Love hurts { TomTord | Hanahaki }

Chapter 6

Monday.
6 days until the surgery.
Current time: 1:56am
——

I don't know if I'm ready.
Sure I've had bullet wounds stitched, a prosthetic eye put in, half my body blown from an explosion rendering nerve damage, and had my arm sawed off and replaced; but I've never had lung surgery.
I've never been this nervous.
Not even before a war.
I was always so sure I would win, I never took time to sit down and listen to my stomach.

I can't sleep.
It's been Monday for only 2 hours now and here I am.
Laying awake on my bed.
Who am I anymore?
Should I tell my parents?
A.k.a, my two most trusted soldiers?
How does that work?
I've no idea.

Sure, since the two of them retired after that accident and made sure I leave the army behind me after disbanding it; They now can act like true parents.
However, I haven't spoken to them since.
Should I call them?
Should I text?
Send a letter?
I don't know.

I decided to call.
They probably won't answer.
It is, after all, 2:16am.
Damn, time flies.

As the phone dialed them, I began to overthink.
What if they don't want to talk to me?
Are they disappointed?
Do they hate me?
Why did I run off like that?
I yelled at them when they were just looking after me.
I'm such a shitty son.

" This is a bad idea...."

" Larreson residence, what to you want? "

I heard my dad's voice.
He sounded groggy and annoyed.
His voice still raspy from all those cigarettes he smokes.
Never changed a bit.

" U-uhm....hey...Dad. "

There was silence.
I heard some rustling from the other side and some whispering.
Then an answer, from my Pa.

" Tord? Sweetie is that you?
Oh my god where have you been?
We've been worried sick about you?
How are you doing?
Do you have a place to stay?
Are you eating well? "

" U-Uhm. Hey, Dad and Pa. I'm not doing so good right now. I'm back at Edds and um.
I haven't been able to eat.
I've been sick.
Really, really sick.
I think I'm dying....?
Anyway, I'm getting surgery in a week.
I was wondering if I could stay with you guys?
I'm not kicked out or anything!
I just.
If things go wrong.
I want to see you guys for the last time. "

" Yeah, yes of course you can stay with us!
When should we pick you up?
Now—or uhm—uh tomorrow? "

My Pa sounded so worried.
I feel so bad for being such a burden on them.

" Tomorrow. I just want to see you two as soon as possible.
I'll tell, Edd in the morning.
Come anytime you guys are ready.
I love you both so much..."

" We love you too, hon.
Get some rest, you sound exhausted.
We'll talk more tomorrow.."

After I hung up, I hung my head low.
Head in my hands.
Crying my eyes out.

" I'm so pathetic.. "

* Knock Knock *

I quickly wipe my face off.
Trying to make it look like I had just woken up, I droop my eyes and make my clothes all messy.

I open the door and see, Matt standing there.
Looking all worried and frantic.

" You're going away again? "

Had he over heard?
I decided to tell the truth.
I mean, he would find out tomorrow anyway.

" Yeah..I'm moving back with my parents for a bit.
Couple years maybe.
If I survive. "

I felt his arms embrace me.

" Then, can I sleep in here tonight?
That way you have company before you leave.. "

I smiled faintly.

" Yeah..yeah I would like that.
A lot..actually. "

I invited him in.

We talked for a couple of hours about nothing in particular.
I told him how he should confess to Edd about his feelings.
After that, he wouldn't stop blushing and stammering.
I laughed quietly.

I'm going to miss this.

After some more talk and jokes and such.
He asked a question that I didn't think was to bad.

" Hey, so um.
Would it be ok with you, and your parents, if I come with?
Not to stay for a couple of years, but until your surgery? "

" I would like that, a lot.
I'm sure my parents would love to see you again after all of these years.
How long has it been?
Since graduation? "

" I think so. —"
He yawned
" Let's go to bed.. I'm tired. "

Before we both lay down, I gave him a tight hug.

" Thank you...for everything, Matt. "

He was smiling when I pulled away.

Then we both went to bed.
It's not the first time we've shared a bed.
Believe it or not, we used to be really close.
I just ruined it when I returned to my army.

——