As was usual for the last week since the accident, Punk attempted to get comfortable in the standard armchair that decorated every hospital room, holding AJ's hand when doing so. Upon looking around the quiet room, a small smile appeared across Punk's lips; it hadn't been long since the accident, just under a week, but still, to Punk, it felt like an eternity, as if time had stopped completely. He didn't have his crazy AJ at his side, his soulmate there to help him get through the day-to-day life of a teenager and young adult through the final days of school life before being released into the big world to find his way through life.
The others, namely Nikki and Becky, had done an excellent job decorating the otherwise cold and dull white-washed room. Aleister had brought along little bits and bobs he knew she'd like, from fluffy comic-themed blankets to little trinkets to make the room homely. AJ's prom things remained in the bag Damian had brought up, just in front of the giant teddy bear Jimmy and Jey had all but dragged into the room just days prior. The room would bring a smile to AJ when she woke up; Punk was sure of that, even more so when the table over her bed was filled with different sweet treats random school acquaintances had brought and a stack of cards wishing her a speedy recovery.
For a long moment, Punk began to think. What would he say to AJ when she woke up? Would she remember what happened? After all, she had sustained a nasty head injury, severe enough she'd been put into a medically induced coma. The doctors at least hoped she'd be okay and fully recover. They estimated AJ could return to school in time to attend all the upcoming events, such as the tournament finals, prom, exams, and graduation, even if she used crutches to get around and had someone there to help her when needed. However, even they couldn't say if AJ would remember everything that happened. Some said it was a fifty-fifty chance, while others said it depended on AJ.
Immediately, Punk thought of Summer, the leggy blonde who had been released from the hospital the day before. Finn and JD worked together to help when she needed it. She was doing well, except for her memory of the accident. Where she'd vividly remembered what happened and given helpful details to the investigating officers just a day or so after the accident, now she could barely remember anything. Doctors had reassured her it was nothing to worry about; her mind was simply protecting her, helping her through the trauma of the accident by blanking out the memories, rewriting them, or completely erasing what happened—a typical response to trauma.
For a moment, Punk wondered if that would be the case for AJ and maybe Echo when she finally woke up. He allowed the thoughts to dwell just a little longer before pushing them away, forcing himself to focus on the positive future possibilities instead of the negative. After the week or so without AJ, he learned many things about himself, first and foremost, how lost he was without her there. She was the shining light that made each day of struggle and challenges worth it. He got a taste of life without her and quickly learned he didn't like it, nor did he wish to make it permanent. Simply put, he needed his Geek Goddess to live, for a life without her wasn't worth living at all.
Once again, his thoughts changed; the silence allowed him time to dwell on many things. This time, his thoughts turned to his step-brother, Seth. In the room next door with Echo. He was in a similar situation, although many could argue Seth had handled things far worse than Punk. Whereas Punk had managed to find a way to push through every day, Seth had yet to do so. He had essentially been on autopilot for the last week or so. His attention waned often, and he could barely listen to lectures long enough to take notes. He frequently tuned in and out of conversations. His smile had faded, too; not even Cross had been able to pull a grin or a stint of laughter from him. Wrestling practice was no better, barely able to keep his attention where it should be, so much so Hunter had noticed and sidelined him for now. The fatherly man also gave him a pep talk in the hopes of helping upon realizing what had caused the sudden change.
When Punk's thoughts switched again, it was to the recent incident involving Roman and Serenity. The entire school, student body, and staff knew about their monumental argument. Rumors of it had spread like wildfire, as had short clips bystanders had recorded and sent to friends. The argument stunned everyone, primarily because of how vicious it had been. Serenity accuses Roman of withdrawing and being unsupportive and useless when it comes to her pregnancy demands. At the same time, Roman shocked everyone with his accusations against Serenity when he thought the theory out that she was somehow involved in the accident.
Roman had actively avoided Serenity since then, only communicating with her if it involved the pregnancy. Even then, he'd taken the power she once held over him away. With a bolt of courage, he'd told his parents everything about the admittedly stupid decisions he'd made over the past year and their cost, about Serenity, the pregnancy, and the volatile relationship between them. He told them everything. As expected, they'd not been pleased, but they helped him get back on track and advised him on fixing what was broken or attempted to repair. They offered support and plenty of punishment when it came to his stupidity.
