A/N: Haha, wrote this while our cat was sitting showing off her latest mouse. So yes, Eric and Alan are back, in hospital. And Will and Ron and Grell are being them. Yays. So, thank you for the reviews and please keep them coming.

Eric sighed, rubbing Alan's back as he coughed, slowly wrapping the blankets around him. He was struggling to breathe and shaking violently, tears slipping down his cheeks. He'd said it wasn't so bad, like when the Thorns had first started, but that didn't make Eric feel any better. He wanted to go out to look for Ronald but Alan was far more important. He'd heard William and Grell had seen Ronald early the morning before with Lucifer. He'd love to be out trying to save Ronald from himself instead of sitting in the hospital trying to comfort a sick Alan but in an ideal world Alan wouldn't be sick and Ronald wouldn't be a demon hybrid.

Alan was gasping for air as he grabbed Eric's hand. Just as Eric was squeezing back, the door opened and Dr Burns stepped in with a clipboard. He smiled and took out a bottle from his pocket, pouring out a two spoonfuls and helping Alan swallow them. Within a few minutes, Alan's breathing became easier and his coughing subsided. Alan smiled slightly.

"Thank you." His voice was a little hoarse but he sounded better. Dr Burns smiled and nodded. "Any news?"

He nodded again. "Not particularly good though, I'm afraid."

"The Thorns? At least then we know what we're dealing with," Eric said.

"Not directly, no," Dr Burns said. Alan frowned and glanced up at him. "As you know, the Thorns did a lot of damage that won't ever heal fully. It makes you susceptible certain illness and complications. It's not good but it's not untreatable."

"So, not the Thorns?" Alan said.

"No."

Eric grinned and hugged Alan tightly, squeezing him lovingly. He was ok. He was going to be alright. Cupping Alan's cheek, Eric pulled him up and kissed him gently. Dr Burns laughed softly and Alan pushed Eric off.

"So, what is it?" Alan said quietly.

"A mild chest infection, nothing more," Dr Burns replied. "Very treatable. You should be back to work in a few days. You've just been pushing yourself far too hard searching for Mr Knox."

"But we have to find him," he argued. "He'll be killed if we don't."

"And I, as a doctor, would like to worry more about the fact the fact that my patient could very well do himself great injury if he refused to stay in bed. Mr Spears and Mr Sutcliff are out looking for him and Mr Knox isn't sick. I'll leave you two to it."

"Thanks," Eric said quietly.

The second he was out the door, Eric pulled Alan up into another, more purposeful kiss, his hands sliding down to his slim, delicate hips, lifting him gently up onto his lap, still wrapped up in the blankets. Alan reached up into his shoulders, gripping his collar tightly before catching himself and pushing him gently back.

"This is a hospital, Eric," he said firmly.

"What, like we've never done it in a hospital before," he laughed. "Sweetheart, you're ok, this deserves a celebration."

Alan sighed in defeat and glared up at him for a moment before pressing against him, capturing his lips as he slid his arms around his neck, tangling them into his hair. Taking it as his cue, Eric snaked his arm around Alan's waist, pulling him closer. It had been too long, he was already getting excited. What with looking for Ronald as long as they could every day and worrying about Alan's illness they hadn't got much time together.

To his surprise, Alan moved his kisses gently down his neck, slipping open his shirt and continuing lower to make Eric gasp and grip his hip tighter. It seemed Alan was as eager as he was. The little brunette slipped his fingers teasingly over his chest and kissing across his collar bone.

"You know," he panted as Alan pulled opened his belt. "I think this is the room we always used to have."

"I always used to have," Alan murmured, leaning back slightly and pulling a draw in the bedside table open and reaching inside. "You were always just an uninvited guest."

"But you loved it."

"I did. I still do." He reached down and wrapped cool, slick finger, with a slightly flowery scent, around him, stroking and teasing, making him hiss in pleasure. "I still remember how gentle you were with me the first time you knew I was sick." Eric grunted and leant his head back against the cool wall. "You're so stiff, love. All worked up. I suppose you've been stressed recently. No wonder you're so tense."

