Tender

When my shoulder protests taking off my tank, I growl. Should have known the weeks without a single workout would result in issues. In my defence, it's a challenge establishing a routine...any routine in this town. With a job description including realm travel and a never ending string of villains and curses, who has time for strength training?

A pleasant ache settles over majority of my muscles. It proves that a least portions of my body appreciate the paces I've put them through. But my upper right arm is screaming...a telltale sign I've pushed it too far too fast.

Calling myself all kinds of idiot, I shake a few ibuprofen into my palm and dry swallow them. Well, like they say, no pain no gain.

I cringe at little as I pull on a loose fitting tee and slide my jacket off the hanger. I manage to stifle a grunt as I drape the red leather over my arm, the movement causing another sharp pain. No way I am getting the thing on until my arm relaxes. I roll my shoulder to lessen the accompanying burn and snatch the keys from the kitchen counter.

David is already at the station and I don't have time for things like ice or heating pads. Hopefully the drugs take the edge off.

As I walk into the sheriff's office minutes later, David's on the phone, his posture and tone radiating frustration. Great, looks like the beginnings of another crisis. I hang my jacket on the back of the nearest chair and drop to the cushioned seat. This might take a while.

I feign nonchalance as my dad tries to wrap up what sounds like a mostly one sided conversation. Bet it's Leroy. That guy has a tendency to be the bearer of bad news.

The call ends and a muttered "Dwarves" proves my intuition correct.

"Fill me in?"

He turns around and manages to give me a small smile. "Hey. Leroy's probably making it out to be more than it is but investigating might take some time. How about we talk on the way?"

I nod and without thought, stretch my arms to shrug on my jacket.

Damn. Forgot the irritated muscle. I give a low, involuntary hiss as my shoulder reminds me it's still angry. Pain shoots inward, digging at bone. I shake out my arm but my eyes and jaw still clench.

"Emma?"

"I'm fine." A few slow rolls and the ache finally eases up.

"No, you're not. What happened?" He's at my side before I can blink, his palm on my elbow.

"Woah, ease up Florence Nightingale," He smirks a little at my sarcasm but still manages to look every inch the concerned father. "I just overdid it that's all. I'll ice it tonight and it'll be fine."

"Looks like a pretty bad strain...if your reaction is anything to go by. You taken anything?"

"Yah, bout a half hour ago." I roll my eyes. "I still have feeling in my fingers, an x-ray would be overkill, and it won't prevent me from doing my job. So can we please let it go?"

He sighs in frustration."You're as stubborn as.."

"My father?" I retort.

I huff as he presses me back down into the chair. "Really?!"

He crouches down in front of me, effectively blocking any escape. I can clearly see the worry and exasperation in his face.

"Now, listen to me Emma. You might not want to make a big deal of the cuts and bruises. You might feel my concern is smothering...that I'm being overprotective. You have every right to feel that way."

His palm cradles the back of my head, causing my eyes to widen. "And I have every right, as your father, to worry when you're hurting."

"I missed all the skinned knees and scrapes of your childhood Emma, and that is something I will always regret. But I'm here now. And I care about you."

My vision gets misty.

His voice softens further."I love you and your health will always be important to me. You're my daughter and whether a strained muscle or a stubbed toe..."

The pad of his thumb brushes my cheek.

"It matters to me. Okay?"

I try to swallow the tears but my voice is still watery. "Okay."

Seemingly satisfied, David backtracks to his desk, shuffling in the top drawer for a moment before coming back with a small glass jar. When he pops the lid, the scents of lavender and mint tangle in the air.

"This is an ointment that will warm and relax the muscles in your shoulder. In a few hours, when it wears off, we can try a little ice."

He waits while I fold up the material of my shirtsleeve, exposing my shoulder. Bending down a little, his fingers rub the softly scented balm over my skin.

"Thank you Dad."

He pauses to smile at me."You're welcome Emma."