Brian felt extremely undignified as the nurse, whose name he had found out was Sarah, helped him walk along the corridor. As they reached Justin’s door Sarah felt Brian hesitate so she thought that she better prepare him for the condition that his partner was in. “Mr Kinney,” Brian looked thoughtfully down at her, “Justin’s injuries were very serious, and it seems as though he may have hit something when he was caught in the avalanche. His leg was severely injured and he had to have surgery to repair it. He's been kept sedated since the surgery and he is still on a ventilator to help with his breathing. There will be lots of machines and tubes, it will be quite distressing for you to see Justin like this, do you really think that you are ready?” Brian thought over what Sarah had said for a moment and then came to his decision. “I need to see him, no matter what state he’s in. I just need to be there with him.” “Okay.” Sarah replied as she opened the door and supported Brian as he walked in to the room. Brian took in a deep breath as his eyes glanced over Justin’s comatose body. Sarah helped Brian sit down in the chair that was next to Justin’s bed. “If you need anything I’ll be right outside or just press the call button.” Sarah told Brian as she left the room. Alone with Justin, Brian leant forward and captured his limp hand in his own. “What did we get ourselves into this time Jus?” he whispered, “You’ll do anything for a bit of sympathy, you’re such a drama queen...” Brian trailed off. He couldn’t help but stare at all of the medical paraphernalia that surrounded Justin. “You have to be alright,” Brian’s voice was so quiet that it was barely audible, “I don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you so much…” Brian was silenced as he felt Justin’s hand move a little. “Justin?” Brian looked down at the hand intently, “Squeeze my hand if you can hear me.” Brian waited and was about to give up when he felt a tiny, but precise movement from Justin’s hand as it tried to squeeze his fingers. “Justin try and open your eyes for me.” Brian coaxed leaning forward so that he could caress Justin’s cheek. “Come on Justin, let’s see those blue eyes.” Justin’s eyelashes began to flutter as he fought to open his eyes. With great effort Justin’s eyes opened wide and he tried to look at his surroundings. “Oh thank God.” Brian let out a sigh of relief as he saw that Justin was actually awake. Justin was in great discomfort from his leg but as he tried to tell Brian he felt something prevent him. Justin eyes darted around looking at himself when he noticed the breathing tube sticking out of his mouth. Justin reached up and tried to pull it out so that he could talk to Brian. Brian realised what Justin was about to do and grabbed his other hand quickly. Justin looked questioningly at Brian, wondering why he had been stopped. “You don’t want to hurt yourself,” Brian explained to him, “I’ll get you a doctor to take that tube out okay?” Justin nodded and Brian heaved himself out of the chair and out of the door to find Sarah. He saw that she was at the nurses’ station and made his way over to her. “Is everything okay Mr Kinney?” she asked. “Justin’s awake,” Brian told her, “And he wants the breathing tube taken out.” “Okay, I’ll get a doctor and be with you in just a moment.” Brian walked back to Justin’s room and sat down in the chair again. “The doctor will be here soon,” he said as he held Justin’s hand again gently caressing it to soothe Justin. Sarah walked in through the door closely followed by a doctor. “It’s good to see that you’re awake Mr Taylor,” he said, “Now let’s get you extubated so that you feel a little bit more comfortable.” The doctor stepped forward and pulled some white gloves on his hands. “Now I want you to exhale like you’re blowing out birthday candles okay?” Justin nodded and held tightly on Brian’s hand. The doctor took the tube in his hand, “One, two, and three.” On three he pulled the tube out leaving Justin coughing and panting. Brian watched anxiously as the doctor listened to Justin’s chest with his stethoscope. “Brian.” Justin gasped. “Don’t try to talk,” The doctor said as Justin looked doubtfully up at him, “You’re throat will still be very sore.” Seeing the saddened look in Justin’s eyes he quickly added, “But I guess whispering is okay.” Brian and Justin shared a smile as Sarah and the doctor left the room. Alone together once again Brian began to speak, “Justin, I just want you to know…” “I know,” Justin’s whispering cut him off, “I do too.” Brian put his arm round Justin pulling him close. Justin rested his head on Brian’s shoulder and they both fell into a contented sleep.