Thank you so much for the kind reviews, everyone!

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He had never seen someone like this.

He realized this as he sat silently by Adam's bedside, long after his friend had drifted into sleep, and Katy had come searching for him. He'd explained what had happened, between Danny and Adam, and afterward, and a genuine grin had graced her face when she told him to stay with Adam, but made him promise to get some sleep later. A kiss was placed to his reddened cheek as he continued to watch his friend quietly, and she waggled her fingers happily, departing.

He had even seen Adam weakened before, over the time they'd spent together, though he would have hotly denied it, most likely.

First in the stressful days of March, when those photos had leaked, worrying Adam more than he immediately would admit to.

Once or twice during the competition, when he was tired and worn by the strain of it all, as they all became at some point, and his eyes were weary, his steps dragging until he could find some available source of caffeine.

One time, when Gokey (the thought of him sent a flash of anger through Kris) had said something to Adam, something stupid and well, fully understandable coming from an asshole like him, Adam's eyes had drained of life and his face went blank, a chilling sight to Kris.

When he had won, after Seacrest's announcement, Adam's eyes had sparkled with pride and joy through the nearly staggering tiredness hidden by makeup caked under them.

But he had never before seen someone like this, his face pale and lacerated, his body stricken weak and hurting. He had never experienced an event like this that had shattered everything and left him without a clue as to how to go about repairing it, never come this close to losing someone close to him unexpectedly, never felt the stress of a situation overwhelm him and practically tear him to bits.

And, truth be told, he'd never known someone quite as vibrant and full-of-life as Adam, which made this all the more strange. Adam's previous interactions with him had made him seem a lot stronger to Kris, as if he were suddenly healing in a much quicker way, but he could tell now that his friend was still ailing, still in pain, and still weak. His breath was still a little shaky and caught a bit deep in his throat, and the nerves throughout his body reacting to his pain made him quiver a bit at each exhale. It wasn't a stark or obvious sort of shaking, more of an uncontrollable shudder that seemed slip through a wall left unguarded, between still-hoarse pants for breath.

His skin was hot, and it trembled when Kris gently rubbed his arm. He smelled of antiseptic, and was in a sort of deep, healing sleep that rendered him almost lifelessly limp. Kris murmured words of comfort to him all the same, assuring him that everything was fine, that he was never going to lose him again, not ever. He said this, even though the words he spoke weren't completely sincere, for his still feared and worried for his friend despite the apparent changes for the better.

Visiting hours were coming to an end too quickly, and the light outside the window as beginning to fade. Kris was just starting to contemplate going back to bed, snuggling in next to Katy - who was probably tired as well from her long day of entertaining Lil and Megan - he thought blandly, and dropping into a wonderfully calm sleep at the prospects he faced - Adam's reacceptance of him, the end of the battle to win him back. But then Adam stirred, moaning a bit in his sleep.

Kris started, staring down at him, concerned. His friend's mouth twisted into a grimace of pain and his fingers closed around a clump of the blanket, clenching tightly.

"Adam," Kris murmured, reaching down and patting the un-bandaged part of his shoulder softly. He winced and mumbled something incoherent, eyelids fluttering, and turned away from Kris. "Adam, look at me."

His obedience was another miracle on the long list of them Kris could count from the day, but he shook his head and blinked tiredly, his swollen eye considerably puffier and darkened. "I'm sorry, Kris," he mumbled. "Go—go to bed—" Kris' eyes filled again but he blinked the tears back. "I'm ok... I-I'll be fine." Adam tried to smile and failed, the twinges of pain in his voice couldn't be completely disguised.

"Not yet," Kris told him, managing a smile of encouragement. "Let me stay with you, I don't want to leave."

