When the doctor left, Eiji reached out to hold Yukito's hand. The endotracheal tube was already removed and the chest tubes that drained the fluids accumulated around the heart and lungs remained. Yukito requested Eiji's oxygen mask to be replaced with a nasal cannula because the latter motioned his discomfort. Somehow, he could already make sounds but he was still too weak to speak.
Yukito squeezed the hand that was holding his and he smiled, "You did well..."
The other just responded with a weak nod.
"It will be hard for a couple of weeks but everything will be fine after."
When Eiji didn't react but just remained staring at him, he continued, "Yukio is all right. He was also confined for several days but he got discharged already." He looked at his wristwatch and it showed 3:00 AM. "Go to sleep. He'll be here when you wake up again."
Eiji obediently closed his eyes and drifted to sleep almost instantaneously.
Yukito sat on the chair beside the bed and contentedly watched the other sleep. His heart was too full and happy that he couldn't feel any sleepiness at all. He just wanted to wait until Eiji woke up again.
Before the sun rose, Ryuichi and Yukio were already on their way back to the hospital.
They found Yukito just staring at the sleeping patient when they arrived but the former seemed to be in high spirits. Yukio quickened his pace.
"Did he wake up already?"
"Yes, but just for a while."
Yukio went to Eiji's side, "What did the doctor say?"
"So far, everything's good. He might wake up again anytime soon." Yukito smiled.
Ryuichi put down the food that they brought, "You should eat Yukito, then take a nap. We'll watch over him."
"Thank you for the food." Yukito stood up and started opening the take-out boxes.
At around 9 AM, Ryuichi left to go to the office. He had been away for so long and even if he was working remotely, there were still so many meetings waiting for him.
Not long after, Eiji woke up again. This time, he could already speak but his voice was still hoarse. Yukio couldn't feel any happier that he didn't know if he should smile or cry.
"How are you feeling?"
"Good."
Eiji glanced at the other's abdomen. When Yukio noticed, his hand subconsciously moved to touch it. His expression was mournful.
"I'm sorry..." Eiji understood.
"It wasn't your fault. You tried to protect her, too."
Eiji didn't comment about it anymore. He knew that there was nothing he could say that could change the situation.
"You and Yukito will stay with us when you're discharged. Ryuichi and I will come to check on your company from time to time but so far, your people are doing fine." Yukio tried to change the topic. Eiji just woke up, he didn't want the latter to feel his grief.
"Yukito?" He looked at the young man who was silently standing beside Yukio. "How long have you been away from your work?"
"I'm on a long leave. My boss approved it." He smiled and continued. "It's just that, he was asleep when I submitted my request for an indefinite vacation."
"Too bad, he couldn't disapprove it anymore." Eiji rode along. "He's enjoying your attention."
"Good, because I'll ask for a big bonus after."
YOU ARE READING
The Brave Sacrifice (Omegaverse)
Romance{Completed: 43 Chapters Main Story 11 Chapters Side Story} Born with Atrial Septal Defect, Yukio finally succumbed to his sickness that had developed into a grave complication. He was at peace when he closed his eyes but unexpectedly, he woke up aga...
