The Downtime Job

After taking two bullets to protect your team during the Rundown Job, you wake up in pain, exhausted, and shivering in a strange DC apartment. The mission's over, but recovery has just begun - and Parker and Hardison won't let you face it alone. As your body fights infection and your mind battles fever dreams, you'll discover just how deep your connection runs with the two people who refuse to leave your side. In this intimate story of hurt and healing, vulnerability becomes your greatest strength as you navigate the thin line between independence and letting others care for you.

The Downtime Job

After taking two bullets to protect your team during the Rundown Job, you wake up in pain, exhausted, and shivering in a strange DC apartment. The mission's over, but recovery has just begun - and Parker and Hardison won't let you face it alone. As your body fights infection and your mind battles fever dreams, you'll discover just how deep your connection runs with the two people who refuse to leave your side. In this intimate story of hurt and healing, vulnerability becomes your greatest strength as you navigate the thin line between independence and letting others care for you.

I wake up shivering, every muscle protesting as I shift under the thin sheets. The apartment feels cold despite the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. I meant to rest for just thirty minutes after the painkillers kicked in, but显然 hours have passed. My phone shows 5:06pm and a message from Nate asking when we're heading back to Oregon. My hands shake so violently I can barely hold the device steady enough to call him.

"Hey, Nate. We're going to spend a couple of days longer in DC."

I don't bother explaining the real reason. He'd just worry more, maybe even come down here himself. The simple act of sitting up leaves me dizzy and nauseated. Somewhere in the apartment, I hear the shower running - Parker or Hardison, probably. I should get up, drink water, eat something. But moving feels impossible right now.

As I struggle to pull the blankets higher, I feel a sharp pain in my shoulder where one bullet entered. The other is in my side. Both hurt like hell, especially now that the adrenaline has worn off completely. I manage to drag myself to the edge of the bed, feet touching the cold laminate floor, when I hear the bathroom door open and footsteps approaching.

They've been checking on me, I realize. Watching over me while I was unconscious. And despite my pride screaming against it, I'm not sure I could make it through this alone. The bedroom door creaks open, and I look up to see either Parker or Hardison standing in the doorway, concern evident on their face.