I'm sorry it took so long to update. I had a major case of writer's block.
Beta Credit: jlbassmaster
The Plan That Actually Worked
Chapter Fifteen: Brothers
Rory groaned as he reached toward the nightstand to answer the ringing phone that had woken him. He cracked his eyes open to where Sam's phone was lit up brightly on the nightstand. It was still dark and all he wanted to do was cuddle back into Sam's side and go back to sleep. He'd been so warm and content that he'd debated just ignoring the phone altogether, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Not after what happened last time he'd missed a call. His eyes were still blurry from sleep, so he put the phone to his ear without checking the caller id.
"H-Hello?" he questioned sleepily. He cleared his throat and tried again.
"Rory, sweetheart, where's Sam?" the voice responded cheerfully. It was Sam's mother.
"He's asleep, ma'am."
"Asleep?" Her voice was confused. "It's nearly 10:30 in the morning."
"No. It's only 5:30 here, Mrs. Evans," Rory said calmly, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
Her voice was sharper when she answered. "5:30? Where exactly is here?"
Rory squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He had no idea how to respond. Apparently Sam had forgotten to mention his impromptu trip to his parents. "Uh, Mrs. Evans," he started. "My brother, Seamus, had a terrible accident and Sam bought me a ticket to fly home to be with him, and he came with me."
He heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the phone and wondered how much trouble he had just inadvertently gotten Sam into.
"I'd like to speak to Sam, please," she said flatly, struggling to keep her voice even.
"Please don't be angry with him, ma'am," Rory begged, feeling helpless and guilty for causing trouble. "He was looking out for me. I'm so sorry."
"I'm not angry, Rory," she said tensely. "You have nothing to apologize for. I hope your brother is okay."
"Yes, he's doing much better. Hopefully, he'll be able to come home soon."
"That's good to hear," she said, genuinely, before taking a deep breath."Could you put Sam on the phone please?"
"O-Okay." Rory hated the idea of waking Sam, especially when he was sleeping so peacefully. "One minute."
He pulled the phone away from his ear and shook Sam's shoulder lightly. Sam stirred unconsciously. He shook him again. "Sammy, wake up," he said quietly, brushing the hair from the blonde's forehead.
"What's the matter, babe?" he asked, groggy and barely awake, bringing his hand to rub his eyes sleepily.
"Your mother is on the phone," Rory answered, gesturing to the handset. "Did you not tell her you were leaving?"
Sam sat bolt upright. "Oh my God! I forgot to call my parents! I'm screwed!" He eyed the phone anxiously as if it was about to explode. Rory held it toward him, his eyes sympathetic. Sam sighed deeply, steeling himself, and took the phone.
"Hi, mom," Sam said sheepishly.
Rory clicked on the lamp and threw his legs over the side of the bed, standing up to head toward the bathroom. He stopped by the dresser on his way back and pulled on a pair of underwear before sliding back into bed next to Sam. The blonde had the bridge of his nose pinched between his thumb and index finger.
"Yes, mom," he said automatically. "I understand."
Rory could hear a voice talking frantically on the other end of the phone but strained to make out what she was saying, picking out words like "worried sick" and "reckless". He pulled Sam's hand away from his face and laced their fingers together, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze as Sam continued to look like a kicked puppy.
"Alright, mom. I'll call you later. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you, but, like I said, I had to get to where Rory was. I told you how his father is," Sam said seriously. The voice answered, the tone calmer, less frantic, and he sighed in relief. "Okay, mom. I'll tell him. Uh-huh, I love you, too, mom. Goodbye."
He hung up the phone and sighed dramatically. His eyes were bright and amused. "I am in so much trouble," he said in a breathless, nervous laugh, covering his face with his hands as he laughed, the sound was almost hysterical. Rory cocked an eyebrow at the unexpected reaction, an exasperated laugh slipping out. "I've never heard my mom freak out like that. She doesn't even know that I sneak out of Finn's house at night to come over to your house and now she finds out that I left the country without telling her." He dissolved into giggles again, covering his mouth in a failed attempt to stifle the manic laughter.
"You're out of your mind, Sammy," Rory said, fond exasperation coloring his tone. He wrapped his arm around Sam and pressed a kiss to his bare shoulder. "Was she really mad?"
