A Matter of Life and Death - David Finlay
David Finlay x OC (Ana Finlay)
Warnings: Language
A/N: I only own the OC and idea
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David Finlay, the stoic leader of the Bullet Club War Dogs, leaned against the cool metal of the locker room, his eyes fixed on the worn-out poster of wrestling greats adorned the wall. The roar of the crowd was a distant echo in his mind, the adrenaline from the match still coursing through his veins. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his chest rose and fell with deep, steady breaths. A rare four weeks of freedom stretched before him, a reprieve from the relentless grind of the wrestling world.
"You okay, dog?". Clark Connors, a member of the War Dogs, slapped David on the back, snapping him out of his contemplation. "You've got that thousand-mile stare," he said, grinning.
"That's cos he's looking forward to four weeks with his Mrs." Gabe Kidd, another War Dog, chimed in from across the locker room, his cheeky grin lighting up the space.
"You've seen my Mrs. Wouldn't you be excited for some quality time?" David quipped back, a rare smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
The locker room erupted in laughter, and the tension from the match began to dissipate. Ana was indeed something special, the perfect counterbalance to his intense life. She wasn't involved in the wrestling business at all. They'd been childhood best friends before it all started, and somehow, she'd stuck by him through the chaos. They decided to spend their holiday in a quaint village nestled in the Irish countryside, a place as far removed from the glitz and grind of the wrestling world as you could get.
"What you got planned, bro?". Dan Maloney, another War Dog, asked as he approached, towel around his neck.
"Somewhere quiet," David said, the excitement in his voice palpable. "Ana's picked out this little village in Ireland. We're going to unplug, maybe do some hiking, see the sights."
"Going back to the motherland aye". Gabe said, nudging him playfully.
David chuckled, "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Ana's got her heart set on it, and I just wanna give her the world."
The weeks flew by in a whirlwind of preparation and excitement. Finally, the day of their departure arrived. They boarded the flight, David's large frame fitting into the seat with surprising ease. Ana's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her hand intertwined with his. They landed in the emerald embrace of the Irish countryside, and the quiet charm of the village immediately enveloped them as they drove down the narrow, winding roads. The cottage they had rented was a picturesque retreat, with ivy climbing the walls and a thatched roof that sighed in the gentle breeze.
"This is amazing babe". Ana breathed as they pulled into the cobblestone driveway of the cottage. The thatched roof looked like a postcard come to life, with the rolling green hills and the distant sound of a babbling brook.
David squeezed her hand. "Told you it'd be worth it."
They unpacked, their laughter echoing through the cosy cottage. The days melded into one another, a tapestry of long walks, hearty meals, and quiet nights in by the fire. The serene landscape was a stark contrast to the adrenaline-fueled arenas they were accustomed to, and they revelled in the tranquillity. Ana had always been the quiet strength behind David's fierce persona, her gentle spirit the balm to his bruised soul.
One afternoon, as they strolled through the rolling emerald hills, the air thick with the scent of heather, Ana's grip on David's arm tightened. She faltered, her cheeks flushing.
David, ever the protector, immediately felt a twinge of concern. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, his voice a soft rumble.
Ana managed a weak smile, her eyes never leaving the horizon. "Yeah, just a bit dizzy. Maybe it's the fresh air, or all that walking."
"We'll stop for a bit," David suggested, guiding her to a patch of soft grass. They sat down, and he pulled out a bottle of water from his backpack. "Here, drink this. You've probably just got a bit dehydrated."
Ana took a sip, the cool liquid quenching her dry throat. "Thanks," she murmured, leaning into his side. "It's so beautiful here. I can't believe we get to do this."
David wrapped his arm around her, his eyes never leaving hers. "You deserve it more than anyone. And if it means seeing that smile on your face every day, it's worth every second."
They continued their walk, but as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the landscape, Ana's condition worsened. She stumbled, and David caught her, his own smile fading into a furrowed brow. "You're not okay," he said, his voice a low growl of worry. "We need to get you back to the cottage."
"I'm fine," Ana protested weakly, but her legs didn't seem to agree, wobbling like a newborn fawn's.
David scooped her up, his strong arms cradling her gently. The weight of her was nothing to him. His only concern was the well-being of the woman he loved.
"You're not fine," he said firmly, his stride swift as he carried her back towards the cottage. "And you know you can tell me anything."
