Loves First Steps (( |WW| & Zombie_In_A_Box )) Private18+

[|WW|]

The thing was, Travis hadn't actually confessed right out. He'd muttered things in his sleep, yes, but not faced Orion head on and spilled his guts. Because of this, the older could possibly think of it as a mistake- or fantasy. Or at least he could stupidly convince himself of this. Though seeing his red and uptight his friend acted after being found out...well, he had more than an understanding of the thoughts that may be playing out right now.

 

He knew Travis well, or so he'd thought. He knew what disappointment looked like on the others face. The way the eyes swam in emotion and nearly breaking tears. God what a complete mess these two days were turning out to be. He was at more than one crossroads and he didn't know which way to turn in either of the points. When his friend excused himself to go get a gown, Orion rubbed his face and sighed deeply. "Shit, what am I doing," he breathed out, frustrated and feeling like the biggest jerk known to man.

 

But couldn't Travis understand things from his point of view? One way gay, the other wasn't. Wasn't that an understanding to begin with? Or was that just something that was in place for social display? Waiting while fretting over details, he noticed trav was taking quite a while. He must really be out of it because of all this. What could he say to make the other feel better? What could he do? How could he keep this precious balance between friends from crumbling one piece after another?

 

When the other finally did return, Orion was so wound up inside he thought he might burst at any time from the tension. Reaching out he took the gown, trying not to move too much. It was so blasted hard not to move his upper half. I mean, that part still worked so the need to move was sort of programmed in after all. "Thanks," he responded, laying the gown over his upper half, looping his arms through so he could at least be covered in all the important area's. He grunted lightly at the small work-out and closed his eyes once he was finished. Hearing his friend speak he shook his head, knowing they somehow had to get past this.

 

His hazel eyes seemed serious as he peered over to his friend. "I don't think anything about you is disgusting Trav, you know that. It's just... well I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say. I mean, we're friends." He paused, licking his lower lip which felt somewhat dry. "I had no idea about what you felt. Or if that's even what you feel. You were sleep-talking so that's not exactly a conversation between two people- nor is it an aware c-c-confession." A small stutter towards the end, his embarrassment returning a bit.

 

"Can you at least see this from my point of view? I know that may be hard but I've never liked guys, you know that." But he had felt weird enough to jerk-off next to one. Ugh, strange problems. He didn't seem to be very honest with himself. How was he supposed to comfort a friend? "Maybe if we just talk this out, we can come to some sort of understanding." Talking seemed like the only option at this point. Just lay it all out.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis understood well enough why Orion didn't really respond to his feelings, but that didn't really help. It may have just made it worse; knowing that someone you love won't ever love you back because of their sexuality had got to be the worst thing ever. You could just stand there and observe how they fell in love with someone, how they were happy, while you yourself had to just stay away. Because they might think of you as disgusting...

 

"Would it make it any better if I repeated that now?" Travis asked quietly, hands gripping onto his shirt tightly. The raven himself thought that saying those three words would make it worse, though. It wasn't even embarrassment he felt anymore. The guitarist was just disappointed, slightly hurt and awfully scared. This time emotions really took the better of him. He hoped it wouldn't get him to tears this time... Even if he said that he wouldn't cry, he really wouldn't be able to hold it back if it got to it at some point. Yet he also didn't want to be some kind of an annoying burden to Orion... Gosh, life was complicated.

 

His heart clenched at what the other said. "I know that..." He muttered quietly, a bit of despair seeping into his voice. "What's there to talk about left? I get it, you... You don't feel the same. Is there really anything else?" Travis' voice shook slightly as he rubbed his right eye to hide the fact that he was tearing up again. He'd had Orion comforting him a few times when his relationships didn't work out... What was he supposed to do this time? He couldn't simply ignore his own feelings, but he couldn't drop his friendship with Orion... Whatever they did, it seemed someone would end up unhappy.

 

"You know... I can't just stop..." The raven muttered quietly before raising his head, a forced, soft smile on his face. "But I want you happy, too..." He added quietly and looked away, unable to keep eye-contact for long. This guy was too sensitive for his own good. Maybe he should just run away and burry himself in happiness. Somewhere... Where he couldn't remember Orion and his stupid love for him.

[|WW|]

He sighed again, shaking his head lightly in what may have been disappointment. Travis meant a lot to him, but sometimes his friend could be so clueless it was hard to get a certain point across. Just because Orion had said certain things, didn't mean the end of the world was closing in around them. Seeing trav so worked up wasn't helping anything, it was only making his chest hurt. He'd had enough pain for last two days with everything that had happened.

 

Gritting his teeth a bit he reached out and managed to grab his friends hand, pulling the younger closer impatiently. Luckily the other had been close enough so he didn't have to bend to much for that action. "You aren't listening to what I'm saying at all," he spoke softly. His hand held, squeezing a bit to snap travis out of whatever little world he'd been wallowing in.