Sam ducked his head down to kiss the top of Rory's head. "I don't think she was mad. She just panicked because I didn't tell her first. I'm going to get my ass kicked when I get home though." He laughed again quietly. Rory squeezed his hand, smiling.
Sam returned the smile briefly before a yawn stretched widely across his features. "Let's go back to sleep."
"I like that idea," Rory said brightly, giving Sam a quick peck on the lips. They cuddled back into the still warm bed.
-xXxXx-
Sam was the first to wake up the second time around. Rory was pressed flush against his side with one arm draped across his bare chest. Sam smiled sleepily and pressed a kiss to the top of the sleeping boy's head. He let his head fall back against the pillow, content to simply lie still and listen to Rory's deep, even breathing as he threaded his fingers through his hair, losing himself in thought as he stared at the ceiling.
"Mhm...feels good, Sammy," Rory mumbled sleepily, turning his head to kiss Sam's chest as he cuddled closer. He sighed contentedly. "What time is it?"
"Um...probably about nine. We should probably get up soon."
Rory let out a gust of breath before replying hesitantly. "I suppose you're right."
They dressed slowly, neither boy really wanting to leave the peace of the hotel room. Eventually, after the third call from a very impatient Seamus, they decided they'd better start making their way to the hospital.
Rory was the first through the door to Seamus' room. He faltered back a step when he saw the bed in the center of the room was empty. He turned to Sam and the anxiety was clear in his eyes. Sam squeezed his hand reassuringly.
Rory called for his brother, his voice shaky.
A reply came from behind the closed bathroom door. "I'll be right out, Rory!" Seamus called back brightly. Rory relaxed visibly at Sam's side. The door swung open and Seamus came hobbling out on a pair of crutches, a beaming smile on his face.
"You'd better mind where you leave those or else I'll hide 'em." Rory threatened, letting out a peal of laughter. He covered his mouth in an attempt to stifle it. Seamus' face screwed up into an adorable pout as he stuck his tongue out at Rory petulantly.
Sam glanced between the two, confused. Rory laughed again and squeezed Sam's hand. "When I was thirteen, Seamus and I were climbing the tree behind my house, and I fell out and broke my leg. He thought it was hilarious and was always hiding my crutches."
Seamus laughed cheerfully. "Well, it was funny. I'd steal them when he was in the shower, and he'd have to hobble to our bedroom naked." He covered his mouth to try to stifle the burst of giggles that poured out at the memory.
Rory scowled at his brother, spinning on Sam when he failed to disguise his laughter as a coughing fit. The rebuking look he was getting from his boyfriend only spurred on another round of laughter. Rory rolled his eyes and smacked Sam on the arm before cracking up himself. Rory moved across the small room to pull his brother into a careful hug. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you moving around. When did you get the crutches?"
"They fitted me for them right after you left last night. The doctor said I'm doing really well and I might get to go home on Monday." Seamus' voice was bright and hopeful. Rory and Sam returned his easy smile.
Seamus crutched his way over to the bed—Rory walked behind him protectively, arms outstretched to catch his brother if he fell. He dropped down onto the bed heavily, pulling Rory down beside him and scooting into his side, resting his head against his big brother's shoulder. "I really missed you, Rory," he said, his voice low and almost sad.
"I missed you, too, Seamus," Rory said quietly, wrapping his arm around the boy's shoulders and pulling him closer. Sam went to sit in the chair next to the bed. He took Rory's hand and squeezed it, smiling.
Sam was relieved to feel how much the atmosphere had changed from the day before. It was easy now. It was all about Rory being able to be with his brother again. The almost peaceful smile on Rory's face testified to the difference. The serenity of the scene was enough to make Sam feel warm. He hadn't even realized he'd been staring until Rory laughed loudly and pushed at his shoulder.
"Sammy, Seamus asked you a question," Rory said, amusement coloring his tone.
Sam shook his head lightly and glanced between the two, a small smile on his face. "I'm sorry, Seamus. What did you say?"
Seamus straightened up on the bed. "Why did you buy Rory a ring for his birthday?" he asked curiously. "I didn't think boys were supposed to give each other rings and stuff." Seamus' eyebrows knitted in confusion. The statement was innocently curious. Rory smiled and patted his brother on the knee.