"I know, David," Ana whispered, her eyes closed as she rested her head against his chest.
Her breathing grew shallower, and her skin felt clammy. David's heart raced as he quickened his pace, every step echoing the urgency he felt. The cottage door was a welcome sight, and he kicked it open with his foot, gently laying her down on the plush couch. "Ana, can you hear me?"
Her eyes fluttered open, and she gave a faint nod. "It's just a... a little faintness."
But David wasn't convinced. He knew her well enough to see that she was hiding something, and her sudden pallor was cause for alarm. "I'm going to get you some tea," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
While the water boiled, he took a moment to check her over, his hands gentle yet firm. She was definitely paler than usual, and her pulse was racing. He returned to her side with a steaming cup, the aroma of chamomile wafting through the air. "Here, this should help," he said, helping her sit up and take a sip.
Ana's eyes searched his, filled with a silent apology. "I'll be fine," she murmured, setting the cup down with a trembling hand.
David studied her for a moment, his gaze intense. "You're not fine," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "We're going to the doctor."
Ana's eyes widened with surprise. "It's just a bit of dizziness, David. It'll pass."
"Ana, I love you. You're my world. If there's something wrong, I wanna know. I can't have you hiding things from me," David's words were a gentle yet firm command.
"I'm not hiding anything from you. If there was something wrong, I would tell you, you know that." Ana's voice was a whisper, her eyes pleading with him to believe her.
David's expression softened, but the worry lines around his eyes remained etched. He sat down beside her, his hand resting on her forehead. "Then tell me what's going on. You're not yourself."
"I'm just a bit tired, maybe," Ana offered, her voice strained. But David's gaze didn't waver. He knew her too well to be fooled by her reassurances.
"Please, let me call a doctor. Just for piece of mind," David urged, his voice laced with a tension that matched the tightening grip of his hand around hers.
Ana's eyes searched his for a moment before she nodded, her body visibly relaxing into the cushions of the couch. "Okay," she murmured, "but I'm sure it's nothing."
David didn't argue. Instead, he immediately went to the phone, his thumbs flying over the screen as he found the nearest medical clinic. The nurse, on the other end of the line, heard the urgency in his voice and promised to squeeze them in as soon as possible. He hung up and turned back to Ana, his expression a mix of relief and concern.
Her eyes had closed again, and she was leaning heavily against the arm of the couch. He didn't like the look of it, but he didn't want to scare her with his own fear. "They said we can come in now. I'll grab the car keys," he said gently, helping her to her feet.
The drive to the clinic was quiet, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Ana's eyes remained closed, her breaths shallow. The scenic beauty of the countryside passed by in a blur, the serenity of the landscape a stark contrast to the turmoil in the car.
The clinic was small but well-kept, and the white walls and gleaming floors a stark contrast to the aged cottage they'd left behind. David carried Ana inside, his grip tight but careful. The receptionist, a plump, motherly woman with a gentle smile, took one look at Ana's condition and immediately ushered them into an exam room.
The doctor was a no-nonsense kind of man, with a thick Irish brogue that reminded David of his own grandfather. He listened to Ana's symptoms with a furrowed brow, asking questions in a calm and measured tone. David hovered by the door, his muscles coiled like a spring, ready to pounce if needed.
"Could you leave us for a moment?" the doctor asked, his eyes flicking to David. "Let me have a wee look at her in private."
David hesitated, his protective instincts flaring, but he nodded and stepped into the hallway, his eyes never leaving Ana's pale face. The doctor closed the door, and David leaned against the wall, his heart pounding in his chest. The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity.
Finally, the doctor emerged, his expression solemn. "Your wife needs to be seen by a specialist in the city," he said, his voice carrying the weight of the unspoken words. "It seems she's suffering from something more serious than a mere faint spell."
David's gut clenched, his mind racing with a thousand scenarios, none of them good. "What do you mean?" he demanded, his voice a harsh whisper.
The doctor's gaze was kind but firm. "Her symptoms are consistent with a condition that requires immediate attention. We need to get her to a hospital in Belfast."
"What condition?" David's voice was tight with fear, his hand gripping the doorframe as if it was the only thing keeping him upright.
The doctor placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "It's too early to say for certain, but we suspect it could be a heart condition. We need to rule out anything else, of course, but it's vital that she gets the best care as soon as possible."
