X • Ryan's POV • X

This took much longer than I thought. Just the fact that Balz did manage to stay in Ghost's mind this long was amazing. From what he told me, he usually can only spare the energy to stay in there a few minutes. This time was different, on account of the fact that I began feeding energy into him once his own ran low.

I started out giving him the energy I had stolen from Ghost earlier. Once that ran out, I had to resort to my own life force. What the fuck was taking so long?! Just as I began growing weak myself, Chris came in to check on us. I told him I was going to have to stop this because I couldn't go on, but he said to keep going. If it meant Ricky's life, we had to finish this. So, he gave me his hand, telling me to feed off of him.

I've never taken energy from Chris before. I didn't realize, how strong a life force he had. Especially for such an old life. Maybe that's why he's lived so long, other than the immortality. Eventually even he fell to the ground out of weakness. Chris couldn't stand by the time Balz finally came back into our world.

Balz took a sharp breath in, grabbing onto the table. I took my hand off of him so I could hold on for my own balance. He started to fall, but Mikey quicky pulled him up and gave him a shoulder to lean on. I grabbed onto Max, taking energy from him without even asking. It was just enough to keep myself up straight.

"Well?" I asked.

"Time will tell." He mustered through heavy breaths. "If he wakes up, he's either going to try and kill us, or go throw on a dress and help Ricky."

I stared at him sleepily. "You got the drag, didn't you?"

"It's better than nothing. He's trying to overthrow the viking, and I helped as much as I could. It's a waiting game now."

"Okay." I said. "Mikey, take him back to his room. Max and I will get Chris laying back down. Brent, stay here, and watch Ghost. If he's dosile when he wakes, you can let him go."

X • Ricky's POV • X

Everything really came on fast. I went from okay to shitty in a few hours. It was obvious by the tone in Chris' voice, and the look in his eyes, that he was worried about me. Now, I'm worried about him! He went to go check on what he told Balz to do, and he hasn't come back yet.

This whole situation came on fast. My mind still has yet to adjust I think. I mean, look at the situation I'm in! The man I lusted for and dreamt about for years, I was now laying in his bed! Maybe not for the reasons I wanted, but he made it clear that once I was better, it would get to that point. He was all over me earlier.

Being alone with him like this is a dream come true. Since I couldn't talk, he did all the talking. He told me stories about his life. There was a million, considering he's been alive for centuries. He explained what it was like to live through wars, to fight in them. What it was like to come home to Angelo's sweet face when the battle was won. I was shocked how much he admitted to me, about their struggles.

They had been married for about as long as they lived, but they went through rouch patches. That included a divorce, only for them to get remarried a few years later. Apperently, right before I came into the picture, they were trying to have kids. Angelo had just miscarried a few days before he found me, and that's why he was so easy to take me in. It was his heart aching for something to nuture.

After hearing these stories, I understand now why Chris was so broken to lose his best friend and soulmate. Now, that he's found something in my eyes that he longs for, he's willing to do anything to save me. It was truly amazing. We went from having a relationship of abuse to one of protection so quickly.

I sat up in bed as I heard the door. Ryan held it open for Max, whom was carrying Chris in his arms. What the Hell happened? Is he okay? So many thoughts rushed through my mind, thoughts I wanted to ask aloud by couldn't.

"Don't worry." Max said in a soothing voice as he laid Chris on the bed. "He's okay."

Ryan closed the door, walking towards the end of the bed. He couldn't walk very well, making me worry about all the guys. "Max is right, Chris is fine. The procedure Balz had to do took a lot of energy. Chris offered his own energy, because he was so desprate for it to work. He just needs to regenerate. AKA, sleep. You should get some rest too, I can sense you're weak."

I nodded. Ryan shot me a small smile, then took himself and Max out of the room. At least Chris is okay, because I was worried. I can't believe he did that for me. It was obvious that Ryan really drained him! It was so sweet though. My heart finally felt happy, for the first time in forever.

