-=Rosalie continued to rest in what looked like an eternal slumber.. but no one knew what she was even thinking about… if she had any dreams or thoughts or signals that she was there… there she lay on that bed.. no hope…

In Rosalie's dreams.. she woke up on a soft cloud.. surrounded by flowers. She woke and rubbed her eyes quickly. Getting up slowly, she noticed a beautiful tree filled with cherry blossoms and a brown bench… there sat her father once more… he turned and grinned "Back again I see!" he chuckled to himself "You know I have a very busy schedule.. I'm playing golf with a couple old friends later."

She was wearing her blue dress and apron, and her hair perfectly quaffed on her shoulders. She smiled happily "These are my best dreams.. when I can see you.." she sat next to him, her eyes turning to a worried gaze "But what happened? All I remember is… being taken by Elijah and…" a pause as she was trying to think. Richard waved to the clouds bouncing around them "Welcome to the great beyond.."

Her green eyes widened "I'm DEAD!?"

"No! No my darling girl… you're not dead… consider it the waiting room.."

Rosalie gasped "Oh no! I can't be! Theres so much I want to do!" Richard gently stroked her face "You remind me so much of Marie when you worry.. don't fret.. you're time isn't here yet."

"Really?"

"Mhm…" he said patting her hand "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay… I think.. I don't remember a lot.."

"The clouds have a good way of fogging your memories… It tends to take a toll on your thoughts." He took one in his hands, floating it above the tree and into the endless sky. Rosalie laughed watching it fly. Rosalie took a breath of relief "You always know how to make me feel better..How come you can't come with me? There's so much I want to show you.. and something that means so much to me."

"Something.. or someone?"

Rosalie blushed "I hope he's there when I wake up from whatever this is."

Richard walked behind her "Why don't you find out darlin!" he pushed her gently, a thumping was heard around the place, almost like an earthquake. She pulled up from her seat. Rosalie clutched her heart. The thumping continued "What are you doing!" Richard walked to her and poked her in the chest "Wake up!" she grabbed her chest, feeling the thumping of her heart match the beating and shaking of the floor. He poked her again "WAKE. UP!" she was pushed, falling into the endless clouds, seeing herself continue to fall, her father called from the top of the clouds "It's gonna be alright! Now wake up!"

Rosalie's green eyes fluttered open to the sound of Nellie and Dawson speaking.

Dawson nodded "I understand your concern Madame.. we just need to be more patient!"

"But when!?" Nellie demanded "This is a matter of her very life that she wakes up! Now I want answers doctor of what her diagnosis is… I cannot stand here and wait a second longer! Now you do your job, or I'll find another person to help!""

Rosalie moved her head, feeling the rush of her head getting back on earth "Nellie?" The two turned, Nellie's eyes welling with tears "Oh Rosalie!"

Dawson gasped "It's a miracle!"

Nellie shouted down the stairs "EVERYONE! She's awake!"

There was a commotion downstairs. Rosalie still rubbing her eyes, she attempted to raise herself out of the bed, only to fall through pure exhaustion. Looking down, she was wearing a dark pink nightgown, with a bandage wrapped practically all around her chest. She gasped "Huh?!"

Dawson assured her "It's alright Miss Rosalie… you're alright.. Do you recall anything that happened?"

She thought for a moment, the dim lights in the room still making her eyes hurt "I… remember standing in the room.. and then I.." she moved to her chest, seeing the large bandage. She gasped. Dawson patted her hand as she plopped back on her pillows "You gave us all quite a scare my dear.. that bullet nearly caught your heart.. we almost lost you."

"Bullet.." She remembered "Elijah was there.. and-"

The twins and Charlie emerged into the bedroom, along with Basil right behind "I told you all to wait until she was ready! Madame!" Basil stopped at the door and crossed his arms "This place is an absolute nut house!"

Nellie grabbed her hand quickly squeezing it "Oh I knew you'd wake up! I had all the faith in the world!"

