A/N: Uh, Kitty called me a control freak for no giving her the plot details. She'd spoil it and blab, she always does. She does one chapter and thinks she's a part of this story. Honestly. Anway, back to the fic. Poor Ronnie. He suffers so much. I'd warn against hugging him though, much as we all want to, you saw what happened to Grell last chapter and what happens to Alan this chapter. You only get to hug him if you're Eric. And a little flash back of Ronnie suffering. Oh, and a little hint at the next section of the plot. Thank you to everyone who reviewed (special thanks to everyone who wished us happy birthday) and please keep reviewing.

When William opened his eyes, after drifting off for an hour or so, Ronald was snuggled up in his arms, his head buried in his chest. He smiled slightly and closed his eyes again, staying as still as he could so he didn't disturb him. He'd taken off his jacket and had climbed under the sheets. If Ronald was comfortable enough to lie there in his arms and sleep, he didn't want to wake him up in case he got upset again.

He had to work that afternoon as well. He didn't want to leave him here alone. A glance at the clock told him it had been more than just an hour or so. It was just gone seven in the morning. They'd been in bed for well over twelve hours. Admittedly the first three hours at least, he'd been too worried about Ronald, listening intently for any sign of distress, to sleep but it seemed they'd both dozed off. He needed to clean and change Ronald's bandages. He was supposed to do it every twelve hours or so, since they knew Ronald wouldn't do it himself.

Grim yowled outside the door, then pushed it open and jumped up onto the bed. Ronald groaned and jerked from William arms, panting slightly before calming and letting out a small sigh. William stayed still and quiet with his eyes closed, figuring he'd be more comfortable if he thought he was still asleep. There was a soft whimper and Grim mewled.

"Shh," Ronald whispered. "Don't wake him up. He needs to rest. Don't get used to this, Grim, it's not going to last long." William fought the urge to question him. He didn't want Ronald to go anywhere, did Ronald want to leave? Grim gave a quiet whine. "I know, I know. But he doesn't want me anymore. Why would anyone want me anymore?"

"Of course I still want you, Ronald." He opened his eyes and Ronald was staring down at him. William pushed himself up and Ronald turned away, playing with Grim's collar. William frowned and touched his shoulder cautiously, and Ronald flinched away, closing his eyes tightly. "I'm not going anywhere, Ronald, and neither are you. I made a terrible mistake with Marcus and it put your life in danger and I'm sorry that it happened, let me make it better."

"You don't have to do this just be you feel guilty," Ronald said quietly. "It's not your fault."

"No, Ronald, it is," William said. "I shouldn't have pushed you away like that. I should have... it doesn't matter, I'm not just doing this because I feel guilty, I'm doing because I want to, because I love you and I want to look after you, I don't like seeing you hurting like this."

"You have no idea."

"I know what he did to you." Ronald's eyes widened, fresh tears making them glisten in a tragically pretty way. "He told me everything. He was looking for approval and praise. That sick bastard told me everything he'd done to you like I was supposed to think it was a good thing." Ronald got up and turned away, hugging Grim close to his chest. "I need to change your bandages."

Ronald nodded again and William got up slowly. He noticed with a small sense of relief that Ronald watched him as he changed. As he slipped on his glasses and into the bathroom he paused. Ronald was sitting on the bed now, watching him intently, but turning his gaze to the floor whenever William turned, burying his face in Grim's fur. He turned away and went into the bathroom, only to find Ronald following just behind him. The blonde waited quietly at the door, watching him carefully. William frowned. He didn't seem to want to let him out of his sight but was just as unwilling to be close to him. It was alright. William would be content no matter what Ronald was doing as long as he was safe and around him.

"Aren't you going to get dressed, Ronald?" he said gently. "The others will be worried about you, they'll be wanting to see you."

"I know."

Ronald followed him back into the bedroom, sliding on his glasses and heading to the wardrobe. To his surprise, and pleasure, Ronald pulled out one of William's tops instead of his own.

"Don't look."

"Ronald, I've seen you naked enough times-"

"Just don't look, ok?" Ronald snapped. William nodded and went slowly towards the door only to be stopped when Ronald called to him again. "Don't leave me on my own."

"Ronald, I really don't understand what you want," William said gently.

"I know it's difficult," he whispered. "I know I'm being awkward, but please, stay with me and just turn around. Please." William sighed and turned away, scooping up Grim and holding stroking him as a distraction. "Thank you."

Ronald changed slowly and William almost jumped when his hand brushed his back. He turned quickly to find Ronald gazing up at him uncertainly. Ronald smiled awkwardly.

"If this gets too much... I'll go stay with Eric and Alan if you want."

