To Hold Tight or to Let Go

Chapter Twenty-Three

Arthit woke up in full panic mode, thinking he would be covered in blood, watching Kongpob die. His eyes darted around the dark hospital room, his heart racing as he tried to overcome to horrendous nature of what he just saw. He gulped and tried to clutch at this hospital gown but his fingers wouldn't grip it tightly. Sweat dotted his temple as he looked to the bed where he knew Kongpob slept. Only it was empty. He knew Kaiya and Ohm went home tonight so Kongpob was the only one let with him but now Kongpob was gone.

"K-Kong!" Arthit called out but his voice was just above a whisper. He cleared his throat even as panic started to rise up.

"K-Kongpob! K-Kong! W-where—" Arthit couldn't even formulate his sentences with panic rising up through him. It had to be a dream right? Kongpob couldn't really be gone.

Arthit fumbled with the bedsheets, trying to move them from his legs so he could get out of bed and find Kongpob on his own. Though his legs were stiff, Arthit pushed them over the bed and tried to stand.

Suddenly the door to the room opened and Kongpob entered. His eyes bugged out the moment he saw Arthit trying to get up.

"P! What are you doing?!" He hurried over to the bed to tuck Arthit back in. "Do you have to use the toilet? Why didn't you ring the nurse bell?"

Arthit's eyes watered as he felt like crying in relief to see Kongpob completely okay. He tried to grab for Kongpob's shirt to pull him close.

"I went for some water, I ran out and then I chatted with the night time nurse a little," Kongpob said. He squeezed Arthit's shaking hands. "What's the matter P?"

"She-she k-killed y-you," Arthit trembled. "I-I c-c-couldn't s-save y-you."

"No one hurt me P. I'm right here." Kongpob smoothed Arthit's hair. "It's okay P. Rest now. I'll be right here."

Arthit started to move over, making space. "I n-need to h-h-hold y-you. P-p-please."

Kongpob smiled. "Of course P. Can I change into my night clothes first? I haven't gotten ready for bed yet. I know it's late but I wasn't ready to sleep yet."

Arthit nodded at him. Kongpob kissed his knuckles then prepared for bed. The entire time, Arthit never took his eyes off of Kongpob, watching him intently until Kongpob was finally ready for bed.

"I'll lay on the other side P, since you IV is on this side."

Arthit maneuvered to the other side to give Kongpob space. The moment Kongpob was in bed, Arthit turned to him and buried his head in Kongpob's chest, wrapping his arm around Kongpob's waist.

"N-no-one w-ill h-hurt y-you," Arthit whispered.

"I know you'll protect me P," Kongpob replied, his eyes getting heavy. For the first time since his accident, Kongpob was able to sleep in his lover's arms and it was the most peaceful sleep he'd gotten in what seemed like forever.

When he awoke the next morning, Arthit was rubbing circles over his back in a calming manner.

"Good morning P." Kongpob grumbled, hugging Arthit tightly.

"G-good m-morning K-kong," Arthit replied.

Kongpob slowly untangled himself from Arthit's hold. He'd slept later than usual and he knew Arthit's breakfast would be here soon. When he sat up, Ohm was sitting in the couch.

"Rise and shine," Ohm smiled teasingly.

"Oh please get your mind out of the gutter," Kongpob groaned. "P'Arthit had a nightmare so we just cuddled."

Ohm's eyes turned serious. "Nightmare?" he stood immediately and went over to Arthit. "Are you able to tell me about it?"

"My m-mother," Arthit whispered. "S-she h-hurt h-him."