𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕌𝕤

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕋𝕨𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕪-𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 | ʙᴀɢɢᴀɢᴇ

Colton

After two weeks in the hospital, I carefully helped Hudson into the apartment, gently pushing his wheelchair over the threshold.

He wasn't allowed to put any weight on his legs for another six weeks, so I had packed up my biggest duffel bag and practically moved into his place, already anticipating the daily help he would need.

It was going to be a lot-cooking, cleaning, helping him with basic tasks, and making sure he stayed off his feet-but I was ready for it. Ready to be there for him in every way he needed, because after everything we'd been through, there was nowhere else I wanted to be.

The place was quiet, the afternoon light spilling through the windows, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. It felt surreal, having him here after everything that had happened.

Once we reached the living room, I picked him up with a grunt and carefully placed him on the couch. Hudson eased himself down with a small wince, his hand gripping my arm for balance. I couldn't help but notice how fragile he seemed, the lingering yellow bruises on his skin a reminder of the accident, of how close I'd come to losing him...

"Do you want anything? Water? Something to eat?" I asked, not sure what to do with myself now that we were finally here. I'd been so focused on getting him home, on making sure he was comfortable, that now it was just us, the weight of everything hit me.

Hudson shook his head, giving me a tired smile. "I'm okay, Colton. Just... stay with me?"

I didn't need to be asked twice.

I kicked off my boots and slid onto the couch beside him, wrapping my arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. He rested his head against my chest, and I felt the tension in his body slowly start to melt away.

"Missed this so much," he whispered, his fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.

"Me too, baby," I replied, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

The scent of his shampoo was familiar, comforting, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

We sat like that for a while, just holding each other, the silence between us easy and warm. I could feel his heartbeat against my chest, steady and real, and it was like a balm to all the worry and fear that had been gnawing at me.

"Hudson..." I started, my voice low, "I've been thinking a lot about everything. About us, about the shop, my dad..." I paused. "Your gift, it's in front of his repair shop. Did you know that? Right next to the door, right out front. I think maybe-maybe he's coming around."

Hudson shifted slightly, lifting his head to look at me. His eyes were soft, full of that quiet understanding he always had, even when I didn't deserve it. "That's good, Colton. I'm glad..."

I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I just want him to be proud of me."

"He is," Hudson said gently, reaching up to touch my face. His thumb brushed over my cheek, a tender, reassuring gesture that sent a wave of warmth through me. "I'm proud of you too, you know. For everything."

I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes for a moment. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Hudson. This past week, seeing you in that hospital bed... I don't think I've ever been that scared in my life."