Betat by 191026^^ yet again special thanks to her.

And thanks to all of you who have reviewed this story. I'm so glad for all of the favs and alerts. I'm happy that you all have been interested in this and kpet reading!

After this two more chapters and then it is sadly over, enjoy :)

"Does this hurt?" Malik asked as he pressed lightly at Altair's ribs which earned a slight hiss of pain in return.

"Yeah it hurts when you poke like that." Altair grumbled at the doctor who was insisting on prodding his ribs.

Malik frowned slightly but, he had expected it to hurt. Altair was healing very well and at an unusually rapid rate Malik had to admit.

He was more than pleased though. He was glad the soldier would be okay and back to normal in no time.

"Does it hurt when you breathe?" Malik asked as he finally stopped poking and prodding, much to Altair's relief.

He had to stop touching Altair's perfectly muscular body in fear he got carried away with his touches.

It was almost a week now since they had kissed. Malik was nervous to do it again inside the hospital building. He wouldn't protest too much if Altair kissed him again but, unfortunately, he had not. Maybe he was waiting for Malik to make a move again?

"Nah, if I sit straight and take slow breaths...it's fine." Altair answered.

Malik had forgotten he had even asked Altair anything.

"Good. You'll be out in a week or two. After that you need at least four months of rest to really heal properly...you can put your shirt on now..." Malik turned his back to Altair.

"Where do you think I will go after I get out? I told you..."

Malik could hear the frown in the mans voice. He sighed and turned to face the man.

"I cannot help you with that Altair even if I wanted to. I cannot let you stay in the hospital, you know this." Malik said with an apologetic tone colouring his words.

Altair studied Malik's face. The bruise he had gotten on the corner of his mouth was mostly healed and so had the cuts on his leg and shoulder….or so the doctor said. Altair had to believe him since the man showed no signs that they hurt at all, not even when he touched his shoulder.

He noticed Malik study his face right back with an expression he couldn't quite describe. Expectation maybe? But of what? Altair looked away.

"I know that, just... forget it..." He shook his head.

Guess he had no choice but go back to States. He loathed the idea. He was almost afraid of the idea. Altair felt a light touch on his shoulder and looked at Malik who was suddenly much closer than he had expected.

"We'll come up with something, don't worry." Malik reassured him.

We? Altair stared at Malik for a moment, contemplating, hesitating.

He finally leaned in to press a soft kiss on Malik's lips. For a short moment Malik accepted Altair's advances and then took step back. Altair was a little disappointed at that as he watched Malik go to the window and close the venetian blinds.

Altair smiled a little, remembering Kadar walking in on them. He stood up from the bed and walked to the doctor. He wound his arms around Malik's waist, revelling in the fact that Malik allowed it.

"You like me.." Altair stated with a little smirk. He received a raised eyebrow at that.

"I hope you know you're insufferably arrogant. What makes you think I like you?"

Altair grinned at the doctor.

"Because you allow me touch you." He answered simply and drew Malik in a deep kiss.

Malik answered the kiss. However he didn't let it go on too long. He knew it wasn't really wise for him to do this. It wasn't wise to fall for the man so completely. Altair would leave very soon and no doubt Malik would be just one conquest of many for the man.

"So you assume I like you because I let you do this...? Maybe that is right... but at the same time it may not... it is only for me to know..." Malik said, bluffing.

Kadar had said it was obvious but clearly it was not since only Kadar had noticed anything.

"Yeah... Right..." Altair smiled, stepping away from the man.

He felt unsure now but didn't let it show. Surely Malik liked him? At least a little? Right? He had to like him.

Malik was about to leave the room when he felt strong hands grab his shoulders. He winced a bit for the squeeze on his left shoulder stung and burned a great deal. Those strong hands spun him around and pushed his back against the wall, effectively pinning him in place. He stared at Altair's serious face, a little surprised and secretly felt a little alarmed at the situation.

Altair claimed Malik's lips with his own for few intense moments before he started peppering small kisses and nips to the mans neck.

Malik had to work hard not to melt to Altair's kisses. This was new to him and he didn't really know what to do so he stayed still. He started to find it harder to breath properly as he felt Altair's hands move down his body and start tugging the hem of his shirt out of his pants. Then one sneaky hand snaked under his shirt making him shiver.

"I don't know if you like me or not. But I know my own feelings, and I know I want you." Altair whispered in Malik's ear before licking and kissing the tender spot under the ear.

Malik couldn't help the soft embarrassing gasps and moans he produced as Altair's hand caressed his skin feeling up and down his body. All the while the man continued the kissing and biting at Malik's neck.

"Stop!" Malik gasped.

He could feel himself getting too aroused at Altair's actions.

They couldn't do this.

"Altair stop that now!" Malik hissed as he pushed Altair away, face flushed bright red, words coming in a rush.

Altair stepped back understanding Malik's discomfort.

The man looked away slightly without a word.

Altair watched quietly as Malik corrected his clothes and picked up the papers he had dropped while being assaulted by Altair. The soldier stepped back infront of Malik, took the mans hand in his own and placed a short tender kiss on Malik's lips. Even if more intimate touching was forbidden, this at least was okay, right?

