The following night I haven't slept a wink. I couldn'gt wait to see my Ringo again. In the morning I was ready to leave long before the others.

"Hurry up, John!" I told him. I was still quite nervous and wanted everything to be behind us just now.

"Yeah, yeah... Coming."

We got into the car. When we were there I wanted to jump out of it as fast as I could. However, John's stopped me, putting hand on my shoulder. "Geo... Calm down a bit..."

"What are you..."

"We came here to get Ringo out of this place. I don't want you to get arrested as well."

"Oh." It was enough to tone down my whole enthusiasm. I knew I had to pull myself together. At least for now.

"He's right," added Paul. "Hold on a little longer, okay?"

"Yeah, I'll try..."

We got out in a complete silence. Brian went ahead to comply with all the formalities and make sure everything was alright. After that we were ready to take Ringo back home. We saw him smiling and full of energy as usual and the minute after were all hugging him tightly. I didn't want to pull away. I wanted to kiss him and tell him that I loved him. I couldn't though. Not now.

"Thank you, guys! You're the best!"

"Well, thank Brian. It's all because of him."

Brian just waved his hand. "No problem, really. Let's just go back, okay?"

"Sure!"

My heart was full of happiness as well as thankfulness, slight nervousness and love towards Ringo. I helped him collect all of his things, so we could go back to the car. Eppy offered us to stay at his for some time. At least till this case won't be over. I was so happy that our manager found another way to help us. We didn't know each other for very long, but he already became much more than just a manager. He was our friend. And I didn't know what are we going to do to repay him.

All the way home Ringo seemed to be in some kind of trance, cuddled up to me. He probably still couldn't believe it's over. But, of course, it wasn't over yet. We still had to wait and face the process. But everything that was important was now. Right there and then, when I had him by my side.

"I won't let anyone take you away ever again," I whispered to him.

He looked at me and, after a while, smiled sleepy and put his head back on my shoulder. "I love you," Ringo said so quiet that I could barely hear him. Then he fell asleep again. John was sitting next to us, but he hasn't said a word. It was unnecessary.

Eventually we made it to Brian's house. I hated to wake up Ringo. The drummer looked so calm and cute. I had no choice though. We got out and went inside, hand in hand. That's when for a first time I thought that even though I'm younger I've taken on myself the responsibility of being his defender. His support, buckler. And that's what I was going to do. Protect him till the last minute.

Only after Brian closed the door behind us I was able to say anything. "Thank you, thank you so much. I won't be able to pay you off for what have you done to me. To us." I looked in order at John, Paul and Brian. And then at Ringo. Tears filled my eyes, I couldn't help. "If not for you... You're amazing. Thank you so damn much."

After that, they came to the conclusion that we two really needed some privacy. They left, leaving us alone. And then I just couldn't help myself. After days of separation, I was finally able to hold blue-eyed boy in my arms. I kissed him slow and frugal. Ringo smiled and kissed me back, burying his hands in my hair. I fell onto the sofa slowly. Ringo on my lap. Our faces got closer again, stopping inches apart.