He cringed again, the lack of heavy pain medications apparently catching up to him now. Cautious misery written plainly on his face, he continued, "It looks b-bad now, huh?" he whispered, his voice rough and uneven. "I hate this—not looking like myself—f-feeling like myself." His voice broke a bit. "Making you all worry so much... I have never s-seen you cry like that—"

Kris braced his fingers in his hand and told him earnestly. "That was out of relief and... well, happiness. And tiredness, too, I guess. Not out of sorrow." Not anymore.

"I—I don't believe that," he said, doubtful.

Kris gave his hand a squeeze. "It's true," He told him fiercely, even though it wasn't completely, he had felt fear and dysphoria in that cascade of emotions earlier.

"You're lying to me..." Adam accused quietly. Then he sighed, a wisp of air. "B-but that's okay... I forgive you... again." The hints of a smile appeared at the corners of Adam's mouth.

The words stirred Kris' emotions again and his mind awakened, awash in thought. For a moment Adam's eyes slipped closed, he took a sharp intake of breath, and something briefly beeped on the monitors ahead— Kris panicked for a second, until Adam's serene face reappeared and the shrill alert stopped.

Something hit him randomly and he dropped Adam's hand. "No..." he said wildly. "No, Adam, it isn't right!"

He blinked, confused and weary. "What?"

"You should—hate me!" he burst out, rubbing his hand across his face. "You should be so pissed off at me... want to hurt me, like I h-hurt y-you."

Adam blanched, reeling back and coughing roughly before replying. "Please, Kris." His eyes were desperate. "Please, not the guilt trip, n-not again... I don't want to.... —"

But Kris shook his head, realizing now that Adam's quick forgiveness felt utterly wrong and unfair to him. He tightened his grip on Adam's hand, so much so that he gave a tiny gasp of surprise at the sudden pressure. "No... it's not right," Kris insisted. "It doesn't feel right."

"You made... a mistake. But you—you won't do it—ever again," Adam whispered slowly, "And I-I forgive you, I really do—you.... you fucking saved my life, f-for God's sake—and you and Katy are fine and—please, Kris, don't do this, don't m-make this harder... so hard on yourself—"

"Adam," Kris said through the lump tightening his throat, and he released his friend's hand feeling bad when he discovered how tightly he'd been holding it in his outburst.

But whether he was too lost in pain to hear him or just wasn't listening anymore, he had turned away, eyes shut tight, fatigue plain in his voice. "Stop it Kris— stop this right now; it's over and i-it's done— I accept your apology — and I t-think it's time you.... you consider forgiving yourself—"

"I can't... " Kris said solemnly, and Adam faced him again, eyes churning.

He reached out with a shaking hand, and closed his fingers around Kris' forearm as firmly as he could, face serious and tight. "Don't d-do this to yourself." He pleaded.

The door swished open and Katy stepped inside, probably to tell Kris that visiting hours had ended - and relief swept over Adam's face in a rush. "Katy..." He gasped out. "Help me."

She took one look at the situation and quickly crossed over to Kris' side. She put her hand on his shoulder and he didn't react. "He's so stubborn, isn't he?" she said softly, winking at the other man.

Kris bristled at her touch, still looking at Adam. She sighed. "I can have Stephanie sedate him, if you want." She suggested to Adam quietly, smiling. "She's been threatening to ever since he first arrived. It might be the only way we can get him to stop being so thick-headed. And he needs rest."

Adam shook his head; a shadow of a grin flitting across his pale face, then stared hard at Kris. "Kris," he said resolutely. "Kris, look at yourself... you're - you're wavering on y-your feet. Stop whining and g-go to bed."

Kris looked up blearily, suddenly feeling bad. "I'm sorry..." he said distantly.

"Please Kris, listen to Adam," Katy whispered soothingly, and brushed her fingers through his hair. "You need to quit beating yourself up and get some rest."

Adam gritted his teeth suddenly and sagged against his pillows, some phantom pain eating away at him. His eyes shut for a long second before he snapped them open again, and hid the expression that had appeared on his face. "Please," He begged Kris, in a wavering, desperate voice, then patted Kris' arm before letting his hand fall flaccidly to land on the blanket.