I snuggled back down into the blankets, trying my best to get as close to Chris as I could without bothering him. I thought he was out cold, so when he moved, it shocked me. He rolled over to face me, and softly kissed me forehead. Chris pulled me against his chest, holding me tightly in his arms. I knew he was already falling back asleep, so I decided to as well, but now I was falling asleep with a smile on my face.

X • X • X • X

When I woke up, I heard other voices in the room. I realized I was alone in the bed though. Opening my eyes, I saw Chris standing at my bedside. He looked much better and well rested, so that made me happy. Then I looked next to him, my mouth dropping when to see what I saw.

Ghost was no long Ghost, he was Devin. The softness had returned to his eyes. He wasn't that cold fearless killer. He also wasn't really Devin, but it was a part of him that I didn't fear. Dev's beard was gone, his hair was a little shorter and he actually looked like he had showered. He was wearing tight fitting clothes, so I could see his girly figure.

I was just so happy to have him back! I leaned over and wordlessly hugged him around his neck. Devin put his arm around my back, in a loving way, but not a romantic way. As he pulled away, he gave me a look of pure sympathy.

"Oh, Angel." Dev cooed. "I'm sorry for what's happened to you recently. I'm going to fix it all, okay?"

I nodded and lightly grinned.

"I have a meeting to attend, but you're in good hands." Chris reassured. "I'll be back in a few hours. Balz and Ryan have to go with me, but Dev is going to watch over you and help you get better. Brent will be coming with us too. Max and Mikey are just outside the door if you need anything." He leaned over and gently kissed me, running his pointer finger under my chin. "See you soon."

I just couldn't help but smile. He had so much charm and grace. Chris turned and left the room. He glanced up at me one last time, and winked at me just before the door fell shut.

"I missed a lot while I was gone, didn't I?" Dev asked. I just looked back at him and made an amused face. "Oh, yeah, let's fix that, shall we?" He giggled.

Devin pressed his hand against my chest, right where my heart is. From the preasure he applied, I could feel my heart beating against my ribs. He sat down on the edge of the bed.

"This'll hurt a little, but it'll just make you stop breathing for a second, just a second. It's not that bad." He tried, enfases on tried, to make it sound better than it will actually be. "Relax." Dev whispered.

He looked me in the eyes. I'm sure he saw the fear brewing in them. With one swift motion, Devin pulled back his hand and slammed it back into my chest. All the air twisted in my lungs. It felt like I had just got rushed by a heavy gust of wind. I grabbed my now soar throat, coughing. Devin rubbed his hand up and down my back as I got over the initial shock.

"Try speaking now." He said.

I was scared... scared it didn't work. What if I could never talk again? I mean I trust Dev, and I guess there is only one way to find out... I took in a deep breath, and shocked myself with what came out; sound. "Um... Oh shit." I said as my hand covered my mouth out of surprised.

Devin giggled. "There we go. Much better. Now, answer my question! What's up with you and Chris?"

I blushed, feeling like we were two teenage girls gossiping. "Well... He, um, he started getting really close to me the past few weeks. Putting his arm around me, kissing my cheek or temple. When he'd drink my blood, he'd actually moan... Then, yesterday, I came in here so he could feed, and after he drank from me, he just started making out with me. The only problem was, I could feel his skin against mine, and I shouldn't be able to."

"Balz explained to me that your infection came back, I know I healed it. I do tend to get some memories from myself... if that makes sense." He laughed. "I don't think it's back this time, but when it was around before, your immune system was down, which aloud other things to sneak in."

"Well, what do you think it is this time?" I asked.

"I have my guesses, but I'm not going to tell you until I'm sure. I don't want you over-worrying. Stress will just make you sicker. I'm going to look you over, see what I can sense, okay?"

"Okay." I sighed.

From the sounds of it, he wasn't worried this was something small. It sounded like something more. I know he doesn't want to scare me, but I'm already scared. I hate that Chris had to leave. I wish he was here to reasure me, because my mind is going crazy now!