Maybe distance was a good thing?
Tarius opened his top desk drawer, found a roll of antacids, and popped one into his mouth. He cringed at the chalky peppermint, but it would help. Food might not be a bad idea, either. He’d only had half of a mostly-stale bagel for breakfast, and that had been hours ago.
His mobile rang. Linus’s hospital room. “I’m here.”
“Linus is waking up,” Dad rasped. “His eyelids are moving, his lips are moving, and if you can leave work?—”
Tarius stood so fast his desk chair banged against the wall. “I’m leaving now, oh goddess, this is a blessing.”
“Yes, it is. I’ve got to go.”
“See you soon, Dad.” Tarius ended the call and barely had the forethought to text Ronin he was leaving and why, and then he was racing out of his office.
Goddess, please let this nightmare be over soon. Please.
A lot of people began filling the ICU waiting room as the news spread through their family and friends, and Tarius kept looking for the one he wanted to see most. Branson finally texted thathe was on his way, and a bit of tension loosened from around Tarius’s chest.
Updates from Liam about Linus were brief, mostly “he’s groggy and trying,” and they fed Tarius’s frustration and anxiety. Both emotions eased when Kell, Emory, Miko and Branson walked into the waiting room, and he only had eyes for Branson. His kind, adorable, generous best friend and fellow beta. And he melted when Branson came straight to Tarius and gave him a full-body hug.
Tarius relaxed against him and kissed his neck. Branson shivered. They held each other for a long time, while others moved around them, until Kell Cross gently squeezed Tarius’s shoulder, effectively stealing his attention. He had no choice but to let Branson go, but Branson stayed close, their fingers brushing. In that moment, Tarius didn’t care what others might think.
“Are there any updates?” Kell asked.
“Dr. Westin is in with our parents,” Tarius said. “Demir, too. All I know is Linus is moving his head and his eyes, and his brain activity is up. It can take time to fully come around, especially with a concussion in the mix. I’m getting texts from Demir, but there isn’t a lot happening very fast.”
“Okay, thank you. Do you need anything?”
Tarius shook his head. “I just need Linus to look at me and smile.”
Kell squeezed his forearm then went to comfort Emory. Tarius allowed Branson to direct him to a chair, and they sat together. Friends. Best friends. And he fed on Branson’s strength, because Tarius had no strength of his own left. “I’m glad to see you,” Tarius whispered. “I’ve missed you.”
“Same. It’s been a hell of a week.” Branson gently pushed his shoulder against Tarius’s. “I’m thrilled that Linus is waking up. I know how the waiting tears you up inside.”
“I know you do.”
“And if I can be a good friend for a second? You look like hell.”
Tarius snorted. “I haven’t slept much. The house is empty, so I’ve been spending a lot of time at work. I keep falling asleep at my desk.”I think I could sleep next to you, but I can’t ask for that.
“Now that Linus is waking up, maybe you can come by soon for another massage. You deserve it.”
“I’d like that.” He wasn’t sure he deserved the pampering, but goddess, it would feel amazing. Branson’s capable hands working away stress and leaving him relaxed, boneless, and content. “I’m sorry I’ve been distant this week.”
“Hey, don’t do that. This is a completely unknown scenario, and you need to cope the best ways you know how. I’m not insulted that you chose to stay close to your family.”
“That’s why you’re an amazing friend, Bran.” He looked across the room to where Layne was still pacing, upset, and Tarius wished he knew how to comfort his brother. But Peyton was there, and if he was keeping his distance…Layne needed his space. Ever since his battle with postpartum depression, it had been a learning curve to know when to press Layne, and when to give him room to breathe.
Right now, he was breathing as best as he could. They all were.
Time passed. Jax Jenks and Jaysan Danvers, two of Liam’s best omega friends, arrived to support their family. Tarius shook each man’s hand. Their arrival seemed to help Miko Tovey settle a bit. Miko had been incredibly agitated since yesterday, and Tarius wasn’t sure why.
Other than the obvious, but Miko had gone through his first heat while under sedation, and he’d been recuperating from his crash injuries for days now.
Silence fell across the room, and Tarius straightened. Without thought, he reached for Branson’s hand, who squeezed tight. Demir stood just inside the doorway, hands loose by his sides, face nearly as pale as his lab coat. Concern compelled Tarius to stand, and he converged on his brother at the same time as Layne and Aven.
“He knows,” Demir said tearfully, before falling into Aven’s arms on a soft sob.
Linus knew he’d lost a piece of himself, that his life was forever changed. Tarius wrapped his arms around Demir and Aven, and then Layne when they became a quartet of support. Four of their five siblings.