"Why would I want that?" William said, attempting to stroke his cheek only for Ronald to flinch away. "I want to help you through this, Ronald. If you want to leave, if that's what you think is best for you, I won't stop you. I only want what's best for you."

Ronald nodded and followed him out to the lounge, Grim following on his heels, bouncing along after them. William sought out the bag they kept the bandages and disinfectant in while Ronald fed Grim in silence before sitting on the couch and drawing his knees to his chest again. After a couple of minutes searching, William found the bag and sat at Ronald's side.

"Do you want to stay with Slingby and Alan?" William said. Ronald frowned, playing with a button on one of the bracers. "Let me."

Ronald hesitated, then offered him his left arm. William smiled, gently taking his hand with one hand and gently unbuttoning the bracer with the other. The little blonde was trembling and seemed to be fighting the urge to flinch away every time William moved, but that was alright. He was trying and willing to stay and fight his instincts.

"Well?" he said, slowly unwrapping the bandage.

"What?" Ronald said.

"Would you like to stay with Slingby and Alan for a while?" William repeated.

"Maybe," he said quietly. "It might do us both good."

"This will probably sting." Ronald nodded. "Ronald, it doesn't matter about me. After what you've been through, your wellbeing is the most important thing."

"I want to make this work, boss. I don't want to let him ruin us. I know I'm being awkward but I'll try harder not to be if it's too difficult for you."

"Stop it, Ronald," William said firmly. Ronald's eyes widened and he glanced away. William frowned and glanced down at Ronald's arm. There was a horrific, ugly gash all the way down his arm, red, bruised and slightly swollen and stitched together. He sighed and dabbed some disinfectant onto a cloth, gently stroking it across his wound as Ronald hissed. "You always put yourself down and put my needs before yours. You have to stop that. I think you should stay with Slingby for a while."

"You don't want me?" Ronald whispered.

"No." Ronald tugged his arm away and William pulled him back gently. "I mean..." He sighed and pulled out a new roll of bandages. "I do want you, you have to stop thinking like that. I'm not breaking up with you, I just want you to be somewhere you feel comfortable and safe. You have to think about yourself at the moment, not me." Ronald nodded slowly and William tapped off the end of the damage before carrying on. "Please, don't make the mistake of thinking I don't want to carry on our relationship because I do, but neither of us are in a good way at the moment. Can I have your other arm?" The blonde nodded and offered his right arm, letting William remove the bracer and bandages again. "If I had all my memories, maybe I could help you through this better, but right now I'm injured and you need looking after and I think it would be best if you spent your time with someone who could give you the help and comfort you need."

Ronald nodded but didn't say another word. William quickly finished bandaging him again and slowly replaced the bracers. The moment he released his hand, Ronald drew back and pulled on a jacket. William expected him to curl up again, and also noticed that Grim was prowling, looking to get on his lap, but was completely stunned when Ronald caught his chin and pressed their lips together. There was a long moment where William was tempted to put his arms around him, before Ronald turned away sharply, a few tears slipping down his cheeks.

"Ronald-"

"I'm sorry," Ronald said, turning back to the bedroom. William sighed and followed, Grim still trailing behind them. "I thought, you know, maybe if I just... I thought maybe I could handle it. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Just take your time."

"Promise me you're not just saying it's alright because you pity me and feel guilty."

"No. Of course not," William said. "This is just a break, we both have things we need to work through. Just like after you thought Slingby died? And you have a key, just come back to me when you're ready."

"Look after Grim?" Ronald said quietly, picking up a bag and packing slowly. "I doubt Eric and Alan would appreciate him."

"Of course. And you can come and see him. Just get better and think about yourself before you start thinking about me and him, ok?" Ronald nodded weakly and William frowned. He still didn't seem convinced it was only temporary. "Ronald."

"Yeah?"

He reached up into the wardrobe and pulled out the wooden box he'd found in Marcus' bag. Ronald's eyes widened slightly as William wrapped it up in one of his shirts and put it in his bag.

"It made me remember," he said gently. "It made me see Marcus for what he really was, and remember that I love you. I'll be right here when you want to come home, Ronald, no matter how long you need."

Ronald nodded and a small smile found his way to his lips. "Do you know why I like Alice so much?"

"No, you never said as far as I remember."

"Because there are all these dark undercurrents, it's all some kind of insane mess, but it's still somehow really sweet and childish and innocent, and, you know... happy..."

"Ronald..."

He was almost knocked back as Ronald suddenly stepped forwards, burying his head in his chest and wrapping his arms around him tightly, his fists clenched against his back as he whimpered softly. Not entirely sure what Ronald would be comfortable with him doing, William gently rested his hands on his shoulder and the back of his neck, stroking his hair. Ronald seemed to settle before suddenly gasping and jerking back.

"Ronald?"

