Desolation //Imp Tweek x Pastor Craig //

Concourse.

Upon receiving the news that Craig was finally awake, Tricia and Laura turned tail and made their way back towards the lift.

'Keep up hero!' Tricia's voice called back, noticing that the blond figure had not followed them. What an awkward human he was, Tricia thought to herself - how he managed to pull her brother from that wreckage she'd never know.

The little demon quickly picked up the pace, he was somewhat confused as to why they wanted him there but he was not to complain. He wanted to see the pastor. Still clutching the coffee between two hands, he found himself stood between the pair in the mirrored inside of the elevator. He was watchful of what floor number was pressed - taking a mental note in the process as a just in case.

Shortly, they arrived on their floor - the corridor was much the same as the one he'd previously been inside but more rooms consumed more of the walls. It had an eerie feel about it, these patients seemed to be the worst of the worst. The imp followed behind mother and daughter silently, wondering which one of these rooms lie his pastor. Soon, his wondering was answered.

As the pair slowed outside the room furthest from the lift, Laura turned to the little demon before going to enter the room. 'Please could you wait outside for now? You can come in shortly, I just want to see my boy first.'

'I understand, m'am.' He nodded quickly in reply before slumping down into the waiting chair outside the room - he braced himself for back ache once more.

'Thank you.' She smiled softly before the pair disappeared once more, the door clicking closed.

...

Inside the room, the pastor was half with it. He felt incredibly nauseous and the world was spinning. His eyes could barely open, he was just making out some blurred shapes and light. It was most likely due to the blood loss, his blood pressure was likely low and his body was scrambling to replace what was lost as quickly as it could.

A nurse had checked him over a handful of times during his awake period but not much was mentioned other than a doctor would be along shortly - this disgruntled Thomas.

'D-dad..?' Craig's voice croaked, struggling to get the word past his lips. He'd only uttered broken words and moans until now. His first instinct was to try and shuffle himself up but upon trying - the pain was excruciating.

'Hey champ, just take it easy there - don't move. You're all patched up so don't pull on them stitches.' Thomas made his way over to his sons side, his hand moving to gentle rest on the pastors shoulder to try and deter him from moving any more. Thomas's head shot behind him as he heard the door click behind him. 'It's okay, you're mom and sister are back now too. Everyone's here.'

The pair took a side of the bed each, both taking Craig's hands into their own.

'Don't smother the boy. He's been through enough without you two jumping all over him.' Thomas warned the pair, knowing how desperate they were to see Craig awake.

'Hey mom... Hey Trish...' the pastor tried to grip their hands back but it was a struggle. 'I'm... Am I in... the hospital?' He gasped for air for a second, trying to form words felt like an impossible task.

'You are, my darling... Don't worry, you're safe and doing okay. Just keep still and rested.' Laura cooed, her fingers carefully brushing the his dark hair behind his ear. 'Do you need anything? I can go see if a doctor can help. Food and water? More pain relief?'

'I'm alright... Don't worry, mom. I'm okay. I just feel like I've been hit by a bus.' Craig's voice heaved, his chest burned with every breath. 'I'll be fine...' he tried to squeeze his mothers hand again to reassure her. His face itched, the bandages made light work of making the pastor feel uncomfortable too. This was going to be a long few days. 'I don't remember much... How bad is it?' He asked, curious to the extent of his injuries.