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WWE.
Stepping out of Jeff's room into the bright hallway, Adam blinked a few times adjusting to the white lights. Slowly he made his way down the narrow passage way towards Matt's room. He dragged his feet and stopped every so often to glance at one of the many clipboards that hung on the outside of patient's doors. He didn't much care what they said. He was simply stalling. As he paused yet again, he heard a voice behind him. "Those are private you know. Doctors and nurses only."
Adam quickly spun around and found himself looking into the stern face of an RN. "Oh, umm, I wasn't reading them. I was just.." He trailed off when he realized she wasn't buying his story. "Sorry," he muttered and began walking again. As he approached room 119, he paused outside the door for a moment. Adam certainly didn't want to go into Matt's room but Jeff had begged him to get Amy and he hadn't been able to resist that pleading look in his eyes. When he heard talking from within the closed door, he cocked his head hoping to hear what was being said. Amy was talking softly. So softly in fact he couldn't make out any words. They all ran together making almost a sweet humming sound. Adam closed his eyes and just listened. It was then that he realized that Amy was singing to Matt. So quiet, so sweet, the sound that it pulled at Adam's heart and for a minute he just stood swaying in the hallway. His peace was broken by another sound from within the room. Matt. Adam shook his head and all feelings that Amy's singing had given him vanished. He hesitantly opened the door to Matt's room and stepped inside. He felt a chill run down his spine and it caused his body to give a slight jolt. The room wasn't cold. It was in fact a little stuffy but Adam's teeth began to chatter and he had to clench his jaw to stop them. Crossing his arms, he stood silent watching Amy holding Matt, stroking his hair, and humming to him softly. She hadn't noticed Adam standing in the doorway until he cleared his throat.
"Oh, Adam, I didn't realize you were there." Her words came out hushed. She didn't want to wake Matt. "I only came in a minute ago," Adam whispered. "How's Jeff?" "Okay, i guess. He's crying again. Can't seem to stop. He asked me to come get you. He's so worn out. I don't know what to do for him." Adam shook his head and dropped his gaze to the floor memorizing the stark tiles.
Amy just closed her eyes wearily and nodded. She gently released Matt and stood, walking slowly toward the door. On her way, she stopped and briefly placed her hand on Adam's arm squeezing it gently and whispered, "Thank you, Adam," before she left, shutting the door behind her.
Matt moaned in his sleep and Adam glanced up watching as his friend moved restlessly. He could see that even in sleep Matt was miserable. Adam closed his eyes and tried to block out the sounds of pain coming from his friend's bed. Something inside him desperately wanted to hate Matt, wanted Matt to be miserable, wanted Matt to suffer for what he had done to them, to Jeff. But something else, something that reached far deeper than the hatred that was blinding him, pleaded with God for Matt.
Taking a deep breath, Adam turned to leave. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, saw or heard anymore pain, he would lose his anger and he wasn't prepared to let it go that easily. He didn't realize that the anger was the only thing holding him together. He just knew he wasn't ready yet to let it go. As he stepped outside, he heard a weak voice calling for him.
"Adam." Just the sound of Matt's voice cut through the sympathy that had been welling deep down tearing it to shreds and hatred consumed him once again. "What do you want?" he spat back at Matt. Adam turned and glared at Matt from the hall. "I.can we." Matt trailed off. He couldn't finish his sentence. Tears were threatening again and he didn't want to cry. Not with Adam. Adam stood there watching him. Deciding. He didn't really want to talk to him, but still. "You have five minutes," Adam informed Matt. He stood, arms folded, across the room from Matt's bed. There was nothing even remotely encouraging about his expression. His face said, "Yeah, talk. Just talk, and hurry up."
Matt looked at that face and his heart sank. More than anything he wanted Adam to come over and sit with him and talk it out the way he always did. As long as he could remember, Adam had been the one he went to when things were bad. Things now were as bad as they could get and he needed Adam. Seeing how cold Adam looked now scared him. He didn't even need to talk, he decided. If Adam would just come over and sit with him.
