Chapter Nine (Rick's POV)

It'd been a freaking long ass time since my body ached this badly. My bones felt like glass and my skin like freaking paper with silly putty for muscle. I was told not to move too much, especially with the IV sticking out of my arm. I still felt sort of queasy, but not enough to say so.

I couldn't care less how I felt physically because lying on the edge of my bed, Devin had fallen asleep with his face tipped towards me and an arm resting under his head. He was freaking exhausted and I could tell when he had walked in, like he'd just run the marathon. The fact that he had rushed in here so quickly made my heart swell and if I wasn't in such crappy shape, I'd take him and throw him down on the bed in an instant.

All I could really do now was just watch him sleep quietly. It helped me relax knowing his all right and with me. I had an itching sensation that I didn't want him to be alone, ever. And I wasn't about to be left alone either.

Although, I was also peeved that Alex got away. It was clawing at me like a wet cat inside, but Devin rushing to my defense smoldered any want to go after him. I wasn't going to go after Alex if it meant hurting Devin. Screw that, I'm torture the bastard with lawsuits.

I sighed and relaxed back on the bed a little bit, staring up at the ceiling before a nurse peeked in, then smiled faintly as she came in, carrying a tray of different juices and water.

"You're only allowed liquids for the first week, so I brought you some different things," She set up the tray so it was on my lap, then glanced over at Devin, "Are you planning on waking him up soon? Visiting hours are almost over." I cocked a brow at her.

"Lady, this guy almost got killed because of me. He's staying here all freaking night." I retorted. She blinked and stared at me, her pink lips forming an 'O'. I glanced at Devin for a while, watching him snooze peacefully.

"And I'd feel better if he just stayed here with me. It's safer than being out there." I muttered, picking up one of the juices. The nurse nodded slowly, nibbling on her lower lip.

"Well, we're not supposed to let visitors stay..."

"He was punched in the face. Set him up a bed next to mine then. Tell them he might be at risk for a concussion or something stupid."

"You really like him, don't you?"

"So what? Are you gonna stop treatment just because I like another guy?" I demanded in irritation, setting the drink down. The nurse stared at me for a long time, then a smile broke across her face.

"Honey, like whoever you want. You're still a human being and if you're hurt, we'll do our best to treat you so that you can be on your feet again with the one you love. Believe me, we don't hold sexuality against anyone." She explained. I felt myself relax, looking at her with a faint smile.

"Wow. That's a shocker... Last hospital I went to, they wouldn't give me a physical because of it." I replied. The nurse scoffed, folding her arms over her chest.

"Oh, what garbage. Some people have no decency. A human is a human, regardless of sexuality, race, sex, whatever. Some people are just..."

"Intolerant bastards." I filled in. The nurse grinned, lowering her arms.

"Great minds think alike," She winked, then gesture to the juices, "Those were all I could find for now, but in the morning, I'll do what I can to find more."

"I take it Budlight is off-limits?" I asked. The nurse wagged her finger at me, giving me a flick in the nose that surprised me as I stared at her in disbelief. She was really quirky.

"You better not be drinking any alcohol, buddy. That stuff damages your liver and you've already got enough damage. Stick with the Juicy Juices and H20, or even try tea. Not coffee, though. Not sure all that caffiene is good for you." She explained, brushing a hand through her short dark hair, glancing in the opposite direction with glinting chocolate eyes. I had a feeling she was guilty with the coffee thing.

"Fine," I sighed, lifting up another juice to sniff it, "So I don't have to stay here long, do I?" The nurse shook her head slowly in thought.

"Not that I"m aware. Just another day after tonight so we can be sure that the transfusion was successful. So far, you're responding wonderfully. Keep it up. I should probably go now. I have another patient down the hall who's whining for attention." She huffed, about to leave.

"Oh, wait. I didn't catch your name." I said. The nurse smiled and gave me a two-fingered salute.

"Sabel. Pleasure meeting you, Rick Patterson."

"Same to you." I watched her depart before I looked down at the juice in distaste. I could barely remember the last time I didn't drink beer. I sighed and took a sip of some kind of purple grape juice, but coughed at the taste.

"Eugh." I set it down and went for another one. Pretty much all of them tasted like crap. Grape, pineapple, apple, cherry, pear, peach. The hell. How did kids put up with this garbage? I want my beer.

"Just drink one." A voice mumbled and I looked over at Devin, who seemed to be half asleep, half awake. Probably slightly woke up at the sound of my conversation with Sabel.

"I don't like juice. I want my beer." I responded with a snort. Devin rolled his eyes, then seemed to try to sit up, but grew too lazy and settled for slumping back on the bed sleepily gazing up at me.

