UNDER EDITING 𝐺𝑅𝐴𝑉𝐸 𝐷𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅 | 𝐴𝑃𝑂𝐶𝐴𝐿𝑌𝑃𝑆𝐸 ✔︎

Are You Okay?

(Cooper's POV)

Sitting in the medical ward's waiting room is a lot more stressful when you know the person who's hurt. The person you care about. The person who has been the closest person to you in awhile. The person who-

"Cooper, Jasper, and Noah? Lexi can have visitors now. Just be quiet because she just woke up." A short and young nurse says. I pretty much spring from my seat but play it casual as we follow the nurse to Lexi's room.

She holds the door open for us and we all walk into a room with a very pale Lexi inside. "Lexi thank God!" Noah basically sprints to her and engulfs her into a hug. So much for being quiet. Jasper follows after him and does the same. I join as well but stay attached to her a bit longer than the boys.

"Are you okay?" I ask as I release myself from her weak grip. "I'm doing better I guess... how long have I been in here anyway."

"Just since this morning, it's about nine o'clock at night now." The nurse says while checking her watch.

Lexi nods. "Where's mom?" She asks Noah. He rubs the back of his neck nervously. "She waited with us for awhile but decided to leave because it was getting late... sorry Lex."

Lexi shakes her head. "No no it's fine." She giggles weakly.

"Is she clear to leave ma'am?" I ask eagerly. "Not quite... she's still pretty weak from so much blood loss so I think it would be better for her to spend the night. It would also be convenient for her to stay because I'm going to run some tests in the morning to make sure she didn't get an infection from her wound. It's getting late though so maybe I could show you guys out?" She explains.

"Okay... bye Lex we'll come and see you tomorrow." Noah waves goodbye. We all start to trot out when I meet the nurse at the door.

"Hey uh actually... maybe I could stay the night in case she needs anything? I could just sleep on one of those chairs by the bed or something but I think I would feel better about this whole thing if I was.. with her." I whisper and rub the back of my neck.

The nurse gives a considerate look before nodding. "That will be fine. I'll get you a blanket and let Noah and Jasper know that they can go on back to your pod alone." She smiles and walks away.

A few minutes later, she shows me back into Lexi's room where Lexi lies there sleeping. "Go ahead and take any chair... I'll see you both tomorrow." And with that, she walks away and shuts the door.

I tiptoe my way to a chair and sit down. Not the most comfy thing but at least I'm here. I let out a sigh before closing my eyes and letting darkness pour over me... until-

"Hey Cooper can you come lay with me?"

She's awake?

I let my eyes open once again and Lexi seems to have some discomfort on her face. "Uh.. yeah sure. Is something wrong?" I say while standing up and walking around her bed.

"No not really, I can still feel a bit of pain is all."

I nod and get under the covers with her. "G'night Lex." She shifts herself to rest her head on my shoulder. "Night Coop."

(Jasper's POV)

Noah and I walk back from brushing our teeth, the only thing heard is Noah's mumbling.

Something along the lines of: Thisissoourfault Whydidwegothere Shesgonnahateus Ihurtmyownsister I-

"Noah chill." I interrupt. "Nobody knows anything, we're good." He stops in his tracks. "Maybe they should know. I feel horrible for what we did. How can you act so casual about this?" He furrows his eyebrows angrily.

"They caught the biter didn't they? And Lexi's still alive. What's the problem?"

"The problem is that every time we go to have "fun" someone is almost always hurt or in danger!" Noah's shout echos throughout the hallway. I raise my hands in defeat. "Okay okay... just quiet down a little-"

"What if Lexi didn't survive the attack, huh?! My Mom isn't around much so Lexi's like the only family I have now!"

"Noah... Cooper and I are your family too." I mumble.

"That's not my point. I feel like we should stop doing things we aren't supposed to. I'm not putting anymore lives on the line." He turns and stomps to our pod.

I stand there a bit frustrated. Did I pressure him to go and do things? Did I make him feel like he had to? Why am I such a fuck up?

Thoughts swarmed my head before I decided to do what I always do.

(Noah's POV)

The pod's door opens again shortly after I enter it. Jasper trots in with discomfort all over his face. I roll my eyes and trot to our 'hexagon'.

"Noah hang on a sec." Jasper's hand grips my shoulder. I turn around. "What now?"

"I just um... I'm really sorry if you ever feel like you have to do things.. you don't ever have to." He mumbles while looking at the ground.

I stare at him for about five seconds before letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. "I never feel like I have to, I just like hanging out with you. I just wish we would do less dangerous things. Maybe we could hang out with those other kids sometime. Make some 'allies' as your brother calls it."

Jasper seems to roll his eyes a bit. "Oh those kids. As in Ryder's group?" What's his problem with Ryder anyway? I nod my head. "Sure, if that's what you wanna call it... but yeah you should give them a chance..." The air is silent for a bit.

"Well uh... good night." I say. Jasper hugs me. "G'night."

We release and drift to sleep.

A/N- I hope y'all liked this chapter 🤩 stay posted for updates lolsies