing, but, Steve was determined to stay focused on getting her up the stairs in one piece.

Finally making it to the top, Steve asked, "Number 408, right?" and followed her directions to get her to the door. Steve was very careful in how he held and carried Tori, so as not to hurt her more than she already was.

Arriving at her door, Steve tenderly set her down, being careful to allow her time to get her good foot down.

"Sorry about scooping you up and carrying you, I should have asked first... you just seemed so worn out," Steve said.

Steve allowed Tori to lean against him while she fished around for the key, waiting patiently to help her in.

 

[Angeleyz]

Before she knew it, they had reached the top of the stairs, and with a couple more long strides, Steve had her to her door. Knowing she wasn't a feather, Tori was impressed by the ease with which he had carried her. Heck, he didn't even seem winded, something many of her visitors couldn't claim when coming up the stairs on a normal day, let alone carrying someone else.

Sorry about scooping you up and carrying you, I should have asked first... you just seemed so worn out.

Tori smiled faintly, knowing she would have refused his offer even though she clearly was running out of steam. At this point, all she wanted to do was get off her feet, take her meds and hope they worked as fast as the doctor had assured her they would. She leaned against him without thinking as she groped around her purse for her keys, smiling triumphantly when she finally located them at the very bottom. One of these days she really was going to have to clean the darn thing out...

Unlocking the door, Tori tried to remember the condition of her apartment and then mentally shrugged, knowing that it didn't really matter as there was little chance she could make it inside without crawling. Looking up at Steve, she said, "Hope you don't mind one last human crutch act..."

 

[cynstv]

"Hope you don't mind one last human crutch act..."

"Certainly not.... what kind of knight in shining armor would I be if I were to race off into the moonlight before you are properly situated? Besides, You are likely to need help with a few things for the next few days. I don't live far, so don't hesitate to give me a call if you need anything."

Steve watched as Tori fished for her keys, then opened the door. Helping her across the threshold, he asked with an exaggerated display of what he thought a knight would have acted like, "And where shall I deliver you first, milady?"

Glances casually around the apartment, Steve took in his surroundings. Mentally, he automatically had made notes about the safety and security of the apartment, the complex, and the area. While standing, still supporting Tori, Steve turned his head, assessing the locks she had on the door. With what Tori had gone through, he wanted to be sure that she would feel as safe as possible this evening.

"Are you going to be ok alone? Would you like to call anyone to stay with you?"

 

[Angeleyz]

Are you going to be ok alone? Would you like to call anyone to stay with you?

As if on cue, the phone rang, and as was her normal practice when she was going to be out, the answering machine clicked on after the first ring. Gesturing to the blue leather couch that was almost immediately in front of them in answer to Steve's last question, Tori wasn't left wondering for long who could be calling when the deep voice of her ex filled the room.

"Hey, Tori... wanted to know if you want some company tonight," he crooned, obviously well into his drinking for the evening. He paused, clearly waiting to see if she'd pick up the phone, and then continued, "Come on, baby doll... Let me come over... I'll show you how much I've missed you..."

Face flaming, Tori looked at the answering machine in shock. After all these months, why in the world would Ryan pick now to call?! Praying he wouldn't say anything too outlandish when she couldn't cut him off, she breathed a small sigh of relief when he just added "Call me, baby doll... You know you want to..." before hanging up.

Looking up at Steve, she smiled weakly and asked, "Drunk calling should be a capital offense, don't you think?" Forgetting her injury in her embarrassment, Tori started to take a step forward and would have fallen on her face if Steve hadn't caught her.

 

[cynstv]

Steve stood, and tried to look casually disinterested in the phone message. He saw the color of Tori's face change, and assumed it to be from the embarrassment of having heard a private message. By the end of the message, however, he thought he had it figured out... the good ole ex calling.

"No worries, everyone knows someone stupid..." Steve commented, then suddenly found himself holding Tori as she fell into him. His immediate reaction was one of shock, then quickly turned to worry.

"Did you hurt the foot? Are you OK?" Steve asked, tenderly holding her in position, afraid to move her in case something hurt.

Helping Tori stand again, after ascertaining that she was ok, Steve supported her weight and asked, "So, what's the plan for the night?" After saying it, he realized how it sounded, and his mind went into panic mode.

"I mean, umm, well, do we need to call someone? Can I help you get situated, what's the plan?" He realized that it was now his turn to turn red, as he was sure it sounded like he was making a move on her, when, in reality, he was worried.

"Is the phone guy going to be stopping by?"

 

[Angeleyz]

Did you hurt the foot? Are you OK?

Tori felt like a complete idiot for trying to walk like that. Steve was either going to think she was a complete klutz or that she was throwing herself at him on purpose.

"Yes, I'm okay... Sorry about that," she managed to mumble, wishing she could sink through the floor.

So, what's the plan for the night? I mean, umm, well, do we need to call someone? Can I help you get situated, what's the plan? Is the phone guy going to be stopping by?