"You're such a tease," Eric groaned. "Everyone thinks you're such an innocent, weak little kid." Alan giggled and nipped at his skin as Eric gripped his hip tighter. "I know better. You're a manipulative little wolf in sheep's clothing. You act all sweet and promise me nice things just to get me to do what you want."

"I've got you wrapped around my little finger, love," Alan murmured, sitting back and slipping off his trousers and underwear just enough to be practical, keeping the blankets wrapped safely around them for modesty. They were in a very public place after all. "You're completely at my beck and call, huh?"

He shifted slightly and Eric pulled him up closer, rubbing against his entrance making his mewl sweetly. "You keep telling yourself that, sweetheart."

Alan tossed his head back with a soft moan as he took Eric's length, making the blonde groan and lean heavily against his shoulder, squeezing around his waist. After a few moments Alan fell silent, panting heavily but tangling his fingers into Eric's hair, rocking his hips. Eric hissed and gripped his hip tighter.

There was a quiet knock on the door and Alan pulled the blankets around them as a nurse came in. Alan sighed and smiled, leaning against Eric's shoulder. Maria smiled and came over with couple of bottles.

"Well, aren't you two just adorable?" she said, pouring out a spoonful for him. Alan took the spoon in his mouth and swallowed it with argument. "I remember when you two were younger, and you were in here every few week, Alan. Eric would follow you around like a lost puppy, trying to figure out how what was wrong with you and how to get you to tell him. And we could hear you two making love. I'm glad we're over that phase."

"Of course," Alan murmured, wiggling his hips. Hot shivers bolted through him, but more importantly it made Eric moan and squirm and buck his hips. "All this time and you're still so ticklish, Eric?"

"I'll tickle you back," Eric warned, slipping his hand from Alan's hip.

"You wouldn't dare."

Eric's fingers slid across his skin to his aching length, making him gasp and arch his back. Maria giggled and patted Alan's head, kissing his cheek. "I'll leave you two to rest then."

Eric smiled and as the door shut, thrust up against him and Alan had to bite his shoulder to keep from crying out. Well, they'd grown out of being so obvious at least. Drawing him up into a deep kiss, Eric slid his hands gently over his body. He was so much stronger now. He'd never exactly considered him weaker, just weaker than most reapers and certainly weaker than him. Of course, he made up for it in other ways, but when he'd found out about the Thorns he became so careful. He didn't want to cause him to have another attack. Now, his slim body had firmed out and there were more defined muscles there now.

"Eric," Alan moaned, squirming again and making Eric hiss and pound harder into him.

Alan gave a sharp gasp and leant forwards, gripping his shoulders as came inside him, pushing Alan over the edge. Eric pulled him into another rough kiss to stifle any noise. They were trying not to be so obvious after all. Wrapping his arms tightly around Alan, Eric buried his head in his hair, listening to Alan panting. The smaller reaper sighed contently and Eric smiled.

"I'm so glad you're ok," he whispered.

"Of course you are," Alan said. "I'd be offended if you weren't. After all, I'm the most important thing in the world to you. I can't imagine how bad William must be feeling right now."

"Kind of like you did when you thought I'd gone rouge I suppose," Eric said.

"There was no thought about it, Eric," he laughed. "Just because everyone else believes it was all an elaborate set up by Head Office, doesn't mean I've forgotten when you did. He must be suffering so much. I hope he's looking after himself though."

Eric sighed and nodded, lifting Alan slightly so he could shift his weight. "Grell's determined to look after him though. He'll be ok."

"I think he feels responsible." Eric nodded. It was a shame. "We know he meant that note as a joke but with the mess Ronald's mind was in and the way William reacted I think he's blaming himself for Ronald's condition way too much. It's making him really unstable."

"I think the more important thing to worry about is what we're going to do in the long run," Eric said quietly. "Keeping him locked up and hidden is all very well, but how long do we do that for. I mean, there comes a point where it's just cruel to keep him like that. Caged up like an animal."

