high school

"We're not exactly sure what happened but you had a gun in the hospital. Someone tried to take it off you and you dropped it. The thing fired and you were shot. Do you remember the events before that?"

 

He sat up and yelled "Jules!" He clutched his chest and fell back down.

 

"She's recovering and crying for you. I'll tell her you're awake. Perhaps she'll calm down then. She may even be allowed to see you in a couple of days. Less if the wounds are healing well."

 

"My heart hurts." he whispered.

 

"There was a lot of damage. Rest now. Jules is waiting to see you and you'll need to get better for her sake. She really cares about you."

 

"Thank you. Can you take me to her?"

 

"You're not strong enough yet. She could be brought to you though. Do you want to see her that badly? You both should be resting really but a visit might do you both good."

 

"Yes, please."

 

Jules was wheeled into the room a little later. She was left with Clint at her father's request.

"I was so worried about you. They wouldn't tell me anything. You shot yourself because of me. Oh Clint, never do that again."

Jules lifted herself onto the bed and hugged him.

"I'm never letting you go again."

 

"I'm so sorry." he said, crying and holding her. "I'll never touch a gun again!"

 

"I just want you to get better. Mum told me about your aunt. She wasn't very nice apparently. Mum wants to move you into the spare room while you recover. Once you are out of hospital."

 

"Yeah, nobody in my family likes me, except my cousin Jimmy. They all think I'll turn out like my parents."

 

Jules blushed.

"Mum thinks you did it because of the way you were brought up. She's on a personal crusade to give you a 'proper family'. I'm not sure whether to cheer or feel sorry for you! It seems you are joining our family for a while whether you want to or not. You need care when you come out of hospital anyway and I like the idea that you'll be in the next room."

 

"I've always wanted a proper family. Wait, does that make you my step sister or something?"

 

"Uh no. They aren't adopting you. You're too old. They just want to give you a loving home, kind of like a puppy. We won't be related at all, just living in the same house."

 

"That's good. Wait, a puppy!?"

 

"Bad choice of words. Like flat mates then. It'll be cool."

Jules kissed him on the cheek.

"You have to get better for me so we can bring you home."

Jules knew that he was very weak and didn't want to tire him too much.

"I'd better go back now. I'll come back later."

 

"Please don't go. I'd love to be your cute and cuddly puppy."

 

"I have to stay a while, they are moving me. I am being moved to another room as I don't need watching as much and there is something else they won't tell me."

Jules lay at his side.

"You want to be my puppy??"

 

"As long as you snuggle with me." he said, blushing.