A/N: Mature Content warning. This chapter contains sexually suggestive material- please read at your discretion.

0o0o0o0o0

"I don't understand it…"

Henry shook his head, staring at the young man across from him. "I don't know how to explain it myself. It's inconceivable…"

Gus's hands were trembling slightly, his expression sick. Every few moments, his eyes would stray to the bed at the other side of the room. Shawn was resting soundly at the moment, his bruised face slack. Now and then, his expression would tighten, just for a second, before smoothing out once more. Sometimes, he would clench his hands. Other than that, he was fairly peaceful.

Not like yesterday… yesterday, when he suddenly lashed out, his hand striking the metal rail along the edge of his bed. The resulting SNAP had sent Henry racing for the call button. Half and hour later, the doctor left the room, and Shawn was sporting a padded brace on his newly broken pinkie. The kid didn't even wake up.

Turning his gaze back to Henry, Gus clasped his hands between his knees. "Does he know?"

Henry shook his head. "He woke up briefly at around ten… long enough to take a few sips of water and ask for a cute nurse." He chuckled. "I guess I should consider that a good sign." Mirroring Gus's posture, Henry's amusement at his son faded. "I can't tell him that yet… not yet…"

For a while, the only sound was the soft tick of the clock on the wall. Even Shawn's respirations were too gentle to carry across the room. The two men kept silent vigil, neither one capable of conversation, both locked in their own thoughts.

Presently, the door to the room opened, admitting the duty nurse. She smiled brightly, hefting an armload of bedding. "You guys want to give me a hand? I need to change the sheets." Henry and Gus stood. Walking to his son's bed, Henry shook Shawn's shoulder gently.

"Hey kid…" Bleary eyes opened slowly, taking a second to focus. "Think you can stand a minute?" Shawn closed his eyes, taking some time to open them again. When he did, his expression was slightly clearer.

"Yeah…"

It took both Henry and Gus working together to help Shawn to stand. Though still somewhat medicated, he was shaking with pain and fatigue by the time he was upright. While the nurse changed the linens, Henry started to help his son to one of the nearby chairs. Before he could sit, though, Shawn shook his head. "Bathroom." He murmured. Changing direction, Henry led him to the door at the other end of the room. Unsurprisingly, Shawn insisted on going in alone. Henry stood outside the door, though, listening closely just in case. After a few minutes, there was a toilet flush, and the sound of running water. Shawn emerged shortly afterward, his face ashen as he held his side. Henry quickly grabbed his elbow, steering him back to the newly made bed. Both the nurse and Gus helped him settle beneath the covers again. As he laid his head back, the nurse held up a small paper cup. The look he shot Henry was pathetic- lip slightly pouted, brows upturned. Crossing his arms, Henry looked at the nurse. "He'll take them."

Though he frowned, even attempted a half-hearted argument, Shawn finally downed the medication. He coughed a little as he sipped some more water, and his hand flattened against his right side. The nurse patted his head as he sank against his pillow. "I need to finish my rounds, but I'll be by in a little bit to check on you before I clock out." She suddenly smiled mischievously, "Especially if you let me get a glimpse of that lovely bum again."

Henry rubbed his eyes, studiously ignoring Gus, who seemed to be choking on his tongue. For his part, Shawn grinned shamelessly.

As the nurse strode from the room, Gus finally found a weak version of his voice. "Damn Shawn…"

His friend glanced sideways, jiggling his brows, dopey grin still plastered smugly on his face… until he started coughing. His arms wrapped around his middle as he fought to stifle the side-effects of a dry throat. Henry leaned forward and placed his hand on Shawn's shoulder until the coughs subsided. Once he was breathing freely again, Henry offered him a cup of water. After two swallows, Shawn passed back the cup. "Thanks." He said roughly, settling down onto his mattress achingly.

Henry expected Shawn to fall back asleep fairly quickly. Though his son acted like he was buzzing on something most of the time, when exposed to the real thing, it usually dropped him like a bag of sinkers. This time, though, Shawn's eyes were locked on his with a disturbing level of clarity. Henry shifted, unused to being the scrutinized one in the relationship. Gus seemed to catch on that there was some fairly intense Spencer men silent communication happening, and muttered something about coffee before leaving the room.

The stare was getting tiresome.

"What, Shawn."

"I should be asking you that dad."

Henry shrugged. "I don't know what you mean."

Shawn rolled his eyes. "Look, dad, I know you like to 'look after your own' and all- but since when are you June Cleaver? And if you are taking on the role of a matronly mommy figure could I have some chocolate chip cookies? Cause I'm feeling kinda nippish."

Henry crossed his arms tightly. "I'll consider it if you can prove you're capable of keeping down anything other than green Jell-o."