"I'm ok," he breathed, folding his arms and glancing away. "We should go." He picked up Grim, who reached out a paw and rested it on his nose with a soft mewl. "Now, you be good and keep the boss company for me, ok? And don't let anyone else get their hands on him."

"I have no interest in anyone else, Ronald," William said. "I don't need a cat to watch over me."

Ronald nodded, set Grim on the bed and picked up his bag. On the way out, he pulled on his coat and followed William out in the hall.

Eric couldn't say he was surprised when he opened to door to find William and Ronald a step behind with a bag. William was in no condition to be looking after Ronald. He was still injured and his memories weren't complete, the stress could do more damage. He smiled gently and stepped aside to let them in.

"Alan's still in bed if you want to cosy up next to him, Ron," he murmured tiredly, running a hand through his hair. Ronald shook his head and dumped his bag. Eric didn't miss the distinctively unimpressed look in William's eyes as Ronald rested his head against his shoulder and Eric slid his arms around his shoulders. "Ok, that works too. Don't worry, William, I'll look after him."

"Like I said, Ronald, you can come home anytime," William said. Ronald nodded weakly, eyes slipping closed. "I expect to see you, Alan and Grell for work, Slingby."

"Should you be working?"

"I am perfectly capable of doing paperwork and supervising."

"So am I," Ronald said quietly.

"Ronald-"

"I want to work," he snapped. "I won't go out reaping if you want but I can't just sit around and do nothing."

"You should listen to him, Ron," Eric said gently.

"I'm working," he said. "And there's nothing you can say that will change my mind."

"Alright," William said. "I'll see you for work too then."

He nodded and William left quietly. He didn't look comfortable with the idea of leaving them but they both know it was best Ronald was here with Eric. They were particularly family, everyone admitted it, and he was more likely to be comfortable with him. He sat Ronald on the couch and wandered into the kitchen, setting the kettle to boil and made a few slices of toast. The smell of cooking drew Alan out of bed. He sat in the chair across from Ronald, watching him curiously. Eric sighed and poured out three mugs of coffee before returning to the younger pair and handing them out.

"Michelle's talking about retiring," Alan said quietly. Ronald nodded. "She's still kind of weak and in and out but she's talking about retiring again."

"Too bad," Eric muttered. "She's been a really good friend."

"Yeah, she's hardly going to just lose contact."

"I dunno, she can hide pretty well when she wants to."

Alan nodded slowly. "I hope she doesn't just vanish. It'd be a shame after this long."

"Right," Eric said, turning to Ronald. "We heard what he said he did to you, it's your turn."

"What?" Ronald whispered.

"Well, it's all very well hearing his side of it but I want to hear it from you," he said gently. "Come on, it's ok. We won't tell anyone."

"Eric, please-"

"Oh, while we're talking about not telling anyone," Alan said. Eric glanced over to see a folded paper in his hand. "You've been pulled for a transfer?" Eric frowned and nodded. "And you were going to tell me this when?"

"I, uh, I thought you'd got one too," Eric said.

"Why would you think that?" he snapped.

"You're leaving us?" Ronald whispered.

"What? No," he said, raising his hands defensively. "Seriously, you two haven't got one yet?"

"What do you mean yet?" Alan said, folding his arms.

"William got his last week."

"William's been pulled too?" Ronald cried. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"Hey, hey," Eric said gently, wrapping his arms around his shoulder and stroking his hair. Ronald glanced away but didn't pull back. "I'm sure they're not expecting us to leave you two behind."

"We're stuck with Grell," Alan groaned, moving over to sit with them.

Eric frowned as Ronald drew back away from Alan, burying his face in his shoulder. "Actually, Grell got pulled too."

"So it's just us?" he said.

"I'm sure they've just not given them to you yet," Eric said, stroking Ronald's hair. "Anyway, you were going to tell us what he did to you, Ron. Just, take your time, we won't tell anyone. It might help to talk about it."

Ronald lifted his head slightly and glanced back at Alan who smiled reassuringly as the little blonde began to play with his sleeves again. Just when Eric was about to say something else to convince him, he nodded and closed his eyes.

"Don't worry, Knox, I'll look after William for you. You just lie down and take your punishment. After today, no one's going to believe a word you say anyway." Marcus' fingers slid across Ronald's jaw and over his lips. Ronald whimpered, trying to say something, trying to get his limbs to work so he could push him off but nothing worked. "What does he even see in you? Everyone makes such a fuss about you. I wonder..."

He gripped Ronald's chin firmly turned him, and try as he might Ronald couldn't resist, even having a good idea of what was about to happen. Marcus leant down, his body pressing over Ronald's making his stomach churn, and pressing their lips together. He gave a weak whine and scrunched his eyes shut as Marcus pried his mouth open and his tongue slipped in. Ronald had been in situations where someone got a bit forwards before. People, usually men, since most women couldn't overpower him, but not always, had been rough and forceful. He'd been forced against walls or into alleyways, even bedrooms and groped and kissed before but none of them ever made him feel so disgusted and used before as Marcus' curious, and almost tender, kiss.

