Disclaimer: I do not own anything from CSI: Miami, wouldn't want to!

A/N: Thanks again for all the reviews, alerts and encouragement! Just so you know, all the medical stuff is not accurate. Just enjoy it for what it is, FICTION! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!

When Ryan woke up he could tell it was morning. He felt someone holding his hand and slowly opened his eyes. Not sure why, he was a little disappointed when he spotted Alexx beside him instead of his boss. "Hey, Alexx!"

Alexx noticed Ryan opening his eyes, was that a flash of disappointment in their depth? "How you holding up Ryan?"

"I don't know, just confused about how I'm feeling...Where's H?" he asked softly.

"I sent Horatio to get something to eat and to take care of things, he'll be back soon." She noticed a look of relief pass across his face. "You've been through a lot and I can't even imagine what's going on in that mind of yours, but you know you can talk to me any time. I'll be glad to listen." She gently squeezed his hand and brushed the hair off his forehead.

"Thanks, I...I know I'll need to talk to someone, but I'm just not ready."

"That's okay baby, I'll be available any time you're ready. I'm just really glad that you're going to get better. You really had me worried for a while."

"S-Sorry," Ryan looked shamefully away.

Gently grasping his chin she directed him to look at her, "No need for you to be sorry Ryan. None of what happened was your fault. You are not to blame!"

"But..."

"No, baby! I've been told the whole situation. You never should have gone through what you did!"

"I made some bad choices, almost sent an innocent man to jail...messed with evidence..." his voice trailed off as he closed his eyes, tears leaking out.

"Listen to me baby boy, the only ones guilty of anything are Horatio, Eric and maybe Calliegh. They didn't do enough to help you. They need to apologize to you! You did what you did to save that little boys life!" She wiped away the tears on his face, "Right now just rest and concentrate on getting better, okay?"

"Thanks, Alexx," he whispered and drifted off to sleep.

Horatio came back fifteen minutes later with coffee for himself and Alexx. "How is he?"

Taking the coffee, "Thanks...he just fell asleep. H, he's blaming himself for what happened," she quietly voiced.

"None of it's his fault!"

"You'll just have to convince him H. You better! I've got to go to work, take care of my baby boy and I'll try to be by tomorrow." She kissed Ryan on the cheek and quickly left.

Horatio sat by Ryan and hesitated before taking his hand . 'Hope he won't mind me being here. I need to show him that I really do care. I wonder if he'll still want to be apart of the team. I wish it didn't take almost losing Ryan to knock some sense into me! He's proven his loyalty so many times, and yet when he had problems, we were never there for him. I'm going to show Ryan that he deserves better from me!'

About two hours later Frank came in,"Hey, H"

"Frank, it's a little early for you?"

"It's been a quiet morning, thought I'd take advantage with an early lunch...brought you some. How's Ry doing today?"

"Thanks Frank, he's stronger and has been moved to a soft diet."

Ryan heard Frank and Horatio and slowly opened his eyes. "Did someone mention food?"

Both of the men smiled at him. "Yep, it's time for lunch. You're looking better Ry, are you hungry?"

"I'm okay, just a little hungry." The nurse came in with his lunch just as he spoke.

"Here's your lunch young man, the doctor said you should try to eat as much as you can." She set the table top over Ryan's lap and placed the tray on top. Then she adjusted the bed so that he was sitting up comfortably. Frank helped adjust the pillows for him. The hot broth smelled good, but he wasn't too excited about the green jello. Ryan spooned some broth into his mouth but found it very tiring. Horatio noticed and was about to help, but Frank was quicker. "Let me help you Ryan." He took the spoon from a grateful Ryan and helped him finish the soup. "Want some of the jello?"

"I don't know Frank, it's green."

"Hey don't knock it! It's lime flavored, one of my favorites!"

"Okay..okay, I'll try a little." He managed a small smile as Frank brought the jello to his mouth.

"What's so funny?"

"I never figured you as a jello man. Next time your over I'll be sure to have some!"

"Great, now open wide!" Ryan managed to eat half the jello, but his eyes started drooping again.

"Hey buddy, you get some more rest. Don't fight it."

"But I wanted to visit with you some more," Ryan sleepily stated.

"I have to back to work anyway Ry, I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay," Ryan fell asleep almost immediately.

Horatio stayed with Ryan, who was secretly relieved to have him there. Somehow H's presence made him feel safe. He ate all his dinner with his boss's help and was again asleep by the time his next visitors stopped by. Eric and Calliegh both wanted to talk to him, but they didn't want to wake him. They left a card and flowers for him and said they would come again tomorrow. They left with guilt still weighing on their minds.