Scared

Chapter 29

John was finally allowed out of the hospital.

He was feeling quite emotional about it. He was feeling so proud of himself.

Shakily, he stepped foot out of his aunt's car, Paul standing up after him, keeping a firm hand on the small of his back to steady him.

John carefully posed the crutches down onto the pavement, biting his lips slightly. He was very nervous.

"C'mon, let me help you, love" Mimi was quick to help him up, handling him with the most utter carefulness, almost like he was going to break.

Paul held him from behind, whispering soft words of encouragement into his ear.

He was still high on painkillers and antibiotics, his fever wasn't completely gone, but had simply lowered.

Nevertheless, doctors deemed him good enough to go back home.

He smiled uncertainly; he was already feeling weak.

"I can't do it" he muttered a little, eyes saddening immediately.

Suddenly, he shrieked as Paul lifted him up into his strong arms, "It's alright, you're still weak" he reassured, kissing his lips and nuzzling his nose.

John smiled, burying his face in the crook of his neck.

"You're still quite sick, love" Mimi was gently caressing his back as Paul sat him down onto the sofa.

John still had troubles holding himself into a sitting position and his whole body hurt way too much.

It was late in the afternoon, so Paul climbed onto the sofa with John.

He grabbed the boy, rolling him on top of him and rubbing his back.

Painkillers were still something John was very dependent on, just like he was still dependent on Paul and Mimi.

"Johnny, it's alright, pose your little head on my chest and close your eyes" Paul was whispering into his ear, making him sniffle a little.

The medicines were making him more emotional, more close to breakdown. His mental health was a bit better, John was more content, but still, a lot of remorse and guilt filling him.

Paul had turned himself into his full time caretaker; so did Mimi.

They were so gentle and caring to him, taking care of him like he was made of glass.

And he was, everything could hurt him.

"Oh dear, your fever is going up again" worriedly said Paul, kissing his forehead, hugging him as tightly as he could without hurting him.

John was once again bordering unconsciousness, fever glazed eyes slowly falling shut as he nuzzled into his boyfriend's chest.

"Paul"

He turned around to look at Mimi, who had sat herself onto the nearby armchair, posing two cups of tea onto the small coffee table.

She smiled gently, motherly, "Thanks Paul. You're a great man. John is happier with you, I never saw him so happy. Even if it's difficult, I'm so glad you're here"

Paul felt emotional by the woman's display of affection, especially when she leaned over to hug him tightly, before they both smiled down to watch John's peaceful face.

"Let's put him to bed"

Paul felt peaceful. Reading a book in a comfy bed, hugging to his body his loved one.

John was asleep, half on top of him, his body heat very welcomed by Paul.

The auburn haired boy cooed in his sleep, lashes fluttering open slowly, "Good afternoon, luv" he whispered, voice croaking slightly.