David felt the world tilt beneath him, the walls of the quaint clinic closing in. His mind raced with memories of his own grandfather's heart troubles, the long hospital stays, the fear that had become a constant companion. He took a deep breath, pushing the panic down. "Okay," he said, his voice tight. "We'll do whatever it takes."
The doctor nodded. "Good. We'll arrange for an ambulance to take you both to Belfast. It's a few hours' drive, but we need to be cautious."
The world outside the clinic was a blur as they waited. David held Ana's hand, her palm cold and clammy. He tried to keep his own grip steady, but his mind was racing. The quiet countryside that had seemed so peaceful now felt like a prison, keeping them from the help they desperately needed.
When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics wasted no time in checking her vitals and getting her comfortable on the stretcher. David climbed in beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's going to be okay," he murmured, the words sounding hollow even to his own ears.
The ride to the hospital was a blur of flashing lights and winding roads. Ana's hand remained cold in his, her eyes closed, but her grip tight. David felt helpless, his usual confidence replaced by a gnawing fear that clawed at his insides. He was used to being the one in control, the one who took care of things. But here, in this moment, all he could do was hold her hand and hope for the best.
As the ambulance pulled into the bustling city hospital, a flurry of medical staff surrounded them. Ana was whisked away on the stretcher, her eyes fluttering open briefly to meet David's before the doors swallowed her up. He was left standing in the chaos, clutching the plastic bag of their belongings like a lifeline.
The hours ticked by in a blur of waiting rooms and solemn glances from the hospital staff. David's nerves were stretched taut as a bowstring, every moment feeling like a year. Finally, a doctor with a tired smile and a clipboard emerged from the maze of corridors.
"Mr. Finlay?" the doctor called out, his voice cutting through the din of the emergency ward.
David jumped to his feet, his heart racing as he approached the doctor. "How is she?" he demanded, his eyes searching for any sign of hope in the man's expression.
The doctor looked at him, his eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and professionalism. "Your wife is in stable condition for now. We've run some tests, and we suspect it's Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome."
David's heart sank. "What's that?"
The doctor took a deep breath, explaining, "It's a heart condition where an extra electrical pathway causes a rapid heartbeat. It's treatable, but it requires careful monitoring and, in some cases, surgery."
David felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He had never seen Ana so vulnerable, so breakable. He had always been her protector, the one who could fix anything, but now he was faced with something he couldn't beat with strength or intimidation.
"What happens now?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"We'll keep her overnight for observation," the doctor replied, his tone soothing. "If she remains stable, we'll transfer her to a cardiac unit in the morning for further tests and treatment planning."
The words hit David like a ton of bricks. He nodded, trying to digest the information, as the doctor continued explaining the condition and the potential treatments. Ana had always been the picture of health, so this revelation was like a sucker punch to the gut. He felt the weight of his own mortality pressing down on him, the reality of her fragility, a stark reminder of how quickly life could change.
As the doctor finished up, David squeezed Ana's hand. "I'll be right here," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Ana managed a faint smile. "I know. I'm sorry I've ruined our holiday," she whispered, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
David leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "Don't you dare say that," he said fiercely. "You didn't ruin anything. We're just taking a detour, that's all."
The doctor gave a nod of understanding before leaving them to their privacy. David pulled up a chair, his hand never leaving hers. He watched the rise and fall of her chest, the steady beep of the monitor, the only sound in the room that brought him a semblance of comfort. He didn't know how to navigate this new terrain of hospital corridors and medical jargon, but he knew he had to be strong for her.
The night dragged on, punctuated by the occasional nurse's check-in. David dozed fitfully in the chair beside her, his mind racing with the what-ifs and the fear of the unknown. When dawn broke, casting a soft glow through the blinds, Ana stirred.
Her eyes searched the room, finally landing on him. "You didn't leave?" she asked, her voice a raspy whisper.
"Not a chance," David replied, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand. "I'm right here."
Ana's smile was weak, but it was a smile nonetheless. "Thank you," she mouthed, her eyes closing again.
David watched her sleep, his mind racing with the events of the night. He knew he couldn't change what was happening, but the urge to fix it was overwhelming. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see the doctor from earlier, his expression grim.
"We've got the results of the EKG," the doctor began. "It confirms our suspicion of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It's a serious condition, but with the right care, she can lead a normal life."
