make sure you're drinking lots of water & getting enough rest! 

taking care of yourself is important <3

//

058. CASTLE // SLEEPING BEAUTY 

"Mission report, Zero-Zero-One."

"Mission completed."

"Witnesses?"

001 looked over with a blank stare and replied, "None."

"Good." Handler scribbled something down onto their clipboard. "Any external casualties?"

"One."

"Any issues to report?"

001 shook his head. "None."

Handler turned their attention to the screen. "Excellent. Another successful mission, Agent. V will be proud of you for helping us save the world once again." Stepping forward, Handler picked up a syringe. "Now, close your eyes, and this will be over within seconds, Zero-Zero-One...."

001...

001...

001...

"Shit, come on, Harry, wake up! Harry? Harry?"

"Harry?" The voice calling out his name this time was far softer and angelic.

He turned his head. Everything remained dark. He couldn't see her face, but he knew that voice.

"Mom?" His voice cracked, uttering the word - sensing her warmth and the hint of vanilla overwhelming his senses always served as a painful reminder that she was gone.

The touch of her hand went to his forehead, brushing away the hair from his face. "It's okay, my little love," she whispered. "You're okay."

"I don't feel okay."

"You are," she affirmed, "You know that you are... don't doubt your strength. You must be strong, just like you told Rory to be."

"Is she okay?"

"She'll be better when you go back." Her touch remained on his cheek, allowing him to feel her warmth. "Do you remember what I always told you?" When he failed to respond, she said, "You, my little superhero, are going to save the world someday. But you can't do that if you don't go back... okay?"

Harry nodded. "Okay. I'll go back."

"Turn that fucking music off!"

"I'm trying! I can't find where it's coming from! Wait, hold on. Let me try this."

A gun fired. Once. Twice. Three times. The sounds of empty case shells fell to the ground, metal clinking against the wooden floors.

"Are you fucking stupid? She's already freaked out enough. Now she's going to think we shot him!"

"Well, the music stopped. Pick your battles here, Colty."

"Yeah, well, when we get outside, and she starts crying again, you're going to be at fault. I hope Rory punches you in the-"

"Rory," Harry mumbled.

"Shit." Dallas kneeled by his friend's side. "Harry? Are you in there?"

With his eyes slowly opening, the sight in front of him was blurred. "Rory," he repeated, "Need... Rory." His vision didn't last long before the weight became too much for him to stand, and his eyes rolled back.

001...

001...

001...

"I'm giving you one final chance, Zero-Zero-One." Handler stood in front of the Agent, arms crossed over their chest. "Who did you see tonight?"

The muscles in his neck pinched, forcing a twitch he could not control. "N-no additional civilians to report," he gritted out.

001...

001...

001...

"Harry, come on," the sound of Colson's voice floated through his mind. "You gotta stay with us, Harry...."

Harry felt his body lift off the ground. Each arm was moved to hang around his friends' neck. Friends. His head eyes to the side, focusing on the silhouette that supported his body on one side. His friend. Dallas and Colson. Harry's friends.

001...

001...

001...

Handler let out a disappointed sigh. "Commence protocol."

001's teeth ground against the mouth guard, and his arms pulled against the restraints. 001 knew this part was necessary - but a part of him still feared it. The chair his body was strapped to began to recline. His muscles tensed, knowing the agonizing pain that would follow any second.

001 knew it was necessary.

001 knew it was protocol.

001 knew it had to be done.

"Harry?" Rory's voice cried. "Oh my god, Harry!"

Lifting his head, he followed the sound of the voice. She sounded hurt and in pain. He hated hearing that; the strain in her voice, the way it cracked when she tried holding back tears.

"Let me go!" she sobbed, "Please, let me go!"

Harry's lips parted, wanting to shout her name and let her know it would be okay. His entire body felt uneasy. His feet dragged against the cobbled path. Grunts were evident from the two bodies carrying him due to the sudden extra weight.

Rory, he wanted to say. I need her. I need Rory.

Before he could even attempt a word, everything when dark.

