Chapter 10

Disclaimer- I own nothing!

Alan woke up from his nap on the couch to see the house was dark. Good, William wasn't back from work yet. If he saw he had napped he would never hear the end of it. William wasn't mean when he slept but he would remind him that he should go out and get a body pillow to help him get comfortable at night. They were so expensive though and the money could be used for other things, like nursey items or more maternity clothes as it seemed being at twenty-two weeks he needed something a little bigger. At least the super comfy pants still fit; he would just have to spend some money on shirts.

Standing, Alan moved to the kitchen to start on dinner. William would be home in about an hour so he could have it in the oven for him. It was so nice knowing William didn't expect a lot from him. He knew he couldn't just do nothing all the time but he never expected dinner on the table for him, or the house to be spotless. Still, Alan hated doing nothing so he tried his best to make sure things were always in order for William. Even when he wasn't pregnant he carried his own weight around so William didn't have to do everything. He was never allowed to overdo it because of the thorns but he was able to do his part. Getting dinner going he stopped and cleaned up a bit, for some reason he felt so restless today. Maybe because he fell asleep after lunch.

Hearing the front door open Alan looked up from his book to see William taking his shoes and coat off. Meeting him at the door he noticed he looked dirty today, had he been on the field?
"Welcome home." He said as he kissed him, the normal after work routine.
"Thanks love. Dinner smells good, what is it?"
"Baked chicken in a homemade garlic sauce." Seeing William smile at the choice he followed him to the bedroom so they could chat they chose while he changed.
"Are you alright William?" Alan wouldn't dare mention the dust he saw on him but he was curious. Normally William stayed in his office doing paperwork and supervision so if he was sent out then something must have come up.
"Long day is all. Most of the office was sent out today, something happened in London."
"Is everyone alright?" Sitting on the edge of the bed he hoped his friends were alright.
"Demon activity is high right now and we aren't sure why. The council thought it be best if everyone went out as pairs today and with you off and unable to collect anyway they had me join so no one went solo." Seeing Alan look down at his feet William sat beside him and wrapped his arms around him to keep him close. "It was simply a precaution is all. Everyone had an uneventful day."
"Okay. That's good to hear. I just…I still feel bad. And…well…if you got hurt in my place I would never forgive myself." Burying his head in William's exposed chest he took a deep breath to remind himself that William said everything was just a precaution.
"I know love but remember I can take care of myself out there. I'm not foolish enough to let those vile creatures get me. I'll always come home to you. I promise." Kissing the top of Alan's head he was glad he was home safe and sound as well. He would never forgive himself if he made Alan worry about him.
"I know." Still, Alan couldn't help but worry. They all did when a friend or loved one went out because they never knew what could happen. They were smart, fast, and strong but so were demons and encountering one was always a possibility. Before they pulled away so William could finish changing Alan gently took hold of William's hand and brought it to their child. Placing it on his stomach they both sat there and felt him kick. "Our son is glad everything went well it seems." Alan whispered. William nodded as slowly rubbed where he felt them. "I'll always be right here my child."

Together they set the table and sat down to a nice meal that came out well before they sat in the living room to watch the news. They knew they had things they should do but they just didn't feel like doing any of it right now. If worse came to worse they could do it this weekend when they were both off.
"Oh yea." William said as he moved away from Alan for a moment. Lost by what William was doing, Alan sat up and watched him. Waiting for him to come back to the couch he saw he went to the hallway closet and took something out of his coat pocket before sitting back down. "Here. This is yours." Handing Alan the paper William pulled him close again to get comfortable. Opening the paper he saw what it was and looked at William. "What is this?"
"It's to help you sleep at night. I know you haven't because I feel you shift every so often and you look tired every day."
"I told you I didn't want to spend the money on a pillow."
"And I'm telling you you need it." William said matter-of-factly, he was tired of waking up to Alan always shifting trying to get comfortable. "I can pick it up tomorrow. They didn't have this exact one in stock today." Hearing Alan huff and fold the paper back up he moved to the other side of the couch to glue his eyes to the screen. William knew this meant he was peeved with him but really the argument was stupid. Alan never spent money on himself, ever, unless it was a necessity.
"You know I'm right Alan so I don't see why you are giving me a hard time on it. And we aren't hurting for money so it's not like I went over budget."
"I just wish you would listen to me." Alan grumbled as he shifted in his seat.
"I do listen but I also know you too well. Me taking care of you isn't me spoiling you."
"Yea whatever." Getting up Alan went to use the restroom and take care of a few things before they turned in for the night.

Both were sleeping soundly when they heard the phone pierce through their dreams. Waking up agitated William reached over to pick it up ready to yell at whoever was calling at this ungodly hour. Nothing could be this important that it couldn't wait until morning. Sitting up as he heard what the caller wanted he reached for his glasses and the lamp. It was pointless to try and be quiet when he saw Alan was awake next to him.
"I'll be right in. I appreciate it…thanks…Grell."
Alan sat up seeing William get out of bed. Looking at William's alarm clock he saw it was a little after two in the morning. Hearing William actually thank Grell he knew it must have been something serious, never before had he thanked her or even given her a tone less than bossy.

