A/N – This time, the chapter title isn't about the plot. It's a message for you guys. ;)

It's a little short, but I had to end it when I did. You're not too mad are you? It's an update, right? You'll see why I ended it when I did… Enjoy!

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Chapter Twenty-Two…You Thought You Had Me Worked Out

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The group looked at each other, a different emotion on each of their faces. Tom's face was distraught. Flora's was a look of anxiousness. Jude's was crushed. They stood and made their way over the elevator, piling on. It was a short and silent trip to Mason's room.

"You go first," Jude mumbled to Flora, leaning on Tom for support. "I think he'd want to see you."

"He already saw me. You go," she insisted. "Really. Go on."

Jude looked up at Tom, who nodded. She took a deep breath. "Okay."

Tom kissed her lightly on the cheek. "You'll be fine."

Jude gave him a grateful smile before walking through the open doorway. Her hand flew to her mouth, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Her friend was lying on the bed, pale even against the white sheets. A gauze bandage was wrapped tightly around his head and bloodstains were evident. His left arm was in a hard cast and his right arm was strapped to numerous machines. But her gaze was fixed on his face. His left eye was swollen shut and bruises almost disguised his right eye. Scrapes and bruises were covering his skin.

Mason smiled his crooked grin and it broke Jude's heart. "Not quite the 'hello' I was looking for." She pressed her lips together, blinking back tears.

"How can you joke around right now?" she asked bitterly, moving to his side. "You're lying in a hospital, bruised from head to toe."

He cocked his head to the side, his genuine smile stretching across his battered face. "I have a warm bed, fresh food, and my friends and family. It's almost like being at a hotel, except without the Jacuzzi." He chuckled softly and Jude's heart tore in two.

She scrunched her brow together, a frown on her face. "How can you do that? How can you be so strong?"

"Jude…" he whispered, pulling her into a tight hug. "You're gonna be okay."

She sobbed into the thin fabric of his hospital gown. "What if I never sing again," she moaned.

"Then you weren't meant to sing," he said simply, rubbing her back reassuringly.

Jude pulled back, looking him in the eyes. "But…singing is all I've ever been."

"And now you're gonna be Tommy's wife. That's a whole new passion for you."

Jude raised an eyebrow at him. "You know?"

"Hun, it's G Major. Everyone knows." He laughed and Jude smiled self-consciously. "I'm happy for you. You two deserve it."

"Thanks, Mason."

"And it's about damn time!" He grinned wide at her. "You guys are perfect for each other. He needs someone to settle him down and you need someone who fires you up."

Jude gave him a thoughtful look. "When did you get so smart?"

He smirked. "Must've happened after I got beaten into a bloody pulp."

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Tom rested against the wall, hoping Jude was doing okay in there. They sounded like they were fine, but who knew anymore with her. Flora was in the cafeteria, trying to caffeinate herself. It was just him and his thoughts.

"Tom?" a familiar voice echoed down the empty hallway. He looked up, his eyes widening.

"Chaz?" His old friend strolled up, a dozen white roses in hand. God, he looked different. He was wearing distressed jeans with a black t-shirt, and his hair was shaggy, falling in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled, giving Tom a brief hug with his free arm. "Visiting a…friend. You?"

"Same. How you been?" Wow. This is weird. I haven't seen Chaz in, what? Two years?

"Great. Keeping busy."

"With?" What had Chaz been up to? He hadn't been on the music scene in years.

Chaz shrugged, a grin on his face. "Someone serious."

"Really?" Since when did Chaz do 'serious'? "How serious?"

"Almost a year," he muttered offhandedly, shrugging like this wasn't a huge deal.

Tom raised his eyebrows in shock. "That's gotta be a Chaz record."

"Yeah…I mean—"

"Chazzy!" Flora shrieked from down the hall. Both men turned and looked as she bolted toward them. "Oh, my God! How long has it been?" She rushed over, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Hey, Flora. How are you?" He chuckled, returning the hug.

"Great. I mean, considering." Chaz nodded understandingly. "You?"

"Same. I mean, I was shocked to find out. I'd seen him, what? A few hours before?"

Tom furrowed his eyebrows. "Uh, you guys know each other?"

Flora smiled at Tom. "Of course we do! This is Chazzy, Mason's boyfriend."

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A/N – heh. Leave me a review. Maz LOVE!

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