To the surprise of the mix-and-match family, the day after the vicious fight, and telling his parents everything. Roman had come to them, apologizing for everything he'd done to wrong each of them over the past school year and asking for forgiveness, even recognizing he didn't deserve it. He'd also written a letter to each, writing down what he couldn't bring himself to say. In the ones to Seth and Dean, there was the truth about why he'd left the wrestling team in the first place: selfishness and all part of his pointless plans of being the top of the mountain.
When asked about the sudden change, Roman's answer was simple enough. The accident had given him the wake-up call he needed, and Serenity's lack of emotion or care for those hurt made him see her for the wicked monster she indeed was. It made him take notice of all the red flags she'd been waving at him from the beginning. The way she acted with her four friends, the same people investigators suspected were involved in the accident, showed how little she truly cared about his aspirations, friends, and even family. In truth, Serenity had never cared outside of what she could get from him.
Along with her confession, Roman hadn't been the desired target she wanted to sink her claws into; he was just the easier one of the two targets. The actual person she wanted was Drew McIntyre, no less. The confession had sealed the doom of their relationship outside of co-parenting. Even then, Roman had made it clear he'd fight to get sole custody of the child, ensuring it wouldn't turn out like its mother. Her confession was heartbreaking to Roman, but he needed to hear it to move on and find the motivation to leave Serenity in the past, where she truly belonged.
As Punk continued to think, a smile appeared across his lips; so much had changed over the last week, some for the worst but others for the better. Although he'd never admit it out loud, he was proud of Roman. He remembered who he had once been, the role model he'd been to so many younger students, the brother he had been, and the friend others wanted to have. The Samoan had worked tirelessly to get back to being that person, to figure out how to make up for what he had done. And for the most part, he was succeeding.
Roman had visited Summer before her release and truly apologized to her for how he'd previously treated her, for breaking her heart as he had and playing cruel games. He understood her hatred of him and accepted he deserved it. Slowly, the pair worked out a way to move on and coexist without hatred. Although still shakey, they were better than before. So much so Roman now helped Summer with her duties as Task Master. Often, the Samoan delivered the new Lame Game lists and the little prizes intended for the winners of each round.
He'd visited AJ, too; each day, he brought a new comic, usually the latest edition of her favorites. Every day, he asked about her and how she was doing. He kept Punk company, too. The two had talked a lot, with Punk encouraging Roman to make things right with Seth and Dean, repeating what others had said. The three were stronger together. In the few times Punk needed to leave the room, Roman had stayed with AJ. Telling her about the day's school events and updating her on his redemption journey.
After each visit with AJ, Roman would go next door and spend time with Echo. Like with AJ, he always took something for her: a small photo album one of the girls had made but couldn't bring themself to take, a book he was sure she'd love, and a few art supplies so she had something to do when she woke. Like AJ, he spends time talking to her and remembering past times. He'd speak to Seth, too, even when the other teenager wasn't listening. On the odd occasion Echo's brothers or parents were there, he talked to them. Without fail, Roman always asked how Echo was doing, hoping things would be better that particular day.
He never failed to compliment Aleister on the little things he brought to decorate the dull room, including the black blanket—a favorite of Echo's from home. He also got little pictures of everyone in an ornamental silver frame. Aleister had recruited Seth to arrange everything in the room: the photos on the bedside cabinet, her favorite treats on the table over her bed, the giant duck plushy Jacob had brought along the day prior sat in the corner, the small collection of teddy bears surrounding it. Hunter, Echo's twin brother, had taken her prom things home once Rhea had gone through the mixed bag to ensure everything was ready for his sister's return home.
Punk was soon pulled from his never-ending stream of thoughts; something had clamped down on his hand, although it hadn't immediately registered what it was. The tight grip had been enough to pull him from the flowing thoughts with a startled jump. When the tight grip loosened, it finally hit Punk, which had pulled him back to reality.
"AJ," called Punk with hopefulness, reaching his free hand to run through her dark hair. Slowly, the petite teen showed signs of life, a groan first, then tightening her grip on his hand once more before finally opening her eyes and scanning the room with blurred vision: no words left her dry lips, only confusion painted on her features before fear seeped in. At first, she struggled to get away, only to realize the tubes and wires snaking her arms, the breathing applicator coming from her nose. However, the moment her eyes landed on Punk, she calmed a little, gripping her hand even tighter than before, as Punk pushed the button to call for aid.
