To Watch Over You, In Sickness and Health...

Lee sank down slowly into the chair beside Madeleine's bed. He knew in an instant he would be there throughout this whole mess. Her constant companion- her constant visitor. Her friend. He was selfish to have thought about leaving- really, he was. He would've made her so guilty. That wasn't fair. There was no need for melodrama, for chrissake. And what about Kira? He obviously hadn't been thinking about things rationally. In fact, Lee had already posted his letter to Bethany, telling her of his abrupt change of plans.
A friend needed him. That's all he'd had to say.
She was so beautiful. That was corny, wasn't it? Most guys his age had the sense just to say, "Awh, yeah, she's dead fit!" But... it didn't feel right, you know? It was like... calling a rose 'nice'. It didn't do it justice.
In a sad way, he guessed some good could come of this. He leant forward slightly, trying to ignore the tubes that clung to her; snaking their way around and across. He shivered to see her so still; but the steady beep of her heart moniter reassured him. As long as her heart was beating, it was okay.
There. The good bit. His eyes could stare at her- stare at her for hours on end- and just savour it. Every contour of her face; that dark curtain of her lashes; her curls, strangely perfect in their tousled way; her pale lips, once pink and smiling... He let it all sink in, shivering as he leant even closer...
"You can take her hand, you know."
Lee jumped backwards, swivelling to stare up at the nurse. She was watching him closely; her arms folded and lips pursed. He didn't move, and her face creased into a smile.
"Scared?"
Lee didn't really know how to answer.
She sighed, coming towards him. "It's okay to touch her. Some contact could do her good. And talking to her helps too. She may be able to hear you. They say coma patients can."
"Talking to her?"
"Yeah- just to let her know you're there."
He nodded, unsure and reached out to take her smooth hand. Its icy touch scared him; she was still so cold. As cold as she'd been when he'd found her.
The nurse smiled and nodded. "You okay?"
He nodded, and tried to smile back. "Thanks, Nurse..."
"Gornray," she nodded, moving away to another bed. Lee watched her for a few seconds, but inevitably, his eyes slid back to Madeleine.
His grip tightened on her hand, and he dragged his chair closer, clutching her hand with both of his now. He rubbed her arm carefully; unsure. He didn't want to hurt her- but he wanted her to be warm. He didn't like her icy touch. She felt like marble- like porcelein. It didn't feel right.
He kissed her hand, his fingers slipping into place with hers. Like a jigsaw puzzle. He smiled at the familiar pattern of their alternating digits. It was like something was clicking back into place. It felt good. It felt right.
"Talk to her." Nurse Gornray was back, gazing beneignly at them both.
Lee swallowed. "I... I don't know what to say."
She smiled. "Just... say whatever you need. Take your time. But she'll be glad you're here. She'll like it."
Lee half-laughed. Poor, kind woman. She'd no idea. "She won't like it. I shouldn't even be here. She'd be mad if she knew."
Nurse Gornray frowned at him. "You're the boy who found her, right?"
He nodded.
"You saved her life." She spoke boldly- straight to the point. Her loud, confident manner scared him a little. He felt strangely shaky. "You saved her- you have as much right as anyone else to be here."
Lee shook his head. "I..."
"Don't talk to me," she said simply, turning away again. "What good'll that do?"
She left him again, this time leaving the hospital wing through the little door to the right. Lee stared after her for a couple of seconds- then, feeling brave- leant forward and kissed Madeleine's cheek.
His lips hovered by her ear, and he smiled softly.
"Hey," he murmured, squeezing her hand. "It's Lee..."