"You're time's running out, pal. Use it or lose it." Adam was tapping a foot now obviously impatient to go. "I just wanted to tell you that," Matt paused again wanting to regain control before he continued, "That I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I love Jeff and I would never hurt him.I." Adam waved him away sneering. "Matt, that is such bullshit I cant even believe I'm listening to it," Adam shook his head and started for the door. "IT'S NOT BULLSHIT!" Matt shouted. He lost his fight and the tears came again. This time he didn't care. "LET ME TALK TO YOU!"
Adam stopped, a bit surprised and more than a bit put out by Matt's outburst. "What could you possible say to me to change what you've done? Nothing. That's what. You can say you're sorry a million times but that doesn't change anything." Adam walked a few paces, his back towards the bed. "You know something," he turned and once again faced Matt, "You are always getting yourself into messes and I'm always the one to bail you out. You push it to the limit then come running to me for help. Well not this time. No way. You're on your own. I'm sick of this, Matt. I'm so tired of fighting and arguing and begging and you don't change. I...I just can't do it anymore, you know? I just cant. And you can just shut off the waterworks, Matt, cause I'm not buying it. Cry your head off, it's just a lie anyway. Everything about you is a lie. I don't even know you!" Adam had advanced on the bed, his voice raising with every word, until he was nearly screaming in Matt's face. Matt reached up quickly and took Adam's arm. Adam tried to yank away but Matt held him too tightly. "Adam, I need you to help me! Please?!" Adam's reaction was entirely knee jerk, he never even thought about it. He grabbed Matt's shoulders with both hands and shook him hard. "I tried to help you!" he shouted, "I tried and tried and you wouldn't let me! Why now, Matt?! Why now when its too late?!" He shoved him back onto the bed and sank down onto a chair. As quickly and violently as it had come, the fury drained out of him leaving him empty and weak. "Why now, Matt? Just because you feel bad? What about when you're better, what then?" He leaned forward, "What's to stop you from just doing it all again?! How do we ever trust you? Don't you realize what you did?!" He was rubbing his head absently. There was a pain starting just above his eye. "Matt, did you get a good look at him? Did you? How could you have done that? He trusts you! He loves you! He'd have never thought you could do that to him. Do you realize what you've done to him? It goes way beyond the bruises."
Matt just looked at him. Words wouldn't come no matter how hard he tried. It was just as well because Adam couldn't stop and any response from Matt would have gone unheard. "He doesn't sleep you know because he dreams about it. Stop and think for a minute how he must feel! And me! All this time you pushed me away and refused to let me near you. You wouldn't let me help. You acted like you hated me and you put up all these walls around you. I knew something was wrong. I thought I knew what it was but I didn't dare say anything in case I was wrong. I'd hear you coughing and throwing up and I'd see how you looked and acted and I knew..but what could I do? I couldn't prove it. And poor Jeff. He just wanted the old you back so bad.." He stopped for a moment. The nagging pain had suddenly sharpened and sunk in. He dropped his head into his hand rubbing fiercely above his eye. "And on top of that, Matt, you nearly died!! First you about killed Jeff, who only ever trusted you! And then you tried to kill yourself!" His voice broke then and he had to struggle to stay calm. "Do you think I could live a minute if I lost you?! Either of you?! Do you?!"
Matt finally found his voice and when Adam paused he nodded and interjected. "Now? Yeah. I do. Because you hate me. And I don't blame you." His voice was dull and empty sounding. He sighed deeply looking at Adam. He'd really hurt him. All of them. He hadn't meant it but did that mean it was something they could forgive him for? He started to say something about it to Adam but stopped short noticing how hard Adam was pressing his thumb against his eye. The wave of self pity that had begun to swell receded suddenly replaced with concern. He very gently took Adam's hand. "Adam, are you okay?" His voice was soft and the worry in it, the caring in it, finally broke the last wall of defense Adam was hiding behind. It had been so long since Matt had acted like he cared about anything. He looked up at him and tried to answer. "I'm okay. I have a headache started. It's.." His voice failed him then and suddenly he was crying, helpless to stop, and too undone to care.
