A/N: When I finish this book, I'll definitely edit the chapters in the future. For now, making the story is my thing but if there is ever mistakes that I need to edit, please tell me.
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POV HAL:

I must have the luck of the devil is what my doctor told me. That or I'm some unknown superhero slash alien in disguise. Three cracked ribs, a broken arm and one sprained ankle is all I got from getting hit by a car. I was also shocked when they said their diagnosis. I've been known in the FBI to be lucky as hell but that's because I usually escape near death situations. This. Wow. This was a whole new level of "fuck you death!" Satan's probably asking for my ass because it's overdue.

I would laugh but damn, laughing hurts like a bitch. When I first woke up, I was greeted by cute nurses who sympathized every time I let out a pained grunt; unfortunately for them, my angel is way cuter. Despite the fact, they are always sweet and caring for my broken self. I guessed that devil's luck ran out when the hospital assigned an old Hispanic lady as my nurse. I don't hate her- hell, she makes me laugh when I don't want to- but the woman is like a troll. My heavenly days at Fulton Memorial Hospital are numbered.

Ms. Sofia Castillo, my nurse, most likely punishes me every time I even interact with any of the younger nurses. She says that a boy my age who flirts with every woman I see will have a hopeless love life. I can't help it though. I've worked undercover operations for my former work which required to "woo" the ladies into get me one step closer to my target. It formed into a habit now but I don't have any sexual intention every time I do it.

Aside from her nagging about my empty love life, she woman makes me watch her favorite Spanish soap operas. With what I know so far, Thalia thinks Serigo will leave her because she's poor but that's because the other asshole character keep belittling the poor chica. No joke, I teared up at the proposal scene. Then there's this other show with a bitchy princess-like antagonist who keeps making Luz Clarita's life a living hell while the girl is looking for her mom. Why am I telling anyone this? That's because I've been here for. fucking. ever.

Bear with me- not only do I have to watch Spanish soap operas , I cannot smoke at all. My whole "let's slowly remove the smoking habit" plan has been kicked into a much faster gear. I don't know how many times I begged for one cigarette in my first week of being bedridden. Sofia, again, nagged about my declining health this time. I swear this old woman has been more of a mother to me than my own mom.

Sofia tells me Riley came to my room the day he promised he would. I just had to be knocked out by drugs at the time. Now my partner keeps coming when he knows I'm asleep. We've been at this cat and mouse game for more than two weeks now. One day, I'll pull an all-nighter just to catch him but my fractured chest is a pain in the ass.

The only promise he fully kept was bringing something entertaining instead of marathoning soap operas in subtitles. The "something entertaining" be old classic songs on CDS which I've probably memorized by now. I was so joyed that my angel even lent me some of his collection of old classic rock CDS. Everyday it was something new and an action I always looked forward to except the "only coming when I'm sleeping" part. Out of all the songs, I love Brown Eyed Girl by Vann Morrison. Why? Cause I can alter it to Brown Eyed Man. I would love to sing it for him but I'm no singer.

For my well-being, the doc said I can be discharged soon now that my ankle is all better. He kept shaking his head when he saw its healthy state, muttering, "Inhuman ginger." I would have died laughing evilly but, you know, fractured rib. I've been getting tips on how to heal faster because the ribs is my major issue. With how I'm probably going to roll with this injury, it'll take longer to heal. I nodded my head like some lunatic when they kept asking if I'm understanding.

One thing I'm worried and a major reason why I want to leave this godforsaken bed is... the Hangman has been quiet for the time I've been in bedridden. I'm glad there's no more corpses adding to the body count while I can't do anything at the moment. Though... this whole downtime doesn't settle right with me. Just more than two weeks ago, the man was offing his victims like it's pulling weed out from his own front lawn. Now he's quiet?

The picture Riley sent me also made me ponder about the meaning behind those months. The names will have to be uncovered later but why those specific months? It has to mean something in that month was important to the Hangman. I really wanted to help out my partner but I'm still stuck in this damn bed! I don't regret saving Riley and taking the hit myself. My heart couldn't take it if I saw Riley who's strong willed, calculating and serious to end up crippled on the street. I only hope that he doesn't blame himself for this.

Sofia walks into my room, carting a bunch of medical supplies. "Needing anything, boy?" she asks as she replaces some equipment on the side table near the bed. I respond cheekily, "A smoke." She gives me the evil eye look. My attention turns to the ceiling because oh boy, does the ceiling looking interesting today.

"Your friend should be here soon," she says like it's a matter of fact. Friend? Does she mean George? The guy's been busy for the past few days so the only visitor I get is Lucia who comes in place of George and joins in on watching the Spanish soap opera. The two detectives look like they haven't got a wink of sleep. My only guess is that the Hangman case has been bothering all of them, specially with the unease of when he'll strike again.

Sofia hands me painkillers. They've been toning down how strong the drugs were so it's been easier to stay up later. "Because of how miraculously quick you are recovering, boy. Doctor Phillips said you can have someone take you home tomorrow. He'll be prescribing you the painkillers you need to help you with your ribs and arm." She smiles, probably happy that I'll be out of her hair soon. I'm joking- she loves me but I'm glad I can finally get out of here. Sofia pushes her cart out the exit, leaving me alone in the room.