Katy's mouth was compressed into a thin, tight line that meant she was somewhat frustrated, but her eyes remained on her husband, glowing with concern. She stepped over and took Kris' arm where Adam had been squeezing it. "Come on, sweetie," she said delicately, and tugged at him gently. "Adam will be fine. You can come back to see him first thing in the morning."

Adam nodded at her words and smiled at his friend, and the look on his face hit Kris like a strong wind, sending all of his exhaustion, emotionally drained thoughts and lack of energy to the forefront. Kris tilted his chin at Adam before grinning back weakly, finally accepting the start of the mending of their friendship. Katy led him silently from the room, and he didn't look back.

-------------

Katy's promise failed him. When he woke up and managed to eat a bagel and have some coffee, mind still churning, he was whisked not to Adam's side but into a hushed meeting with the producers of the tour.

Word of Danny's actions had spread fast among the other contestants, and Allison, who was to be released from care that afternoon, took the liberty to explain what had happened before to everyone, and then the second time (she'd been filled in by Katy).

He was sick of telling the story. Kris hated the thought of lingering on Gokey anymore, and wanted so badly to instead check up on his friend. But his sense of duty propelled him to obey the call.

"Go visit Adam for me, please?" Kris asked Katy when they were done eating and she smiled at him sympathetically.

"Of course, baby," she said. "Of course I will."

He was overwhelmed then by a rush of love for his wife, and he smiled in true relief, feeling her squeeze his hand before quickly starting off down the corridor to Adam's room.

His heart had lurched at her words, and he shook his head, grinning. Then, he wiped the sleepy fog from his eyes and began walking in the opposite direction to meet the producers in the waiting room.

They were there, waiting, as promised. Three professionally dressed men in identical suits looked up when he approached, smiling politely. He froze for a moment, realizing distantly that he couldn't get his fuzzy brain to produce any of their names. Then the discussion was underway, and Kris sat, only half-listening.

"Mr. Gokey's actions were cowardly and dishonorable." One man was saying. "We've decided to let him finish out the tour, but dropped any of his possible pursuits of a record deal with 19E."

This caught Kris' attention, and made him straighten in surprise. He couldn't disguise the wave of satisfaction that rushed through him, thinking to himself that Danny deserved that, and probably more. Grudgingly, he mulled over the other half of their decision, wincing as he imagined having to be around him for the rest of the tour. He ultimately nodded his approval to the men, clasping his hands together in his lap.

"Mr. Lambert is still fragile. Not only did Mr. Gokey's interference endanger the reinstitution of the scheduled tour stops, but his personal safety. Technically, legal action could be taken against him for it, but it's unclear if that's the route to take."

Kris couldn't help but want Danny to be punished for what he'd done, but he wasn't sure if a legal mess would be what Adam wanted. Maybe simply dropping Gokey like a hot potato from even being associated with the show anymore, from getting a deal... was punishment enough.

He could feel the fury rising within him again, as he was slowly forced to recount the incident to them, but this time he was better prepared for it, letting it ebb away after the words had been spoken. Then he voiced his thoughts on the matter, wincing at the strange strain on his voice.

"At least Mr. Lambert was strong enough for his own self-defense." One of the men mused, when Kris had finished. I don't envy Gokey for those bruises he's got, he thought in agreement. "He wants to talk to you."

Kris was shocked. Danny... talk to him?

"I don't know if that's a good idea." Was his reply. He felt like strangling the man, and the last thing he wanted was to talk to him.

"Mr. Allen..." One of them looked at him seriously. "He's essentially being sent packing once you all finish the tour. You never have to see him again if you don't want to after that. But perhaps you should let him say whatever he wants to say to you. Maybe he is remorseful. It might make the rest of your time with him more tolerable."