 

"I said I could never see you as disgusting. That means your feelings aren't gross at all." He cast those intense brown eyes up at his friend, his expression serious. Holding his friends hand felt a bit embarrassing, but other than that he felt nothing repulsive. "I said sleep talking wasn't exactly a proper confession," he repeated, trying to strike some obvious point into travis's muddled brain. It was obvious he was expecting something to be said to him in a way that was more clear.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis had been called dense by his friends many times, it was true. Most of the time he had to hear things very straight-forwardly, else he either won't understand them at all, or will misunderstand completely. He was just that kind of a person. So, when his hand was grabbed by his crush, the raven felt confused. Especially at the words he heard. He did listen... He understood, he did! But... Now Orion's actions just didn't make sense. Confusion was clear on the teen's face as he stared at Orion, lips parted in an almost curious expression. Was there actually some chance for them?!

 

His cheeks lit up in flames when he finally understood what the other wanted of him. Lowering his head in embarrassment, he looked almost like those shy schoolgirls who tried to confess to someone. "I-I..." He stuttered quietly, the hand in Orion's hand suddenly feeling very hot. No, everything around him was getting really warm... "...I love you..." He finally muttered out, feeling too nervous and embarrassed to actually look at Orion.

 

What was going to happen? What did Orion expect? Did he at least understand what was wanted of him correctly? Or did he just ruin everything more? His mind was a complete mess, questions running through his brain over and over again until he felt like he may just pass out if he didn't get a proper answer. He didn't even care if it would be a 'yes' or 'no' anymore. He just wanted to know already!

[|WW|]

Orion waited, not releasing the hand he held captive. He wanted to hear it. He wanted to know that he hadn't suffered some sort of brain damage during the accident and all of this was just some sick joke. Nothing made sense, but he was beginning to understand that things just happened- whether or not they were expected. When the three words he wanted to hear came out, finally, Orion sighed a shakily. That first line had been crossed; the sacred line of friendship into another realm. But isn't that where most relationships started? With friendship? "I'll try to make this clear, because before I seemed to be doing the opposite and you obviously didn't get it."

 

"I said we are friends," he commented quietly, his thumb skimming lightly over the back of the younger's hand. "I never said we couldn't be more. I also said I'm not gay." He glanced up, his eyes kinder. "That doesn't mean I can't be bi-sexual and have just one person I find attractive in a way I don't others." He paused, taking a small breath as if this was really hard to get out in one go. "I've also never said that you mean a lot to me, or that you're irreplaceable as a friend. So please don't look like you're about to fall apart; because I'm pretty clueless with this stuff but you know I'm not a heartless person."

 

His eyes dropped again, staring at their hands. Raising them, he turned Travis's hand over so it was palm up. His breath softly washed over the skin before he pressed a kiss to it's center, lingering for a moment before he spoke again still holding the hand hostage. "I like you," he admitted. "I just can't say I love you. I honestly haven't ever loved anyone. So when I say I don't know what to say, I really mean that. So please try to understand and have patience with me." There, he'd said it. His chest didn't feel as tight, but he did feel an extreme embarrassment for just laying it all out like that. He could have tried to play it cool, but he'd of lost someone important- that was simply not an option.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis felt another wave of embarrassment wash over him at what Orion said. It wasn't his fault for not being able to understand things... The raven looked away from their hands, nibbling quietly on his lip in nervousness. His heart dropped at the first sentence and he was pretty damn sure this would end up as a rejection after all. But... As the other continued talking, Travis' eyes slowly rose up to meet Orion's gaze, his expression confused and slightly shocked. Was this a dream, perhaps? Was his crush really saying all that?..

 

The teen's cheeks flared up anew at the kiss pressed to his palm. That was extremely embarrassing, and he had about zero ideas of how to respond to that. He also didn't know what was he supposed to say, so... The guitarist just sat back down, trying to sort everything out in his mind before gripping a bit tighter on the other's hand.

 

"So..." He finally muttered, raising his eyes up to Orion nervously. "...We're... More than friends now..?" He asked slowly, uncertainly. The raven bit down on his lip as he gently entwined their fingers together. He'd done this motion so many times before, all with different people, yet Orion's hand felt the best in his own. A small, goofy smile appeared on his face as he glanced away in embarrassment, his cheeks still red. He was happy, but he didn't know how much he was allowed to do before things turned awkward. His friend's words 'I like you' continued replaying in his head over and over again, and he got more embarrassed each time. If anyone happened to walk in, well, the scene was probably pretty funny. Travis, all red and nervous, and then Orion - probably looking a bit confused as well...

[|WW|]

Ah, that was better. He could see a myriad of emotions this time, but not as disheartening as the last batch. Things were still awkward, but he'd at least taken the appropriate steps to get things rolling in a new direction. Watching Travis turn deep red with a simple kiss to the hand, he felt somewhat in awe at how the male had kept his feelings so quiet for so long. Just how long had his friend looked at him as a potential partner? He really wanted to know, but couldn't ask. He'd only recently come to be aware of his own feelings, and those were still in the developing faze. No where near what his friend felt or harbored.