Matt stared. Adam didn't cry. He watched him for a moment, thinking. He'd wanted Adam to tell him it was okay. That he didn't hate him. That he was forgiven. He'd WANTED. He hadn't really cared. He had needed to hear the words. He'd been so busy feeling hurt that everyone hated him. He'd seen Jeff's tears, and his fear, and had felt himself die inside.for him. Not for Jeff. Just for him. All he'd felt was his own misery and his own guilt. Now, looking at Adam's silent tears, he felt that selfishness dissolve. This was Adam and Adam never cried, not in front of people and maybe not ever anywhere. He felt a huge ache inside him knowing that he'd caused this pain but this time the ache was for Adam. Not for himself. He watched his friend for a minute or two, debating. He wasn't sure Adam would accept being touched. He chewed his lip wondering if he'd be helping or hurting. Adam decided for him. He looked up and their eyes met. Tears streaming down his face nearly unable to speak, he choked out, "Matt, what're we gonna do? I just don't know what to do." his voice trailed off. He was crying harder now. Matt reached over, took his hand, pulled gently, and Adam slid over to sit on the bed with him. Matt hesitated a fraction of a second. He'd never been around Adam when he was like this but the hesitation was fleeting. He put his arms around Adam pulling him close. Adam never even thought about pulling away. He needed this. He simply laid his head on Matt's shoulder. He didn't say anything and he didn't bother to try to stop the tears. He couldn't. He let himself cry and he let his friend hold him. Whatever came next, well, that was later.
Adam felt himself drifting and sat up quickly. He didn't want to fall asleep like this. He pulled himself gently out of Matt's embrace. Matt let him go instantly. He was too unsure of all this to push anything. Adam's flood of tears had let up a little while ago but he'd stayed where he was and Matt had thought maybe he'd fallen asleep. He smiled a little, usually this was the other way around it, and it was Adam trying to sooth him. A look at his friend wiped the smile away though. Adam looked terrible. His face was white and pinched and he was digging that thumb into his eye again. He reached for his hand. "Adam, what is it?" Adam shook his head. "Nothing. Just a headache. I think I have to go." He started to stand up but Matt pulled him back down. "Please don't, Adam. Why do you have to go?" Adam swallowed hard and waved Matt's hand off him. "S'not you. This headaches fixing to make me sick. I really better go." Matt nodded. He'd been through these headaches with Adam before. "Go where? Back to Jeff's room?" Adam looked at him and smiled slightly. "Good point. But if I stay you're gonna have to put up with listening to me throw up. You don't need that. God, I wish I could lie down somewhere."
Matt pointed to the empty bed next to his. "I don't care what I have to hear, Adam, and I don't have anyone sharing the room. Just lie down there." Adam raised his eyebrows. "Oh no. You never sit on or touch one of their unused beds. No way. They have like six fits cause they have to like sterilize it all over again." His face registered what he thought of that little rule. Matt didn't care. He knew how these things went and he knew that if Adam didn't lie down and sleep maybe he'd be able to head off the worst of it. He sat back, arms crossed, and thought about it. "Adam, can you get Amy to take you back to the hotel?" Adam nodded but made a face, "Riding wont be my friend though, Matt, really. You know what? If they don't like it, they can just fuck off." Matt laughed a little shocked at the swear. Adam didn't usually talk like that. He nodded approval as Adam stretched out on the other bed. He didn't think he'd be there for long. His face had taken on a decidedly greenish tinge but at least he had someplace to rest for now. Matt watched him for a little, knowing that if it got really bad, Adam would disappear into it and not be able to function at all. "Hey, Adam." he got no answer and repeated himself a bit louder, "Hey! Adam!" Adam cracked open an eye. "What?" "Did you take something for that? Before it kicks your butt?" Adam shook his head, "don't have anything here." "Well it's a hospital, for god sake, ask for something!" Adam laughed. "It doesn't work that way, Matt, don't worry. It'll go away." He turned onto his side so he could see Matt. "It's nice to hear you sounding like you again. I'm really sorry about all this." Matt snorted, "Yeah sure what have you got to be sorry for?" Adam's face went serious. "Matt, I kinda knew what was going on. I should've said something to someone. I was so worried about getting you into trouble if I was wrong. I guess it's kind of my fault." Matt was out of bed in a flash and in his friend's face. He took him by the arms hard and only barely managed not to just shake him. "Don't you ever say that! Not ever! You had nothing to do with this! This was me! All me! Adam, I swear by all that's.."
