Pulling Through (PruCan) [Under Editing]

CH 2: Appointments (edited)

The morning was horrible for Gilbert, Matthew awoke with a jolt and frantically pulled off the mask before running toward the bathroom and fell to his knees in front of the open seated toilet where he retched out yesterday's lunch. Gilbert rushed to him and soothingly rubbed his back feeling useless not knowing what to do to help his now sobbing lover.

He grabbed a cloth and soaked it with warm water bringing it to Matthew after he had emptied out his stomach and wiped his mouth. "It's okay Matthew I'm here for you. You can rinse your mouth while I bring you a change of clothes." He helped him up and closed the toilet sink flushing away the contents of Matthew's stomach. His heart dropped, none of Matthew's food ever stayed down and that just terrified Gilbert. He collected Matthew's clothes and brought them to him. "Here birdie I'll help you." He forced a reassuring smile.

Matthew shrugged off his sweater and pulled on another fresh one and changed into jeans. "You have a doctors appointment today. We'll pick up breakfast on the way." Gilbert changed into his casual clothing which was jeans and a T-shirt. When he sat on the bed with Matthew he helped him put on the air tubes and then kneeled on the ground where he helped him with his shoes.

Matthew looked at him with a dark blush and nervously tried to hide it by looking away from Gilbert. "..I can see your tomato red face birdie." Gilbert chuckled in an attempt to lighten the gloomy mood. "I could've put on my own shoes," Matthew stated. "I know but you always mess up when you try to tie them," Gilbert said as he finished tying up his shoes.

He stood up and looked at Matthew seeing that his smile was replaced by a glum frown. "What's wrong Matthew?" He asked worriedly. "I don't want to go to the doctors today...they'll give me a shot like always." A small whimper escaped his throat. "No it's okay, I promise they won't," Gilbert reassured calmly. "...okay I believe you, Gil..." Matthew looked at him and forced a small smile, his eyes puffy and red from his sobbing.

Gilbert held his hand and helped him up from the bed. "I promise it'll be a quick appointment." He kissed the top of his head and slipped on his shoes before heading out with Matthew close by his side.

After a short car ride, Gilbert had to coax Matthew out of the car since he refused to leave the car once they arrived at the parking lot. "Please birdie you have to understand that the people will help you if you're not feeling well," Gilbert explained calmly. "You haven't been eating well maybe they can give you some sort of medicine." Matthew frowned at the mention of being helped. "I can help myself, it's probably just a stomach virus." He mumbled.

Gilbert grabbed the tank and placed it on the gravel parking lot. "No more excuses Matthew, we're going and that's final!" He stated in a harsh tone which made Matthew's heart drop in guilt and sadness. "I...I'm sorry Gil..I'm just...sorry." He stammered and reluctantly climbed out of the car, his head hung low and he dragged his tank along with him as he followed Gilbert towards the doctor's building.

Meanwhile, Gilbert couldn't help but feel guilty after using such a harsh tone with his lover, he glanced over his shoulder to look at him and frowned when he saw his head down in a glum manner. "Hey birdie, I'll let you pick out where you want to eat breakfast at." He suggested trying desperately to cheer him up, but in response, he received a slight nod from him.

Entering the doctor's office Matthew sat himself down while Gilbert signed him in for the appointment, when he returned to him he sat down by him and held his hand. "Birdie please don't be upset.." he looked at him with deep concern. "...I'm not upset," Matthew mumbled keeping his gaze at the ground. He was hurt but not upset, rather, he was terrified and guilty. Gilbert rubbed his hand. "I'm sorry I was harsh with you..." he apologized, wanting to punch himself in the face.

But then it clicked, it must be terrifying to poor Matthew, not knowing what else could be wrong was scary. Being forced to go to an appointment out of nowhere was probably so stressful and yet here Gilbert was ordering his lover to without him having any say in it. Now Gilbert felt like the biggest (yet still awesome) jerk alive. "It's okay birdie everything will be okay...I'm going to make sure they don't hurt you." He cooed in a calm and soothing tone.