MiniZerk - You Could Follow Your Heart

Chapter 18

Not a month after the wedding, back in London, the doctors were ready to perform Ethan's surgery. The chemotherapy brought him to a safe spot where risk was much lower, and once the odds were well in their favor, they decided to put him under.

Harry seemed excited enough about it, and as they were all sitting with Ethan before their surgery, he was stroking his husband's arm with a delicate touch. "Once you get better we can finally move in together. We can see each other and wake up with each other every single day."

Ethan smiled, even though it was clear that the anesthesia was beginning to kick in and he was quickly becoming drowsy. "I love you, Harry."

Simon's heart was throbbing in his chest as he watched their exchange. He couldn't believe the love they contained for one another. He couldn't believe that in such a dark time they were still able to smile and talk as if there was nothing wrong. Though they had always been an unlikely couple, Simon could definitely see that there was a lot of love that they shared.

"I love you," Harry whispered, his grip tightening on Ethan's arm. "I always will, okay?"

Harry took a deep sigh as he stepped back to let the other lads have their moment. Vikk stepped in first and gave Ethan a big hug, followed by JJ and Tobi. Even Brittany showed up, seeing as she and Ethan had hit it off so well at the wedding. Once they all had their hugging done with, Simon and Josh stepped forward.

Simon gave Ethan a big embrace, patting his back as best as he could. "You're strong as a bull, buddy. I know you can do it. I love you."

Ethan almost laughed, and it warmed Simon's heart. Josh stepped forward, looking a little shaky as he hugged Ethan tightly. "I love you buddy. It'll be okay."

He kept it short and simple and stepped back to Simon's side, clinging onto his boyfriend like a little boy. Harry took his place to sit with Ethan until he passed out, and the nurses took him in.

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The surgery was going to be a lengthy one, but all of the lads agreed to stay in the hospital with Harry while it was going on. JJ and Brittany had already fallen asleep on one another, Tobi had his headphones on, Vikk was on his computer, and Josh was leaning on Simon's shoulder, twiddling his thumbs as he stared at the blank wall in front of him. Simon had one arm around Josh, and his free hand was on Harry's back, rubbing it in slow, calm motions. Harry had his head down and his hands cupped together in his lap. Simon was pretty sure he was praying.

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To everyone's complete relief, the surgery went off without a hitch. Ethan was healthy and stabilized, and Harry couldn't be happier about it. Even though his husband was still unconscious post-operation, Harry refused to let go of his sleeping body. He cried like a little boy and wouldn't stop. It was heartbreaking, but everyone knew he was relieved. It was nice to see him letting it out.

Simon could definitely see the relief in Josh's eyes, too. He knew his boyfriend had never dealt with a huge loss in his life, and was grateful that they didn't have to lose their good friend in such a horrible way. Ethan didn't deserve such a terrible illness, and to see him overcoming it was truly a blessing.

For the first time in a long time, Simon truly felt that things would end up working out.