Beautiful Obsession

Guardian’s Grief

"Heya," Andy whispered as he stepped into Devon's dimly lit hospital room, a cocoon of beeping monitors and hushed tones.

"Hi," came Devon's weak reply. His bronzed skin, usually a sign of robust health, was now a pallid shadow, underscoring the gravity of his condition. It had been two days since the shooting at Andy's concert, and the wounds were more than just physical.

As Andy approached the bedside, he studied Devon’s face, etched with fatigue yet resilient. Devon was not just his bodyguard; over the years, he had become like a brother. "How you feeling?" Andy asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Like s**t," Devon attempted a wry smile. "But hey, occupational hazard, right?" His attempt at lightness did little to mask the underlying strain.

Andy’s heart clenched. Devon’s past was littered with such incidents, but being accustomed to gunshots was a reality Andy wished no one had to face. "How’s Chris holding up?" he asked, shifting the conversation. Chris had been spiraling since the shooting, consumed by guilt and shock, knowing the shooter had targeted him.

Maria, Chris's bodyguard, had stepped up in Devon's absence, doubling the security around each band member. Now, with two guards on a 12-hour rotation, the heightened security felt both suffocating and necessary. With Devon recuperating and Brooke back in Charlotte, Andy felt a profound sense of isolation, despite the constant company.

Devon’s eyes clouded with concern. "He’s not doing well. Keeps blaming himself, thinking he should’ve been the one lying here." The remorse in Devon’s voice was palpable.

Andy felt a surge of frustration. "It’s not his fault, and it’s not yours either," he insisted. "You did what you had to do. If you hadn’t acted, Chris might not be here right now."

Devon nodded slowly, but his gaze remained troubled. "I know, but it’s hard not to feel responsible. Seeing Chris in this state..." His voice trailed off.

Andy understood. The attacks, seemingly focused on Chris, made no sense. Chris was the gentlest soul he knew. "Is he talking to anyone?" Andy pressed. Chris had been withdrawn, almost unreachable since that night.

"Just a few words here and there. He’s shut down, Andy. It’s like he’s lost in his own world of guilt," Devon said, a hint of helplessness creeping into his voice.

Andy’s jaw tightened. They had canceled the rest of the tour in hopes of giving Chris some space to heal. "Maria’s ramped up security—two guards per band member, around the clock."

Devon managed a weak smile. "She's doing a good job. Keeps me updated, even asks for my advice. She’s got what it takes to lead."

Andy sat down beside the bed, his mind racing. The past week had been a whirlwind of emotions and events. Devon's injury, the heightened security, Chris's silence, and Brooke's absence – it all felt overwhelming. "I wish Brooke were here," he murmured, almost to himself.

Devon glanced at Andy, a knowing look in his eyes. "He's more than just a detective to you, isn't he?"

Andy met Devon's gaze, a mix of acknowledgment and vulnerability in his eyes. "Yeah, he is. It's crazy... we've only known each other for a short while, but he gets me. I feel like he’s a part of this, part of us."

Devon nodded, understanding. "He's a good man. You need people like that around, especially now."

As they reminisced, the door opened quietly, and Chris entered, his presence gently interrupting their conversation. His eyes, red from tears, avoided direct contact, a testament to his shy nature. He lingered by the door for a moment before mustering the courage to move closer to Devon's bed.

Chris gave a small, almost imperceptible nod to Devon, his gaze flickering briefly towards Andy before settling on the floor. His arrival was silent, but the air around him was charged with unspoken emotions and a palpable sense of guilt.

Sensing the delicate dynamic, Andy rose from his chair. "I'll give you two some space," he said softly, offering a supportive smile to Chris.

"Thanks, Andy," Devon's voice was steady, but his eyes were on Chris, full of concern. "Remember, we're all in this together."

Andy nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "Absolutely. Together." With a final glance at Chris, who had taken a tentative seat by Devon’s side, Andy quietly exited the room.

Walking down the dim corridor, Andy felt the heaviness of the situation yet also a sense of solidarity. Despite the uncertainty and the challenges that lay ahead, there was a shared strength among them. Stepping out into the cool night, he looked up at the stars, finding comfort in their steady glow against the dark sky. In their light, he saw a glimmer of hope – a reminder that even in the darkest hours, they were not alone.