Disclaimer: I do not own Spongebob Squarepants or any other character affiliated with the show. I do own Melissa Jackson and Aquarius.

A/N: I highly recommend that you read my other Fanfic 'Melissa Jackson' if you would like to know more about the character and of the character Aquarius.

Warning: This fanfic is a slash writing. This contains content concerning rape, angst, drama, and some LEMONS. Constructive criticism is accepted but not harsh flames. They will be burned.

Rating: R (angst, drama, m/m pairing)

Pairings: Squillam/Squidward

Squillam's Jealousy

By

Marih Dimitri

Chapter Four: Affection

Squillam gently caressed Squidward's hand, softly mumbling in his sleep. Squidward slowly started to stir, his eyes opening slightly. Slowly, he looked around his bed, seeing some machines, humming softly next to him. He looked to his right, seeing an IV needle inserted in to his hand. Eye widen slightly as he noticed Squillam softly rubbing his hand while he slumbered peacefully. Squidward tilted his head towards the plush pillows, watching Squillam, hearing his soft snores rippling through his nostrils.

"W-What happened? H-How did end up in the hospital," Squidward thought, looking at Squillam, who is still sleeping, "D-Did...he...brought me...here?"

Squidward quickly sat up, only to feel sparks of tremendous pain coursing all over his ribs and sides. He slowly laid down back down on bed, hissing and wincing as his body throbbed from the pain. Squillam started to stir from his slumber, feeling the movement of the bed. He slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, quickly seeing Squidward, groaning and hissing in pain.

"S-Squiddy..are you alright, baby?," Squillam asked worriedly, quickly putting his arm around Squidward's waist while holding his hand gently. "I-I..feel pain all over," Squidward replied, wincing in pain, "What happened?"

Squillam leaned into Squidward's forehead, smiling at him lovingly. "You passed out, sweetie! You were pretty trashed after that gang fight," he explained, leaning closer to Squidward, whispering softly to him, "But, it's gonna be alright! I'll always be here for you, Squiddy. I'll protect you and I'll always love you!" Squidward slowly closed his eyes, his cheeks flushed in a crimson color. Squillam chuckled slightly, never gazing his eyes off from Squidward.

"S-Squillam I-I...mmph," Squidward started to say, but was immediately interrupted as Squillam pressed his lips upon his, softly kissing him. Squillam wrapped his arms around Squidward's neck, closing his eyes, deepening the kiss, slightly moaning. Squidward face lit up in a dark crimson color, too stunned to pull away from him. Doctor walked inside the room, looking at Squidward's chart.

"Okay mister Tentacles! Let's see how your doing...," he started to say but looked up and sees Squillam and Squidward making out. The doctor cleared his throat slightly, but loud enough to be heard. Squillam gently broke off from Squidward, looking at the doctor while Squidward continued to lay on the bed, his eyes widen and his face completely flushed in scarlet.

"Sorry if I 've...disturbed you, but I need to check up on Mr. Tentacles," the doctor said, looking upon both Squillam and Squidward. "That's alright!," Squillam nodded, leaning on Squidward, nuzzling him affectionately, "I've just been comforting my baby!"

Squidward shook his head sighing. "Why me? Why me?"

The Doctor rolled his eyes at the two men and proceeded to place his stethoscope onto Squidward's chest. Squidward shivered slightly, feeling the cold, round metallic instrument upon his soft, delicate skin. "Okay Mr. Tentacles! I need you to give me slow breaths, in and out!"

Squidward nodded and slowly started to breath deeply, in and out while the doctor examined his chest, moving the stethoscope along the front of his chest and into his back. Squillam gently stroke Squidward's hand, smiling at him. Squidward glanced at Squillam, blushing slightly upon the warmth, affectionate smile that Squillam gave him. The doctor removed the stethoscope from Squidward and started to write a couple of notes on his chart. He then proceeded to look at the various machines that Squidward was linked to, writing some more notes into his chart.

Soon, a nurse came into the room, holding a large manilla envelope. "Here's the x-rays you requested doctor," she said, handing the large manilla envelope to the doctor. "Thank you," the Doctor replied, taking the manilla envelope from her grasp. The nurse nodded back and departed from the room. The doctor took the x-rays out from the envelope, placing them in a light box against the wall, examining them. He scribbled some more notes in his chart, approaching Squidward.

"Well, looking at your x-rays, your doing just fine," the Doctor started to explain to Squidward, "However, your ribs are bruised which meant that you won't be able to work for at least a week."

"Y-You mean I have to stay in bed for about a week?," Squidward stammered.

"Yes," the Doctor replied, nodding, "You can't do any strenuous work since you're ribs are healing. I'm prescribing some medication for the pain and also some antibiotic for the infection. So no bending, lifting heavy loads or any sort, no strenuous exercises, nothing that'll stress out your body. You can go for walks in the park or such, but it has to be a flat line area. NO hills. Make sure to eat healthy, wholesome food, with plenty of water." The Doctor scribbled the prescription in a small piece of paper and handed it to Squidward. Squidward took the prescription, looking at it intently.

