Chapter Text
It took Erling a long time to come in terms with the fact that he’s been disconnected from the world for 2 years.
2 years of his life were spent laying down in a bed unconscious to whatever is happening around him.
He just couldn’t accept it, felt like it was some kind of prank done by his two older siblings, one moment he was in his room and the next he wakes up in a hospital bed with his family around him, crying , hugging him and kissing his head.
He remembers his mom kissing his hand then squeezing the air out of him, he remembers his dad standing right beside her waiting for his turn to hold him ‘weird’ he thought, his parents got divorced a millennial ago, his dad had gotten remarried, and from what he remembers they were never seen in a room together as they couldn’t stand each other.
So what type of force joined them together for today? And did it have anything to do with him?.
“Oh my god my baby my baby, I can’t believe it” his mom held his face between her palms, his father was wiping tears, Gabrielle and Astor were staring at him, the same way they did when he was a wee 5 year old, alright man WHAT HAPPENED.
“What’s wrong? Why’re you crying” was that his voice? Why did it sound so rusty.
“Oh my goodness his voice i missed his voice” she hugged him once again.
It took them all about 15 minutes to calm down, stop crying and attempting to cut his airways from all those cuddles.
“Do you remember how you got here erl?” Astor said while there was a nurse checking his blood pressure, heartbeat and all that.
“Uh no everything in my head feels hazy” he was absolutely terrified,what got him here
“It’ll all come back to him slowly, we don’t wanna shock him and cause any issues” the nurse said.
He really tried to focus and think deep inside his head, why was he in this place, did he hit his head? Is that why he couldn’t remember.
“Even we don’t know, one day your sister went inside your room and found you passed out on the floor, when we tried waking you up you….uhm didn’t respond so we brought you here” his father said he was sat down right beside him rubbing his shoulders.
“When did that happen this morning?”
*awkward silence*
“Uhmmmm” his brother said “Erling you’ve been asleep for two years”
“Fuck off Astor”
“No baby he’s serious” his mom replied.
“I know it sounds crazy but it is the truth”
Before he could even react his father held him tight against his chest stroking his hair, Erling let out a sob, he didn’t wanna do that but his brain couldn’t comprehend what it was hearing.
2 years….
2 YEARS
TWO FUCKING YEARS
two years, gone just like that, he could do so much in two years, he could learn a language in two years, could get married in two years, travel the world, finish his last two years of university.
Oh my god College, what happened to that?
His thoughts were two scattered so he pushed that one backward and focused on something else.
“Is this really not a joke?”
“No my dear why would we do that to you” his dad told him.
Another 15 minutes had passed, Erling still had his head on his father’s chest, sniffling, but he wasn’t so sobbing at least, was he being dramatic for breaking down like that? Or was this normal.
“I know it’s hard to grasp but if there’s a positivity to look at, we were told you wouldn’t even wake up, that I’d have to witness my sons funeral, but you being the strong man that you are, defied them and woke up today, we thank god for that”.
“Your right dad, it’s just weird a bit”
“I know”
When the day was over and he had to go to sleep he sensed that everybody around him was tense, perhaps they were worried that once he shut his eyes again he’ll slip back into a coma, he feels so bad, he traumatized everyone around him.
“I’m so sorry dad, I had you all stressing for the past 2 years”
His dad kissed his head, “don’t ever apologize, none of this is your fault”
“I just don’t get it why did this even happen, I’m perfectly healthy”
“We don’t knew why these things happen erl, we’re happy it’s over now tho”
He sighed.
“Don’t think about it, let your brain rest, goodnight I love you” his dad left the room “i know you said you didn’t want me to stay with you but I’ll make sure to check on you every once in a while just to keep my sanity”
Erling didn’t want his dad to stay with him till he fell asleep, he felt like he wanted to stay alone for a bit, plus he didn’t want his dad to stare at his sleeping face, he’s already been doing that for the past two years no need to put him through that again.
It took a lot of convincing to get his mom and siblings to leave the hospital, they’ll be coming back first thing in the morning anyway, on the other hand he wanted his dad to stay there with him, he was gonna be sleeping in a different room but he’s still there.