"Whatever." Kris spat. "If you want me to, I'll speak with him. Later today, outside the building of course."

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Allen, we appreciate your thoughts."

Allison, out of her room and walking around, found him as he wandered back through the corridors. Her face still had some tiny remnants of weakness and she looked a little tired, but Kris couldn't help but grin at the sight of her. With a tight, tiny smile, she stepped over to him. "Kris," she said. "Glad to see me?"

"Definitely," He replied quickly, hugging her. "Thank you for telling the others about Danny... I already had to tell the whole story again just now to the producers. And I guess I have to talk to him later, actually." He swallowed hard and tried to focus, ignoring any lingering anger. "I don't like to think about it."

She frowned. "Yeah..." she muttered. "I can't believe he'd do that to Adam - I would go visit him, but my parents will be here any minute, they're taking me out for awhile to get some air... they want to see me again - how is he?"

A full-fledged smile danced across Kris' cheeks then, and he didn't hold it back. "Oh, Allie- he forgave me... I can't understand how he could've, but he did. We're okay now, I think. He's a little better—I—I mean, Danny —uh, gave him a couple new injuries, and he's still pretty weak, but he is getting better... at least I hope so."

Allison hugged him again. "Good for you two. I knew you'd work whatever that was out eventually."

Kris smiled softly and hummed in response.

"Tell him I love him and to keep getting better," She murmured.

"All right," Kris replied, and she beamed, before heading toward the waiting room.

Kris hurried to Adam's door, stopping just short of it when he heard voices inside. Curious, he froze, listening.

"Enough..." Adam's soft, breathy voice was difficult to hear. "You don't need to keep... apologizing, Katy. You w-were scared, you obviously l-love... love Kris a great deal. It's okay... I forgive you, and Kris."

"He deserves the forgiveness... I'm not sure if I do," Came Katy's miserable reply. "It's clear to me now, that I was being stupid and jealous and I didn't stop to think about how I'd hurt you, even how I'd hurt him."

Kris took a deep breath as love swelled within him again. So Katy had indeed gone to see Adam, and she got a chance to finally act on the guilt he knew had been burdening her. Adam, of course, was accepting her apologies, despite everything.

He closed his eyes for a moment, hand on the doorknob.

"Katy..." Adam continued quietly. "It's over and we... we c-can move on now. You need to accept my f-forgiveness and stop feeling bad." There was a painfully long pause.

"You... and your husband are a lot alike i-in that respect." Their conversation continued, and Kris, with a tiny smile on his face, drew back and walked away.

He'd visit Adam later.

Much sooner than he would've liked, Danny Gokey was staring at him with a look of deep-seated annoyance on his face. "Why are you late?" he demanded.

"Well, I was going to visit Adam," Kris replied crisply. "But Katy's with him right now, so grabbed another coffee and talked with Anoop and Matt for awhile about his condition."

Danny looked away, the muscles clenching in his jaw.

"A condition that you helped put him in," The anger not lost in the words, Kris bit each one out slowly, restraining himself. "You saw him, Danny; saw the state he was in. And you had to torment him further?"

"I was suspicious. He had something to do with that crash, I know it. He and Christian, alone up there? I don't trust him, Kris, and I can't help not trusting him, knowing him and how he's... well, knowing the way he chooses to live his life. Do you not see how that's wrong?"

Kris stared at him, eyes hardened. "Adam didn't do jack shit to cause that accident," he answered coolly. "And yeah, he's different, he's gay, and that may be a fucking problem to you, Danny, but I frankly don't care. He is my best friend, my brother. And I am sickened by what you did."

"I don't understand you, Kris," He murmured in reply.

"The feeling is entirely mutual," Kris bit back, irritated. "It's even clearer to me now that you are an ass." He added that bit for good measure.

"You know," Gokey said strangely. "You and I... we have more in common than you think."

