Chapter 8

“Maxy I know you can't talk but please look at me at least?”

I let out a whine, shaking my head.

“Please?”

He was begging me and it hurt so much to say no.

Especially since I felt so broken and was needing any source of comfort.

I could hear it in his voice, he was wanting to offer it but he was hesitant, confused just as I was.

I slowly opened my eyes a tiny bit, looking at him through the cracks.

It was still too hard to see because of my tears.

He let out a snort at my rebelliousness.

“Come on Max.”

I let out another whine but slowly opened my eyes.

I gasped.

His hair looked longer and his face and those eyes, those dark brown eyes he still had that freckle by his neck and I-

Henry’s eyes had widened as he saw mine and I snapped them shut, tilting my head down.

I had scared him.

I still wanted to see him but I scared him.

But seeing him again brought a flood of memories of seeing him in bed, in the car, holding my hand, kissing me, walking with me, laughing with me.

So many years of being together.

It hurt knowing I had left him.

My head hurt.

“Maxy…” His voice was soft and just made my tears fall harder.

“Maxy baby?” He cooed and I broke down, letting out choked sobs.

He used to call me that whenever he wanted something from me or to tease me.

I was remembering so much today and my head hurt so badly and I was in so much pain but also so happy.

Henry pressed his forehead to mine.

“I missed you…” He said softly, not helping my crying.

I felt droplets on my arm and knew it was from him though.

Dear God I knew this man could get almost anything he wanted from me with that voice.

Sarah let out a gentle cough and I felt Henry move, most likely to look at her.

“I….really do hate to break up the reunion but…. He didn't have his medicine this morning because of the…..” She quieted.

I winced.

I was glad she trailed off but I was also worried what would happen if I skipped the medicine.

Henry didn't say anything and I slowly opened my eyes to take a peek.

He was looking at her, and it was hard to tell exactly what was on his face but I was sure it was a glare.

His hair was lighter than I remembered, possibly sun bleached?

Henry sat down beside me, gently pulling me into his lap, looking down at the chains on my hands in annoyance.

I still had my muzzle on but my hands were free, so I clasped them, for fear of touching Henry and infecting him with just a minor scrap.

I needed to remember to get them clipped.

“I do not plan to leave.” Henry said slowly, staring at Sarah.

She nodded.

“That's fine but… you might need to let him go while we give him his medicine.”

I wasn't looking at his face but I managed a glance, seeing him frown in confusion.

I knew why.

Up until now I had always reacted instinctively whenever I felt the needle and to be honest I wasn't sure if I wouldn't do it now.

“He gets a shot but his… instincts and sensitivity are high…. And reacts badly to the pain….”

After a moment Henry let out a low chuckle.

I could feel his body shake from it.

“He does hate shots.” Henry said and looked down at me.

I glanced away.

I could feel his hold tighten on me.

I wanted to go hide, maybe in the shower room.

“I’ll stay.” Henry said.

I shook my head.

I really didn't want him to see me act like that.

“You know Maxy just nodding yes or no isnt going to work, at least look at me when you do it.”

I blinked and hesitantly made eye contact, shaking my head no before looking away again.

Henry gave me a hug, letting out a breath.

“Ok….. i'll go back to our apartment and get you some of your things, would that make you happy?”

My things?

I was surprised he would still have them but I still had no idea how long I had been outside sick.

I slowly nodded.

“Eye contact Maxyyyyyy.”

I winced but nodded while looking at him.

Henry left the room and Sarah stared at me for a moment.

“So… do you remember me?”

I slowly nodded.

“Ok… I assume not a whole lot?”

I nodded.

“Kinda all over?”

I nodded again.

“Alright… i'll go call in the men and get you your medicine before Henry comes back. It's probably better for you to wear your mittens while he's here ok?”

She left and eventually returned with the men.

I had been staring at the clock watching the red light turn, and knew it had been awhile.

I supposed that they probably had other stuff they needed to do throughout the day and it was past the time when they took care of me.

I was remittened and tried my best to sit still.

The pain still made me flinch, letting out a growl but I didn't scoot away from Sarah at least.

Progress.

I had made a lot today….a serious amount and I was exhausted.

I just wanted to sleep honestly.

Sarah hesitantly paused by my side.

“Would you like… to try and shower by yourself tomorrow?”

I froze.

And then slowly nodded.

Even though I wasn't fully sure if I could actually handle it I REALLY did not think it would just be ok to be taking showers with men when I was actually conscious again.

Especially since Henry would most likely be here.

I was suddenly grateful that I had started being made to take care of myself.

It would be super weird to have your boyfriend watch as your chained down to be fed or have your teeth brushed.

Holy fuck my boyfriend…….

I didn't even know if I could call him that anymore…

He could have moved on or anything……

9+ months is a long time even though I still had issues with numbers.

“Ok.” Sarah nodded.

“We will remove your mask and unchain your hands during… but you will have to stay completely still and cooperate as we redo them ok?”

I nodded.

I didn't like it but I understood it was necessary.

Both since I had no clue if I would start acting like a….zombie again and cause it probably made my current caretakers feel a bit better.

“We will also get your nails clipped.” She muttered, looking down at my hands.

I nodded eagerly.

“I'll also have to probably take a blood sample tomorrow...think you can handle that?” She said with a grin.

I winced but slowly nodded.

Ok Henry was right…. I despised needles.

This meant 2 needles tomorrow and I really wasn't looking forward to it.

I heard the cell door open again and turned to see Henry had returned.

He was carrying a few bags and I noticed his eyes were red.

Had he taken some time to cry alone?

I think…. Although I couldn't remember very well… he really didn't like crying in front of people.

He barely ever cried in front of me.

It made me feel awful knowing I had been the main reason why he cried today.

He glanced down at my mitted hands, frowning.

He looked at Sarah with a raised eyebrow.

“You know he hates orange right?”

I blinked, looking down at my hands.

….That could be a reason why I never liked them.

Other than limiting my ability to do things.

I just realized that now I had the mittens on playing with the rubix cube would be impossible.

Or maybe a new challenge.

I definitely needed one.

I was glancing occasionally at Henry, wanting to soak in his presence but also not scare him.

I also wanted to know what he had brought since there wasn't much I could remember of what I owned before.

Before I could look away he caught my eye and gave me a hesitant smile.

Ok, so we both were feeling weird.

I dropped my gaze, looking down at the rubix cube that had fallen before and put it back on the table.

Yeah no… it probably wouldn't be that fun to mess with it with the mittens on sadly.

Henry started to pull out items and place it on the table.

A sketchbook and pencil… some books…. ALOT of books…. A few stacks worth and if I knew how to count I would do so.

I could see another rubix cube in the bag….some puzzle? Boxes…..a lot of other knick knacks as well.

Puzzles….Puzzles might be fun.

I knew reading would be a no go but I wasn't going to rain on Henry's parade especially when he brought them for me.

“Henry...I know you are probably eager to catch up and spend time with him but… it's been a pretty stressful day so he will probably need more sleep..he's still recovering and will be for a lot longer.” Sarah said hesitantly.

Henry blinked but nodded slowly, looking over at me.

I thanked God above that I at least knew how to feed myself and do the basics of hygiene now.

It would suck so badly to have to let others do them for me in front of Henry.

I could deal with not knowing how to read.

Yup, fine for now.