#donno

“No. You just don’t look ok.” He mumbled. “Keeping an eye on you.” I smiled softly at him as I squeezed his arm.

“I appreciate it donno.” I assured him. “I do. But this isn’t anything I haven’t dealt with before. I’ve worked through worse.”

“you shouldn’t have to.” He said, eyes darting away from me. “Tonya would have given you the day off. Hell I would have.”

“and then you’d be short staffed and you would have to play waiter as well as chef.” I said as I grabbed the next plate. “And we both know you wouldn’t want that.” Donnos nose scrunched up and i nodded. “So I force myself to get through the day. And then we can go home. And cuddle.”

“what is it with you and cuddling this time of month?” Donno muttered as I walked away.

“wouldn’t you like to know you giant murdery teddy bear?” I called back to him as I headed towards one of my tables. Donnos blush hadn’t gone away when I went to cash out one of the tables. I patted his arm as I passed by. “You good there?”

“yeah.” Donno muttered as he turned to head back into the kitchen, checking on the other cooks and going to look for Tonya. I continued working through the lunch rush, wincing every so often and standing with the counter digging into my abdomen any chance I got. Once the lunch rush ended, I sagged in relief.

“Tonya I’m taking my break.” I called as I turned the corner into the kitchen. Tonya stood leaning against a wall with donno next to her. “And now I know why Emily finds the two of you intimidating.” I murmured as I stopped in my tracks.

“donno says you’re in pain? But still working?” Tonya asked. I nodded slowly. “What happened? Do you need to see a doctor?” My eyes flickered to donno before settling back on Tonya.

“uh no. It’s just…normal…monthly…things.” I said, furrowing my eyebrows at her. “Which honestly he knows about so I don’t know why he wouldn’t explain it that way to you. Causing more concern than there should be.” Donnos cheeks flushed again as he looked away.

“donno…” Tonya sighed before turning towards me again. “Take the rest of the day off. Relax. Watch some trashy tv. Eat ice cream. If he’ll even keep his mouth shut about it.” Donno rolled his eyes and I had to bite back my giggle. “Use a heating pad or take a warm bath. Whatever you need to do. Hell take tomorrow off. And I don’t want to hear about how we’re short staffed right now. I’ve got waitress experience. We can make it work.” I smiled at her as I nodded.

“ok. Thanks Tonya.” I moved to grab my stuff before heading to clock out.

“and don’t worry about pay. I’ll take care of it. Sick leave or something.” She smiled as she grabbed a bag from the table in the middle of the kitchen. “On the house.” I nodded as I took the bag, the smell of one of the specials seeping through the bag. “And take donno with you. Without you here he just mopes around the kitchen. Gets kind of annoying.” I let out a chuckle at donnos face as his head whipped around to glare at Tonya.

“why would you…” he started before Tonya started shooing him out the back door. She winked at me as I walked past her, slipping my hand into donnos as we headed towards his truck.

“Let her have this donno.” I whispered as he held my door open. “She just wants what’s best for us.” Donno sighed as he closed the door and headed for his side.

“I know.” He muttered, backing out of the spot before turning towards my apartment. “Annoys the hell out of me though.” I smiled softly at him as I watched him drive. “How are you feeling? Any better?” I shrugged.

“a little.” I responded. “I think being off my feet and finally getting to eat with help too.” Donno nodded as he pulled into a parking space before getting out. I gathered up my things as donno opened my door. He helped me out of the truck before intertwining our fingers. He shooed me off to the bedroom once we got to my apartment, plating up the food before bringing it to me. He even took the dishes once we were done and washed them before returning and holding his arm out for me.

“come on then.” He sighed, the corners of his mouth turning up. The shine in his eyes gave away his enjoyment as I moved to lay on his chest. Donnos arm held me tightly to him as he propped his chin on my head. “I’ll never understand what about this makes you feel better.” He grumbled. I laughed and tilted my head to look at him.

“Because it’s you donno. You help make me feel better no matter what’s wrong. Mental or physical, I can always count on you to make me feel better.” I said. Donno blushed as he looked away from me.

“oh.” He murmured, his hold on me tightening.