Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 274

Xena's POV

Consciousness crept back slowly, like swimming up from the bottom of a dark ocean. The first thing I noticed was the sterile smell-antiseptic, clean sheeti that unmistakable hospital scent that seemed to cling to everything. My mind felt foggy, wrapped in cotton, but gradually the fog began to lift. I was alive Somehow, impossibly, I was alive.

I struggled to open my eyes, the bright light stabbing through my skull like needles, Sunlight streamed through a window, painting golden squares across the white hospital room. As my vision cleared, I became aware of a weight beside my bed. Someone was there, slumped forward with their head resting on their arms.

With tremendous effort, I lifted my head slightly to get a better look.

Ryder.

My heart stopped for a moment before hammering against my ribs. He was asleep, his blond hair falling across his forehead, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. The sight of him here, real and breathing. My world, which had been nothing but pain and darkness, suddenly burst back into color.

was looking at the person I had missed more than

crashed over me like a tidal wave, so pure

cheeks onto the hospital pillow. I tried to turn my head

broke me all over again. That was it-the dam burst completely. I began sobbing, all the pain and relief I'd been holding back pouring out of me in great,

scrambled for tissues on the bedside table. His hands shook as he gently wiped away my

a tender kiss to my forehead, and I

much,"

me into his arms then, careful of the IV lines and monitors, holding me against his chest like he was afraid I might disappear. I melted into his embrace, feeling safe and

looks like I'm interrupting something," Logan's teasing voice came from

I'd just managed to control came crashing back. Fresh tears pooled in

into a crybaby," Logan said, grinning

my tears, which only made Ryder