XX

Sitting on the bench with knees tucked into her chest, she watched the wind create ripples in the pool. She had been here for hours. The pool had been cleaned at least ten times since she sat down. Whenever a single leaf or blade of grass drifted onto the water, a staff member immediately scurried across the grass to attend to it.

Eight hours passed since Harry's lifeless body was carried out of the house. 

Eight hours.

And she hasn't been allowed to see him since.

Eight hours ago, she felt her heart shatter into a million pieces.

Eight hours. 

Eight hours was when the panic state first took over her body. It appeared right after they were dismissed, but Harry was instructed to stay behind. She should have known not to listen to him. Usually, she was quite good at that.

But this wasn't her territory - Rory had never played this game before. And not playing the game left her fighting every urge that screamed at her to defy his request, and instead, she agreed to go.

The second she stepped outside, Rory regretted her decision. She tried to listen to the others telling her to calm down and that everything would be okay. Desperately she wanted to believe them. But every minute that passed made it harder to do such a thing.

And then, the music started.

Rory didn't think much of it at first. An odd choice - that was a given. She wouldn't have picked old records as Handler's exit music.

When Stefano's grip tightened around her arm, she knew something was terribly wrong. "Go," he ordered Dallas and Colson. "Now."

"What's going on?"

Stefano ignored her question and said, "Get Miss Young in the car."

"N-no! I'm not leaving until Harry gets out!" Her eyes glossed over as her bottom lip trembled with fear. "Please," she begged the man with a broken whisper, "If you won't tell me what's going on, at least let me wait for him."

The man stared at the girl with a pinch between his brows. Usually, he wouldn't give in so quickly - let alone at all. Rory didn't know it, but she was special and could easily crack the emotionless man, which is precisely why he nodded in agreement. With his hand remaining on her arm, keeping her in place, Stefano turned to one of his men.

"Yes, let's start preparing for it," he said in a hushed tone, "I need us to be ready for any outcome."

Rory did her best to stay quiet, watching the men around her quickly move into position. A few continued their rounds around the house, following a uniform path. Others went into the vehicles, preparing for their exit.

Hearing the blaring ring of a cell phone, Rory turned her head to the side, watching Stefano answer a call. He stood silently, listening to whoever spoke on the other end. "Shit," he muttered, "Get him out of there. Now!"

The second he hung up the phone, Rory asked, "What's wrong?"

Ignoring her question, Stefano turned to one of his emotionless sidekicks. "Alert the Doctor. Tell her it's urgent."

"Is Harry going to be okay? What happened?" It didn't matter how many times she asked or who she directed the question to. Everyone treated her the same.

"Get her in the car. Now." His instruction was directed to two guards, who immediately stepped forward.

"What? No!" Rory cried, "You said I could wait for him!"

Rory attempted to shield herself from their grasp but was unsuccessful. Both her arms were grabbed and pinned behind her back. For the frightened girl, this new position limited her ability to use her fists. And unfortunately for her, that meant she was unable to throw her fists anywhere below the belt.

Finally, Rory earned the respect of being spoken to directly. Unfortunately for her, the words that followed were nothing of what she wanted to hear. "Miss Young, please," he said softly, "Get in the car. I don't want you seeing him like this."

"Like what?"

Dead? Oh my god. Is Harry dead?

Bile crept up the back of her throat as thoughts of being him dead ran through her mind at an uncontrollable rate. Rory's face drained from any colour. Her legs felt weak as her skin flushed with heat. Harry said he wouldn't let anything happen to her. What about him? Who wasn't going to stop something from happening to him?

Suddenly, a spark of hope flooded her, spotting three figures exit the house.

"He's not dead, Miss Young."

Stefano was right.

Harry wasn't dead.

But he surely didn't look alive.

That image of him replayed in her mind on a constant, torturous loop. Eight hours of thinking about it - his head rolling from side to side and his limp body being carried with his feet dragging against the walkway.

Rory fell silent from that moment on.

Not a single word escaped. Rory didn't open her mouth when she got in the car and found herself sitting between two guards. There wasn't even a twitch on her lips as the car drove in the opposite direction of the safe house. Her head hung down, staring at the hands in her lap. Tear streaks stained the skin of her cheeks - but she was all cried out to let another fall.

