Unlawfully His

Chapter 24 - Recovery

No one's POV:

As the three men walked in to the hospital, they were met with a calm and serene atmosphere. All the patients were sitting quietly in the waiting room as people were called up to have their appointments.

Taehyung scrunched up his nose in disgust- he had never liked the smell of hospitals. They always had this strangely clean and surgical scent with a hint of alcohol.

Jeongguk chuckled at his husband's face as he signed himself in. Taehyung then cast his eyes around the various patients sitting in the waiting room.

The injuries they had ranged from broken legs to unnoticeable ailments but the general aura of sadness was exuded by all the patients- including Jeongguk.

It was plain to see that the ravenet was more than happy to get out of his wheelchair. However he knew about the tedious journey ahead of him, as well as how unsuccessful it could be.

Jeongguk would have to undergo physiotherapy or possibly even surgery to gain the use of his legs again.

The Marine tried to keep a strong mind about upcoming events but now and again, everything did become a little overwhelming- Jeongguk's thoughts turning darker in tandem.

Eventually though, Jeongguk was directed towards a room that had numerous amounts of equipment. Some patients were already there, being guided by a nurse or doctor as they tried out the different apparatus.

Soon enough, a beaming nurse strided over to the three men. She extended a hand warmly as she introduced herself. Then, she led the trio over to a sitting area as she asked questions about Jeongguk's mobility.

The ravenet replied honestly, saying he wasn't trying to use his legs too often. As well as saying that he rested as much as he could, getting a good night's sleep on the bed while Taehyung slept on the sofa bed.

The nurse nodded, taking notes about Jeongguk's activities and recommending a few changes here and there so that the Marine's legs wouldn't be so strained.

"Have you made any adaptions to your home?" The nurse questioned as she looked up from her notepad.

"Not particularly, we have added a few makeshift ramps and handrails but other than that we haven't really been able to do much else. Living in an apartment doesn't make it very easy," Jeongguk replied honestly, fiddling with his fingers in his lap.

Taehyung reached over to squeeze Jeongguk's hands with his own. Even though the brunet intended to let go at first, Jeongguk captured his husband's palm and intertwined their fingers.

Initially, Taehyung was quite taken back, but he let it slide. After all, it was clear that Jeongguk needed a bit of support and now wasn't the time to point out that they weren't really in a relationship.

Kang-min looked on adoringly, thankful that his son has such a strong, caring presence in his life. It was sweet how both men appeared slightly bashful about the hand holding.

"And now for a slightly intimate question, have you been having sex on a regular basis or have you been avoiding physical relations?" The nurse asked when she saw Kang-min wondering away to ask someone about some of the equipment.

Both men blushed at the question and looked away quickly when they made eye contact.

"I know it's an embarrassing question but those activities should not be taking place since it will exert too much pressure on Mr Jeon's leg." The nurse explained when she saw the blank look on both husband's faces.

"Y-yeah we haven't done anything. We both thought it would be a bit too much for Jeongguk," Taehyung answered after recovering from the initial shock.

"I recommend starting in a few months, since most of the pain should be subsiding by then Mr Jeon and your mobility should be back to a secure level," The nurse added as she jotted down some information on the sheet of paper on her lap.

"Okay we'll bear that in mind," Jeongguk added as he looked ahead, feeling a bit awkward getting asked a question like that when he is so close to his husband.

"Good and what about when you rest, are you able to elevate your leg at all?" The nurse asked, glancing up from her notepad again to look at the men in front of her.

"Yeah I can, we stack pillows for my leg to balance on," Jeongguk replied, internally thankful that Taehyung sacrificed his back every night, just so Jeongguk could rest.

"Perfect. Right, a few adjustments may be needed for easier living but other than that you guys have done great. Now we can move onto the physio," The nurse spoke, gesturing for the men to stand up.

Next, Jeongguk was introduced to the team of physiotherapy specialists, who talked Jeongguk through some of the equipment and how to use it.

At first, the ravenet would have to build up his leg strength, then he could begin to try and walk. Small exercises like straightening and bending his leg were recommended, along with not keeping still for an extended period of time.

The journey ahead of the Marine was going to be excruciatingly long but Taehyung had faith in his husband. After all, Jeongguk has been through a lot and there was no reason he would break down now. Taehyung believes that Jeongguk is stronger than he thinks he is but sometimes the Marine needed a reminder of how far he has come.

Being officially diagnosed with PTSD was no surprise to either husband. But now being able to access regular therapy meant Jeongguk had come a long way.

It no longer plagued him as it did. Things were tolerable now, with less intrusive thoughts and nightmares about what he had seen.

Eventually, Jeongguk tried some of the equipment out, he needed a lot of help at first, which was extremely frustrating to him. Going from being so independent and helping others to the exact opposite constantly played on Jeongguk's mind.

Taehyung had told him over and over again that he didn't mind helping but the ravenet still felt so useless. Jeongguk had nothing to do during the day apart from sit in his wheelchair and it bothered him to no end.

Even now, working the machinery, Jeongguk was determined to do everything alone- even if it meant hurting himself in the process.

The skin on the Marine's face crumpled in anguish as he tried to stretch his leg out by himself. Jeongguk's knuckles had grown pale as he gripped onto his wheelchair tightly- but it wasn't enough.

Exhausted, Jeongguk fell back into his chair and covered his face with his palm. The nurses immediately backed away, somewhat threatened by the enraged male.

"Jeongguk you are going too fast, if you just-"

"Don't you think I know that! I'm not an idiot!" Jeongguk yelled when Taehyung began to speak.

Almost instantly, the brunet recoiled, stepping back from his husband as he felt tears well up in his eyes.

No one spoke after that.

Taehyung just watched as the Marine bit his lip in remorse. But no feelings of anger resided in Taehyung's heart. Only sympathy shrouded his mind as the brunet looked on in pity.

Regret burnt inside of Jeongguk but he didn't trust himself to say anything right now. The scorching pain of fragility loomed over the Marine as he wondered how he became so weak.

Going from such a strong person to one that hardly feels bothered to breathe is by far the worst thing Jeongguk has gone through.

It was plain to see- the effects of war being more than obvious.

After all. . . there are many wounds littering Jeongguk's body. Scars and scratches of battle locked in place forever.

However, by far the worst lied in the male's heart and mind. These wounds would never show on his body but they are deeper and far more hurtful than anything that bleeds.