-Warning this story contains slash, mpreg and limited use of profanity. If you don't like it turn back now. No flames, rude or derogatory comments as they will all be ignored and forgotten. However as always productive criticism and positive feedback is welcome. I also don't own the character 'Isaac' some may know where he is from others won't but all that's important is he isn't mine, thanks.

Chapter 5

4 days later

"Any changes?" Brayden asked sounding a bit more panicked than he had intended to

"His intracranial pressure has been holding steady at or around normal. He is reacting to painful stimuli and displaying what seems to be some purposeful movement, which are all good things and steps in the right direction."

"His prognosis doc?" this time the question came from Mrs. Kirey

"It's still early; however the team and I have discussed his case and believe he should achieve a full recovery. One thing we do know for sure is that Lucas will have to remain on medication for at least the remainder of the pregnancy, but as long as he sticks to the regiment of medications there should be no further complications. "

With tears welling up, Brayden immediately began thanking the good lord for this recovery and outcome knowing it could have been so much worse. Then with a shaky voice he asked a most anticipated question.

"What's the time frame until he can come home?"

"Hard to tell maybe a week or two, all depends on him really. If his intracranial pressure continues to remain stable over the next few days and the repeat scans show decreased swelling which proves that his brain is healing, we will start weaning him off of the sedatives in about 3 days and after that as long as he has no repeat seizures you should be able to take him home in about 2 weeks." Brayden's smile was short lived as she continued; "However when he is discharged it will be with several temporary medications and instructions for strict bed rest."

"Thank you doc, for everything"

"My pleasure" said with her usual smile

"Can we see him?" Brayden asked looking not only thoroughly exhausted but something else the doctor couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Yes of course, as long as nobody is sick. He is still in the I.C.U. so it's one at a time for now."

"Thank you doctor" this time coming from Mrs. Kirey as Brayden was already sprinting his way towards the automatic doors separating him from his love.

"You are more than welcome, always nice to be able to give someone good news"

"May I ask a personal query?"

"Of course"

"Well by law as Lucas is not yet 18 we are required to call a legal guardian and well, don't take this the wrong way Mrs. Kirey but I haven't seen anyone apart from the two of you."

"Lucas' parents are * sigh * complicated… when he first was brought here, I guess you guys couldn't tell them more than he was here and it was serious. Thusly they called my cell knowing that as per usual my son would be here with him, or rather we would be. I told them I thought it would be better if we could discuss it in person however they insisted, so I told them what we knew at the time. As soon as they heard about the pregnancy there was a lot of shouting at no one and nothing in particular, as well as so many obscenities being screamed I couldn't tell what was really being said nor to whom; on and on to the point I almost hung up thinking they forgot I was even on the phone. Then in a very clear voice it was expressed that he is no longer their son along with some other very unpleasant things that I am going to choose not to repeat nor think about ever again. So to simplify things they disowned him, but we sure as hell haven't." The last sentence was said with such conviction and determination that it left no room for argument.

"Oh my …I am so sorry I didn't mean to imply anything…"

"Oh no, don't worry about it we were all prepared for this reaction from them. I suppose difficult may be a better word to describe them then complicated." this was said with a slight smirk. The doctor gives a saddened nod unfortunately seeing this type of incidence far too often. With that she spun on her heels prepared to walk away before pausing to ask one more possibly too personal question.

"Ms. Kirey?"

"Oh please call me Corrine"

"Is something else going on with Brayden, health or otherwise? I mean apart from the obvious"

"Not that I am aware of, I mean I have noticed a few puzzling things which I just attributed to the stress of the current situation. Why?"

"You might want to remind him of the first rule of search and rescue." Corrine cocked her head looking rather puzzled at this statement. Dr. Whitmore unable to stifle a small laugh at the look

"Just… make sure he takes care of himself as well, otherwise he won't be able to help anyone" she nodded then started to gaze off into the distance with a blank stare as the doctor walked away thinking of all the weird behavior and symptoms her son had been exhibiting these past few weeks. She decided the next time she saw her son she had to confront him about it. With Lucas being so sick at the moment there is no time for any funny business.

'NSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNS

"Hey babe" Brayden says with a fleeting smile, to an almost lifeless looking Lucas as he rounds the hospital bed so he would be able to sit and hold his hand. Every time he looked at Lucas the measure of pain and guilt he felt was indescribable. He had failed him, the one he loved, the one person in this world was supposed to protect from harm, no matter the cost even if that be his own life which for Lucas he would gladly give and yet he had failed. Until now he hadn't thought it possible for anyone person to feel so much pain and survive. His chest felt as though it was going to shatter at the slightest touch yet weighed a thousand pounds.

"I hope that you can hear me, the doc's say our baby is doing just fine but they are worried about you, hell we all are." The last part was said in such a hushed tone it was almost a whisper.

"I'm gonna need you to do something for me okay? Show them the Lucas I know, the stubborn pain in the ass I fell in love with." every breath is more painful than the last

"I know I probably sound like a broken record by now but… I need you; we need you." Affectionately caressing Lucas' lower abdomen where their child grows allowing himself to get caught up in a day dream or 2 before returning his attention back to his lover.

"Right now I am barely hanging on and I don't know if I can do this but I know I can't do any of it without you. You have always been the strong one… my rock and as pathetic as this may sound right now, especially with you in this condition; I need you to be it again. I am trying to be strong but… this is so much bigger than anything I ever thought we would have to face and it's going to be a long process for all of us. Just know that before you, before this baby, I would have gladly let this kill me without even a seconds thought. Now all I hear is your voice in my head yelling at me and telling me that I can't give up. I need some of your strength…that bravery that fire of yours. I love you babe with all my heart and I am going to fight; for you… for us and for our lives together." He stands stiffly, gives Lucas a gentle yet passionate kiss goodbye, before taking off down the hall wiping away the few tears that had fallen and holding back those that have been threatening to fall all along.

NSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNS

Lucas sat there listening to what sounded to him like gibberish for what felt like the millionth time in the past week between the countless scans, doctors, needles, results, and words that were impossible for near anyone to pronounce let alone understand. He had heard just about enough and understood as much as he needed too, which for him boiled down to what was going on and what was going to need to happen. It was going to be near impossible but he was going to do his best to keep it from those closest to him for as long as possible, to spite his doctors' urgings. They didn't need this on top of everything else he was going to handle it as best he could… alone.

"As we discussed previously you will need a driver for after the procedure. I need a name to put down in your file for liability reasons, I am sure you understand"

"Yes I do, however you know what my circumstances at home are like at the moment. Can't I just take a cab home?"

"I am afraid not as it's more complicated than just driving you home. Somebody has to be able to stay with you for at least 24 preferably 48 hours post op and know what to look for in case something were to go wrong. Which means they have to know what is going on, and I mean all of it Brayden! Though due to your situation I suppose I can allow you to have a friend instead of family member to be your ride. However the friend must be of age and that's as far as I can bend the rules. Do you have one you think you can trust with this? It is outpatient surgery but it is also very important surgery especially for you right now we need to get this done as soon as possible." Even after that speech he still didn't want to go through with it but he wasn't doing it for him, he had a family now and this was ultimately for them. So he inhaled deeply and gave the doctor the only name he could think of.

"Yeah doc I have someone, Lahey I trust him"

"Okay I am going to need a last name"

"Oh right, sorry… I am so caught up in my own head these days. That is his last name his first name is Isaac." After this he goes to stand at one of the two small windows in the room it's unfortunate the view is of the parking structure but anything was better than all these white walls.

"Its ok son, you have a lot on your plate right now; but what I need to know and you need to make sure of is that this friend of yours is reliable and will be able to stay with you during your recovery."

"Thanks Doc. But once I tell him what's going on he will come I know him. Hell I may not be able to get him to leave." A short somber laugh escaped him. Understandably he was restless, nearly the entire conversation Brayden had not been able to sit still let alone look his doctor in the eyes for more than a moment. Doctor Williams could tell he had lost his attention but had what they needed and decided to end the appointment. After shaking hands he scheduled the surgery then proceeded out to the parking lot to where his beloved 67' impala sat.

Under his near expert guidance it roared to life as he headed to face the proverbial music, hoping and praying he was right and could count on the person he thought to keep his secret and hopefully help him pull it off.

To be continued…