Define Close [Nygmobblepot]

Ch16: As My Day Is Done Now

Edward's POV

I feel dizzy even when I'm obviously lying down with my eyes closed. I'm filled with sudden confusion, a small panic rising in my chest as I go through what I remember.

I doubled over in pain which only made it worse. I pulled at my tied hands so I could put pressure on the wound but it only made it worse. I think I cried. I think I cried like never before. The pain was so overwhelming I blacked out.

That's all I remember.

I force my eyes open, blinking feverishly. I can see it's light outside even though the curtains have made the room nicely dim. It doesn't stop my eyes from feeling vulnerable to the light. Not to mention my head is pounding and-

"Ed?"

I take in a shuddering breath as I quickly turn to look at the source of the voice: Oswald sitting on a chair that's been dragged next to the bed.

"Os-"

"Don't move." He commands me immediately. "The bullet is out, you should be fine, just.. stay still so you don't rip anything, the wound is still fresh even if stitched up."

I stare at him in awe and complete, utter confusion. Am I dead? I think. "How are you here?" Is what I say out loud, though.

"I live here." He points out with a smile and I look around again, ignoring my pounding head. I've never seen this room of the manor before.

"I mean.. I mean how am I here? Why would you bring me here?" I ask, my voice groggy and I clear my throat, closing my eyes since keeping them open feels like a struggle.

"I don't have keys to your apartment and I can get people here to help you easily." He replies like there's nothing to be confused about.

I turn my head to him before I slowly let my eyelids flutter open again. "Why are you helping me?"

"You thought I'd leave you to die?" He asks, looking kind of heartbroken over it and I feel a wave of relief rush through me.

"That's what you said you'd do." I point out quietly and he smiles. "You lied."

"The pot calling the kettle black."

I smile as well. "I know. I just didn't know you knew I lied, it wasn't my intention. That's why I didn't expect you to be lying as well."

He shakes his head lightly. "I was mad and hurt, Ed. That doesn't mean I'd leave you to slaughter. Maybe I would've if it wasn't for what I feel for you, turns out it doesn't just go away."

"I've come to the same realization." I tell him and he reaches over, taking my hand gently in his.

"Forgive me." He says and I frown, feeling even more confused.

"For what?"

"For making you think I didn't have your back, for not being fast enough so you got hurt anyway. Because of me." He says and I shake my head quickly even though it causes me a bit more pain.

"No." I say. "I made my decisions and I like to think the latest ones have been the right ones. I payed for turning on them but I'd do it again if I had to. None of it was your fault and it's me who should apologize."

"You've apologized many times." He replies, squeezing my hand lightly. "And you're forgiven. I love you and pretending otherwise is a waste of my time."

"I do know how you hate to waste time." I add with a small, tired smile. "And I love you too."

He smiles as well before leaning down, pressing a kiss on my forehead. "I'm so relieved you're okay." He whispers. "Now get some rest, please. You need it." He doesn't need to ask me twice because I have to fight to keep myself awake in the first place.