After she left, although running would be a better word for it, Amenadiel made Lucifer sit down again.
-How did he end up in the ICU? He wasnt so severely hurt.
-I dont know. But if those doctors made any kind of mistake,I swear I'll..
-Relax, brother. You know Johanna is the best there is. I doubt she would make a mistake of such gravity.It surprised me that you let Carolina go.
-There was no point in keeping her any longer. I gad to make a decision at that time and I concluded that David's wellbeing was more important than preventing a depressed girl get away. Besides,she was most likely being used by her brother. I saved all of my rage for him. Where is he now?
-In your old apartment. Dont worry. No one will know that he is here. What are you going to do to him?
-First,I have to find out what he did to my brother.I want the extent of his pain to be equivalent to his crime.Did you tell Charlie that we found his uncle?
-Not yet. I wanted to bring David to the hospital first where,I believed, we would get a clear view of his condition and then phone Charlie and be able to answer all his questions. But now,I dont even know what to tell him.
-Tell him the truth. If he finds out that you have been lying to him it is only going to make him feel more guilty. Tell him that his uncle is critical but we have the best doctors working on him.
-Do you think that is wise?Charlie is very close to his uncle. He will be very upset.
-It is always best to be a part of your loved one's misfortunes even if it hurts that be left out and remaining happily ignorant.
-That was....very mature of you to say.
At that moment Johanna returned and both brothers stood up anxiously.
-Half an hour. That was all I was able to get you. But you can return tomorrow morning at 10.
-It is not enough but I understand that was the best you could do.Amenadiel,why dont you go home? I am sure Charlie will be eager to learn the news.
-No,I am coming with you. I too want to see David and you need all the support you can get at these difficult moments.
Lucifer ignored Amenadiel's last comment and followed Johanna to the ICU. When he saw David lying on the bed,barely visible between all these wires and machines,unmoving and with his mouth half-open,he was suddenly grateful that Amenadiel was with him.
He didnt know where he found the strength to walk to the bed but it was enough to only bring him there because he collapsed on his knees and took David's cold hand between his own,trying to avoid all these wires. After Johanna left to give them some privacy,Lucifer turned to Amenadiel,panicked.
-He has given up.
-What?
-I have been in Hell for a long time,brother.I know when someone has given up.When someone has lost his will to live and my little brother doesn't want to live anymore. Thats why his condition worsened so quickly
-Do you believe it was something George did to him?
-I am sure of it and we need to find out what.
-Normally,I am against violence but when someone hurts my family,he pays a very high price.Stay with our brother,Lucifer. I will go to George and I promise you that I will make him confess everything. And I will not use gentle methods.
Lucifer's small happy and relieved smile was a hopeful sight as Amenadiel exited the room and left Lucifer alone with David. Then Lucifer,with the utmost care,caressed his little brother's hair while continuing to hold his hand.
-You need to wake up,brother. Your birthday is coming up next week and you wouldnt want to miss your party, right? Because then we would have to celebrate your birthday alongside David's. You wouldn't want that right? Maybe this year we will finally be able to throw you a surprise party without you finding it out. I dont know what that bastard did to you but it will be okay.I will make it all okay.You dont need to be afraid. Your big brother will take care of everything. You managed to hold on until I found you and I am very proud of you for that.But I need to ask you for one last favor.Please,wake up.I know that sometimes it hurts to be alive,trust me,I know that better than anyone but it is worth it. Even when you dont believe it anymore you need to believe me.I know how calming and comforting the deep abyss is.No pain,no emotion,nothing.But the pain is not gone.It never is.It always waits for you until you face him.But you are not alone.You are never alone.I am here.Come back to us and no matter what happened we will face it together and in the end there will be no more pain.All you have to do is open your eyes.
Johanna returned after half an hour and found Lucifer alone at his brother's side.If she could,she would let him stay here the entire night.It was obvious he needed it. But if the supervisor were to find out she had broken their deal,both Lucifer and her would be in big trouble.
-I heard your footsteps,Johanna.I guess my time is up, right?
-Im sorry Lucifer.
-Dont be.It was better than nothing.I will come back tomorrow anyway.
Lucifer left David's hand but Johanna could tell how much it hurt him.It seemed like that from now on,every time Lucifer would be forced to leave his little brother's side,something will break inside him.