Princess of the universe // Hardzzellee

Chapter 33

As Addison had to take it easy. They called some people to see who could look after her while Joe and Ben had to run errands. Joe's mom immediately told them she could stay with her for almost the entire week. The next morning, Ben and Joe arrived at the hospital together. Gwil was already watching the door when they walked in, having heard their voices from across the ward. Joe couldn't get used to the view of his ravished husband laying in bed.
"Good morning," Joe said. 
"Morning," Gwil mumbled. 
"How is today?" Ben asked. Gwil tried to take a deep breath before closing his eyes in pain.
"Bad." 
"Are you in pain again?" Ben asked. Gwil nodded. 

"Where is Addison?" Gwil asked while he tried to lift up his head to look for her.
"She is at home. She has to rest a lot. The nurse advised to have her at home during the day so she can rest. We'll bring her along tonight. My mom is with her right now," Joe explained. Gwil nodded.
"She is okay?" Gwil asked.
"She is absolutely fine. Just a little frustrated that she is so tired all the time," Joe said. Gwil nodded.
"So am I," Gwil mumbled. 

"Is there anything at all that we can do for you?" Ben asked. Gwil shook his head.
"Someone comes in to talk to me?" Gwil asked. Ben noticed that he was talking slower than usual.
"Yes, a psychologist specializing in situations like these is coming in to talk to you," Ben said.
"I can barely talk," Gwil said.
"Does it hurt to talk?" Joe asks. Gwil immediately nodded.
"My cheekbones are bruised and my chin is well this," Gwil said while motioning to his face.
"That's tough. I think today is just an assessment. Tell them that it hurts to talk and they will find a way around it," Ben said. Gwil nodded. 

After a while, Ben and Joe left to get some snacks for Gwil. When they walked back into the room, Gwil had tears streaming down his face. Both Ben and Joe rushed to his side. Ben grabbed Gwil's hand in his own.
"We are here for you, love," Ben mumbled. It took a while for Gwil to calm down.
"It's a lot," Gwil mumbled. He opened his eyes to look at Ben and Joe hovering above him.
"The pain, the memories, and Addison," Gwil said.
"She's okay," Ben said.
"I know. But it could have been different. Joe, you must know," Gwil said. Joe nodded.
"I know what it feels like. And please, Gwil. Take all the help that is offered to you. Because I got better and so will you," Joe said. Gwil nodded.
"Doesn't feel like it," Gwil mumbles. Joe nodded.
"I know. I know. But we are here for you. Every step you are going to take, we will be by your side. And we will be there to help you. The two of you helped me through it and I know that with our help you are going to get through it as well. You are strong enough to do this, Gwilym," Joe said. 

They had to leave when the psychologist arrived to talk to Gwil. A nurse asked them not to come back until after dinner so Gwil could sleep for a bit. Ben and Joe ate dinner early so Addison could get some rest before they had to drive to the hospital. Addison had to be carried everywhere because she wasn't allowed to walk. Inside the house, it was easier to carry her than to put her in a wheelchair. 

Joe walked into her bedroom to wake her up. He smiled while he watched her for a bit. The bright pink cast fitted snugly around her arm. When they saw her for the first time after it happened, Joe thought that it would be a difficult recovery. So far, Addison had been taking it really well.  She didn't complain a lot and she was content with the amount of resting she had to do. 

"Hey, sweetheart," Joe said while stroking her hair out of her face. Addison stirred before slowly opening her eyes.
"Hi," Joe said. Addison looked up at him.
"We've got to get you ready to visit dad at the hospital, remember?" Addison nodded.
"Do we want to wear sweatpants or a skirt?" Joe asked. 
"Pants." So, Joe grabbed a pair of sweatpants and one of the shirts he had bought for her. The shirts were two sizes too big, but that way they could easily fit the cast through it. She couldn't wear normal jeans over her wrapped leg. So, it was either sweatpants or a skirt. 

When they walked into the hospital room, Gwil's face immediately lit up. 
"Hey, Addison," Gwil said while waving to her. Addison waved back from her place in the wheelchair. 
"How are you?"
"Doing alright," She sang. Gwil lip corners pushed up. He looked up at Ben who shot him a quick wink. 
"Oh look at your cast. Did you draw on it?" Ben could see how much Gwil was struggling with talking, but he pushed through.
"Dads, grandma, Scarlett and Rami did," Addison said enthusiastically. 
"It looks amazing, sweetie."

"Do you have a marker?" Gwil asked while looking at Ben. Joe got the marker from his bag before uncapping it and giving it to Gwil.
"Can I draw on your cast as well?" Addison nodded.
"I am going to lift you onto the bed. Be very careful with dad, okay?" Addison nodded while Joe lifted her onto Gwil's bed. 
"I need you to scoot a little closer," Gwil said. Addison did as told and with his good arm, Gwil positioned Addison's arm. He had to write with his non-dominant hand. But managed to draw a heart and scribble: Love you x Dad

He looked proudly at his creation.
"Joe? Can you put a pillow under my left leg?" Ben lifted Gwil's leg so Joe could place the pillow under it.
"Thanks." Gwil continued chatting although Ben and Joe could see that he was growing very tired and that talking hurt him more than in the morning.
"Addison, I think it's time to say goodnight to dad. You need to get some more rest," Ben said. Addison bend down to give Gwil a hug while being as gentle as she could.
"Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you," Gwil said.
"I love you too."

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