•••

Quiet beeping lulled Tasha back to earth as her eyes slowly opened. Her vision was blurry at first, the lights in the room blinding her for a moment before her eyes adjusted to the bright hues. She blinked a few times, her eyes finding her arm where an IV was attached. It was then she noticed a firm grip holding her hand. Her eyes followed the feeling, her confused gaze softening as she laid her eyes upon Rafe Adler. He looked a mess — his hair was unkept, stubble growing out along his jaw, and terrible dark circles under his eyes. Yet there he was, asleep — though, he didn't look to be at peace.

"He stayed with you the entire time, you know."

Tasha's gaze left Rafe's sleeping form as she searched for the body of the voice. She felt a smile come to her face when she saw her two favorite brothers standing in the doorway.

"Are you okay?" She asked Sam and Nate, her eyes fully of concern.

"Yeah, we're good."

"Elena? Sully?"

"They're all fine, Tash." Nate shook his head with a smile. "Worrying about everyone except yourself. How typical of you."

"Well, you know me." Tasha teased, then frowned.

"How long..." She breathed deeply as she spoke, her throat raspy. "How long have I been out?"

There was a brief silence as the brothers moved towards her bed, both frowning which Tasha knew was never a good sign.
"What happened?" Tasha asked as she looked back to Rafe. "He looks... awful."

"It... it was bad." Sam said honestly as he sat on the edge of the hospital bed. "The doctors weren't sure how you made it... you lost so much blood..."

"They wouldn't let Rafe into the surgery room when they took you, and he nearly lost it. We had to calm him down." Nathan looked over to Rafe, and Tasha was surprised when, for the first time ever, she saw Nate look at Rafe with something over than pure dislike.

"You woke up once... they had to breathe for you since your lungs were damaged and... you were in so much pain." Sam frowned as he rubbed her covered leg. "Nearly lost you after that... your heart stopped."

Tasha frowned. "Rafe... is he..?" What do I ask? Is he still crazy?

"He's..." Sam sighed, looking over at the sleeping man. "He'll be a hell of a lot better when he knows you're awake. Once you became stable and the doctors said things were looking up, he sort of retreated into himself. We had to talk to him, get him to open up. It was a bitch but, it worked out. They patched up his stomach— Nathan did a pretty good number on him... He's on meds for his... issues, but ever since you've been in the clear he's been... oddly normal. We're talking before Panama normal."

"Thank you, both of you..." Tasha looked at them with adoration. "I know how hard it must be to put aside everything bad he's done..."

"Honestly? After almost losing you it was pretty easy... I hate to admit it," Sam smiled slightly as he looked at Rafe. "That kid loves you. But if he ever hurts you again, I get to kick his ass."

"Me too." Nate smirked.

The three laughed. Tasha felt Rafe squeeze her hand tight as their laughter woke him from his slumber. His eyes immediately went to Tasha's hand as it held his back, then up to her face. His stormy eyes brightened as he stared at her, completely breathless.

"Well, I guess we'll leave you two lovebirds alone." Sam and Nate left the room, shutting the door as Rafe sat up in his chair, his grip on Tasha's hand as tight as he could without injuring her.

"Tasha..." Rafe's voice was shaky as he stared at her, and she was almost certain he was on the verge of breaking down into tears. "You're... you're awake..."

"Yeah." Tasha nodded slowly. "You looked so exhausted, I didn't want to wake you."

Rafe smiled, tears in his eyes as he leaned into her. Immediately he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body hard against his as he let the tears fall. "I... fuck, I thought I lost you!"

Tasha shook her head against his chest. "You could never lose me, Rafe."

He pulled back just enough so he could kiss her, his dry lips pressing passionately against hers. "I'm — I'm Sorry, I just —" He went to pull back but Tasha reached her hand up, holding his cheek soothingly.

"I'm here, alright? I'm here."

Rafe smiled, sniffling before pulling her tight against his chest. "Is this... is this alright? I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"Don't worry so much, Rafe." Tasha replied softly as she made room for him in the bed, cuddling up to him instantly.

"I won't ask you for your forgiveness. I don't deserve it and I understand if... if you can't look past all the terrible things I did... and you don't want to see me again." Rafe's voice was barely audible as he spoke, clearly trying to keep himself from crying. "I love you, and all I want is for you to be safe and happy."

Tasha was silent for a moment as she took in his words. She slowly turned, laying on her side so she could gaze up at him. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to look past everything that's happened..." Rafe averted his eyes from her, only to have her tilt his chin back to face her. "But I love you, Rafe Adler. The good, the bad and the ugly... and I won't give up on you." Her lips curved into a small smile.

Relief washed over his face as he brought his lips to her forehead. "T-thank you, Tasha. I know I don't deserve another chance—"

"When I look into your eyes, I see how much you love me." Tasha interrupted him with a small chuckle. "Neither of us are okay... I mean, you've murdered people and I've tried to kill myself like four times now." She shrugged. "Together... we can be something better than we ever were apart..."

Rafe held her close as he caressed her hip. "I love you."

"I love you too, Rafe."