"You're looking so much better!" Chloe greeted as she entered the large dining hall. Nines and Gavin were sitting at a small corner table eating breakfast. Nines had just finished and was reading the paper, leaving Gavin in peace. He wasn't one for talking while he was eating. Nines lowered the paper to smile his agreement as Chloe skipped across to kiss Gavin's cheek in greeting. Gavin offered a wan smile as he accepted the kiss. He hated to admit it, but he did feel better.

It had been almost a month, and those exercises had really helped. Nines had also been encouraging him to improve his own mobility. He was now wheeling the chair by himself, though that wasn't always the best idea. He often went a lot faster than he should, and had toppled the chair more than once in his eagerness to take a corner. Nines was just pleased to see that little spark of mischief back in his glittering eyes. They'd been dim for a solid week. He'd constantly expected him to pack up and leave, but he hadn't.

Their earlier awkwardness had faded somewhat. They'd started to get used to each other. Nines could pick up on when Gavin's mood was dropping or when his energy level was flagging. He also knew when he could push him for more. He wouldn't let him wallow in self-pity. He encouraged and goaded in equal measure, but he was never cruel. If Gavin reached a breaking point, he'd stop. He pampered and cared for him, but never let him think he was a burden. He knew he could take care of himself. He encouraged him to take care of himself. He also took great pleasure in spoiling him with affection.

Gavin had no idea what was keeping him around. What did Nines get out of their arrangement besides him? He could probably say that about any relationship. The only thing you ever got out of it was the love of the other person, but he was pretty sure his love wasn't worth the trouble. Not when his temper flared so readily, and when he was always ready to fall back into a pit of despair. He knew he was an asshole, and he was hard to deal with. He snapped. He griped. He cried. He'd been awful to Nines. Not just once or twice, but multiple times a day. Nines knew how to bring him back down again, but he shouldn't have to deal with that. He didn't have to deal with it. He was actively choosing to stick around, and for what?

"Thanks...I guess I feel a little better." With the repetition of the exercises, his skin was getting used to all the stretching and moving. The stitches had healed enough to be removed a few days ago, and it hurt even less. The scars were still raw and sore to touch, but actually moving the skin was a lot better. The wound in his side was also healing nicely. Sometimes it didn't hurt at all. The one thing that hadn't changed was the throb of his missing leg, but he could at least distract himself with Nines' company and his daily exercises. Lady Blossom had helped, too.

He hadn't ridden her, but he visited every day and Joe, the stable hand, would always let him feed her a carrot. He'd even brought her out of the stall to tack her up once. She really was a lovely thing. She had a white bloom on her forehead, which was why she'd been called Blossom, and the fur around her hooves was also white. She had a really nice walk. She picked up her feet like a show pony, even though she'd never been trained for it. Gavin was always happy to see her, especially when she nosed against his chest. Sometimes she'd be a little too enthusiastic. Pressing in so hard, she rolled his chair back. She'd never tipped the chair over. Nines was always there to steady him.

"I hear you made a friend, too," Chloe pressed as she took a seat at the table. She looked like she'd just come in from somewhere. She wasn't wearing her nursing uniform, and she was swaddled in her outdoor coat. He knew she'd been away from the estate. He hadn't seen her since Nines' arrival. She'd likely been off running errands for Elijah. Sorting supplies, finding new patients, things like that. He wasn't sure who'd been keeping her updated. Did Nines write to her? He glanced across to find him watching fondly. Probably...It certainly hadn't been Elijah. He hadn't seen him, but he knew he was around somewhere.

"You mean Joe?" He supposed that was true. They talked whenever he visited the stables, and he'd hinted more than once that he wouldn't mind getting him tacked up when he was ready. That wouldn't be for a while. He didn't even feel confident standing on one leg, never mind being up on a horse. Nines seemed to like the idea. He thought it would help with his confidence and balance. Maybe when I start with crutches...

"No, your lady friend." Gavin huffed.