"It's a promise ring. I gave it to him because I love him." He lifted the back of Rory's hand to his lips and kissed it. Seamus smiled at the display. Rory brushed his knuckles across Sam's cheek, a smile stretched widely across his small face. "Guys can give each other rings, too."
"Well, I like it. It looks cool," Seamus said happily, eyeing the ring on his brother's left hand. Rory patted his brother on the knee and started to get out of the bed. "Where are you going, Rory?" Seamus asked, his voice almost nervous.
"I am going down to the cafeteria and get myself and Sam a cup of coffee. Did you want anything?" He took his brother's hand and squeezed it lightly. Seamus nodded quickly, a grin stretching from ear to ear, as he began rattling off a list of candy for Rory to bring back. Sam laughed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out their stash of money, pressing it into Rory's outstretched palm. Rory leaned down to give Sam a quick kiss before exiting the room.
Sam and Seamus sat in an awkward silence for a moment. It was almost comical how Sam could tell that there was something weighing heavily on Seamus' mind. It seemed like being an open-book ran in the Flanagan family. Seamus' eyebrows were knitted together as he contemplated whatever it was that he had to say. Sam decided to take the same approach he always took when Rory was introspective like this. He let the silence stretch on, positive that Seamus would tell him what was on his mind eventually. He had been right. A small smile settled on his face as Seamus fidgeted with the hem of the blanket and began to talk.
"Sam," he started before pausing, his voice sheepish and quiet. "I'm so worried about Rory in America, but now I'm just as scared for him to come home because of our da. I hear what he says about Rory and I hate it. I just don't know what to do, Sam. I want Rory to come home, but I don't want da to hurt him." The words came out in a quiet, anxious rush. Sam almost had to strain to catch it all. "I love Rory, and I don't want him to get hurt." Seamus' face fell, his eyes fixed on the blanket between his fingers.
"Rory won't get hurt, Seamus," Sam promised, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'd never let that happen." Seamus' face brightened up at the ring of sincerity in Sam's words. "I would never let anything hurt Rory."
"Do you promise?" Seamus asked in a tiny voice. The childish pleading in the words broke Sam's heart. He gave the boy a small smile, taking his hand and giving it a deliberate squeeze. "Seamus, I promise not to let anything hurt Rory. I'll keep him safe." It was the easiest promise he'd ever made.
Seamus smiled, apparently pleased with Sam's response.
The tense charge evaporated from the room, the mood settling back into something lighter. Sam asked the boy about school and Seamus launched into a full description of his day to day routine. The blonde leaned back in his chair and listened to Seamus' easy chatter, amused by the way the boy would laugh at his own humor every time he'd say something amusing.
It was easy to see why Rory loved his brother so much. His personality was infectious. It was impossible not to find him endearing. Sam listened, amused, as Seamus continued to ramble about his classmates, classes, and his teachers. He settled back into his chair, grinning widely. He was sure that Seamus wouldn't run out of things to talk about anytime soon.
-xXxXx-
Rory had been halfway to the cafeteria when his phone rang. He checked the caller id screen and answered quickly.
"Hello, mammy," he said cheerfully before asking, "Where are you?"
"Hello, love. I'm on my way to see your brother. Are you at the hospital right now?"
"Uh-huh. Sam and I both are."
His mother's voice came back quickly. Her tone was solemn enough to concern Rory. "Are you with Seamus?"
Rory was confused. "N-No, I'm in the cafeteria getting coffee for myself and Sam." He left out the part about buying candy for Seamus to eat for breakfast, sure that she'd protest.
"Good," her voice was relieved, but still heavy.
"What's going on?" Rory asked, pulling a chair out from a nearby table and sitting down and resting his elbows against the tabletop.
His mother took a deep breath to steady herself. "Rory, I'm divorcing your father."
Rory leaned back in his chair and nodded to himself. He knew that this would mean a major upheaval, but he couldn't help the wave of relief that swept through him. A weight lifted from his shoulders as he thought about how he wouldn't have to worry about his father hurting Seamus anymore or belittling his mother in one of his trademark rages. His voice was even and calm as he responded. "Where will you stay?"
"I'm calling your grandmother as soon as I hang up with you."
Rory nodded again, relieved that there was a plan in place.
"Are you okay?" he asked pointedly.
"I'm just worried about how your brother is going to handle this." Her voice quivered slightly.
