A/N: I apologize for not updating this in so long. Introspective has become my top priority. I have not, however, forgotten about my magnum opus. So here we are, the next chapter of Ryan's recovery.

Chapter 29: Healed

A blubbering, sobbing Sharpay flung her arms around her brother, burying her face in his chest.

Ryan draped his arms around his sister, soothing her as his voice lilted gently. "It's alright, Sis."

"God, Ryan, I was so stupid!… I'm so sorry! Oh, please forgive me!"

He laid his chin against her hair, letting the scent fill his nostrils. The familiar gesture was enough to revoke what she had done. It served to inform both of them that in spite of the hellish events of months prior, the contempt, the neglect, the scorn, he was no longer a stranger to her. They were siblings once more. "I forgive you, Shar."

The blonde female looked up, her brown eyes shimmering with tearful remorse. "Things are going to be different, Ryan," she sniffed. "You're so precious to me, I-I'll never lose you again!"

The rift between them was sealed and the hole in Ryan's heart was filled.

His mother was the next one to draw him into an embrace, fussing over him the way a mother should, telling him that she would fetch him a piping hot cup of tea and ordering him and Troy both to change out of their sopping wet garments before they both got pneumonia.

His father, Vance, gave the boy a one armed hug, removing his hat and ruffling his son's blond hair.

Ryan thought his heart would burst with joy. All of the tension had simply dissolved, the fear of losing him for eternity enough to open their eyes, enough to make them recall how much they all loved him.

Troy was next to receive a hearty welcome and immeasurable thanks. Derby Evans held the boy tightly, expressing gratitude for him taking such good care of her "ducky".

The athlete vowed solemnly that he would continue to do so in the future, which earned him a tighter squeezing.

Sharpay eyed the golden boy warily, both of them recalling his harsh choice of words he had used in order to try to get through to her. She was now thoroughly more composed than she had been minutes before, but tears still stained her face along with smudged mascara.

Troy found that she did not avert her gaze and his anger toward her was displaced.

"I owe you one."

It was so quiet, Troy thought he had misheard until he saw the sincerity in the girl's brown orbs. A faint smile broke out on his face. "I'll hold you to that."

Mr. Evans gave him a jovial slap on the back, offering him the world. Troy declined, desiring only Ryan's happiness.

"Your parents must be very proud of you," the older man ventured.

Catching the eye of his lover, both boys shared a smile. "Yes sir," Troy affirmed. "They are."

- - Don't Let Me Drown- -

After the commotion had died down, Ryan laid on the sofa in the den, clad in his silk powdered blue robe. His head rested on the chest of his beloved, his Troy, who wore one of Ryan's father's robes. The blond boy's cat, Hollybell lay purring in his lap. Eyes half-closed, drowsy with unadulterated bliss, the petite boy nearly purred himself as his lover ran a large, warm hand through his hair, massaging his scalp. Down his neck, along his spine to the extent of his reach.

"Thank you, Troy," he murmured. "I can't thank you enough for all that you've done." He looked up at the boy, his blue eyes half-lidded.

"Sure you can," Troy remarked. "Just love me, stay with me, and be happy." His exploring hand came to a stop and gently squeezed the boy's lean shoulder.

Ryan smiled to himself. "Anything for you."

Hollybell settled himself more comfortably and his master snuggled into his lover's chest. Both boys were at peace with the world. The atmosphere around them was warm, hazy, and thick with sleep. And after the day's harrowing ordeal, sleep was exactly what they needed.

His irrational terror of losing Troy once he was a person again dispelled by promises pledged and the request of the god-like boy, Ryan let himself drift off, smiling serenely. He knew at last that he was safe, warm and whole in the arms of the one he loved. He knew as well that when he awoke, he would have a reality worth waking up to. "'Night, Troy," he murmured, unable to hold off his exhausted body's need for slumber.

"'Night, Ry." Troy smiled. His work was done. Now he could be what he wanted to be; a full-time lover as opposed to a part-time miracle worker. His cheek against the arm rest, their poses were identical to the ones assumed at the end of the summer and the beginning of their mind-blowing relationship. He closed his eyes, placated by the knowledge that his baby was safe.

Together, they exhaled simultaneously before slipping off into a peaceful slumber.

A/N: I'm sorry that this chapter is so short. I assure there is more to come. I plan on getting the rest of this up once I'm out of school for the summer.

The story is not over yet, dear readers. Leave a review and let me know what you thought.