Stefano, who sat in the front passenger seat, kept an eye on the girl using the rearview mirror. He knew the Doctor would have a lashing for him the second she spotted Rory upset. It would be deserved - but it wasn't like any of them planned for this to happen.

The car rolled to a stop. Rory wondered what would happen if she never got out of the car - if she stood her ground and refused. However, the moment the car door opened and the guard motioned for her to exit, she instantly found herself climbing out of the vehicle. The large metal gate at the end of the driveway swung shut with a loud clang, causing her to jump in surprise.

"Are you alright, Miss Young?"

Rory's lips parted to answer the man, but the second her eyes found their way to the large structure in front of her, she fell silent. The largest house Rory had ever seen was at the end of the cobbled pathway. In fact, the stone walls, stained glassed windows with Juliet balconies, conical roofs and the large wooden door made the home appear more like a castle than it did a house. All it was missing was a drawbridge and an alligator.

A brisk gust of wind snapped Rory back into reality. No matter the resemblance, this wasn't a castle. It was just another place she would be trapped inside with no explanation.

"Where are we?"

"My home. Shall we go inside?" Stefano gestured to the front door. Noting her cautious nature, he added, "I thought staying here may be more relaxing than the safe house. Especially since our threat is... well, no longer much of a threat anymore."

"That seems like that foolish assumption to make."

"It may seem that way to some. But we could all see and hear our Handler's desperation to get what they want. Until our next meeting, I can't imagine they'll want to ruffle any feathers," he said, leading her toward the front door, "Therefore, we might as well stay somewhere with better water pressure and closer to civilization."

Stepping inside the house, Rory forced her eyes away from the enormous chandelier hanging in the front foyer. She couldn't let the sparkling display of the light scattered across the marble floors distract her. Although it was tempting to become entranced by the dancing, glimmering specs of light.

Tearing her eyes away, she looked at the large man and asked, "Where's Harry?"

"He will be under the care of Doctor Khan for a few hours and then will join us after."

"Care for what?"

"For whatever took over his mind," Stefano said. Noticing how her bottom lip slightly pouted at his answer, he added, "Miss Young, as soon as I receive an update regarding his condition, I will give you an update."

Rory couldn't tell what was more surprising. The fact that someone was offering to give her information. Or the fact that she believed Mr. Romano was being genuine.

As they went further into the home, Rory noted two facts regarding how Mr. Romano lived. One, his lifestyle normalized having guards following one's every move and checking every room before entering. And two, Mr. Romano clearly had a taste for the finer things in life. Every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a museum, created with the world's finest fabrics or materials. The walls were covered with family portraits hung in gold frames, and wallpaper covered every surface imaginable. Just like the safe house, she thought to herself.

"All the common areas are free for you to use. Down the hall," he gestured with his hand, "Those two large doors lead to the library. I hear you like to read, so I hope there's something in my collection for you to enjoy." Continuing the tour, he said, "The kitchen is to the left, and Esmerelda will make whatever you request."

She nodded along, trying to remember where everything he pointed out was. This house was a maze - what if she never found her way to the kitchen? Would she starve to death, trapped in this castle-like museum Mr. Romano somehow called a home?

"If you need any assistance or if you're unsure of where to go, Tony will be nearby at all times," Stefano told the girl as if reading her mind.

Nearby, Rory quickly learned, was the nice way of saying following one's every move.

"And he'll ensure you don't wander into any restricted areas I mentioned."

Well, that's good because I sure as hell don't remember what those are, Rory thought to herself.

For once in her life, the last thing she wanted to do was enter a restricted area in this man's house and risk never leaving ever again. Or, whatever Stefano Romano did to snoops. Rory didn't know. But she assumed people ended six feet under.

Following Stefano's lead up the marbled staircase, she gripped the gold railing, trailing her fingers along every curve and design. Even the railings felt rich. Shit, even the air feels rich in here, she thought to herself. I wonder what would happen if something got stained. It amused her to picture the large guards with expressionless faces drinking out of tiny juice boxes and freaking out over an apple juice stain on the carpet.

