AN: Alright, I know there's gonna be some questions about this chapter, so lemme address some concerns that may pop into your head. First, how is everyone able to be at the hospital? Answer; It's right outside of town. Honestly, most of this is based off my own experiences with hospitals (which I hate with a passion). Next; why is Lily still working? Answer; hospital bills are expensive. When I was in the hospital (dark times this past summer), with a serious but unidentified illness that had doctors keeping a kit nearby in case they needed to cut open my throat if I stopped breathing, my Dad took one day off of work and that's it. Although, it may just be how he works. I still believe that if Lily were a responsible parent, which she IS, she'll continue working, because she knows how these hospital bills may stack up. Anyways, besides that, everything else should work fine (hopefully) with your imaginations.
(Rachel=underlined, Finn= bold, Finn+Rachel= bold+underlined, Kurt=italicized, Kurt+Rachel= underlined+italicized, Kurt+Finn= bold+italicized, All three= italicized+bold+underlined)
'When two people really care about each other, they will always find a way to make it work. No matter how hard it is.'-Unknown
Chapter 10
It was silent in the hospital room, except for the machines that were attached to Harry and the shifting of those seated around him. It had been four days since he was found. Everyone in the glee club, Ms. Pillsbury and Mr. Schuester, Burt and Carole, and Lily had taken turns sitting with Harry, all hoping for some sign of him waking. No one wanted him to wake up alone. They would come in small groups or pairs, doing their homework in the room, watching their bedridden friend out of the corner of their eyes.
Kurt and Lily were there almost constantly, both sitting a silent vigil, holding Harry's hand. The others did not comment that they both sat for more than two of the agreed upon shifts of four hours. The only times Lily left were for her shifts at the hospital or to go home and take the dog out and get some rest, though the bags under her eyes showed that this rarely happened. Kurt had to be taken out of the room by either his friends or his father, gentle encouragements whispered to him as he was led from the room, with promises from those that were taking over the watch that they'd call if there was any change in Harry's status. Today, the club couldn't agree on who would sit in the hospital, so they all decided to go, with Mr. Schuester and Ms. Pillsbury deciding to take the nighttime shift. Though the room was a bit crowded, no one complained, all quietly conversing as they did their homework. Mercedes was holding onto Kurt, letting him lean into her as he held onto Harry's hand. From across the room, Rachel started humming some bars, and soon, the rest of the club joined in, recognizing the song before she even sang the first line since they'd practiced it as an idea for Sectionals.
Mother cannot guide you.
Now you're on your own.
Only me beside you.
Still, you're not alone.
No one is alone. Truly.
No one is alone.
Finn joined in, taking her hand in his own. Kurt hummed along with the others, never taking his eyes off of his unresponsive boyfriend.
Sometimes people leave you.
Halfway through the wood.
Others may deceive you.
You decide what's good.
You decide alone.
But no one is alone.
I wish…
I know.
Mother isn't here now
Wrong things, right things
Who knows what she'd say?
Who can say what's true?
Nothing's quite so clear now
Do things, fight things.
Feel you've lost your way?
You decide, but
You are not alone
Believe me,
No one is alone
No one is alone.
Believe me.
Truly
Kurt sang the next part, his voice only wavering for a moment at the beginning, but growing stronger as he continued, watching Harry intently and squeezing the hand he held, wishing that it would squeeze back.
You move just a finger,
Say the slightest word,
Somethings bound to linger
Be heard
No one acts alone.
Careful.
No one is alone.
People make mistakes.
Fathers,
Mothers,
People make mistakes,
Holding to their own,
Thinking they're alone.
Honor their mistakes
Watch for their mistakes
Everybody makes one another's terrible mistakes
Witches can be right, Giants can be good.
You decide what's right you decide what's good
Just remember
Just remember
Someone is on your side
Our side
Our side
Someone else is not
Someone else is not
While we're seeing our side
Maybe we forgot
They are not alone
They are not alone
No one is alone
No one is alone
Hard to see the light now
Kurt sang, a tear running down his cheek, causing Mercedes to squeeze him closer.
Just don't let it go
Things will come out right now.
We can make it so.
Someone is on your side
Someone is on your side
No one is alone.
Kurt broke down at the end, clinging onto Mercedes like a lifeline. Everyone in the room looked on in sympathy, most crying themselves, with Santana and Puck trying to hide their own tears and Brittany clinging to Artie. No one knew what else they could do.
