T/W: Hints at infidelity and cheating.

****
Steve

I've contacted a few of Knox's so called friends, asking if there was any possibility they'd be willing to help him out once he returns home.

Only a couple of them said they might consider it if they could figure something out.

It wasn't terribly encouraging. I sigh. Although Kris' idea seemed like a good one, I don't think it's actually going to work.

***
"Your idea was a bust," I tell Kris. We'd taken lunch together at one of the fast food places close by.

"You contacted Knox's friends?" Kris asks. I nod, breaking my French fries in half, but not eating them.

"None of them were too keen on assisting him."

"Bummer."

"Lex is also becoming more and more defensive any time I try to broach her caring for Knox."

"Have you tried approaching it calmly and rationally?" Kris asks.

"Most of the time, yes."

"I'm so sorry, Steve," Kris murmurs, reaching across the table to touch my fingers. I stare straight into her eyes. She smiles softly at me.

When was the last time Lex smiled at me like that?

I can't remember. It seems like a lifetime ago.

"Give it some time," Kris says softly. "I'm sure once Lex realizes that Knox can take care of himself, she'll stop worrying about him so much."

"The only problem with that theory," I mutter. "Is I'm afraid by that time, I'll have lost Lex."

***

I think and think about ways to get Lex's attention back on me. Nothing comes to mind. About the only solution I can come up with, is injuring myself, which I'm not particularly eager to do.

I guess, unfortunately, I'll just have to do as Kris says and wait shit out. I just hope it's not going to be too late to salvage our marriage.

***
Lex

I'm going to visit Knox for the first time in the new facility. The woman at the front desk smiles brightly when I sign in, telling her who I am.

"Mr. Marshall is anxious to see you," she tells me.  I smile.

"I'm pretty anxious to see him as well."

"If you'll follow me, I'll take you to to his room." I follow her down the long corridor to Knox's room. As I enter the room, I notice Knox wearing his regular clothes and sitting in a special, motorized chair.

"Lex!" Knox smiles at me. I hurry over, giving him a gentle hug. Knox hugs me back. I cling to him for a few minutes, just allowing the feeling of him to comfort me.

"How've you been?" I ask, releasing my hold on Knox. He shrugs.

"I'm hanging in there." The woman smiles, telling me if I need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Once she's gone, I take a seat in the plastic chair in the room.

"How are you really?" I ask, touching Knox's knee.

"Truthfully?" Knox replies, running a hand over his face. "Not well."

"Oh, Knox. I'm sorry." Knox waves this away.

"How's Otto?" He asks.

"Great. He gets plenty of exercise, chasing after Ari." Knox actually grins.

"I bet he's having the time of his life." I laugh.

"He really is."

"I appreciate you keeping him until I can get out of here," Knox says.

"It's no trouble at all," I say.

"You've done so much for me, Lex," Knox says quietly, looking at the ground. I reach for his hand, but he swiftly moves it.

"Knox?" I whisper, my stomach dropping.

"You can't continue to give so much of yourself to..me."

"Don't you dare say that," I say firmly. "I can't do enough for you." Knox lifts his gaze, staring at me.

"You have a family that needs you far more than I do."

"Knox," I start, but he holds up a hand, silencing me.

"I don't want to sound ungrateful," Knox continues. "You've been wonderful. I appreciate everything you've done. But I don't want you to start resenting me."

"I could never resent you," I murmur, leaning over and taking Knox's hand, gently squeezing.

"Maybe not. But I bet...Steve does."

"He does," I reluctantly admit. "But you need me, Knox. And...and I couldn't bear the thought of struggling alone." Tears fill my eyes.

"Oh, Lexie," Knox murmurs. He squeezes my hand. "I'll be all right. You don't have to worry about me."

"Knox, please. I beg of you. Let me keep helping you any way I can." Knox hesitates, then nods.

"All right, Lexie. I'll let you help me." I finally smile, even with the tears slipping down my cheeks.

"Thank you."

***
Steve

I'm just about finished with the website for the book store.  I'm sorry to be. Then I won't have an excuse to hang out with Kris anymore. I stop.

Who says I have to stop seeing her? If Lex can hang out with Eric and Knox, then why the hell can't I hang out with Kris?

As if on cue, Kris materializes and I motion her over. She flashes that winning smile of hers.

"Hey," Kris says.

"Hey."

"You're about finished with the website, huh?" I see the disappointment in her eyes.

"Yeah," I say. "But we can still hang out  if you'd like?" Kris' eyes light up.

"I'd definitely like to."

"Awesome. Let's exchange numbers," I suggest. Kris pulls out her phone and we exchange numbers. Wariness flashes across Kris' face for a second.

"What will Lex think?"

"Not a damn thing."

***

Although I know I should be heading home  I end up hanging around the book store a few extra hours, just so I can talk with Kris.

I briefly wonder if Lex is with Knox or if she's home by now, making dinner and taking care of the kids. I decide I don't care if I end up making Lex wait.

She's hardly looked at me these last few weeks. When we do engage, it's usually about Knox and quickly escalates into an argument.

"You should probably head on home," Kris tells me. She's closing up for the evening. I lean against the front counter, just smiling at her.

"Why are you smiling at me like that?" Kris asks, collecting the day's receipts and tucking then underneath the money tray in the cash register.

"No reason," I reply, still smiling.

"Steve, stop!" Kris is blushing now. I chuckle, pushing off the counter and walking around to stand next to her.

"What are you doing?" Kris closes the cash register drawer and turns to face me. I study her.

"Steve?"

"Just admiring you," I murmur. Kris stares at me, her expression blank.

"You should head out," Kris says, her tone soft.

"I'm in no hurry," I say. Kris pushes past me, our arms brushing. I feel the heat of her skin on mine.

"Go on," Kris repeats. "I'm about to leave."

"Wanna grab some drinks?" I ask. Kris shakes her head.

"Steve, please go." I sigh.

"Right." I walk over, giving Kris a big grin. She just gives me a little smile.

"Good night," she murmurs.

"Good night. I'll text you later?" Kris hesitates for half a second.

"Sure."