Adam cut him off. "Matt, let go." His voice was quiet and the very softness stopped Matt's ranting. "I know what you're saying but you're my friend and it's up to me to look out for you. You won't change how I feel. So don't try. But I'm glad you said it. Now go back to bed. You don't look so good." Matt's eyebrows went up at that. "I don't look so good? You should see yourself. But you're right, I'm going." He climbed back into bed and settled himself in. He felt better than he had in a long time.
Matt had started to doze when he heard Adam get up. Wondering if he was leaving, he opened his eyes relieved to see he was only going in the bathroom. His relief became worry when he heard Adam throwing up. He sighed. It went with the migraine. He knew that but he also knew how much Adam hated it. He glanced up at the IV tubing snaking into his hand and made a face. It would be a real pain to get up. He'd wait to see if Adam would come out soon. If he didn't, he supposed he could find a way to untangle himself and go help him out. He waited, watching the clock. The sounds of sickness he was hearing began to be shot through with mumbles. Adam was talking to himself and he didn't sound happy. Matt sighed and began unsnarling the tubing.
Adam never heard Matt come in. He did all he could do to hold himself up and was grateful when a supporting arm was suddenly around him. He let himself relax a little but it didn't help much. The pain in his eyes was beginning to wipe out the world. He'd stopped noticing the nausea some time ago. On some level he knew he was throwing up but he really didn't care. He hurt too much to care. He heard Matt speaking to him but he didn't understand anything he said. It was all a meaningless blur. Matt saw how out of it Adam was almost at once. He was right in the middle of the thing.
He knew his friend was probably too far gone to answer but he gave it a try. "Adam! Adam, look at me now! C'mon. I just need to know what you want me to do." Adam mumbled something unintelligible, dug a hand into his eye, and started gagging again. Matt sighed. This was bad. He climbed to his feet finding he had to hold onto the sink to do it and raised his voice somewhat. "I'm going to get Amy. Adam! I'm going to get Amy, okay?!" Again a faint mumble. Matt shook his head, worry etched into his face, and started down the hall to find Amy.
***Thanks the great reviews! Keep them coming!***
Stepping out of Jeff's room into the bright hallway, Adam blinked a few times adjusting to the white lights. Slowly he made his way down the narrow passage way towards Matt's room. He dragged his feet and stopped every so often to glance at one of the many clipboards that hung on the outside of patient's doors. He didn't much care what they said. He was simply stalling. As he paused yet again, he heard a voice behind him. "Those are private you know. Doctors and nurses only."
Adam quickly spun around and found himself looking into the stern face of an RN. "Oh, umm, I wasn't reading them. I was just.." He trailed off when he realized she wasn't buying his story. "Sorry," he muttered and began walking again. As he approached room 119, he paused outside the door for a moment. Adam certainly didn't want to go into Matt's room but Jeff had begged him to get Amy and he hadn't been able to resist that pleading look in his eyes. When he heard talking from within the closed door, he cocked his head hoping to hear what was being said. Amy was talking softly. So softly in fact he couldn't make out any words. They all ran together making almost a sweet humming sound. Adam closed his eyes and just listened. It was then that he realized that Amy was singing to Matt. So quiet, so sweet, the sound that it pulled at Adam's heart and for a minute he just stood swaying in the hallway. His peace was broken by another sound from within the room. Matt. Adam shook his head and all feelings that Amy's singing had given him vanished. He hesitantly opened the door to Matt's room and stepped inside. He felt a chill run down his spine and it caused his body to give a slight jolt. The room wasn't cold. It was in fact a little stuffy but Adam's teeth began to chatter and he had to clench his jaw to stop them. Crossing his arms, he stood silent watching Amy holding Matt, stroking his hair, and humming to him softly. She hadn't noticed Adam standing in the doorway until he cleared his throat.
"Oh, Adam, I didn't realize you were there." Her words came out hushed. She didn't want to wake Matt. "I only came in a minute ago," Adam whispered. "How's Jeff?" "Okay, i guess. He's crying again. Can't seem to stop. He asked me to come get you. He's so worn out. I don't know what to do for him." Adam shook his head and dropped his gaze to the floor memorizing the stark tiles.