"And this is where you'll be staying," Stefano said, opening the door near the top of the stairs.

Rory's eyes widened as she looked around the space. A canopy bed was centred on the far wall. Panels of sheer white fabric were draped from the top of the structure and tied to each post with a silk ribbon. At least a dozen pillows, all fluffed to perfection, were positioned on the bed in shades of white and light pink. Rory thought it looked like a bed from a storybook where a princess would sleep.

"I'm sure you want to get back into your own space, so I will do my best to ensure you don't have to stay here long. But I hope this is adequate in the meantime."

"This is really nice," she said quietly, running her hand along the bedsheets.

Spotting a hint of joy appear across her expression, Stefano allowed his mouth to curve into a slight smile. "Your personal items from the safe house should arrive tonight or tomorrow. For now, there are clothes for you in the drawer and every product imaginable in the bathroom. If anything is missing or you prefer something else, just let me know, and I will ensure you have it."

"Thank you... for... everything."

"No need to thank me. I'll give you some time to settle in, but please feel free to do whatever you like. I don't want you to think you're confined to this bedroom all day long," he said before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

Releasing a shaky breath, Rory sat down on the edge of the bed. For the first time in days, Rory was alone. Completely and utterly alone. Before this shitstorm consumed her life, she loved being alone. In fact, she preferred it - there was nothing more appealing than spending time with no one else but herself. There was never a time when she needed someone to keep her company or cure her boredom - make her smile or feel comforted. She did those things all on her own.

However, sitting there in the eerie silence made her realize that maybe it wasn't a case of not needing someone else but forcing herself to believe she didn't. It was okay to want company - even if she still enjoyed being alone.

Her eyes glanced around the ample space, attempting to distract her mind from thinking - a rarity for her, which meant it was a necessity. Directly in front of her sat a large dresser with a television placed on top. The walls were painted a soft shade of pink, and a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. She didn't know why it surprised her to see one in the bedroom - considering every room she entered had an enormous one hanging for all to see.

Standing on her feet, Rory walked towards the large stained glassed window and looked at the view. She could see the entire front of the house - and all the guards patrolling along closed gates. The driveway was much longer than she expected it to be. Perfectly trimmed hedges lined its path, and a large fountain was placed right in the middle. She watched the water spew out the mouths of stone-carved fish.

Damn, Mr. Romano really is rich-rich.

Thoughts of how many bags of money Mr. Romano had stashed away quickly evaporated from her mind as she spotted two of the guards laughing with each other.

They know how to do anything other than scowl? That's shocking information.

Rory told herself she wouldn't snoop while in this house... but she never said anything about eavesdropping. What made the permanently unhappy carbon copy guards giggle with each other? It felt like a right for her to know... for science, of course.

Pulling down on the handle, she gently pushed a small panel of the window open and moved as close as humanly possible.

"Did you catch the newest episode last night?"

"Yeah! I can't believe Talia got sent home!"

Talia... oh my god. They watch Bachelor in Paradise? Not that anyone shouldn't - it's fantastic television.

It certainly took Rory by surprise. She began to wonder if Tony also took part in watching - maybe they could discuss their favourite contestants together to help pass the time. Her eyes flickered to the television.

Does Mr. Romano watch it too? Maybe he has a few episodes recorded.

Rory turned back to the window to close it shut. But the second she made a movement, a sudden sound froze her action.

A loud, painful wail of a cry from off in the distance.

She knew that cry.

She could feel that pain.

Harry.

He was already here.

Making quick work of closing the window, she released a shaky breath. Note to self: don't open any more windows.

But it wasn't a closed window that solved her problems as another shout of pain echoed throughout the house. She was quick to her feet and opened the bedroom door, spotting Tony just where she expected - right by her door.

"Is everything alright?"

"Is there a quiet place I can go?" she asked, feeling a strain in her neck, "One that's not in the house?"

"Certainly. Right this way."

