I'm back! Thanks for all the positive feedback I've been receiving - it means a lot to know my writing is appreciated and enjoyed. So, during my big break between my second-last and final exam, here is a short and sweet chapter to keep the story moving. Constructive criticism and reviews are greatly welcome.

I do not own Glee, 'Dalton', or any songs I use from here on in. Credit to their rightful owners/artists.

Enjoy!

The day that followed became a blur of smiling faces and celebration. Nearly the entirety of Dalton flooded the hospital after hearing the news, bringing well-wishes and plenty of hugs. The twins even brought party poppers and silly string, which inevitably created a huge mess for all the Windsors to clean up at the end of the long visit. Shane helped - with much amusement - to pick multicoloured streamers out of Reed's hair as the boys reluctantly said their goodbyes and left the two alone once more.

For a moment, there was silence.

"Did you..." Shane sighed, speaking quietly, "...Did you see things? While you were out?"

Reed cocked his head to one side, a puzzled look on his face.

"Just curious," Shane shrugged.

"Well... I never saw scenarios... or full hallucinations..." Reed leaned back into the bed again and fiddled absently with the sheets. "I saw colours. I know – it sounds silly coming from an artist, right? – but I did. Mostly I just saw blank white in front of me, though. Other times, I saw yellows and oranges, maybe some blue - I'm not sure why, but when I saw them, they were mainly warm."

"Could you hear anything?"

"I think I could... but nothing major. I don't remember noises. Anything I heard didn't register, I guess. It probably just sounded like incoherent mumbling or something." Reed let out a slight laugh. "Considering for how long I was under, I'm surprised I can remember anything from it at all."

The air stilled. A solemn moment washed over the two boys as they sat together, unsure of what would come next.

"I..." Shane began, almost inaudibly, "...I really missed you."

Reed smiled warmly. "I know, you've told me a million times—"

"But I mean, I really, really missed you. Like, 'can't sleep, can't eat, can't live without you' kind of missed you. I got so scared..."

"Shh," Reed cooed, placing a hand on Shane's knee. "I know. I'm sure somewhere in there I missed you just as much. But I'm here now, right?"

A gentle smile tugged at the corners of Shane's mouth, as he rested his hand on Reed's. "You're my very own miracle."

"And you're my guardian angel."

From the hall, a nurse carefully poked her head into the room. "Hi, boys. I think after all that commotion, it'd be a good time for a rest." She looked to Reed. "Is that alright?"

Reed nodded. "Of course... I'm always exhausted after seeing my friends," he grinned.

The nurse gave a light chuckle. "Well, I'm sure Shane here will look after you well," she smiled as she quietly departed. Reed pulled his bedcovers to his chin with his good arm, which proved to be a little difficult. Of course, it wasn't long until Shane offered his help, and the boy was promptly snug in the white cotton blankets.

"Thanks," Reed yawned as he fidgeted a little, letting his head sink into the pillow and closing his eyes. Shane quietly sat back down, unable to do anything but smile down at the boy, and just be grateful for life. The day's light was slowly seeping from the room, and the birds outside began their evening choir. There was peace. Shane, feeling something he had not known before, softly began to sing to Reed, who dozed as the moon showed its face in the growing night sky.

Once there was a way
To get back homeward
Once there was a way
To get back home

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry;
And I will sing a lullaby...

Reed smiled slightly to himself, in his near-sleeping state, listening contentedly to the only one he could call his own. This boy truly loved him, and Reed knew it.

Golden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry;
And I will sing a lullaby...

Once there was a way
To get back homeward
Once there was a way
To get back home

In that moment, Shane understood the warmth he felt. It was affection, it was love, it was care; it was knowing that the one thing – nay, the one person – Shane's world would forever revolve around really loved him back. Reed really was Shane's very own miracle.

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry;
And I will sing a lullaby...