"What am I going to do? I can't afford to pay for the prescription, let alone the hospital bill," he exclaimed, putting the piece of paper on the desk. Squillam looked at the piece of paper, carefully picking it up from the table and holding it in his tentacle hand. "Oh you won't have to worry about that, Squiddy. I'll cover everything."

"T-That's really not necessary," Squidward stuttered, looking at Squillam, "I-I'll figure out a way to pay for it.." Squillam gently placed his hand upon Squidward's lips, silencing him. "Don't fret, my darling," he whispered softly to Squidward, "I want to do this. I'll do everything and anything for you, my love!" Squillam gently cupped Squidward's cheek, causing Squidward to turn his head slightly and blush. Squillam leaned forward, kissing his cheek tenderly. The Doctor stood up walking towards the door, slightly turning around.

"The nurse should be in shortly to bring in your medicine. Also, I'll have her bring some brochures on sex for the both of you," the doctor quickly replied, walking out of the room. Squidward glared at the doctor as he was leaving, blushing red while Squillam glanced at Squidward chuckling.

"Make sure that you walk around to keep your legs circulating," the Doctor said from the hallway to Squidward, "Your boyfriend can help you out."

"He's not my ...sigh...ugh...I'm in too much pain to argue right now," Squidward breathed, slowly lifting himself up a bit. Soon, the doctor was out of sight, leaving the two young men alone. Squidward slowly lifted himself up some more and took off the covers. He looked at Squillam, who gazed at him lovingly.

"Squillam...c-could you p-please...help me?"

"Sure, sweetie."

Squillam walked around the bed to the opposite side. He bended down and gently but slowly moved Squidward's legs towards the edge of the bed. Squidward scooted himself, sitting at the edge of the bed, extending his hand out towards Squillam. Squillam gently grasped Squidward's hand, wrapping his arm around Squiddy's waist, slowly helping him up from the bed. Squidward leaned into Squillam as he slowly walked towards the restroom, dragging the IV pole with him. Squillam opened up the bathroom for Squidward, turning on the light.

"Do you want me to help you inside?" Squillam asked, rubbing Squidward's shoulder.

"N-No...That's alright. I'll be fine," he replied, blushing slightly. Squidward slowly went inside the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Squillam leaned against the wall, waiting patiently for Squidward. Suddenly, the nurse walked with a tray of medicine. She looked around, seeing that Squidward wasn't at his bed. The nurse placed the tray down on a small table next to the bed. She proceeded to walk up to Squillam. "Sir, perchance have you seen Mr. Tentacles?!," she softly said.

"He's currently using the restroom. He'll come out shortly," Squillam said, pointing to the door. The bathroom door swung open with Squidward slowly walking out of the restroom.

"Are you okay, Squiddy?"

"I-I'm feeling better."

"You're looking much better, Mr. Tentacles," the nurse said, placing a hand on Squidward's back, patting him lightly, causing Squillam to glare at her slightly, "Here's your medicine!" She handed Squidward a small cup with two pills inside and a glass of water. Squidward looked at the two pills, his face scrunging up with a look of disgust. He quickly popped the pills in his mouth, drinking a glass of water, swallowing the chalked taste medicine.

"Yuck! That was disgusting!," he spat, wiping away droplets of water from his mouth.

"Now..to give you your antibiotic medicine," the Nurse chirped, taking a syringe from the tray and fills it with the antibiotic fluid. Squidward saw the syringe, his eyed widening into plate saucers. "Oh barnacles!"

The Nurse unscrewed the cap from the IV tube, injecting the medicine into the tubing and reattaching the tubing back to the IV. "There. I've injected your medicine within your IV tubing. You might feel a slight burning sensation in your hand, but it'll stop after a few seconds. I'll come back and bring you your lunch for today, okay?!"

"Okay," Squidward meekly said, moving his hand a bit, feeling the burn. The Nurse then smiled and left the room. Squidward sighed softly, slowly walking out of the room, stopping briefly and turned his attention towards Squillam. "I-I'm going to walk around the hospital, alone. I-I'll be back shortly!"

"Take your time, sweetie," Squillam replied, smiling. Squidward stopped briefly at the doorway, turning around, gazing upon Squillam. "Oh, and Squillam...," he meekly said.

"Yes, Squiddy," Squillam replied.