And that was how Rory ended up outside, sitting on a bench with her knees tucked into her chest, watching the wind create ripples in the pool. A handful of hours had passed since Tony led her outside and she found her way to this spot. She liked it here. It was quiet. No one bothered her. And most importantly, she didn't hear any screams filled with pain.

"Miss Young?"

Rory almost jumped at the sound of another voice. Her head turned, spotting Mr. Romano standing at the end of her bench, holding a bowl and a bottle of water.

"I brought you some food."

"I'm not hungry."

"Well, then, may I sit for a minute?"

It's your fucking house, the snarky voice in her head replied. Rory opted for a nod and the slightest tint of a smile instead.

"I realize our interactions have been extremely minimal, Miss Young. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I've been told I am a good listener. Or, if you'd rather speak to a professional, I'd be happy to arrange something for you."

"Why?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Why would you offer something like that?"

"Because I can't imagine any of this is easy for you. And you don't seem that keen on speaking with anyone else."

"Did Doctor Khan tell you to get me a therapist?" Her tone was blunt and cold. It surprised her to speak to Mr. Romano in such a way. Even he was taken slightly aback.

"No," he told her, keeping his composure. "But she did instruct me to ensure you ate something. And I can already hear the lecture I'll receive if I return to the house with a full bowl." Gesturing to the dish in his hand, Stefano added, "It's mac and cheese. I hear that's your favourite."

Feeling a tinge of guilt over how she had spoken to Mr. Romano moments ago, combined with the fact that she was hungry, Rory took the bowl. "Thank you," she said, grabbing hold of the fork. "Did you make it?"

"No. I had the chef prepare it for you. I've only started taking cooking lessons recently and didn't want to risk making something that tasted... well, inedible."

"I don't think there are that many ways to mess up mac and cheese."

"Well, with the Doctors close eye on me, I didn't want to risk it."

Using the utensil to push around the pasta, she asked, "What made you want to take cooking lessons?"

"It was suggested as an activity that may be fun to do. And whatever my," he paused, catching himself before a disaster slip up, "friend suggests we do, usually happens."

Wanting to suppress the giggle that begged to escape over the man's nervous nature, Rory took a bite of pasta and smiled to herself as she ate. "You must be a good friend."

"I try. It doesn't always work out that way."

"Why's that?"

"Life of the job, I suppose."

The two sat in silence as Rory ate. The girl couldn't ignore how delicious the food smelled - and she could hardly stop herself once she started eating. It was nearly as good as the microwavable one she got from the supermarket.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"What on earth could you be sorry for?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. Just felt like I needed to say it. I can't imagine you woke up this morning picturing you'd have a girl crying by your pool all day."

"Nothing to be sorry over. In fact, it's a nice change from the brooding men that normally walk around the property."

Rory placed the empty bowl and fork down on the bench. "He's here... isn't he?" she asked. "You can tell me – I won't search the house for him. I already heard him screaming hours ago."

Stefano cleared his throat. "He is," he replied, somewhat cautiously, "I apologize that you heard something. They moved him in after you went upstairs, so I assume a door must have been accidentally left open."

Retucking her legs into her chest, she rested her chin against the top of her knees. "Thank you for being honest with me."

"There's no reason to keep secrets," he said, collecting her empty dish. Leaving the bottle of water next to her, he pointed to it and added, "Make sure you drink that or I will get an earful."

She smiled at his comment, wondering if Doctor Khan was the one he was worried about receiving an earful from. Looking over her shoulder, she called out, "Mr. Romano? Is Harry going to be okay?"

"Of course he is. He's a fighter."

Rory responded with a short nod of acknowledgement, lowering her eyes to her lap. The answer didn't make her anxious or relieved.

With a sigh, the man returned to the girl and crouched down. "I promise you, Miss. Young. He will be back to normal in no time."

"I know," she half-heartedly whispered. "I just miss him. And waiting is hard." Her head lifted, eyes glossing over as she spoke, "It reminds me of the past - when I had to wait around just to find out the worst had happened."

"I meant what I said earlier. When I hear any updates, I will tell you right away."

