Thank you to everyone for the lovely reviews! And especially to those who offered advice, it is always welcome in my book. I have done my best to recheck my grammar while I try to find myself a beta, as recommended. You are a wonderful bunch of people. Please enjoy Chapter 2.

Chapter 2:

Flowers to Say I'm Sorry

Hogan pushed his hands under the running water, it turned deep red as it mixed with blood and washed away down the drain. Carter stood at the sink next to him, doing the same. He stared blankly at his hands, barely registering what he was doing. Hogan scrubbed at his palm and flashed his youngest team member a quick smile. "He's going to be okay Carter." He said soothingly. "Newkirk is too stubborn to let a mere bullet slow him down."

Carter let out a hallow laugh, still staring at his hands. "Yes, I know sir. It's just… a lot of blood." He turned off the knob and shook out the water. "But you're right. I'm sure he's already trying to get dates with the nurses."

Hogan smiled at the thought. The smile vanished when Schultz stuck his head through the door. "Uh… excuse me Colonel, is everything okay? Do you need anything?"

Hogan dried his hands and pushed past the German. "No Schultz, I think you've done enough." He wasn't sure if his anger was misplaced or not. They all knew that Schultz would never hurt any of them, he never had before and likely never would again. But right now he just wanted to be angry, and Schultz was the largest target.

Their guard followed them to the waiting room and sat with his head hung low. "I am sorry." He said quietly, "I would never…" He faded off, staring at the floor.

Carter glanced at Hogan who was busy looking anywhere but at Schultz. The young American sighed, he didn't have the heart to be angry like his commander. "We know Schultz." He said gently. "But I think maybe it's best if you don't talk right now."

"Right." He mumbled.

They sat in silence as the hours passed by. Carter fell asleep, resting his head against his Colonel's shoulder. Hogan checked his watch, it was almost three in the morning. Newkirk had been in surgery since just after midnight. Schultz was starting nod off but Hogan was wide awake when the doctor finally came out. He was a middle aged man, with salt and peppered hair and tired eyes. "I am Doctor Kemmler. You are here for the Englander prisoner?"

"Newkirk." Hogan corrected sharply as he gently shook Carter awake.

"Yes, as I said, the prisoner."

Carter jumped out of his chair before Hogan could correct the doctor again. "Is he okay doc?" He squeaked.

Schultz stood as well, anticipation and worry clear on his face. "He is okay." The doctor answered quickly since Carter was bouncing around him like an eager puppy. They all let out a breath of relief. Hogan pulled Carter back so the doctor could continue. "The bullet was removed safely with minimal damage. He lost a good deal of blood but with some rest he will recover just fine."

Hogan opened his mouth for a question but again, Carter beat him to it. "Can we see him? Please doc. Please."

The doctor looked about to deny the request but the young American's puppy dog pout seemed to break him. "Follow me." He said, leading the way back to the recovery rooms. "He is still under anesthesia however and most likely will not respond." He stood at the door of room 106 and ushered them in.

Newkirk was fast asleep, flat on the hospital bed for comfort. His face was pale but he seemed to be resting peacefully. "Can we wake him?" Hogan asked.

"You can try." The doctor said as he checked over the chart.

Hogan nodded and leaned closer, laying a hand gently on the Englishman's shoulder. "Newkirk. Hey Newkirk, it's me… Hogan." There was no response, just the gentle beeping of his monitor. It was unnerving to see the outspoken man so quiet and still.

Carter moved to the opposite side of the bed and wrapped his hand gently around Newkirk's. "Come on buddy, wake up. We want to see you." There was still no response.

Schultz stood at the door, too afraid to come in. They eventually gave up and filed out of the room with heavy hearts. The doctor watched them with pity. Prisoners or not, he seemed to see the humanity in them. "He is just sleepy, he has been through a lot. Come back tomorrow and I'm sure you will be able to talk to him."

Hogan nodded before his eyes landed on the room's other occupant. A German uniform lay next to the man's bed as he slept. He was a soldier. A German soldier and an Allied prisoner in the same room… a recipe for disaster. "Hey doc, can we get another room?"

The doctor followed his gaze. "I am sorry but the hospital if very busy, the rooms are full, there is nothing I can do."