Marcus yelped and tore away, his grip on his chin tightening. "You bit me, you little-"

"He loves me," Ronald panted weakly, his words slow and slurred and taking far too much effort.

Marcus snarled and closed his hands around his throat. Ronald gasped for breath as his vision began to fade. He couldn't die from being strangled, but it wasn't good for him. How the hell had he been so stupid as to take those pills? Suddenly Marcus chuckled and let him, running a hand almost lovingly through his hair.

"I know," he whispered. "I know, it hurts, loving someone who doesn't love you back, you'll lie to yourself just to believe they love you. But it's still lying." He clenched his fist in his hair and yanked Ronald's head back sharply, the little blonde gasping in pain. "And liars have to be punished." He pulled out one of his scythes and Ronald's eyes widened, his lips moving slightly as he struggled to beg him not to but no sound came out. Marcus smirked and forced their mouths together once more making Ronald gasp once more as his body pressed further over his. His free hand slipped behind his back, lifting his off the bed ever so slightly and Ronald clenched his fist, still desperately trying to fight, knowing that scythe was just below his spine. "Don't worry, I'm sure someone like you will enjoy it anyway."

There was a quiet ripping and a moment later Marcus sat back, slipping Ronald's top from him, a clean cut down the back of it. He tossed it to the floor and slowly glanced over Ronald's bare chest, slowly running the flat side of his scythe down to his navel. Ronald felt sick. This couldn't be going where he thought it was. Marcus wouldn't do that, would he? His breathing quickened and Marcus chuckled, leaning over him once more, kissing his ear as Ronald reacted again to their bodies being forced together.

"Now I see it," he purred. "I probably didn't even need to drug you, did I?" He forced Ronald's head back even further with the hand in his hair and licked his throat. "You probably would have just laid down for me anyway." He bit the sensitive skin and Ronald's breath hitched. "Probably enjoying yourself already, aren't you?" He reached down and squeezed roughly between his legs, making Ronald whimper and scrunch his eyes shut as a few tears slipped down his cheeks. "You'll love it, won't you?"

Ronald stopped suddenly, Eric and Alan staring at him, wide eyed and pale, and got up, running to the bathroom. Alan got up and went to follow but Eric grabbed his arm, shaking his head slightly. In the other room, they could hear Ronald being sick, coughing and sobbing. Alan shoved Eric off and went in to see him. Eric sighed and poured a glass of water. There was a yell and Alan gave a startled yelp. He hurried in to find Alan clutching his cheek, eyes wide and hurt as he stared at Ronald. The smaller blonde was on his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks, apparently still shaken and not thinking properly.

"What the hell happened?" he snapped.

"I-I'm not sure," Alan stammered. "I, uh, it was my fault. I tried to comfort him, I only put my hand on his shoulder but... death was too good for him, Eric."

"Did he just hit you?" Eric said. Alan glanced away and Eric pulled his hand from his cheek to reveal a reddening hand print. "Ronald..." He turned and glanced down at the shaking boy, raising his voice slightly. "Ronald." His head snapped up and his eyes cleared. "You hit him."

His eyes widened. "What? Alan, oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-"

"I know, Ronald," Alan said quietly. "I knew you were jumpy, I shouldn't have been so stupid." He pushed Eric off gently. "Hold him, Eric."

"What?"

"Trust me."

Eric frowned but gently knelt behind Ronald, easing his arms around his shoulders. Ronald whimpered slightly but grabbed Eric's hands, apologising again and again and pressing his head against his shoulder. Alan sat in front of him with a damp flannel and reached out cautiously. Eric wouldn't let Ronald lash out again- even if he hadn't meant it- but Alan obviously didn't want to upset him. As he'd expected, the little blonde tilted his head away, pushing back against Eric and trying to get away.

"It's ok," Eric whispered gently, squeezing his hand. "Come on, Ron, it's only Al, you know he's too weak and shy to ever hurt you." He closed his eyes but nodded. "Good boy."

Alan tilted his head around gently and cleaned up his face, whispering to him gently, trying to be reassuring. Eric sighed and leant against his shoulder. It was going to be a long, difficult road to recovery. Although, he was given hope when Ronald reached out slowly and stroked Alan's red cheek, even smiling slightly as Alan leant into his touch. Still, he was determined to see Ronald through. He was going to help him no matter how long it took and he knew Alan, William and Grell were just as determined to help him. They were going to get back their wonderful, cheery Ronald and that was that.