Austin had never been excited about coming to work. For the past five years, he had worked at the hospital as a nurse. Giving patients sponge baths and helping them use the bed pan was not his idea of excitement. 

His grandfather had passed away three years ago and had left him a large amount of money. So he really didn't need to work. He just worked to keep from getting bored.

But there was nothing exciting about his job.

But six months ago, all that changed. 

A victim of a hit and run was brought into the emergency room. His injuries were severe. He slipped into a coma where he has been for six months.

The only thing Austin knew about the man was his name and age. Tim Foust, age: 36.

No visitors ever came to see Tim. No friends, no family.

Austin found himself spending more and more time in Tim's room. On his days off, he would come and sit with him. Talking to him, reading to him, singing to him and even watching tv with him.

He had heard that even while in a coma there is a chance that the patient could hear you. He wanted Tim to know that someone cared.

Tim was a very handsome man. Long dark brown hair that hung down to his shoulders. Light whiskers that covered his jaw line leading to a beard and mustache.

He knew it was crazy but Austin found himself falling for this mysterious man.

"So how's he doing today?" Chance asks from the doorway. Chance and Austin had been best friends for years and even shared a house together. They both were hired at the hospital the same day.

"He's doing good. We just finished watching 'Game Of Thorns'." Austin smiles.

"Uh, Austin." Chance sighs as he walks into the room. "I've heard rumors and they're not good."

"What rumors?" Austin asks.

"Rumors that Tim may be transferred to a nursing home." Chance answers sadly.

"WHAT! They can't do that! He needs medical attention and he won't get that at a freaking nursing home!" Austin says as he feels himself fixing to panic.

"I know it all has to do with money. His hospital bill is outrageous. He has no insurance that they know of and I think they are just tired of messing with him." Chance says with a shrug.

"I will not let him go to a nursing home, Chance!" Austin says as he looks down at the man that he knew he was falling in love with.

"How are you going to prevent it?" Chance asks as he sits down at the foot of the bed.

"We have an extra bedroom. I can fix it up and move him in there." Austin says.

"Buddy, that sounds fine but we both work. How do you plan on taking care of him while you're working?" Chance asks.

"I don't need this job. I just work to have something to do." Austin answers. "I can't let him go to a nursing home, Chance. He needs me."

Chance smiles at his friend, knowing that Austin was already attached to the stranger.

"You know that I still have to work but I will help when I can." Chance smiles as he stands up and pats Austin on the back. "I got to get back to work."

"They're crazy if they think I'm going to let them put you in a nursing home." Austin says as he brushes back Tim's hair and places a kiss on his forehead. "I'll take care of you."

Sure enough, the rumors that Chance had heard was true. Two weeks later, the hospital decided to transfer Tim Foust to a nursing home. There was nothing else they can do for him, they say.

With Chance's help, Austin was able to fix the extra bedroom up. They got the supplies they needed to accommodate Tim's needs.

Austin hired a lawyer to deal with the 'red tape' of getting Tim transferred into his care. The hospital didn't care where Tim went as long as he wasn't there.

"There. That has to be more comfortable than that old hospital bed." Austin smiles as he pulls the covers up around Tim's chest. "You have your own tv. You have a stereo, I can play you some music."

"Austin. I know you are falling for him. I know you too well." Chance says as he watches his friend as he fusses over his patient. "I don't want to see you hurt. What if he's not gay?"

"I don't care if he can't love me back, Chance. I just want him to know that someone cares." Austin says as he bats back the tears. 

"I'm sure he knows." Chance smiles. "Well, I need to get to bed. Some of us have to work in the morning."

The next morning, Austin fixes him a bowl of cereal then heads to Tim's room to check on him.

"Good morning." Austin smiles as he walks into the room. He turns on the tv then crawls into the bed next to Tim. "So what do you wanna watch today?"

He flips through the channels as he eats his cereal.

"When you wake up, I know you'll be hungry. I fix a mean omelet that I think you'll like." Austin chuckles. "I don't always eat cereal for breakfast."

Austin sets his bowl aside then gets comfortable as he flips through the channels. He finally gives up and turns off the tv.

Rolling over on his side, he stares at the man resting peacefully beside him.

"Uh, I don't know if you can hear me or not. If you can, well then, I'm sure you heard what Chance said last night. I do care about you, Tim. Maybe more than I should. And it's alright if you can't love me back. I just want you to know that you'll have a home when you wake up. And you will wake up. I have faith. And you have someone that cares for you." Austin says softly as he rubs Tim's cheek. "Me."

"I'll be here for you. I'm not going anywhere." Austin continues as he takes Tim by the hand.

Austin's eyes widen as he feels Tim's hand slowly closing around his hand.

"Tim?" Austin whispers. "Can you hear me?"

Tim gives a slight nod and slowly opens his eyes.

"Oh, my God." Austin says with a smile. 

Tim slowly turns his eyes toward the man that he has listened to for the past six months. The man that cared for him and never gave up. The man, that even though he had never seen his face, fell in love with.

"Hi. Good morning." Austin smiles down at the brown-eyed man.

"Thank you, Austin." Tim whispers with a weak voice.

"You know my name?" Austin asks.

"Mhmm." Tim nods and closes his eyes.

"Oh, dear Lord. That means you've heard everything?" Austin asks with worry.

"Mhmm." Tim answers and opens his eyes once more, slightly squeezing Austin's hand.

"I, uh, I can explain." Austin says with a nervous giggle.

"No need to explain." Tim says, clearing his throat to try to strengthen his voice. "You had me by the second season of 'Game of Thrones'."

"What?" Austin says with a smile.

"It's crazy, I know. But I love you too." Tim says with a hoarse voice and a slight smile. "And you'd own my heart forever if you'd fix me one of those omelets."

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