"But doc…" Carter whined.

The doctor raised a hand. "I am only a doctor, it is beyond my control." He watched their faces fall sullen and sighed. "I will… see what I can do."

Carter smiled. "Thanks doc, we really appreciate it."

"Yah, Yah." He said as he walked off. "But I make no promises."

A nurse came up and tapped Schultz on the shoulder. "Sir, a call for you." She said, motioning to the phone at the front counter.

"Ah, thank you." He trotted over to the phone and picked it up. "Sergeant Schultz… yes Herr Kommandant." Hogan rolled his eyes. "Yes I understand… yes he is okay but… yes… yes. Yes we will leave right away. Yes… Yes, I-" Schultz pulled the phone away from his ear, apparently he'd been hung up on. He trudged back to them. "We have to go right away. Colonel Klink is not happy we've been gone so long."

Hogan crossed his arms, his eyes flashing back to Newkirk looking so helpless in the bed. "Yes, we will go." He said.

Carter's eyes widened. "But Colonel, we can't just leave-"

He held up a hand, silencing the young Sergeant. "We will leave." He said in clarification. "But Schultz is going to stay."

"I am?"

"Yes." Hogan said firmly. "You are going to stay and guard Newkirk as if your very existence depended on it."

The German looked puzzled. "But why? I don't think he is going to run away. He can't even move."

Hogan moved closer, a threatening air surrounding him. "You're not going to guard him to keep him in, you're going to guard him to keep him safe. He is an Allied prisoner in a German hospital full of soldiers. If anything happens to him, it will be your fault Schultz."

"Me?" He asked innocently.

"You." Hogan growled. "You are the one who put him here. He is fully your responsibility from this moment forward. You do not let him out of your sight, not for one minute. Understand?" Schultz nodded his head quickly, fear of the angry Colonel clouding his face. "Good." He stepped back but not before taking the keys from Schultz's hand. "Carter and I will drive back to keep Klink happy."

"B-bu-but, how do I know you won't just drive away?" He stuttered. "How do I know you will go back to camp?"

"You don't." Hogan growled. "Now get in there and watch him."

Schultz snapped to attention and saluted before scurrying back into Newkirk's room. Carter followed Hogan out to the car and they climbed in. "Colonel?" Carter asked meekly. "Don't you think you're being a little hard on Schultz? I mean, it was an accident."

Hogan hit the gas and the car sped forward into the dark. "Maybe… but at least now we know Newkirk will be safe."

"Yeah that's true."

"Besides, you saw Newkirk lying there. It wouldn't hurt Schultz to feel a little bad."

"Yeah, that's true too." They were quiet for a moment before Carter spoke again. "I'm glad Newkirk is okay."

A small but genuine smile found its way over Hogan's tired face. "Yeah… me too."

It took a good deal of time to placate the furious Colonel Klink when they arrived back in his car without a guard. But Hogan needed him happy if he hoped to convince him to let them visit Newkirk any time soon. But all it really took was a reminder that one of his prisoners had been shot without due cause, on his watch. And after a few threats of the Geneva Convention, the Commandant grew instantly more pliable. He dismissed Hogan with a promise of a visit tomorrow.

Kinch and LeBeau were still awake when Carter and Hogan walked through the door of the barrack. LeBeau hailed them with a barrage of questions, some in English and some in quick French, but Hogan calmed him down instantly with a simple phrase. "He's going to be just fine."

"Merci." He said with a heavy sigh, knowing his friend was okay was all he needed. But the little Frenchman suddenly backed up in a hurry when he noticed splotches of blood on Carter and Hogan's shirts. "Will you please change?" He begged, covering his eyes.

Hogan chuckled and they both changed into fresh uniforms, grateful to be out of the clothes still marked with their friend's blood. Soon they were all gathered around the table, sipping coffee in the early morning hours. Carter quickly relayed the doctor's words.

"Poor Newkirk." LeBeau poured them some more coffee. "When can he come back? Is it safe there at the hospital?"

The Colonel stared into his coffee cup. "No, it's not." Their heads snapped up in confusion.

"What do you mean it's not safe?" The Frenchmen roared in anger. "It's a hospital."

