𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞

Chapter 25 (P3)

Fitz's POV:

Fitz's mind blanked when Dex collapsed. Then, he started to panic. He must've yelled because soon, Juline and Kesler came around the hallway corner. Fitz's heart was racing a million miles per hour as he sunk to his knees. He held Dex close and tight.

He must've blacked out because the next thing he knew, he was sitting bedside in Dex's room - well, their room now. Juline was standing with Kesler on the other side of the room, discussing something. The triplets stood in the doorway, their faces tear stricken. Rex was shaking and gripping Bex's hand. Lex was clinging to Rex's shirt. Bex was just standing there with tears rolling down her face. Fitz looked down at his fiancé.

Dex's face was pale, and his breathing was raggedy. His eyes were closed, as if he was asleep. Worry spiked in Fitz's heart. He reached out and took Dex's limp hand in his and sighed shakily. He looked over at Juline and Kesler.

"Have... have you contacted Elwin yest?" Fitz asked, his voice hoarse and shaky. Kesler set his gaze on Fitz and nodded.

"Yes... he'll be here as soon as he can..." Kesler answered. He sounded just as worried as Fitz felt. Fitz couldn't blame him. It was his son laying in the bed who had just coughed up blood in the bathroom. Juline was silent. Her face showed no emotion. He understood... everything so far has been hell to them. From losing Bramwell to this... it's like things were taking a turn for the worst. Fitz didn't like the sound of the words in his head. They didn't need any more negative things in their lives...

Just then, Elwin showed up. He rushed into the room and almost immediately started looking over Dex. Colorful orbs flashed in front of his face. It was like clockwork how he examined Dex's limp body.

There was a tap on Fitz's shoulder. Fitz turned to see who it was. It was Rex. His tear stained face and running nose made Fitz sympathize him. Rex sniffed before speaking.

"D-do you think y-you could... I don't know... stand by us?" Rex inquired quietly. Fitz's gaze softened as he looked at the triplet.

"Of course, I can," he told him as he stood from his seat and went over to the other two. Rex grabbed Fitz's sleeve and gripped it. All of them were practically shaking. Fitz pitied them. But he felt the same. He just knew how to stay calm. Fitz enveloped the triplets in a warm, tight hug. Bex sniffled and started to sob.

"I-Is he going to be okay?" Bex whimpered. Fitz thought for a moment before answering.

"All we can do is hope," Fitz soothed them. Lex leaned into the hug and held onto Fitz as if he'd slip away if he let go. Soon, all the triplets were crying as they had their backs to Dex on the bed. Fitz stood there, hugging them and keeping a watchful eye in his fiancé as Elwin examined him.

After what felt like hours, Elwin heaved a sigh. He stood up and walked away from the bed. Juline let out a shaky breath as she approached Elwin.

"What is it? Is he okay?" she questioned. Elwin wouldn't meet her eyes. That only fed the worry in Fitz's heart. His heart sounded like it was almost going to pound out of his chest. He held the triplets closer.

"Elwin. What is it?" Fitz's voice sounded much more demanding than he had intended. Elwin didn't seem phased by Fitz's tone. He seemed to understand that he was worried out of his mind.

"I'm just telling you... it's not great," Elwin informed them. Fitz knew that. His fiancé was coughing up blood and mucus. How could it be great?!

"You think I don't understand that?" Fitz told him. Elwin's lips thinned. Rex wiped his face on Fitz's tunic. The middle of his shirt was soaked by now with the crying that the triplets had done. But Fitz didn't care. The triplets were his family now, and he would protect them like he would protect Dex.

Elwin fiddled with his fingers. That made Fitz run his hand through his hair. He needed to know what was wrong. Lex was tapping his foot out of anxiety, and Bex looked like she was about ready to dart out of the room.

It felt like an eternity passed before Elwin finally fessed up what it was.

"Hemoptysis."

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A/N: hey sugarsssss. My hip legit like... tried to kill me the other day so yeah. But im backkkk. Sorry the chapter came late, I had school and a project due on Friday so I rushed with that. But here's chapter 25!!

(Plz don't kill me 🙏)