I have a question! I was (re)watching "Need to Know" last night. In the scene in the break room with Kenny and Drew, Drew has an IV in his arm with yellow fluid in it— no doubt put there himself. Anyone know what's it's supposed to be? (I know Drew was hung over, I was thinking it was something for dehydration or headache.)

Chapter Seven

The night shift had missed Drew.

The moments in between patients were dull without his sense of humor. Everyone had visited him at one point since he got home. Maddy seemed to be ever-calming influence on him and no doubt both he and Rick needed that now. Luckily what had happened to Drew didn't seem big enough to even make the smallest corner of the newspaper or a mention on the local news. Drew didn't need to deal with media attention–something that he hated before–-after going through what he had. If he had been approached for an interview Kenny honestly believed if the reporter was male Drew would knock him out. Privacy was another thing the family needed to heal.

It was a remote possibility that Simone Alister wouldn't be going to trial.

There was no plea deal on the table but like the other attorneys she had employed, the public defender was having hell of a time dealing with her. So much so he told her that she should plead guilty and "throw herself at the mercy of the court." At least at a sentencing hearing she wouldn't get to talk as much. The more she ran her mouth the harsher the judge would be with her. Even with a guilty plea, Simone said she refused to say she was "sorry" for what she did. Her lawyer told her she wouldn't even have to mean it, just say it.

Still the guy had no luck—and he couldn't quit. It was looking as all he could do was ask the judge to take Simone's age into consideration when she was sentenced. With all the evidence and Simone's confession allowed during the trial–this with the fact that there was no way to control Simone in court and she insisted on testifying, a conviction was practically guaranteed. Her lawyer realized that Simone was almost "gleeful" at the thought she could be causing stifle between her son and "his so-called husband" as she referred to Rick. The lawyer hadn't spoke to Drew or Rick, he didn't need to. But had to their friends.

TC had told him that if Simone thought the aftermath could break Drew and Rick up or make the two distant from each other, she was wrong.

"Those guys have been through more than you know. If it's possible, Simone made them closer," he said.

It may have very well been not appropriate but the man had another question for TC since he knew the couple well.

"She implied something was wrong with the baby..is that..?"

"Bullshit? Yes, it is. I do believe that Drew's mother insinuated to her daughter, Claudia that something was going to be "wrong" with the baby in the future 'cause she was raised by two men."

The attorney nodded

He had heard that before and TC Callahan was correct, it was bullshit.


Rick's P.O.V.

I'm still in disbelief.

It's been a month since my daughter nearly lost her other daddy and I almost lost the only man I ever loved.

All at the hands of his own mother.

I mean, I know she hated him for simply existing. Then when he added he was gay she disowned him completely. Drew was okay with this and I could see he was telling the truth because I know him possibly better than he knows himself. Prior to four weeks ago, Drew and I were living a life I never dreamt. Getting past coming out being in the military and being finally able to marry like any other couple—whether conservatives liked it or not, we had done something that's still a daunting task for same-sex couples in Texas.

Start a family.

Everything was perfect.

Then Simone Alister came to town, attacked Drew (did I mention he's the love of my life?) In a park, leaving him to bleed to death. Thankfully all the doctors say he's going to make a full recovery. In fact, he's back at work—the very place he was rushed to when the incident happened. Most of the my initial anxiety has faded. But I still wake up sweaty, shaking with tears in my eyes from the horrible nightmare that the outcome was the opposite. Drew knew I still had these, he tried his best to reassure me—he even suggested I see someone if it continues.

I think I will for all our sakes but I'm going to give it a few more weeks.

No date has been set for the bitch's trial yet.

Drew doesn't have to testify because as we're hearing Simone wouldn't shut up and it'll all be admitted in court. He's decided he's not going attending the trial, either. I'm relived. But if he did want to go I'd be with him.

Rick rubbed his eyes as he sat at his desk. He was tired today and was glad there was outdoor firing range shooting today because of heavy rain. This meant he would get home in the early afternoon. He had more than one nightmare the night before. The center of those nightmares was safely right beside him. Drew must have felt him be jolted out from his sleep. Silently, he had gathered Rick in his arms, placing his husband's head on his chest over his heart. He then tilted his head up and kissed his lips.

"I've got you, baby," he whispered, he stroked Rick's hair till the man fell asleep.

Drew was glad for the rain, too. Knowing it meant Rick wouldn't be at work long or on shooting a gun today. His poor man needed rest. As much as he needed that rest excitement was going to let get it right away. Rick came home to his ten-month-old daughter standing with the help of her favorite 3-in-1 ride-on toys.

"You did it!" He exclaimed, running over to Maddy, picking her up and kissing her. "Daddy's so proud of you!"

"Is she standing again?" Drew called out. "She did earlier."

"Yeah?"

"Yep. She was holding on to that, too. She tried to take a step and fell. She was not pleased."

Funny, Rick thought.

The very same thing happened to him the first time he stood on his prosthetic leg. He tried the same thing before the therapist could say not to.

"Wonder where she gets that from."

Drew laughed. "Yes, I wonder."