"It's a German hospital." Hogan grumbled. "And he's an Allied prisoner."

Carter nodded. "Yeah and on top of that he's sharing a room with a German soldier."

"What?" Kinch gasped. "You should have demanded another room."

"Don't you think I tried?" Hogan snapped. He sighed and softened his tone. "The hospital is full. But the doctor said he would try."

Carter smiled, trying to lighten the mode. "But at least he's got some protection. Schultz is there with him."

LeBeau rolled his eyes. "Oh, I feel so much better now. I say we break him out and take him to a safer hospital."

Carter and Kinch nodded their heads in agreement. "No." Hogan said, wiping the idea away. "Moving him would only make things worse. I trust that Schultz will keep him safe."

"You sure about that Colonel?" Kinch asked with a wince. "He was the one that shot him in the first place."

"Which is exactly why I think he'll do everything he can to keep him safe." Hogan hesitated. "Or he'll have me to deal with."

Newkirk's head swam. Drugs… it was definitely drugs. He knew the effects of painkillers when he felt it. Everything was all fuzzy and numb, even his mind. He forced himself through the mess of fog and found the command to open his eyes.

He stared at the dull white color of a hospital ceiling. So they made it to the hospital after all? He didn't remember actually arriving. Did he pass out before they reached the hospital? He couldn't remember. He just remembered seeing Carter and Hogan's worried faces floating above him. It was nice to have friends who worried. The thought made him smile… at least he thought it did, he wasn't sure if his face actually responded.

An odd hissing sound hit his ear. It came and then stopped, and then again. He turned his head toward the noise. It was coming from a person. The one in the bed next to him. "Psssst!" the kid hissed again. "You." He snapped. Newkirk blinked slowly in response. "You're the prisoner?" The kid questioned in a German accent. His leg was up in a sling and had a thick cast around it. He also had a bandaged shoulder and arm. "Well are ya?"

"Newkirk." He answered lazily. "Nice to meet ya mate."

The kid's face pinched into a scowl. "An Englander? Filthy lot you are." Newkirk's muddled brain barely registered the insult. "Whoever shot you," The kid continued. "They should have done the world a favor and finished the job."

Again, the insult flew over his muddled brain. But he didn't have time to process it before Schultz suddenly flew into the room on curiously light feet. "No, no, no." He chanted. "No talking to the prisoner." He ordered, before placing up a divider between their beds.

"Schullzzzy!" Newkirk slurred as the guard took a chair next to his bed. "How are ya mate? Iss good to see you."

Schultz became the picture of confusion. "You mean you are not angry with me?" He questioned quietly.

It was Newkirk's turn to be confused. "Angry? About what?"

The German fidgeted. "Uh… nothing, I'm sure you will remember soon enough."

The Englishman laughed and suddenly the pain returned. He winced when it shot up from his side and hit him hard. "No, no." Schultz said in a panic. "Do not laugh, it will aggravate your wound."

He took in shallow breaths of air until the pain subsided. "You shot me." He said weakly.

"See." Schultz shrunk in his chair. "I knew you would remember." They went quiet a moment, neither sure of what to say. "But look!" Schultz shouted taking Newkirk by surprise. "I brought you the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I could find."

He sat a massive vase of flowers next to his bed. The array of colors was blinding. Newkirk smiled when he noticed the look of eagerness on Schultz's face, like a child looking for approval. He was trying to apologize. "Izz nize." He said through a yawn, his eyes drooping.

Schultz smiled. "Get some sleep Newkirk, your friends will be coming to visit today. You need your strength."

"And you Schulzzy?" He asked. His eyes slid closed, he hadn't the strength to hold them open anymore.

"I will be here." Schultz answered behind the darkness of his eyelids. "I will keep you safe."

The next time Newkirk woke it was to the sound of several voices within the room. His head still felt heavy but the fog seemed to be lifting. "But I want to wake him." A voice said in a thick French accent. LeBeau.

"Take it easy, he's been through the wringer and back, he's probably tired." A deep American voice said. Kinch, of course.

"Yeah, he got shot you know." The innocence in that voice could only be Carter.