Another week and three days passed, making it two weeks since Harry had been brought to the hospital, and there were no changes. With each passing day, the doctors that came in seemed more grim. None of those watching over Harry let this affect them, though, each holding onto the hope that he would pull through.
Kurt sat alone in the room, the others having left to get some lunch with promises to bring him something. He absentmindedly drew patterns on the back of Harry's hand before deciding to sing something to make himself feel a little better, and maybe help Harry come back to him.
Oh yeah, I'll tell you something
I think you'll understand
When I say that something
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
Oh please, say to me
You'll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
Now let me hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
As the song slowed down, he held onto the hand in front of him, running his thumb over the back of it. He didn't see the other hand twitch.
And when I touch you I feel happy
Inside
It's such a feeling that my love
I can't hide
I can't hide
I can't hide
Yeah, you've got that something
I think you'll understand
When I feel that something
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand.
He closed his eyes and sat down, head bowed against the side of the bed and heart aching. Suddenly, something happened that made his heart stop beating. He felt pressure from the hand he was holding.
Harry was squeezing his hand.
Kurt snapped out of his seat, hovering over the bed.
"Harry?" He asked hesitantly. His heart soared when he heard a groan emit from his boyfriend, the first sound he'd made in two weeks. The pressure on his hand increased as Harry held it tighter, scrunching up his face in pain as he woke.
"Kurt." Harry whispered, his voice hoarse from disuse. He squinted up at Kurt, a small smile on his face. Kurt gave a relieved laugh, tears of happiness escaping his eyes. Harry opened his eyes further, frowning slightly. Slowly, tentatively, he removed his left hand from Kurt's, hissing slightly at the burning sensation coming from his forearm.
"You're in pain. I should call the nurse." Kurt said, looking for the call button.
"No. 'M fine." Harry said stubbornly, continuing his arm's movement until his hand connected with Kurt's face, his thumb wiping away the tears there. Kurt leaned into the touch, putting his own hand over Harry's. "Don' cry." Harry slurred. Kurt nodded, giving a wet laugh.
"Don't worry, they're happy tears." Kurt said, smiling at him. Harry's frown deepened, his own eyes watering.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He apologized, making Kurt's smile turn into a frown.
"What are you sorry for, Honey?" He asked, leaning in closer and taking the hand from his face into both of his own. A tear escaped Harry's eye, followed by more as he let out a sob, ignoring the pain it caused to flare in his chest.
"I put you in danger. I put everyone in danger. I didn't tell you what was wrong. I did so much wrong. I'm so sorry." He gasped. Kurt felt his heart break a little at the obvious distress Harry was in.
"Hey, hey," He said, taking one hand and holding Harry's chin so he would look at him. "This wasn't your fault. I don't blame you. You were trying to keep us safe, even though I think it was a bit misguided. It's okay. I understand." He said, moving the hand to Harry's cheek and softly wiping the tears there. Kurt leaned in even closer once Harry's tears started subsiding. "And just so you know… I love you too." He said, feeling his heart soar at the look Harry gave him.
"You… you do?" He asked.
"Yes. I love you. I love you so much. I've been terrified I'd never be able to tell you." Kurt admitted. Harry looked at him in disbelief, before a smile grew on his face. Kurt couldn't help himself, leaning in and closing the distance between them, kissing Harry softly and chastely. They pulled apart when they heard multiple footsteps approaching the room. The footsteps stopped outside the room, and both turned to see the glee club staring in shock at Harry, unable to believe he was awake.
"Um, hi guys." Harry said lamely, blushing a little under the group's scrutiny. This seemed to snap them all back to reality, everyone rushing to the bed.
"Oh my God, Harry! You're awake!" Rachel squealed, reaching for his hand and patting it as the others all reached for some part of him to touch, as if trying to reassure themselves that this was real.
"Yeah. I… I am." He responded looking down. Kurt started after a moment, making the others look at him and Harry to reach out and grab his arm, wincing in pain. "Kurt? What is it?"
"We need to tell the doctors and call your mom, Ms. Pillsbury, Mr. Schue, and my Dad and Carole." He explained, taking out his phone as some of the others did the same. "I'll call your mom."
"I'll call Ms. Pillsbury." Rachel said, searching for the number in her own phone.
"I'll call Mom and Burt." Finn spoke up, phone already to his ear.
