Friendship Worth Risking

Chapter Twelve

Eventually, the staff realizes that Reid is no longer a patient and gently kick him out. He leaves with a promise to be back the second he is allowed to.

He changes into the most comfortable of the clothes he has, not much to choose from as everything is based on the wardrobe in his go-bag, and heads back to the hotel, picking up something simple to eat on the way.

After he eats, he slips into a night shirt and boxers. He carefully gets out the Dilaudid and syringes that are stashed in his go-bag. I won't be able to sleep unless I use it. And I need to sleep. He doses up using a vein in his elbow, having just been in the hospital, he has an excuse for the mark, so he might as well save the other veins. The effect on him is nearly instant. He pulls out a shirt from Morgan's bag and holds it up to his face. It smells like him. He crawls into the bed and clutches the shirt as if his life depended on it.

In the morning, his wake-up call tells him it is 7am. He checks his phone to see that Morgan is not yet awake, they had agreed to text each other, and sends a good morning text. Reid flies through is morning routine, but takes an extra moment in the shower to ensure that all of yesterday is washed from him. Right as he walks out the door, Morgan responds to the text.

Reid darts across the street from Stonecrest Medical Center and grabs coffee from Starbucks. He also grabs several gift cards in case he sees any of the nurses or doctors that helped him and Morgan. He walks up to the room while sipping at his coffee. He is the first one in the room.

"Good morning, Pretty Boy!" Morgan's voice is energetic. "You just missed the good news. They are taking the chest tube out today and if I behave myself they will let me go!"

"That is excellent news!" Reid takes the seat to Morgan's right and Morgan reaches for his hand. Reid interlaces their fingers without thinking about it. He sets down his coffee on the table.

Morgan's doctor comes in. "Good morning Mister Morgan," she looks up from her chart for eye-contact and is surprised to see a visitor this early. "And guest!"

Reid waves his hello. Morgan clarifies, "This is Spencer, my boyfriend." Reid glows at the title. "I'd like him to stay, if that's alright."

The doctor nods. "Sure. So, like a was saying a few minutes ago, we will remove your chest tube here in about an hour and then, as long as your lung stays open, you will be cleared to leave. We are faxing all of your information to your workplace. You have a follow-up set up for Thursday with a pulmonologist. He will be the one to clear you for duty and air travel. Do you have any questions?"

Reid shakes his head but Morgan asks, "Will I be able to exercise?"

"Light exercise is fine, but nothing like running or lifting weights until the pulmonologist clears you."

"What about sexual activity, doc?"

Reid breathes in his coffee and gets thrown into a coughing fit while trying to assure everyone that he is fine. "Derek! That is inappropriate!"

The doctor has a bemused smile. "No, it's fine. It's a valid question Mister Morgan. Think of it like exercise; nothing too strenuous. Let pain be your guide. If it hurts, stop doing it. Any other questions?"

Reid has himself under control again. "When should we remove the stitches? Can we do it ourselves or does he need to return?"

"The pulmonologist has it noted to remove them."

"Thank you, doctor. I think that's it from us." She nods and leaves.

Reid squeezes Morgan's hand assertively. "What the hell, Derek?" He is not actually angry; he is embarrassed.