"T-Thank you...for bringing me here...and f-for rescuing me," Squidward whispered, looking down and blushing slightly. Squillam walked up to Squidward, gently lifting up his chin. "Like I said before, I'll always protect you and love you! I always be here for you, my beautiful pearl!" Squidward looked into Squillam's crimson orbs, gazing upon them with emotion. "Squillam. H-He's been doing so much for me and showing me love and compassion for me and I've only been brushing him off," Squidward thought, looking into Squillam's orbs, "P-Perhaps, I should give him...a chance. I'll probably kick myself from doing this, but, he needs to know that I appreciate how's he's been helping me...and caring for me."

Squidward gently pushed Squillam's hand away from his face. He leaned foreward, supporting his hand upon Squillam's shoulder, gently pressing his lips upon him. Squillam's eyes widen, surprised at receiving a sweet kiss from Squidward. He gently wrapped an arm around Squidward's waist, gently kissing him back. A tint of pink flushed across Squidward's cheek as he slowly pulled away from Squillam. He slowly walked past him, but was abruptly stopped as Squillam gently grabbed his wrist.

"I can't wait until the day I can express my love for you, Squiddy!," Squillam whispered into Squidward's ears, "I promise you...you won't regret it!"

Squidward face blushed in a dark crimson color , avoiding Squillam's gaze. He slowly walked down the hallway, dragging the IV pole with him. Squillam sat down on the bed, patiently waiting for Squidward. The Nurse walked back into the room, carrying a tray covered in foil with a carton of milk. She placed the tray on top of the table along with the milk carton.

"Excuse me, sir. But, where is Mr. Tentacles?" she said to Squillam.

"He's walking around the hallways. He'll be back later!"

"That's great! His meal will cool off by the time he gets back," she sweetly chirped, pulling the foil off from the tray, revealing a piece of dried coral meat with some stale corn and uncooked mashed potatoes with a cup of cherry Jello. Squillam looked at the meal that was provided for Squidward, smelling the aroma that was wavering off from it.

"What is this!?!," he said to the Nurse, pointing towards the food, a look of his disgust plastered all over his face. "S-Sir. That's Mr. Tentacles lunch that the Doctor has suggested for him," she replied in a bit of shock. "You have...GOT...to be kidding me," he blunted said, taking the tray of food, pointing to various sections of the tray, "The coral meat is dry, there's no texture to it. The corn is staled, it's probably a few days old, and the mashed potatoes are uncooked. They're too chalky and bitter."

"Well, I'm sorry sir. That's what the doctor has ordered for his meal," the Nurse replied back.

"A MEAL, not this pitful slop!," Squillam yelled out, irritated, "Also, this bed is comfortable for him but could there at least be a couple of warm sheets for him. He'll be cold at night."

"SIR! We are doing the best we can," the Nurse yelled out, irritated at Squillam, "There are a lot of hospital patients that we are currently caring for and we can't provide all the best ultitles for them. I'm sorry if you're displeased with the accommodations that we've provided for your boyfriend, but this is a hospital, not a five star hotel! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other patients to attend to." The Nurse left promptly, with Squillam glaring at her as she left. "Humph...not a five star hotel, huh? Well, we'll just have to make it one!." Squillam instantly took out his cell phone from his pocket and dialed some numbers. "Hello? Operator? Get me the Dean of this hospital!"

Meanwhile, outside of the hospital, Melissa had arrived along with the rest of the gang, including Patrick, which she picked him up along the way to the hospital. They all got out of the boatmobile and went inside the ER room. The gang walked to the receptionist counter.

"Excuse me, ma'am," she said to the receptionist, "We would like to see Squidward Tentacles. He was administered in the hospital earlier today."

"P-Please. Let us see him. He's our best friend," Spongebob tearfully sobbed, while gently holding the receptionist hand.

"Mr...Tentacles is currently in recovery on the fifth floor, room number 525," she stammered, blushing slightly.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you, miss!," Spongebob exclaimed, wiping away his tears, "Come on, everyone! Let's go and cheer up Squidward."

"Yay! We're gonna see Squidward!," Patrick cheered, clapping gleefully. The gang was about to head towards the elevator when Mr. Krabs ran inside towards them, bumping into Patrick. "Oof! Sorry lad!"

"What ya doin' here, Mr. Krabs?" Sandy asked, "Ain't ya keepin' the restaurant open?"

"No, lassie! I realize that I can't run me restaurant without me three best crewmates aboard," he replied in an apologetic tone, "It wouldn't be the same!"

"Awwww...Mr. Krabs," Spongebob and Melissa said, smiling at him.

"Come on! Time ta see how that feller doin'!," Melissa exclaimed, grabbing Mr. Krab's arm. She, along with the rest of the gang ran towards the elevator, dragging Mr. Krabs along.

Inside Squidward's hospital room, numerous people were working on redecorating the room, putting new clean, pink pastel silk sheets on the bed with a big comforter on top. Others were putting all sorts of flower pots around the room, brightening up the atmosphere. Maids were vacuuming the carpet and cleaning the bathroom, placing white silky Egyptian cotton towels for the shower, along with silk shower curtains. Squillam stood nearby the doorway, watching the activity going on, with the dean of the hospital next to him.

