It came without warning.
He had known about it all along—only he ignored it; dismissed it as nothing more then a mere stomach ache, perhaps even constipation.
Except constipation didn't spread to the upper body. Soon he had trouble breathing, and found himself sitting on the bathroom floor next to the toilet. Maybe if he was able to puke… The pain became so unbearable he wished he had his trusty knife. Just a simple cut or two would end it all. He would be free of the misery and torture that plagued his upper torso.
He puked and groaned aloud his frustration. The pain was too much for one to handle. Even though he was accustomed to withstand countless kinds of torture—emotional or physical—this was something different.
Kevin found him. His sounds of agony seemed to have woke his better half. Soon they were heading to the hospital, after a small debate of why David was awake in the middle of the night.
A quick call to George, and soon David's short-notice surgery was scheduled.
It was painful to stand, painful to walk, painful to breathe. His lungs felt as if they were filled with fluid; his bones felt they were made of jelly; and he had the worst migraine imaginable.
Agony.
What a bitch.
Several times David's legs nearly gave way as he attempted to dress in the attire appropriate for hospital patients. Many times over he felt as if he was being admitted into a psychiatric ward.
Finally he succeeded, thus being wheeled out into the hallway. Kevin was immediately by his side. A quick grasp of his hand and David was reassured. Why is his hand so warm…
David closed his eyes. So tired… His senses drowned out everything as they entered the elevator. It wouldn't be long before he was torn from Kevin and crossed the threshold of hell. He wanted to get this over with.
The gurney started moving again and stopped a short while after that. He heard George talking, but couldn't make out the words. Then he heard Kevin's…and felt his lover's touch on his cheek.
"Kev…"
He heard Kevin shift. "Yes Dave, I'm here."
David's eyes fluttered open. His throat felt dry. "It hurts like a bitch…"
Kevin smiled. "I know, Dave. I know."
"How long…" It definitely hurt to talk.
"George said about a few hours or so. With our luck he'll be able to stop it before it does any major damage to your heart."
"……" Ever the dumbass to tell it to you straight.
"I'll be here when you wake up," Kevin said. David could see the tears that Kevin fought so hard to fight back. In the tiniest of ways, seeing Kevin like this always reminded David that the cop had feelings too. A soft kiss to forehead, and Dave felt better. Slightly. "I promise."
George then came back into the room, and David closed his eyes again. A word or two were exchanged between doctor and cop—a quick breath examination for the exhausted plumber—and soon the gurney was in motion again.
A single stray tear made its way down David's cheek as Kevin's hand slipped through his. He almost wished that Kevin was allowed to stay with him the entire surgery. But knowing how fussy Kevin can get over the tiniest things…
Dammit David—your going in for surgery!
Kevin did say that he was going to wait.
Wait…Kevin never waited for anything in his life. Not even for food.
He's actually going to wait…
David was filled with a new hope. Kevin was willing to stay up for another few hours—maybe more—just so he can make sure Dave made it out of this ordeal safely.
Devoted. He's actually devoted…
David entered the surgery ward with a new reason to live. Kevin, his partner; his lover; his best friend; his beer buddy…was actually going to sit let alone wait for the love of his life to come out from this blasted room sickness-free.
He loved the stubborn cop even more.
He would be there for him.
Kevin would still be here when he woke up.
Devotion…
One of the strongest loves any one can give.
To David and Kevin, it meant the world.