That was their last exchange before he disappeared back into the house and Rory was once again left alone on her bench, watching the water. At least this pool was real - she received an odd look from Tony when she asked if it was really there. The last thing she needed was another dead girlfriend by the fake pool fiasco.

And thankfully, as the day turned to night, Rory remained sitting peacefully.

"Where is she?" The sound of Doctor Khan's voice was evident from the house. "What do you mean she's still sitting out there?"

Rory looked over her shoulder and spotted the two standing inside, near the window. While the Doctor wore a worried expression, Stefano placed his hands on her shoulders, attempting to calm her down. Rory couldn't hear what he was saying - she assumed due to keeping his voice at a low, soft volume. But there were a few evident my love's she could overhear.

My love.

There was something about how it effortlessly slipped through the brooding man's lips whenever he privately spoke to the Doctor that Rory adored.

My love.

"I told you to bring her inside to eat!" the Doctor cried. "She's going to get sick if she sits out there all night!"

Rising from her spot, Rory slowly journeyed back to the house. Watching the two interact warmed her heart. Stefano, a feared mafia man, spent all afternoon sitting on a bench with her to ensure she finished a bowl of mac and cheese. And the Doctor, currently treating a brainwashed assassin, was still worried about a completely fine - at least, in comparison - and now a previous patient.

And as Rory stepped inside the house, the warmth no longer remained in her heart - it spread throughout her entire body.

"Oh, sweetheart!" Doctor Khan immediately stepped forward, wrapping her arms around the fragile girl. "Are you doing alright?"

Rory rested her head against her chest and nodded. "Yes," she whispered.

"I'm sorry I couldn't check in on you earlier."

"It's okay. Mr. Romano kept me company."

Stefano released a heavy sigh of relief. "See!"

"You hush!" The woman snapped under her breath. Stroking her hand down Rory's back in a comforting fashion, she asked, "Are you sure you're okay, sweetheart?"

With another signature nod, she pulled back slightly, letting her eyes meet the Doctor's. Our noses both have a small bump on the bridge, she realized. Rory couldn't help but wonder if their features were similar or if her exhausted mind was playing a cruel trick.

"Rory?"

She blinked. "Yes?"

"I asked if you wanted to have something else to eat."

"No, I'm okay." Rory licked her lips, desperately ignoring the rumbling noise of hunger that quietly erupted in her stomach. "How's Harry?"

"Much better. He's resting now. I expect you will be able to see him again very soon."

Hearing Doctor Khan's words, her eyes lit up with a sense of life she hadn't felt in weeks. "Really?"

"Oh, yes. I'm sure if I didn't let you two see each other very shortly, Harry would find his way to you regardless. That boy just can't stop calling out for you - it's quite sweet."

"He's calling out for me?"

"All the time. For a second, I was worried your name was the only thing he knew how to say. But, it turns out, you're just the only thing on his mind." Doctor Khan brushed a strand of the girl's hair behind her ear. "Can I take a look at how your arm is healing?"

With everything that happened, Rory had forgotten where everything started. She looked at her forearm, finding the spot where her skin was stitched together in an X. With a slight nod, the Doctor gave her a pleased smile and led the way to the dining room.

Rory sat down in the chair, watching as the Doctor placed a medical kit on the table and pulled out the necessary supplies. It looks like mine, Rory thought to herself. Well, a much bigger version of mine.

With a gentle touch, Doctor Khan rolled up the sleeve of Rory's sweater and removed the old bandages. "It's healing well," she commented, "I'll just clean it up a bit and put on a fresh dressing."

The space they were in seemed like an odd choice for examining a wound. Especially considering the gold framed artwork that cost thousands of dollars hanging from the walls and marble statues positioned in each corner of the room. However, Stefano seemed to pay it no mind as he watched from the doorway.

"You're not the first one to get cleaned up by the Doctor in here," Stefano said, as if reading the girl's mind, "It's standard - tradition, some might say."

"Why?"

"The Doctor prefers the lighting in here. Isn't that right?"

"No," the woman quickly chimed in.