 

Hearing Travis ask about being more, he nodded, feeling like their faces were probably equally as red at that moment. He was in his twenties and somehow just this one action had taken more courage then all the relationships he'd had before, combined. "Yeah, I suppose so," he answered. The goofy smile that spread on Travis's face made him suddenly laugh, not out of humor but out of relief. That's the first good thing he'd seen since he woke up.

 

The knot in his chest finally unraveled and he felt like he could breath easier. Though there was still some tension. He had a lot on his mind, and most of it had to do with uncharted territory. He didn't know the first thing about two guys being a couple. Even after watching his friend for years with his own partners. Friend... guess he had to say something different now. Partner? Boyfriend? God it all seemed strange.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis' smile only widened when his question was answered. He felt all giddy now... The raven stared at their connected hands, his cheeks still red like tomatoes. The laugh that came from Orion felt kind of nice, actually. His blue eyes raised quietly to the other as he smiled widely, genuinely happy about all this. He'd never felt this happy to start a relationship before... It was always fun and happy, sure, but this felt special. Maybe because they'd been friends for so long and now it was turning into something more...

 

Of course, his stupid stomach had to ruin the perfect moment. As loud rumbling came to it, Travis looked about as embarrassed as before. He looked down and let out a nervous chuckle. "Um... I guess I should go eat something..." He trailed off, but didn't let go off Orion's hand. He didn't really want to do that at all... His eyes were far softer than how they'd been up until now. The sadness was almost erased completely and the dark bags weren't as visible under the bright blush. He finally felt alive after the accident.

 

"...Is there any way at all to get a nurse bring the food here?" Travis asked a bit hesitantly, not wanting to sound like a child or anything. He wasn't asking for too much, right? The raven gently ran his thumb over the other's hand, adoring the feeling underneath his fingertips. If he could, he would've gotten into the bed with Orion, but... It probably was impossible for now. And he still had to know exactly what would happen now. Like, would he even be able to walk? This was his new biggest concern.

[|WW|]

Orion grinned a touch. "You know usually patients get food, not out-patients," he teased. Maybe you should consider going home and getting food, a shower, and some sleep. I'm not trying to kick you out, but I am doing tests and stuff today, so you'll probably be in here by yourself a lot." He didn't know what all the test entailed, but he knew there were three. Who knew how long each would take. "You can always come back in the evening with my parents."

 

That brought up another question suddenly. "Speaking of which, I haven't heard from them yet. They were here right?" He frowned and looked around searching for the phone. Figures he couldn't reach the damn thing. "Maybe I should call them. I'm sure if someone is available they could drop you off at home if you needed. Or at my place?" He looked up, frowning. "Uh.. someone did get my keys out of the car right?" He also had his gym bag, folding chair and tablet in the trunk. Well, shit. Little details were suddenly pouring in. He had a lot to ask and figure out. A lot more than he originally thought.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis felt awfully embarrassed at the other's teasing. Nope, everything still made him nervous as hell. He sighed quietly at the offers he heard and glanced back at his guitar sadly before frowning. "Yeah, okay..." He mumbled softly. What was he supposed to do with a broken arm? Watch movies all day? Maybe now, that he would have more free time, he could finally adopt a pet... Actually take his time picking one out and then getting it. That idea was swirling around his mind for a long time now, just he never did it.

 

"Yeah, your parents were there." Travis answered softly, a small smile on his face. The raven blinked a few times at the question and furrowed his brows slightly. "Uhm... I don't know... I mean, I think nothing was done to your car yet. Everything that was there probably stayed there, too." He said with a soft sigh as he leaned towards the bed, still holding Orion's hand. He only let go of it when he reached for the phone to give it to his friend... No, boyfriend. That word caused that giddy feeling again... "I don't have any other way on how to get home." Travis said with a sigh. He should get to his own home, there was nothing he'd left at Orion's place anyway.

[|WW|]

Hearing his parents had come was a relief. He would have liked to see their faces when he woke up, but having Travis there had been just as good. Releasing the hand he held, he took the phone and nodded to the information about his car. "Well, maybe they took care of things for me, though I'm not sure. But either way my spare key is with them."

 

Dialing his parents home he waited, nibbling on his lower lip while waiting through four rings. When she answered he spoke, and she burst into tears on the other end. He blinked and looked at Travis, holding the phone up so the other could hear her blubbering on the other end. She apologized over and over, for all sorts of things. Hell half the stuff she was saying was just no way connected to any of this. "Mom, mom, whoa , calm down. Slow down, deep breaths."

 

He shook his head hearing his Dad in the background, who immediately took the phone. "Dad, yeah..yeah I'm awake obviously. Didn't the Doctor call you? Oh, okay I see. I'm calling you aren't I? Anyways, Travis is here, and he's stuck with no way to get home. Is there any way you or mom can take him home for me? No, no, he's okay- he just needs to freshen up and get some rest." His Dad agreed and promised to come after they finished breakfast. Which would be just in time for his tests, he thought.

