Alex's pov:
I heard the news that anya woke up yesterday.
The only good news we've had in the past two weeks. Everything's been out of order since she got kidnapped, even the rescue came with it's own share of dilemmas.
She fell into a coma. there was no definite answer by the doctor as to when she might wake up, maybe a day, a week, a month or even a year, maybe many.
But thankfully. she woke up, took her twelve whole days, but atleast my friend can finally rest now.
These days he's been glued to her side like her shadow, as if he's afraid something might happen the moment he leaves her alone.
I've been visiting her everyday too, because if I don't, my friend won't even take a breather. He's been eating less, sleeping less. As for work, he's been rejecting all the calls and commands saying he's leaving the HQ altogether.
Every time I visited, my first battle was to persuade him to rest, or eat something. Assuring him that I'd take care of her.
Well now that she's awake, I might convince him sooner today.
After finishing my shift, I changed my clothes, bought some food for Jiang xi on the way (in case he's still neglecting himself), and went to the hospital.
I opened the door and was welcomed with a scene I barely saw, him holding her hand tenderly while she stared back at him, awake.
:"Are you gonna drill holes into her? "I asked him. To which he just rolled his eyes at me.
Turning to Anya, I said -" It's a relief to see you awake, I wanted to visit as soon as possible so I hastily picked up these flowers" I placed them beside her bed, "so how are you feeling? Miss Anya?"I tilted my head.
:"she can't use her voice right now, didn't you hear the doctor?" Jiang xi said.
:"ohh I thought her throat might've healed by now"
:"it has not, she needs rest"he said, voice flat.
:"well you need rest as well, did you even sleep last night or were you looking after her? " I asked him.
:"I did take some rest"
:"No you didn't! Now go. I'll stay with her and no coming back before atleast an hour or two, I've got plenty of time today" I told him.
:"I'm not going anywhere "he refused.
:" How'll you take care of her if you get sick yourself? Here, your lunch. take a breather man! I'll look after her, and don't worry- I won't hold her hand "
She was listening calmly to our back and forth, but at my comment she raised an eyebrow.
:"you think the same. Right, Anya?"I asked, making her eyes go wide, "see? even she agrees you should rest"I told him.
:" I don't think she said anything "this sneaky bastered!.
:"Look at her, she's sad that you're neglecting yourself, now go! " I pushed him gently towards the door.
:"Half an hour! , I'll be back in half an hour"he said.
:"I'm not leaving this seat for at least an hour so suit yourself "I said, turning my attention to Anya.
He went out mumbling something to himself, probably cursing me I guess.
Now I was alone with her. She looked fragile under those white sheets. Wires tracing across her skin like vines, her breaths shallow, but steady.
Her eyes followed me, silent and unreadable as I pulled a chair beside her.
Now that i was seeing her myself , I finally understood why jiang xi was wasting away, little by little. Just to make sure she didn't. No sleep, no rest, no food, he'd tied his whole existence to her fragile pulse.
And damn it. I almost respected him for it. He'd never done that for anyone else. Not even himself. Not even for me.
I leaned forward, studying her.
"You know, I've known him longer than anyone. He doesn't bend for people. He's stubborn, proud, cold even. But then you.. "I gestured lightly towards her, shaking my head with a quiet laugh.
" You turn him into something I almost don't recognize ".
Her gaze didn't waver, still watching silently.
"You know what I like about him?" I continued, voice softer now. "When he cares, he doesn't half-ass it. He dives in. Head first. He'll give up his life, his sleep, his strength… just to keep what he wants breathing. That's what he's doing with you."
I rubbed the back of my neck, leaning back in the chair. "And maybe I hate him for it. Because all these years, i thought I was the one closest to him. "
I chuckled softly, "don't get me wrong, I don't hate you, maybe I'm just jealous... He's my best friend and you've turned him into something I couldn't. Softer. Human. "
Her eyes blinked slowly. And for a moment I thought I saw sympathy in them.
"You know, I was there when he found you, "my voice dropped, softer. The memory tugged. " He thought you were gone, hell, even I thought you were gone. And the way he held you. " I let out a dry laugh.
"Never seen him like that. His eyes unfocused, like the world had fallen apart. " I told her
" Do you know what that means? "
"If you hadn't opened your eyes, if you weren't breathing right now.....
I wouldn't just have lost you, I would have lost him too. For good. "
The words hung heavier than I meant them to. I leaned back. Staring at the ceiling for a second.
I rubbed a hand over my face. "So yeah, I'm thankful you're alive. Not just for your sake, but for his. Because if you weren't, I'd be burying my best friend long before his time."
For a moment, I let the silence settle. Her eyes softened, just barely, and something in my chest loosened.
"Anyway," I forced a crooked grin, trying to lighten the air, "don't tell him I told you all this. He'd probably throw me out of the room. Or worse—actually take a nap and leave me stuck babysitting you. And I don't think either of us want that."
She gave me a soft smile.
"One more thing and you must nod in agreement, say yess. " She nodded.
"You can't leave him like that again, if possible keep us updated about your whereabouts, I don't ever want to see him like that again. Say you'll be cautious? " I raised a brow.
She nodded in agreement.and I softened.
"Hmm that's good, he'll take good care of you, I'm sure of it. " I told her, sounding like I was marrying off my child.
She stared, smiling.
"Okay then, I'm here if you need anything, you should rest now" She nodded.
I picked a newspaper, started reading it. While she and my friend - finally rested.
I leaned back, the rustle of the newspaper filling the quiet room.
The afternoon light slanted across the window, painting her pale face gold.
For the first time in weeks, the air didn't feel heavy.
I exhaled, my eyes softening.
"She's safe," I whispered to no one in particular, "and he'll be okay."
Outside, the faint sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor — and a smile occurred on my face, knowing exactly whose they were.