Nora took a soft hug around the girl, squeezing her shoulders "I thought I lost everything that meaned so much to me in just one moment.." she teared up. Rosalie smiled "I'm here… Nothing could take me down." She proudly looked at Nora, hugging her to the best of her ability would allow.

Penelope and Girdy teared up "We were so worried about you cousin!" they chimed in unison. Even Charlie, the stoic butler rose to her side "We missed you so much!" Basil chirped up ahead of the group "Now now! She still needs to be monitored by the doctor and myself, so If you please…."

Nellie nodded "Of couse.." she kissed Rosalie's forehead "Take your time, I want her right as rain when she comes home!" They started out, Nora patted Basil on the back "Thank you detective.. I'll handle the crazies downstairs." She nodded firmly. Basil grinned "Right, Thank you Miss Nora."

Basil walked to the bed "We're happy to see you awake Miss Rosalie. We were quite worried about you."

Rosalie smiled and slowly sat up "It only feels like a little while." She breathed, feeling the bandage tightly around her chest, she questioned "How long was I… um… gone?"

Dawson and Basil looked at eachother and back at the girl "Approximately four weeks.."

"A MONTH?!"

Dawson chuckled nervously "I assumed it sounded better when I gave you weeks instead of a entire month as an answer."

Rosalie took another deep breath, drinking a sip of water "This is unbelievable! I can't believe I've been asleep that long!" she shook her head "But what happened? Elijah…"

Basil proudly grabbed his lapels on his burgundy robe "Captured and tried last week! He is now sitting in the tower of mousedom.. for crimes against the Plunket family, and you."

"Where is Ratigan? And the children?!" she smiled widley, she looked to the door "Are they downstairs?" The two men looked at eachother, her excited glance turned to worry "They are here…. Aren't they? Is he here? Why aren't you answering me?"

Basil avoided her gaze. As did Dawson. Rosalie sat up "What happened?"

"Basil.. tell her."

Basil was nudged, and took a long, long breath "They left.."

ONE WEEKS AGO

The rain continued to pour outside, more than usual.. Bill opened the door to the detectives home, shaking off the wetness of outside. The children entered the room and sat on their spots as usual. It was suprising that the couch didn't have indentations of the children by now, they've done this like a routine. They landed on the couch, taking a huff of relaxation. Victoria looked to the stairs, seeing the dim light, then back at the fireplace, where her Uncle was pacing in his proud gait as usual. She was surprised his same steps wouldn't leave an indent on the floor. Bill took off his coat and hung it up, "The rain has been pouring more and more since-" he stopped himself from saying anything about Rosalie "It's really been pouring." He took out a small bag from under his large sweater "Sir? I brought you extra clothes.." no answer. Bill tried again "Sir?"

Ratigan turned, his eyes looking more exhausted. His eyes baggy and sad. As if he hadn't slept in days. He turned and awknoleged the lizard next to him "Hm? Oh yes… thank you Bill.." he grabbed the clothes, setting them aside on the red chair next to him. Dawson walked down the stairs and wiped his forhead. Ratigan turned to him and Dawson shook his head "Nothing yet.. still in a comatose state. Healing properly, just not responding." Ratigan nodded and headed upstairs. Basil walked out of the kitchen, pipe in hand, watching the same sad professor walk up the hallowed stairs. He stood beside Dawson, patting his shoulder "Thank you for handling this Doctor, this is just a large mess."

Dawson shook his head in disagreement "No old boy, I have no problem hosting more company here in this house

As the professor walked in the room, he overheard Nora in the room first, treading carefully, he saw Nora in the room, reading to her "So its been raining the past couple days.. I promise when you're up again it'll stop." She laughed to herself "You'll be up soon.. I know you will." Nora teared up a little "I miss you… and it hurts even more that we've gotten you back and we can't even speak.." she heard a creak in the floorboard and she wiped her tears. "Now I'm gonna give you and your man a moment.." She turned, seeing him in the hallway. Nora kissed her on the forehead "Love you, kid." . He Nora took one last look at her, kissing her on the forehead gently. She got up, stretched and motioned for him to come in "You're up next, she requested your presence." She said with a laugh.