 

After a long talk, he hung up and sighed deeply. "She's a mess," he commented to Travis. "But Dad will drive you when he gets here. He said you can just call his cell when you want to come back and visit." His Dad was a freelance photographer so one good thing was he was always on his own time. That means he made his own schedule. As for Orion, he was feeling drained suddenly. "I think I'm going to try t get some more sleep while I wait on them. You should try to do the same," he suggested, smiling tiredly at the younger.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis shrugged quietly, smiling softly at the man he would call his boyfriend from now on. He so wanted to go on dates with Orion, but... What if he couldn't walk later? What if he would have to be in a wheelchair? Not that Travis himself would find it bad or anything, he was more scared that the brunet wouldn't want to go out or even use a wheelchair. He knew some people just didn't want to use one, though he didn't really get why. It helped one move, so why not use it?

 

His soft smile only warmed more when Orion's mother was heard. His own mom only called to see if he was even alive. His dad didn't even bother to do so - he'd get the news from his wife anyway. Having Christian parents and being gay wasn't the best combination, but that didn't stop him from being happy, and it never would. Besides, they didn't have any impact on his life anymore, so who even cared. Sure as hell not him.

 

"I'd be a mess too if I found my son was still alive after a car crash." Travis said quietly, though he was just as big of a mess as his boyfriend's - it still sounded weird to him - mom. "But, uhm... Thanks. Now at least I won't have to spend money on a taxi." The guitarist said with a smile, putting Orion's phone away for him. Travis didn't seem to mind helping the other one bit. In fact, it made him happy to help out at least with such small things.

 

"I don't want to sleep. You can go ahead, and I'll... I'll go get myself something to eat, then get back here." Travis said with a light smile. The fact that they were in a relationship now was helping him stay calm and kind of happy. The raven let out a slightly more nervous smile as he leaned closer and lightly pressed his lips against the other's forehead, blood rushing back to his cheeks as he pulled away. "Um... Sweet dreams, then." He murmured softly, slightly embarrassed.

[|WW|]

Orion nodded, feeling better now that he knew Travis was going to go home and rest. As nice as staying here with him was, being home was far better for obvious reasons. Shower, food, entertainment, a bed. It was all there. When trav leaned over to kiss his forehead he stiffened slightly but regretted it the moment he'd done it. "Eh, sorry," he replied to his friends notice of the reflex. "I didn't not like it," he assured smiling. No, he had liked it actually.

 

It was still a bit strange, but he didn't hate the brief feeling of warmth against his skin. Well, what wasn't bandaged. This would all take getting used too, and he was sure he would have to reassure travis quite a bit through this new relationship. Again, he had no clue what he was doing. "Ah, well, they should be here soon, so I'll see you whenever you get back." Closing his eyes he attempted to steal some more sleep before his parents arrived to both pick up travis and to visit him.

 

 

The afternoon seemed like it stretched out forever. He'd spent hours laying in a small noisy tube that clicked so loud he thought his ears might somehow leek out of his head- even with the earplugs. He'd had four people use a flat board to transfer him in and out of machines. He was strapped to them just like he had been in the ambulance apparently. At one point he had to ask to take a short break, his upper back which still felt everything killing him. With many apologies and the last test being one they could do in his own room, he was brought back to the familiar bed and left to the doctor and the nurse who was on call. This test was unpleasant, and required him to lay absolutely still on his side while they drained fluid from his spine. His parents were there, holding him in place while the fluid dripped into the small awaiting test tubes.

 

When finished all four people slowly placed him back so he was laying down, his mother lightly wiping his forehead with a cool cloth. "Mom, I'm fine, really, " he breathed out, suddenly tired again. The doctor reported he was not allowed to move around for an hour after the test, which in his case would be easy. But still, the upper half had to behave as well. Orion's Father followed to the doctor out to speak a bit more while the mother stayed to dote on the younger of two sons. After another hour of visitation both parents left with a promise to get his belongings from the car, as well as the keys themselves. If his Father knew him well enough every bit of anything inside that car would be saved. It was his baby after all. Travis would be picked up in the morning, and the test results would be ready for all to hear.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Obviously, Travis wasn't too thrilled when he felt Orion tense up at the kiss to his forehead. He felt regret making its way into his head when he heard his boyfriend's words. Were they true or just a lie? Oh, why would he question that?! The raven had to get back to positive thoughts already. So, he smiled and shook his head, as if saying it was okay. He didn't trust his voice in this situation. He felt like it would just crack and things may get a bit awkward. And he didn't want that at all.

 

Travis stayed with the other until he was sure Orion was asleep. Only then did he leave to get himself some light soup. Even if he was hungry, it probably wasn't a very good idea to stuff food in him; he felt like he would puke if he did. That didn't sound nice, did it? Besides, hospital food wasn't too amazing. He'd rather have some of his own cooking... Though he probably would have to live off ordering foods, seeing as his good arm was broken. He basically couldn't do anything without it!

 

Once he'd eaten enough to feel okay, Travis went back to Orion where he waited for his parents to arrive. He ended up holding the other's hand even when the older was asleep. He wished their relationship hadn't started under these circumstances. Travis barely waited for the other's parents to come. Before Orion's tests even started, he was driven home with all of his stuff. His flat never felt this empty before. The raven ended up slumped on the couch with his usual way to deal with bad feelings. A bucket of ice cream and a good comedy. At least for some time he was able to forget about Orion.