Amy just closed her eyes wearily and nodded. She gently released Matt and stood, walking slowly toward the door. On her way, she stopped and briefly placed her hand on Adam's arm squeezing it gently and whispered, "Thank you, Adam," before she left, shutting the door behind her.
Matt moaned in his sleep and Adam glanced up watching as his friend moved restlessly. He could see that even in sleep Matt was miserable. Adam closed his eyes and tried to block out the sounds of pain coming from his friend's bed. Something inside him desperately wanted to hate Matt, wanted Matt to be miserable, wanted Matt to suffer for what he had done to them, to Jeff. But something else, something that reached far deeper than the hatred that was blinding him, pleaded with God for Matt.
Taking a deep breath, Adam turned to leave. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, saw or heard anymore pain, he would lose his anger and he wasn't prepared to let it go that easily. He didn't realize that the anger was the only thing holding him together. He just knew he wasn't ready yet to let it go. As he stepped outside, he heard a weak voice calling for him.
"Adam." Just the sound of Matt's voice cut through the sympathy that had been welling deep down tearing it to shreds and hatred consumed him once again. "What do you want?" he spat back at Matt. Adam turned and glared at Matt from the hall. "I.can we." Matt trailed off. He couldn't finish his sentence. Tears were threatening again and he didn't want to cry. Not with Adam. Adam stood there watching him. Deciding. He didn't really want to talk to him, but still. "You have five minutes," Adam informed Matt. He stood, arms folded, across the room from Matt's bed. There was nothing even remotely encouraging about his expression. His face said, "Yeah, talk. Just talk, and hurry up."
Matt looked at that face and his heart sank. More than anything he wanted Adam to come over and sit with him and talk it out the way he always did. As long as he could remember, Adam had been the one he went to when things were bad. Things now were as bad as they could get and he needed Adam. Seeing how cold Adam looked now scared him. He didn't even need to talk, he decided. If Adam would just come over and sit with him.
"You're time's running out, pal. Use it or lose it." Adam was tapping a foot now obviously impatient to go. "I just wanted to tell you that," Matt paused again wanting to regain control before he continued, "That I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I love Jeff and I would never hurt him.I." Adam waved him away sneering. "Matt, that is such bullshit I cant even believe I'm listening to it," Adam shook his head and started for the door. "IT'S NOT BULLSHIT!" Matt shouted. He lost his fight and the tears came again. This time he didn't care. "LET ME TALK TO YOU!"
Adam stopped, a bit surprised and more than a bit put out by Matt's outburst. "What could you possible say to me to change what you've done? Nothing. That's what. You can say you're sorry a million times but that doesn't change anything." Adam walked a few paces, his back towards the bed. "You know something," he turned and once again faced Matt, "You are always getting yourself into messes and I'm always the one to bail you out. You push it to the limit then come running to me for help. Well not this time. No way. You're on your own. I'm sick of this, Matt. I'm so tired of fighting and arguing and begging and you don't change. I...I just can't do it anymore, you know? I just cant. And you can just shut off the waterworks, Matt, cause I'm not buying it. Cry your head off, it's just a lie anyway. Everything about you is a lie. I don't even know you!" Adam had advanced on the bed, his voice raising with every word, until he was nearly screaming in Matt's face. Matt reached up quickly and took Adam's arm. Adam tried to yank away but Matt held him too tightly. "Adam, I need you to help me! Please?!" Adam's reaction was entirely knee jerk, he never even thought about it. He grabbed Matt's shoulders with both hands and shook him hard. "I tried to help you!" he shouted, "I tried and tried and you wouldn't let me! Why now, Matt?! Why now when its too late?!" He shoved him back onto the bed and sank down onto a chair. As quickly and violently as it had come, the fury drained out of him leaving him empty and weak. "Why now, Matt? Just because you feel bad? What about when you're better, what then?" He leaned forward, "What's to stop you from just doing it all again?! How do we ever trust you? Don't you realize what you did?!" He was rubbing his head absently. There was a pain starting just above his eye. "Matt, did you get a good look at him? Did you? How could you have done that? He trusts you! He loves you! He'd have never thought you could do that to him. Do you realize what you've done to him? It goes way beyond the bruises."
