"Ooohh..." Chris moaned. The bright lights were blinding as he slowly tried to open his eyes.
"Wakey, wakey sleeping beauty," Kurt said as he stood at the side of Chris's bed.
"Where am I? How'd I get here?"
"You're in the hospital. You got here in an ambulance."
"The last thing I remember is shoving Kane out of the way. And then flying off the stage. And then I woke up here."
"Well, you bounced off the barricade after Rhyno hit you. You busted your head open either on the railing or the ground. That would explain the bandages on your head. And the ones around your waist are from the gore itself."
"Broken?"
"Bruised ribs. Consider yourself lucky. I'll go tell the doctor you're awake."
After Kurt left, Chris was left with his thoughts. He had to admit, he didn't remember any of the ambulance ride to the hospital. The last thing he could clearly see in his mind was the confused look in Kane's eyes after he had pushed him down. He was sure that there was a hint of pain in those soft blue eyes. Chris had never wanted to cause him pain and would've apologized if it weren't for the freight train known as Rhyno. He was sure that the doctor had given him some medication to ease the pain, which was why he wasn't writhing in agony at the moment. He promised himself to explain his actions to Kane as soon as he was able. The last thing he wanted to do was start back at square one when they had gotten so far.
"So, the man lives" the doctor said as he entered the room.
"Barely," Chris said, dryly.
"You can't be in too much pain to make jokes. I'm Doctor Reed and I'm glad you're in good spirits. I'm afraid you're going to be out of the ring for at least 2 weeks. Think of it as a paid vacation."
"I can barely contain myself."
"Well, you seem to be okay at the moment. You think you could handle a visitor or two?"
"I have visitors? Besides Kurt?"
"Yes.. Two rather large ones I might add. I told the nurse to bring them in."
Kane and Taker stepped in as the doctor stepped out.
"How do you feel?" Kane asked, making his way to Chris's bedside.
"Like I've been squashed by Rikishi after he ate 2 thanksgiving dinners." He noticed the look of concern in Kane's eyes and patted his hand reassuredly. "I'll be fine. I'm tougher than most give me credit for. Sorry about pushing you."
"Forget about it. I was more worried about you. That fall looked really bad."
"Well," Taker started, "I think I'll be going now. I just wanted to make sure you're brains weren't splattered all over the arena floor. I'll leave you two alone... to talk... about things." He glanced back at Kane before he left.
There was a nervous silence between the two for a few minutes. Kane shifted from one foot to the other and Chris twiddled his thumbs. "So..." Chris sighed. "How's Rhyno? I hope he's in at least as much pain as I am."
"Well, considering you broke his fall, he's only under light observation. He's out for a week." He saw the look of disappointment on Chris's face. "But I'm getting a match against him as soon as he returns. And I'm gonna hand him his ass. And then I'll teach Stephanie McMahon a lesson."
"What does that ho have to do with this."
"She gave the orders. As far as I'm concerned, she's as responsible for you being in here as Rhyno."
"And you don't think she'll give the order to interfere in your match?"
"I doubt it. Rhyno threw a bit of a wrench in her plans. I was supposed to get the gore and you were supposed to go through a table at the hands of the Dudleys."
"Damn... I knew she could be cold... but this is down right vicious. I wonder what got into the Billion Dollar Princess."
"It's what didn't get into her that's got her pissed."
"What?"
"I'll fill you in later when you're feeling better."
"Sure."
"Umm.. Chris?" Kane started.
"Yeah?" he replied, looking into Kane's baby blues.
"You know.. You're the closest thing I've had to a friend in a long time... And I don't know what I would do if you got really hurt... Cause.. Ya know... I've gotten used to you being around... And I wouldn't mind you being around more... Ya know..."
"Yeah," he said, squeezing Kane's hand, "I know. And after I get out of here, we can hang out."
"Okay," Kane said, his mood brightening. "I'll keep you to that promise when you're up and running again."
"Don't even worry about it. Concentrate on what you're gonna do to Rhyno. I'll be cheering you on as loud as I can."