"Oh really, I didn't notice." LeBeau snapped sarcastically.

"Well… you had your eyes closed the whole time, you might not have noticed."

Newkirk couldn't help but laugh at Carter's comment. It was a bad idea though, the movement sent the sharp pain through his stomach and he let out a whine of discomfort. "Easy Newkirk." He felt Hogan's warm hand on his shoulder. "You should know better than to laugh in your condition."

He finally opened his eyes and saw the Colonel smiling over him. "Sorry sir, I'll remember that next time." He replied with a smirk.

"Hey there lazy bum." LeBeau greeted excitedly. "What are you doing laying around for? We've got work to do."

Newkirk tried to push himself up so he could see his friends better. Carter moved quickly and stuffed several pillows under his back to help. His side throbbed angrily but he did his best to ignore it. "Sorry mate, but you guys will just 'ave to get by without me for a spell. Now I know it'll be difficult, nearly impossible even, but you'll manage."

"Yeah well, we'll just have to find someone else to throw out sarcastic comments from time to time." Kinch smirked. "Then it'll be like you never left."

They all laughed but were interrupted when Colonel Klink came barreling into the room. "I think that's been long enough." He snapped.

"Oh come on." LeBeau whined. "We've only been here for ten minutes."

Newkirk placed on a smile. "Colonel Klink ol' buddy, you came to visit me too. Isn't that sweet."

"I did not come to visit you." He grumbled. "I just didn't dare let these four out of my sight. But I think we've wasted enough time here."

"Colonel."

"Come on."

"We can't go yet."

The whines fell on deaf ears so Newkirk threw everything he had at the stern Kommandant. He suddenly fell back and pressed a hand to his side, groaning in intense pain. "oooooh, it hurts so bad. If only I hadn't been shot by one of your guards." The German Colonel straightened. "Ah! It hurts! Please Kommandant, I just need my friends by my side in my hour of need. Oh no, the pain!"

"Fine! Fine. You have ten more minutes." Klink huffed and stormed back out.

"Newkirk!" Carter gasped, "Newkirk it'll be okay just let me go get the doctor." He started to run out the door but Kinch grabbed his jacket.

"Oh Carter." Newkirk said with a roll of his eyes. "I was just playing it up to get ol' Klink to let you stay."

"Oh… I knew that."

"So… does it hurt at all?" LeBeau asked, eyeing his side warily.

"Not too bad, smarts a little to be sure, but I'll make it."

The Frenchmen gave a relieved smile. "Good. You had us worried."

"Did I?" There were nods all around the room and Newkirk was honestly touched. Yes, it was good to have friends who cared. His face burned a little in a slight blush but he was saved from embarrassment when Schultz suddenly appeared in the room.

"Everything is okay in here?" He questioned gently. "Does anyone need anything?"

"We're fine Schultz." Hogan barked. Schultz flinched and started to back away. "Hold on Schultz, come in here." The Colonel ordered.

The guard smiled and bounced into the room. "Yes, what can I do?"

Hogan crossed his arms and his frown deepened. "What is this?" He asked, nodding towards the giant bouquet of flowers.

Schultz swallowed nervously. "Flowers, to… brighten up the room."

"And how did you get flowers if you didn't leave Newkirk's side like you promised?"

The whole room seemed to shrink under the accusation. Schultz's gaze shifted as he searched for help, but all eyes fell to the floor. No one dared to even breathe. Except Hogan, who was waiting expectantly for an answer. "It was… only for a moment. I thought Newkirk would like to wake up next to such a beautiful-"

"I told you not to leave his side." Hogan interrupted. "Anything could have happened to him while you were gone."

"I am sorry Colonel Hogan. I just-"

"Go wait outside."

"Ok..." Schultz left the room looking like a puppy that had just been kicked and Newkirk's heart went out to the poor guy, even if he had shot him.

"Colonel, you don't have to be so hard on the guy. It was an accident."

"That's what I said." Carter piped up.

Hogan sighed. "I know, but I need him on his toes. Has anyone said anything threatening to you?"

His mind drifted back to a hazy memory of his roommate's words. Newkirk stared at his hands and nodded. "But it's not anything I 'avn't heard from the krauts before sir, I can take it."