I flip through the channels, thanking Sofia for having mercy on me. I bet I would speak fluent Spanish of stayed here another week with that crazy Hispanic lady. I select the news channel, curious to what's been happening in Upside while I've been imprisoned. It's 5pm already so something moronic is bound to happen in any city.

A blond white woman with wavy hair sits with a serious face. A black man sits next to her with his own papers. Blonde neatly aligns her papers before talking. "Good evening everybody. I'm Bailey Thomas." The guy speaks, "And I'm Zachary Richards and this is the five o'clock news." The lady speaks again, "Yesterday evening, Cameron O'Dale was reported missing by his girlfriend who lives with him. It has been over twenty four hours and police are still out looking for him. He is five foot seven with blonde hair and blue eyes. If you know-"

Wait, did she say O'Dale? Cassandra doesn't look like the type to have a kid. Then again, not many people have the last name "O'Dale" in this city. I wonder if Cassandra is alright after that run in with the Hangman. Unfortunately, she's most likely behind bars for drug charges and withholding evidence but she should be safe from the killer. It sucks that her maybe-son is missing. Though, if it was her son, would she really care in her unstable mentality?

I change channels when nothing else interesting is being reported from the news station. I settle with a TV show that is not in a different language and enjoy the subtitle-free entertainment. It wasn't long till I found myself drifting to sleep. I remember Sofia said a visitor was coming but they aren't here yet.

I shut my eyes for a while. A few seconds later, the door swings open gently. "Aw, I think he's asleep again. The fool. You can stay until visiting hours are over, detective," informs Sofia. I relax as I hear the footsteps come closer to the bedside. George or Lucia will likely leave in a few seconds if I pretend to sleep. I don't want to keep them up late, specially when they hardly get sleep as it is.

The soft clatter of plastic made my eyes blink open. I glance over to my side- and oh my god it's my angel. I watch him examine the CD he lent me yesterday with a nostalgic expression. He sets down the one he's has in other hand and tucks the old one into his inside coat pocket. Riley finally turns his attention to me, noticing that I'm awake. His eyes widen and his body freezes like a deer in headlights.

I smirk, "Did you bring another CD to brainwash me with your love for classic rock?" I see his eyes shine with amusement as his body relaxed at my playful banter. "Oh come on, I made sure it was songs you would like. Billy Joel wasn't only in the 70's, man," he retorts. I spot the ends out his mouth curl up a bit; he's playing with me. Riley pulls up a chair near my bedside. He leans back, not breaking our locked gazes.

A peaceful silence comes between us; even though we barley know each other, other than "partner," I feel as if I've known him longer than almost three weeks. His chocolate eyes leave mine as he looks further down to the legs of the bed. His eyelids lower, showing off those long lashes of his. My angel's face goes through a multitude of facial expressions. Guilt. Worry. Sadness. Shy. He fiddles with hands, not looking back at me anymore which I do not like whatsoever.

"Riley," I firmly call to him. His stressed look turns its attention to me. I just wanted to reach over and embrace him. Where's my strong willed angel? I continue, "It's not your fault."

Riley blinks then frowns, "No Hal, you can't baby me out of this. I need to learn from my mistakes. I-I made the wrong move... an-and you ended up taking what I deserved-"

"If you want me to forgive you, sit here." I interrupt, then pat the side of my bed. Riley looks reluctant to follow along but abides. His well-shaped ass takes a seat at the edge of the bed, just in arms reach. I could literally wrap my good arm around his side and pull him closer but who wants to ruin the moment with fast advances? He slouches while seated, staring at the tiled checkered flooring. I tug at his arm, causing him to face me.

I use my index and middle finger to motion him to come closer. His face is filled with confusion but complies to my request. Now he's close enough that I can tug on his tie and steal those lips of his- but again, who wants to ruin the moment with sudden advances? I bring my hand up, pretending that I look like I'm about to slap him. Riley automatically shuts his eyes, waiting for the impact. So that's what I do; I move my hand to the side of his face and lightly pat is once. My palm lingers on his cheek longer than a second before returning to my side.

Riley blinks, even more puzzles on what I just did. "That's your punishment for getting me run over," I simply state. Cue the adorable roll of his brown eyes. Maybe I should have pinched his cheek instead of pat it.

"You're incorrigible," he huffs before leaning away. Despite not wanting him to be any further from me, I'm glad I made his depressive mood disappear. While staring at the ground again, Riley's left hand plays with the covers underneath. After a few seconds of silence, he speaks up, "Thank you... for saving me." From my angle, I spy his ears turning red even under the horrid lighting.

"Any time," I answer with a soft smile.

Riley checks his watch and sighs, "I should get going. Visiting hours are almost over." He gets up from the edge of the bed but before he's out of reach, I pull at the side of his coat. He turns around to see what I want.

I ask, "I'm being discharged from the hospital tomorrow. Can you pick me up?"

With no hesitation, Riley nods with a small smile. I let go of his coat and he makes his way towards the door. With a short wave, he leaves me alone in my room.

I'll see you tomorrow then, my brown eyed man.