BR: Hoodie's Return (#10)

Rose Rebuilds Her Sanity

EJ held her, and Rose tried to stop crying. "Why does everyone think I'm so ready for all this?" EJ shook his head. She tried to move, but her side made her twitch. "EJ. Today, I told everyone to take care of everyone else. I could have gotten seriously hurt. But knew that, and I helped everyone else." EJ nodded. "Becuase you are heartless like that. Thank you." He held her close, and kissed her. She blushed. "EJ. Why do I miss my old friend, Laura?" EJ growled, clearly annoyed. "She attacked you!" Rose pulled away from him, tears in her eyes.
"That wasn't her! She helped me kill Offendy. He won't be here for another month. We made sure of that. Laura was fighting, too. I think she was his next target." EJ looked down. "I'm sorry. Come here." Rose couldn't move. She winced. "EJ... My side. It hurts so much..." EJ nodded, and walked out. Later, Masky came in. He checked her side. "You're fine. But you need to stay in here. I don't care what happens. Your side won't take any more pressure." She nodded, and growled, "Fine." EJ nodded, and Masky went out. "EJ, help me walk. I want to get better."
EJ shook his head. "No." She wouldn't take no for an answer. "Come on! Please!" He sighed. "Fine! Fine! Just quit it!" She smiled. "Thanks!" He grabbed her hips, and she stood up. Her side was hurting, but she could take it. She took a step, and even with her good side, her body rocked to the side. EJ helped her stay up. "You can do it, Rose." She nodded, and took a deep breath. She stepped, and her bad side hurt like insanity. It felt like the first time Offendy hurt her. It was that bad. She winced, but said nothing. A tear fell down her cheek.
EJ wiped it away. "Good?" She nodded. "Great." She took another step, but when she was about to give up, she remembered Laura's words. "Don't dissapoint me." She had said. Rose moved her foot, and it hurt less, but still really bad. EJ nodded. "Enough. You've gone far enough." They were on the other side of the room, and Rose was now almost crying. She nodded. EJ picked her up, and put her on the bed. She put her head in the pillow. She wouldn't cry, but she sat up.
EJ sat next to her. She threw herself onto him. He caught her, and she hugged him. "EJ, I make myself feel pain. I push myself this far. I still don't feel good, though. I want myself to hurt. Why?" EJ took her face in his hand. "You don't feel like you can protect us. Not alone. You want to be stronger, yet you can't take it all. Am I right?" Rose held her breath. "EJ... You..." He nodded. "I know. I was the same way. But even with another person, you can't do this all."