I wait a beat before sliding off the rail to move closer, though slowly – I don’t want to startle him.
I hold my hands out in front, almost like a piece offering. “You’re going to tear it apart if you k–“
“I said I’ve got it.” He snaps.
Honestly, I’m concerned about him. I think since his shoulder gave out yesterday he’s checked out mentally. He’s struggling but he won’t tell me how to help him, nor would he let me.
He tries to turn another piece – again, unsuccessfully.
“Fuck.” He mutters under his breath, a flicker of frustration crossing his face.
I know his situation is frustrating, the lack of independence, but he needs to find a way to let me help him.
I hesitate slightly before reaching out to wrap my hand around his bicep, feeling him tense slightly underneath my grip.
“You don’t have to prove anything, Levi.” I whisper, noticing his jaw finally soften slightly.
He sighs, “That’s easy for you to say. You haven’t been through this.” He gestures to himself. “You don’t understand.”
“I’m not saying that I do,” I say softly, waiting until I catch his eye before I continue, “But let me help you. Please.” I practically beg.
He doesn’t answer, light smoke from the grill swirling around us creating an almost ashy scent in the air.
I reach for the tongs, not bothering to ask because we already know how that would go down. My fingertips brush his, as I grasp the handle, and I notice his breath hitch.
I hold my breath as I move our hands together toward the chicken, and there, we flip it together – successful at last.
I bring my hand back to my side. “There. We did it.” I say as I walk back to sit on the railing again.
He exhales, in almost some kind of surrender. “You sure you don’t want to take over?
“Nah. I’d just rather eat something that’s edible tonight.” I tease, my lips pulling up in a small smirk.
He let out a reluctant laugh. I’ll take that as a win.
We stood there in a comfortable silence – Levi watching the grill, and me watching the sunset. God, it’s beautiful out here.
When the last piece of chicken is cooked, I hold the plate out for him.
Once he’s removed the food from the grill, I try to make light of the tense environment. “See,” I poke him in his ribs causing him to flinch slightly, “Teamwork makes the dreamwork.”
He rolls his eyes at me, and I swear I see the corner of his lip twitch before his mouth flattens again.
I’ll get there eventually.
Taking my plate, I move to sit on the back steps, looking out over the now golden lake.
Stunning. I really would stay here forever if I could.
Levi sits down on the step beside me, taking a bite out of his chicken and chewing a couple of times before breaking the silence. “I guess it could’ve been worse.”
I smirk at that, looking down at my plate.
“I’d say you did pretty well for having just one arm, Carter.” I say before taking a bite of my own food.
I see his face turn slightly red, but he doesn’t respond. We fall back into silence, something I am beginning to notice happens often between us. It’s not awkward or tense, it’s comfortable and I don’t feel the need to fill it with meaningless conversation.
Finishing up the last of my food, I tip my head toward his shoulder. “How is it tonight? Does it feel better than earlier?”
