This is the final chapter folks!

Have a wonderfully merry Christmas, and an safe and eventful New Year!

BTW, I'm still open for reviews, so...

:( I didnt get the Hardy boys for Christmas. sniff sniff maybe next year though.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Frank and Joe's friends and acquaintances came by to express their concern and wish the family luck.

Joe responded to none of them, oblivious to his surroundings. Frank never gave up hope that his brother would wake up. The doctors had told the Hardy family that Joe might not wake, but the Hardy's hopes were not dashed. Joe was a survivor. He had proven that many times. He would pull through this too.

As the day passed, the number of visitors diminished greatly. Frank was kind of thankful. He was drained, and just wanted a little peace and quiet.

"Frank?" his mother came in, closing the door quietly behind her. "I bought you dinner." She placed a small tray of food in front of her son.

"Thanks," Frank said. Then as an afterthought said, "I'm sleeping here tonight again." Seeing his mother's concerned look, he said quickly, "I'll sleep better if I'm near Joe, and know what's happening to him."

His mother frowned but knowing Frank was right, finally acquiesced.

Frank silently dug into his meal. He felt a little guilty though, as he glanced across to his brother, who he realized hadn't had a proper meal in almost three days, since he had only had breakfast on that fateful morning.

He sighed. He wouldn't give up hope.

He placed the tray on the chair next to him and went to the bathroom to change into his pyjamas and get ready for bed. He was going to go to bed early tonight.

Finishing, he came out and lay on the cot, attempting to read a little of his book.

He read a few chapters before marking the page and burrowing under the covers.

He had just closed his eyes before the nurse from the night before came to check on Joe again.

She did what she needed to do then left. Just before she closed the door, she said, "Merry Christmas! Both of you," she added.

She felt sorry for the Hardy family. They were spending Christmas Eve worrying over their youngest son.

Frank sat up suddenly. He had thought he heard a weak moan.

"Joe?"

Another moan. Frank's heart leapt.

He sat up, throwing the covers off himself.

"Joe!" he cried, seeing his brother's vibrant blue eyes staring confusedly and tiredly at him.

He tried to say something, and then suddenly started gagging and choking on the ventilator. Panicking, Frank pressed the call button.

Dr. Collin rushed into the room. He smiled at Frank.

"He'll be okay. He's breathing on his own now."

Frank stepped back and watched as Dr. Collins removed the ventilator and Joe lay back on his pillows, exhausted.

"Oh Joe," he said, resuming his position in the chair at Joe's side. "I—we—were so worried about you." Frank's eyes were bright. "In fact, every new grey hair on Mom and Dad's head is labelled 'Joe'."

Joe tried to speak, but his throat was raw and sore from the tube.

Frank, seeing his brother struggling, reached out for the cup of water on the table and allowed Joe to have a small sip.

He swallowed the water, and feeing slightly stimulated, asked hoarsely, "How long have I been out?"

Frank smiled compassionately at his brother. "About three days. It's Christmas Eve."

Joe's eyes widened, then he said with a weak smile, "Merry Christmas, Frank."

THE END

Told ya it'd get happier!!!

please R&R!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!