Bastian
Chapter Odette's Diary 2 - February 20th

✧Nursing Diary (2)✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

February 20th

On a sparkling evening, we decided to go for a stroll. Bastian still needed to use the wheelchair, but his progress had been far greater than anticipated, as he could now transfer himself into the wheelchair independently without need of assistance. Each day, he worked hard to increase his strength, with progress like this he would be able to start his rehabilitation soon.

It would have been better for him to travel back to Ratz for treatment, but with the military hospital in the Trosa Islands was well-equipped with experienced doctors and nurses, Bastian chose to stay here. The risk of being in a conflict zone loomed large, yet recent reports had suggested that tensions had eased following the last battle. And whispers traveled far on the winds, that Lovita’s fleet had withdrawn from the North Sea, possibly signaling the start of treaty talks.

Unlike many of his fellow comrades, Bastian rarely talked of the battles he had survived, but rather staring out into the distant sea as if his mind was still fighting in the distant wars. Seeing that pain etched across his eyes brought a deep ache to my soul- an open wound I felt too scared to heal, so I just wished I can be his resting place.

Come next month, Bastian would be discharged from the hospital and move into a official residence where he would begin rehabilitation training, once he became strong enough to walk with crutches

I looked forward to it, but another part of me feared for what lay ahead. Once we settled in, I decided to hone my culinary skills for him – preparing meals that could help restore muscle strength and learning massages techniques to prevent his body from stiffening up too much. I hoped it would bring about change and maybe finally put an end to his suffering.

Important Notes:

– Ensure the official residence is in pristine condition before they move.

-Necessary supplies listed: laundry detergent, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, firewood, slippers, frying pan, teacup.

– Establishing a healthy lifestyle that gives my body the strength to take care of the patients.

-Put together a nutritional plan that ensures a balanced diet.

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After a long day of care for the injured, Odette was ready to call it a night. She gathered her belongings in the nurse’s lounge and set up her diary before saying goodbye to her colleagues. The sun had just begun its descent behind the horizon, painting a beautiful western sky.The air smelled sweet and inviting – perfect for an evening walk with her beloved Bastian.

The thought of him waiting for her return put a briskness in her steps. She took off running down the stairs and through the lobby filled with soldiers freshly discharged from outpatient care – each sharing their own harrowing tales from war that echoed through the hall.

“Where are you going in such a hurry, Princess?”

A voice from the past broke through the noise of the crowd. She turned to face it, and her heart swelled with joy at the sight of Bastian sitting in his wheelchair while being pushed along by a medic.

“Bastian! What brings you here?” Odette approached him, he only responsed by a small shrug. “What happened?” Fearing the worst, her pale eyes rose to meet that of the medic who had been standing behind her wheelchair.

“Check it out for yourself.” He said cryptically, handing Bastian a long rod that she noticed as a crutch.

No way….Odette was rendered speechless by the sight. He stood before her, propped up on his crutches in the hospital hallway; a vibrant sea of pink danced around them as the crowd rejoiced at the sight. Sweat dripped down his rugged jawline onto the pristine floor below as he slowly took a step towards her, suppressing the pain shooting through his leg.

The crowd roared in joy, applauding him as he walked to his beloved. Taking one step after another, Bastian narrowed his distance and finally standing in front of her. His whole body was soaked with cold sweat. Yet, he had done it right, he hadn’t stumbled or fallen in front of her..

“Still not fully recovered but I’m finally walking again. I wanted you to see it first, my Princess.” Bastian said, his voice like the depths of the North Sea, drowning out all the commotion around them.

Odette looked away, struggling to contain her emotions—This was a warzone and Bastian was a respected soldier; an outburst would bring shame upon them both. She had to demonstrate her self-control and keep her dignity intact. Much as she wanted to cry out in joy for his recovery, she remained composed.

 The first thing she did was to congratulate him that was audible to all. Her sincere gratitude towards the medical soldier for his dedication followed suit. Then came a moment frozen in time, like a scene from a dream.  All eyes were upon him as cheers erupted from the crowd, shouting out the hero’s name,the doctor joining them in expressing joy at learning the news. And Bastian who couldn’t help but smile with joy.

“Odette. Are you okay?”

Bastian’s voice enchanted her like a gentle wave, calling her name. Odette was pulled from her dreamlike state, the people surrounded them had disappeared and all she saw was the thin winter trees with gas lanterns illuminating the area.  Her cheeks lit up with a joy as she walked alongside him, something she had been desiring for many days.

“If you’re tired, you can go home…”

“No.” Odette snapped and slapped him. “Can you make it that far? Just up to the bench?” She pointed to a bench facing the sea, just a few steps away.

Bastian gave her a nod without saying anything else. He grabbed onto the handles of the wheelchair while sending a wink at the medic walking behind them. The medic quickly vanished around the corner of the hospital building as Bastian began to walk. Step by step he moved along, taking deliberate strides with the help of the crutches. He was getting used to it.

They took a leisurely stroll, Odette talking casually about the events of the day, as if nothing was amiss. The sun gradually descended in the sky and the moon began its ascent when they reached a wooden bench perched atop a hill. They both sat side-by-side, and soaked in the mesmerizing view of the horizon.