"You mean Blossom? She's a real sweetheart. She's got the nicest temperament I've ever seen, really affectionate." Chloe could tell he was smitten. He'd always been soft on animals, especially cats. Horses came in at a close second. He hadn't ridden in a few years, but he was pretty sure he could still do it. He was surprised how little Blossom's owner seemed to care. He hadn't seen her in the stables once. In fact, he hadn't seen her at all. Joe said she wasn't much of a rider and Blossom had been a gift about a decade ago with the intention of her going out with the hunt, but the young lady had shown little interest and Blossom didn't have the temperament for it. They must have a lot of money to burn if they're willing to just let a horse sit here unused...They were expensive to keep.

"You'll have to introduce me sometime...Once you're back on your feet." Gavin let the feet comment slide. He knew it was a standard phrase, but it still stung a little. He nodded as he pushed his plate aside. He was ready to give it a try. Nines folded the paper and left it on the table as he noticed the shift in his mood. Gavin's jaw was set in determination as he rolled himself away from the table and turned towards the door. Chloe let them head off. She had other duties to attend to now that she was back. She also knew Nines was better for him at this point in his recovery.

Nines led the way to one of the larger halls, which had been turned into a sort of mixed physio centre. There were different areas where nurses were helping patients with various walking activities. Some were trying out new prosthetics, walking along between balancing bars they could hold on to. Others were practicing with crutches. A few more were sitting in chairs doing arm exercises, figuring out how their new prosthetics worked. There were weight sections for those who wanted to exercise and rebuild muscle, and tables for deep tissue massages.

There was a long row of crutches stacked against the wall. Nines walked along, measuring with his eyes until he found a set for Gavin. They looked pretty clunky. There was a rest to slot beneath the arm, and two supports down either side. A handle went across the middle at about waist height, and the two supports became one at around knee height. Gavin sighed in resignation as Nines stood before him. He put the brakes on his chair before eyeing the crutches distrustfully. It had been a while since he'd stood. Part of him worried that he'd forgotten how.

"I'm here..." Nines assured quietly as he handed down the crutches. Gavin gave him a tight-lipped smile. That was great and all, but it wouldn't stop people staring or laughing if he fell. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea..."Get one crutch ready and use it for support as you lift yourself. Once you're up, you can use the other crutch to catch your weight." It sounded so simple when he said it like that. Gavin did as asked and got one crutch under his left arm. Nines gave him a small nod as he stood ready to catch him. Great, loving that confidence...

"One...two...three!" Gavin pushed against the floor as he always used to. He felt his core tighten as he pushed off the chair, but he barely got more than a foot before he was falling back down with a grunt of pain. "Phck!" He hissed in frustration as he fumbled with the crutch in his hand. Nines was on his knees in an instant, picking up the crutch as he rested a hand on his quivering knee. Gavin swore the room went quiet, but didn't dare look around and see.

"That was only your first try..." Gavin almost scoffed. First try? I'm not a phcking baby! I've stood up before! He was about to open his mouth to say so when a gentle finger pressed against his lips. "Not with only one leg...This injury has changed the weight of your entire body on one side. It will take time and practice for you to compensate." Gavin blinked. He hadn't thought of it like that. It wasn't just his conscious brain that had to get used to the idea of hopping around. His body needed to feel and get used to the change in weight, as well as the loss of support. "Again."

"Phck, alright..." On a second three-count, he tried again. He understood what Nines meant. He could feel it. The alienating feeling of something being wrong. His body knew something had changed. There was a sense of wrongness. He still only managed to get about a foot off the chair, but he didn't feel as bad when he fell this time. He wasn't about to give in and ask for a hand up. He had to do this himself. He couldn't just let Nines help him all the time. Nines wouldn't always be there. His chest tightened at the unwelcome thought.

"You can do it doughboy!" Gavin turned his head to find a small group of men watching him. One was using the walking bars to stay upright, partway through his own exercises while another rested idly on his crutches. Another two were resting in chairs, either between reps or just finished with training. One of them was practicing with an arm prosthetic, learning to open and close the hand. Gavin balked at the realisation he was being watched. He felt his skin heat uncomfortably as he looked at Nines like a deer in headlights.

