Here is Chapter Two! I appreciate the wonderful feedback! Set one day after Mike's release from the hospital.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.

Mike sat alone in his home. He was afraid. Every sound made him jump and reach for his gun. He wanted Ryan.

He couldn't get the thoughts of Ryan holding his hand and rubbing his forehead out of his mind. He wanted to feel the touch of Ryan's rough hands. He picked up his phone, but then set it back down.

He knew Ryan had the day off, but he didn't want to bother him. He didn't want Ryan to know that he was afraid. On the other hand, he wanted Ryan to comfort him. He contemplated on whether or not to call Ryan for a few more minutes. He picked up his phone again and dialed Ryan's number.

"Hello?" Ryan answered.

"Hi, Ryan, it's Mike."

"Hey, buddy. Everything alright?" Ryan asked in a sincere tone.

"No, actually," Mike replied. "I was wondering if you could come over to my place for a little while."

"Sure, I can do that."

"Thanks, Ryan."

Mike paused for a few seconds.

"I'm scared," he said, sounding a little embarrassed.

"I'll be right over," Ryan said. "See you in a bit."

Mike hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief. It was one less day that he would have to spend alone. He slowly got up from the couch and neatened up a few things around the house. He needed to do something to occupy the time before Ryan's arrival.

Ryan arrived a half an hour later. Mike let him in. He tried to keep it together, but as soon as Ryan made eye contact with him, he broke down.

"Hey, hey," Ryan said in a gentle tone. "It's ok."

Ryan wrapped his arms around Mike. Mike sobbed into his shoulder.

"Shhh," Ryan whispered in Mike's ear. "I'm here now. You're safe."

After a few minutes of standing in the doorway, Ryan pulled back from Mike and held him by the shoulders.

"Let's sit down," Ryan said.

They sat down on Mike's couch. Ryan put his arm around Mike.

"I'm sorry you have to see me like this," Mike said.

"You don't have to apologize," Ryan said. "You've been through some tough times."

"It's just embarrassing to be scared and crying all the time."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Ryan shifted positions so he was facing Mike.

"Let me tell you something," he said. "I went through a period of fear after I got stabbed. Every noise put me over the edge, and I started sleeping with my gun next to my pillow."

Mike looked at Ryan with wide eyes. Ryan put his hand on Mike's knee.

"You're not alone," Ryan reassured him. "Traumatic events like this affect everyone."

"Thanks, Ryan," Mike replied. "That makes me feel better."

Mike gave Ryan a half-smile. Ryan squeezed his knee.

"There's that smile I like to see," Ryan said, smiling back at Mike.

"I think this is the first time I've actually smiled since the stabbing."

"I can tell. I'm glad you're smiling again."

"Thanks. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I'm starting to feel better."

"Recovering from these kinds of events takes time," Ryan said. "I'm here for you every step of the way."

Mike got tears in his eyes again. Ryan extended his arms to him. Mike moved in closer and wrapped his arms around Ryan. Ryan pulled Mike close to him, careful not to put pressure on his wounds.

"You're going to be ok, Mike. I promise."

A little short, I know, but I'm adding another chapter! There will be cuddling, I promise.