Tw: string language, mentions of bullying, hospital, crying, breaking down, doubt, fear of someone dying, refusal to eat, refusal to sleep

Damien ran into the hospital. He looked around and finally saw Ms Hart, going to her. "Where is he?" He whispered. He was so scared for Patton.

She sighed and led him to Patton's room. Damien, when he got there, was in shock. He looked around before sitting by Patton's bed, taking his hand. He held it as he just broke down, crying.

Not like Damien hadn't already cried on the way there. He cried the whole time, honestly. But now...this felt so much more real than a phone call did.

Ms Hart stood aside, sniffling. She instantly had two boys at her sides, Remy and Emile, hugging her close. Neither of them knew her. But Emile knew how it felt to see a loved one like that.

Remy knew how it felt to be in Patton's situation.

Both of them held her close as she cried.

Days later, Damien was with Patton, alone, reading through his old letters. The ones from Patton. He sniffled as he read them again and again.

'People are saying you don't really love me...that's what your mom and dad say too...are they right?

I keep praying you'll wake up, Dede. Why isn't God answering my prayers anymore? Momma says it's because you need to heal...but I need you...I know you're hurting, I'm sorry I'm being so selfish...'

Damien held himself. "I-i know, Patton," he whispered. "And you w-werent selfish...I need you t-to wake up." He held Patton's hand tightly. "And if th-that makes me fucking self-fish then so fucking b-be it."

He laid his head by Patton's hand, tears streaming down his face. He hated this so much. He hadn't eaten in days. He only slept when his body made him, or if Remy did.

Remy and Emile...they've been saints. They hadn't left his side, or Ms Hart's side, since this happened.

But...hell, Damien sometimes wished they would. That they'd go live their own lives, not his. He knew he couldn't handle this alone. But Patton had to before. Damien was sure he could too.

But also...having that comfort was so nice....he looked up, feeling a hand on his arm.

"Hey," Remy whispered, rubbing his shoulder. "You gotta eat, De...he'd want you to. C'mon, you don't want him seeing you skin and bones when he wakes up, right?"

Damien sniffled. "I-if he wakes up..." He whispered, rubbing his eyes. But he nodded anyways, accepting the banana from his cousin. He felt sick, but he knew he had to eat.

"Don't think like that," Remy sighed, sitting by him. "Hey now. He's gonna wake up. Remember what you told me? He's a fighter...he's gonna wake up, Dede. Ok?"

Damien only shrugged. "I...I hope so," he whispered. He finished half his banana and got in the bed, laying by Patton carefully.

He curled up to him and kissed his head. "Please wake up for me..." He whispered gently. "Please..."