Matt just looked at him. Words wouldn't come no matter how hard he tried. It was just as well because Adam couldn't stop and any response from Matt would have gone unheard. "He doesn't sleep you know because he dreams about it. Stop and think for a minute how he must feel! And me! All this time you pushed me away and refused to let me near you. You wouldn't let me help. You acted like you hated me and you put up all these walls around you. I knew something was wrong. I thought I knew what it was but I didn't dare say anything in case I was wrong. I'd hear you coughing and throwing up and I'd see how you looked and acted and I knew..but what could I do? I couldn't prove it. And poor Jeff. He just wanted the old you back so bad.." He stopped for a moment. The nagging pain had suddenly sharpened and sunk in. He dropped his head into his hand rubbing fiercely above his eye. "And on top of that, Matt, you nearly died!! First you about killed Jeff, who only ever trusted you! And then you tried to kill yourself!" His voice broke then and he had to struggle to stay calm. "Do you think I could live a minute if I lost you?! Either of you?! Do you?!"
Matt finally found his voice and when Adam paused he nodded and interjected. "Now? Yeah. I do. Because you hate me. And I don't blame you." His voice was dull and empty sounding. He sighed deeply looking at Adam. He'd really hurt him. All of them. He hadn't meant it but did that mean it was something they could forgive him for? He started to say something about it to Adam but stopped short noticing how hard Adam was pressing his thumb against his eye. The wave of self pity that had begun to swell receded suddenly replaced with concern. He very gently took Adam's hand. "Adam, are you okay?" His voice was soft and the worry in it, the caring in it, finally broke the last wall of defense Adam was hiding behind. It had been so long since Matt had acted like he cared about anything. He looked up at him and tried to answer. "I'm okay. I have a headache started. It's.." His voice failed him then and suddenly he was crying, helpless to stop, and too undone to care.
Matt stared. Adam didn't cry. He watched him for a moment, thinking. He'd wanted Adam to tell him it was okay. That he didn't hate him. That he was forgiven. He'd WANTED. He hadn't really cared. He had needed to hear the words. He'd been so busy feeling hurt that everyone hated him. He'd seen Jeff's tears, and his fear, and had felt himself die inside.for him. Not for Jeff. Just for him. All he'd felt was his own misery and his own guilt. Now, looking at Adam's silent tears, he felt that selfishness dissolve. This was Adam and Adam never cried, not in front of people and maybe not ever anywhere. He felt a huge ache inside him knowing that he'd caused this pain but this time the ache was for Adam. Not for himself. He watched his friend for a minute or two, debating. He wasn't sure Adam would accept being touched. He chewed his lip wondering if he'd be helping or hurting. Adam decided for him. He looked up and their eyes met. Tears streaming down his face nearly unable to speak, he choked out, "Matt, what're we gonna do? I just don't know what to do." his voice trailed off. He was crying harder now. Matt reached over, took his hand, pulled gently, and Adam slid over to sit on the bed with him. Matt hesitated a fraction of a second. He'd never been around Adam when he was like this but the hesitation was fleeting. He put his arms around Adam pulling him close. Adam never even thought about pulling away. He needed this. He simply laid his head on Matt's shoulder. He didn't say anything and he didn't bother to try to stop the tears. He couldn't. He let himself cry and he let his friend hold him. Whatever came next, well, that was later.
Adam felt himself drifting and sat up quickly. He didn't want to fall asleep like this. He pulled himself gently out of Matt's embrace. Matt let him go instantly. He was too unsure of all this to push anything. Adam's flood of tears had let up a little while ago but he'd stayed where he was and Matt had thought maybe he'd fallen asleep. He smiled a little, usually this was the other way around it, and it was Adam trying to sooth him. A look at his friend wiped the smile away though. Adam looked terrible. His face was white and pinched and he was digging that thumb into his eye again. He reached for his hand. "Adam, what is it?" Adam shook his head. "Nothing. Just a headache. I think I have to go." He started to stand up but Matt pulled him back down. "Please don't, Adam. Why do you have to go?" Adam swallowed hard and waved Matt's hand off him. "S'not you. This headaches fixing to make me sick. I really better go." Matt nodded. He'd been through these headaches with Adam before. "Go where? Back to Jeff's room?" Adam looked at him and smiled slightly. "Good point. But if I stay you're gonna have to put up with listening to me throw up. You don't need that. God, I wish I could lie down somewhere."
