A/N: I'm not current on hospitals with special needs children, so consider it dramatic license if it isn't realistic. I'm going with Don being stuck in a ward at first until they can move him to semi-private room. I know my last experience with the hospital, getting a private room just wasn't an option because they didn't have any left. Hopefully that works, on with the story.

Don Eppes stirred and blinked as his surroundings came into focus. Confusion caused him to rub his eyes. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out he was in a children's ward. A theme of forest animals painted on the walls provided his first clue. Each child had an adjacent semi-private area and he couldn't figure out why on earth he was sleeping in a children's section. Raised bed rails surrounded his bed impeding his escape route but did nothing to stop an uncontrollable urge to get the hell out of dodge. However, feeling a bit foggy he decided to stay put for a few minutes to formulate a better plan.

He noticed the nurse, but before he could protest, a thermometer was stuck into his mouth ending any opportunity to voice his opinions. Her next words did nothing to improve his mood.

"Donny, don't talk, you know how I feel the old fashion thermometer is the most accurate way to check your temperature. I'm glad you're feeling better. I bet you're hungry. I'll bring you something in a minute." She placed a floppy-eared bunny on his lap. You can play with Hoppy until I get you lunch. Sorry but the cable is down today. Maybe we can color after you've eaten."

"Look, I just need to sign myself out, I'm fine." Instead of acknowledging his opinion, she ruffled his hair and smiled. Not like she was listening but as if he didn't have anything to contribute to the conversation.

"Donny, just be a good boy…I'll find your daddy. I'll bring lunch and juice. Grape Juice…Don't worry I haven't forgotten what you liked."

Stun didn't begin to cover his emotions. Moving quickly wasn't an option, so for now he sat in the bed trying to regain his equilibrium. How on earth he had wound up in here he still didn't have a clue. But instead of his family appearing around him to answer any of his questions, the next person to show up was a quack.

"Hey, Donny so glad you woke up. You'll be fixed up in no time and maybe in a few days you'll get to go home. How does that sound?"

Don intended to respond but his voice cracked and to his horror his ability to make intelligent conversation eluded him. So he was forced to listen as the doctor babbled on and unable to follow through on his desire to punch the idiot in the mouth. Why was everyone treating him like a little kid? Nothing made any sense. His embarrassment only increased when the nurse came back with a tray. Obviously, they knew him, even though he didn't have a clue to who they were. Why did they know him so well?

"Well I'll leave you in capable hands. Let me know how well he eats, I want you to try to eat everything on your plate, Donny. That's the deal if you want to go home. I know your father will be here shortly." The doctor ruffled Donny's hair and left.

Don couldn't believe the gall of the stranger. But before he could say a word a spoon was thrust in front of his mouth.

"Just open your mouth. You did so well yesterday." She opened her mouth to demonstrate as though he was too stupid to figure it out.

As though his body had a mind of his own, he found himself mimicking her and being fed like a baby.

"It's okay, rest…you're safe, now. Go back to sleep if you want. We can play later."

The next time he woke up his father's anxious eyes greeted him. The fog was lifting but he still wondered what on earth was wrong with him.

"Hey baby boy, I bet you're ready to go home, aren't you? Look at me Donny, you're safe…the bad men won't hurt you again. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you first woke up today."

"Dad?"

"That's it. It's good to hear your voice. I knew you would find a way back to me again." Allen grabbed his son's hand and held tight. "Don't scare me like that again. I understand why you couldn't talk, but don't do that again." He kissed the top of his son's forehead.

Finally Don found his voice. "Dad, what in the hell am I doing in a children's ward? Nothing's making any sense. What am I suppose to be scared of?"

Alan looked flabbergasted. "Don? Don, do you really remember…Do you know who I am?" He couldn't keep the excitement out of his voice.

"Dad, I don't understand? Of course, I recognize you; you're my father, Allen Eppes. Where's Charlie? How did I wind up here…in the hospital?" As his mind cleared his hands got more animated. Relief flooded through him as the zombie like stage seemed to be wearing off.

"Donny, what is the last thing you remember?"

"I was getting something from my car...Charlie was working on something in the kitchen…I don't recall. I sound like a broken record." He hated the weakness in his body as his little bit of energy fled as rapidly as it appeared. Worse the stupid nurse had returned with the doctor in tow and both were poking and prodding him. To make matters worse the Quack kept insulting Don by assuming he was still childlike, although to be fair, Don had surprised Alan by totally recognizing him as an adult.

"Hi Donny, I'm just going to check you out. Would you like a lollipop?"

"What the hell? No, Doc when can I leave?"

The good doc ignored Don and just continued with his assessment. He flicked a penlight into his eyes and had a stethoscope listening to his chest. "Donny, look up, now inhale, and exhale, good boy."

"Would somebody like to explain why on earth everyone is treating me like a child? Why in the hell am I in a children's ward to begin with…I'm a FBI agent for crying out loud!" He winced, as the pounding in his head didn't help the situation.