She patted him on the back "Thank you for stickin around…" she grabbed her cloak and stopped at the door "You should give yourself a break, Professor.."

"I made a promise." He said, he rubbed his eyes. Nora nodded "Right.. And you would know she wants you to look out for yourself." No reply, she walked out, placing her hood over her dark brown curls.

Ratigan smiled, seeing the girl on the bed he kissed her on the head "Hello again.." he sat and simply watched and waited, he spoke gently above a whisper to her, not knowing Basil was closely watching and turned to Nora. Nora smiled "It's actually quite romantic to me.. Despite the circumstances." She headed down the stairs.

Basil huffed "Yes… Although it can't last forever." He moved to the room, quickly seeing Ratigan turn at the noise of the creaky door. Basil patted his back "Are you doing well chap?"

"As well as I can.." he held Rosalie's hand, feeling her pulse under his forefinger "Her pulse is getting stronger."

"How are the children fairing?"

He rubbed his tired eyes, "The same… I think.. Bill has been very mature and have taken good care of them while I stay here." He rubbed his neck "I want to thank you for letting us stay here temporarily."

Basil nodded "Hmm.."

"Something wrong?" He asked, seeming defensive. Basil waved his arms "No, No.. I was just asking about the children… have you thought of their well-being?"

"What are you implying?" he asked. Basil huffed "If the yard has plans to come for you, have you thought about what they might do to your children?"

"The yard and the queen herself haven't sent out a warrant for my arrest, obviously-"

"You have no regard for others safety! The children will be taken! Placed in an orphanage, and sometimes they even separate the children.. Alexander is old enough they might even send him to a work house!"

"My responsibilities are none of your concern. I am here for Rosalie, once she is awake we will be on our way." He turned back to the sleeping girl, ignoring his adversary.

Basil stole a chair and sat next to him "You seem more optimistic than usual.. I am only stating facts old boy. No need for hostility." There was a moment of silence. The tension growing and growing more and more full of angry air. Basil continued to pry "And what are you expecting to happen when she awakes.. that she'll willingly go with you?" Ratigan's face tensed "Not to damper on your hopes but… she has a family, and I assume they want to take her home…. Who knows if she'll even wake up at this rate."

"Don't speak of such things! I won't have you disrespecting Rosalie and myself in this place!" he stood, the stool shaking and clopping to the floor. "What do you know about how she feels, you weren't there. I know she cares. It's foolish to believe but what we have is strong."

Basil nodded, seeing the passion in his eyes. It was odd to see after years of empty emotion Basil had come to know "I respect your input old boy. I just want you to consider the others you've impacted while this whole event has transpired."

"Others? Or Rosalie?" he motioned to her, still as can be on the bed. Her dark auburn curls resting around her, and her chest gently moving up and down. Basil avoided his gaze. Ratigan's brows furrowed "Everyone has been barking at me to tell the truth and this is it!" he demanded and answer, stepping forward.

Basil rolled his eyes "I'd hate to burden you with this. But I ask you; Be realistic.. what kind of life could you offer her? A life on the run? Constantly at risk of being harmed." He watched Ratigan's face change to a little concern, his brows furrowing "At risk of being kidnapped or ransomed off again? Or hurt even further, beyond any repair? What would you do? She's already been hurt and is in a coma I might add… how can you possibly put up with the guilt of losing her again?"

The professor stopped, he didn't know what to say. What IF she got hurt again.. she was a jewel of envy in his care.. a risk to even imagine. The pause lasted further.. the grip on her hand loosened, until he let go. He closed his eyes, composing his thoughts "I think it is about time that we should depart.. I'm sure.. she'll be fine… without me.." his back arched "I shall head back to my lair, and wait until the moment dies down.. I thank you for allowing me to hide away.."

Basil nodded "Of course.. You know I'm only saying this for your good and the lady's.." Ratigan turned to her, seeing her sleeping form on the bed, delicate and fragile. Ratigan turned back "I do ask, may I have one last moment with her?"

Basil nodded "Of course."