"I beg to differ." Kris was quick to respond. "And I'm glad. I don't want to have much in common with a bully who attacks people when they're wounded, or someone who sees Adam's lifestyle as immoral and wrong." He was deeply offended at Danny's words.

"You and I both love music and our wives and families," Gokey pointed out, as if desperate to find some common ground, to leave Kris forever with something tangible about him that wasn't negative. "I admire and your devotion to what you do and how you treasure your relationship with Katy. But I cannot grasp your acceptance of Adam— I just can't—you understand—and I never will be able to."

"I understand your limitations and how in your ignorance, you'll likely never become a man of honor." Kris told him angrily. "But what I cannot understand is— is your callous cruelty to Adam... your needless brutality to him... especially considering he's barely recovering from this awful, life-changing event and was already injured seriously! I can't accept that, or your stubborn determination to adhere to some ridiculous personal code... something that forbids you from seeing what brilliant person Adam is."

Gokey visibly stiffened. "I know he means a great deal to you - and though as I said, I can't understand that - I realize this incident... and his condition has really hurt you, and I sympathize with that." His gaze softened a little. "He's obviously your friend. And I made a mistake - one I can't take back, that has probably ruined my potential for a career doing what I love."

Kris felt little sympathy for Gokey's plight, but bit down on his initial reply. "I am deeply in love with Katy, and I cherish what we have, as you said, but not at the cost of my friendships. It is a shame that you have made it so you won't be able to benefit much from this platform - your fans will be disappointed- but I don't think I can forgive you for what you've done."

He could see the rebellion in Danny's eyes. He swallowed hard and looked away. "You are my superior, Kris, by virtue of talent, potential in the music industry, and your rank as the American Idol. I respect that. And I understand that you can't forgive me." He took a deep breath. "I am sorry for my actions, though. It—it was wrong of me. I will not lay another hand on—on—" His throat constricted. "—on Adam, and you both never have to even see me again once this is done. My emotions got the better of me, and I let them lead me into... well, I got carried away. I apologize for my... my lack of control."

You're just sorry it came back and bit you in the ass. Kris thought bitterly, before stating calmly, "It's Adam who needs your apology. Not me."

Danny wouldn't meet his eyes. "I can't even go in the building. That apology is impossible right now."

Kris relaxed his tense shoulders, fed up with feeling angry. "Well, it's not like you really deserve to show your face in there, anyway. And I wouldn't want you near Adam, even if you were allowed in. But I hope you'll apologize to him once we get out of this, if he doesn't rip your head off first."

He sighed heavily, glancing at his watch. "I need to go. Goodbye, Allen." His voice was half-hearted. "Good luck with everything."

Kris swallowed thickly and nodded. He was sick of this mess. Watching Danny lumber away, he focused on breathing in and out, and realized how badly he wanted to see Adam - he'd wanted to ever since waking up, but Danny had prevented him. He turned to walk back into the facility, and found himself in Katy's embrace upon entrance, her tiny arms wrapping around him and her bright smile shining up at him. "You did well." She assured him lovingly. "I'm proud of you."

Her presence was warm and pleasant. "I could say the same for you; I saw that you were with Adam so I let you two be." She grinned whole-heartedly. He hugged her happily. "I know that was hard for you to do, and that you felt really bad, but you must feel better now."

"I had to do it, Kris. I saw how much he means to you. How close you guys are... and it hurt me that I had caused such a mess and ruined what you had." She breathed.

He swallowed hard and leaned over, looking her directly in the face. "I'm sorry, Katy, I know it's been difficult for you... with us having our problems, and you seeing me and Adam, how we get along so well and everything. But I—do care about him. And what you did just now, how you're sorry... it means so much—"

"I love you," Katy said firmly, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He relaxed into it, relieved. "That's all there is to it, really." She said when they pulled apart.

"I love you, too." He said honestly, and held her close. After a few moments, they parted, both smiling. "How was he doing?" Kris' curiosity burst forth, and she grinned at him, taking his hand and walking at his side.