"Go back to sleep." I told him as I went for the water instead. At least it didn't taste like crap in a bottle. Devin hummed drowsily, his eyelids heavy with sleep.

"Mm mm... Visiting over yet...?"

"Why? Think you're gonna leave me?"

"Mm mm... I was gonna hide under your bed."

"Bull. You're staying right where I can see you," I paused and reached out, brushing my fingers by the bruise that was forming on his cheek, making me grimace, "Does that hurt? I can get you some pain killers for that." Devin huffed, reaching up to probably smack my hand away, but he ended up just covering mine with his. His fingers were soft and smooth as they threaded through mine.

"Uh uh... S'fine... Sorta... Hit my head on the car..."

"Huh?" I frowned, sitting up a little bit as Devin's eyelids seemed to grow heavier and heavier until they were closed again and his hand went limp over mine. Before I knew it, he was sleeping again, his breath warm on my hand.

Hit his head on the car? How the fuck did you do that? I rolled my eyes. Probably a weird dream. I shook my head, then used my free hand to drink the rest of the water before I settled back down on the bed, keeping my hand together with Devin's before I drifted back to sleep again.

I didn't really feel like sleeping, but if I slept, time would go by faster and before I knew it, I could be out of here and back home with Devin. I wished time would just hurry up...

And it eventually did. The next day went by way faster than I thought with all the tests they were doing on me. I was just pissed that they shooed Devin out for them, so I sat there with needles going in and tubes going out. Cold hands touching my torso and making the wound near my stomach sting slightly.

I thanked freaking God after they gave me clothes that my uncle Vic had sent to me. Although, it was just a pair of sweatpants and a tank top, but hell. I was fine with anything that wasn't a hospital gown. Walking was a whole lot more difficult than standing, though. Each step caused a pang of pain to bolt through me and the nurses noticed.

"Please, honey, we can put you in a wheel chair." One of them urged, but I scowled, shaking my head.

"I don't need one. I'm fine on my own."

"You're stubborn." Sabel told me with a snort and I just huffed in response as she helped me toward the door. After walking that far, the pain was starting to dull and I could actually take a few steps without groaning or cursing. Out in the waiting room, Devin leapt to his feet when he saw me.

"You're not in a wheelchair?" He asked me.

"Big guy thinks he's tough when he walks around with a gunshot wound." Sabel retorted, making Devin glare at me. I shrugged, grimacing a little before taking a couple steps.

"See? Just fine. No more pain." I said. Sabel wagged her finger at me.

"You behave from now on. I never wanna see you as a patient in here again, you hear me?" She asked and I rolled my eyes, smirking at her.

"I can't quite promise that-"

"I can," Devin inserted, nodding to Sabel, who smiled at him, "I'll kick his ass before he ends up in here."

"How reassuring." I drawled. Devin looked like he was gonna punch me, thought better of it, then checked the time. Sabel patted my cheek, giving me a smile.

"You get lots of rest now. No alcohol either." She added with a wink.

"You're torturing me." I responded dryly, but Sabel just kissed my cheek , then rushed off to help the other nurses clean up my bed space. I looked at Devin, who was blushing a little, watching Sabel leave.

"Don't tell me you're jealous." I deadpanned. He blushed even more, scowling.

"Who's jealous? I'm not jealous. You're stupid. Let's go." He took my hand, his fingers lacing with mine and I calmed down, just smirking at him as he helped me down the hallway. There wasn't as much pain now as I walked with Devin, his hand warming mine. Yea, we got a few stares from people, but I didn't give a fuck.

I was glad that Devin wasn't ashamed. I was glad he wanted the whole world to know and he didn't care what anyone else thought. It made something inside me swell.

We headed out to the car, leaving behind the cool air conditioning and getting smacked with a blast of hot, muggy air. It made me crinkle up my nose in disgust and Devin huffed.

"Ugh, I hate summer. So freaking hot and gross outside."

"Dunno, I like wallowing in the air conditioning. And my house has plenty of it. Please tell me that's where we're going?"

"No shit. You're not going anywhere else for a long time." Devin retorted, helping me into the car before he came around and sat in the drivers' seat. I frowned, though, when I noticed his hair brushing by his temple, revealing what looked like stitches.

"Do you have stitches?" I asked immediately. Devin obviously froze for a second, then laughed nervously as he started the car.

"It's from yesterday, remember?"

"He punched you in the jaw, not the forehead."

"That's what I thought." He was lying. It sent a wave of irritation through me, as well as the foreign tugging sensation of worry. Why is he lying to me? What happened while I was in the emergency room?