 

However, morning came too soon. Orion's dad came to pick him up as he was eating breakfast. He'd gotten some sleep, though nightmares ruined most of it. He still felt better than yesterday... He'd showered and dressed in new clothing, that was an improvement. The raven stayed quiet throughout the whole ride, already nervous about what would they find out about Orion and his health.

 

The moment he entered his boyfriend's room, worry took over his eyes. He couldn't help it... Travis quietly walked to sit down and smiled lightly at Orion, slight worry still showing. "Morning." He muttered out softly and reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Orion's ear. His touches were extremely gentle and soft. He always treated his boyfriends like this...

[|WW|]

The drive from Travis's place to the hospital was indeed a quiet one. Neither Father nor friend could come up with anything appropriate to ease the tension they were feeling. When they arrived at the hospital and made their way to Orion's room, they were greeted with Mother and son playing cards. "Are you hiding cards somewhere?" Rio asked, making it appear he was trying to see under the small table that was hovering over his lap. His Mom laughed and showed a royal flush proudly to her husband. "He's just mad because I had this," she commented, grinning to her Husband and Travis. The young male tossed his cards down, defeated. "Insane luck, seriously," he muttered, having lost three in a row now. "You could hustle people for a part time job." Orion's Father laughed and his wife gave him a lifted brow in response, not entertained by that notion.

 

As Travis came around his bed, he smiled warmly. He didn't look as tense as everyone else; but he'd always been good at holding everything inside. He'd broke down once so far, but that had been enough to relieve the tension building up inside. He just wasn't as fragile perhaps, or at least made a good show. As Travis tucked some of the wayward strands of hair behind his ear, the ear turned slightly red and he offered a grin. Oh he certainly hadn't forgotten that they were a fresh couple. In fact he'd done a lot of thinking on that whole subject. Someone stuck in a bed with nothing to do had plenty of think time.

 

"You look much better," he commented, his hand lightly tugging the male's shirt as it brushed his fingertips. He didn't want to make things too obvious for his parents- as he wasn't ready for that talk yet. But he knew from experience he had supportive parents, after all they treated Travis like their own. Orion managed to scoot his upper half just enough over so Travis could sit on the bed, letting his mom adjust a small pillow behind his head. He had fresh bandages on his head, and they were a touch thinner today. The nurse had said getting air to the wounds was important.

 

Orion's father sunk into the recliner and motioned to the cards. "Well now that there are four of us, let's have a real game of poker." And so they did, only being disturbed once for a nurse that came in to drop off a small cup with some pain medications. Orion's upper back was sore from laying so still, and his head still a bit. He wouldn't know if his leg hurt since he couldn't feel that part of his body anyways.

 

After a hand-full of games, the doctor knocked and came inside; shutting the door for privacy. "All right, let's see," he began, sliding his pen out of his pocket. He followed some print on the papers inside the file and circled a few things. "Let me start by saying there is quite a bit of good news- though we are certainly not out of the woods yet. You have a serious injury, but," he paused looking up at the patient, "I believe a full recovery can be possible." Orion's hand squeezed Travis's shirt, his fingertips lightly skimming beneath the edge of the material to brush lightly against bare skin near the hip. His full attention was on the doctor, as was everyone else's. He hadn't exactly copped a feel on purpose.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis adored the atmosphere he walked into when visiting Orion. Just a game with his mother - and it really helped create a more relaxing enviroment. The raven found himself smiling at the little act his boyfriend put up, chuckling quietly to himself while walking closer. He himself usually had pretty horrible luck at poker - along with the fact that he wasn't the best player, his friends usually left him out of that. But, he never really had the big need to play it, so it wasn't such a big deal.

 

The man grinned widely at the comment from the other, but held himself back from doing anything too relationship-y. Orion's parents were here, they probably didn't know about this all yet... They could wait to announce it. "I feel better, too." He answered with a smile and glanced down at Orion's hand tugging at his shirt. That small gesture was... Cute, no other word in his mind for it. The raven found himself blushing slightly, a small bit of embarrassment seeping in. "You don't look that bad either. Well, for someone in a hospital bed." Travis chuckled quietly, quickly glancing at the bandages on the other's head. He was still a bit scared for his health... Hell, he was really scared.

 

When the four of them began a game of poker, Travis soon showed that he didn't do too good. He lost nearly all games, ending up being laughed at, yet he laughed along - no hard feelings in this company. Why would there be? He ended up a bit closer to his boyfriend, however, one hand resting right next to the other's. He wanted to be alone with Orion for a bit... Even if it was selfish, he just wanted to spend a bit of time alone with him.

 

When the doctor came in, Travis' attention was focused on him - and Orion's reaction. While he was curious to see what would be said, it was also very important for him to comfort the other if needed. He didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until the moment the doctor said a full recovery would be possible. A small wave of relief washed over him, pushing off some of the fear he'd been harboring for all this time.