David nodded, his grip on Ana's hand tightening. "What's the next step?"
"We'll need to monitor her heart rhythm continuously," the doctor said, his eyes serious. "And we'll likely schedule a procedure called an ablation to correct the extra pathway. It's not without risks, but it's the best course of action for a young and otherwise healthy woman like your wife."
David nodded, trying to absorb the information. His mind was racing with questions, but he kept his voice steady for Ana's sake. "What's the recovery like?"
The doctor's expression softened. "It can vary, but generally speaking, it's quite good. Most people are back to their usual activities in a few weeks."
David nodded, his mind racing with the implications. "What happens now?"
"We'll keep her here for a few days for observation," the doctor replied, his voice measured. "We need to ensure she's stable before we can proceed with the ablation. But rest assured, Mr. Finlay, we're going to do everything we can for her."
David nodded, his mind racing. He'd never felt so out of his element, so powerless. All he wanted was to scoop her up and carry her out of here, back to their quiet rental cottage but he knew that wasn't an option.
"Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I appreciate everything you're doing."
The doctor offered a comforting smile before leaving the room. David leaned back in the chair, his eyes never straying from Ana's face. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, the machines beeping a reassuring symphony of life.
His phone suddenly buzzed with a call from his dad, who was at home in Orlando, Florida.
"Hi dad, what's up?" David's voice was weary, his thumb absentmindedly tracing the seam of his jeans.
"Just checking in," his dad's voice was filled with warmth. "How's the holiday going?"
David took a deep breath, his thumb still tracing the fabric of his jeans. "It's... complicated," he said finally. "Ana's in the hospital."
"What?! Is she okay?". The colour drained from David's father's face as he listened to his son's solemn voice.
"They think it's Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. A heart condition," David explained, his voice a low rumble of fear and exhaustion.
His dad's response was immediate. "I'll be on the first flight out. You need me there."
"Dad, it's okay. Mum needs you there," David said firmly, swiping at the corner of his eye. "We'll get through this."
"Fine, but keep me updated, okay?" His dad's voice cracked with worry. "I'm here if you need anything."
David ended the call with a heavy sigh, his eyes never leaving Ana's peaceful face. The weight of the world felt like it was crushing him, but he couldn't let it show. He had to be her rock, her protector.
Days turned into a blur of hospital routines. Poking, prodding, tests, and endless waiting. David remained by Ana's side, his hand in hers, his eyes never leaving hers unless it was to speak with the doctors and nurses. The cardiac unit was a world of white coats, beeping machines, and the faint smell of antiseptic. It was a stark contrast to the quiet village they'd been exploring just days before.
Ana was a trooper, bearing the indignities of hospital life with a grace that surprised even David. She tried to smile, to keep her spirits up, but he saw the fear in her eyes. It mirrored his own, the fear of the unknown, the fear of losing the person you love most.
"I'm gonna call Tanahashi. I'm gonna take some time off," David told her, his voice firm.
Ana's eyes widened, "David, no. You can't do that."
"I'm not leaving you, Ana. Not until I know you're okay," David said, his jaw set.
Ana squeezed his hand, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," she whispered.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily," he said, forcing a smile. "Now, get some rest. I'll go make that call."
As he stepped out into the hallway, his heart felt like it was in a vice. He dialled Tanahashi, the president of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and explained the situation. The silence on the other end was deafening before Tanahashi's firm voice broke through.
"Take the time you need, David," Tanahashi said, his voice filled with understanding. "We may not see eye to eye on most things, but we both value family. Make sure Ana gets better. That's all that matters."
The call ended, leaving David feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. He knew he had made the right decision, but the thought of letting his team down weighed heavy on his mind. He took a deep breath and pushed it aside. Right now, Ana was his priority. His phone buzzed with messages from the War Dogs group chat.
Connors (100 Proof): How's the holiday going?
Kidd (Mad Man): He's having too much fun to answer us, bro
Maloney (Drilla): Leave him alone. He's enjoying relaxing and peace with his Mrs.
Connors (100 Proof): Haha, peace and quiet. Sounds boring as hell.
Kidd (Mad Man): Well, someone's gotta be boring.
Maloney (Drilla): Shut it. You two are just jealous. Hey Finlay, where's the pictures?
