A/N: Thank you for coming back. The reviews I have received really filled me with a little joy, something I haven't felt for some time over this story. Thank you for reading and coming back. This update is so soon due to finishing work early.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Hollyoaks or any of the characters in this story that are from the show.
Days had passed since the blaze had broken out and every time Ste closed his eyes or was left alone for longer than a few minutes, he could hear, see and feel the flames that had engulfed his future husband.
He would have flashbacks of Brendan's body been carried out of the building, limp and blackened from the smoke. He would feel the pain he felt as Tony tried to hold him back but he broke free and ran to the ambulance just as they were closing the door. He begged them to let him in but the refused, the situation was too serious and they couldn't have someone getting in the way.
He remembered Tony dragging him into a taxi, and he remembered sobbing into Tony's shirt as the taxi drove towards the hospital. He remembered collapsing to his knees as soon as his feet hit the concrete in the drop of zone and could feel Tony's arms wrapped around him as they sat on the ground.
However, nothing compared to how he had felt when he saw Brendan for the first time. He was led into the room by a kind nurse who had prepared him for what he was about to see but, the talk hadn't prepared him at all. The image of it still made him feel sick. He could see Brendan lying there completely motionless. His skin was slightly blackened, his hands bandaged to protect and heal the blisters he flames had caused. The doctor had said he was lucky that only his hands were burnt but Ste didn't feel like this was lucky.
The worse part was Brendan's leg. When the roof had collapsed, the brickwork had landed and trapped his lower limb, meaning that he was not able to get out. The floor had luckily stayed remaining until after he was rescued but a combination of rubble and smoke inhalation had made it impossible for Brendan to leave the burning inferno. The doctor's had explained that there was a possibility that Brendan made still require a 'below the knee' amputation but they were doing everything they could to stop that from happening.
Ste had been relieved to hear that, although Brendan's condition was critical, he was stable. He had been that relieved that, when people had visited, it was the first thing he could say.
After the initial shock of the event and seeing Brendan in his condition, Ste hadn't allowed himself to cry. When people visited, he would inform them of what the doctor had said, let them into to sit with Brendan and run and get drinks from the hospital foyer. When people left, he would just sit and hold Brendan's arm, reliving the day it had happened. At night, he slept on a mattress on the floor next to Brendan's bed, staring up at him and making sure he is still breathing.
It was day five when Tony managed to come and visit. Ste had been sat on his usual chair, staring up at the ceiling and counting the tiles for what felt like the millionth time that week when he heard the door creak open behind him. He turned and it was like a seal snapped inside as he stood and flung himself around Tony, tears pouring down his cheeks. Tony wrapped his arms around the younger man and rested his chin on Ste's head, "Let it all out" he breathed.
Ste continued to sob until he couldn't cry anymore. He pulled away from Tony and gulped, "Sorry about that" he breathed, staring at the floor, "I haven't cried since the day we got here".
Tony nodded, "Been trying to keep brave for Brendan?"
Ste nodded, "That and the people who visit. They want to visit and not have to deal with me blubbering".
"You are allowed to cry", Tony explained, "The man you love is in hospital". He paused for a moment before adding, "So, what have the doctor's said".
Ste moved back to his seat and sat, motioning for Tony to sit in one of the empty chairs. He took a deep breath and leant forward to stroke Brendan's arm, "The doctor said he was critical but stable however, they think he's going to make it" he nodded. He then pointed to Brendan's leg, "They are going to do scans next week to see if the leg will need amputating".
Tony bit his lip and gulped, "I'm really sorry Ste".
Ste shrugged his shoulders, "It doesn't matter does it" he breathed, "One less limb doesn't mean I'll love him less".
Tony let out a small laugh, "I'd be surprised if it did. You two have been mad for each other for over twelve years".
Silence fell over the room, only being interrupted every so often by the beeping of a random machine. Both men were staring at Brendan as his chest softly moved with every breath. It was as they were watching that they noticed the small movement in his face. His lips twitched and his eyes fluttered and Ste would have thought he was dreaming if it wasn't for the small and barely audible whisper, "Ste….phen".
Ste jumped up and moved into Brendan's view, "I'm here Bren" he breathed, "I've always been here". He turned and looked at Tony, "Can you please go and get someone" he almost shouted, wanting Brendan to be able to speak to him more than he was.
A/N: I'm sorry it was so short! Every time I wanted to write something, I would end up getting distracted or not liking where it was going.