Alfie didn’t really want to do this but it was the only way to calm his anxiety down.
He has been staring at his sons sleeping for for the past 10 minutes, contemplating what he was about to do.
Erling has been blissfully asleep for an hour, Alfie was shocked he was able to fall asleep considering the fact that been asleep for the past two years, his anxiety was rising high, what if Erling didn’t wake up again? What if he’ll slip back into that coma, what if this past day has been a thing of alfie’s imagination? Erling was still in a coma and he never woke up in the first place?
So he made his choice, he grabbed Erling shoulder and shook him awake, he feels bad but his nerves were wrecking him.
“Ugh what” Erling rubbed his eyes.
“Oh it wasn’t a dream” he hugged Erling lightly.
“What?”
“Nothing, go back to sleep honey”
“Sorry dad” Erling closed his eyes again.
“Don’t apologize”
“Oh my days no way no way no way” Jude screamed into the hallway after he hung up the phone call that he was on.
“What what is happening?” Gio said.
“He woke up gio he woke up can you believe it, I really thought he would die”
“Yeah isn’t that what the doctors said?”
“Yeah but who knows strange things happen, I don’t care I’m just so happy” Jude bounded in his place. “I’m gonna go see him tomorrow and I’ll get him roses a gift maybe some sweets…”
“Hey hey Jude maybe you should calm down, the guy doesn’t know you, remember” gio placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Dude what’re are you talking about I’ve been by his side for months, I’m in love with him”
“Yeah YOU are in love, not him, he was unconscious the whole time, you don’t even know what he’s like you never spoke to him”
“your not gonna ruin this for me, tomorrow I’m gonna go see him and that’s it, it’ll be the best day ever”
“I think speaking to a comatose body for the past couple of months has turned you insane” gio already knew how ‘extreme’ his friend was, but he was convinced that Erling wouldn’t wake up and that Jude would be hit with the harsh reality that he won’t get everything that he wants.
‘Whatever, when Erling freaks out and kicks him out of the hospital then he’ll learn’ he thought to himself.
The sterile scent of the hospital filled the air as Jude navigated the familiar maze of hallways, his thoughts a muddled storm of expectations. What would he say? How could he explain the depths of his feelings without overwhelming Erling? As he reached the Room, he paused, taking a deep breath to steady his racing pulse.
“Okay, Jude. Just breathe,” he whispered to himself, With a gentle push, he opened the door and stepped inside.
The sight that greeted him nearly took his breath away. There lay Erling, propped up against crisp white pillows, his features delicate and vulnerable in the early morning light filtering through the window. Those big blue eyes blinked up at him, confusion swirling behind them.
“Hello?” Erling’s voice trembled with uncertainty, his brow knitting as he searched Jude’s face for a hint of familiarity. ‘His voice is cute’ It was a voice Jude had longed to hear, it filled him with a rush of protectiveness and urgency he hadn’t expected.
“Erling,” Jude breathed, his heart swelling at the sound of his name. He took a tentative step forward, his palms itching to reach out and cradle the boy who had consumed his thoughts for what felt like an eternity.
The moment felt both surreal and electric. Jude was overwhelmed by the need to close the distance between them, yet he hesitated, unsure of how to navigate the unfamiliar territory. “It’s me… it’s Jude,” he said slowly, each word achingly deliberate.
Confusion played across Erling’s features, and Jude felt a pang of disappointment—a deep, twisting ache. He could see the shadows of uncertainty clouding Erling’s eyes. Still, Jude longed to hold him, to erase the confusion with the warmth of his love. As he approached the bed, he didn’t hesitate this time, reaching out to take Erling’s hand into his own, squeezing gently, Erlings has remained limp in his hold, ‘but hey at least he didn’t pull back’.
“I’ve been visiting you every day since… since I’ve found you in here,” Jude stammered, his voice a mix of eagerness and nervousness. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. I wanted to be here for you.”