 

Feeling fingertips brush against his bare skin sent shivers down his spine. Travis shifted a little bit before quietly gripping Orion's hand, squeezing it slightly, as if reassuring the other. The younger one looked at his boyfriend and let out a small smile, gently entwining their fingers together. Maybe even such a small bit of affection could help... He knew if he was in Orion's place, it would help him.

[|WW|]

Orions hand somehow ended up entwined with Travis's, tucked between their bodies and sheets the action was still hidden away from prying yes. The doctor sifted through a few papers and pulled out a large x-ray looking sheet from a manilla envelope. Walking over to the wall orion's bed faced, he slid the sheet onto a light board- turning it on. "Okay, here we have Mid-back down to the lumbar and tail-bones. He drug his pen down the length of the spine. Going back up he rested the tip of his pen against a section in the lower lumbar. This vertebra right here is your herniated disc. See how it shifts out of line a bit compared to the rest?

 

He made a circle around the disc, slowly getting a bit larger. "The disc itself isn't the only problem. It's only what started the whole issue to get as bad as it is. When your spine shifted and this disc was forced out of place, it caused massive swelling and mostly likely found itself resting against some of your sacral nerves. These nerves are part of what we will call your 'walking highway' nervous system. In other words, the nerves are being strangled currently, leaving your legs unable to get proper directions from your brain. Because you can feel things so low, hips, even the highest point of thigh; it means to a certain degree you luckily escaped any nerves being severed."

 

"While we have good news, we still have a fraction of bad news. Though I believe in full recovery from injuries like this; there is a 2 out of five chance you may not get full feeling back. Though you may be able to eventually walk, it would be with assistance from either canes or crutches; at worst case a light and mobile wheelchair for if you were too unsteady. Like I said this is all speculative as your body will be the one that decides how it recovers." Orion frowned a bit, looking down as if thinking. His parents were standing side by side, their expressions holding concern, but not distraught. The fact their son had even the slightest chance of walking was comforting.

 

"Right now the swelling is a concern. If we make it worse, it may cause more damage. The disc also holds a problem, but we can't deal with that until the swelling goes down a bit. Physical therapy is optional once we get past the swelling, so we will be putting you on some pretty potent anti-inflammatories to try and hurry this along. The faster we get your body bending naturally, the faster we see where we stand. The disc may shift back into place a touch, but it will never go back into it's normal position. It will also most likely cause quite a bit of pain in your lifetime- but the pain is manageable with pain meds and Chiropratic upkeep."

 

The doctor flicked the light off, sliding the picture back into it's folder. "For now we'll start the anti-infammatories. Since we know what's going on now, you can move your upper body more without being too concerned. BUT," he warned, looking serious," don't go thinking you can just sit up as you please and make sudden harsh movements. Your spine is one entity so take it easy." Clearing his throat he slid the pen back into his pocket and offered a wonderful bedside smile. "Any questions?"

 

Orion's free hand raised a touch, looking embarrassed as soon as he did it. The action was just like being in school. "I know this is stupid to ask, but is there any way to get a bath or shower in this joint that doesn't have to do with wet wash cloths?" Orion mother sputtered and his Dad laughed. Orion turned red, looking down. "I feel filthy, sorry," he mumbled. The Doctor continued to smile and nodded. "Actually there is. Since you've been with us for a while now, you more than quality for that. I'll put you on the list. You may be able to get in at the latest tonight. I'll be on call till late, so just have the nurse send me a message if you think of any questions Mr. Smith." Orion nodded and his parents followed the doctor out, no doubt to hound him in the hallway away from their son. They were so obvious.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis' attention was evenly distributed to the doctor and Orion. He listened carefully to everything was said, maybe taking it a bit more than Orion even. He let out a quiet, shaky breath when he learned more and more about his boyfriend's situation. He'd squeezed the other's hand unconsciously, his thumb lightly running over his skin over and over again. The raven bit down on his lower lip as he continued listening to the long explanation... However, unlike in college, where he couldn't focus on long lessons, he took this very seriously, listening to each word. While there may have been small parts he didn't really get, he knew one thing. Orion would get better...

 

The teen watched how the doctor and Orion's parents left, he felt a little bit awkward. He had this feeling that they knew about their relationship, somehow. Were they that obvious? No, no way. They only "got into" the relationship yesterday... It would be nonsense if people would notice already.

 

Travis sighed softly as he moved their hands up, gently squeezing the other's in his own. "I'm glad you'll get better." He muttered out softly, smiling warmly at his boyfriend. "Just... Uhm... If there's anything you need to ask me, don't hesitate, okay?" He asked with a small, embarrassed smile. The raven felt like he needed to repeat that he would stay and be there with Orion for whatever long they needed. Maybe it was for himself - like a promise.

[|WW|]

He was pretty sure his parents were oblivious to their relationship. They'd already looked like really close friends before, so nothing had really changed much except the status. During that long talk between doctor and audience, he wondered if Travis was feeling any better. Having a broken arm and fingers wasn't exactly a blessing either. It would be hard to work with for a while. Knowing he couldn't play the guitar for a while; he was sure that was a pretty depressing punishment.

