Breaking Point (BWWM)

29. Accumulate

A/N: Again, so sorry about the delay! I always intend to update sooner but May is one of my most hectic months. I had finals and projects, helped my mom move, then I had to move, we traveled for graduations - it was a lot, lol. I'm sorry I couldn't get this out to you guys sooner. Please let me know your thoughts, I have a feeling you guys will have questions and I want to be able to answer them in the coming chapters if I can. So please, if you have any, ask away! Even if not, I love reading what y'all are anticipating, its so encouraging. Anyway, please enjoy and I'll see you guys in the next one!

Braxton tugs his jacket on, Brooke had given it to him last night when she made another late visit. He didn't want to disturb Lucy's peaceful sleep, having made sure to turn on as few lights as possible so the room would remain in its dimness. Every subtle move he made was enough to disturb the stagnant hum that was ever present down here. After three long days, you get used to it, like white noise.

He sighs as he studies his wife's face, sitting in his usual place at her bedside. Gently, he takes hold of her warm hand, cradling it in his much larger one. Much to his relief, she was sleeping deeply, too deep to dream. Her body is curled up, expression stoic save for the subtle pinch of her brows that always showed now. He wished he could alleviate all her pain, stay longer to help her ease back into good health. What he'd give to stay here with her another day just for some more peace of mind.

She sleepily stirs, but doesn't wake. Gods know how long he'll be gone for, anything could happen all day. It bothered him that he couldn't be with her to help her cope. It made his heart palpitate just to think about it. He sighs as he studies her pretty features. The faint constellation of freckles speckling her face hadn't gone away; he liked them. If he had more time he'd count them, try to remember where each one was. Maybe when he comes back. Braxton lays a gentle kiss to her hand. He had to force himself not to think of the worst, all the malpractice she may be subject to again in his absence.... There's no good in thinking about it.

He bites his cheek uneasily, reminding himself that the separation was necessary to ensure her survival. Everyone's survival. Much like his work back home, his distance from her would act as her protection. It's grueling, but there's no more avoiding it. He leans up, planting a long kiss to her head. He ignored the metaphysical pull he felt to stay with her, releasing her hand and briefly checking on their son in his cot. He'd made her nurses promise to alert him if anything happens to either of them in his absence. He hoped they'd keep their word. He avoided giving Tre a physical departure, he'd wake up prematurely and undoubtedly interrupt Lucy's rest. He heads off, making sure to shut their door quietly before going to meet Seth outside the hospital.

  The maze of off-white walls and corridors was getting easier to navigate his way through. Laurence already seemed to get the hang of it, ensuring that it's not as daunting as it initially seemed. Still, Braxton didn't see himself getting used to the sterile monotony of the atmosphere.

  Seth grins when Braxton made his way out one of the entrances, clasping Braxton's hand and pulling him in. They hadn't seen each other since that first time they visited. "How's everything been?" Seth asked, showing Braxton to the vehicle he'd been driving. It was one of those carts, it had no doors and open seating on the back of it. Braxton studied the other buildings around them, the painted traffic signs on the concrete floor. He supposed he shouldn't be too surprised to see how people get around down here. Their underground facilities functioned as far more than residential areas, after all. It was like a concrete city down here, with streets and everything.

  He pulls himself from the distracting bustle of the surrounding businesses. Not many people were up yet, and the miles-high skylights indicated just how dark it still was outside. "Joo didn't tell you? She visits everyday," Braxton said pointedly, joining his Beta in the motor vehicle. He gripped the support as he pulled off. The vehicle was far lighter than he anticipated, though it operated much like any other car.