Chapter Three

Jake shook his head with a slight chuckled and left the bathroom to go get properly dressed. "Get on a shirt, would you?" He called to Dirk, and went to their shared bedroom to take his pajama shirt off and put on some real clothes. Dirk followed, going straight to his drawers and pulling out one of his shirts. Careful not to run it along his back, he slipped it on. Once his shirt was on, he crossed his arms.

"Maybe I want to go shirtless," He chuckled.

"Maybe you should just prance around without a shirt on. Show off your scars," Jake winked at him with a smirk. "Chicks dig scars, you know?" He chuckled, even though knowing Dirk's wounds were still fresh and not near to scars at all.

Dirk shook his head slightly chuckling, "Ha. Ha. Ha. So funny." He turned to him completely, "You should so become a comedian." A few seconds after saying that, Dirk realized how dry his throat was, and decided to leave the room to go get a drink, walking somewhat quickly to the kitchen. On the other hand, Jake didn't even notice him leave. A huge grin on his face, he slipped some shorts over his boxers.

Still thinking that Dirk was in the room, he continued to talk. "I'm serious Strider! The nurses would be swooning all over the hospital!" He sat on the bed and started putting one a pair of shoes, "You probably wouldn't even be able to get any treatment due to the high percentage of swooning you would cause! Maybe you should only walk around shirtless at home because while I do find scars quite charming, I am quite resistant to-" He cut himself off, noticing Dirk wasn't even in the room anymore to hear him ramble, "Oh." Within the matter of seconds, Dirk had quickly gotten back in the room.

"Sorry I left, was feeling a bit parched," He cleared his throat, "Now, What were you saying?" He says as he leaned on the wall, his foot propped up.

"I suppose I just started rambling aimlessly." Jake shrugged, "But somehow I think I came up with the conclusion that you should be shirtless at home more often," he said putting on his green jacket and grabbing the house keys, wallet, and started walking towards the front door with Dirk following.

"Oh really now?" Dirk said, not bothering to put on a jacket or anything with the fact that he thought it wasn't too cold outside. He thought about Jake's words though. "Hmm, I'll consider it.

Jake smiled slightly at Dirk, Aren't you going to get cold wearing nothing but that?" He said as he opened the door for Dirk. With a shrug, Dirk walked out muttering a 'Thank you'

"I don't really feel like wearing something," He stopped to look at Jake and raised an eyebrow, "Won't you be cold only wearing shorts?" Dirk chuckled, and Jake closed the door behind the two. He looked down at the shorts he was wearing.

"Oh, sod off Strider. You know my legs barely ever get cold! Also, I don't even really own a pair of trousers." Him and Jake started to walk towards the stairs to get down from their apartment. Dirk laughed quietly.

"Yes. Yes, I know. I still wonder how you don't get cold quite frankly." He nudged Jake with his elbow, "It's actually not cold either," He shrugged, "You're probably going to end up taking it off before we even get there."

"We'll see," He smiled at Dirk, reaching for his hand, he walked down the stairs, swinging their arms as they did so. Once all the way down, Jake halted right before opening. Turning to Dirk hesitantly. "Do...Do you think the people who did this number on you will be out there?" He gulped, "Where did you even get in that fight anyways?"

Dirk gave Jake's hand a soft, and reassuring squeeze. "They shouldn't be out here I think... It happened quite a few blocks away, so I think we're safe." Jake let out a sigh in relief, before pulling Dirk outside a bit wearily. Slightly opening the door, Jake looked around in a comedic way. When seeing the coast was clear, he opened the door enough for both of them to leave when he confirmed that they were indeed alone.

"So do you want to take the car, or walk? The hospital is not far, so it wouldn't be a totally long walk," Jake asked turning his head to the chuckling Dirk. "What's so funny?"

Dirk shook his head, trying to hold in his laughter. "Oh it's nothing, and I think we should walk to be honest."

Jake narrowed his eyes, "Alright, we'll walk. But I still want to know what you're laughing at!" he said as the couple began walking. Continuing to walk, almost completely ignoring the other, Dirk looked above them, at the dark, night sky.

"Oh, Nothing. My, my. Look at all these stars." He said, biting his lip. Jake looked up a bit confused. The city night sky was illuminated by the street lights, therefore there were no stars visible.

"What are you talking about, Dirk? There are no stars to be seen at all!" He looked over at the other, with pure concern, "Perhaps you have a concussion?"

Dirk mentally face palmed, "Jake," He looked down at him, "You know I was kidding, right? To avoid the subject as to why I was laughing," He shook his head chuckling, "I guarantee I do not have a concussion!"