 

Once the talk was over and his parents chased the doctor out, Orion smiled, his complexion a bit more lively today. The pain meds the hospital gave him were awesome. Once he popped one of those magical pills his head stopped aching and he could actually feel pretty normal again. Well, minus the whole not walking thing. When Trav congratulated him he resisted the urge to remind the male there were 2 in 5 chances he 'wouldn't' walk. But regardless, he was optimistic.

 

"Thanks. I appreciate it. I'm just bored mostly, not much entertainment here," he admitted. Wasn't much to do but play cards, watch tv, stare at the window he couldn't quiet see out of all the way. Of course his Father had promised to bring his tablet and laptop so he'd have something else to do; which would help. "How about you? How's your arm?" He looked down, gently tracing the cast that held the younger male's arm protected while it healed.

 

 

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis smiled softly at his boyfriend, glancing away for a moment, seemingly in deep thought. "Uhm... We could watch a movie?" He offered with a small frown on his lips. He didn't want Orion bored - heck, he'd even sing if he could play his guitar. And that actually meant a lot; at least to him. "Or, I don't know... Uh... Well, we'll think of what to do. I'm sure of it!" The raven was trying to be positive as he grinned and lightly squeezed the other's hand. "Together we'll figure out how to not keep you bored." He chuckled with a wide grin.

 

"You really shouldn't worry about me." The guitarist said with a smile, glancing at his broken arm. "I mean, yeah, it's no fun, but... I'll manage, and it'll heal on it's own eventually." He muttered, letting out a soft sigh. "Too bad I'm left without any transportation at all. My bike's still waiting for the payment - which I don't even have - and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to drive..." The teen realized he was beginning his self-pity again, then groaned out quietly.

 

"Anyway, should I go ask for some movie? What would you want to watch?" He quickly asked, his smile gaining a bit of nervousness. Travis really, really didn't want to screw something up... And honestly, in most relationships he was in, the first days were a bit stressful to him. Always questioning where, what, why, how, when - it was a bit tiring, yet he couldn't help it at all. Travis always wanted to be the best partner in a relationship; even if his partner wasn't all that great. That happened to him once, the guy he'd been "dating" just kind of.. Used him a little bit. He could still remember clearly how he came crying to Orion; even back then he trusted that man so, so very much... That memory alone brought a soft smile to his face.

[|WW|]

"Well someone needs to worry about you Trav," he corrected, knowing the younger was more likely to worry himself into a hole than actually fully relax. He could understand having worries and concerns, but sometimes you just had to let go and let yourself have some time to heal. Both physically and mentally.

 

"I can talk to my Parents about getting your bike out. You may not be able to drive it now but at least you can have one less thing to worry about. You can always pay them back. I'm sure they'd be fine with it." He'd offer the money himself also, if need be. Though he was sure he'd be owing a shit-ton of medical bills very soon.

 

"Pretty sure the hospital doesn't offer personal entertainment." Hmm, but he could. "Oh, I do have movies on my laptop," he suggested suddenly remembering. "Could you get it for me?" He motioned to a shelf across the room where his Father had placed his things when they'd arrived. Once handed over he switched it on, after having trav plug the charger into the wall of course.

 

"Let's see...," he trailed off, rooting through folders until he found his movie stash. "What are you in the mood for? Horror, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Adventure, Comedy, Suspense?" He questioned, looking up.

 

Things still felt slightly awkward for him, but he was really trying to adjust to the thought of them being together. He didn't think something like this would have ever happened; but it did. Just what did two guys do when going out? The same things as a girl and guy? Was it that simple? And what about the physical aspect of things. He was stuck in a bed with nowhere to go currently. It was frustrating he couldn't move as he pleased. Was Travis thinking of these things too?

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis huffed softly, biting down on his tongue to hold in the comment about how Orion's condition was far worse than his own. No pesimistic thoughts were needed... Not now, not ever.

 

"Ah, no, I couldn't..." The raven muttered quietly, glancing down. He bit his lip slightly, thinking about how the payement would probably just get bigger and bigger the longer he waited... "Though... I don't know... I'll feel bad if I ask for it. I mean, it's not the cheapest thing..." He muttered softly, glancing up at Orion with somewhat worried eyes. "Are you sure I could even ask them for such a favor?"

 

The man didn't have to be asked twice. Once he heard the request, he immediately stood up and brought his boyfriend the laptop - anything to keep him happy and entertained.. "Definitely not horror." Travis huffed, moving a bit closer to Orion. He wanted to just lay down next to him, but could he even do that? No, that could make things awkward... But so could just sitting on the bed like this. God, relationships were hard!

 

"Maybe some comedy though?" The raven suggested as he, a bit hesitantly, brought his legs up on the bed to lay down next to the other. He held his head up on his hand, pushing it up on his elbow. "Or, I dunno, romance?" He thought out loud, his other arm uselessly hanging in the cast. If it wasn't broken, he could get more comfortable... Now it was just slightly weird and awkward anyway.

