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He felt himself waking up. Though his mind was foggy, Layne listened to the footsteps walk across the room. And the voice that accompanied them. “-is doing really well.” Layne realized he was still plugged in. “So I was thinking we should start to decide on the next one. Waving through a window is pretty popular. Could have you guys do that one.” He walked around behind him as he continued talking. “Maybe do a throw back and go for a Disney song.” It was a struggle, but Layne managed slight movement in his arm. Only to realize he was restrained. Wrist tied to the armrest of the chair he was seated in. Right. The consequences of his actions. “But I guess before we do something like that I should figure out how to get you guys to be more animated.”
Kurt was quiet but Layne could still hear his footsteps for a moment. There was silence for awhile. He didn't hear him leave. He was still in the room. Layne tried to think. How long has it been? Months? He had no idea. Too many blanks. But... He had to do something. Layne was pretty sure he was the only one lucid enough to try anything. Did he want to risk moving? To find out where their captor was? His fingers twitched. “Hm? No, you're not trying that again.” Footsteps. “Time for you to clock out.” No. No no no. The cord was pulled. No... Then the heavy darkness fell over him.
-~-
Layne jerked awake. Shoving the blankets off, he nearly fell out of bed in his hurry to get up. He was breathing hard. Panicked. Eyes darting around the room as his hand went to his neck. Then his eyes shot over to the window. Taking his hand from his neck he pulled the curtain back. It took a minute before it clicked. Home. He was home.
He stepped back, the curtain falling closed, leg bumping against the bed-frame, and slumped down on the edge of the bed. His hand found its way back to his neck, covering the electrical plug. “Layne?” came the tired voice of his wife. He heard her, but he wasn't listening; his mind someplace else entirely. His heart pounding. It was so vivid. Felt like he was still there. Still... “Layne.” He let out a shaky breath and lifted his head slightly as Cyndi stepped over. She knelt down in front of him. His eyes followed her. He tried to focus. Drag himself back to the present. “You're okay.” She lifted her left hand and gently rested it over the one he held to his neck. “You're safe. You're safe and home.” She removed her hand and rested it on his cheek. “You're home, Layne.”
After releasing a shuddered breath, he leaned lightly against her palm and whispered, “I'm home.”
“Yes you are.” Layne could hear she was near tears. They lingered for just a moment longer before she got up and held him. He wrapped his arms around her. They both needed this. He's only been back home for a handful of hours. Layne closed his eyes and just focused on the sound of Cyndi's heartbeat. Her breathing. And soon her sniffling as she quietly cried in his hair.