Summary - Reader is hired as Ruben's assistant nurse after receiving head trauma during a football game. He has fallen into a deep depression on his road to recovery and does not accept much help from Reader as she only reminds him of how incapable he is.

Enjoy!

You were a liar and a terrible one at that. Ruben shifted to lay on his back, his breath slow and still. But nonetheless there he was, asleep in his bed, with you laying next to him even though you said you'd be gone when he woke up.

It was inappropriate and unprofessional. The most inopportune and unprofessional thing you've ever done. Kissing Ruben in such a vulnerable state felt like a moment taken advantage off. And the guilt it left you with was almost unbearable.

"Y/N?" Ruben muttered your name in his sleep. He had done so several times during the night, with his hands searching for you under the bed covers. It's how you woke up, with Ruben's arms wrapped around you, pressing you to rest against him, to stay with him well into the early morning.

You tiptoed out of his room, having freed yourself from his grasp. But in the kitchen was Max, who's eyes winded at the sight of you. "Y/N?" You're up early."

His head turned in the direction of your bedroom as it dawned on him that you hadn't come out of it.

"I can explain." You said, as the realization hit him all at once.

"You and Ruben...?" He frowned.

"No. We didn't do anything, I swear."

Liar.

"So you were in his room because....?" Max had every right to look as confused as he did.

"Look. I'll explain everything later." You replied.

"Right."

With your purse in hand you rushed to gather some things. An apple for breakfast and some coins for the bus.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes. I have a call back."

There was no time to change. Your outfit from the day before, the one you slept in, would have to do.

"A call back to audition?" Max asked, his presence in the kitchen slightly annoying you.

"Yes. I thought I blew the part but I ran into the director, Joshua, during Ruben's birthday party last night. He told me that if I wanted it the part was mine."

"So you are leaving?"

"Just for the day. I don't know for how long I'll be gone. I believe that they just need me for a dress fitting."

"Does Ruben know?"

"Does Ruben know what?" You paused what you were doing to meet Max's judgmental gaze.

"That you're leaving him?"

"I'm not..."

He raised a brow as you could not fulfill that sentence. "Look." He sighed. "I hope you know what you're doing?"

"I am."

"I'm sure you do. But I'm here to remind you that you're still on the clock, hired to help Ruben with his....condition."

"Well he doesn't need much help now, does he?" Without the bandages Ruben could see again. Sure, last night indicated that he should take things slow, but nonetheless, he was better, almost back to normal.

Max threw his hands up in defeat, not arguing with you any further. "Just know that I'm off to see my girls this weekend, so it'll just be you and Ruben around here."

"Yeah, sure. Tell them I said hello."

You grabbed the last of your things and went out the door before Max could tell you about the keys to the apartment, the keys that you forgot on the kitchen counter.

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