David stepped back into the hospital room, his mind racing with the conversation with Tanahashi and the messages from his teammates. He had to keep the two worlds separate, focusing solely on Ana's health. He sat beside her, his hand enveloping hers, the warmth of her skin grounding him. He sighed as his phone vibrated again.
Connors (100 Proof): What's this about you taking leave?
Kidd (Mad Man): That bitch Tanahashi's just told us.
Maloney (Drilla): Everything okay?
David took a deep breath before typing out a response.
Finlay (Rebel): Sorry guys. It's been mad here. Ana's not well. We found out she has Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. She needs treatment. I'm staying with her until she's better.
Connors (100 Proof): Shit, man. That's tough. You know we've got your back. Tell her we're all rooting for her.
Kidd (Mad Man): Fucking hell! How you holding up?
Maloney (Drilla): How did you find out? Give Ana our love yeah. I'll be praying for her.
Finlay (Rebel): Thanks. Found out after she collapsed during a hike. It's been a whirlwind since.
The messages of support continued to flood in, but David knew he had to stay strong for Ana. He tucked his phone away and leaned in to kiss her forehead, her eyes fluttering open.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice tender.
Ana's smile was weak, but it reached her eyes. "Better," she lied, not wanting to worry him further. "I hate it here. I wish we could go back to our cottage. I had so many plans for us."
David's heart clenched at her words. "Me too," he said, his voice thick. "But we'll make new memories. And when you're better, we'll go back and finish our hike. Promise."
Ana chuckled. "I think we'll give the hike a miss for a while. But I would be happy just to go back to that little pub and have a pint."
David nodded, the image of the quaint pub bringing a small smile to his lips. "Yeah, me too," he said, his voice cracking a little. "But for now, you need to focus on getting better."
"I know. I have faith David". Ana smiled weakly. "Have you told the War Dogs yet?".
David nodded, his thumb tracing the back of her hand. "Yeah, they know. They're all worried about you."
Her eyes searched his. "They all care about you y'know. You've got some good friends there."
"Yeah, I know," David said with a nod, his eyes misting over. "They're like my brothers."
A nurse poked her head in, a gentle smile on her face. "Mr. Finlay, we're going to take Mrs. Finlay for some more tests now."
David nodded. "Am I okay to go with her?" he asked, his voice a mix of hope and concern.
"Of course," the nurse said with a gentle smile. "We know this is a scary time for both of you. We'll make sure she's as comfortable as possible."
David stood, his legs feeling like lead as he followed the nurse and Ana out of the room. The wheels of the hospital bed squeaked against the floor, the sound echoing down the corridor. Ana's hand was cold in his, and he squeezed it reassuringly.
The cardiac ward was a blur of faces, all looking at him with pity and understanding. He knew they were all thinking the same thing: she's so young, it's not fair. But life wasn't fair, and David had learned that the hard way. He steeled himself, focusing on the present.
The tests were exhaustive, a series of pokes and prods, wires and beeping machines that seemed to suck the life out of the room. Ana bore it all with a stoicism that made him proud. She was a fighter, his lioness, and she would not go quietly into the night.
But as the days stretched into a week, the novelty of the situation wore off, and the reality set in. The smell of antiseptic became a constant in his nostrils, the beeping of machines a never-ending soundtrack to their lives. The once quaint Irish countryside outside the hospital window had become a prison of sorts, a constant reminder of the world they were unable to explore.
The War Dogs had sent messages of support, but David hadn't had the heart to reply. The thought of stepping back into the ring, into the adrenaline-fueled world of professional wrestling, seemed like a distant memory. All he could think about was the upcoming surgery, the potential risks, and the fear that gnawed at him every time he looked at Ana's still form in the hospital bed.
The doctors had explained the procedure to them, the ablation, which sounded more like something out of a sci-fi movie than a medical treatment. They would thread a catheter through her veins to her heart, burning away the extra electrical pathway that caused her rapid heartbeat. It was risky, but it was their best shot at a normal life.
The day of the surgery dawned with a gloomy sky, mirroring the heaviness in David's heart. He helped Ana into the wheelchair, her eyes wide with fear but her voice steady. "It'll be okay," he told her, his own voice not quite as confident as he wished it could be.
As they rolled through the corridors, David felt his heart racing faster than he ever had in the ring. The surgery was their only hope, a chance to get their lives back on track, but the risks were stark.
He kissed her forehead, feeling the cold sweat bead on her skin, and whispered, "You're going to come out of this stronger than ever. I believe in you."