"I got Mr. Schue." Mercedes said, putting down the lunch she'd gotten for Kurt and looking for her phone in her purse.
"I'll get one of the doctors." Tina said, moving out of the room with Mike following.
Harry looked around in amusement, though his mirth faded quickly as another wave of pain passed through his body, causing him to groan and clench his teeth. Kurt took his hand with his own free one, concern in his eyes as he waited for Lily to pick up the phone. Luckily, he didn't have to wait long.
"Hi Kurt. I'm just pulled into the parking lot. Is everything all right?" Lily asked. He smiled, excited to deliver the good news.
"Better than all right. Harry's awake." He heard something drop on the other line before movement and then Lily's voice.
"He's awake?"
"Yup."
"I'll be right up." The line went dead, and Kurt put the phone away, turning back to Harry.
"Lily is on her way. Are you okay? You look like you're in pain." Kurt said, eyes roaming over Harry. Harry smiled at him, though it was a bit strained.
"I'll be fine. Just sore." The doctor walked in at that moment, going over all of Harry's vitals and checking his eyes with a flashlight. Lily came in a few minutes later, her eyes wide. As soon as the doctor moved away, she went over to Harry, leaning down and pressing a kiss to his forehead, stroking his hair softly. The others left the room for a bit to give them some privacy, though the doctor remained, looking through his papers, obviously trying not to intrude on the pair. Harry looked up at his mother, his eyes damp. "I'm sorry. I let you down again." She shook her head, smiling softly at him.
"You didn't do anything. I mean, I'm not particularly happy you put your life in danger like that, but I understand why you did it. They threatened your friends, your boyfriend, and me. It wasn't easy for you. I know, Sweetheart. You're okay. That's all I could ask for. And Riddle will never hurt you again or threaten anyone's life ever again. Everything will be fine, Sweetie. Just worry about getting better." She kissed his head again, straightening up to speak with the doctor. "What's our course of action, Dr. Kent?"
"It seems like everything is in order. No signs of brain damage, though I'd like for Mr. Potter to stay for another few days so we can be completely sure. His injuries can be treated at home, especially since you'll likely be his caretaker, correct?" He smiled as she nodded. "Then he can leave in approximately three days. The most important things to do are change the wrappings of that burn and put the ointment on it, keep those ribs wrapped, and the right arm immobilized so the clavicle can heal. Stitches should be good, though keep an eye on them. I'll go over this again in three days before we discharge Mr. Potter. How are you doing Harry? Any pain, discomfort?" Dr. Kent asked.
"A bit." Harry replied vaguely, not looking at the doctor or his mother when he clenched his teeth as another wave of pain over took him. The two looked at each other in amused annoyance at his stubbornness.
"I'll have the nurses give you some morphine for the pain." Dr. Kent walked out of the room afterwards, calling for a nurse and leaving them alone for a moment before the glee club walked back in, accompanied by Ms. Pillsbury, Mr. Schue, and Burt and Carole. Kurt immediately moved to Harry's free side, as though he was afraid that if he wasn't close, Harry would disappear. The adults that had just arrived were all looking at Harry with relieved smiles on their faces. Ms. Pillsbury moved to the side Lily was on.
"You scared me." She said bluntly and giving him a stern glare, causing Harry's smile to fade.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Emma." He said, his eyes pleading for her to not be angry with him. She sighed frustratedly.
"Don't do that."
"What?" Harry asked, confused.
"That. You give me the puppy dog eyes and call me 'Aunt Emma.' I can't stay angry at you when you do that. It's not fair." She said, causing him and the others to chuckle. Mr. Schuester moved forward and put a hand on her shoulder, smiling at his student.
"It's good to see you awake, Harry. How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Just… sore, I guess. A bit hungry, and tired, for some odd reason." Harry answered sheepishly, stifling a yawn.
"That's understandable. You're healing." Mr. Schue responded, a sympathetic smile on his face. Kurt took Harry's hand in his own, running his thumb over the back.
"You can share my lunch with me. Mercedes brought some back for me, and I know hospital food is gross." He said, shooting his father an amused look when he made a face. Harry turned to face him, a gentle smile in his face.
"Yes please, if you really don't mind." Kurt leaned down and pecked his cheek, ignoring the cooing of the females in the room.
"Of course I don't mind." He responded.