"Go on! Give it another try!" At least they seemed supportive.

"Try the other crutch first, that's what worked for me!" Gavin blinked at the advice. Maybe that made sense. He swapped to the right crutch, trying not to focus too much on the clipped British voices now cheering him on. He felt like a fucking toddler being watched as he tried to stand for the first time. Nines gave him a nod and stood ready. Gavin gritted his teeth as he pushed himself up. He leaned his weight forward on the crutch. There was a moment of blissful triumph before he felt his leg buckle under the foreign sensation. Nines quickly reached out and caught him against his shoulder as claps sounded across the room.

"That's the way!"

"You did it!" Gavin was pretty sure he'd failed. He was surprised by how pleased Nines looked as he helped him sit again. He'd barely been on his foot for a second before he'd fallen. I guess a second is better than nothing...

"Go on, try again! You'll never get up if you don't keep trying!" The cheerleading was a little grating, but he knew they meant well. They were right, too. If he gave up, then he'd be stuck in the chair forever. He took a breath and gave Nines a nod. Nines reached out as he pushed up. He fell forwards just as the second crutch touched down. Nines quickly steadied him, holding his weight until he had both crutches planted. His knee almost buckled in surprise at the loud whooping and cheering.

"Bravo!" Gavin couldn't help feeling a little swell of pride. He was also touched by the genuine support from the other patients. They didn't know a thing about him, besides the fact he was American. They'd probably picked that up from seeing him around and talking to the maids. He'd always thought the Brits to be a little standoffish, but these men were really rooting for him.

"Thanks..." He wasn't sure what else to say. He felt more than a little shy, being under such scrutiny. Nines helped him sit again. The plan for now was to get him steady. Once he could stand and sit by himself, it would be easier to move around. He was relieved that the others seemed content to continue their own training for now. The two seated men offered words of encouragement to the one currently hobbling back and forth. He grimaced the whole time, barely used to the new prosthetic. Guess I have that to look forward to...

He wasn't sure how long they were at it, but he knew he was getting better. After the first dozen tries, he could push himself up without Nines' help. He could steady himself and hold himself on his leg for a good thirty seconds before he felt the need to sit, and that was mostly due to the pain in his side. It was surprisingly hard work, standing on one leg with the wrong balance. It also put a lot of strain on his arms if he shifted his weight to the crutches. He was still getting used to distributing it fairly between the supports.

By lunchtime, he'd started taking a few tentative hops. It didn't matter that he'd fallen the first few times, or that Nines had caught him in a tight embrace each time. He'd even quietly teased that he was doing it on purpose so that he'd hold him. That's not a bad idea though...Nines had a nice chest and strong arms. Who wouldn't throw themselves at him? That was almost a negative thought. At some point, he was pretty sure someone else would throw themselves at him. Then he'd lose him for good. He held on a little tighter at the thought.

"How was training?" Chloe asked as they entered the hall. Nines was pushing him this time. He'd insisted on giving his arms a break after all the extra work they'd been doing. Gavin wasn't about to admit he was tired, but his arms ached from training, and his side was sore. His leg and hip were a little achy too, but emotionally, he felt pretty good. Less trapped. Less helpless. He couldn't help grinning at Chloe as Nines wheeled him up to a small table and put the brakes on.

"It was pretty good," he admitted as Nines took the seat beside him. He'd sort of expected to get further than he had. He'd expected standing to be a lot easier, but looking back on how hard it had been, he was pretty pleased with himself. He was sure it would be easier next time, which would probably be the next day. Chloe seemed happy with the news and gave Nines a somewhat grateful smile. She knew no one else would have been able to pry him from his misery. His recovery would be a slow enough process already without being delayed by added muscle weakness. The sooner he was up and about, the better.