"It's alright son, everything is going to be fine. I need you to calm down a bit for me, can you do that Donny. Good boy, that's it, just relax…nice deep breaths."

"What did you give him?" Alan tried to remain calm but he didn't like seeing his son so still, not when he had almost gotten him back.

"I'm sorry but I don't think it is wise for him to be so agitated. Just a light sedative…enough to calm him down. We need to talk."

"He appears to be returning to normal but since he hadn't been responding, I don't want him overstressed right now. It is important that he remains calm. He witnessed a very traumatic event. "

"I really want Crystal Jones to supervise his recovery. No offense Doctor, you've done a wonderful job during this crisis, I called her and she is on her way to evaluate him herself. I believe it is in Donny's best interest if I have both brothers recovering in the same room."

"I believe having his brother near him would help his mental condition, but I want to monitor him another six hours before we move him. I don't want him to relapse into another stupor episode."

"Fine, I just want to do what's best for my boys. Charlie should be in recovery for a few more hours so it appears both will be ready for their room about the same time. Thank you for your help."

"A lot of us have grown attached to little Donny, he has come a long way from the first day he was admitted to this hospital. He's a good boy. I'll check back on him before we move him to his new room. Just try to keep him engaged and calm."

Alan blinked and found himself hopeful for the first time that he was finally going to get his son back. Although the doctor's heart was in the right place, he only managed to aggravate Don's mood. He hoped Crystal Jones would have better luck. Allan patted Don's right hand wondering how could he explain everything to his son without causing harm. For now he held his tongue and hoped Crystal would have a better idea of how to handle the situation. How had his life gotten so complicated? Informing Don that he would be staying in the hospital and that he couldn't sign himself out AMA, had created a small ruckus. Don still zoned out, which had everyone worried but so far he had remained basically himself.

Right now, he had two sons to watch over as they slept. Charlie's surgery had gone well, and in a few days he would be released. The question remained whether Don could be dismissed at the same time. Never in a million years did he think he would have to worry about his son being himself and yet not himself. Alan waited for either of his sons to wake up. He hoped Colby was doing okay, but he figured Don's team would inform him if something had really gone wrong. He hoped Colby could understand why he couldn't be there for him right now. His top priority had to be Donny.

Charlie blinked and finally registered his new reality. Damn, back to having trouble breathing. His head hurt and he wanted nothing more for the heavy drugs to put him back under. But something was bothering him and he couldn't remember what, then he glanced to his right and discovered his brother sleeping next to him. "Donny…had he been dreaming, some memory tugged at him but he couldn't get it to surface. The heavy drugs were interfering.

Of course, Murphy's Law came into play as both the Eppes brother's simultaneously woke up and required immediate attention. Alan worried how Donny would handle the news, but hopefully wouldn't have to wait long to get both boys settled.

Charlie tried to put his brother at ease, "Hey Donny, I know it's scary to be in a new place. He wasn't prepared for his brother's response.

"Can you explain why everyone treats me like I'm an idiot?" Don irritation rang loud and clear.

"Don, you're back? You don't know how long I've been waiting for this moment. So you really recognize me?" Charlie had a difficult time containing his excitement.

"Why does everyone keep asking me that? Either they ignore me or they go overboard in treating me with kid gloves. I'm not a child."

"Well you're wrong about one thing, you're my baby boy no matter how old you get, but I've been waiting for this small miracle and you'll just have to indulge us for a bit." Alan smirked feeling tranquil for the first time in a long time. "Donny for the longest time it appeared you might never recover, however I never gave up hope you would."

"Look, I'm ready to go home in spite of your insistence that I remain a guest in this fine establishment, let's all go."

At that moment Crystal Jones stormed into the room. "Glad you're feeling better, but I need you to stay for observation for a bit longer. Sorry Don, but I want your recovery to be permanent. Also for your health's sake, we can't fill in all of the blanks, and you can't just sweep this experience under the rug and pretend nothing happened."

"I don't get it, without some answers how am I to comprehend what happened?"

"Don, for the next 48 hours, no one is filling in any of the blanks, and once we pass this critical stage, some information can be given. You're recovery took us by surprise, and you need a bit of time to process everything. For now, you're not in the driver seat, so sit back and enjoy the ride."

"I'm fine. None of your reactions makes any sense, but I'll give you 48 hours then after that, I'm leaving." Don's determination clearly radiated from his body language.

"I'm perfectly willing to release you under supervision, as long as there aren't any episodes that contradict discharging you."

"Good then we have plan and we're all in agreement. Finally Don will come home as soon as health allows it." Alan smiled feeling a huge weight being lifted.

"Until then, none of you should discuss this. If Don has a clear memory about something you confirm the memory but do not add to his memories. Allow his memories to come back on their own timetable. Don trying to force it could do more harm than good. So for now no one is to fill in the blanks."

"Seriously, you've got to be kidding me. Look, the joke's over. Yes, my memory has some gaps but to insist that I acted like a four year old…how is it even possible?"