She hesitated, though. "He—he was still weak," she finally began, slowly, as if trying to make sure her words were the right ones. "And in pain." He squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. "He forgave me instantly, though. I don't think he expected me to come and apologize—he seemed to be surprised—but touched, and he was really tired, too. But he smiled. And it was real."

Kris took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm still scared for him, Katy. I see that he's a little better, but I can't take that for granted. Not when I've... just gotten him back."

Her eyes were big and sad. "He's tough. He was hurt badly, that's why it's taken time—and he's not done healing yet. But I'm worried about you too, honey." She peered up anxiously into his face. "How do you feel? Last night I thought for a second I really was going to have to get Stephanie to sedate you."

"Better," Kris hastened to assure her. "I feel much better, actually."

She nodded enthusiastically. "I'm glad," she said. "We were all afraid you would collapse. You were asking a bit too much of yourself."

"I'm okay," He said hurriedly, squeezing her fingers in his. "You should not have worried about me. I was just so afraid for Allie and Adam... and I've rested. I'm fine now."

She smiled reflectively. "I think everyone was afraid and worried. Still are afraid and worried. And certain recent events haven't helped much..."

Kris nodded. "Danny—" His name left a bad taste in his mouth. "—has made certain of that."

"It's over," Katy said gently. "Don't even waste a thought on him. He's not worth it. Let's focus on getting Adam one hundred percent better and getting you all back out on the road, okay? Stephanie says that the doctors want to release him soon."

"But—how can we, when Adam is so weak?" He was worried and surprised by this. "And Allie's not completely better, either... not well enough to got straight into rehearsals anyway—"

Katy's face was grim. "The media's catching on. The producers are anxious. You can all recover... they want to keep a slot of time free before they rescheduled postponed shows and they're pushing back all the dates. It's a huge mess... but they understand the seriousness, I think. You'll be able to rest and recuperate before going back to business as usual."

Although the fear still fluttered in his stomach, tiny seeds of hope were blossoming. "Okay," he said.

He was returning to Adam's room, finally, with the urgent desire to see him, ask him how he was doing, and assess the situation from there. Katy left him there, resolving to meet up with him at dinner.

This time, the presence was like a warm beacon and he recognized it instantly, but Adam was too tired to turn completely around. His whole body felt worn out and achy, and he wished it would stop. His head was a little fuzzy from tiredness and it throbbed slightly with the fatigue, which frustrated him, because he felt that he'd slept entirely too much already. He couldn't ignore however, that he felt incredibly drowsy and limp and it still pained him to move around too much.

He hated this.

"K-Kris?" he mumbled, not bothering to shift his head. The flat pillow of the medical bed swallowed most of the volume in his voice, but Adam knew Kris heard him acknowledge his entry, and didn't want to move it and repeat himself.

"I'm here, Adam." There was weariness edging his voice. Adam frowned at it, and finally struggling to look at his friend as he approached the bed, sitting beside him in the chair. "I came to see how you're doing." Kris rested a hand on his shoulder, and Adam vaguely noted that his touch didn't hurt. "I wanted to earlier… But a bunch of stuff came up. And then Katy was with you... you know."

Adam nodded softly, trying not to wince when his headache intensified at the gesture—"A b-bunch of stuff?" he mumbled curiously.

Kris sighed. He rubbed Adam's shoulder a little, and smiled sadly. "Yeah.... a lot of stupid things that kept me from you. I'm sorry."

"That's... okay." Adam breathed, and managed to grin. "Katy told me the producers... that they w-wanted to meet with you," he added, rather distantly. "About Danny?" He guessed.

Kris gritted his teeth, confirming it. "Unfortunately." His hand fell and gently brushed a stray piece of dark hair from Adam's face. "And then... he wanted to talk to me. I hated to, but I did... and I basically tore him a new one."

