Ghoul, stressed and tired, was pacing the room. What if she didn't wake up? This was one of their last IV bags. What would they do if they ran out? Let her die? No. No. He couldn't think like that.
He shook his head and returned to his seat, taking her hand.
"Wake up." he pleaded, "Wake up, please."
But she did nothing, said nothing. He sat back, letting go of her hand.
"G-Ghoul," her whisper was barely there, weak and scratchy.
He couldn't believe it. He sat in silence for a second before taking her hand again. Was he hearing things?
"Diamond?" he didn't dare to hope.
"Where is he?" she pleaded, a bit stronger. A fever dream. A strange combination of worry and joy tore through him. He stood up and dashed to the door, sticking his head into the hallway.
"She's waking up!" he called to whoever happened to be around. He left the door opened and returned to the chair, taking hold of Diamond's hand again. He heard the rushed footsteps of his friends approaching.
"Diamond? DIamond! Wake up!" he shouted.
"We have to get her to wake up." Missile said, coming up behind him.
"Call out her name. That's what worked for me."
"Diamond!" Kobra yelled.
"Come back!" Missile pleaded.
She was fidgeting, talking to herself. For some reason it scared Ghoul to no end. He noticed his hand was trembling around hers.
She opened her eyes. Immediately, they met his. A tired smile broke on her face. The room was silent, everyone just staring at her.
"Ghoul," she whispered, "you kept your promise."
Relief flooded him, making him weak but happier than he'd been in a while. He helped her sit up slowly, propping her up on pillows.
"Missile!" Diamond exclaimed as she noticed the people around her. Ghoul stood up and stepped back, allowing Rose to embrace the little girl.
"I missed you," she muttered into Diamond's shoulder, "Cherri's always running errands and Pony's just as bored as I am. I'm glad you're back."
"I'm glad too," Diamond let the girl go. She looked and saw Kobra and Jet, who both smiled. But someone was missing...
"Where's Party?" Diamond felt a bit of panic. Had they failed? Had something happened after she'd gotten hurt?
"He's fine." Kobra reassured her, "He's in the main room. I'll go get him." He stepped out, closing the door behind him.
Jet put a hand on Ghoul's shoulder. "We'll give you two some time." He smiled at Diamond, "Glad to see you're okay."
He stepped out. Pony and Missile followed him. Ghoul sat back down.
"How long did you sit in that chair?" she began.
"A month."
"Waiting for me?"
"Yes. Why else would I do that?"
She didn't have an answer to that.
"So what happened? While I was out?"
"Too much to explain in the few minutes we've got until Party comes in."
"Then can you at least tell me what this is for?" she raised the arm the IV had been inserted into.
He smiled a bit, "That's what's been keeping you alive this past month."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"So, how's Party been doing?"
Ghoul sighed, "Better. The actual effects of the medication had mostly worn off by the time we got back here. But he's had to go through withdrawal. Not to mention regaining his memory. Kobra's been helping him with that. I've tried to, but..." his voice trailed off.
Diamond sighed and leaned back, resting, "So how long until I can get out of this damn bed?"
Ghoul smiled, "Dr. D will be in later to talk about that. He's broadcasting right now."
The door opened. They both looked at Kobra, who entered almost sheepishly.
"He doesn't want to see you."
"Why not?" Diamond demanded.
Kobra seemed to realize what he'd said. "I mean, he doesn't think you want to see him. He's convinced you hate him."
"What the hell does he think he's pulling?" Ghoul stood, angry.
"Nothing, okay?" Kobra looked at Ghoul, irritated and defensive. His expression softened when he looked at Rose, "He just feels...responsible for what happened to you."
She was shocked. Not to mention slightly insulted. "Why would I hate him? I don't think I've ever actually said a word to him."
Kobra shrugged sadly, "I dunno. Maybe when you come out he'll talk." He stepped back out, shutting the door.
"I feel terrible." Diamond said, "Like I should go out and talk to him..."
"There's nothing you can do," Ghoul cut in, "his mind is still a little fucked up from the drugs. I have a feeling it always will be. Give him some time; he still has some stuff he needs to figure out."
Diamond nodded. Her stomach growled and she placed a hand on it, smiling. Ghoul stared at her, bemused.
"When's dinner?" she asked with a laugh.