"I'm glad! What are your plans for the rest of the day?" It was only lunchtime. She knew the options were limited around the estate, especially for those who were wheelchair bound, but she hoped he'd find something more productive than lounging in bed. Gavin shrugged. He hadn't really thought much beyond lunch, though there was always the stables. Maybe we'll do that. Blossom's probably wondering where her carrot is, phcking glutton! "Well, you can decide after lunch. I'll have someone bring it for you."

"Thanks," Gavin called as she flitted off to continue her rounds. She had to be the busiest person on the whole estate. She was both a nurse and host to the patients around the mansion. She liaised with the maids and ensured guests were as comfortable as possible. She also did her fair share of physio and rehabilitation, especially after patients had been fitted with prosthetics. On top of that, she checked in on patients in their rooms to see that they had everything and administered medication.

"Perhaps next week you could try riding...Your thighs are still strong, and your exercises are going well enough," Nines suggested as he crossed his legs and sat back in his chair. Gavin nodded, though he was a little wary. He hadn't ridden in years. He was pretty sure he'd remember once he got up there, but getting up there would be the challenge. There was also no guarantee that Blossom would accept him as a rider, even though she liked him well enough on the ground. There were other horses, of course. Many were likely more experienced with carrying riders like him. It would be nice to ride Blossom though. I bet she's really feisty! Feisty perhaps wasn't what he should look for in a horse though.

"You'd come with me, right?" He didn't even know if Nines could ride. He assumed so. Most young men could. But if he's a city boy, maybe he didn't have the opportunity...

"Of course. I did a little riding at college." Some riding was better than no riding. He leaned his chin on one hand as he looked Nines up and down. He probably looked hot on horseback. He had good posture. Nines winked as he noticed his lingering gaze, lips quirking into an almost knowing smirk. "There are likely a lot of pleasantly secluded areas around the estate..." Gavin felt his cheeks heat at the silent implication. He wasn't really sure how that would work. He couldn't support himself and bend over the way he did before. Not yet, at least.

After lunch, as if she already knew, Chloe handed him the biggest carrot he'd ever seen and Nines wheeled him to the stables. He couldn't believe it. They'd hit the jackpot. The carrot was almost as thick as his fist at one end, and at least ten inches long. He knew Blossom would go out of her mind once she saw it. Nines couldn't help chuckling as he watched the way Gavin turned it over in his hands in amazement. He paused as they stepped outside, leaning right down by his ear.

"That's quite the girth you've got there." Gavin's skin tingled as the low purr rumbled in his ear. He also couldn't stop himself from snorting.

"You should feel the weight of it!" he exclaimed as he held it above his head for Nines to take. Nines did as asked and had to agree. It was huge. If they cut it up, it would probably be a good treat for a whole week, but he knew Gavin was going to hand her the whole thing and watch her scoff it all in one go. He couldn't help wondering where Chloe had found it, or how she'd ferreted it away without notice. Had she bribed the cooks somehow? Had she caught the delivery on its way in? Or had she gone to the market herself and found it?

"Blimey! Look at this, Lady Blossom! Sergeant Reed here is going to ruin your supper!" Joe exclaimed as he caught sight of Gavin and the carrot he was holding like a trophy. There was a snort of eager agreement and the scraping of impatient hooves as Blossom's large head appeared at the door to her stall. Gavin chuckled gleefully as Nines rolled him to a stop, just within reach of the door. There was a scraping tap as Blossom kicked the wood and bowed her head.

"Is it really alright to give her so much?" He didn't want to risk upsetting her stomach.

"Sure-sure! It's only vegetables. It's good for her!" Joe replied as he waved his permission. Gavin grinned as he held up the carrot, giving her the thinner end first. He laughed and held on as she tugged and crunched a mouthful. He stroked her long forehead as she munched and snorted her approval, waiting until she neighed a request before holding it up again. Nines watched fondly as Gavin fed and petted Blossom. It was one of the few things that always seemed to improve his mood. He had no doubt that getting him on her back would be a real confidence boost. It would give him a reason to improve and keep going, even after he returned to France. The thought made his chest sink. It had already been a month. He only had two left. He hoped to at least get Gavin started on his prosthetic by then.