V & V - Rageous Rageon Rise

Dead Name

Mateo POV:

I feel something burn through me. I can't tell what the rush is, but I feel it. I don't try to open my eyes or move. I just lay and listen as noises slowly start to bleed into my frame of mind.

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

I listen to what sounds like a hospital machine beeping. Where am I? Am I in the hospital? I don't remember getting here. I keep my eyes closed, not having the energy to open them. I think I fall asleep, but I'm not sure. I wake up to the sound of voices. I know that voice—Carlos.

I feel a hand gently rub my forehead; it must be Carlos, right? I try to open my eyes, yet I can't. I make every effort to say Carlos's name.

Mateo: "M... Cr..."

I can't do it; my body feels too fuzzy. I can hear Carlos, yet I can't tell what he's saying. My brain feels so heavy... hmm. I relax as someone rubs my cheek. I think this feels nice. I'm just going to take another quick nap.

I don't wake up until what I assume to be much later. My body hurts, yet not as much as my head. Slowly, I shift around, trying to get a feel for my body. Fuck, I don't feel good. I feel someone come by my side again and rub my shoulder. I lean into their touch, forgetting that I heard Carlos earlier.

Carlos: "Mateo... Mateo, por favor. Estoy aqui. Abre tus ojos, Mateo."

I hear soft talking. I try to open my eyes, succeeding this time. I close them because the room is bright. I blink a few times, my face scrunching up in discomfort. I see Carlos crying by my bedside. The look on his face is something I've rarely, if ever, seen from him before. He gives me an extremely gentle hug before pulling back. Why's he so sad?

Mateo: "C... Carlos. ¿Que... pasa?"

Carlos: "Ay, Mateo. Sólo descansa."

He just wants me to rest? Why? Something is wrong if I'm here. I try sitting up, yet I can't. I'm too weak.

Carlos: "It's okay. Just relax."

He rubs my shoulder, the touch soothing.

I close my eyes as he rubs my neck... before I realize my neck really hurts. I slowly bring my hand to my neck and feel that it's swollen. I open my eyes and see Carlos looking away like he's trying not to cry.

Mateo: "Carlos... talk... to me. What happened?"

Carlos: "We... I don't want to stress you while you are unwell."

Mateo: "I can handle it."

Carlos shakes his head as the door opens. Midori walks in before her face lights up at the sight of me. She runs over and very gently rubs her hand across my cheek. I can see from the glitter welling in her eyes and already glittery face that she has been crying a lot.

Midori: "You're awake! Oh, Mateo. I'm so happy!"

She speaks quietly but with the enthusiasm that she typically has. She kisses my cheek before moving away so Carlos can continue rubbing my shoulder.

Mateo: "Mi... Midori. What is wrong?"

Carlos looks at Midori and sighs.

Carlos: "You had a... accident? I do not know. We found you en los campos con los caballos."

Mateo: "¿Con Raúl? ¿Y Rocío?"

Carlos and Midori nod. Why was I out there? Was I working? I sigh, the muscles in my neck hurting badly as I do. I try to rub the sore area, but I don't have the strength. Midori and Carlos eye my neck nervously, yet they don't say anything.