The attempt to keep off topic failed. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one who could see past bluster. His own techniques at raising the boy had taught him that little skill quite well. And Shawn knew when something was being kept from him.

Henry knew he could keep talking around the subject until Shawn finally lost consciousness. A part of him really supported that idea. But the truth was, putting it off would change nothing. And Shawn deserved to know.

Sighing, Henry braced his hands on his knees. Looking directly at his son, he spoke.

0o0o0o0

Shawn had been alone in the room for the past fifteen minutes. It had taken some effort, but he'd finally convinced his dad to go home for a while, if just to take a shower. It helped a bit when he waved his hand in front of his nose.

Besides, he just wanted to think for a while.

"there wasn't enough evidence… judge must be in someone's pocket…"

"They let him go…"

Shawn rubbed a hand across his upper lip. He thought he'd been pretty guarded with his emotional response to the news. He'd nodded slowly, kept his eyes level, and made sure to clasp his hands under the covers to disguise their shaking. And if Henry noticed, he didn't say anything. Actually, the fact that he didn't say anything was a pretty clear indication that he knew exactly what Shawn was feeling. And that he let it slide was evidence of how badly he was dealing with this as well.

A small shadow passed beneath his door, for the third time. Shawn smiled a little in spite of his jumping nerves. "You can come in Gus, I'm still awake."

The door opened immediately, admitting his friend. "Hey."

"Hey."

Token greeting rendered and received, Gus dropped in the chair vacated by Henry.

After a few moments of silence, Shawn sighed. "Dude, is there like, a naked chick under my bed?"

Gus looked up quickly, his brow furrowed. "Wha…?"

"Two naked chicks?"

"Shawn…"

"Oooh, two naked chicks and a Playstation!"

Gus rolled his eyes. "Playstation Shawn? Please. Classic Nintendo is a way better system than a crappy Playstation."

Shawn placed a hand over his heart. "Gus! Blasphemer! I happen to live for Sonic!"

Gus smiled, shaking his head. "Shawn, Shawn… I have two words for you. Donkey Kong."

The debate continued for another ten minutes, at which point the medicine floating through Shawn's bloodstream took back control over his flailing consciousness. Eyes drooping, he let his head fall back without even a token attempt at resistance. Gus stood, seeming to debate whether he should stay or leave. Shawn smiled. "I'm sure dad is on his way back already. He's really nursing this crush of his." Gus relaxed visibly. Then, just before walking to the door, he held out his fist. Grinning widely, Shawn offered his in return.

"Hey Gus, you think that nurse likes me?"

Gus seemed to consider the question. "She did like your ass."

Shawn nodded, "She did… and I seem to remember her massaging my chest at one point too… though that could have been a hallucination. You know how sedatives affect me…"

Gus nodded, smiling. "Sixth grade… chemistry class…"

"Dude, we made a vow never to speak of that."

The door opened at that moment to reveal a somewhat fresher looking Henry. He looked between the two boys, his expression one of deep suspicion. "Never speak of what?"

0o0o0o0

The lock was childishly easy to pick. First impressions always left people viewing him as somewhat slow… a hulking simpleton… eerily imposing. He didn't make an attempt to change that presumption. Those same people would probably be shocked to know he'd actually finished high-school with top marks. They'd be astounded to discover he'd been valedictorian when he graduated from college. Dropping the make-shift pick in his pocket… he allowed the feel of the apartment to wash over him. He knew this smell, it made his blood race through his veins. He felt the slightest need at the scent, but fought down the desire before it overwhelmed him. He wasn't here to leave evidence of his intrusion, or his arousal… at least not yet.

A stroll through the rooms was enough to map the layout. And then it was time to leave. Pulling a rag from his pocket, he wiped down the doorknob on his way out. He'd planned his visit carefully, drawing no notice either coming or going. Walking back to his car, he clutched his hands into fists. Whether it was the loss of his chance a few nights ago, or the rush from breaking into the apartment now, he didn't know. All he knew, was he needed some privacy… now.

He was glad he'd parked on a side street. Sliding into the front seat, he had his zipper down even before the door was fully shut. He called up memories of that night. Terrified eyes… bare skin… clawing fingers… He grunted in excitement, the images coming faster, blending with the outcome he'd planned for… screaming… pain… and finally… defeat. Panting heavily, he grasped the steering wheel with a tight fist. With a broken growl, he came, shaking slightly as he leaned back against the soft leather. His chest heaved as he rode the wave, feeling that blissful surge in his blood. Several seconds passed as he sat with his eyes shut. Finally, still breathing heavily, he took a moment to scan the rearview mirror. He was still alone. Finally, regaining some control, he adjusted his clothes and started the car. Giving the apartment a final, heated look, he threw the vehicle in gear and pealed away.