“Bastian.” Odette’s voice floated through the windswept night, reaching his ears and taking his attention away from the last light of the day, which made her turquoise eyes sparkle with tears. She smiled, her hands twined around his face like an embrace, “Thank you. Thank you very much for overcoming it, Bastian.” she breathed out with gratitude before hugging him tightly, conveying all the joy that she felt.

Bastian’s large hands still wrapped around her back, were warm enough to make her forget the frigid cold of the North Sea wind. Her heart that had been relieved of its worry, heaved in her chest, hot with happiness and hope.

It was the first time of full happiness under the sky of the battlefield.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian undressed with Odette’s assistance. The warm water in the bathtub bubbled and swirled around his body, as she carefully placed him in the tub. The water began to overflow, spilling over onto her clothing, yet she paid it no heed.

His recent surgery had been taxing and she could not help but worry. “Is it too hot?” Odette asked, her eyes full of concern as she tested the temperature with her hand.

“No. It’s all right.” Bastian shook his head, reclining against the porcelain rim.

it was his first time taking a bath since his surgery.

After much-needed rest, Bastian was permitted to take a light shower, but the surgical area had to be kept away from water for an excessive amount of time. Recovering from such a severe injury took months, and this evening, he finally got the green light from his doctor to return to his everyday life.

The doctor who inspected the gashes left by his crutches stated exercise was now feasible without overextending himself. Now with that knowledge in hand, Odette began preparing for Bastian’s bath down the road. Tomorrow would be the start of his grueling rehabilitation training and she wanted him to have a full night of rest before then—a present from her to him for overcoming every hurdle through his difficult healing process.

“Doesn’t your posture feel uncomfortable? How does it smell?” Odette asked. 

Bastian’s lips curled in a slight smirk looking at her, taking in her endless unimportant questions. “Everything is perfect. Now get out.”

“You’re still a patient, Bastian, there’s no way you can bathe by yourself.”

Bastian squinted, “So? Does that mean the princess wants to wash me?” Odette smiled and rolled up her sleeves. “Whatever. I am your guardian,” she said, her determined eyes puzzling him.

“No need to be so stubborn; call in some care workers.”

“It’s said to be good for muscle relaxation.” She came up to the side of the bathtub with a cotton cloth acting as if she hadn’t heard him at al and put flower essential oil to the water.

“Odette.” Bastian took her hand to stop her.

“I can do it well, too.”

“That’s not what I mean.” He laughed.

“I don’t want to leave you in someone else’s hands.” Odette pushed Bastian’s hand away.”I won’t make you uncomfortable. Trust me, Bastian.” Gently, she began to wipe Bastian’s body and give him a massage. Though she was not as strong as a professional rehabilitation therapist, Odette did her best to relief to his tired muscles. Bastian sighed in resignation, unable to express his discomfort and chose to remain silent and bear it.

“There is an ointment that can make this scar lighter. I’ll get a prescription for you tomorrow.” Odette said, stroking the red spider web of scars adorning his back. Bastian said nothing, but he was soothed by her touch. “How does it feel? Is it much better than you had expected?” 

After the warm cloth cleansed his back, Odette moved to his shoulders and chest. His breath quickened as her rosy cheeks and lips brushed his skin. A trickle of hair trailed down her porcelain neck while and the droplets of sweat winding their way through her collarbone glistened in the muted light.

“Actually, I took care of my mother even when she was sick. So I’m used to bathing patients. Besides, I’ll take care of …” Odette stumbled over her last words as she stared at his lower body submerged in the water. 

“It seems to be quite an unrelated area of work for Lady Odette, no? Would you please leave?” Bastian laughed as he said.

Knowing the meaning, the heat of a blush crept up her neck. She should have just left and let Bastian wash on his own, but something inside of her kept her rooted in place. “I… I think I can help you,” she said in embarrassment and couldn’t bring herself to look into his eyes, nor could she run away

“…What?”

Odette chose to answer with action rather than words. She stepped closer to the bathtub and firmly began rubbing his legs. Her hands moved expertly, scrubbing his body clean. 

The water’s claps grew louder and Bastian’s breathing heavier, he grabbed her hand to make her stop. His desire only burned brighter.

“Bastian?” 

The sight of her innocent face left every shred of his logic behind in a vacuum. A savage need surged in him. He held her wrist tightly, and his lips burning into hers. The air was filled with the sound of water lapping as their breath quickened and his grip around her tightened fiercely until he reached a climax with an untamed bellow.

Odette opened her eyes. Bastian buried his face on her neck, not wanting to let her go.  “It’s okay, Bastian,” She said softly, trying not to embarrass him. “It’s normal. I…I’m glad you seem to have recovered greatly.”

As soon as he heard her words, Bastian erupted in laughter. She acted motherly and meant to be the voice of reason but couldn’t hide her blushing cheeks.

Bastian leaned in and kissed her lying lips. There was no more elegant lady who had won everyone’s admiration with extreme dignity. Odette now was just an infinitely tender and lovely lover, waiting to melt under his kisses.

This was a little secret that he loved so much.