"Thanks," Adam told him. He thought it needed to be said, and it really was a relief to be able to reply without his breath catching, dragging and hurting quite as much. "Appreciate it."

"It was certainly no trouble," Kris said. His voice was slightly amused. "And he's done, by the way. After the tour that is, with 19E... they contemplated legal action against him, but decided against it."

Adam accepted that easily enough. He didn't want to make a bigger mess than needed. He much preferred to just forget about Gokey completely, try to ignore him until he didn't have to deal with him at all.

Kris' tone went more serious and he looked Adam over. "How are you feeling?"

Adam blinked and stared at Kris. He couldn't quite make him come into focus, still weakened considerably, eyes swimming. He had the feeling that wasn't so good. "Better, I guess," he mumbled. "It doesn't hurt as much. But I—f-feel like deadweight or something. I—I mean— I'm still tired. Can b-barely move sometimes." He blinked blearily up at the ceiling. "But it is getting better."

Kris patted his hand gently and thoughtfully. "That's good. I'm still worried about you even though I can tell you're doing better. I guess they're trying to get you well as quickly as possible—want us out of this place and back out on the road."

Adam bit his lip, pleased but doubtful. He wanted out - hated this place- wanted to be better. But he was sure he wasn't ready to perform again, and definitely wouldn't be right away.

He was impatient, sick of feeling like an invalid who couldn't seem to put himself back together. But the dull haze that still hung with him was undeniable, clinging to him in every action.

And he still hurt. Resolving all of this with Kris and Katy had helped, seeing Allison healed had helped... but it wasn't enough.

"Adam." Kris said, concerned, his voice dragging him from thought with its underlying protectiveness. "I think it's a bad idea to rush things... and I don't know if you're ready, but I'm here when the time comes. They're giving us some time to recover. To just be. And I want to be there for you."

Adam nodded slowly. "They're right... a-and I do want out of here, you know. The sooner the better. But I... I just..." He closed his eyes. "I want it all to stop."

"I know," Kris said softly. "I know, me too. Nothing would please me more than seeing you completely healed and back to your old self. I miss that."

"I—" Adam turned away, sad. "I miss it more than y-you do, believe me," he asserted.

Kris sighed then, scooting closer. That calloused hand rested on his forehead for a moment in a gentle benediction, and Adam felt his eyelids slide shut again.

"We're leaving soon?" Allie repeated, looking up into Kris' face with a slight crease of worry between her brows. She'd just returned from her outing with her parents.

He sighed a bit and nodded. "Yes, the powers that be have come to that decision. We're worried about Adam still, and don't want to risk anything just yet, but we're making the preparations."

Allison's eyes widened. "Back on tour?" she whispered, as if she couldn't imagine a hint of normalcy. "Not right away, of course, but wow... it'll be sort of weird."

"Definitely." Kris agreed. She closed her eyes for a moment, processing the information. She looked up then, frowning. "How is Adam?" she said.

"Better, but Stephanie wants him stronger before we leave," He replied. "She assures me that he seems to be moving in the right direction."

Allison nodded in acceptance of his words, but her eyes never left his face, still serious. "But how is he?" she pressed further. "Can I see him? How is he doing?"

Kris immediately deduced that Adam would probably love seeing her again. "Go see him after dinner," he nodded. "It'd probably be good for him."

She smiled big and nodded happily. "Good, I want to. I've been thinking about him constantly, really worried."

"He is doing better," Kris reiterated, choosing his words carefully. "He is still exhausted, and I can tell he still hurts considerably. But he smiles and laughs and he's breathing so much better." He sighed and brought up a hand to rub it over his face. "I'm concerned, yeah... but hopeful," He added. "His improvement seems... promising."

Allison's face set with the strength and determination he remembered she always possessing. "I can't wait to see him," she said.

Stephanie pressed the edge of the last, lighter bandage one against his shoulder until it adhered and clung there. Adam lay still on the bed and tried not to express how sick of this routine he really was.