Erling’s brow furrowed further, and Jude could see the gears turning in his mind, trying to piece together this revelation. “I… I don’t remember,” Erling admitted softly, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his tone. There was a flicker of disbelief in his gaze, but kindness tempered his confusion, as if he were determined not to push Jude away despite the strangeness of it all.
Jude felt his heart plunge, but he didn’t falter. He gently pulled Erling’s hand closer, intertwining their fingers, wanting nothing more than to connect with him in this moment. Erling stated at their intertwined hands “That’s okay,” he reassured, his voice low and soothing. “I’m here now. I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”
Erling's blue eyes studied him closely, searching for the truth within Jude’s earnest expression. “You’ve been visiting me?” he echoed, skepticism lingering in his voice. Jude could see the puzzle pieces of familiarity slowly fitting together, even if only slightly.
“Yes, every single day.” His voice was full of depth, dripping with the weight of his emotions. “I couldn’t leave you. I had to be here for you.” He brought Erling’s hand to his chest, trembling with the longing for connection. “You don’t have to understand it all right now. Just know that I care about you… deeply.”
Though Erling’s expression flickered with unease, he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let out a soft breath, a shy acceptance reflecting in the way he gently squeezed Jude’s hand back. “Okay… I guess that makes sense,” Erling replied, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he were still grappling with the reality of the situation.
Jude wanted nothing more than to hold Erling, to envelop him in the safety of his embrace.
“Can I… can I hold you?” Jude asked, his voice trembling with eagerness and yearning. He searched Erling’s eyes for permission, wanting desperately to bridge the gap between them.
After a moment of hesitation, Erling nodded, a hesitant smile breaking through his confusion. “Sure,” he said, the kindness in his voice hiding how weirded out he was, but Erling was always a people’s pleaser unable to say no. "I mean… if you really want to."
The moment that followed was almost sacred—Jude carefully wrapped his arms around Erling, drawing him against his chest with a sense of urgency that was almost overwhelming. He breathed in the scent of him, a soft scent that was uniquely Erling.
“I’m so glad you’re awake, Erling,” Jude murmured into his hair, his voice thick with emotion. “I promise I’ll never let you feel alone again.”
Erling relaxed into Jude’s embrace, that gentle acceptance wrapping around them like a protective cocoon. Despite the confusion swirling in his mind, he found comfort in Jude's presence, a silent agreement that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.
He never felt so……appreciated before, he had always been the kind of person who thrived in the shadows, feeling often ignored by those around him, even by his own family. A stranger, this man before him, had chosen to care enough to sit by his bedside, to visit him daily while he was lost to the world.
He could sense that there was something uniquely special about Jude—the way his eyes sparkled with warmth and concern, the way his hands held Erling with an unyielding gentleness. Underneath the layer of oddity, Erling felt a thrill of flattery. This stranger was completely devoted to him, and despite the absurdity of the situation, it stirred something he had never felt before—a newfound sense of self-worth.
In a surge of impulsiveness, Erling found himself saying, “I… I think I remember your voice.”
The way Jude’s eyes widened in disbelief was instant and electric. “You do?” he exclaimed, his voice laced with pure joy. Before Erling could process the weight of the lie, Jude enveloped him in a tight embrace once more, lifting his spirit and sending waves of happiness crashing over both of them. “Oh, my God, that’s amazing!”
Jude pulled away slightly, still holding Erling’s shoulders, searching his face with an intensity that made Erling’s heart race. “That’s… that’s wonderful! That menas you heard everything I used to say to you! I can’t believe it!”
Erling chuckled nervously, “I mean, it’s just a voice, right? It’s not like I know you or anything.”
“You’ll get to know me, I’ll be visiting you whenever I can don’t worry, uh when do you get out of here”
“They said they’ll be keeping me until tomorrow, just to make sure nothing bad happens”
“Alright I have to go now I’ve got work, I would love to stay with you b-“
“No no it’s fine go ahead” Erling rushed him.
“Alrightyyyy see you whenever I can sleeping beauty” Jude waved to him and left the room.
Erling exhaled heavily, why did he lie like that, he got this strangers hopes up for no reason, but to be honest he does feel some kind of attraction to him, who knows maybe it would grow.