"Don, I wish I could figure out a way to be delicate to avoid ripping the Band-Aid off but there just isn't an easy way to deal with this. None of us knew if you could even make a full recovery, but we aren't pulling you're leg. For the last four months you have been a child and required constant monitoring." Crystal opened a file cabinet drawer and pulled out a file. Then she withdrew several construction papers and pointed at them, "Don, do you remember these sketches. There significant, but then you couldn't tell me why these images were so important, can you tell me now?"

Don glanced at the drawings, "Those are doodles at least that's my first impression," but then something stirred inside and he knew they were vital. "I don't remember, clearly it's about a sun but…"

"Don't push yourself, but during our next session we'll explore the meaning of these sketches and discuss how you're handling everything."

"I've tried to be polite, but I do not have any intention of returning to therapy. I'm a grown man, and I'm not requesting your assistance in dealing with this, I don't even know you." Don fretted as everyone treated him like fragile china.

"I'm afraid you've got the wrong impression, Donny, I'm not giving you the option of sweeping this situation under the rug and pretending nothing happened. You don't have a choice in this matter. Either you come to your therapy sessions or I'll be force to deny your request to regain your competent status. In other words, you've been declared incompetent and I'll be forced to insist that your father remains as your legal guardian."

"You can't do that and if I were to have therapy it would be with someone I trusted, maybe Bradford. I'll fight this…"

"Then that will be our first priority, to build trust and to restore our relationship. I'm not the enemy here. I didn't declare you incompetent… a judge did, but in order to reverse those orders, we have to build a strong case."

"Don, listen to her. She can be difficult at times, but she has had your best interest at heart. You wouldn't have recovered if it hadn't been for her help. Let her help you now." Alan pleaded.

"This is a lot for you to absorb. I wish I could be more delicate, but I believe…I honestly believe that being blunt and to the point instead of beating around the bush is the only option I have right now. You've been declared incompetent and your father and brother are your legal guardians. You can't spend a dime without their approval, a fact that is a definite low blow to your ego. So if you really want your life back, we've got some serious work to do. But it will take some time."

"How long?"

"I don't know, Don I really don't know. This next month is critical." She held his gaze and didn't back down.

"Fine, one month, I need some fresh air." Don didn't ask he just walked out.

"That went well." Alan couldn't help the sarcasm.

"Actually it went better than expected. Imagine being in his shoes, it's overwhelming. He's still with us, but I won't be bullied into doing what he wants either. How long it takes is how long it takes. But at least he's given us a month to figure out our next option. As long as we can keep Don from drawing any attention to himself before we're in the position to overturn the verdict, it'll be fine. The mood swings are to be expected. But now he'll be able to vocalize his feelings about the nightmares."

"It's not just the nightmares that bother me. Don is a proud man and yet I can't let him out of sight for fear that he will have a relapse. Have we at least passed that stage?"

"No."

Alan looked away, tears gathered in his eyes. "I can't lose him."

"I'm doing everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen. The best medicine is love and laughter. I wish I could give you an exact answer, but we are in new territory here. Medicine is a science, exploring possibilities and it isn't precise. How often does he zone out now? Are you keeping track?"

"Yes, here are last week's episodes. Don doesn't even remember them. They are less frequent, but still happening ever few hours."

"Okay, I'm upping his dose to twice a day. You should have enough for this week. Let's see how that works and next week I'll evaluate how well its working."

"See you next week." Alan walked out the door and felt as if he had been punched in the gut. She had implied it would take a long time, and avoided the length of time every time he asked. His baby boy was far from being back to normal, or allowed to return to a normal life. He just prayed that it wouldn't come to the worst case scenario, Don never being allowed to live on his own again. It would crush his son's independent spirit and he had to find a way to avoid that at all cost.

A/N: Read only if you are interested, you can skip and still keep up with the story. When I first started this story, I thought of it as a crack fic, because I didn't think the storyline was totally realistic that Don could be turned mentally into a small child. I had originally planned on creating an ending that you could have stopped and not continued into the sequel. But the ending I had visualized just wouldn't materialized...so, I decided weave the sequel as a complication of Donny trying to regain his normal life.

I'm not interested into exploring Don as a small child, but rather as dealing with the consequences in a realistic matter. So the second half is more of a 'what if' story. 'What If' Don couldn't be declared competent again. Researching for this story inspired this idea. I ran across judges refusing to reverse the legal guardianship orders even though everyone was in agreement that someone was competent. So what if the obstacle to being declared competent wasn't Don's family but outside forces? I have the next chapter almost ready to post, so the wait time shouldn't be very long. I hope.

Not to go into a lot of details, but my health and job have created several complications, and I'm trying to get back into the game. Reviews would help to inspire me to continue but not required. I plan on finishing this long tale, but just can't promise how many more chapters are left.

I personally hate when I find a good story that it is abandoned and left unfinished, so I plan to take one story at a time. I wish I was a better writer, but I am doing the best I can. Thank you for continuing the ride and I hope you find it enjoyable.