Oliver gathered George into his arm only to aware at just how much weight George had lost in the span of a few weeks. Very gently Oliver laid him down on the bed. He was sure that George had passed out from shear exhaustion and very carefully started to remove the torn clothing from his body. After he had taken off all of George's outer clothing Oliver summoned a large bowl and several clothes. He filled the bowl with water and warmed the water within. He picked up a cloth and wet it, than brought it gently to George's face and carefully cleaned all the dirt and dried blood; looking for any wounds. George did not stir. Oliver continued to clean his friend and found that the only wounds that he could see were scratches and deep bruising. Finally, he carefully cleaned his long red hair. He treated the wound and bruising with healing potions and creams. He dressed George in a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a Puddlemere United T-shirt and pulled the covers over him to keep him warm.

He left the room to let George rest, knowing that he would be out for awhile. It was late and Oliver was tired as well. He placed an alert on the bedroom and lay down on the couch to get some sleep himself. Sleep eluded him at first, in his mind Oliver kept think of all the things that could have happened to George. He hoped that George would want his help and if he could help him. Oliver knew that he could not cal anyone for help, George would only run again. He did not want to see George disappear again; he would have to wait till George woke to determine what state of mind George was in and try to help his friend. Eventually, Oliver fell into a restless sleep.

Oliver woke after only a few hours of sleep, but he just could not get relief from resting. He stood up from the couch and on his way to the bathroom to get ready for the day; he stopped to check on George. George had curled himself into a tight ball clutching one of Oliver's pillows to his chest. Making sure that George was alright and not in any distress, Oliver continued through to the bathroom to start his morning rituals. He knew that it would be a long time yet till George woke, he had seen it in his eyes that it had been a long time since George had a restful nights sleep in a bed.

Oliver spent most of the day sitting beside the bed reading or simply watching George sleep. He only left his side to eat and use the bathroom. A few times he climbed into the bed when George was facing a nightmare, to soothe him and lull him back to sleep.

Oliver did not realize how late it had gotten or that he had nodded off to sleep in the chair beside the bed, but he had been jerked awake. At first he could not discern what had woken him up and why he was in the chair and not his bed, but he soon remembered at the sight of George sitting up in the bed.

"Oliver" the voice was so soft and horse that Oliver had almost missed it.

"I'm here George," Oliver replied and moved to sit on the bed next to his friend. As soon as Oliver sat down, George leaned into his chest and cried. Oliver wrapped his arms around his friend and held onto him tightly. "I'll take care of you if you'll let me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what" Oliver said as he help on a rocket George.

"Promise?"

"I promise, George. I promise."

"Will you stay in bed with me; I don't want to be alone."

"Yes, whatever you need, I'm here for you." Oliver laid down pulling George tight to him, George clutching onto him as if he let go, he wouldn't exist. Oliver was something real for him, and he did not want to lose what felt real.

"Shh, honey, it's going to be okay. I will protect you, please close your eyes and try to get some more sleep. I stay right here the whole night, watching over you and protecting you. I will never leave you. I just don't want to see you hurt anymore. I will keep you safe."

Eventually, George closed his eyes and Oliver felt his breathing become softer and deeper and he knew that George had fallen asleep. Whatever, George had been through; Oliver hopes that George will trust him enough to open up his heart and soul to him so that he can help. He meant everything he told George, he would always be there for his friend to help and protect him, to try to keep him safe.

Oliver felt the heaviness of sleep and he too couldn't keep his eyes open, though he wanted to watch George sleep all night. Oliver fell into a deeper sleep than the night before holding on to George for fear that he wouldn't be there in the morning when he woke up.