Soon, everything of Ratigan's was packed. Looking himself in the bathroom mirror, he finally changed, his clothes nice and fine like before. He was wearing his traditional garb, but a dark blue cravat, the one Alex had chose the night Rosalie and Ratigan parted. The children looking up the stairs, Victoria whispered to Bill, her blue eyes worried "Do we have to go?"

"Yes, Miss Victoria." He picked her up, her worried gaze still on the stairs "Your Uncle said we needed too."

Alex walked to Bill, holding P.J in his arms "What about Rosalie? Weren't we supposed to stay?" Bill didn't know exactly what to say, he simply shrugged his shoulders. Ratigan walked into the room one last time, taking a last look at Rosalie on the bed. He leaned in, giving her a parting kiss on the forehead.

He stroked her cheek, taking a strand of hair and twisting it beneath his fingers and at last letting go. He backed up, walked through the door. He walked down the stairs finally, seldom, carrying his hat in his gloved hands.

Meeting Basil at the end, he reached out his hand. They exchanged a nod, and a handshake. Basil nodded "Thank you for all your help old boy." Ratigan nodded "Mhm.." he simply murmured. Taking one last look up the stairs, he sighed heavily. He motioned all his thugs and children to the door. Victoria loudly whispered to Alex "But what about Rosalie?"

The door shut… nothing stirring on the other side.

PRESENT DAY….

Rosalie slowly sat up on the bed "I-I just don't understand.. he just left… he didn't even say goodbye.."

Basil harshly added "He did, you were simply comatose-" Dawson harshly nudged him in return, the detective not taking notice the girls feelings waking up after weeks.

Dawson smiled kindly at her, sympathy in his kind eyes "He was feeling very conflicted upon his departure.. the children of course were a priority."

Rosalie shook her head "But no note, not a reminder to go see him?" Basil stepped forward "If I may add, he is a criminal my dear, not the kind to associate with often." The girl crossed her arms "You have him wrong, he means a lot to me."

Dawson chimed in, holding the peace "You need to take your health into consideration, you were on the verge of death my dear… you're very lucky the bullet didn't hit you directly in the heart."

Rosalie started out of the bed, pulling the blankets off her "I need to go see him, I need to find him and tell him, I need to-" the instant her feet touched the ground, she nearly fell from her weak legs holding her up, Basil catching her quickly from falling. Basil stubbornly placed her softly on the bed "You haven't been out of this bed in over four weeks! Your very weak Miss Hampstead! Your legs and wound need time to adjust!"

Rosalie shook her head "I need to go! You don't understand-"

Dawson stepped forward, patting her hand "Please, We need to keep you here just a while longer just to observe and be sure your wound is healed.."

There was a pause. Rosalie nodded, then positioned herself back into her spot "How am I looking now?"

"Basil if we can have a moment, I need to check her wound.." Dawson motioned to the door, while Rosalie crossed her arms in annoyance.

Basil huffed "Very well… the subject is over Miss Rosalie, you need to heal first."

Dawson giggled and Rosalie shook her head "How can you encourage that man.. he's so rude."

"He does mean well… impertinent at times but always with the best intention." Dawson started on her back, unwrapping the bandage. She begun to speak "So… I must have been hurt pretty bad."

"Well you did jump in front of Ratigan.."

Her memories flood back "I did?... I did.."

"That was a very brave thing you did my dear… it was a grand sacrifice."

"I just hope I can find him again… just to let him know I'm alright." She felt the doctors stethoscope on her back. Her shoulders pushed forward "What do you think?"

"I think a little more rest will help ease your mind." He moved forward "It'll work itself out in the end my dear, you'll see." He patted her hand "Now try to get some sleep.." he started out. Rosalie's head rose "Doctor?"

He turned and saw her look with worry in her eyes "Do you think theres a chance I can find him again?"

Dawson grinned "There's always a chance, as long as you can think." And with that the door closed. The door unfortunately didn't close all the way, Rosalie started to try to sleep again, slowly going in and out of unconsciousness.