Malik didn't push Altair away, but didn't answer the kiss either. He sighed and bowed his head for a moment before looking at the soldiers smouldering golden eyes.

"You can't do these things in the hospital Altair. And I guess we need to talk about.. things."

He got even more uncomfortable thinking about all the stuff they needed to talk about. Malik felt nervous for the man was standing so close to him and yet he felt good. He craved the closeness as much as he was afraid of it.

Altair seemed to understand his discomfort. The man slowly pulled Malik into a hug, wrapping his arms around him tightly.

"Yeah... Let's talk..." Altair agreed quietly.

He didn't wish to let Malik go now that it seemed that he truly could have a chance with the man. The doctor stepped away from his embrace.

"First you need to eat though..." Altair watched as Malik retreated hastily from the room. Had he done something wrong? He went and sat on the edge of his bed again. Licking his lips he could still taste Malik's skin on them.

Goddammit Altair wanted the man so badly. And no, not just sex. He wanted Malik to like him. He loved Malik, loved the way the man got pissed at him, loved the gentle side he was reluctant to show. And he wished he could hear the man laugh, at least once, from the bottom of his heart without any restraint.

Altair waited for Malik to come back with the damn tasteless soup he had been eating for fore what felt like an eternity. But when the man came back he brought real food with him. Altair's face lit up hopefully and that made Malik smile in amusement.

"Rejoice, no more of the slop you hate so much."

Malik grinned at the mans happy face. He placed the tray on the bedside table. He enjoyed to see how little could make the man all happy like a kid on Christmas. Not that he had ever really understood the holiday. He would like to see those happy expressions and warm looks that the soldier had given him the past week or so. But he refused to become a toy. They needed to talk. At that, his smile vanished as he sat on the chair beside the bed.

Altair was sad to see Malik's smile die for what ever reason. He took the tray and dug in. The food was good. Not as good as the one Kadar had brought so many weeks ago. While he ate he could feel Malik's eyes on him, watching his every move. He glanced at Malik a few times.

Malik seemed deep in thought. Altair couldn't help but think that the doctor was beautiful. Not pretty like a woman, no. Beautiful in different way. The graceful and powerful presence. The way his lithe body moved like an athletes. His quick and clever mind. Not to mention his handsome face, full lips and those nearly black eyes.

Altair loved those eyes.

As he looked right into Malik's eyes, he stopped eating. Something dawned on him at that moment. Something that he was overjoyed with and at the same time devastated him.

He loved Malik.

Malik's questioning rise of the eyebrows made Altair stop the stare and continue eating. Yes, he loved the doctor. He had never felt like this before. Not even for Adha. He wanted to stay with Malik forever. Maybe he would, if the other let him.

When Altair finished his food he put the tray away and looked at Malik again. The doctor glanced away and then finally, turned back and looked Altair in the eye.

Before neither man could say a word, Kadar peeked inside the room, effectively making the atmosphere rather tense.

"Did I interrupt?" He asked smiling. "I didn't hear you two speak or do anything else either so I thought it's safe..." Malik turned to glare at his little brothers annoying grin.

"Did you actually have something to say? or did you just come to visit La'Ahad. If it's the latter I need to talk to him first." Malik said as he stood up.

Altair hated that Malik used his last name again.

"Well I did come just to bug him but... I bumped into someone who actually want's to meet him so I brought her here."

Altair tensed at Kadar's words. Her? Oh no... Altair really hoped his hunch was wrong and he hoped Malik would say not now.

Malik sighed and nodded.

"Fine, let her in." Kadar smiled sweetly and vanished for a moment before he walked in, followed by a beautiful woman. Her dark brown hair was tied around her head in a braid crown and she wore the navy uniform. Her blue eyes zeroed on Altair the moment she entered the room.

Altair wanted to groan aloud at the sight of Maria. He would wring Ezio's little neck the moment he got out of the hospital. Maria strode to Altair who was still sitting on the bed.

"You look well, Thank goodness!" She chirped.

Altair hummed in agreement to her.

"Hey Maria, I heard you were worried..." "Why wouldn't I be worried? Everybody was!" Maria exclaimed and flung her arms around Altair's neck placing a kiss to the corner of Altair's mouth, leaving a stain of lipstick. Why the fuck was she wearing makeup?

Altair felt uncomfortable to have Maria so close when Malik was present. Infact he had always had a problem with Maria's constant clinging into him.

Malik felt a strange pang of jealousy and anger wash over him. Who was this woman?

Altair unwound Marias arms from his neck and wiped the red stain off from his face. Marias face fell a little at this. She had clearly hoped that Altair's near death experience had changed his mind about her. Apparently it had not.

Maria cleared her throat and rummaged through her bag.

"Your cousin sent you some of your personal stuff. He thought you'd want to have them. And your uniform.…for when you get out."

She smiled brightly at Altair and winked. Altair fought against a sigh. She really didn't give up did she? He smiled at her.

"Thanks, Maria." He said and took the package from her hands, avoiding contact.

The last thing he wanted was Maria thinking he was giving her some stupid hints. The woman seemed to see them everywhere, even if there was really none.