"I'm terribly sorry about the lack of accommodations, sir," the Dean apologized, " I assure you that we try to provide the best Utilities possible for our patients for we care for the well being of them and to make sure that they have a pleasant, comfortable recovery."

"Well, of course," Squillam replied back, "This hospital has maintained a fine reputation of caring for the patient, with the best comfort and technology that is made available. I've given a generous donation towards this hospital many times to ensure...that the hospital continues to maintain it's fine reputation."

"And...w-we're greatly appreciated your generosity, Mr. Fancyson," the Dean nervously said.

"I know you do. Which is why I was disturbed that my boyfriend wasn't getting the proper treatment that he deserves," Squillam replied back, smirking to himself, "Which is why I called you; in order to get your approval for me to give my bf the comfort he deserves. After all, he's been through so much. Besides, your hospital has it's reputation, which I'm sure that it will continue to have." Squillam pulled out a check with an enormous amount etched on it, handing it to the Dean.

"Of course, Mr. Fancyson," the Dean gleefully said, looking at the check, "And thank you, again, for your contributions. Feel free to do whatever you like to his room and for your boyfriend."

"Much obliged," Squillam responded, "Also, that check covers the expenses that Squidward has incurred during his stay here in this hospital!"

"Why, yes...of course! I shall see to it that his bill is waived."

Squillam nodded at the Dean, quickly looking at the room. A Maid walked up towards Squillam, curtsying respectfully. "Sir, all the cleaning has been done and the workers are finished with lighting the room with candles. Is there anything else that you require from us?"

"No, thank you. You've all done an excellent job! I'll give you your tender on Monday. Just have the chef and the violinists come in. Squidward should be coming back any moment."

"Yes, sir!," the maid replied, as she curtsies. She left along with the other maids and workers. Soon, the chef and the violin players entered into the room, taking their positions. The chef placed a big plate, which was covered with a lid, steam permeating throughout the sides of the lid.

"Ze main course, she iz ready, monsuir!," the chef replied to Squillam.

"Excellent! Serve it for him when he arrives," Squillam ordered to the chef.

"Wi," the chef bowed. Squillam turned his attention to the Dean. "I'll be back shortly! I have to make a stop at the Gift Shop. Make sure that Squidward is comfortable."

"Of course, Mr. Fancyson," the Dean said.

Squillam left the room, running inside the elevator. Squidward walked down the hallway, slowly towards his room. He saw a small group of patients, outside his room, chatting. He slowly walked up towards the group.

"W-What's going on?," Squidward asked the group.

"Some rich guy just had approval from the Dean of the hospital to redecorate his boyfriend's room," a man said.

"WHAT?!!," Squidward exclaimed, slowly walking towards the door. The Dean stood in front of the door way, greeting Squidward. "You're looking well, young man."

"Excuse me, but, is Squillam still here."

"He left a short while ago, but, he has a surprise waiting for you inside your room!" The Dean then moved out of the way, allowing Squidward to enter into his room. Squidward was shocked, upon seeing all the lighted candles in the room, flowers decorated all over the place, and music playing softly. "H-He...did this...for...me?!," Squidward squeaked.

"Why, yes sir!," the Dean replied smiling. Squidward slowly walked towards his bed, dumbfounded in shock. "I-I...c-can't...b-believe...he...would do all...this..for...me!?!," he stuttered, flipping off the covers from his bed.

"Let me help you, young man," Dean stated, gently holding Squiddy's hand as he slowly laid on the bed, covering himself with the sheets.

"Thank you," Squidward meekly squeaked.

"Think nothing of it! This hospital puts the needs of it's patients first and foremost," the Dean replied back, smiling. "And I have a feeling that Squillam made sure that it stays that way," Squidward thought. He slowly cuddled underneath the sheets, his body stiffening from time to time over the pain he felt. The gang arrived on the fifth floor, waling through the hallway looking for Squidward's hospital room.

"It's gotta be here, somewhere," Spongebob said, looking around the hallways.

"There sure a lot of people here," Patrick commented, "I wonder if they have a pool in this place."

"Umm...This is a hospital, Patrick, not a hotel!," Spongebob said to Patrick.

"Tarter sauce," Patrick mumbled.

"We've gotta find Squidward's room," Sandy said, "It's around here somewhere, I reckon!"

"Perhaps those patients know where Squidward's room is located," Melissa stated, looking at the small group of people gathered outside a hospital room. The gang walked toward the group of people huddled outside the hospital room, chattering among themselves.

"Pardon me, but what's all the ruckus about!?! Ya'll know a rodeo that's goin' on here?" Sandy exclaimed.

"Oh no, young lady! You see, a young rich man had this room entirely redecorated for his boyfriend and he got the Dean's approval to do it," a man replied back to Sandy.

