Around and around we go

Chapter 10

"Hello? Natalie? Are you still there?"
Emma's voice pulled me out of the instant shock and panic that hit me with the news. Jared was sitting beside me, in complete shock and terror, frozen to the spot. He obviously was getting the same phone call I was. Seeing him shutdown sparked something within me; He needed me now. My brain switched into crisis control mode.
"Yes, Em's I'm here, sorry. What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to go find Jared. I know you're staying in the same hotel..."
"He's with me now. I'll explain later."
"Ok good, keep him with you. I'm getting on a flight right now. Shayla isn't ready to deal with this sort of situation yet, find her and keep her with you too. You know what to do until I get there. Can you handle this for me?"
"Emma.. I don't think I should... "
"I NEED you Natalie. HE needs you. You CAN do this and you WILL do this. I'll be there as soon as I can. Whatever you do, do not let ANYONE talk to the press."
I started to get up off the bed, but my arm was being griped tight by a shaking hand, holding me in place. All of the color had drained from his face, and it looked like he wasn't able to breathe. I mouth the words "it's OK" and squeeze his hand that still has an iron grip on my forearm.

Ow Jared. Not so hard!
"I think Jared is on the phone with Shayla right now, I will take over until you get here. Keep me posted."
"I'll call you as soon as I land. Nat, I'm glad you're there with him. He's going to need you more than ever."
"I know." with a sigh I motion to Jared to hand me his phone. "Ok, Em's safe flight, see you soon."
I hang up with Emma, and get on the next phone. I can hear Shayla trying to get Jared's attention. He hasn't said a single word since he answered his phone.
"Shayla, it's Natalie. Yes, Jared is with me; Emma just filled me in. I need you to come to my room. Can you bring his go-bag? He needs clothes and his cell charger... Do you have all of them with you? I need to make sure NONE of them leave. Order them room service or something, but make sure they stay put. Get the security guys on them."
I was surprised at how easily I switched to crisis control mode considering I was just about to have a complete breakdown not five minutes ago. I give Shayla a few more instructions and hang up Jared's phone. I close my eyes for a moment, trying to collect my thoughts and figure out what I was going to do. No matter how many times he said it, I was NOT back. This was just until Emma could get here and take over. I feel his grip loosen on my arm and I open my eyes and look at the broken man in front of me.
"Jared?"
Nothing. Doesn't even blink.
"JARED"
He seems to be trying to focus on me, but is looking straight through me.
What the fuck??
I place my hands on either side of his face, looking directly into his eyes making sure he's focused on me, I speak very slowly and calmly.
"Jared. I'm here. Listen to me. You're going to go shower and get dressed; Shayla is bringing you something to wear. We're already dealing with the girls. Once you're ready, we will go to the hospital."
He finally starts to snap out of, nodding slowly.
"Yes... Ok... You'll come with me?"
"Yes. I'm not leaving your side until Emma gets here"
"Yes...Ok...." Is all he can manage right now. This is not good. I've never seen him like this.
"You can shower here, I'll go get it started for you. Can I get you anything right now? Jared?"
He's gone back to staring through me. "JARED!" I lift my right hand and slap him. Not too hard, but hard enough that he reacts with a growl and grabs my injured wrist.

"Ow! Fucking hell! Jared let go!"

He drops my wrist and I rub it, trying to ease the pain. "I'm sorry! I just... "

"Jared, he's going to be alright. I'm going to go run you that shower and I'll call the hospital for an update."

"Yes...ok...." And he's back to being in shock. Do not make me slap you again Leto.

I come back into the room to find him sitting on the edge of the bed, shoulders slumped forward, his face in his hands. I pull his hands away from his face and kiss his forehead.

"Come on." I take him by the hand and lead him into the bathroom. He's barely moving on his own. "Here's your towel, use whatever you want. I'll just be outside if you need me."
"Don't go..."

"I'm not going anywhere, I'll be right outside."
"Stay here with me. I don't want to be alone." I watch as he struggles with the buttons on his flannel pajama top.

"Here, let me help you..." I step towards him and help him get undressed. We've seen each other naked so many times we had stopped noticing it. We even started showering together to save time while sharing hotel rooms and always being on the go. But this time was different. I could feel myself blush as I undid the buttons and pushed his shirt back over this shoulders. He was incredibly lean and the definition in his chest and abs was a sight to behold. I finish pulling his shirt off, dropping it on the floor. I can't help myself, I reach up and trace the Provehito In Altum tattoo that sits just below his collar bone. As I do so, he closes his eyes and lets his head fall back with the lightest moan. I wouldn't have even noticed it if I wasn't touching him. The slight space that was seperating us is completely erased by the time I'm tracing the last letter. His hands have found their way to my hips, his thumbs hooked into the waistband of my pajama bottoms, pulling me against him. I am all too aware of how his hard body feels against mine. As I'm contemplating how far I'm willing to take this, he's moved his hands up under my shirt rubbing my back. I look up at him expecting to see lust and desire, but all I see is shock and sadness in those eyes. I know exactly what he needs. I step back and finish undressing him, then I remove my pajamas and get into the shower.
"Come on, I'll wash your back. If you're lucky I might even wash your hair and use this fancy conditioner."