A/N. My brain is mush. Dunno why -I had a lazy day- but it's mush.

Sorry for another late-at-night update –you may place the blame on my little sister and her obsession of The Wanted.

By the way, I guess I confused you -Daphne wasn't shot. She was about to be. I know that doesn't seem like a big difference, but whatever. You'll get it in less than 30 seconds if you read fast enough.

I'm replying to anons again! Don't worry! ^^ Enjoy chapter 53! And EoT: Remember that scene I sent you where I tried writing out "one of those" scenes? That's in here. XD

Winner of the QotW: Snakes scare me a lot. And piranahs. I can handle alligators or lizards. But I cannot handle snakes or piranhas. I also can't really watch scary movies. My parents think I have anxiety and stuff. So, like after I watch a scary movie where people are murdered or killed by monsters, for the next week, or two, or three, I'll be thinking that I'm going to die and stuff. Yeah, it gets annoying.

Lol. You can handle alligators? I can't. I understand handling lizards, but alligators? You're braver than me. xD Congrats, killer bunnies!

Enjoy!

Chapter 53: Last Time

When Bryant swore heavily, my eyes shot open. I scanned my body, realizing I was completely unharmed. What happened? A dud? Did he run out of ammo? Whatever happened, luck was on my side. Bryant suddenly chucked the gun at me and it just barely hit my shoulder. I winced and jerked away. Bryant was trying to stand up again. I didn't waste any more time.

"Daphne, I'm going to get you!" Bryant shouted at me.

I sprinted for the door, in my socks, a pair of boxers, and my shirt. Ariana had left it open so I didn't stop as I burst through it. Instead of feeling free, I felt pain as I ran into someone roughly. I screamed and my eyes shot open as I staggered backwards, coming face-to-face with Sage. My scream abruptly stopped, and I gasped.

"Sage! I thought—" I choked out, caught up with emotion.

"No time to explain now Daphne," Sage cut me off, looking over me. "We've got to go— Daphne, where are your pants?"

"Uh…"

"Never mind," Sage said quickly, grabbing my wrist. "We've got to go now. The cops will be here any second."

Together we hurried for Sage's car, which was running and ready to go. My mind was racing. Sage was alive? But how? He had been shot! I didn't even see any blood on him!

"In the car," Sage demanded, hurrying to the driver's seat.

I opened the door to the back, finding Mr. Firay sprawled out over the seats. Being as gentle as possible I raised his head and slid in, placing his head down in my lap. Sage hopped into the front and slammed on the gas.

"Here," Ariana said breathlessly, turning and tossing me her sweatshirt as Sage floored it. "Do I even want to know where your pants are?"

"Nope."

I caught the sweatshirt and lifted up Mr. Firay's head again, pushing the sweatshirt between his head and my lap before setting his head down again. The gash on his forehead caught my attention again and I felt my heart start to pound faster again. I gently placed my hand on the side of his forehead without any wounds.

"How'd you guys escape?" I asked.

Ariana turned to grin at me. "It's a good thing I had a bobby pin."

"You picked the lock?"

"I'm not totally useless," Ariana commented with a shrug.

I couldn't help but grin at her. "Nope. And thank goodness you're not. Now… Sage, how are you so okay after being shot?" I asked, turning to look at Sage.

He turned and smirked at me. "Didn't I tell you I had a few tricks up my sleeve?"

"Eyes on the road!" Ariana commanded, making Sage roll his eyes.

"Bulletproof vest," Sage answered the question I was about to ask. "It wasn't like I was unprepared."

I raised an eyebrow. "So… wait. You were just randomly wearing a bulletproof vest?"

Sage laughed. "No, I just had a bad feeling this morning, so I put it on."

"You're weird."

"It saved my life, didn't it?"

I smiled slightly. "Yeah, it did. That really scared me though."

"I could tell from your voice," Sage commented, sounding amused. "Sage! Sage!" he mimicked in a high-pitched tone.

A blush made its' way onto my face and I glared at the back of Sage's head. "It's not funny! I really was worried about you!"

"I know," Sage told me, all playfulness gone. "Thank you."

I lowered my gaze. "You don't need to thank me…" The large gash on Mr. Firay's head suddenly caught my vision, making me suck in a quick breath. "What are we going to tell the hospital?"

Sage glanced at me through the rear-view window. "For Matt? My plan was to say that he was in his shed, slipped, and landed on a shovel."

I stared at Sage. "You're kidding."

Sage shook his head. "Nope."

"But that's so… That's so unlike Mr. Firay!"

"I know," Sage commented with a grin.

A small laugh escaped my lips, but I immediately shut my mouth. This wasn't the time to be laughing. Even though we had escaped Bryant, Mr. Firay was still seriously injured. Who knew if he'd even wake up?