Stefano chuckled. "Ah, yes, my apologies. It's also close to the back door. And, when someone is bleeding profusely from-" He fell silent, catching the Doctor's glare. "What?"

"Is that really appropriate right now?"

"What?" he repeated, "Telling Miss Young about how I prefer blood not to be tracked all around my home?"

"Stef-" She quickly caught herself. "Mr. Romano," her teeth gritted out, "I think we can pick a lighter conversation topic right now."

Rory found their exchange amusing. "I don't mind," she managed to get out between the lover's quarrel. "I'm honoured to be a part of it."

While the Doctor sent the man a few more glares, Stefano appeared pleased with his teasing, crossing his arms over his chest. "And I'm honoured the Doctor puts up with all my remarks. Otherwise, we'd be lost without her impeccable skills. She's a gift we're all thankful for."

Doctor Khan kept her head down as she wrapped the wound with fresh gauze. "I'm just doing my job, Mr. Romano." Her voice remained stern, but Rory noticed how her cheeks flushed red over the remark. "All done," she said, patting the girl's thigh. "How does it feel?"

"Good."

"Not too tight?"

Rory shook her head.

"Perfect," the Doctor said with a smile. "It's healing very well, sweetheart. If you keep being such a strong girl and taking care of it, I don't see it leaving much of a permanent mark." She gently squeezed her thigh. "Now, why don't you go upstairs and have a nice hot shower, and I'll make you something to eat. Okay?"

"Okay."

"But keep your arm bandaged, sweetheart!" Doctor Khan called out after her.

Heading upstairs and to her room, Rory closed the door and made her way to the shower. She wasted no time stripping from her clothes and turning on the water to allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Stepping inside the glass-enclosed box, she stood under the shower head, allowing the scolding hot water to sting her skin in the most pleasurable way. The muscles in her neck and back suddenly untensed - the ringing in her head halted.

She couldn't recall the last time she felt at peace - it was a slight feeling, not one that overwhelmed her completely. But it was another to help, even for a brief moment.

A light floral scent filled her senses from the shampoo lather in her hair. After a rinse and working in the conditioner, she coated her body in lavender soap. Something about the products used on her hair and skin felt better than anything else she had ever used - they felt more luxurious and rich.

Maybe Mr. Romano has an extra bottle or two I can bring home with me, she thought to herself as she moved under the water. I'm sure he wouldn't even notice if they went missing.

Rory knew if she let herself, she'd stay in the shower forever - it was like the water pressure forced every negative and consuming thought out of her mind. And the desire to remain in a glass box of steam was the exact reason she knew she needed to get out.

After begrudgingly turning off the hot water and stepping out of the shower, a fluffy white towel found its way around her frame. God, this feels like a fucking cloud. Everything felt better in this house. Maybe money didn't fix everything - but it sure paid for excellent water pressure and towels that felt like a hug.

Maybe I need to marry into the Romano family. She instantly shook her head at the thought. No. Wait. That means I'd have to marry Gio.

A shudder ran down her spine. Ew.

Rory made her way to the dresser and pulled open the top drawer to find various clothing items. She decided upon the pink silk pajama set, mainly because she couldn't imagine wearing anything else once she touched the buttery soft fabric. A pair of fuzzy white slippers on the ground at the end of the bed called her name - she immediately slipped them onto her feet.

Turning to face the full-length mirror, Rory smiled at her reflection. Surely this wasn't what people would call princess attire. She knew a princess was meant to wear a beautiful ball gown and have her hair perfectly done with the help of magical rodents. But even though she stood in a pair of pajamas with her hair wet and flat, she couldn't help feeling that way.

She felt like a princess.

Descending down the castle steps, a delicious smell wafted through the air, causing her stomach to grumble with hunger. She followed the scent and found her way into the kitchen.

"There she is!" Doctor Khan greeted with a smile, standing in front of the stove. "Perfect timing. Sit at the table, sweetheart, and I'll bring you some food."

Taking the empty chair next to Stefano, Rory looked at the man beside her. The only other time the two had been this close to one another was earlier by the pool. But her mind was too consumed with everything to take in any of his features.

