Above the Crimson Sky (Sequel to Beneath the Midnight Sky)

XV. Shut Off

He woke abruptly from a nightmare; one in which he was stuck in limbo and couldn't find his way out. He glanced at the clock glowing on the wall: 7:39 a.m. He snuggled into the large body and removed a mop of curls from his face, pleasantly greeted with the aroma of jasmine and sandalwood (which replaced a previous unkind odor of saline and hospital). Once he realized who was smothering him with brunette locks, he smiled fondly and snuggled into the small of his back.

He wished he could talk and greet Harry properly but when he tried, his voice wouldn't resonate above a raspy whisper. Feeling frustrated, he tried to get out of bed, but Nurse Monroe shot him a look.

"No, you need to stay there for now. You can drink your coffee or apple juice and have some applesauce!" She insisted. Louis gave her a grumpy face back. "My shift ends in 20 minutes. I was nice enough to let your exhausted fiancé stay here and sleep. If you don't eat, I'll tell the morning shift nurse that you've had enough visitors for the day."

Rolling his eyes, he grabbed his spoon and put the applesauc in his mouth. The cold, slimy texture caused him to spit it out. He took a sip of coffee and snarled at the bitter taste.

Disturbed by the movement, Harry opened his eyes and smiled affectionately. He looked over at the Nurse whose body language looked hostile and inpatient. After seeing the mess on the breakfast tray, he understood why.

"Good morning, love," he said sitting up. "Let's have some of this yummy breakfast," He delicately stated. Though Louis greeted him with a smile, he could tell he didn't want to cooperate.

Harry dipped the spoon in the applesauce and raked most of the substance off until there was nothing, but a small film left. He placed the spoon in Louis' mouth and didn't remove it until he swallowed. Satisfied, the Nurse left the room.

Just as Harry was about to kiss him sweetly, Mrs. Tomlinson barged in.

"Good morning, boys. Louis, I heard you were having trouble eating again," she scolded him. "We've spent so much money on your recovery in two different countries even. Are you trying?" She asked before feeling guilty. "I didn't mean that. I'm sorry. It's just frustrating," she sighed.

"Hey, can I talk to you outside?" Harry asked getting out of bed and kissing Louis on the forehead. She guided him out the door.

"How do you think he's doing?" She asked sitting down in a chair in the waiting room.

"Well, he was asleep last night when I came in. I didn't get to talk to him but he did eat applesauce. I think he's trying...." Harry said only half believing it. "Look, there's something I want to ask you....and I know you may think I'm being irrational but I love him....." Harry said beginning to ramble. "It isn't much. I don't have much money....only what is left from my student loans...but I got him this..." Harry cleared his throat. "I always pictured being asked but I think I want to ask him so he'll know how much I love him....but I wouldn't do it without your blessing..." He cleared his throat again. "Mrs. Tomlinson, can I have your blessing to ask your son to move in with me for our senior year?" He asked fiddling with a dummy key in his pocket.

Mrs. Tomlinson sat in silence for a minute before smiling widely at Harry. She wrapped her arms around him and clutched onto him tightly. "I couldn't imagine a better person for my son, Harry. Of course you have my blessing!" she said with tears in her eyes.

"I'm terrified....what if he says no?" He asked also with tears in his eyes.

"All you can do is ask," she said comforting him. "But Harry, I think he needs more treatment...something more...because I can't watch my son sabotage his health anymore. Also, you are looking a little rough yourself, dark circles. You being good to yourself?"