"Awww..now ain't that sweet?"

"Boy, was that young man shocked upon seeing his room. Ah, young love!," the man chuckled.

"A young, rich man. Hmm...I wonder," Melissa thought, walking towards the man, "Excuse me, sir, but, could you please describe for us what that young man looked like?"

"He's very tall, slender young man. He had six tentacles and was dressed in some very expensive clothing, plus, he had a unibrow on his forehead."

"Unibrow?!...Oh Neptune! That's Squillam," Melissa thought, looking at the man, "Thank you, sir!"

"Nothing to it, young lady."

"Come on, guys! I think Squidward is in this room." Melissa and the gang rushed past the group of patients and went inside the hospital room. Eyes widen as they saw that the room was decorated with many beautiful flowers, fresh white silk rug was embedded on the middle of the room, with the violinist playing a soft melody.

Spongebob walked up towards the bed, along with the rest of the gang, with Squidward snuggling comfortably into the sheets. "Hey Squidward! Are you feeling better?" Spongebob meekly said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"My body is still sore from the pain, but, I'm feeling much better," Squidward said.

"T-That's good!," Spongebob tearfully replied, instantly hugging Squidward tightly, "We were so worried!"

Squidward winced in pain, looking at Spongebob angrily. "SPONGEBOB, WILL YOU PLEASE LET GO OF ME?!," he yelled out. Spongebob instantly let go of Squidward. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't help myself," Spongebob apologized.

Squidward rubbed his head in exasperation, sighing. "Anyways, how did you know I was in the hospital?"

"Oh, Sandy told us!" Squidward turned towards Sandy, gazing at her. "I saw ya inside Squillam's speedboat, headin' ta the hospital. So I followed him in here!," she explained. "No wonder everyone came!," Squidward thought. Spongebob held onto Squidward's hand gently. "Squiddy, ol' pal, what happened?"

Squidward slowly lifted himself up, wincing slightly as he felt pain shooting through every pore of his body, breathing out deeply, the gang looking upon him intently as he started to explain what had occurred. In the gift shop, Squillam looked at the array of flowers that were lined up in shelves, all of them wrapped in beautiful decorative thinned pieces of paper.

"May I assist you, sir," a female clerk stated, approaching Squillam.

"I'm looking at all these wonderful coral flowers which are all beautiful, by the way!," he exclaimed, "I want to get a dozen for my boyfriend, who's recovering from injuries in this hospital and I want to get him some flower to brighten his day!"

"That's so sweet of you," she sniffled , "We have a wide selection of flowers to choose from and at reasonable prices, sir!"

"Yes. All these flowers are beautiful," he stated, his attention gazing upon a beautifully white speckled coral flower decorated in a silk paper, "Especially...that one!"

The clerk looked at the same flower that Squillam was gazing at. "Oh, I see you like the Aqua Nest Coral Flowers, which are nestled only deep within Coral Island Mountains, the only place where you can find these types of flowers. The flower shop owner from the Coral Islands was kind enough to give us some of these beautiful, rare, flowers."

"Indeed! Miss, how much do you want for those flowers?" Squillam said, pulling out his wallet.

"S-Sir, I-I can't sell these flowers. They're one of a kind, beautiful rare flowers. They're very precious to me," she exclaimed.

"You're very attached to these flowers, aren't you?" Squillam said, looking at the clerk, "You appreciate the value of these flowers and the beauty that they display, a precious gem to be loved and cherished."

"Yes, sir."

"That's the way I feel about my true love. He's a rare pearl admist these waves. There's a beauty inside of him that captures my heart and my soul. He's one of a kind gem to me, though he himself doesn't know it, yet! Like that flower, he's beautiful, yet delicate and fragile which is why he's in the hospital. A couple of thugs roughed him up, however, I was able to get him out of that situation and take care of those thugs. That's why I want to purchase that flower. I want to give him the best I can give him for he's very precious to me. I love and care for him deeply. I would give my life for him."

"You're a wonderful man,"the clerk tearfully said, "He's lucky to have someone like you." She took the flowers from the stand and gave it to Squillam. "Here, you take these flowers! You're boyfriend will love them!"

"Thank you, miss," Squillam exclaimed to the clerk with appreciation, "You don't know how much this means to me. As thanks for your kindness and generosity, I'll personally see to it that you receive a group of these Aqua Nest Coral Flower annually from the Coral Island."

"Thank you, sir. That's very kind of you," she sniffled.

"No, miss! Thank you for offering these flowers for my boyfriend," Squillam smiled, putting a woad of money on the counter and leaving the Gift shop. Squillam gleefully ran down the hallway, clutching the delicate flower protectively against his chest, running inside the elevator. Back inside the hospital room, the gang looked upon Squidward with widen eyes, having just heard Squidward's explanations.

