Lion (manxboy)

Chapter 15

Elijah paced back and forth in front of the surgical room, his mind going wild as he waited for any news of Lion's condition. Elijah's heart raced and ached from how nervous he was. He wanted to cradle Lion in his arms and tell him everything was going to be okay, but he couldn't.

Shawn rushed towards Elijah, pulling the man into a wholesome hug, tightening his arms around Elijah, "thank you for not putting me with Donovan. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you as an amazing colleague." Shawn spoke with honesty, letting go of Elijah.

Elijah tensed, looking down at Shawn with a frown, "Yeah, well, don't count yourself too lucky, I'm putting you on my watch duty until I know Lion is well." Elijah chuckled, watching Shawn's expression change.

"Well, I guess it's a good enough punishment for what I did." Shawn had no choice but to agree with Elijah. Crossing his arms over his chest, he looked at the blue doors, "I got news on Joshua. He's going to have probation but no time in jail. He only killed Ilany, and he was being manipulated. I didn't give him any penalty since he helped me with Lion." Shawn swallowed hard, his gaze moving down to the tiled flooring, "Joshua adored your mother with all of him. He tore himself down for what he did."

Elijah placed a large hand on Shawn's shoulder, smiling softly, "you did the right thing." The man looked away, looking around the waiting room before sitting down at a chair, trying to relax himself the best he could.

Elijah hated this. He didn't like the fact that Lion was the one to get injured. Elijah much rather have himself injured. The man's leg jumped with the anger that wracked his mind.

"Donovan got attended to his wounds and is sent to court in the next few days. I rather not have you there." Shawn spoke, sitting down next to Elijah.

Shawn and Elijah stayed silent for the remainder of the time. Both observing and analyzing the room, waiting patiently for the surgery to be done.

***

Shawn had left a few hours into Elijah's slumber. The man was past asleep on a chair, his arms crossed with his head leaned back. Elijah was exhausted and could no longer stay awake, the bags under his eyes evident to whoever was looking at him, "Elijah Colm." Elijah's eyes slowly fluttered open, locking onto a young nurse. The girl held onto a clipboard, her surgical mask under her chin, revealing a sweet and calming smile, "Lion is doing just fine, he has eight stitches, and his neck is wrapped up to prevent any infections or risky movements." The nurse read off of her clipboard, tapping her pen against the paper, "you can go see him whenever you want. Lion is in room 308, third floor, just on the right from the elevator." The nurse looked at Elijah with a smile of content splayed on her lips.

"Thank you," Elijah said, standing from the chair and beginning his walk towards the elevator.

Once arriving at the third floor, Elijah was heavy on his heels as he rushed to Lion's room, slowly opening and closing the door before walking around Lion's bed. The man tried his best to hold back the tears that stung his eyes, his large calloused hand reaching for Lion's cold one.

"I'm sorry." The man's shaky voice whispered against Lion's cheek, "I'm sorry I let this happen to you. I wish I could have moved, do anything in my power, but I didn't. I was scared, Lion. So scared." Elijah finally let loose, tears running down his sharp cheeks and his neck.

Elijah sat with his head against Lion's shoulder, squeezing the boy's small hand in his and crying the pain he was holding back. Elijah needed Lion to know he loved him. The man needed Lion to realize he was never going to let go. Elijah's breathing hitched once, feeling Lion's hand squeeze his, a soft smile on Elijah's lip as he kissed the side of Lion's head.