Jake blinked twice, "Oh," He scratched his head with the opposite hand that was not holding Dirk's. His eyes narrowed in suspicion after a second thought. "Does that mean you were laughing at me?" He looked up at the blonde who'd shrugged.

"Possibly..." He leaned down to kiss Jake on the cheek. Having to bite his lip to hold in the small laughter that wanted to peep out.

Jake gasped dramatically, exaggeratedly faking being offended. "You dadblasted rapscallion! And here I thought I could trust you!" he shook his head with his eyes closed, faking disappointment. Dirks hand went to his chest, and his jaw dropped as Jake continued "Betrayed by my own boyfriend. Who'd thought?!"

"I did no such thing!" He rolled his eyes, trying his best to hold in the fit of chuckles that wanted to slip through. Jake looked away from Dirk and covered his eyes.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, Dirk Strider!" He groaned, "I can't even look at you right now!" Jake did his best to hide his grin when Dirk sniffled as if he had begun crying.

"God, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, Mr. English!"

"Cease your whining! I shall never forgive you for the aggravations you've cause me," He gave up on looking grim, and just full out smiled toothily at Dirk. The other couldn't help but smile slightly back in return

"God, you're so full of shit," he reached over with the opposite hand and poked Jake, "You could become an actor." When Dirk said this, Jake's grin just grew wider and he squeezed Dirk's hand affectionately.

"I'm just as full of shit as you are Strider," He said, as they walked across the street.

"You have no proof!" Dirk had looked both ways, for safety first! His eyes met Jake, and he smiled as he starred off into space. Jake had actually caught Dirk staring at him in the corner of his eye, and playfully pushed his face away, laughing out loud.

"Didn't anyone tell you it's rude to stare? Also dangerous since we're in the street smart one!"

Dirk shook his head quickly, "I wasn't starring!" He narrowed his eyes, "And at least I looked both ways!" Only to get the response of a chuckle from Jake as they continued to make their way on the sidewalk, swinging their hands back and forth. Both were smiling, but one of theirs faltered after a second. Dirk tensed up a bit, as they got closer to the hospital. He squeezed his hand lightly, only to get a squeeze in return. Jake could feel the anxiety running through Dirk, and he rubbed small circles with his thumb.

"You alright?" he asked, looking at Dirk with concern. With a small shrug, Dirk just stared forwarded, and let another shrug slump his shoulders.

"I guess..." He said quietly.

"Don't worry okay?" He said softly, "I know you hate hospitals... But it's for your own good, and don't forget I'm here for you."

"Yeah. Yeah." He sighed, "I don't know why I hate them so much..." He said quietly, taking a deep breath, and letting it out as a quiet sigh. Jake didn't say anything else as they kept walking. Only taking about eight more minutes until they were there, and their rhythm of walking slowed down. Once in front of the doors, Jake glanced at Dirk.

"Ready?"

Dirk looked back at Jake, and nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Getting a needle and thread through my back. Yay." He groaned, and closed his eyes. Jake smiled sheepishly.

"Look on the Brightside! You'll be able to feel just like one of your smuppets!" He chuckled nervously, and got a glare from Dirk before they went through the door continuing to hold hands.

"I swear, a comedian or an actor would be the bed job for you." He rolled his eyes, as he tried to ignore the patients from inside the hospital.

"Glad you're encouraging my dreams, Dirk. Such a supportive boyfriend!" Jake said, smiling a bit as he begun to drag Dirk to the reception desk, where they were asked to fill out a form. With a response of a groan from Dirk, he had stared at the form for a few seconds, regretting having going there, "Come on, Dirk. Fill it!" Jake tried encouraging the other, feeling petty for Dirk. Knowing somehow, Dirk was regretting everything. Sighing, Dirk quickly filled the form, only taking but a few minutes. Then handed it to Jake, crossing his arms right after. Jake got up, and took the form, sitting in a chair beside Dirk.

"I really do not want to be here..." Dirk murmured. Looking at him, Jake sighed quietly.

"I know, I don't want to be here either. It's late, ad honestly I just want all of this to be over."

Dirk sighed, as he rested his chin in his hands as his elbows were on his knees, "How long do you think it'll take?"

"Who knows? If you want, you can sleep for a bit. You must be exhausted what with everything that happened." Jake offered, smiling softly at hid boyfriend. Immediately after that was said, Dirk nodded.

"Sleep sounds fantastic," He yawned, "What time is it anyways?"

"I don't know... Must be at least 4 a.m." He patted Dirk's shoulder, and smiled. "You can sleep on my shoulder if you would like."