Not even a minute later, a doctor walked in, cheery, with a smile spread across his lips. He seemed pleased that at least the call to him was on a good note rather than the typically expected sour one. When he reached AJ's bedside, he asked her several questions while going about the regular checkups, carefully removing the tubes and wire that were no longer necessary. He left shortly after completing an assessment and ensuring she was okay despite the shock of waking up in the hospital.
"Marry me?" asked Punk, leaning over AJ to wrap her in a tight, loving embrace. He hadn't meant the words to slip past his lips, but he didn't regret them either. AJ didn't respond with words but a simple nod in agreement, her eyes wide but filled with love. A smile appeared upon looking around the room again, with clearer vision. Seeing the little things others brought for her, the teddy bear pulled a croaky laugh from her scratchy throat.
"What happened?" croaked AJ, wincing slightly from the pain of using her voice again. For the most part, she tried to ignore the flashes of memories hitting her, all revolving around the accident. She didn't want to believe it was the truth. "Where's Echo? Summer?" she asked shortly after, at least after accepting the girls' shopping adventure had ended in such a horrible way.
"Echo's next door. Seth stays with her. Aleister and the Darklings take turns, as do Roman. She's yet to wake," spoke Punk, refusing to hide the truth even when it was tempting. AJ's eyes widened upon hearing the last bit; Echo, her best friend, had yet to wake up. Was the accident that bad? "Summer's been released already; Finn and JD help her around school; Roman is her assistant Task Master for the Lame Game," he added, at least thankful for the good news he could share; although still unsure about herself, Summer had been released from the hospital and returned to everyday school life, doing the best she could with the help of those around her.
"Roman?" AJ questioned, her voice still hoarse, surprised, and confused. Again, expertly painted her features. The last she could recall, the Samoan was at odds with most of them, determined even to set the bridge on fire, burn it to the ground with confidence that he wouldn't need to cross it again.
"The accident gave him the slap of reality he's been needing," replied Punk, knowing deep down AJ would be proud of the Samoan too. "He's put himself on the redemption path, apologized to everyone, wrote letters, spoke to Summer, recognized what he did wrong, spoke to his parents, got an evening job, helps out in study groups, dead set on being a good dad to the little one and probably most surprising broke up with Serenity, even said he would fight for sole custody," he continued, watching as AJ's surprise grew, how her dark eyes widened. He'd done so much in such little time. "Brought you some of your favorite comics and took a couple of things for Echo as well. I think he's helping with Seth's secret project, too."
"He's been busy," replied AJ. Not sure how to word her thoughts, she asked, "Wait, he spoke to Summer, and she didn't throw him out the window?" to ensure she had heard that right. Besides Finn, Summer is the only one who displays hatred toward Roman, especially after the games he plays with her heart.
"He saw the error of his ways, the red flags Serenity's been waving," spoke Punk, feeling the weight threatening to drown him lift. AJ had woken up at last, and although he was still scared, it hadn't been as prevalent as before. Instead, it was almost as if everything had brightened up again; the sun seemed a little brighter now, the bird sang their little tune louder, and the room didn't feel as cold as before. It was almost as if AJ returning to him again had brought back the sense of normality he was missing, the light that seemed to have disappeared when she wasn't with him. All Punk could do was hope the same would happen for Seth when Echo finally woke up.
"Were you serious?" asked AJ, thinking over the small interactions since she'd woken. The one that stuck out was the proposal, one she was sure wasn't intended nor meant to happen. Yet still, something about it felt right, as if Punk had thought about it many times before the two little words slipped through his lips. "About proposing?"
"Yeah," replied Punk, recalling the times he thought about it more and more over the previous school year. The accident had just reaffirmed what he already knew: AJ was his soulmate; she was all he needed. "I was planning on asking you prom night, where we'd be in the place we first met, surrounded by the people we love. But after this week, where I experienced life without you, I knew I had to ask. I know you, my crazy goddess, so if you'll have me ..."
"You always had me," AJ responded, confident despite their quietness. "Always will," she added, reaching to pull him a little closer. Her grin widened when Punk pulled out the little ring box from his jacket pocket, placing the simple ring on her finger moments later. "Now all we need is for our demon to wake up, and then our family will be whole again," she continued, knowing nothing would be the same without Echo there, too. She was the missing piece to their little family, like Seth, the glue that held everyone together.
"She comes back to us; Demon is strong; hell will freeze over before she gives up," reassured Punk, recalling Aleister speaking those exact words to Seth when walking the other teen around the hospital grounds, making sure he got fresh air and time for himself, even when he refused it. "We'll fight for her too; we're family, it's what we do."