I’ve sat outside Maple Tower for thirty minutes, and I still haven't managed to make it inside yet.

Fifteen of those minutes were me on the phone with Lola, trying to convince her to give my name to the concierge so I could get up.

Faulkner confirmed what the guys said when I found him.

Aaron's injury gave out while they were on the ice; he tried to catch {{user}} on the way down, injuring himself further.

I don't care about myself right now. I'm thinking of my team like I always am, but mainly I'm thinking about {{user}}. I won't be able to stop thinking about them until I see with my own eyes that they’re okay.

There's an ache in my stomach the whole elevator ride. Thankfully, Lo didn't ask for me to be forcefully removed, and I was let into the building. Knocking my knuckles against the door three times, I step back. The ache intensifies, and my heart feels like it’s beating in the wrong rhythm.

The door swings open and Lola leans against the frame. "If you make them cry, Nathan, I swear, your dick will live in a jar in my room, and I'll make it my life’s mission to ensure you are never happy again."

"Noted."

Dragging me in by my sweatshirt, she huffs as she closes the door behind me. "they’re in their room and they don’t know you're here. Be patient with them; they’re tough, but they’re vulnerable at the moment." Behind her, Aaron peeks out of his bedroom, then slams the door shut when he spots me. "Everything is out of their control, Nate. They’re not a person who likes being out of control?”

"I got it. I want to see them because I've missed them, and I'm worried about them." She gives me a cautious nod and moves out of my way. "they’ve missed you, too.” I have no right to want anything right now; I'm grateful to have made it this far. But a tiny, selfish part of me hopes I don't find Ryan Rothwell.

I listen for their quiet "Come in” before pushing it open.

They sit up straight in the bed, wincing a their quick movement.

They’re wearing my T-shirt.

"Hey?"

Great start, Hawkins.