Chapter Text
“How are you feeling?” Helena asked as she fumbled with a used tissue in one hand, the other resting on Simon’s shoulder.
”Same as yesterday.” Simon adjusted slightly in the hospital bed. After weeks of illness he had lost most of his weight. The bags under his eyes were indicators of his lack of sleep. Many uncomfortable nights spent up with Richard.
“Regardless of feeling you sure aren’t looking very good with that silly cap they put on you.” Richard felt the blue surgical net the nurse had put on Simon.
”We’re not supposed to touch him before surgery, Richard!” Amber protested, but was smiling herself.
”That’s nonsense, we’re allowed to say our goodbyes.”
Simon tensed a little. “Oh that reminds me.” He cleared his throat. “I got my will done, but I hope you guys won’t need to look it over yet.”
The nurse entered the room with fake cheeriness, the anesthesiologist following close behind. “Are we all ready to go?”
”No!” Emily said from her wheelchair. “I want to give him a hug before…. before surgery.”
Richard picked Emily up and put her on the bed, her upper half laying across Simon’s chest and her legs dangling off the side.
”See you soon, yeah?” Simon pushed back her curls and kissed the girls cheek. He rubbed her back and held her in that paternal way; a stronger secure presence that guarantees a feeling of comfort.
”Yeah.” Emily’s voice was as small as a mouse. “I’ll miss you…. I love you.” Tears stuck to her eyelashes like rain to leaves. She kissed the tip of his nose.
“I love you too.”
The anesthesiologist put the airway mask on him and said some things he didn’t care to hear. He raised his hand weakly and gave a little wave. “So long.”
….
Richard straightened his bow tie and took in his reflection.
“You look dashing.” Simon said from behind him. He was wearing one of his old suits, which was now a few sizes too big. “Ambers a lucky lady to have you.”
”We ought to have had that suit tailored. In the pictures you’ll look like a little boy wearing his fathers clothes.”
”You need to stop fussing over me, today is about you and Amber, and what we ought to do is have a good time. Plus make sure you don’t forget your vows.” They laughed and looked at eachother for a moment.
”I’m real glad you could be here.”
”Me too.” He smiled bashfully. “I never thought I’d be the best man at anyone’s wedding.”
“You’re my best man in any situation.”