"You could if you weren't hurt. But lying here in bed… well, you're not exactly in a position to defend yourself." No one could argue with that. "And Klink wouldn't dare let any of us stay. So Schultz is your only option. I'm just trying to keep you safe, that's my job. And if that means hurting Schultz's feelings a little then so be it. He's stays by your side, got it?"

The Englishman nodded. "Yes sir."

As if to prove the Colonel's point, Newkirk's roommate returned, pushed in a wheelchair by another soldier. Their faces were already taught with anger before they even laid eyes on the group of prisoners. "Prisoners?" The soldier questioned his injured friend.

"Yah." He nodded.

He helped his friend into bed. "Why do you have to share your room with this Allied trash?"

"Trash?" LeBeau snapped, lunging toward the other side of the room. Kinch reigned him in, wrapping an arm around the smaller man and moving him to the other side of the room.

"Yah, I said trash." The young German snapped in return. "That man should be out in the dumpster instead of taking a German bed."

LeBeau fumed with fury. "Why don't you come over here and we'll see who's trash!" He roared.

"I would gladly!"

"Hold it!" Kinch stepped between them, holding his arms out as a barrier. "Now, we don't want any trouble, we're here to visit our friend, same as you."

The soldier straightened his uniform and glared daggers through LeBeau. Kinch stood tall over him, he was hardly a match against the four men. "Fine, little French scum isn't even worth my time."

LeBeau opened his mouth in anger again but Hogan slapped a hand over it. "That's enough." He growled. "Do you want to make things worse for Newkirk?"

The Frenchman calmed and Hogan lowered his hand. "Sorry Newkirk." He said quietly.

He smiled. "It's okay LeBeau." The Englishman leaned closer, wincing a little. "Besides, we both know you could have easily taken that guy."

LeBeau grinned. "You better believe it, he wouldn't stand a chance."

The doctor came in and smiled at the group. "Ah, Mr. Newkirk." Hogan smiled at the use of his actual name. It would seem the doctor was warming to them. "I see all your friends were able to talk to you after all. It's nice to have so many friends, is it not?"

"Sure is doc." Newkirk said with a grin. "I only wish they were a better looking bunch."

"Hey." Carter squeaked and the doctor laughed.

"And how are you feeling today?"

"A little sore but I'm feeling pretty good."

Hands moved quickly as they examined his patient. "Ah, good, good. You are recovering nicely. Nauseous?"

"Not really."

"Good. Tired?"

"A little." He lifted the blankets and tugged at Newkirk's bandages, making him wince and let out a small cry.

The doctor raised an eyebrow. "You are in more pain than you're telling me." He said accusingly.

Newkirk took in shallow breaths as he tried to fight off the pain of all the poking and prodding. "Maybe, just a little." He panted.

"Newkirk." Hogan scolded. "Don't be so stubborn. You tell him if it hurts."

"Yes mum." Newkirk managed a smirk and the Colonel rolled his eyes.

The doctor chuckled. "Well, I will give you something for the pain and it will help you rest." He left the room and Hogan continued to scold Newkirk for his stubbornness, only stopping when the doctor returned with a needle. He injected something into the IV and smiled. "I will be back shortly to check on you, in the meantime I suggest you all let him rest."

"Yes sir." Hogan nodded and the doctor left just as Klink came flying back in.

"Alright! It's been long enough! All prisoners back to camp this instant!" He roared with a stomp of his foot.

All prisoners ignored him. They instead stood by and waited as Newkirk's eyes started to grow heavier. He let out a long yawn and Carter and LeBeau worked at removing the pillows and getting him comfortable again. "We'll be back to visit buddy." Carter said gently.

"No you will not!" Klink roared.

"Yeah, we'll be here when you wake up again." LeBeau added. "So don't worry."

"You most certainly will not be!"

Kinch smiled. "We'll see you soon Newkirk."

"No! No! No!"

Newkirk chuckled. The pain in his side slowly drifted away and so did his consciousness. Hogan tucked the blankets around him. "Don't be stubborn." He scolded again. "I'm going to make sure of it when I come back."

"For the last time, you are not- oh, I give up."

To Be Continued