Work Text:
“I got this, Hal”.
“I got this, Hal”.
“I got this, Hal”.
Those words played on repeat in Hank’s brain as he sat by Al’s side in the hospital. It was all Alvin had said in the minute they saw each other before he was brought into surgery. Hank had told Alvin he loved him, but it had been too late and Al was already being wheeled through the OR doors into surgery.
Alvin was doing better day by day but it had been touch and go for a while and Hank was too aware of how Al’s condition could still take a turn for the worse at any moment. That Hank might never hear Al’s voice again. He might never hear from his husband again.
Al wasn’t a man of many words. Hank had always known that. Al had been like that since they met at twenty five and only became quieter over the years. The sentence Al had repeated didn’t surprise Hank at all. He knew it was for both of them. That Al had been aware of his own condition.
That in some way while bleeding out Alvin was trying to reassure both of them he had it. That he got it and it would be fine.
Hank let out a bitter laugh. He squeezed Al’s hand together as the words repeated themselves again and again.
This couldn’t be the end. That couldn’t be the last thing Alvin said to him. He needed to hear Al’s voice again. He needed to hear his husband speak again. Al couldn’t die. Hank didn’t think he could handle it this time.
“You got this, Darling. I know you do”. Hank whispered. There was no response. Hank hadn’t been expecting one. The ventilator was stopping any noise or sound Alvin might’ve made.
“You got this. I believe in you. We all do. We need you Sweetheart”.
“I’ll be fine”.
“I’ll be fine”.
“I’ll be fine”.
Those were Camille’s last words. Words Hank still remembered clear as day. Like it was the day she died and not years later. She had the same reassurance in her words and tone right before she flatlined. Camille had been in a coma for a day before she died. A day where Hank hoped she might be okay.
She hadn’t been. And Hank was hoping it wouldn’t be the same for Alvin.
Hank had heard countless last words throughout his life and career. They all stuck with him. Especially when the person was aware they were dying and begged Hank to tell their partners or kids they loved him. The last words always stuck with him and Hank knew every single one always would.
“I got this, Hal”.
“I got this, Hal”.
“I got this, Hal”.
Alvin’s last words. The last thing Alvin said. The last thing he said while bleeding out and struggling to breathe.
Al would be fine. Everything would be fine. Hank would hear Al’s voice again. Those wouldn’t be Al’s last words.