Storyverse. Dan/Rorschach, mature, sexual themes and actions, some violence, spoilers. Not what really happened, but all takes place in a time slot left blank by Moore and Gibbons, who own these characters. I only own my ideas. (first Watchmen fic, please be gentle)

Rorschach's a suicidal sonofabitch. Though I guess one could say the same for me, keeping that damn cowl and suit on until I passed out. I feel far better this way, though it's awkward to think that Rorschach's seen me naked. Even more awkward to think that he was the one to remove my clothes. And..he's gay? News to me. But... he just called me 'love'...and...and SMILED. Which is why the stitches on his thighs are so damn necessary. He's lost a lot of blood, in some semi-erotic cleansing, or something. I know Rorschach has issues, but self-loathing to this extent? Hating the man behind the mask, for being 'weak' and 'dirty'? God Dammit he thinks like my father.

Done another batch of stitches, think that's the last of them. Glad he's more or less passed out. No way he'd let me this close to him when he's awake, even if he's let me tend wounds in the past. The kiss I gave him lingers on my lips, Sweet Chariot and dry skin. I shiver, though it's still hot. Not a good time to think about it. It's clear I'm not impotent. God, what would Laurie think, knowing I like Rorschach. That she's like her mother was for Hooded Justice, a cover, nothing more. If she knew that I preformed well in Archie because of a misplaced sugar cube wrapper and the reminder of old times, with Rorschach at my side, sexual tension making great energy to catch criminals with.

Yes, that is the last stitch, I've triple checked. There's scar tissue all through his thighs, getting dangerously close to his femoral artery. He has to stop, he's going to end up killing himself. I wish I could make him see, but there's never been any arguing with Rorschach. Damn it, I will make him see. I can't let him keep damaging himself like this. Again, I'm glad he's not awake. These must hurt something awful. He always has had a high pain tolerance though. Maybe this is why.

Jesus Christ. I can't stop thinking about what he said. "There there love, everything better in morning". He called me LOVE. I didn't think he had any concept of the emotion, and.... Jesus Christ. Kind of heavy, hard to swallow. Especially considering he punched the shit out of my suit after a simple kiss. But no, that was because he doesn't want ... to be happy? With himself? Damn, Rorschach is complicated. All I can do is sigh, and move a lock of hair from his forehead. I really like his hair. It's got such a rich color to it. Another sigh. I hope he doesn't wake up.

I press a pad soaked with alcohol into his thigh. He twitches, and I can tell from his eyes he's awake, though they're still closed. He's pretending he's asleep. I don't think he knows his mask is off. I put more alcohol on and press it to the other thigh, trying to get the disinfectant past the stitches. Yes, his muscles tense differently. He's awake. I'm not going to let on I know though. The waiting game is one I know how to play. Owls wait hours for their prey some nights. He shifts, testing his strength subtly. I lay some bait, keeping voice a murmur so there isn't much for him to analyze.

"Hope he wakes up soon....lots to talk about."

A long pause. I continue cleaning the cuts Rorschach has, being as gentle as possible. I try to ignore the obvious arousal that's happening for him, making his underwear shift. Watch him bite his lip, clearly thinking he's got his 'face' on, before allowing himself a needy whimper. Men can't be responsible for their dreams, he's going to pretend to talk in his sleep, to get information. I'm proud of him. Far more subtle than breaking my fingers.

"Hurm. Love....Daniel. . Bad." He twitches, and the shifting his underwear grows. I choose my words carefully, keeping voice a breathless whisper, not wanting him to know I'm faking.

"Huh. Nothing wrong with homosexuality. I'll have to tell him that when he wakes up." I start to put away the sewing kit, the medical packs. Fairly certain he opened an eye, but can't be sure. If so, then he's aware he's not wearing his mask. I should proceed with caution, but this is such a good opportunity. "I also have to let him know he's a good kisser."

Rorschach's fist comes from nowhere, connecting with my nose, cracking but not breaking it. Luckily it doesn't bleed, or even really swell. Next hit will though break it though, and I cringe. Next hit doesn't land. Rorschach is staring at me, pouting. He is a lot easier to read without the mask."No lies, Daniel. Will not be mocked. First kiss stolen. Pissed off." I stare. Is he blushing?! No. Must be my imagination. His cheeks are not matching his hair right now. Completely not. He is clearly flustered. "Not gay. I'm not gay!"

I don't say anything, just pointedly look at his crotch and raise my eyebrows, my own cheeks going red."If.... and I'm saying IF" I enunciate when his hands curl into fists again. "IF you're gay....that'd be more than okay with me, Rorschach. You've always done okay by me."

"But... but homosexuals.... indecent. Perverts."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, frustrated. "Rorschach. You've known me a long time..."

"Yes. Long. Best friend, Daniel. Only friend. Good friend. Love wreck it. Love make you hate me." I have the distinct feeling he'd rather be hitting me, but knows that he's too weak to hurt me badly, what with blood loss. Also, he seems more open without his mask on.

"Rorschach. Have I ever done anything perverse? I'm a square for God's sake. And you stalk me."

He deliberates on that one, eventually shaking his head sourly. "Fine. Not perverts. Still wrong. Dirty."

I sigh. He tries to move, winces, whimpers. I look at him with concern.

"Never cut so deep before." He bites his lip, underwear getting tent like as his eyes linger on me for a moment, making me blush darker. "Where's razor? Where's face? Need Rorschach. Walter is bad."

I shake my head. "No. I'm not going to let you hurt yourself anymore."

"At least give face. And pants. Want pants! And face. Want face more. Need face. Give me Rorschach, Daniel."

I again shake my head, slower this time, speaking quickly before he can hit me. "You promised I could know Walter!"

He seems floored, thinking. "Hurm...." He looks up with clear blue eyes, flecks of green in them. I could fall into those eyes forever. The flicker with pain though. I frown, and he bites his lip. The word 'adorable' comes to mind, but I value my ribs, so don't say anything.

"Walter....is in pain. Walter...needs comfort. Walter is gay, and needs Daniel, and is a horrible horrible person."

I blink, and very cautiously pull my best friend into a hug, trying not to be too awkward despite the fact I'm naked and he's in a shirt and his underwear. I'm shocked as I feel his arms respond, though belatedly, and slowly, unsure. Giving him a few pats on the back, he seems to gain courage, sugar coated lips on my neck, then brushing my ear.

"Walter loves you, Daniel."

"I know, Ror-...Walter. I know."