"Was it your dad?" I asked. Devin laughed, driving out of the parking lot, his eyes darting as he pretended to be distracted with his driving.

"My mother would shoot him dead if he hit me."

"Then what happened?"

"I told you, Alex punched me-"

"I'm not stupid, Dev. Now spew or I'll rip that wheel out of your hands and send us both into a ditch until you answer me." I commanded icily. Devin groaned and slid down a bit in his seat, driving as carefully as he could.

"Look, stop throwing a fit. You're gonna hurt yourself. I'll tell you if you promise not to get mad."

"You know I can't promise that."

"Ugh," Devin paused for a bit, driving slowly as his eyes searched the road, "It wasn't a big deal. I stopped by the store next to the hospital to grab us something, uh, important. Damien happened to be there and he was just being an overall douche bag about us, but don't get your panties in a bunch. I already bit him and kicked his balls out his mouth."

I felt myself go tense, but as soon as I did, pain ripped up my stomach, through my chest and I gasped, clamping my arms around my gut. Devin immediately jerked the car off to the side of the road.

"Rick? Rick, are you all right? I'm sorry, I told you I didn't wanna tell you!" He protested, the worry on his face immediately relaxing me as I let him move my hands away from my wound. He pulled my shirt up and stared at the fresh gauze in satisfaction before he slumped back in his seat, taking a deep breath.

"Christ. You're gonna give me a heart attack." He sighed. I frowned lightly, took a deep breath, then started again.

"You should've told me, Dev..."

"I would've if you didn't have a bitch of a temper, but you do. So bleh. Look, it's seriously no big deal, like I said. Damien got the hint and he's gone. Ciao, byebye, adios! See? No more problem." Devin explained calmly as he continued driving again. Part of me didn't want to let it go. I automatically hated this Damien bastard a lot more than I did before. No one hit Devin and got away with it.

Which explained why I was gonna file a lawsuit against Alex for punching Devin in the face.

I was pissed, every time I glanced at the purplish bruise that swelled under Devin's eye over his cheek. It also made my gut wrench with pain. And it wasn't the gunshot wound. It was the fact that I got him involved. I hated myself for it. I probably should've bullshitted the story to him, but something instead me told me I could trust him.

I started to get headache pondering all this shit and thank god Devin pulled up in the driveway fifteen minutes later. He helped me out and led me inside where Vic, Danny, and Blake were waiting.

"Welcome back, kiddo," Vic gave me a big, but gentle hug, patting me softly on the back of the neck before he stepped back to study me, "Almost impossible to imagine that you're limping. Come on, I made some dinner for you."

"Dinner or smoothie dinner?" I asked dryly. Vic rolled his eyes.

"You know what the doctor said."

"Can I at least have some beer?" I grumbled. Vic studied me for a moment, then glanced at Blake as if needing a second opinion. Blake held up his hands in surrender, shaking his head.

"Don't depend on me. You know what I'll say." He snorted. I scowled at him. Vic sighed.

"All right, just one, though. If you feel any pain, let me know and we'll rush you back to the hospital."

"Fuck that. I rather die than go back there. Everything tasted like shit, the nurse was trying to get in my pants, and it was so freaking sterile." I ranted, making Vic roll his eyes and stalk off to the kitchen to avoid my nasty temper. I smirked after him, then glanced at Blake as he shook his head.

"Oi, I need to talk to you." I stated. Blake frowned, but said nothing, simply nodded before he looked at Danny, who was muttering something to Devin.

"We need some privacy." He stated. Danny pouted, but seemed to sense the aura of the room before he hauling Devin off, who kept glancing back at me with a curious glare. I waited until they were out of ear shot before I looked at Blake.

"I need you to take care of Devin." I said. Blake blinked, then cocked his head.

"What're you talking about?"

"That creep, Damien. The guy jumped him last night and Devin just told me, but I don't think the guy's given up. I need you to take Devin home and just make sure he gets there all right." I explained dully, reaching up to rub my headache away. It didn't really help, especially when Blake frowned.

"You seriously think the guy will be back?"

"Without a doubt. I know it's asking a lot and we're not on the greatest terms, but I can't be there for Devin if I'm in this condition. And it fucking pisses me off, so I'm asking you. Just watch out for him and make sure he gets home safe." I said. Blake studied my face for a moment, then his expression softened.

"You really, seriously like him." He stated. I scoffed.

"No shit. I'd die for him."

"Obviously," Blake paused for a while, listening to the sound of Devin and Danny's voices carrying down the hallway in what sounded like another one of their stupid arguments over something that made no sense whatsoever, "All right... I'm only doing it because I'm protecting the one thing that you actually care about and, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to make this sound like some sappy romance novel, but I like seeing you be happy. It's been a really long time."