"Gosh...golly, Squidward! That must've been some rumblin'," Sandy expressed.

"So brave," Spongebob sniffled, "to save that...girl...and get beaten by those thugs." Spongebob instantly hugged Squidward tightly, trembling. "WHAT A BRAVE MAN YOU ARE!!!!"

"SPONGEBOB! Please control yourself! I'm still recovering," Squidward seethed, pushing Spongebob away and clutching his sides gently.

"I'm sorry, Squidward," Spongebob apologized, "I'm just glad that you're okay!" Squidward nodded in agreement, shifting a bit. "Ah me boy! Ye did a good deed fer that lass," Mr. Krabs commented, "Why, if I ever get me claws on those no good young people who did this to ya, I'll show 'em one fer."

"Thank's, Mr. Krabs," Squidward weakly said.

"I'm actually impressed with Squillam," Melissa commented, "Who knew he would go out of his way to rescue you, Squidward?"

"Yes. I'm amazed of all he's done for me," Squidward softly spoke, looking down, "I mean, look what's he's done to this room. He had it redecorated...just for me. All he's shown to me is nothing but love and compassion...and the only thing I've done is brushed him off."

"Squidward..are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"I don't know what I'm feeling in my heart. It's new to me and I don't know where it'll take me...this new feeling I'm having but I do know...that I want to give him a second chance."

"Well...whatever decision you make, Squidward, we'll support you one hundred percent," Melissa smiled, as well as the rest of the gang.

"Thanks guys!," Squidward smiled, "I know I don't say this often...but, you truly are my best friends I have ever had."

"Awww...Squidward," Spongebob sniffled, "That's so touching!"

"Come on, fellers. Let's give Squiddy some good ol' Texas lovin'," Sandy exclaimed.

The gang turned around, looking at Melissa in puzzlement. "She means for all of us to give him a hug!," she stated.

"Ooooh," every exclaimed, causing Sandy and Melissa to exchange looks, shaking their heads. The gang all huddled around Squidward, giving him a gently group hug, causing him to shed a tear.

"You guys are the best," Squidward sniffled. The gang reeled back, smiling happily with Squidward, who beamed, gently snuggling against the blankets. Squillam rushed out of the elevator, clutching the flowers gently. He quickly approached Squidward's hospital room, walking inside pass the doorway, approaching Squidward.

"Feeling better, my dear," Squillam cooed, gazing upon Squidward lovingly.

"Y-Yes," Squiddy meekly said, blushing. Squillam moved his arm forward, revealing the Aqua Nest Coral flowers and giving them to Squidward. "These flowers are for you, my love!" Squidward clutched the flowers gently, his eyes sparkling upon seeing the lush colors of crystalized blue, speckled in white. "Y-You got these flowers...for me?"

"Yes, Squiddy," Squillam softly replied, grasping Squidward's hand gently, "You're very precious to me and deserve the best. And I'll do everything and anything to see to it..that you're well taken care of, my love."

Squidward blushed deeply while everyone smiled upon the two. Squillam leaned down and gave Squidward a sweet kiss on the cheek, causing him to blush more. Squillam pulled away, smiling and winking at Squidward, who shyly turned away, smiling and blushing. Squillam gently took the flowers out of Squidward's grasp and placed them into a glass vase, filling it with water. Squidward leaned back, pressing his head against the plush pillows, sighing contently. Along the hallway, a young man with bandages wrapped around his head, walking on crutches, slowly strolled pass the hospital rooms, grumbling to himself. "Wait until we get our hands on that rich punk and his little prick playmate of his," the young thug seethed, "We'll get even with those two fags." The young thug continued to slowly walk past the hospital rooms, grumbling. He stopped for a bit, catching his breath. He peered towards his left side seeing that he stopped in front of Squidward's hospital room. He clenched his fist tightly, his eyes bulging out in rage, his teeth gritting as he gazed upon Squidward laying peacefully in his bed, looking at Spongebob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy and Melissa eating the appetizers.

"There's that little playmate of his, laying on that bed. Wait until I get my hands on him," the thug thought, seething. His eyes gazed upon a small sharp knife on one of the food trays. He instantly grabs it and slips it into his arm sleeve. "But, why should I have to wait? I'll take care of him now!," he grinned evilly. The thug slowly walked into the room.

At the other side of the room, Spongebob, Patrick, and Mr. Krabs were eating the appetizers while Sandy and Melissa watched them.

"Mmmm...these little snacks are delicious...," Spongebob beamed, popping one of the appetizers into his mouth.

"Yeah! You girls should try it," Patrick giggled, eating a mouthful of the appetizers.

"Oh..that's alright, Patrick! We're both pretty...full,"Melissa said, glancing at Sandy, with her giggling.

"Mmmm...the lads are right girls. Ye should be tryin' these delicious appetizers!," Mr. Krabs cheerfully said, munching on the delicate treats.

