Chapter Text
December 10th
Shadow Company didn't need a nurse. Commander and CEO Phillip Graves believed that wholeheartedly so you can imagine his face when he was told he was getting one added to his team. However, once you were on his base, saying 'hi' and bonding with all his men, he couldn't simply kick you out. All of them loved you, probably because you were the only female to have graced the same space as them in a hot minute, and that meant Graves would be fighting a losing battle.
So instead of even trying to get to know his new member, Graves distanced himself from you. He was the only one you hadn't gotten to officially meet yet and he intended to keep it that way. You only saw him from the corner of your eye and never had a full conversation with him. He almost seemed like a figment of the entire team's imagination with how much distance he kept between the two of you.
You didn't let it get to you, however. You decided if the leader of this team wasn't going to try talking to you, you wouldn't try talking to him. You kept your mind clear and did your job when and where you needed to. You're med bay was constantly full of clumsy Shadows, some coming even when they weren't injured but it kept you busy. You could tell a few of them had taken an interest in you but none of them piqued your interest.
None of them but the very man who was ignoring you.
Yes, you didn't let the fact that he was ignoring you bother you but that didn't stop the feelings from festering within you whenever you did get to see him. You felt like a silly little high schooler with your silly little feelings for the man. You already accepted the fact that nothing would ever come of them but sometimes it was fun to let yourself believe that something could happen, even if it left you a little heartbroken.
You were organizing one of your many medicine cabinets when the door of the med bay bust open, two Shadows carrying a bloody and unconscious Phillip Graves in.
"Doc! He needs medical attention asap!" one of them says.
"On the operating table Sergeant," you tell him, both men moving to lay Graves where you pointed. You pulled a pair of medical gloves and a mask on before walking over. "What happened to him?"
"He was caught by himself in enemy territory. We were able to save him before any further damage was done," the Sergeant recounted for you.
"Alright. I'll need you two to keep watch outside the door if you can. I don't need anyone coming in unless there are more injured," you tell them as you get rid of Graves tactical gear.
"Yes ma'am," they both reply.
"Absolutely no one boys!" you call out as they leave, closing the med bay door behind them.
You quickly get Graves tactical gear off, stripping the man down aside from his underwear to get to his wounds. You hissed, looking at the deep wounds surrounding his chest and waist area wondering just how this man wasn't dead already. After taking his vitals, you went straight into surgery, doing your best to keep the man alive.
A few hours later, you opened the med bay door. The two Shadows who were keeping watch wait for your word as you step out of the room, closing the door behind you. You lean against the opposing wall, a deep sigh leaving you as you finally breathe for the first time since operating on their Commander.
"He's ok. I was able to clean up his wounds and remove any bullets or shrapnel. He'll need a good two weeks before he can be your Commander again," you tell them.
They nod, understanding that this wasn't going to be a quick fix.
"I'll put in a report in the morning. For now, you two are free to stand down and go back to the rest of the team. Relay what I've told you to them," you say.
"Is there anything you need doc?" one of them asks.
"Besides a good meal for both me and the man in there? No. Thank you for taking watch boys."
"Of course. Anytime doc."
As the two leave, you enter the med bay once again. Sitting upright in his hospital bed sat Commander Graves grumpier you've ever seen him.
"How are you feeling Commander?" you ask, walking up to the man. Graves doesn't answer you, instead glaring as if you'd done something wrong by helping him. You awkwardly shift from your right foot to your left, as blue eyes angrily stare back at you.
"Alright well, dinner should be on it's way soon," you say before walking over to your office.
"When can I leave?"
You turn around to face the male. "I'm sorry?" you ask surprised that he spoke.
"Must I really repeat myself?" he asks annoyed.
"I'm sorry sir!" you frantically apologize. "You've just never spoken to me before and I was taken aback for a moment."
Graves tsks, more annoyed it seemed. "Answer the question already."
"In about two weeks sir," you reply.
Two weeks!?
Graves turns to look at you, his angry glare deepened. "Two weeks?"
"Yes sir. You had very large wounds that need time to heal along with-"
"No, I must get out of this bed now," Graves says, trying to get up. He hisses as pain engulfs his entire body, forcing him to lay back down against the pillows behind him. You quickly run over to make sure he was ok only for Graves to swat your hands away. "I need out," he says again.
"Sir, I highly recommend the two weeks. You are in no condition to be on your feet right now," you reply.
"I'm fine," Graves says through gritted teeth, trying to ignore the pain pulsing through his body.
"I honestly doubt that right now," you reply, a hint of sass lacing the sentence.
Graves looks up at you, holding back a nasty comment. He lets out a deep sigh, finally letting his body rest upon the pillows, though reluctantly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Fine."
You were stunned, amazed that he agreed to stay so quickly. You gathered yourself, trying to keep up a professional front.
"Would you like some pain meds?" you ask him.
He looks at you for a moment before nodding. You walk over to one of the medicine cabinets, take out a few Tylenol and fill a glass of water. You bring them over to Graves, handing them to him. He downs the medicine and water, handing the now empty glass back to you.
"How are you feeling Commander?" you ask, hoping for an answer this time.
"I'm ok doc," he quietly replies. There is no anger but a hint of bitterness. It was an answer nonetheless though, and you would take it.
You nod, taking the glass over to a sink and washing it out. You place it back in the cabinet about the sink, leaning against the counter and turning to look at Graves. He looked highly upset to be stuck in the medical wing with you but it was for his own good. You made a mental note to have some of the Shadows bring something to keep the man entertained and hopefully not kill you while he healed.
"I'm going to write up your file," you say pushing off of the counter. "Yell if you need anything."
Graves watches you walk over to your office, walking in and closing the door behind you. He looked to the bedside table to find his phone, picking it up to check the time.
20:15.
8:15 pm.
"Great," he grumbles. Two weeks locked away in here and it was only 8 in the afternoon on his first day. He groaned, punching the mattress underneath him in frustration. Really wishing he had super healing right about now.