Author's Note: Ok, the readers have spoken and they want to hear more of the story! Here it is. Read away my lovelies.

DISCLAIMERS: I do not own any of these characters. They belong to Jerry Bruckheimer and the wonderful writers for CSI: NY. Any resemblance to scenes from the episodes is included for clarity and continuity and I do not claim any of those as my own work. However everything else is mine.

Presumptuous

The next morning, Danny woke to the ringing of his cell phone. He couldn't remember where he was until he saw Lindsay sleeping peacefully beside him. How did she manage to look so delectable wrapped in hospital regulation blankets with a bandage on her forehead and that bruise along her jaw. It must be the way the dim light played across her face and her hair tangled wildly about her face. He wanted to press a kiss into her neck but he could tell by her deep and peaceful breathing that the phone hadn't stirred her and no matter what his desires were, she needed to sleep as long as possible. He groaned as the cell phone rang again and he sat into a sitting position with his legs hanging off the edge of the hospital bed.

"Messer," he said as he grabbed it off the bedside table and flipped it open.

"Hey, sleepyhead," joked Stella from the other end of the line.

"Oh man, what time is it?" he asked her groggily.

"Ten, How is the sleeping beauty?" Stella replied way too brightly.

"She's still sleeping, compliments of a very potent sleeping pill." And then he groaned into the phone, "I'm so late for work."

He hopped off the bed and went into the hall so as not to disturb Lindsay with his conversation.

"No you're not. Mac said you could have the day off to take care of Lindsay. He would have told you himself but he had an early meeting this morning and didn't want to wake you or Lindsay any earlier than necessary so he asked me to relay the message." Stella explained.

"Mac's a great guy. I have to thank him for this."

"Yeah he is. Listen, I have your keys. I think you'll need them today."

"Yeah, I was planning on going by Lindsay's to pick up some clothes and things for her so she wouldn't have to go to her apartment. I don't think she's ready for that yet."

"I agree with you there but I don't have to be in until 12 so how about I run by and pack up some stuff for her. I have a good idea of what she needs."

"That would be great Stella. Her key is on my key ring."

"Alright see you in a bit."

Danny peeked in on Lindsay who was still sleeping peacefully so he made his way down the hall in search of coffee.

When he arrived back Lindsay was just stirring. She opened her eyes and looked searchingly around the room, until her eyes came to rest on Danny. Relief washed over her face and she broke into a wide smile that could have brought the sun up if it hadn't ready risen hours ago.

"I was so worried it was just a dream and you weren't really here," she squeaked out and sat up gingerly in bed.

"Now Montana, do you think I am going to up and run when I've finally made it back into your bed? Do you know how long I've been waiting for that to happen?" he said with that disarming grin of his.

Even though the room was still dim, he could see the blush creep through her face. As long as he lived he would never tire of making her blush. But in turn she surprised him with her bold return.

"Oh just about as long as I've been waiting," she replied with a sly smile.

He chuckled at that. Yes he was glad to see that things were back on track, actually more on track than he hoped. He handed her the coffee and sat down on the bed beside her. They didn't speak for a very long time but sat in a comfortable silence each lost in their own thoughts, sipping the morning brew that the hospital called coffee and soaking up the presence of each other. There was no need for words.

Presently the fatherly-looking doctor from the wee hours of the morning poked his head in the door. "And how is my favorite detective this morning?"

"Just fine, Dr. Casey but I'm ready to get out of here" Lindsay replied without preamble.

Danny had hopped off the bed and was standing next to Lindsay. The doctor offered Danny his hand and as he shook it he said, "How are you Detective Messer?"

"Just fine, doc."

As the doctor dropped his hand, he pointed a finger at Danny, looked at Lindsay and said. "This young man was very worried about you last night? You're very lucky to have him in your corner."

"Yes, I know," she said gratefully as she shot Danny a smile.

"I will release you today if you assure me that you have someone that you can stay with for several days. I don't want you alone and I don't want you back at your apartment yet. Okay?"

"It's okay doc, she's gonna be staying with me and I'll keep an eye on her." Danny interjected. He noted Lindsay's raised eyebrows. He had intended to take her home with him ever since he saw her last night but he hadn't broached it with her yet. He hedged his bets. Surely with the doctor's backing giving him leverage, she couldn't argue with him, could she?

"Alright, I'll hold you to that," the doctor replied shaking Danny's hand again.

"And you, Detective Monroe, give yourself time to heal. It's important for you do that," warned the doctor.

"I can't thank you enough Dr. Casey, you've been wonderful throughout the whole ordeal." Lindsay said gratefully.

"Okay I'll get your paperwork started and you should be good to go in a couple of hours,"

After the doctor left, Lindsay looked at Danny with her eyebrows raised. "Rather presumptuous of you, don't you think?"

Danny planted his legs hip width apart and crossed his arms over his chest in a characteristically challenging position. "Presumptuous?" he questioned. Do you have a better plan?"

"No, I just want to be consulted first about decisions regarding myself, that's all." Lindsay said pointedly.

"Okay, Montana," he said rolling his eyes slightly, "will you pleeeeasssseeee come stay at my apartment for the next few days and let me take care of you or do I have to sling you over my shoulder and carry you there myself?" he said with a smirk.

But as soon he said that last part he saw her face drain and her eyes go vacant.

He rushed to her, put his hands on her shoulders and tried to capture her eyes with his. "Lindsay, I'm sorry, whatever it is that triggered you, I'm sorry. I'm right here." He picked up one of her hands and kissed it tenderly.

She finally met his eyes, licked her lips, took a deep breath and then closed her eyes. He could hear the quiver in her breath as she let it out slowly. Then she pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms tightly around them and laid her face on her knees as if to protect herself from the world. "No, I'm sorry, what you said about sling over your shoulder…," she could barely say the words, "it put me back there with him and I…"

"It's okay," he said soothingly as put his arms around her. He felt her lean into him and grip one of his arms tightly with both of her hands. As he rubbed her back he felt her relax. Okay Messer, be careful, she's still gotta work through all this trauma.