"We either keep him locked up and pray Dr Burns finds a better cure," Alan replied. "Or we get him to take the current cure and carry on as planned, since no one seems to think we can leave him like this."

Nodding slowly, Eric squeezed his arms around him. "We're going to lose him, aren't we?"

"Much as I hate it, it's looking that way, yes. It all comes down to him and William in the end though."

Grim was purring loudly and happily when William unlocked his door. He seemed to be in the bedroom but William could hear him from the kitchen. And his evening feed was down. A small smile came to William's lips as he noticed the shower was running too. Ronald was there. He turned and strode through into the bedroom, eager to get his hands on the blonde again and remind him where he belonged, to push all thoughts of Lucifer from his mind. It had been two full days since their last meeting and he wasn't sure what to expect. Without knowing when he'd next see him, he didn't know if Ronald was injured or was just busy. This was why he liked schedules.

In the bedroom, Grim had wrapped himself in one of Ronald's shirts and curled up to rest. Ronald's clothes were in the washing basket other than that and his shoes next to the door. He slipped off his jacket, waistcoat, tie and shoes and slowly opened the door. His glasses fogged up almost instantly and he quickly wiped them off with his sleeve. Through the misty shower screen he could see the familiar, comforting blonde hair. He stepped in slowly, making sure Ronald heard him shut the door and locking it firmly. Grell was visiting him far too often for his liking.

At the sound of the door, Ronald glanced back over his shoulder. William tilted his head slightly, wishing the room wasn't so steamy so he could see the blonde's body. At least he knew he'd seen him now. He wouldn't want to sneak up on him.

"Are you coming to join me, William?"

That was all the encouragement William needed. He slipped out of the last of his clothes and his glasses. When he stepped into the shower, he was greeted by a soft kiss and Ronald slowly reached up, tangling his fingers into his hair. His hands slipped down to Ronald waist and the blonde moaned softly only to squeal and jerk back when William slid his hands back and squeezed his rear. He laughed and shook his head, those big emerald eyes glittering playfully as he poured some body wash into his hand, slowly rubbing it over William's chest, making him shiver at the chilly, tingling sensation of the orange wash. Having Ronald's hands sliding over him was so reassuring.

"You're a lecherous, dirty old man, Mr Spears," Ronald teased. "Groping at an innocent boy not even half your age, that's taking advantage of me, you know?

"I think you'll find," William breathed, pulling him closer as Ronald wrapped his arms around his back. "You seduced me, darling. You were always after me."

"You didn't mind."

"I never do when a beautiful young thing like yourself tries to seduce me."

He smirked and pulled Ronald up into a deep, passionate kiss, pressing their bodies roughly together. "Hmm, you're being rougher than normal, Will."

"You're half demon, you can handle it." Ronald pushed him off suddenly. William was about to ask when had happened when the bedroom door slammed. He frowned and glanced over at the bathroom door. "Who's that?"

"Will!" Grell called over the noise. "That's where you are then? I thought I'd lost you. I'm just here to check up on you. We're all worried you know."

"Thanks, I'm in the shower," he said. "I'm fine."

"Well, I'm going to stay and wait for you, just to be sure," he said. "Why's Grim in Ronald's shirt? What's going on?"

"He pulled it out the wardrobe," he replied. "He misses him." He reached around Ronald's waist. "We all do."

Ronald batted him off again and William sighed. "Alright, Will. I'll be waiting in the kitchen. Come on, Grim."

"What's wrong?" William whispered, gently taking Ronald's hand only to have him snatch it away. "Ronald?"

"Half demon," Ronald said, leaning back against the wall. "That's what you see. I'm me, William. Why can't you see that? Why do you just see me as half demon? I'm half reaper too. And some human. Why do you focus on the demon?"

"I didn't mean it like that," he said quietly, cupping his cheeks. "Honestly, Ronald, I didn't think you'd take it like that. I should have realised you'd be upset. I'm sorry. Let me make up for it." He leant down to kiss him but Ronald turned away. "Ronald."

"I was having a nice shower before you interrupted," he grumbled. "Get out. Go see Grell. He seems to be eager to let you get him into bed. And he's fully reaper."