But now, sitting so close, she couldn't help but let her eyes wander over the man. There were tired lines and wrinkles around his eyes - a slight crease in his brow as he focused his attention on the television. The top two buttons of his dress shirt were undone, exposing the top of an ink mark across his collarbone. With his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows, Rory spotted more tattoos along his forearms. She had no idea what they meant, but their intricate designs nonetheless intrigued her.

"Here we are," the Doctor announced, placing the dishes on the table. "I made you some tomato soup, and-"

"And these," Stefano interrupted, pointing his finger at the plate, "are the best-grilled cheese dippers you'll ever have." He grinned proudly. "I made them."

Doctor Khan moved to Rory's side and examined her arm. "How is it after your shower?"

"It's okay," she said, picking up a grilled cheese dipper and taking a bite.

"Dunk it in the soup!" Stefano whispered, nudging the girl's side.

Rory muffled her giggle with another bite of food. 

"Mr. Romano, give us one moment, please," the Doctor warned, "Any pain?"

Was she in pain? She hadn't thought of that. "Um," her eyes fell to the stitches on her arm, "It's... manageable, I guess."

"There's a bit of inflammation. It's nothing to worry about, but," she reached into her medical kit and pulled out a package of over-the-counter medicine, "Take one of these. It'll fix your swelling and help you sleep."

Doctor Khan reached for her clipboard, scribbling down some notes from the examination and the name of the medication. Once Rory popped the pain pill into her mouth and swallowed, the woman added the time. Rory liked that she was so organized and detailed - it made her feel safer.

With her first spoonful, Rory licked her lips. "This is really good. I think this is the best soup I've ever had."

"Oh, thank you, sweetheart," the woman cooed, "But I feel silly taking credit. I had to attend a cooking class to perfect my soup-making skills."

Rory and Stefano exchanged a quick glance - but the girl didn't dare utter a word. Instead, she smiled at her bowl and filled her mouth with another spoonful.

Light conversation filled the space as Rory continued to eat. She ensured to let Stefano know that she did like the grilled cheese dippers. It was an honest answer; she truly did enjoy the combination. But even if she didn't, Rory wouldn't have the heart to tell him. For such a scary man, his excitement over grilled cheese made her heart soften.

After dinner, the three of them moved to the family room to watch a movie before bed - a suggestion Rory agreed to without hesitation. While Stefano searched for an option, Doctor Khan stood behind the couch and brushed Rory's hair before fixing it into a braid. Soon enough, the three of them were all on the couch, watching a movie Rory had never heard of. Sitting in between her Doctor and the mafia boss, Rory couldn't help but think of them like a pretend make-shift family for the night.

Rory didn't last with keeping her eyes open. Not long after the movie started, she fell asleep with her head resting on the Doctor's shoulder. The Doctor didn't attempt to wake her once the movie finished, knowing the mixture of medication and the exhaustion from the events of the day had left her out cold.

And so, Stefano scooped the girl up in his arms and carried her up the stairs to her room. Carefully, he laid her down on the bed before stepping back to let the Doctor tuck her in.

Covering her body with the comforter, Doctor Khan leaned forward and kissed Rory's forehead, whispering goodnight. She turned off the light and reached for Stefano's hand as they exited the room.

"You're so good with her," Stefano said softly as the two stood outside the slightly opened door. "My love, please. Don't cry."

Her voice was a broken whisper, "I'm sorry. I just-"

"I know. But look at what you're doing now to help her."

"It doesn't matter, Stef."

"Don't say that. It does matter."

Doctor Khan shook her head at his words. "No, it doesn't. Because at the end of the day," she looked back at the bed where the sleeping beauty rested, "I'll never be able to make up for what I did to her."

XX

"Come on now... It's time to wake up..."

He opened his eyes, spotting the figure at the end of his bed.

"Ah, there you are, my sweet boy," they said, "I'm glad you've finally woken up... Zero-Zero-One."

001 stared ahead with an emotionless expression before uttering three words effortlessly without a second thought, "Ready to comply."

haha... so... the weather?