"Uhh...do ya'll know what yer eating?" Sandy said.

"Oh. The waiter told us that this appetizer come from a place called "France." He calls it "escargot," Spongebob exclaimed. Both Sandy and Melissa started to howl in laughing, pounding their fist upon the floor. Soon, the boys laughed along with the girls.

"Okay, lassies. What's the joke?" Mr. Krabs chuckled.

"The joke's on you fellers," Sandy giggled, wiping a tear off from her eyes.

"Oh, really? Please tell us! Please! Please!," Patrick beamed excitedly, clapping his hands. "YES! Please tell us," Spongebob squeaked, unable to contain his excitement.

"Well, ya'll said that the appetizers name is "escargot" correct?" Melissa confirmed. The boys nodded in agreement. "Well...that's a french word. "Escargot" is the french word snails."

"Ya fellers are eatin' snails!" Sandy exclaimed, giggling.

All three boys open up there eyes, there faces flushed pale cold, hints of neasea etched into their stomachs. "E-Excuse...us!," Spongebob stuttered, feeling ill. Soon, Mr. Krabs, Spongebob, and Patrick bolted towards the bathroom, gagging out the contents in their stomachs. The boys slowly stepped out of the bathroom, their faces flushed of color, gently clutching their stomachs.

"Argh! Why didn't ye lassies tell us?" Mr. Krabs weakly said.

"You didn't ask," Melissa chuckled, along with Sandy. "Come on, fellers! We'll make ya some good ol' Texas Tea."

The girls escorted the guys towards the plush sofa, sitting them down and putting a warm blanket on their laps. The thug walked up to Squidward's bedside, clutching the knife that was hidden underneath his sleeve, looking upon him, hatred spewing into his black orbs. Squidward slowly stretched his body, his eyes slowly creaking open. He gazed upwards, locking his orbs with the young man beside him, recognizing that he was one of the thugs from the fight.

"W-What...are you doing here?" Squidward spat, narrowing his eyes on the thug.

"Your boyfriend managed to hurt us severely...,"the thug cackled, an evil grin plastered upon his face, "but, we'll get even with him." The thug then revealed his knife. Squidward tried to push the thug away, but couldn't move his body that much caused by the stiffness. The thug raised his arm high into the air, the knife shining clearly. "I'll take away the one person he cherishes," he sneered.

Squillam gently placed the vase of flowers on the window sill, where the sunbeam shone thru the window. A maid quickly ran up to Squillam, tapping on his shoulder.

"Excuse me, sir...but their's something of great importance that you must see," the maid rapidly stated.

"What might that be, Hilda," Squillam replied with concern.

"You're beloved is being attacked," Hilda, the maid replied, pointing towards Squidward.

"WHAT?!?"

Squillam's eyes widen upon seeing a young man, holding up a knife up above Squidward, a malice grin plastered all over his face. He clenched his fist, his eyes in feral rage. He quickly ran towards Squidward's bed. The thug looked upon Squidward with utter hatred, while Squidward slowly inched himself away from him.

"NOW DIE!!!"

The thug started to plunge the knife toward Squidward. Squidward closed his eyes tightly, bracing himself for the impact. Silence filled the room for a couple of seconds but abruptly ended as he heard grunting noises. He slowly opened his eyelids, his vision focusing upon Squillam, who gripped the thug's hand tightly, preventing him from harming Squidward.

"WHAT THE HELL!?!," the Thug spat out.

"I won't let you harm my precious gem," Squillam angrily spat out at the Thug. Squidward blushed upon hearing Squillam's comment. The Thug started to force his hand down, but to no avail as Squillam prevented him from moving an inch towards Squidward. The Thug then tilted the knife upwards and started to stab Squillam's hand, trying to force him to let go. Yelps could be heard from Squillam, as he felt the sharp knife, piercing through his flesh, pain throbbing all over his hand. But, he kept a tight grip on the thug. Soon, the knife was inching closer towards Squidward's chest, the blade a few meters away from his flesh. Squillam, with all his might, tremendous pain coursing through his hand, pushed the knife away from Squidward and with his other fist, slammed the thug square on the face, sending him crashing down on the floor, with the knife falling out of his grasp.

The gang heard the loud crash on the floor, turning their attention towards Squidward.

"What in tarnations was that noise," Sandy exclaimed worriedly. Melissa turned towards the source of the noise and saw Squillam next to Squidward, with his hand dripping in blood. "I don't know, but it looks like something going on over there," She exclaimed, rushing towards the two men. Squillam panted heavily, with his eyes bloodshot red, blood trinkling down from his hand, which throbbed in tremendous pain. Squidward looked upon Squillam's hand, gazing upon the open wounds. He slowly scooted himself towards Squillam, grabbing a clean white cloth. Squillam looked upon the thug with pure hatred and disgust, who was slowly getting up from the floor. A delicate, soft hand wrapped around Squillam's wrist, in which he looked down towards his bleeding wound and saw Squidward very carefully wrapping a clean cloth around his tentacle hand, blood soaking through the cloth. Squillam looked upon Squidward lovingly, his anger slowly dissolving away. Squidward looked up briefly, gazing upon Squillam's crimson orbs, blushing upon seeing his warm smile.