"Good choice, Harry. Anything is better than the stuff they give you here." Burt said from where he stood, earning a swat from his wife and playful glare from Lily. "What? You know it's true!" He said indignantly, causing the entire group to break out in laughter. The group chatted for the next twenty or so minutes before Kurt moved over to Mercedes, thanking her when she handed over the food she'd brought with her. Once a nurse came in and hooked up the morphine to Harry, everyone said their well wishes for Harry and left, leaving just him, Kurt, and Lily. Lily excused herself to take over her shift after elevating the head of Harry's bed, giving Kurt a knowing wink as she left.
Kurt set the food on the rolling bed table, smiling when he saw that Mercedes had gotten his favorite from BreadStix; a Cesar salad and linguine and clam sauce. He moved looked up when he'd laid the items out and put away the bag, only to see Harry shifting on his bed. He hurried over to his side, worry filling him.
"I don't think you should be moving that much, Harry. You only just woke up. What are you doing? What's wrong?" He asked. Harry gave him his usual crooked grin, though it was a bit strained.
"Nothing's wrong. I wanted you to lay down with me, and the bed is big enough if I move over a bit." He said, scooting gingerly to his right side.
"Harry, I can sit at the chair…" Kurt started to insist, but Harry cut him off, giving him his best puppy eyes.
"Please? I already moved." He patted the open space next to him, which was just barely big enough for Kurt to squeeze in. Unable to resist the eyes, Kurt consented, rolling the table over to the two of them before sitting on the bed gingerly. Harry put his chin on Kurt's shoulder, snaking his left arm around Kurt's waist automatically to keep him from falling off. Kurt gave him an amused look.
"How are you going to eat if your left arm is around me? We both know you aren't supposed to move your right arm." Kurt was silenced when Harry leaned in and kissed him again. Closing his eyes and accepting the soft kiss, Kurt realized how much he'd missed this. The connection he and Harry shared; the soft looks, the gentle and sweet kisses or searing and passionate make-outs, and the subtle touches they gave one another to let each other know that they were there for each other. The security he felt that he'd missed horribly in Harry's absence. Once they broke apart, he opened his eyes and was met with the shimmering emeralds that he'd fallen in love with staring back at him.
"I love you. You saved my life. You knew what I was trying to say on the phone, and you pulled me out of a coma. I love you so much it hurts. You're the main reason I was able to stay alive." Harry said, his tone serious. Kurt felt the air leave his lungs at Harry's statement. "I couldn't go away without you. When I was in that coma…" He paused, trying gain control of his emotions. "It was so dark. And painful. I felt every inch of my body. And then there was a light at the end of the darkness. It was so bright, and I just knew that I wouldn't be in pain anymore if I went there. I knew I'd see my father again. I don't know how I knew, but I knew. And then I realized that I wouldn't see my mother again, or Aunt Emma, or the others from glee. At least, not for a long time. And then I thought of you, and I couldn't… couldn't bear the thought of not seeing you again, even if it was temporary. So I fought it with every ounce of strength I had. And then I heard you all singing. And I tried to come back to you, but I wasn't able to. After that, I always heard you guys. I tried so hard every time I heard one of you talking to come back. And then you sang. And I felt that strength return to me. I knew I had to wake up. So I did. So thank you. Thank you so much, Kurt. For saving my life twice. I love you." He finished, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"You don't have to thank me. I love you too." He kissed Harry again, pulling back after a few seconds.
"Now, I want you to eat. You've lost a lot of weight, and you need to regain your strength to heal faster." Kurt said sternly, putting some salad on his for and putting it in front of Harry's mouth. Harry eyed him with amusement before opening it, allowing Kurt to feed him. They continued until all the food was gone, Kurt feeding Harry, taking turns. He could see Harry was fighting off the drowsiness brought on by the pain medication that he was hooked up to, his words becoming more and more slurred, his eyelids drooping. Once they were finished, he moved the table away. "Harry, I know you're tired. You're on heavy pain killers. You should sleep." He tried to get up, only to find Harry gently pulling him back down.
"Stay. Please stay." Harry pleaded, looking at him imploringly. Unable to resist him, Kurt laid back down, smiling slightly as Harry snuggled up to him, his left arm carefully wrapped around Kurt so that the bandaged area wasn't disturbed, his head nuzzled in the crook of Kurt's neck. Kurt rolled over slightly so that he was facing Harry, wrapping his own arm over him. He set the bed back to its laid-down position, closing his own eyes. He was so tired himself that he soon started to drift off, listening to Harry's already deep and slow breaths that were punctuated with soft snores.