"Ronald, you know I don't care about you being a hybrid. Haven't I proven that already?"

"I don't know why I came back here. I thought you'd be pleased to see me after the other day. I'm sorry, ok, I didn't ask for this."

"I know you didn't, Ronald," William whispered. "And I am pleased to see you. Of course I am. Ronald." He hugged him close and leant his head against his. "Don't worry. You know you're my world, Ronald. I never do anything half heartedly, you know that. If being a demon was an issue, you know I'd have let you go by now. It's all or nothing with me, Ronald." He leant down for another kiss and this time Ronald didn't jerk away but pressed up against him, seemingly satisfied with his apology. "I haven't said a word about any of this, I promise, darling. I'll keep you safe this time."

"William..."

"Will, you've been in there a long time," Grell called. "Just what are you doing? Or don't I want to know?"

"None of your business, Sutcliff." He turned his attention back to Ronald, leaning down to nip his neck. "Now, where were we before Lucifer barged in like that?"

Ronald giggled quietly and wrapped his arms around his shoulder. William let his hands wander again and Ronald rocked his hips. It was definitely a sign that he'd been forgiven. Their lips moved slowly together and Ronald moaned softly.

"Will?" Grell called through the door. "You're making weird noises in there."

"I'm fine, Sutcliff."

"If you're sure."

Ronald grabbed him as William sighed. "He should go and find that bloody demon instead of bothering me."

"What is it with you and hating demons so much?" Ronald hissed, stepping out the shower. He wrapped a towel around him and sat against the wall. "Go see Grell."

"Ronald."

"Get him out the bedroom, I'll get dressed and go."

"Ronald, please-"

"Go on, I'll be in contact against in a few days."

William sighed and shut off the shower, slipping on his bathrobe and leaning over him, cupping his cheeks gently and lowering his voice so Grell wouldn't hear. "You don't have to go. Stay with me, darling, I'll get rid of him, you wait here."

"No, I need to go. I need to look after Dusky and find somewhere to rest," Ronald replied quietly.

"Stay with me," William whispered. "I only want to help you, Ronald."

"Go, before he gets too suspicious," he said quietly. "Go on."

William sighed and nodded slowly, pressing their lips together before slowly stepping back and striding out. Grell was sitting on the bed, holding Grim tightly. He smiled as William shut the bathroom door.

"Finally," he said, standing up and flicking his hair over his shoulder. "Want me to go so you can get dressed?"

"That's surprisingly good of you, Sutcliff," William said quietly.

"Well, you're suffering, Will," Grell replied. "I'm not all about flirting and blood, you know. I'm a good friend. It's what I do. I'll let you get changed."

William nodded and Grell shut the door behind him. As he did, Ronald slipped out and began to pull on clean clothes only for William to stop him. "Rest for a while at least. I'll keep him out the room, get some rest for a few hours."

Ronald gazed up at him for a few long moments before nodding slowly. "Alright." He closed his eyes slowly and William kissed his lips gently. "No more of that. Go deal with Grell. I'll be out in a few hours."

William nodded and watched Ronald climb into bed before getting dressed and heading out to Grell in to the sitting room. He was holding Grim, brushing his fur slowly. He smiled as William came in and patted the seat next to him. William frowned and Grell smiled. His thoughts were still on Ronald, probably sleeping peacefully in the next room. They were in so much danger. All Grell had to do was barge in again and Ronald would be caught. All he had to do was keep Grell's attention on him. Shouldn't be hard.

"We're all worried about you, Will," Grell said. "We know it must be hard, knowing Ronnie's going to die-"

"We don't know that," William snapped. Of course, normally, he'd be the one being realistic, but this was Ronald. Anyone else and he'd accept that the chances were he'd be killed while being captured, executed or die when they turned him human. The odds were stacked against him, but this was Ronald. "We can't give up hope."

Grim mewled, seeming to agree and Grell smiled, nodding slightly. "I hope you're right, Will. Things won't be the same without our Ronnie."