An hour passed, Rosalie continued tossing and turning to the best of her ability. Her eyes slowly opened, overhearing voices on the other side of the door. She decided to get up, slowly and carefully not to fall again. She moved to the bed's banister, then the chair next to the vanity, her legs shaking. She started moving on her own, headed to the door to overhear the following conversation down the stairs:

Nellie sighed "I'm so relieved, I'm beginning to become more optimistic."

Basil sat, sipping his cup of tea "It is matter of fact wonderful news. Soon she'll be coming home… but I should tell you about a certain update she has in mind." Rosalie leaned in to listen to the mouse speak to her aunt and caretaker

Nora crossed her arms "What are you talking about, we're taking her home as soon as she heals.. we'll never let her leave our side."

Basil rolled his eyes "The girl hopes to visit her captor one last time, apparently she has some unfinished business."

Nora stifled a laugh "Certainly there is nothing wrong with that?"

Nellie patted her leg "Let the man speak.. maybe we shouldn't allow her to.."

"Allow her? She's not a child!"

"And he is no man to be meddled with!" Basil insisted, placing his cup of tea down "I apologize but you have no idea what he is capable of!"

Nellie nodded "Although I have heard first hand from her how he treated her… I still feel somewhat worrisome." Nora stood "How could you? That man saved your life from a crushing chandelier! And saved your niece from a long life of a marriage she would forever regret!"

Nellie's face softened, she was contemplating her own decision. Basil stopped her thoughts "Did he happen to receive the reward for Miss Hampsteads kidnapping?" he saw Nellie shake her head, "He wanted nothing.."

Basil nodded "Hmmm… perhaps he wanted best for her.."

"What is best for her?" Nora looked at Nellie "Would you rather her be engaged to Elijah? Taken away from us forever?" Nellie shook her head "No, no I wouldn't want that. But the professors reputation that's all-"

"After all he is a criminal." Basil bluntly said "He may have had different intentions in the beginning, but he did speak with me and decided that the girl was better suited to stay with her own kind.. What could that hardened criminal ever offer her, Please consider it."

Nellie sighed heavily, her eyes looking at her hands "I want her home Nora… I haven't had a single moment with her and now she wants to up and leave..its not fair! He already had her enough!" she began to tear up, her tears falling to her lap. Rosalie's heart broke, she didn't realize her own decision was effecting those who loved her. She was lost in two roads.

Nora nodded, patting her back gently "I understand Nelle.. you're valid to feel that way.." Nellie nodded and added, as she wiped some of her tears "If he truly cared about her, he'd stay by her side, I wonder why he left in the first place."

Basil flinched, feeling a sense of guilt in the situation. He shrugged his shoulders "So it's settled, by the end of the week she'll be coming home.. We should probably discuss this with the girl."

Rosalie gasped and quickly stepped to her bed, still nstable and jumping onto the large mattress. Basil and Nellie made it to the room, seeing Rosalie almost out of breath.. Basil worriedly looked at the bed "Miss Hampstead are you alright?"

She was breathing quite heavily, and beads of sweat on her forehead "Mhm.. yes! Just a bad dream.."

Nellie stepped forward, sitting at the edge of the bed, Nora by her side. Nellie grabbed her hand "My dear, we've thought it over, and the best decision was for all of us-"

"It's alright.. I think I should be going home. I've been away for some time."

All three were taken aback, not understanding her sudden change "Is that what you really want?"

Rosalie nodded "Yes. I want to go home.."

Nellie hugged her "Oh my dear, that would bring us so much joy.. At last we have you coming home!" Rosalie on the other hand, had a bewildering grin on her face. Nora jumped up "The house is under some construction, but we are sure to have that done by the time you come home!"

Nellie broke the hug and rose up "We need to plan a welcome back party for your return! Oh this will be so much fun! We need a dress, the new china, some entertainment-" she started out the door, Nora kissing Rosalie on the head "I better go reel her in.." she said with a laugh.

Basil nodded "I'll be sure Dawson agrees with your release.. Goodnight Miss Hampstead." The door closed, Basil feeling some guilt in his decision to speak with the professor.