"Did something happen?" Alan asked as he saw William come out of the closet already buttoning his work shirt. "Do you need my help?"
Throwing his pants on the bed and grabbing socks William debated how much he should tell Alan. He really didn't want him to worry or become too stressed out.
"There was a demon attack and a couple people got hurt from it."
"How seriously?"
Stopping as he buttoned his pants he looked at Alan's face and chose his words carefully.
"I'm not sure yet but it had to be bad if Grell called to tell me." He did know and he knew who but to tell Alan would be to worry him and he wasn't sure that would be for the best.
"William? What aren't you telling me?" Alan knew William was hiding the truth from him, he could read it all over his face. "Who was it?"
"I really need to get over there. I'll see you later." Quickly kissing Alan's cheek he left the bedroom and the house. Alan knew he wasn't going to just fall back asleep after this so he got up and dressed as well. He was no supervisor but he was a co-worker and when something happened everyone got involved.

Alan walked into dispatch to feel an eerie aura around everyone. They were busy but it was quiet and it had nothing to do with the time of day. Heading to their desks he saw Grell sitting at hers. Before he could say anything she saw him and jumped out of her seat.
"Alan! I didn't know you came too."
"I couldn't just ignore an issue. I can't go to the field but I can help with other things. William doesn't know I am here though. Have you seen him?"
Looking around Grell nodded at Alan's question, had he not told him everything before he left?
"I think he is in the office; come on let's check." Walking besides Alan she decided to just fill him in. William would probably get angry with her but Alan had a right to know.
"A demon ambushed Ronald and Eric while they were working." Seeing Alan stop she stopped and turn to face him, he looked pale.
"A…are they alright?" Alan felt his heart drop, his two close friends were attacked last night. Is this what William knew before he left the house?"
"Well…Eric has some cuts and bruises, he is still in the infirmary last I heard but I don't think anything was serious. Ronald on the other hand….well…maybe you should just see him." Detouring to the infirmary Grell took Alan's hand to keep him calm. William would never forgive her if she caused Alan harm by doing this.
"Alan!" As they stepped into the room Ronald was in Eric saw them surprised to see Alan here so early. He got the impression from William that he had no idea what had happened. Alan took a sharp inhale seeing Ronald in the state he was in. All the wires, monitors, cuts, bruises, bandages, it was making him queasy.
"Ronald." Alan whispered as he moved away from Grell and went to the opposite side of the bed Eric was on. Carefully stroking his cheek Alan wished he could do something for him, wished he could have been there for him than maybe this wouldn't have happened.

Alan moved down the hall to William's office after spending an hour with Ronald. He was still unconscious but no one thought they would lose him so he felt his heart become a little less heavy. Coming up on William's office he saw it was empty, he wasn't totally surprised by this but he hoped he wasn't in the field trying to find the demon that ambushed Eric and Ronald. Going to head back to his desk and see if he couldn't help with some of the work he stopped as he saw William coming back to this office with two other officers.
"Alan! What are you doing here?" Leaving the two officers he swiftly went to him only to have Alan put his arms around him and hug him tightly.
"I was worried about everyone and I want to help anyway I can."
Pulling away from Alan William put an arm around his waist and led them to his office. William wasn't all that surprised that Alan was here but he had hoped to not worry him so soon.

By lunch time Alan was walking with Eric back to his apartment to make sure he made it home safety and that he wasn't going to overexert his injuries. While they weren't as severe as Ronald's he still had some broken bones from the attack and trying to save Ronald. Letting Alan in his home Eric got them both a glass of water.
"William told me to take a few days off. You've really made him soft Alan."
"He isn't some cold hearted bastard. You're his friends and he cares about all of you."
"I was teasing Alan, relax." Sitting down he had Alan sit with him on the couch. Getting comfortable he was surprised when Alan put his arms around him to give him a tight hug.
"I'm really glad you are alright." Realizing he was probably hurting Eric Alan pulled away.
"Can't get rid of me that easily."
"I'm being serious you know."
"I know." Putting an arm around Alan he gave him a shoulder hug back. He still felt awkward doing certain things with Alan knowing they weren't together anymore. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

Eric felt his phone going off in his pocket and tried to take it out while not disturbing Alan who was sleeping on his shoulder. They had a long talk before Alan started crying and then fell asleep. Eric felt awful making him cry but he didn't really do anything to warrant it, they were just talking about what happened and Ronald.
"William. Need something?"
"Eric, have you talked to Alan recently?"
"Yes. What's up?"
"He hasn't made it back to dispatch yet and I was getting worried." William didn't have to say he was worried something happened because Eric could hear it in his voice and with the attacks that happened he was more concerned than normal.
"He is still at my place. He got me settled and then we started talking and he fell asleep."
"Oh. Okay. Glad he is safe."
"Should I wake him?"
"No. No that's fine. I have to head out with a few others and I'd rather he not know so if you're alright with it I'd prefer he stay there."
"Yea, no it's fine. Stay safe alright. I shouldn't have to say this but don't be stupid."
"I appreciate it Eric. And I am glad you made it back in one piece. We both know Alan worries about you as much as he does me."
"Thanks. I'll talk to you later."
"Yes. Thank you again."
Hanging up, Eric looked over at Alan was sleeping peacefully it seemed. They were both so lucky to be loved by such a wonderful man.