Picking up the Pieces

I'm Here

            When Jeff next awoke, he was alone.

            "Nick? Nick!" he called, fear in his voice.

            "I'm here," Nick said, walking out of the bathroom.

            "I thought you had left me," Jeff said.

            "Never," Nick smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed, "How do you feel?" He ran his fingers through Jeff's hair as the blonde shrugged and then winced.

            "Okay I guess. Everything still hurts though," Jeff said, leaning into Nick's touch.

            "That's not surprising," Nick said quietly.

            "What happened?" Jeff whispered.

            "I remember leaving the school and running into those guys, then a lot of pain, and then... nothing," Jeff said, struggling to remember that night. "So, what's wrong with me? When can I go home?"

            "Your arm and wrist are both broken, you, um, you had a concussion which is probably why you don't remember much," Nick said softly, "Three broken rubs and... you also have a broken leg and a fractured ankle." Nick bit down hard on his bottom lip, but he couldn't hold it in any longer and broke down. He grabbed Jeff's hand that wasn't broken and held it tightly.

            "Shhh, shhh, Nick, please don't cry," Jeff begged, hating to see his tough, strong boyfriend so upset.

            "I'm sorry," Nick said, sitting up and looking at Jeff, "It's just, I thought I'd lost you. When they grabbed you and that guy started hitting you, I-I thought-"

            "Shhh," Jeff said, bring his uninjured hand up to Nick's cheek. "I'm okay. I'm here and I'm okay."

            Nick nodded and wiped his eyes, smiling at Jeff. He took Jeff's hand and held it tightly, kissing the knuckles. They sat like that for a few moments when there was a knock on the door.