 

"You know- just pick whatever you want." Travis finally said and sighed with a light smile. "I'm sure I'll like whatever you do." He murmured softly and smiled, glancing down at Orion with a gaze slightly hazed by love. Yeah, so their relationship just started and it was awkward. It was still a relationship!

[|WW|]

"Trav, you rarely ask for anything, ever. You know my parents are more than open about discussing problems. I can speak to them with you, if you'll feel more comfortable that way. But you do need to take care of things. Letting the issue sit for too long could become a problem for both the person fixing it and for you being able to afford it." he pretty much repeated exactly what was going 'round in the male's head. Which meant it was true. It needed to be resolved. "Again, you know they love you. Anyone that can eat them out of a triple stack of pancakes any given weekend has to be loved." He added playfully, remembering all the times he's spent the night and all the times he'd destroyed his moms famous pancakes in one sitting.

 

"No horror huh? Yeah I get that," he added. He wasn't exactly looking forward to any suspenseful car chases either. The thought gave him a bad taste in his mouth. Hearing the suggestion of comedy he thought about their choices. The suggestion of romance wasn't a bad thing, but he didn't have many of those. In fact he didn't really have any at all on his laptop. Yeah he wasn't very good at having that sort of thing around much. He was awkward enough without it. "Ehh, comedy," he began and chose one.

 

All the while Travis was making himself comfortable as possible on the narrow bed. There wasn't much room so their bodies were nudged up against each other. He cleared his throat, pressing play on the movie while sliding the computer down to rest on his upper thighs. Didn't matter since he didn't feel it much anyway. He could feel a slight tingle where it sat, but that was about it. Looking up, his eyes met the other's, holding for a second. Before being this close would have been nothing. He wouldn't have thought anything of it. But now, he was more than aware of things. His face burned suddenly realizing that affection was being rained down on him from above. That above being Travis.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Travis began feeling embarrassed while Orion talked. He glanced down, nervously nibbling on his lip before nodding. "I'll ask them..." He mumbled softly, glancing away. A smile appeared on his face at what his boyfriend said next, also getting a small chuckle out of him. "The pancakes are always good; I can't resist some good food!" The raven said with a wider smile. Honestly, he was sure that the dislike of the idea of asking something from Orion's parents came from the fact that his own parents barely gave him anything after finding out he was gay. He was just kind of... There. He got some food, a roof above his head and faked love; he couldn't call it any other way. Yet again, it didn't stop him from being like he was in general. People sometimes deserved better than they got...

 

While Orion searched for the movie, Travis shifted, trying to find a comfortable position. He ended up leaning against the pillows just as the other, his good hand dropped around his boyfriend's shoulders, fingertips just barely touching his arm. When their eyes met, the raven couldn't hold in a soft laugh at the sudden redness on Orion's cheek. He didn't quite think about what he was doing when he leaned down to press a light kiss to the other's cheek. "Are you comfortable?" He asked quietly, his eyes soft and warm. Really, the hospital wasn't the most romantic place, but it would do for now.

 

His fingertips began gently playing along the other's skin, the movement almost unconscious. Travis was a very affectionate person in general - and he usually expressed that not through words, but actions. He found it easier that way... He ended up with his head lowered on Orion's shoulder, his body slowly relaxing. If only they were back home, where nothing bad would've happened... He could play his guitar, they could be cuddling properly, and there wouldn't be all this goddamn white around them. Why were hospitals always so white? It made him feel a bit uncomfortable, actually.

[|WW|]

"Good, I'll hold you to that," he stated, completely serious. If Travis needed help, Orion would damn well make sure he got it. Even if it was embarrassing or awkward for the other. He was old enough to take charge of his own life, but a push in the right direction once in a while didn't hurt. He was more than aware of the lack of affection at home; or acceptance. He couldn't understand how anyone could treat their own son like that- but it was an every day thing for a lot of people. It made him sick and even a bit angry.

 

Having been staring up, he took the kiss to the cheek like a champ. Well, without turning redder than he'd already been that is. If it was possible for a guy to get the attack of butterflies in the stomach, he may just be feeling that. The lips he'd felt were soft, and it caught him off guard. As if he expected a guys lips to somehow be different from a woman's. Nope, pretty much the same. Orion cleared his throat and nodded, looking back down to the screen. "Yeah, I'm fine," he answered quietly. He felt ridiculous actually. He was a grown man and here he was taken over with a mixture of nerves and maybe even ..excitement?

 

When Travis sunk down a bit, getting more comfortable Orion had the urge to crawl out of the bed. Too close, jesus. His heart was about to come out of his chest. He didn't get why he was a bundle of nerves, but it just happened. Thinking he had to do something, as the younger placed his head on Orion's shoulder, he reached up and lightly stroked over his hair. Running it through his fingers, he dropped his chin to rest on top of the others head and watched the movie. It did feel better to have some sort of contact, and not just a one-sided thing. Didn't settle his thumping heart much, but it did ease up on the nerves.