T/W: Hints at death.

***
Lex

It's been nearly a week since Knox's accident. Nothing has changed. Although I try to remain hopeful, deep down, I know the longer Knox is in a coma, the less likely it is that he'll make it.

****
"How are you holding up?" Cass has come by, checking in on me.

"Not great," I reply honestly. I haven't been sleeping well and usually only get about three or four hours of sleep per night. It's starting to catch up to me.

"You look exhausted," Cass murmurs.

"I am," I admit.

"There's still no change in Knox's condition?" Cass asks. I shake my head.

"None."

"Is there anything at all that they can do?" Cass wants to know. I shrug. If there is, the medical staff hasn't shared it with me. Why would they? I'm not related to Knox.

I don't even know if he even has any family. Whenever I'm there, visiting Knox, no one else is there. That only depresses me more, realizing that I'm probably the only person who's genuinely worried about Knox's outcome.

"I'm not family," I reply. "Even if there was something, I doubt they'd tell me."

"Surely Knox has some family around," Cass says.

"If he does, they don't seem to care," I say.

"Do you think Horatio could find out for you?"  Cass asks.

"Possibly."

"I think you should talk with him about that," Cass encourages. "Maybe the medical staff is having trouble locating any family members themselves."

"That could be," I agree. "Except I have a feeling that Knox's family has been informed and they just don't care."

***
"I could look into that, if you really think it's necessary." I take Cass' advice and speak with Horatio about if could find out any information in regards to Knox's family.

"I do," I tell Horatio.

"It could take some time," Horatio says. "Time that we may not have."

"I still think we should at least try," I murmur.

"I'll do my best," Horatio promises me. I give him a hug.

"Thank you, Horatio. It means a lot to me."

"Of course, Lex."

***
Steve

Lex is slowly beginning to fade. I don't know how much longer she can keep this up. She's not sleeping well and she hardly eats anything. I fear she'll end up in the hospital if she doesn't start taking better care of herself.

I try convincing her she needs to take care of herself, but she'll just wave away my concerns. It's hurtful.

"Baby, please," I plead.

"Don't hassle me," Lex snaps. I study her. She's a shell of her former self.

"You're fading fast," I say. "If you don't start doing something, you'll be in the hospital. Is that what you want?" Lex's lower lip trembles.

"He's gonna..die, isn't he?"

"I don't know," I murmur. Lex moves to grab her cell and purse.

"I need to be there with him." She gives me a quick peck on the lips.  "I'll be back later."

"What about your family?" I demand, frustration fiiling me. "We need you."

"Not as badly as Knox does." Then Lex is gone. I swear loudly. Damn Knox Marshall. I wish we'd never met the guy. He's completely ruining my life. I know this isn't a nice thought, but maybe it'd be better if Knox didn't make it.

***
Lex

I'm sitting beside Knox's hospital bed, holding his hand. I've been talking to him, but I'm running out of things to say, short of becoming repetitive.

I gently massage his fingers. "Oh, Knox," I murmur, the tears returning. I'd managed to control myself up until now.

I close my eyes, weariness slipping over me like a piece of clothing. I replay Steve's words in my head.

If you don't start taking care of yourself, you'll end up in the hospital.

I don't want that. It's just so hard to worry about my own well-being when Knox is on the brink of death.

As I'm holding Knox's hand, I swear, I feel a faint flutter. I quickly open my eyes. I hold Knox's hand, loosely, seeing if perhaps I imagined the movements..

But no. It happens again. I release Knox's, bolting for the door, shouting for a nurse. A few minutes later, Knox's doctor is in there, checking the monitor.

Knox moans, low and a second after that, his eyes flutter open. I rush over, despite the nurse who's in there, trying to discourage me.

"Oh, Knox," I whisper, tears falling freely. His gaze locks on to my face.

"Lexie," he rasps out. I lean in, gently kissing his forehead.

"Thank God," I whisper. "Thank God."

***
Steve.

When I see it's Lex calling, instantly I'm on guard. I have a gut feeling she'll have news about Knox's condition. I brace myself as I answer.

"Hello?"

"Steve, Steve," Lex babbles. "He's awake! Knox is awake!"

"Oh, Lexie," I murmur. "That's fantastic news. I'm so happy."

"Yes." Suddenly Lex is quiet.

"What, baby?"

"Unfortunately he's going to have a long road of recovery ahead of him," Lex says softly. Uh oh. That doesn't sound good.

"How exactly?" I ask.

"They don't know the full extent of Knox's injuries," Lex says. "He'll have to do some tests. Also probably some physical therapy."

"Just focus on the positives for now," I tell Lex. "Knox is awake. It can only go up from here."

"Right." I hear the discouragement in Lex's voice.

"Lexie," I murmur. "Knox will be okay."

"Yes." A fierceness has entered Lex's tone. "Because I'll be there beside him."

***
Lex

I haven't left Knox's side since he woke up. The doctor wanted me to leave the room while he talked things over with Knox, and he flat out told the doctor that under no circumstances was I to leave.

Knox also told the doctor he wanted me to sign some papers, stating that I be allowed to know exactly what was going with him. Knox also signed the papers or as well as he could.

When Knox and I are finally left alone for a few minutes, he explains to me that there isn't anyone who could actually make any decisions in his regards to his health.

"Horatio was looking into that," I tell him. Knox looks away.

"I'll contact him and ask him to stop," I hastily add.

"Please do." Knox starts coughing and I hurriedly get up to give him his cup of water. Well, more specifically, I hold the cup of water, while Knox sips from the plastic straw.

"T..Thanks," Knox says, his voice raspy.

"You're welcome," I murmur. I set the cup down and perch on the edge of the hospital bed.

"Lexie?" Tears fill my eyes as I grope for Knox's hand.

"I'm so relieved you're alive," I whisper.  Knox chuckles softly, gently squeezing my fingers.

"You saved my life, Lex."

"How?"

"You were the last person I thought of before and you've been here thus entire time."

"I had to."

"No," Knox murmurs. "You didn't."

"I wanted to be there for you," I murmur.

"I'm really happy you were, too," Knox says, smiling.

"I would have done almost anything to ensure you'd make it," I admit.  Knox nods.

"I know."