Kurt was woken up by someone gently shaking his arm. He closed his eyes tighter, snuggling further into the warmth in front of him, too comfortable to wake up.
"Five more minutes." He mumbled, only to be startled when he felt an arm around him curling tighter around him. 'Oh yeah. I'm with Harry.' He heard someone chuckle on his free side, amusement lacing their voice once they spoke.
"Sorry, kiddo, but it's time to head on home." His father said softly, patting him lightly on the shoulder. Kurt turned his head and opened one eye to look at him.
"What time is it?"
"About half past ten."
"Ugh. Gimme a sec, please."
"Sure thing, kiddo. I'll just be outside the room." With that, his dad left the room. Kurt closed his eye again before opening both of them, smiling slightly at the sight before him.
Harry was still fast asleep, snoring softly, his left arm still curled around Kurt. Kurt felt a little guilty that he'd have to leave, probably disturbing Harry's slumber. He tried to carefully maneuver of the bed and out of Harry's hold, trying not to wake him up, but no luck. Harry came to with a soft grunt, blinking up sleepily at Kurt.
"Hi." He said groggily. Kurt smiled sheepishly at him.
"Hi. Go back to sleep, Sweetie. You need to rest. I'll see you tomorrow." Harry closed his eyes again at his words, smiling lightly, obviously still feeling the effects of the morphine.
"Okay, angel Kurt. Imma sleep." He slurred, snuggling back into the pillows. Kurt had to put a hand over his mouth to help stifle his laughter, but quickly gained control over it as he managed to get off the hospital bed. He leant down to stroke the side of Harry's face, smiling a bit when Harry sighed and leant into the contact.
"I love you." He said, his heart swelling with the words he knew to be true.
"Love you too." Harry mumbled, seemingly unconsciously. Kurt dropped a kiss to his cheek and straightened up, moving to where his dad stood by the door, trying and failing to act like he hadn't heard the exchange. They headed to the car, Kurt glad that his dad had driven him there earlier that day, since he was way too tired to be driving. As they drove, Kurt noticed his dad kept shooting conflicted glances in his direction, as if trying to figure out how to say what was on his mind. He waited for him to speak, curious to see what his father wanted to talk about. Finally, his dad spoke.
"Listen, Kurt… I just… I want you to know that I love you. I know it's been a pretty rough few weeks for you, and I'm really happy that Harry is okay. He's a good kid. Just… don't rush into anything, okay? I know you love him. I can see that, and I can see that he loves you too. I'm just saying… Christ… I'm just saying that I don't want you to do something you might regret." Kurt looked at his dad wide-eyed. He was pretty sure his dad was trying (and failing) to give him 'the talk.' He cleared his throat to stop his father's stumbling words, his face aflame.
"Um… Dad, I don't think you have to worry about anything for a while. Uhh, I mean, Harry's not even healed yet, and…" he coughed, trying to ignore how his face was burning, "and I'm pretty sure that we're both not ready for… for that step." He finished, his father blushing just as brightly as he probably was.
"Okay… just… just do your old man a favor and use protection." Burt said, keeping his eyes firmly on the road.
"Dad!" Kurt yelped, mortified, his face growing even redder. He so did NOT want to have this conversation with his father right now. Or ever. Preferably never. Thankfully, they pulled up to the house a few minutes later, the silence between them having grown awkward. Kurt hopped out of the car and ran into the house, escaping the situation as fast as he could. 'I am never going to sit in a car with Dad again. Ever.'
AN: Hey, guys. To my fellow Americans; Happy Thanksgiving! Have a great day. To my international readers (in relation to myself); happy Thursday. Lol. Anyways, I know it's a bit of a short chapter, but I didn't want to keep y'all in suspense longer than necessary. Thank you CheekyChamp2015 for the review. I'm sorry I almost made you cry. The rest of y'all; a little disappointed at the lack of reviews These last two chapters. I thought for sure you guys would really like these last few chapters, and I wanted to know how you felt about them… Whatever. I'll stop whining and bitching. Hope you guys enjoyed this so far. Have a great holiday or rest of the week.
Songs used:
'No One is Alone' - Glee Version
'I Want to Hold Your Hand' - Glee Version