Chapter 36

3rd person pov:

The ambulance ride to the hospital felt like it lasted an eternity. The flashing lights outside the windows, the sound of the sirens wailing through the night—it was all a blur. Inside, the paramedics worked quickly, monitoring Fourth's vitals, administering oxygen, and doing their best to keep him stable. Gemini sat beside him, holding his hand tightly, never once looking away from the pale face of the man he loved.

Fourth was barely conscious, his eyes fluttering open just once, meeting Gemini's gaze with a faint, strained smile.

"Gemini..." Fourth whispered, his voice weak, but the affection in his eyes still there.

"I'm here. I'm right here," Gemini said, his voice thick with emotion. "Just hold on a little longer, okay? We're almost there."

But deep down, Gemini wasn't sure if Fourth could hold on much longer. He could see how quickly the color had drained from his face, how fragile he looked. His breathing was labored, his chest rising and falling in shallow bursts, and it was clear that his body was struggling to keep up.

The ride to the hospital seemed endless, but finally, they arrived.

As soon as the ambulance doors opened, medical staff rushed in, immediately transferring Fourth onto a gurney and moving him inside. Gemini was left standing, frozen for a moment by the chaos, his mind reeling with fear and uncertainty. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched them whisk Fourth away, but he quickly snapped into motion, following closely behind.

He was ushered into the waiting room while the doctors and nurses worked quickly to stabilize Fourth. Gemini paced back and forth, unable to sit still, his hands shaking as he ran them through his hair. His thoughts were a whirlwind, a mix of fear, guilt, and helplessness. Every second felt like an hour, and every passing moment without news only intensified the dread settling deep in his chest.

After what felt like an eternity, a doctor finally appeared. He was tall and solemn, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Gemini?" the doctor asked, his voice professional but calm.

Gemini's heart skipped. "How is he? Is he okay?"

The doctor took a deep breath, looking at Gemini with a quiet, serious expression. "Your friend's condition is critical. His mitochondrial disease has advanced significantly, and his body is struggling to cope. We've managed to stabilize him for now, but he's not out of danger."

Gemini's breath caught in his throat. "What does that mean? What do you mean by 'not out of danger'?"

The doctor sighed, clearly trying to find the right words. "His organs are beginning to fail. We're doing everything we can, but his condition is advanced, and we don't know how long he has. We're going to need to monitor him closely, but... we can't promise that he'll recover."

Gemini's legs went weak beneath him, and he had to grip the edge of the chair to steady himself. "No," he whispered, shaking his head. "There has to be something... there has to be more you can do."

"I'm sorry," the doctor said softly, placing a hand on Gemini's shoulder. "We'll do everything we can to make him comfortable, but I can't give you any guarantees. It's important that you prepare yourself for the possibility that his condition will only worsen."

Gemini's mind felt like it was spinning. His heart was racing, and he struggled to take in the reality of what the doctor had said. Fourth's time was running out. The man he loved, the person who had brought him so much joy and peace, was slipping away right before his eyes.

"Can I see him?" Gemini asked, his voice breaking. "Please, I just... I need to be with him."

The doctor gave him a sympathetic look. "Of course. I'll take you to his room."

Gemini followed the doctor down the sterile hallways of the hospital, each step feeling heavier than the last. He could hear the beeping of machines, the muffled voices of other patients and staff, but all he could focus on was the man who was lying in a bed, so fragile and distant.

When they reached the room, the door was open. Fourth was lying in the bed, hooked up to machines, his face pale and drawn. His eyes were closed, but his breathing was steady, though it was still labored. Gemini walked into the room slowly, his heart aching with every step. He didn't want to admit it, but the harsh reality of the situation hit him harder than he had expected.

He moved to Fourth's side, gently brushing the hair from his forehead. "Fourth," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "It's me. I'm here."

Fourth's eyelids fluttered, and slowly, he opened his eyes, his gaze soft and tired.

"Gemini..." Fourth murmured, his voice weak, but still carrying that warmth that Gemini had come to love so deeply.

"I'm here, Fourth. I'm not going anywhere. We'll get through this together, okay?" Gemini said, his voice shaky but firm, as if speaking the words aloud would somehow make them true.

Fourth tried to smile, but it was faint, the effort too much for his tired body. "You don't have to stay. I don't want you to see me like this."

Gemini's heart broke at his words. He took Fourth's hand in his, his grip gentle but unyielding. "I'm staying because I love you. You don't ever have to be alone, Fourth. Not now, not ever."

For a moment, Fourth's eyes seemed to soften, and his hand tightened slightly around Gemini's. "I'm glad you're here," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm glad you're the one by my side."

Gemini pressed a kiss to his forehead, his eyes filling with tears. "I will be, always. I promise."

As the hours passed, Gemini stayed by Fourth's side, watching him closely, refusing to leave. Every time Fourth's breathing seemed to falter, Gemini's heart skipped, and he would reach out to steady him. He was terrified. He had never felt so powerless in his life.

But even in the face of the inevitable, he couldn't bring himself to leave. Not when Fourth needed him most. Not when their time together was so precious.