Tori's lips twitched at the rush of questions spouting out from the big guy, but more from the fact that she couldn't seem to keep up with the flood. She was tired. She hurt. Her plan was to take her drugs and not hurt anymore.

"Can you help me to the couch please?" she asked knowing if she didn't sit down soon she was going to embarrass herself again. "Then I need to take my drugs. After that, I have no clue..."

"As to Ryan... I don't think he'd come over, but I guess he could... depends on how drunk he gets. Or how horny...

 

[cynstv]

Steve carefully helped Tori to the couch, bending over to support her as she sat.

"Meds..." Steve said, half to himself as he retrieved the pharmacy bag and brought it to her.

Handing Tori the bag, Steve asked, "Shall I get you a glass of water to take those with?"

Following her directions as to where to find a glass, Steve mad a glass of water for Tori. Handing it to her, he said, "So this Ryan fellow... ex-boyfriend? Does he have a key? In your state, you don't really want to have to fend anyone else off tonight, and I don't see you managing to lock the safety chain either."

"And by the way, he sounded a bit of both, drunk and horny... not always a good combination," Steve laughed.

He looked down at Tori, even as shaken as she was, finally settling down, he noticed that she had a lot going for her. She was beautiful, it was no wonder this Ryan fellow was thinking of her in his drunken state.... it also made him worry a bit that he would go ahead and make his way over.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Steve sat at the edge of the couch, not wanting to make himself invited, but not wanting to seem in a rush to leave either.

"What else can I do for you, Tori?"

 

[Angeleyz]

Tori had to fight back the groan that nearly escaped her lips when she was finally able to sit down. Oh thank goodness... She directed Steve to the cabinet with the glasses while she dug into the bag and pulled out the bottles. Opening each one, she palmed a dosage and waited while he filled the glass with some tap water from the sink. "Thank you," she murmured as he handed the glass to her and quickly took the medication.

So this Ryan fellow... ex-boyfriend? Does he have a key? In your state, you don't really want to have to fend anyone else off tonight, and I don't see you managing to lock the safety chain either.

Tori was getting ready to answer when Steve added, "And by the way, he sounded a bit of both, drunk and horny... not always a good combination." Steve laughed, and she wished she had the energy to laugh with him. Yeah, Ryan had definitely sounded both, and apparently wasn't finding anyone to his liking if he was calling her after all this time.

She searched her memory, trying to recall whether or not Ryan had given her the key back when she had broken it off with him. The whole breakup had been fairly amicable, although he hadn't understood her reluctance to continue with being "friends with benefits," but she couldn't picture getting the key back. Unfortunately she could picture him coming over as he had awakened her from a sound sleep on many occasions when the mood struck him.

What else can I do for you, Tori?

Biting on a fingernail, Tori debated asking Steve for another favor and then realized his car was still sitting out in front of the apartment with its hazards on. "You had better move your car before they tow you," she said reluctantly. She paused for a moment before she added, "But you're more than welcome to stay and watch a movie or something with me... if you'd like." She really didn't want him to leave, his very presence a source of comfort at the moment.

 

[cynstv]

"Crap! I totally forgot the car!" Steve exclaimed. "I will go move it, and be right back! And, yes, I would love to stay for a movie," Steve said.

Steve made his way to the door, glancing back at Tori, then made sure the door was unlocked, so he could get back in. Steve raced down the stairs, all 4 flights of them. He made it to his car, thankful that no one had given him any lovely paperwork to remember this night by, and jumped in it. He moved the car to Tori's parking space. Getting out of the car, Steve glanced around to make sure Tori had not forgotten anything, locked the car, and walked back up the stairs. Steve walked at a leisurely pace, to allow his heartrate to come down from the race downstairs.

Arriving back at her door, Steve knocked lightly, and opened the door, knowing she couldn't answer it. Poking his head in, he said, "I'm back... may I come in?" and waited for Tori's response.

 

[Angeleyz]

Crap! I totally forgot the car! I will go move it and be right back! And, yes, I would love to stay for a movie.

Tori wasn't aware of how much she had worried about Steve's response until she felt her muscles suddenly relax at his words. Thank heavens he was going to stay! She watched as he left, smiling a little as he looked back at her like a dad dropping his kid off at day care for the first time.

Of course it was all well and good to smile at the concerned look on his face when he was there, but as soon as he was gone, Tori started tensing up again. She kept hearing noises outside... The scuffling sound of feet walking by.... Would swear she saw the door knob twist and turn, and all she could do was sit, watch and worry.

Just as she was getting ready to push herself up from the couch to lock the door, Tori heard a light tapping and watched breathlessly as the door opened and Steve stuck his head inside.

I'm back... may I come in?

Not trusting her voice to be steady, Tori nodded, while she waited for her heart rate to calm down. She was thankful that he locked the door and threw the deadbolt without her having to ask. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Car okay?" while motioning for him to join her on the couch.