The thug looked upon the two men, gritting his teeth with pure venom, hatred spewing out of his pores, as he continued to watch the two smiling at each other. He quickly grabbed a fork that was laying on a breakfast tray. "YOU BASTARDS!!!," he yelled out, holding the fork in the air. The thug was about to throw the fork towards Squidward but was immediately halted by Sandy, who grabbed his wrist, and threw him over her shoulder causing him to crash land against the wall, in which he passed out, slumped on the ground.

"That outta teach ya not ta ever mess with my friend, ya no good varmit," Sandy spat out, shaking her fist. Soon, the Dean of the hospital and a numerous groups of doctors and nurses rushed inside the room, in which they saw the thug laying on the floor unconscious.

"What happened here," the Dean exclaimed, looking upon Squillam. "That man tried to kill Squidward and he stabbed Squillam," Melissa stated. A Doctor walked up towards Squillam and gently lifting up his bleeding hand, unwrapping the cloth and examining the wounds. "By the looks of the gash, you've been cut deep. We're gonna have to clean up the wound and have you stitched up at the operating room."

"I'm not leaving Squiddy," Squillam sternly said.

"Sir, we have to operate on your hand, otherwise an infection may develop, causing more unnecessary complications," the Doctor reasoned.

Squillam turned towards the Doctor, getting close to his face. "READ MY LIPS! I'M NOT LEAVING HIS SIDE," he yelled out. Squidward looked up at Squillam, who stubbornly stood his ground, gently holding on to the railing on Squidward's bed, breathing heavily. He gently glided his hand upon Squillam's chest, rubbing him gently. Squillam turned his attention to Squidward, who softly looked upon him with concern.

"Please, Squill! Go with the doctors. I'll be fine over here. I have Spongebob and the rest of the gang. They'll watch over me," Squidward pleaded to Squillam.

"I haven't heard you call me that name in a long time," Squillam whispered, gently lifting up Squidward's hand and kissed it, "For you, I'll go." "I'm glad," Squidward whispered in response. Squillam turned his attention to the doctor. "Alright, I'm ready to go!"

"Come with me, Mr. Fancyson," the Doctor said, leading him out of the hospital room. "I'll be back, sweetie," Squillam said to Squidward, blowing him a kiss and following the Doctor, in which Squidward blushed.

"Uhh...Squill?" Melissa asked.

"It's a nickname for Squillam. I"m only allowed to call him Squill," Squidward replied.

"Hmm...somethin' ain't right," Sandy responded in suspicion.

"I agree. I"m gettin' the feeling that you two had a relationship before," Melissa said.

"No wonder the lad is so attached to ye!," Mr. Krabs commented.

"True, but they are cute together," Spongebob happily chirped.

"Yeah! But, uhhhh...didn't he go out on a date with Squillam once?" Patrick bluntly said.

"WHAT?!?," the Gang shouted out in shock, with Squidward blushing.

"When did that happen?" Sandy questioned.

"I dunno..maybe in High School?," Patrick spacedly said, scratching his head.

"Wow, you've certainly known Squillam for a long time. But, I've always wondered, How the both of you met?" Melissa asked.

"Yeah, and when did ya go out on a date with him?" Sandy asked as well.

"I've been wondering about that," Spongebob commented.

"Well, at least Squillam didn't take ye yet," Mr. Krabs chortled, nudging Squidward on the shoulder. Squidward looked away, blushing nervously. "Uhh...he didn't take ye yet, did he?" Squidward remained silent, not daring to glance back at Mr. Krabs. All eyes were on Squidward, upon realizing the new information that had just been made known.

"I want details on that," Melissa said.

"Come on, Squiddy," Spongebob happily chirped, "You can tell us. We're all friends here!"

"We're just tryin' ta understand why Squillam loves ya so much," Sandy softly said, gently grasping Squidward's hand. "Please tell us," Melissa replied.

The gang gazed upon Squidward, waiting patiently for his response. Squidward slowly lifted himself up, closing his eyes, memories flooding his mind.

Well..that's the end of the chappie. For the next one, I'm giving the reviewers..a bit of control..just a bit ;p. What would you like to see me write in the next chappie. You'll have from three options:

Squidward's first time meeting Squillam

Squidward's first date with Squillam

Squidward's 'first time' with Squillam (that one will be lemony)

Please let me know which one you'd like me to write in the reviews. The one that is mention the most will be the one I'll write about on the next chapter. Thank you again, and please review. :D