"I know. Someone's got to keep that ego of yours in check". Ana teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief despite her pallor. The surgery was in a few hours, and David knew that she was trying to keep the mood light.
He chuckled, squeezing her hand tightly. "I'll make sure to keep it in check," he said, trying to match her bravado.
The hours leading up to the surgery were the longest of his life. David paced the waiting room, his eyes never leaving the clock on the wall. He could hear the muffled sounds of the hospital beyond, the cacophony of life and death playing out in a symphony of beeps and whispers.
Finally, the doctor emerged, his scrubs still immaculate despite the hours that had passed. David stood, his muscles tight with tension.
"Mr. Finlay, the surgery was a success," the doctor said, his words a lifeline in the storm of fear and doubt. "Ana is in recovery now. She'll need to stay here for a few more days, but she should make a full recovery."
Relief flooded David's body, making his knees weak. He leaned against the wall for support, his eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you," he managed to whisper, his voice cracking with emotion.
The doctor nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "It's not over yet," he cautioned. "We'll need to keep an eye on her heart rhythm for a while. But she's a strong woman, and she's in good hands."
David felt a weight lift off his shoulders, his breath coming out in a whoosh. "Thank you," he said again, the words feeling inadequate.
"You can see her soon," the doctor assured him, patting him on the back before disappearing down the hallway.
David breathed a sigh of relief, his hand shaking slightly as he texted the good news to his dad and the War Dogs. The waiting was the hardest part, but knowing Ana was okay was all that mattered. He felt a newfound appreciation for the quiet moments, the simple things in life they had been denied in their peaceful Irish getaway.
He made sure to contact his dad as well as Ana's mum, updating them both on her condition. The call with his dad was a mix of relief and reassurance, his father's voice steady and strong despite the thousands of miles between them.
"You're doing the right thing, son," he said, his Belfast drawl a comforting presence in the sterile hospital environment. "We're all here for you, for both of you."
"Thanks dad. How's Ana's parents holding up? They okay?". David asked, his voice still shaky with emotion.
"They're worried, but they know you're there looking after her," his dad said. "Your mum's been praying for her."
David nodded, his throat tight. "I'll take all those prayers right now," he murmured before ending the call. He took a deep breath and made his way to the recovery room, the beeping of monitors and the murmur of nurses' voices growing louder with each step.
When he saw Ana, she was groggy but smiling. The sight of her, alive and whole, was more beautiful than any victory in the ring. He sat by her side, her hand in his, feeling the warmth of her skin against his palm.
"Hey handsome," she murmured, her eyes heavy with medication.
"Hey beautiful," David responded, his voice thick with emotion. "How do you feel?"
"Like I've been hit by a truck," Ana said with a small laugh that quickly turned into a cough. "But I'm okay."
"Good. Cause once your fighting fit again, We've got a pub to get too and a holiday to finish," David said, trying to keep the conversation light. He couldn't bear the thought of her in pain or discomfort.
"Mmm good, cause I have a surprise for you back at the cottage". Ana's voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough to bring a glimmer of excitement to David's tired eyes.
"A surprise huh? What kind of surprise?" David asked, trying to ignore the fear that clutched at his heart with the mention of their cottage, the place where everything had changed.
"You'll see," Ana said with a mischievous smile. "But you're going to have to wait."
"Aww c'mon An, please tell me," David whined, his voice laced with humor to match her own.
Ana grinned. "Okay fine, lean closer and i'll tell you".
David leaned in, his ear close to her lips, her sweet scent bringing a sense of home to this cold hospital room. "I may or may not have a few pieces of lingerie I picked out for our romantic nights," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief despite the haze of the anesthesia.
David felt his cheeks heat up and he chuckled, "Well now you've got to get better just for that."
Ana's smile grew wider, and she nodded sleepily. "I'll do my best," she murmured before her eyes fluttered shut.
/*/
The days passed in a blur of recovery. David watched over her, his hand never leaving hers, as the colour slowly returned to her cheeks and the strength to her voice. Each time the doctor came in with an update, he held his breath, waiting for the all-clear. And finally, it came.
"Mr. and Mrs. Finlay," the doctor said with a smile. "Ana's recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. We're going to discharge her tomorrow."
