Chapter 30

3rd person pov:

The hospital room was sterile and cold, the faint hum of machines punctuating the otherwise quiet space. Fourth lay in the bed, his pallor worse than it had been before, his body frail and weakened. The sudden flare-up had sent him to the hospital earlier that day, and though the doctors had stabilized him for the moment, there was no clear explanation for what was happening. All they knew was that his condition had worsened, much faster than anticipated.

Gemini sat beside him, one hand clasped around Fourth's, his thumb gently stroking over the back of his hand. It was the only thing he could do—hold on, provide comfort, and remain there, steady and unwavering.

Fourth's breathing was shallow, but at least the oxygen mask helped a bit, easing the strain on his lungs. Gemini had spent hours by his side, only stepping away for brief moments to stretch or grab water. But even then, his mind never truly left Fourth's side.

Pond and Phuwin had visited, but they could only offer comforting words that felt distant compared to the reality of the situation. Gemini had been silent about his fears, his own worries, but his determination had never wavered. He wasn't going anywhere.

The doctors had yet to give a definitive answer, only offering words of caution and vague reassurance. Fourth's condition remained unpredictable, and though they were managing his symptoms, no one could promise that he'd recover fully.

Gemini had heard the words, the talk of treatment plans and possible outcomes, but all of it felt distant. His focus was on Fourth—on the steady rise and fall of his chest, on the slight twitch of his fingers in Gemini's grip.

"You don't have to do this," Fourth's voice came weakly, the words barely audible beneath the oxygen mask. His eyes were half-closed, his voice strained. "You don't have to stay here with me."

"I'm staying because I want to," Gemini replied softly, his grip tightening slightly on Fourth's hand. "You're not alone in this. Not now, not ever."

Fourth managed a small smile, but it faded quickly as he winced in discomfort. "But what if this never gets better? What if I'm just... this way?"

Gemini shook his head, his voice firm but gentle. "I'm not going anywhere, Fourth. We're in this together. I'm here for the good and the bad, for the hard moments and the easier ones. I've already told you that."

There was a brief silence, the only sound the quiet beep of the heart monitor. Fourth's expression seemed to soften, though the exhaustion in his eyes never quite disappeared. His body was clearly weary from the strain, but there was something else in his gaze now—an acceptance of the fact that Gemini wasn't leaving, no matter what.

The night wore on, and the hospital room grew quieter. Phuwin and Pond had gone home for the evening, giving Gemini space to take over the night shift. The nurses checked in regularly, adjusting IVs and monitoring vitals, but it was Gemini who sat vigil by Fourth's side, barely blinking as he watched over him.

Every so often, Fourth would stir, his breath catching as if in a dream, but Gemini would be there, his soothing voice calming him back into a restful sleep. He whispered quiet reassurances, telling Fourth stories of their days in the garden, of the plans they'd made to travel together, of the small things that brought them joy. He spoke not only to soothe Fourth but to remind himself that they still had time, even if the future was uncertain.

Hours passed, and as the first rays of dawn peeked through the blinds, Gemini felt a weight pressing on his chest. He hadn't slept much, hadn't even thought of leaving the room, and yet, he didn't feel the need to. He would face the exhaustion, the strain, as long as Fourth wasn't facing it alone.

At some point in the early morning, Fourth shifted again, this time waking fully. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he seemed disoriented, blinking rapidly as he adjusted to the light.

"Gemini?" he whispered, his voice hoarse.

"Hey, I'm here," Gemini replied, instantly at his side. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over," Fourth muttered, but there was a faint laugh in his tone, a hint of his usual humor slipping through despite his condition.

Gemini chuckled softly, brushing a lock of hair from Fourth's forehead. "You'll get through this, I promise. One step at a time."

Fourth's gaze softened, his tired eyes searching Gemini's face. "I'm sorry... for all of this. You didn't sign up for this kind of thing."

Gemini shook his head, his thumb gently brushing over Fourth's knuckles. "I'm here for exactly this. You don't need to apologize. I don't regret a single moment of being by your side. This is what love is. It's about being here when it's hard, when it's messy, when it's uncertain."

Fourth's chest rose and fell with a shaky breath. He seemed to be weighing Gemini's words, as though unsure of how to respond. Finally, he let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes again, seemingly comforted by Gemini's presence.

"I'm glad you're here," Fourth whispered before drifting back into sleep.

Gemini remained by his side, his fingers entwined with Fourth's, his heart steady despite the chaos of emotions swirling within him. The hours of uncertainty, the fear of what the future might hold, all of it felt distant now. All he needed to do was be there, to remain grounded, to show Fourth that no matter what, they would face whatever came next—together.

As the day began anew, with sunlight filtering through the blinds, the world outside seemed far away. In that quiet room, with Fourth's steady breathing and Gemini's quiet promise, time slowed. It was uncertain, it was difficult, but it was theirs.

And Gemini wasn't about to let go.