Revelations

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas.

Thank you for all the support with this story - it really is appreciated. Updating just because I know someone really wants me too (hee hee)!

. . .

Spencer continued to push the food aimlessly around the plate. It may have been a vain attempt to fool Derek into thinking he had eaten more than he had but Derek was acutely aware that he had eaten little more than half a dozen mouthfuls.

"You don't like my Mom's hot pot? She always made it when one of us was ill, that and chicken soup. Gonna give making a batch of that a go tomorrow but I'm not promising it will be up to Mama Bear's standards. Called her for the recipe on the way to the store," Derek kept his tone light as he rambled, unsure what he was supposed to say that would make it all better.

"Tomorrow?" Spencer looked up surprised as the words registered with him.

"Yep, don't think you are getting rid of me that easily do you? Kid I spent the last couple of nights in the hospital with you, the night terrors, they really took it out of you. You need someone around Buddy and that someone will be me. Unless you would prefer me to let Penelope lose?"

Spencer looked shocked and shook his head vigorously. It wasn't that he didn't like Penelope but he had had his fill of her mothering on the flight home. "Honestly I'd prefer to be alone . . . Thank you."

Derek shook his head slowly as he finished his mouthful of stew, "No way Kid, that ain't happening. Not until I know you are on the mend. There could be serious side-effects to your injuries and I am not spending my night at home worrying about whether you are passed out on the kitchen floor. So count it as me being selfish if it helps make you feel better."

Dropping his head down, Spencer began pushing the food around once more. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate Derek's offer, he really did, but right now he didn't know how to stand still let alone move forward. Even with the heavy dose of painkillers the doctors had prescribed him Spence was starting to feel a now familiar burn in his veins. His body wanted more than standard grade pain relief. Already, after such a short time alone with Hankel, his body was craving another shot of the elixir they had shared. Immediately his mind shot to the two small vials that he had managed to retrieve from his screwed up bundle of clothes. Yet he had no way of using the contents. Without thinking he began scratching at his arm, the very spot Hankel had used. He needed to get out, to find a way to get the supplies he needed. But how could he with Morgan as his shadow?

Standing up suddenly Spencer decided to make a dash for it, "I need some fresh air," he through over his shoulder as he made his way towards his apartment door. He had obviously shocked Derek as he had his hand on the door handle before Derek had caught up with him. However the wide hand placed firmly on his shoulder made it clear that he wasn't going to get to take another step.

"Hey, not without me."

Spence looked up to see Derek's puppy dog eyes looking down at him. Sighing deeply it crossed his mind to forget the walk and call it quits for the night but the honest truth was that the apartment was starting to feel a little claustrophobic. Nodding he reached for his jacket and watched as Derek did the same.

. . .

Lying in his bed Spencer tossed and turned. His last dose of painkillers had done little to calm the now near constant feeling of need that was engulfing his body. Listening to the sound of Derek as he cleared the kitchen then settled to watch a game, Spencer willed the older man to sleep.

His skin itched as he contemplated taking an extra dose of drugs, though that would only spark suspicion when he finished them earlier then he should. Screwing himself up in a ball he tried to ignore the nausea that was rising. He knew he needed to ride this out, that to go through this once and that would be the end. Yet in this case he wasn't prepared to listen to the knowledge that he was usually so reliant on.

Closing his eyes he finally drifted into a fitful sleep the sound of his TV somewhere in the distance of his disturbed dreams.

Waking after what seemed like minutes, Spencer was immediately aware how quiet the house was. Turning he noticed a fresh glass of water on his bedside table. Sitting so that that he could take a sip from the glass, he considered what to do. Silently he slipped from his bed and begun to put on the clothes he had been wearing earlier over his PJs.

Spencer cracked the bedroom door open, waiting for a reaction, expecting Derek to pounce as soon as he heard a sound. Holding his breath for what seemed liked minutes, though Spencer knew it was closer to 30 seconds, he opened it wide enough for him to slip out into the lounge. Now he could clearly hear the sound of Derek snoring.

Walking with great care and deliberation, Spencer tiptoed towards the couch. Even in the darkness of the lounge it was clear to see that Derek was fast asleep. Continuing towards the door Spencer took great care as he took his coat down and made his way to the door. With one final glance over his shoulder Spencer worked on removing the lock without disturbing Derek.

Once he had the door open Spencer made his way to the other side, taking each step cautiously so as not to wake his sleeping friend. Shutting the door softly behind him, Spencer took a deep breath. He was out, alone!

Not quite believing it he proceeded down the hallway, shooting several glances back, half expecting Derek to come flying after him. As he reached the stairs he quickened the pace. His mind was set on what he had to do and getting back before he was missed.