"Well, you're doing a lot better," She said in a cheerful tone. He gave a tired smile in response, one side of his mouth quirking upward. He was feeling better than he had since arriving - but he had to admit to himself that that wasn't saying much.

"I'm glad," she continued. "So keep it up, all right?"

Adam could feel his smile grow a bit and he tried to infuse gratitude for her caring in it. "I'll try to," he assured her, his voice thready and wispy. It didn't sound anything like him and he winced at the sound.

She adjusted his pillows, and then leaned down to look at his face. "There's someone who'd like to see you," she said. "Are you up to another visitor?"

"Sure," he said softly. "Of course."

She nodded and then was gone, leaving Adam alone. His head still hurt, and he couldn't manage much thought, but he sat up a bit when the door creaked open again.

It was nothing short of thrilling to see her, strong and smiling, standing there. He drank in the sight of her, even though she still looked tired and a little pale, she was back to her old self, and he marveled at it as she approached.

"Allie." he whispered contentedly.

And then she was there, right there by his side, taking his head in her hands affectionately. "Adam," she said, her voice brave, but wavering a bit. She smiled down at him, and then pressed a tiny, affectionate kiss to the top of his head.

He reached up and found her arm, squeezing it, watching her grin widen. Her fiery hair hung, slightly curly, at her shoulders, and bounced as she sat in the chair.

"Look at you..." he remarked in wonderment. She smirked, giggling. "I'm so glad... you look so much... better."

Her arms went around him, and he accepted the hug, just as he'd accepted a thousand of her admiring embraces before. "I know," she replied. "I feel great."

He stared into her face when she drew back, truly relieved to see her looking so well. "You came to visit me again," he stated. A lingering trembling pain seized him then — he cringed against it. He knew she saw it in his face, for her grin twisted a bit, and her eyes faded in brightness.

Her face tightened. "Yes, yes, I'm here," she said quickly. "I missed you."

Adam turned his head a little to see her better. "Missed you too," he murmured quietly, "Thank God you're a-all right."

Her fingers fiddled anxiously with a stray thread on his blanket. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Adam pressed himself into a sitting position, ignoring his weak muscles protesting the move, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, so achingly desperate to not worry her, sick of everyone being so worried.

He didn't want to tell her how he probably shouldn't have done that, that pain sparked on the edges of his perceptions, and he still felt limp with fatigue. She didn't need that.

But she must have felt it in the clasp of his arm around her, for she rubbed his shoulders gently around the gauze. When he pulled back and leaned into his pillows again, she searched his eyes quietly.

"I'm so sorry, Adam," she said then, as if remembering. "I heard about Danny... about everything."

"Not your fault," he reminded her, frowning, "Only his." She grasped his hand in hers.

Allison nodded. "I—I know," she smiled sadly. "But he hurt you, too...I couldn't believe that. I wanted to punch him."

Adam laughed weakly, "No, A-Allison," he said. "No, you d-don't need to worry about that. I got him... pretty good."

"I heard that too—" She said almost warmly. "What an asshole." Her eyes narrowed. "—thought Kris was going to kill him. And you know Kris doesn't get really angry a lot."

"He was mad," Adam agreed. "S-so was I." She looked down at him sharply. "I definitely wasn't... in the mood for his shit... especially then."

She smiled at that and giggled again. "Good riddance," she concluded. "Now, Adam... you need to get better, m'kay? Because you can't just start feeling a little better and then flake out on us, all right?"

He chuckled idly. "Flake out? Me? You... must not know me at all."

"There's the Adam I remember," she replied softly. "But seriously, I'm not kidding."

Adam sighed, but grinned. "I'll be fine, Allie," he whispered. "Stop worrying... I'm going to be okay."

She pulled his chin up and looked him in the eye, warm eyes full of emotion. "I'll hold you to that promise."

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