David felt his heart soar at the words. He had been living in a daze, his world reduced to the four walls of this hospital room, the beeping of machines, and the rise and fall of Ana's chest. He nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Thank you, doctor. We really appreciate all you've done for her."
The doctor nodded, a warm smile on his face. "It's our job, Mr. Finlay. But I can see how much you care for your wife. That's what really makes the difference."
"I wouldn't be without her for the world," David said, his voice cracking. The doctor patted him on the shoulder before leaving the room, and David felt his eyes well up with tears of gratitude.
"Hey, why are you crying handsome?". Ana's voice was weak but filled with warmth and love.
David looked at her with a watery smile. "It's just... I've never been so scared," he admitted, his voice gruff.
"Hey. C'mere," Ana whispered, her eyes fluttering open.
David leaned closer, wiping at his eyes. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I wanna give you a cutch," she murmured, her arms wrapping around him as best as they could with the tubes and wires. They held each other close, the warmth of their embrace cutting through the hospital chill. "It's okay to be scared handsome. You don't always have to be strong for me, you know."
"I do," he whispered back, his voice muffled against her hair. "You're my everything."
"You're my everything too David, but if ever you're scared tell me. I'll be strong for both of us". Ana's words hung in the air as she drifted off to sleep again.
Her words stuck with him as he sat back in his chair, watching her chest rise and fall with every breath she took. It was a stark contrast to the frantic rhythm of the past week, and he allowed himself to relax, if only for a moment.
The next day, they were discharged, and David helped Ana into their rented car, her body still weak from the ordeal. The drive back to the cottage was silent, both lost in their own thoughts as they passed the green rolling hills and stone walls that had once been the backdrop to their carefree vacation. The quaint pub they had talked about was now just a sad reminder of what could have been.
As they pulled into the cottage's driveway, David felt a mix of relief and anxiety. He wanted to go back to the way things were, but he knew their lives had changed. Ana leaned heavily on him as they made their way inside. The cottage was exactly as they had left it, but it felt foreign now, filled with the echoes of fear and uncertainty.
He helped her into bed, her body weak and drained from the week's events. "Rest," he murmured, kissing her forehead. "I'll be right here."
"Come lay with me". Ana's voice was weak but filled with a warmth that could melt the chill of the room.
David didn't hesitate, carefully climbing into bed beside her, his arms wrapping around her fragile frame. For hours they laid there, the only sound the soft crackling of the fireplace and the occasional cough from her.
The following days were a slow dance of recovery. They took walks around the property, holding hands, savoring every moment together. The air was crisp and cool, the Irish countryside a stark contrast to the stifling hospital room they had left behind. Each step Ana took was a victory, a testament to her strength. David couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in her every move.
The War Dogs had sent over a care package filled with their favourite snacks, movies, and a card signed by all of them. The messages of support and love brought a smile to Ana's face, reminding her that she had a whole community that cared for her beyond just her husband.
One evening, as the sun set over the Irish countryside, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Ana pulled out the lingerie she had bought before their world had turned upside down. She had hidden it away, not wanting to remind David of the holiday they had planned. But now, with the surgery behind her, she felt a newfound sense of hope and normalcy.
"Oh David". She called with a grin that made him forget all the worries of the past week.
Within seconds he was running through the doorway, his eyes wide in shock when he saw her dressed in the delicate lingerie she had bought. She looked like a goddess, her body glowing in the soft light of the candles she had set up around the room. His heart raced as he took her in, her beauty almost too much to handle after the week of fear and stress.
"Jesus, Ana," David breathed, his eyes drinking her in. The sight of her in the lingerie was like a balm to his soul, a reminder of the passion and love they shared, of the life that waited for them outside these walls.
"I take it you approve?" Ana asked with a coy smile, her hands on her hips. Despite her weakened state, she had managed to make herself up, her eyes sparkling with mischief and desire.
"More than approve," David murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He stepped closer, his hand tracing the line of her jaw, the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. "You're... breathtaking."
Ana's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink, and she bit her lower lip, the gesture sending a jolt of desire through him. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed the fabric of the lingerie. "You shouldn't have," he whispered, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Well, I had to," Ana said with a small laugh, her eyes gleaming with love. "I wanted to surprise you, and I knew you'd more than approve".
David couldn't argue with that. He leaned in and kissed her softly, feeling the warmth of her breath mingle with his. It was a gentle kiss, filled with the promise of more to come.