"He's so much stronger than you think. He gets it from you," Rory said quietly, a small smile on his face. "This is a good thing. Eventually, he'll understand that."
"You're right, Rory." She sighed deeply. "You always are." There was pride and affection evident in her tone. Another breath gusted out, crackling in the phone. "Okay, go be with your brother. I'll be there in a little while."
"I love you, mammy," Rory said earnestly.
"I love you, too, Rory," she returned, adoration for her son clear in her voice. Rory smiled at her tone, warmth flooding through him.
After reassuring his mother again that she was making the right move, they disconnected. A smile spread across Rory's face. He felt guilty for feeling so happy about such an intrinsically bleak thing, but he couldn't ward off the grin.
-xXxXx-
As he approached the door to his brother's hospital room, Rory couldn't help himself. He paused right outside the cracked door and listened to the conversation inside the room. He laughed to himself as he realized that he'd probably should have warned Sam about getting Seamus started on a tangent. He listened as his brother prattled about everything that crossed his mind. He risked peeking through the crack to look inside the room. The scene inside warmed him to the core. Seamus was chatting easily with Sam, gesturing animatedly with one hand as Sam held the other. There was a tranquil smile on Sam's face as he listened.
Rory pushed the door the rest of the way open. Both boys turned their attention to the door, smiling and greeting him in unison. Rory laughed quietly and walked over to the bed to press a kiss to his brother's forehead. Seamus wrinkled his nose petulantly, but there was still an adoring smile on his face. Rory stepped back and ruffled his brother's hair before dropping an ungodly amount of candy in his lap. Sam's eyes widened as he attempted to figure out how much that lot set them back, but quickly gave up, still having no idea how to calculate the foreign money. It didn't matter anyway. As long as the candy made Seamus happy, it was money well spent. Rory settled back onto the bed by his brother's side, taking Sam's hand, as he watched Seamus begin to devour the candy.
None of the boys noticed that anyone else had entered the room until they heard the sound of someone clicking their tongue in disapproval. "Seamus!" The boy looked up to the sound of his mother's voice, freezing in mid-bite of his second bar of chocolate, his eyes widening with surprise. Her eyes darted across the graveyard of candy wrappers strewn across the bed. "How much candy have you had?" she asked, her voice almost incredulous.
"Not—Not a lot," he lied feebly, trying to hide some of the wrappers under the blanket.
It was such a poor lie that Mrs. Flanagan laughed. "You're a terrible liar just like your brother, Seamus." She crossed the small room to take her youngest son's face between her hands and kiss his forehead before pulling away and doing the same thing to Rory. His face lit up brightly at the affection. The woman stepped back slightly, Rory's face still in her hands. She slid her thumb across his cheek, smiling kindly. "God, I missed doing that." She pulled Rory into a hug. He returned it enthusiastically, squeezing tightly.
Sam smiled as he took in the peaceful, happy look on Rory's face. Mrs. Flanagan soon turned to face him. "Good morning, Sam," she said kindly, reaching across the bed to pat his hand.
"Good morning, Mrs. Flanagan," Sam replied, his voice light.
She sighed and glanced between her sons. "Boys, I just got off the phone with your grandmother. We're going to be staying with her and granddad for awhile, okay?" She was speaking mainly to Seamus. Rory exchanged a knowing look with his mother before turning his head toward his brother, waiting for his response.
"Why?" he asked, his voice confused.
"Honey, I'm leaving your father. He hurt you and Rory and that's not okay. I love you both more than anything else, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you out of harm's way."
Seamus' face was fixed into a mask of shock. Rory wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulders and pulled him tightly against his side. "Seamus, it's better like this. I promise. You just have to trust me, okay?"
Seamus looked up toward his brother's face and nodded woodenly. "O-Okay, Rory."
Rory reached out to take his mother's hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. She met his eyes and nodded. There was determination on her face. They both knew that Seamus would be okay. He'd cry and be confused for a little while, but he'd be alright, because this needed to be done.
Seamus leaned further into Rory's side and sniffled quietly. Rory pressed a kiss to the top of his hair. "It's going to be okay, Seamus. I promise," he murmured into his brother's ear. "Everything's going to be okay."
A/N: As you probably noticed, this chapter was an indulgent amount of Seamus Flanagan. I have fallen in love with the character! I'm not even sorry. :) Reviews are always appreciated.