Matt pointed to the empty bed next to his. "I don't care what I have to hear, Adam, and I don't have anyone sharing the room. Just lie down there." Adam raised his eyebrows. "Oh no. You never sit on or touch one of their unused beds. No way. They have like six fits cause they have to like sterilize it all over again." His face registered what he thought of that little rule. Matt didn't care. He knew how these things went and he knew that if Adam didn't lie down and sleep maybe he'd be able to head off the worst of it. He sat back, arms crossed, and thought about it. "Adam, can you get Amy to take you back to the hotel?" Adam nodded but made a face, "Riding wont be my friend though, Matt, really. You know what? If they don't like it, they can just fuck off." Matt laughed a little shocked at the swear. Adam didn't usually talk like that. He nodded approval as Adam stretched out on the other bed. He didn't think he'd be there for long. His face had taken on a decidedly greenish tinge but at least he had someplace to rest for now. Matt watched him for a little, knowing that if it got really bad, Adam would disappear into it and not be able to function at all. "Hey, Adam." he got no answer and repeated himself a bit louder, "Hey! Adam!" Adam cracked open an eye. "What?" "Did you take something for that? Before it kicks your butt?" Adam shook his head, "don't have anything here." "Well it's a hospital, for god sake, ask for something!" Adam laughed. "It doesn't work that way, Matt, don't worry. It'll go away." He turned onto his side so he could see Matt. "It's nice to hear you sounding like you again. I'm really sorry about all this." Matt snorted, "Yeah sure what have you got to be sorry for?" Adam's face went serious. "Matt, I kinda knew what was going on. I should've said something to someone. I was so worried about getting you into trouble if I was wrong. I guess it's kind of my fault." Matt was out of bed in a flash and in his friend's face. He took him by the arms hard and only barely managed not to just shake him. "Don't you ever say that! Not ever! You had nothing to do with this! This was me! All me! Adam, I swear by all that's.."
Adam cut him off. "Matt, let go." His voice was quiet and the very softness stopped Matt's ranting. "I know what you're saying but you're my friend and it's up to me to look out for you. You won't change how I feel. So don't try. But I'm glad you said it. Now go back to bed. You don't look so good." Matt's eyebrows went up at that. "I don't look so good? You should see yourself. But you're right, I'm going." He climbed back into bed and settled himself in. He felt better than he had in a long time.
Matt had started to doze when he heard Adam get up. Wondering if he was leaving, he opened his eyes relieved to see he was only going in the bathroom. His relief became worry when he heard Adam throwing up. He sighed. It went with the migraine. He knew that but he also knew how much Adam hated it. He glanced up at the IV tubing snaking into his hand and made a face. It would be a real pain to get up. He'd wait to see if Adam would come out soon. If he didn't, he supposed he could find a way to untangle himself and go help him out. He waited, watching the clock. The sounds of sickness he was hearing began to be shot through with mumbles. Adam was talking to himself and he didn't sound happy. Matt sighed and began unsnarling the tubing.
Adam never heard Matt come in. He did all he could do to hold himself up and was grateful when a supporting arm was suddenly around him. He let himself relax a little but it didn't help much. The pain in his eyes was beginning to wipe out the world. He'd stopped noticing the nausea some time ago. On some level he knew he was throwing up but he really didn't care. He hurt too much to care. He heard Matt speaking to him but he didn't understand anything he said. It was all a meaningless blur. Matt saw how out of it Adam was almost at once. He was right in the middle of the thing.
He knew his friend was probably too far gone to answer but he gave it a try. "Adam! Adam, look at me now! C'mon. I just need to know what you want me to do." Adam mumbled something unintelligible, dug a hand into his eye, and started gagging again. Matt sighed. This was bad. He climbed to his feet finding he had to hold onto the sink to do it and raised his voice somewhat. "I'm going to get Amy. Adam! I'm going to get Amy, okay?!" Again a faint mumble. Matt shook his head, worry etched into his face, and started down the hall to find Amy.
***Thanks the great reviews! Keep them coming!***