Growing Closer

Posted on Wed Oct 8th, 2025 @ 9:25pm by Survivor Thea Matthews & Survivor Roman Quinn

1,418 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Winter's hope
Location: Blaine's Home

Roman had saved checking on Thea for last. He and Dr. Reynolds had divided the survivors between them and Thea was his case to watch and take care of. No doubt due to the attraction between Thea and himself. Each day brought her one day closer to delivering her baby and he was doing everything he could to help her .

He entered the house looking for her, he knew she had been helping with the canning of vegetables and he wanted to make sure she didn't over do it.

Thea was taking a few minutes to rest, between an aching back and swollen ankles from standing up for so long she was in need of a break. Seeing Roman enter she gave him a smile. “Hi Roman.”

Seeing Thea sitting, Roman moved quickly to her side. "Hi Thea." He greeted her warmly. Kneeling next to the chair, he could see her swollen ankles. "You overdid it.” He said not unkindly as he reached for a swollen ankle and began to give her a gentle foot massage. "I know you want to help but you need to take care of yourself , for both your sake and the baby's. You are in the short rows now Thea."

“I know Roman” Thea gave him an appreciative smile for the foot massage. “We all need to help out where we can, that includes me. I don’t expect everyone to run around after me just because I’m pregnant. I rest when I feel the need to rest that’s what’s important.”

" It's wonderful that you help and everyone appreciates all you do for the group but you need to take care of yourself and not push yourself so hard." Roman countered as he continued to massage her feet his fingers making deep circular motions on her feet to relieve the aches he knew she was suffering.

“I know you’re right but…” Thea paused. “You’ve all been so kind to me, taking me in. I just don’t want to be a burden, in another 3 months there’ll be an extra mouth to feed and we all know the risks with noise. You can’t keep babies quiet! I don’t want to put anyone at risk.”

"We're all part of a large family and I already told you to consider yourself part of Vienna and my family, so that should tell you how we feel about you. As for an extra mouth and noise, we'll deal with that when the time comes. Right now you need to look after yourself." Roman replied with a gentle smile.

Thea nodded before motioning to Ronald to give her his hand, taking it she placed it gently on her stomach. “Did you feel that!?” She grinned. “I swear she’s getting a stronger kick!”

Roman rested his hand lightly of Thea's stomach as the baby kicked. He nodded happily, "I did! I think you are right. I also think you are going to have a very healthy child one who wants to play sports."

“She can do whatever she likes when she’s old enough, just as long as she’s healthy.” Thea grinned. “Right now that’s what is most important.”

Roman nodded, "You are absolutely right. Being healthy is what is important, everything else is secondary. I'm going to to all I can to make sure she is healthy."

Thea nodded. “Thank you Roman, I have every faith in you. I appreciate everything you’re doing for us.” She smiled warmly.

Thank you Thea. I will do everything possible to make sure that faith isn't misplaced." As he gently squeezed her hand. "Of course, I, we need to make sure you remain healthy as well." He finished as he returned her warm smile with one of his own.

“I’ve been eating my share of the food, drinking regularly, getting exercise where I can, and I have no complaints” Thea smiled.

"Excellent. Keep doing all that. You are doing very well. If I was to offer any advice it would be just a reminder that has your due date gets closer to use moderation with your exercises." Roman answered . he was quite pleased with how well Thea was progressing with her pregnancy.

“I know, I won’t overdo it I don’t want to risk harming my son” Thea offered a smile. “Do you have any tips for backache? My muscles ache like crazy these days.”

"if these were normal times, I would recommend a heating pad. However that is not an option so..." he placed his hands at the small of her back a began a gentle massage. "A massage is the next best option. How does that feel?"

Thea closed her eyes for a moment. “That feels wonderful.”

Roman grinned at her comment. "Good, that's what I want. Your back muscles are tight, this will help them relax. Again not on your feet for long periods of time and no heavy lifting or carrying."

Thea nodded. “I know, I don’t think I could lift anything heavy anyway. I’ll make sure I limit the time on my feet as well.”

"I know it is hard to limit yourself but it is for your own good as well as that of the baby." Roman stressed. "After the baby is born and you have have recovered then you can fully pitch in."

Thea nodded. “By then I’ll probably be too tired” she grinned a wry grin. “I’ll do as you advise Roman, that’s a promise.”

"I know you will. I have no doubt about that." Roman gave a quick look around and then turned back to Thea and quickly kissed her.

Thea was a little surprised at first but smiled nonetheless. “What was that for?”

Roman blushed slightly, "Ah, Um, for being such a good patient and following doctor's instructions." He said quickly, wondering if she truly did not know why he kissed her.

Thea smiled. “Is that all? I thought maybe you might like me more than a little for a moment there.” She gave him a wry smile.

Roman's blush deepen as Thea correctly guessed the reason for the kiss. He looked at her, "You thought right. I do like you more than a little. A lot more in fact."

“But look at me!” Thea motioned to her body shape. “I’m bulging at the seams!”

Roman did as she asked and looked at her. "You are beautiful both in body and mind. Being pregnant just enhances your natural beauty Thea."

Thea couldn’t help but blush. “Thank you Roman, I guess I should learn to see myself in a better way.”

He placed his hand atop hers and squeezed if softly. "Definitely in a more positive way for sure." He squeezed her hand again. "But I still think you are beautiful. You glow Thea."

“I thought they said that about all pregnant women” Thea grinned.

"Hmmm. Maybe they do but I only say it about you. You positively glow." Roman restated. "And you have an excellent positive attitude."

“That’s because I have you, and the others to help me” Thea smiled warmly. “Speaking of which am I allowed to get back to helping, or am I to rest for a while first?”

"If we're to make it, we have to help each other but I'll always be here to help you and yes you can go back to helping just no overdoing it." Roman stressed.

Thea nodded. “I promise. I just want to be pulling my weight,”

"Thea, don't worry. You are more than pulling your weight." Roman reassured her. Just keeping doing like you are, take breaks and remember moderation."

“Understood” Thea nodded as she held out her hand for help getting up. “I will take care of myself I promise” she smiled before giving Roman a light and gentle kiss.

Roman took her hand to help to stand. As Thea kissed him, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a soft hug. "I know you will." He whispered to her.

Smiling Thea headed off to help the others but not before giving Roman another look and a warm smile.

Roman's heart flipped and fluttered up at Thea's smile and he knew beyond any shadow of a doubt, he had fallen in love with her.

Little did Roman realise that Thea was feeling that same flutter in her heart for him. It seemed romance was blooming for them both.

 

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