CHAPTER 11

Slowly bridging the space between sleep and normal consciousness, Stringfellow Hawke felt something cool against his head, the first thing he'd felt that was actually pleasurable in the last week at least. Someone had a firm grip on his hand, but it wasn't the cruel, painful, restraining one he'd been forced to deal with so much lately. It was cool to the touch, delicately, long finger absently brushing against the bruised knuckles and wrists. Again the cool cloth came up, gently scrubbing away all the dirt and grime left there by the recent events. The caring, loving touch was almost too much, too good to be true, he thought to himself. Nothing was how it truly seemed on the surface, nothing this pleasurable could be real, not after what he'd just been through. Better to wake up and end the dream before it got too good, he decided, finally opening his eyes to reveal the scene around him.

Much to his surprise, it was about as close to perfect as he could hope for. Concerned yet realized, loving hazel eye gazed into his lighter blue ones, the worry and unease instantly melting away and replaced by relief, and a small smile tugging at her lips, lips that he sound found himself seeking, kissing lightly yet so passionately. As he finally pulled away he simply smiled, so absolutely overjoyed to be here.

"It's goof to see you," she whispered quietly as she set down the cool washcloth.

"It's even better to see you."

Things were as they should be, Caitlin here with him and Chance sleeping peacefully next to him, but how?

"How did I get here?" he questioned finally.

"You're home again, that's what matters," Caitlin replied softly, not wishing to go back over any of the recent event's details even vaguely.

"I know," he said smiling back at her and taking in her beauty, now realizing just how much he had missed her. "But please, just satisfy my curiosity."

Delbar. Saint John and you had crashed at her place and he woke before you did. They got to talking for a while and she found out what they'd done to you and wanted to do all she could to help but by then Sanjar had found out and was coming after you all. Your condition wasn't serious enough to need immediate hospitalization, although she does suggest you seeing a doctor, and decided that sleep would be the best medicine for you.

"She tranquilized you and they took out Sanjar and his army then took you back here so you could recuperate."

"Sanjar, he's been taken care of?"

She nodded. "Sorry you had to miss all the action, but I agree on it being the best idea, especially since knowing you, you aren't planning on seeing any doctor, are you?"

"I am."

"You are?" her tone was a surprised one, caught totally off guard by his statement,

"Yep - Chance's favorite - Dr. Mom."

She couldn't help rolling her eyes, knowing she should have been expecting some quip like that.

"I"ll be good," he promised, stretching stiffly. "Besides, I don't think I'm going to do anyone much good all stove up like this."

"Sure," she remarked sarcastically. "I'm sure you're going to stay right here in bed, letting me take care of you until you're all better."

"Hmmm… now that you mention it, I can think of a few things I'd like you to do for me…."