I frowned, glancing at Blake, who was staring down the hallway toward the kitchen with a calm expression of peace. Yea, there was no doubt that our relationship had crashed apart after the whole incident with Alex. I had never told Blake because he was too little to understand and I didn't want him to prank me either. Instead, I just made him hate me because I was constantly pestering him and making him break up with his past boyfriends.

"Thanks." I said at last. Blake shrugged casually, then went down the hallway to the kitchen to join the conversation. I hung back for a little bit. Everything felt so abnormally right. It was almost scary, unnerving. I was expecting something to happen, but I also hoped to God that nothing else happened. This was enough excitement for me.

I just hoped that Damien saw it my way and kept his distance, otherwise, I'd be a fucking mess, wondering and worrying over whether he'd hurt Devin or not.

I shook the thoughts out of my head vigorously. Uh uh. Hell no. Come on, Rick. Calm your ass down. You just got out of the hospital and your boyfriend is waiting for you to come to dinner.

Damn, never thought I'd say that in my life.

Dinner was pretty calm and I could tell it was because no one wanted to 'rile me up'. That sort of irked me, but I guess they were right. Every time I felt a pang of anger strike me, a jolt of pain overrode it and I had to calm down instantly. It sucked ass because it was almost like a shock collar.

But it felt better than arguments and actually eating with everyone and enjoying it. I mostly just listened to whatever Danny and Devin decided to spew out. Shit about how dumb they were as kids- and let me tell you, they were pretty stupid- and how they planned to finish out their last year in high school.

Blake, on the other hand, didn't graduate. At all. He had fallen so far behind that he gave up and dropped out, which pissed me off when he told me and I ignored him for weeks before I finally weaned myself back on doses of Blake. Although, it wasn't like he was completely a bum. Starting next year, Blake was going to work with Vic and I in the shop, which worked out pretty well, I suppose. Although, I didn't want to spend the rest of my life there.

I had my college credits and I could find another job. I just didn't want to think about that now.

Now I was thinking about Devin. How he wanted to play basketball this year, pass his senior year and graduate along side with his twin so they could walk together to receive their diplomas. He wanted to stop by the community college for a year or two before moving onto the bigger leagues. I was fine with that, up until the big league part. I didn't want Devin to leave...

"Man, I'm beat," Devin yawned as after he helped me up the stairs to my room and I sat on my bed with my back against the headboard, my head tilted back, "Do you mind if I use your shower?"

"You're staying the night?" I asked perplexed, watching as he rose to his feet from the foot of the bed, giving me a cute scowl.

"Duh. Why'd ya think I drove here? I have my clothes and shit out in the car."

"And your dad?"

"He knows."

"He does?"

"Yup. All he said was," Devin cleared his throat dramatically and lowered his voice a few octaves to mock his father's voice very badly, "You come right home after and you better sleep in a seperate room or else you're grounded, young man. I thought was stupid. It's not like I can get pregnant or anything, so what the hell?" He shrugged and headed for the door. I laughed a little before I watched him vanish. I tilted my head back again, relaxing now.

Maybe things were going to be calmer now... No drama, no Alex, no Damien, no problems, no hassles... Just me and Devin. Me, Devin, and the bedroom.

Yup.

Ah shit. Wait. I wasn't allowed to do any sort of quick or rough movements. Aw, come on. Seriously? I get outta the hospital after a gunshot wound and I come back and they say no sex? That's ridiculous. Flat out, fucking ridiculous.

I watched as Devin came back in the room with a duffle bag, dropping it near the bathroom door as he grabbed a towel off the shelf nearby.

"You know, after I'm all healed, we're gonna have sex." I stated. Devin stiffened for a second, and I felt pleasure course through me as I saw his face tint pink, before he whipped around to glare at me.

"Oh, shut up.... I know."

"Good. Just prepare yourself because it's gonna be at least a few weeks, and I'm not sure you can go that long without me taking you."

"Rick!"

"You'll probably miss me kissing your neck, won't you? Licking your ear? You like it when I kiss your ear, I know because you moan and writhe under me, begging for more. Then I'm going to get that whip cream we agreed on and I'll squirt it from your cute hard nipples all the way to your-"

"Stop, stop," Devin cried, his face burning red now as he held the towel firmly in front of him- probably trying to block the tent in his pants- Heh, "Jeez! You're terrible! You ever thought of being in a porno or something? I swear to freaking God, you're horrible!"

"I wouldn't be in a porno unless its with you and we're the only ones that can watch. I don't like the idea of creepy old men looking at you. Or any other men for that matter."

