Nick was running. His breath was coming in short and strained as he ran. Slowly, he was coming to the elevator.
He pushed the button to go up and saw it was only one floor up. He stepped back and tried to catch his breath. He was struggling to keep it all in check. His heart was thundering in his ears and his hands trembled. His emotions were at the worst stage. His eyes were on the verge of tears. Still, he was able to hold himself together this far, right? Just a bit more and he would be "home free" as it was.
When they opened onto the fourth floor, he darted out and ran to the room.
The door was open and he stopped, breathing and leaning on the door.
"Is he-?"
Greg waved. He was severely bandaged, but one eye was somewhat able to see. His good arm had an ace bandage holding it together. "Hey, Nick."
Sara patted his knee and got up. "We needed to switch shifts anyways." She smiled at Nick, knowing full well her message had sent him into a frenzy with just a "hurry" sent away. "You've got the night shift this time."
Nick nodded and waited for her to leave before he stepped into the room. "Hey."
Greg swallowed and then smiled a little kinder. "Hey. You look like you just came from work."
"I did." Nick was about to leave the door when he heard Greg ask to close it for the evening. As it clicked, Nick felt the air grow lighter and felt Greg's ease with the door shut. Facing the door, Nick opened his mouth. "Greg, Archie showed us your cell phone's videos."
"I know."
"Did you know that we almost cried?"
"I know."
"Greg, do you realize how badly you've gotten us stressed?" Nick turned around.
Greg looked sad, but was staring at his knees. "I know."
"Don't you know how badly we worried when you were in a paralyzed state?" he almost yelled.
"I know," Greg whispered.
Nick approached the bed. "And do you know how many times you gave me a heart attack?" Nick asked, putting his left hand on the bed and raising his right to touch Greg's hair.
"I know."
Nick's face softened and he gently kissed the crown of Greg's bandaged head. "Do you know how much I missed your voice?"
Greg shook his head. "No."
Nick eased onto the bed and touched Greg's face. "Look at me."
"I can't." Greg began to tremble as he slowly rubbed his cast. "I can't just... look at you like that."
Nick smiled, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Just raise your face so I can see how badly you need to recover."
Greg's eye was closed, but his tear still fell. "I wish I hadn't let it happen."
Nick sighed and finally let go of Greg's face. He leaned on his knees, letting his hands fold into prayer. He stared at his thumbs. "Nobody could've ever know what was gonna happen, Greg. We could just hope that we know when it comes down to it. We can always pray that we're wrong and stand up to take the next big blow."
Greg smiled. "I know."
Nick reached behind him and stopped Greg from rubbing his cast. He slowly turned back to Greg. "I know it's a bit late, but I've got something to say and you need to hear it." He looked up at Greg's unmoved face. "You don't have to acknowledge that you hear me, but just let me say my piece and you can go about watching TV and finishing your dinner."
Greg slowly nodded once.
Nick took Greg's good hand and held it in his, along with Greg's bad hand. "Okay, firstly, I wanted to say that I'm sorry I couldn't help figure this stuff out sooner. Second of all, I want to say that I'm over joyed you're home." He gently pushed the crown of his head touched Greg's. "I wanted you to come back, no matter what. I would go mad if I didn't have you to be there to get me ramped up at work." Nick felt the tears. "I want, more than anything, to open you and your heart back up to the world. It took me far too long to do so."
Nick slowly backed away and sighed.
Greg's lose fingers gently clamped on Nick's hands.
Nick closed his eyes. "One more thing, Greg." He leaned forward and his breath sent chills down Greg's spine. "I've fallen pretty hard for you, Greg, and I'm not about to lose your smile to Ivan or anyone else."
Greg almost laughed, but just got out a chuckle as he lifted his hand to hold onto Nick's neck. He looked forward as he gave him a one-armed hug. "It's good to hear."