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The smothering scent of lilies pervaded the hospital room. The monitors on the wall beeped in a monotonous drawl. It was a bright afternoon but the curtains were drawn tight and the room was left dim. The two burly men stood guard on either side of the frail man on the bed.“Dr. Ash, thank you for meeting me.” The woman who greeted Ash was stunning, a brilliant red gash of a mouth curled into a predatory smile as she shook his hand. Ash knew her type well. They tend to be demanding but well-paying clients.“Hello, Ms…”“You can call me Grey.”“Hello Ms. Grey, how can I help you?”“My father is very sick as you can see and his request for an immediate transplant has been rejected due to his old age and unfortunate circumstances. I have been told you are a man who can find solutions to problems like these.” She sat down gesturing for Ash to take a seat as well. Hands folded primly in her lap, holding a light pink envelope that Ash knew very well.“I can be persuaded into helping. What were the unfortunate circumstances for the rejection?”“My father has a rare blood type. Difficult to find the right match willing to donate their heart.” Grey slid the envelope towards Ash.“It was nice meeting you, Ms. Grey. I’ll see what I can do. If I do not get back in touch within the week, please consider that I failed.” Grey’s face shifted slightly at that.“For both our sake’s Dr. Ash, I hope you do not fail.”***
Fern knew every inch of Rise’s body, every rise and fall of muscle and every warm touch of the skin. And yet, every time felt like their first time. He sighed softly as Rise’s lips rose to meet his. They were both spent and drowsy but smiling.“Can’t believe I have to be away from you for a full week.” Rise pouted.“We will survive, I promise.” Fern kissed the top of Rise’s head and fell asleep holding him.*** Rise woke up from the afternoon nap to a muffled one-sided argument from the kitchen."We asked for white lilies, Mir, I am not compromising for my own wedding. Get them. You have a week." Fern slammed the phone on the counter. Rise walked up behind him hugging his back. Fern's smile lit up the kitchen."Sorry I woke you up.""I don't mind waking up to your voice even if it is grumpy.""They ran out of lillies somehow. A week before the wedding. How do you run out of lillies?""You are the florist. You tell me."Fern scoffed in reply and wordlessly leaned into Rise’s arms. They swayed together lazily enjoying the setting sun streaming in through the window. Rise breathed in the familiar scents of their house and listened to Fern humming their song softly. He spun Fern around and showered him with kisses making his fiance laugh.The sound of laughter was slow to fade that evening as Rise and Fern played around while the night wore on."You should go now." Fern mumbled against Rise's chest, at last when they slowed, tired but content. “Ren will be waiting for you.”Rise sighed, stole one last kiss from Fern and headed out to meet his best friend and celebrate his bachelor’s party.Fern waved to Ren and Rise then turned around to a chime of his phone as soon as their car was out of sight.Rise- Miss you <3Fern- Enjoy your party Mr. Husband to be <3***It was late when Fern’s phone rang. The bed was cold and empty on Rise’s side. Fern relaxed as he saw Ren’s caller ID light up the screen.“Hello, Ren, where…”“Fern, there’s been an accident. Rise is at the hospital.” Fern was dashing through the door, slipping on the early morning dew before Ren could finish the sentence.