Fixing a Broken Heart ch. 20

   Zack lost it when Danny told him the truth. He wouldn't stop crying, and I couldn't blame him. Danny wrapped his arms around his brother and held him tightly. Zack clung onto Danny's jacket and cried into his shoulder. I saw Danny wasn't holding back tears either. I came over and held Zack. He turned around and hugged me tightly, resting his on my shoulder. I petted his head as Danny rubbed his back until he eventually stopped crying.
   After he calmed down, Zack fell back asleep. Carly and Michelle said their goodbyes and left. Danny was sitting at Zack's side rubbing his shoulder. My family left to get the car out of the parking garage.
   "So, Zack's going to live with you?" I asked Danny.
   "Yeah," Danny replied nodding his head, "I finished college a few months ago and I got a decent paying job and a nice apartment. He'll move in when he gets strong enough." I smiled. Zack was going to be in good hands. I knew it. "I have to go." Danny stood up. He looked down at Zack and bent down next to his face.
   "I'll be back tomorrow," Danny whispered, "Sleep well, bro. I love you." He pushed Zack's hair out of his face and kissed Zack's forehead. Zack's eyes fluttered open a little, and he smiled seeing Danny. Danny stood back up and looked at me. "Thanks for keeping him on his feet." He came over, rustled my hair and left. I felt Zack's hand squeezing mine. I looked at him with his half-open eyes and smiled.
   "I have to go Zack," I softly said. He squeezed tighter.
   "Please," he whispered raspingly, "Stay with me for just a little longer." I smiled and squeezed back. He cupped the side of my face, and I was leaning closer and closer to his face. I finally kissed his soft lips. He lightly kissed back, and my heart began pounding. His hands moved gently up my back up to my neck and to my face.
   For the longest time, we kept our lips locked together. Eventually, I pulled away a couple inches before we pecked. I stared lovingly into those eyes, and he stared back.
   "I love you Zack," I whispered.
   "I love you too Erica," he whispered back. God, I loved this so much. I didn't want it to end. Zack brushed my hair behind my ear and smiled. He pecked my lips.
   "Go," he softly spoke, "I'll be okay. I promise." He linked his pinky with mine as I kissed his cheek. We let go, and I got up and walked to the door. I looked back and saw Zack waving his hand goodbye.
   "Bye," I said waving my hand and leaving Zack's hospital room.