Fragile Tension (Alan Wilder x Martin Gore)

5: The Bad Dream

'With regret, Depeche Mode announce the cancellation of their forthcoming three Black Celebration tour dates. In an unfortunate turn of events, Martin Gore was hospitalised on Tuesday evening for doctors to reveal an ankle fracture. On doctor's orders, he has since travelled home and is resting until further notice. The band sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused and greatly look forward to taking to the stage again soon.'

The latest issue of the local music magazine in hand, Martin cursed under his breath as he read the words on the page. He placed the magazine down and looked at his foot which was being kept elevated on a pillow. He then turned his attention to his boot and crutches that leaned up against the wall nearby.

"Such perfect timing," He whispered sarcastically, letting out a loud sigh.

Loud enough for Alan to hear.

"Do you need anything, my love?" He peeked his head around the door.

"To be able to walk properly would be nice." Martin answered, his head drooped.

His answer made Alan want to burst into tears; it was truly devastating seeing him in pain.

"Oh, baby." He walked over to him and knelt down beside the sofa. "Look, I know things are tough right now. But you are doing so well and I am so proud of you. Hug?"

"Yes please." Martin smiled as he reached out his arms.

The two embraced tenderly, Martin's head resting on his partner's shoulder.

He needed this.
~~~~~
The weather dull and rainy, their morning was spent with Martin resting and contemplating everything that'd happened over the past few days and Alan getting things done around their shared flat whilst trying to comfort his injured partner.

Martin, however, eventually became bored. Bored of sitting around. Bored of being immobile. Bored of feeling sorry for himself.

"AL!"

Alan was in the kitchen when he heard his name being called.

"MHM?"

"CAN YOU COME HELP ME UP?"

"OH, YEAH OF COURSE, ON MY WAY."

Drying his hands, he stopped everything in which he was doing at that moment and headed into the living room.

He found Martin already halfway sat up with a subtle smirk on his face.

"Any reason why you're getting up?" He decided to ask as he helped Martin to stand up.  "Do you need the bathroom or something?"

"No," Martin shrugged. "I just kinda wanted to have a walk around for a minute."

He was still getting used to his crutches being his only way of getting from place to place.

"That's fair enough, babe." Alan chuckled. "You do that and let me know when you've had enough."

"I will." Martin said as he slipped his arms through the forearm grips and placed his hands on the handles.
~~~~~
Adjusting to using his crutches, Martin walked through the majority of the layout of the flat.

"Well done, my love." Alan watched full of pride as his partner did so. "You're really getting the hang of it!"

"You're making me blush!" Martin giggled back, continuing to move himself around their flat.

"Always my intention!" Alan added, a huge smirk plastered all over his face.
~~~~~
After another half an hour of getting used to his crutches, Martin became fatigued and needed to sit down once more.