 

[cynstv]

Upon entering the apartment, Steve caught something in Tori's voice. He couldn't call it a quiver, but there was something there...

Sitting on the couch, next to Tori... close, but not too close, Steve replied,

"Yeah, car was fine. I parked it in your spot.... You ok? You sound, well, not sure what you sound... just you sound different," Steve asked.

After saying it, Steve instantly thought that maybe Tori was nervous, or scared of him.

"Tori... if I am making you nervous, or if you would rather be alone, I totally understand... I mean, I would love to watch a movie with you, but if you would rather be alone right now..." Steve let his voice trail off, hoping Tori didn't think he didn't want to stay, because he certainly wanted to.

 

[Angeleyz]

Yeah, car was fine. I parked it in your spot.... You ok? You sound, well, not sure what you sound... just you sound different.

Tori hesitated a moment, not wanting to admit to another apparent 'weakness' to Steve. Normally a self sufficient person, she hated the fact that she kept looking like a complete wuss in front of him, but apparently he had picked up on something in her voice.

Tori... if I am making you nervous, or if you would rather be alone, I totally understand... I mean, I would love to watch a movie with you, but if you would rather be alone right now...

Hugging herself to keep from grabbing his knee and pleading with him not to leave her alone, Tori forced herself to say, "No! Sorry... I'm... still just a little... jumpy from earlier... I guess." She made a face before continuing, "You left and suddenly I was hearing all sorts of things outside the door... It made me nervous."

Turning towards him, unable to hide the worry in her eyes that he'd leave, she asked, "Please stay... for one movie? If we stay away from scary movies, I'll be okay after one movie... I'm sure..."

 

[cynstv]

No! Sorry... I'm... still just a little... jumpy from earlier... I guess.

"No worries.. you're entitled to be a bit jumpy. I'm still a bit wired myself... just concerned is all," Steve said.

Please stay... for one movie? If we stay away from scary movies, I'll be okay after one movie... I'm sure...

Seeing the look on Tori's face, Steve could see she was scared to death. The look on her face, etched with fear, was one of desperation.

"Tori, I'm not going anywhere. I will stay as long as you like," Steve said as he sat next to Tori, looking her directly in the eyes, "Even more than one movie!" He added, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

"So, no scary movies, so it is entirely up to you. Name your movie, your wish is my command," he said.

 

[Angeleyz]

Tori, I'm not going anywhere. I will stay as long as you like. Even more than one movie!

Tori relaxed fractionally when Steve offered to stay as long as she wanted. He didn't seem put out in the least that she wanted, no needed him to stay a little longer. What a sweetie...

So, no scary movies, so it is entirely up to you. Name your movie, your wish is my command.

A small giggle escaped her lips as his words instantly brought a movie to mind. She debated on whether or not to actually tell him, but in the end decided that if it sent him screaming, that it would at least be something she might be able to distract herself with.

"How about Princess Bride?" she asked, half expecting him to laugh.

 

[cynstv]

"How about Princess Bride?"

"As you wish," Steve said with a smile, "a fine choice, if I do say so myself. You have not, by the way, have happened to run across a six fingered man of late have you?"

Steve laughed, feeling good to see Tori smile. Hearing her giggle, made him relax a bit, knowing she was decompressing a bit.

"That smile looks good on you," Steve said, getting up and moving toward her DVD shelf. "Any idea where the movie is?"

Steve was looking forward to hanging out and watching a movie with Tori. He barely knew her, but well, new friends are a good thing, he figured. He allowed a smile to cross his lips as he got the movie situated, turning to make his way back to the couch.

 

[Angeleyz]

As you wish, a fine choice, if I do say so myself. You have not, by the way, have happened to run across a six fingered man of late have you?

Tori's smile broadened in delight when she heard Steve's references to the movie, which was normally a guilty pleasure she kept hidden from all but her closest friends.

That smile looks good on you.

Rolling her eyes at his playful banter, she explained that her movies were in alphabetical order by category, a hold over from her days of working in the school library and mentally gave Steve a point for not rolling his eyes at her organizational technique.

Steve quickly got the movie queued up and was heading back to the couch before she even had a chance to pull out the lightweight blanket that she kept stored in the basket next to the couch.

As he settled his large frame nearby on the couch, she fluffed out the blanket and covered the two of them without thinking. It wasn't until she was pulling the blanket up under her chin so that she could cuddle under its softness that she realized what she did.

"Oh! Sorry... Habit..." she said, feeling like an idiot, "Um... You can just throw it off if you don't want any... Blanket that is."

 

[cynstv]

"Um... You can just throw it off if you don't want any... Blanket that is."

"No worries, Tori, I'm fine, if you are," Steve said.

Steve felt Tori lean into him, and allowed his arm to raise up, and rest on the back of the couch. He was careful not to actually put it around her. Slowly, he relaxed and enjoyed the movie. He enjoyed laughing at all of the same parts as Tori.

"I have always loved this movie, no one ever understands why... inconceivable!"