Altair glanced at Malik. The man looked pissed before he schooled his face back to the expressionless mask.

"I'll leave you two alone for a moment so you may talk." Malik said and was about to turn and leave, shooing Kadar out as well.

"Yeah. Actually I feel a bit tired. Sorry Maria but I'm going to take a nap.…I guess I'll see you when I get out." Altair forced an apologetic smile on his lips and lay down on his bed.

Maria pouted in disappointment but nodded.

"I'll see you then Altair." She said and followed Malik out of the room. When the door closed. Altair sighed with relief.

As the door closed, Maria turned her attention to Malik.

"Are you the one who treated him?" Malik thought that the question sounded more like a demand for an answer than a question.

"Yes, indeed I am. And you are, Miss?"

"Maria Thorpe, Altair's girlfriend. The most recent one. But we'll stay together, he said he loves me." She offered her hand for a shake.

Malik could see the evil glint in her eyes. Had she noticed? Malik shook her hand the calm mask of an expression staying on his face. Girlfriend, huh. Somehow Altair had failed to mention her.

"Well Miss Thorpe, I am sorry your visit had to end so soon. But La'Ahad is not as well as he pretends to be." He said not missing a beat but making it very clear she was not really welcome.

She laughed lightly.

"Oh I know. He's always like that. Well, I shall leave now. I hope we will meet again, Doctor." She smiled a fake smile and walked away.

Malik stared after her for a moment in disgust and truly hoped he didn't have to see her anymore.

"He has a girlfriend?" Kadar asked puzzled. "I thought he was gay..."

Malik glanced at his little brother in slight annoyed amusement. He shook his head and went back to Altair's room, closing the door and leaving Kadar outside.

Altair sat up in his bed as he saw Malik come back.

"Is she gone?" "If you mean your girlfriend yes she's gone." Malik glared daggers at Altair.

Altair sighed in relief yet again and threw his legs off the bed, so he could sit on the edge.

"She's my ex Malik. She just... doesn't get it."

Altair didn't want to see th icy stare he was receiving so he started to look what had Ezio gathered for him. There was his notebook and pen, wallet and a letter. also some kind of bottle he was certain was not his. He looked at the label on the bottle and swore he would not strangle his cousin. He would torture him to death.

Altair put the bottle of lube quickly back in the bag so Malik wouldn't notice it and instead pulled out the letter. Before he opened it though he looked at Malik.

"I hope you believe me, I really don't care for her. I like someone else."

"And who might this someone else be? You seem to have a lot of lovers."

"Who? I'm looking at him" Altair interrupted Malik and stood up from his bed and walked to Malik, never taking his eyes off of the man.

"I guess I have to inform you that I do not intend to be one of your conquests that you dump when you get bored. You can forget even trying." Malik glared at the soldier icily.

Altair ignored the slight warning and drew Malik in his embrace. Malik resisted the closeness until Altair spoke.

"I have no intention of using you just for my own pleasure and entertainment. I couldn't do that to you. I.…" Altair shut up abruptly.

He had never been afraid to say anything but he was afraid now. He had no idea what Malik actually thought of him. He drew Malik closer still.

"I want to stay with you.…I love you." His last words came as a rushed whisper for his nervousness didn't allow him breath normally. Malik tensed and stepped back a few paces.

"So you say….it seems you say it to everyone. Isn't that true?"

"No." Altair almost growled as he grabbed Malik by the shoulders.

"Look.…I….I don't know how you feel about me." Altair finally managed.

He looked at the floor. "Or if you feel anything at all... but I."

He went silent. He couldn't say it again for the reaction to the words he got the first time. He'd never really been that good at voicing mushy feelings.

Malik looked at the soldier struggle. He seemed sincere, and Malik found himself believing the mans words. He could feel the heat slightly rising to his cheeks. He should tell Altair that the feelings of love were mutual but as he thought of saying them he felt himself blushing even further.

"We should not talk about this here, Altair..." Malik looked away hoping Altair wouldn't notice the reddening of his face. The walls were practically paper in this building. The only place that actually had walls that kept most sound out or in was his office. Malik shook his head banishing any weird dirty thought from his mind. He was supposed to work in that room.

Altair let go of Malik's shoulders as the man shook his head. He had not missed the blush. What ever had caused it, Altair wanted to know but didn't ask.

"Right.…I know."

Malik eyed Altair for a moment, glanced at the door and then stepped closer to the soldier. He leaned closer yet and placed a small kiss on the others lips. He wouldn't be able to say it straight to the man yet but.

"You were right about the reason of why I let you touch me." Malik whispered.

There, that should be enough for the time being. He turned and left the room quickly, walking past his brother in the hallway. He barely registered the question of 'would it be okay to see Altair now?'

Altair stared after Malik for a long moment. He actually had to think what he had said earlier. Did this mean Malik liked him? A smile slowly touched his scared lips. Happiness filled him and he felt like jumping around the room from sheer joy. He didn't though. His ribs and injuries had not healed completely and they reminded Altair of their existence with each too hastily made movement.

Altair sat back on his bed and almost missed Kadar enter the room and start talking of random trivial matters.