"Just shut up. I'm gonna shower and when I get out, you better be ready for bed."

"All right, mommy. Anything else? Are you gonna read me a bedtime story?"

"Bedtime story my ass." Devin grumbled as he stalked into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him and locking it. I smirked and slid to the edge of the bed to kick my boots off along with my jacket before I slumped back against the bed, getting comfortable just as Devin's cell phone rang.

I sat up and stared at it for a moment. Don't get me wrong. I trust Devin. I love him. I know he wouldn't cheat, but... Something inside me told me to pick it up.

I leaned over, wincing before I picked it up and flipped it open, holding it to my ear.

"Hello?"

"The fuck is this?" The guy's voice asked on the other end in irritated disbelief. I snorted, leaning back against the headboard as I listened to the shower turn on.

"Your worst nightmare. Who the hell is this?" I demanded. There was shuffling on the other end before the voice came back.

"Where's Devin?"

"Answer my question first."

"It's Damien. Damien Ryans." My blood went cold and my grip on the cell phone tightened. Oh, so he has Devin's number now? Fucking brilliant.

"Oh, the guy who jumped him the other night?"

"... Rick."

"The one and only. Now, why don't you listen to me, you fucked up son of a bitch. If you ever, and I mean, ever lay a finger on Devin again, I'll make you regret it."

"I'm not scared of you, Patterson. I just don't trust you. If anyone's going to hurt Devin, it's you."

"Oh, please. You're so full of shit, I think it's leaking through the phone."

"Shut your damn mouth-"

"Ooo, so you're gonna talk tough since we're on the phone and I can't see you. How silly of you."

"Stop mocking me! Just you wait, Devin's going to see you for the worthless bastard you are and when he does, I'll be waiting to take him!"

"Oh ho, buddy, you better hope not, otherwise, you won't be a male anymore."

"Kiss my ass, Patterson."

"I rather die."

"Devin's mine, hear me? I'll do anything to get my hands on him... Speaking of which, did he tell you that I kissed him?" Damien's voice held a smug smile that I knew he was wearing on that ugly ass face of his. I felt another pool of rage fill me, instantly numbing the pain in my stomach as I sat up.

"Shut the hell up." I snapped.

"Yea. I take it he neglected to tell you that. He probably didn't want to admit how great it was. See, you kiss Devin way too gently. Devin likes it hard so he bleeds. His blood is so sweet. It's not sick and metallic. He was moaning when I bit his lip and kneaded his-"

"You better hope to fucking God that you don't ever see me again, Damien Ryans, because when you do, I'll be the last thing you ever see in your short pathetic little existence." I hung up because as soon as I finished my sentenced, the shower stopped. I turned the cell phone on vibrate and flung it back on the dresser where he left it before I fell back on the bed.

Bad idea.

I gasped in pain and clamped my hand over my stomach, arching my head back as I squeezed my eyes shut tightly. I breathed deeply past clenched teeth, hearing the bathroom door fling open.

Whoa, whoa. Good bye pain, hello Naked Devin.

Well, mostly Naked. He was holding the towel in front of him, his body still dripping wet and his soaked hair sticking up randomly and away from his face.

"Are you all right? I swore I heard you..." His voice trailed and I just shook my head.

"Shifted wrong." I answered, tight-lipped. Devin frowned for a little bit, then nodded slowly.

"All right... But seriously, if anything hurts, just let me know and I can have you back at the hospital in a flash. And don't you dare hold out just because you didn't like it there. You have to go back later anyway for tests." He added with a snort, then disappeared back into the bathroom. I sighed and relaxed a little, slowly letting my hand drop to the bed before I pulled the blankets up to my chest.

I didn't know if I could sleep. The fact that Damien had Devin's cell number was enough to have me kicked into overdrive. I could only hope that Blake was watching Devin at the right times to avoid anything happening to him. It made my heart ache.

It was only soothed after Devin came out wearing a Red Wings jersey and a pair of black silk boxers. He went to the light and snapped it off before coming to the bed, yawning sleepily. The bed dipped slightly with his weight before he rolled in beside me.

"So fucking tired," Devin mumbled against the pillow, his voice near my ear, "Don't wake me up in the mornin' unless you're dying, mkay?" He was snuggling deep under the blankets beside me and I felt his face near me. I rolled over so I could put my arm around him and he wiggled a little.

"I'm not gonna hurt you in my sleep, am I?" Devin asked.

"No... Just go to sleep, Dev."

"Mmkay... Night, Rick."

"Night, Dev." I waited until I could hear his soft, steady breathing before I let myself fall into the clutches of a deep sleep. Even then, I was still worried as fuck.