Dirk nodded, "Thank you," He said before he leaned his head on the other's shoulder for a few seconds, before lifting his head up a bit to kiss Jake's cheek. Yawing again, he closed his eyes, and nuzzled the other before falling into a light sleep. Jake was glad. Glad that Dirk was able to get some rest even if it was a little bit. He kissed the top of his head, and buried his nose in Dirk's hair. After a second, he carefully laid his head on top of Dirk's, not letting himself fall asleep, but just enjoying the calm moment and seeing Dirk rest.

After a while, Dirk's name was finally called. With a gently shake to Jake, he said quietly, "It's our turn, love." Dirks eyes opened, and he blinked a few times as he lifted his head up from Jake's shoulder. Turning to him, they both stood up. Jake smiled gently at him, "Ready?"

With a shrug, Dirk looked over at the doctor. "I guess..." He paused before looking at Jake, "Not really, no." At this reply, Jake frowned as he held Dirk by the shoulders looking at him in the eyes.

"It's going to be fine, alright? Let's go now." He held Dirk's hand, as they both started walking towards the door I which a doctor had called Dirk's name from one of the rooms.

"What do I say if they asked what happened?" He whispered, not wanting to tell much people that he got in a fight. Jake took a second to think, then whispered in Dirk's ear in return.

"You should tell them the full truth, I think"

"Won't they insist to call the cops or something?" He asked, continuing to whisper to each other.

"They should. I would like to see the rascals who did this to you behind bars!" He frowned. With a shake of his head, Dirk looked over at Jake his voice not so much of a whisper anymore.

"If we were to call the police, the people I fought would probably use some fucked up excuse like that I started it and that they only used self-defense." He looked away, only to get a frowning face towards him by Jake, whose eyes narrowed.

"Dirk... Who did start it?"

Dirk continued to look straight ahead of the two, "It's considered that I started it. But, it was verbal. I assure you I didn't throw the first punch. "

"Still don't understand why you had to go and do that..." Jake said, sighing ad shaking his head. Taking a deep breath, Dirk closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening.

"I wasn't planning on it. I was just going to take a walk, to get stuff off my mind, y'know? I may have walked a bit far into a bad neighborhood and those guys were-" He stopped himself as they had ended up in the room. They didn't even realize that they had walked in yet.

"Good evening, Mr. uh, Strider." The doctor walked in looking from Jake to Dirk. Jake looked at Dirk and pushed him forward -so that the doctor knew who was Dirk. Although it was quite obvious considering that Dirks arms and face were covered in bruises. "So, what seems to be the issue an injury in the back? May I see it?" They were asked. Dirk was glaring at Jake, before quickly looking back at the doctor. Nodding, he hesitantly turned around. Lifting the back of his shirt up a bit. Wincing as it touched the wound. The doctor had looked at the wound closely, "You're actually luck you can still move. Could have been a lot worse, but you defiantly need stitches," He says as he put on a pair of gloves and went to go get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, "Say, Mr. Strider, how did this happen?" Dirk glanced at Jake, before looking at the ground.

"I got in a small fight..." His voice was quiet, and he clenched his eyes shut. The doctor dipped some cotton in the peroxide and held it close to Dirk's wound. Before warning him that it would hurt, he started to clean the wounds gently getting some small wincing from the one with the wounds.

"Do I need to clean anyone else's wounds?" The doctor asked.

"No. No. They didn't really get hurt. Besides, I don't even know them, so I could give two shits."

"Mr. Strider. May I add? You do understand I can this is a knife wound. This particular fight was not small, was it?" That didn't get no reply. Right then the doctor knew that he was defiantly right. Finishing cleaning the wound, he threw away the used cotton ball, "Should I have someone call the police or something?"

"No, everything is fine," He was about to put his shirt down as he was stopped by the doctor.

"Take off your shirt, now come the stitches," He said, preparing a disinfected needle, "Also, if you didn't know them. All the more reason to call the police. Why did they attack you in the first place?" He waited for Dirk to remove the clothing, by preparing a disinfected needle. When the shirt was off, he closed his eyes, and sighed.

"I was protecting someone. I tried to just keep it verbal, but they must have thought it would have been a good idea to make the fight physical."

"Well, it's your call, but if they started it ad got you injured like this. They could spend a good time in a jail cell," The doctor mumbled before turning to look at Dirk again, "Would you like anesthesia or do you think you could handle it now?" Ignoring the question totally, he just nodded.

"Yeah, I'll take the anesthesia," he closed his eyes for a few seconds, before looking up at Jake to see that he had looked to the side mumbling that HE wanted the criminals to go to jail. He sighed looking back at Dirk, who had rolled his eyes. Only to close them a moment after when he heard the doctor get the needle ready.