A small groan emitted from the man, contradicting my thoughts and making my heart skip a beat. I brought my head closer to Mr. Firay's, holding my breath. Had I just been imagining things?

"Mr. Firay?" I asked quietly. "Can you hear me?"

Mr. Firay made another groaning noise, and his eyes fluttered open. For a split second we made eye contact, until his eyes shut again. I looked up at Sage, my mouth open. Ariana was turned around in her seat, looking down at Mr. Firay with a worried expression.

"Daphne?"

My eyes snapped back down at to my lap. Mr. Firay's eyes were opened again.

"Daphne?" he repeated.

"It's me," I whispered, feeling my eyes fill up with tears.

Mr. Firay raised his right arm, pressing his hand to my face. He cupped my cheek, and ran his thumb back and forth over the skin. We hit a bump in the road and he winced, letting out a groan of pain, dropping his hand onto his chest.

"Are you okay?" I asked quickly.

"Are you okay?" he responded, his voice quiet.

I smiled down at him, blinking the tears out of my vision. "I'm okay. More okay than you at least…"

Mr. Firay swallowed, shutting his eyes again. "Bryant…"

"Bryant's back at the warehouse. The police will find him," I told him.

"I wanted to protect you."

Mr. Firay's voice cracked and I stared down at him, startled. Since when did Mr. Firay's voice ever crack? Once again I felt the overwhelming urge to cry. I gripped Mr. Firay's hand in mine. Clenching my jaw, I shook my head at him vigorously.

"Mr. Firay, you did protect me," I whispered, squeezing his hand. "Even though you weren't absolutely sure Bryant had me or not, you still went to help me. And you tried to fight him, even though you were heavily injured. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you earlier I was receiving texts from him. We could have avoided this all together. I'm sorry," I repeated, letting tears spill down my face again.

Mr. Firay opened his eyes again, gazing at me with piercing eyes. "How is it you're crying when I'm the one who wants to?"

"We all know it's not humanly possible for you to cry," Sage commented, making my heart leap into my throat.

A blush quickly appeared on my face. It had totally escaped my mind that Sage and Ariana were still in the car! I kept my gaze fixed on the button to the window, embarrassment making me hot. Mr. Firay chuckled.

"There's the blush I love," he commented quietly. "That's much better than the tears. Much more fitting, Daphne."

I blushed darker, making Mr. Firay chuckle again.

"As much as I love hearing your sappy talk, we're almost at the hospital. Daphne, would you mind telling Matt what he's going to tell the doctors?"

I glared at Sage, who was smirking. He would make me tell Mr. Firay that. "You, um… were in your barn and you slipped, and fell on a shovel," I muttered, unable to look Mr. Firay in the eye.

"What?"

"You were in your barn—"

"I heard what you said," Mr. Firay snapped, irritation dripping in his voice. "Whose stupid idea was that?"

Sage whistled from the front. "Not mine."

"Yes it was," Ariana and I said together.

Mr. Firay groaned. "That's the lamest thing I've ever heard. Isn't there something else?"

Sage glanced at Mr. Firay through the rear-view mirror. "Can you think of anything? Or do you want to go with, 'oh, I got hit over the head by a shovel while I wasn't looking and I was knocked out for a few hours. Then I was punched in the same place.'?"

Mr. Firay scowled. "Bryant… That bastard. He used such a dirty trick."

"Mr. Firay, you should just go with the shovel excuse," Ariana interjected. "I think I speak for us all when I say we just want to make this as simple as possible."

"Fine," Mr. Firay responded grumpily. "I guess it's okay that the hospital has a few Everafter doctors –we wouldn't want to make them worry either."

Just then a police car whizzed by us, its' lights flashing and sirens wailing. Ariana and I exchanged startled glances. Sage tightened his grip on the steering wheel and kept driving. Seconds later another cop car flashed by.

"Hopefully Bryant is still there," I murmured, turning my head to look out the back. "Maybe this will be an end to everything…"

We arrived at the hospital in no time. Sage drove straight up to the entrance, shutting off the car and hopping out of it. He went around to the back, and helped Mr. Firay out of the car. I climbed out too, going to help Ariana. Sage nudged me in the shoulder before I could start walking towards the building

"Daphne," I heard Mr. Firay start, anger in his voice. "Where are your pants?"

I blushed heavily, feeling self-conscious. It had slipped my mind that I wasn't wearing pants or shoes. "I'll explain later, Mr. Firay." I really didn't want to tell him what happened right now.

"Daphne, tell me."

"Later, it's nothing bad," I assured him. "For now, let's just go in the hospital."

"Give me Ariana, you take Matt," Sage suddenly ordered, making me look at him in surprise.

"But—"

Sage shook his head. "No protesting." With that, he forced Mr. Firay to put an arm around me, and unlatched Ariana's arm from me, putting an arm around her waist to support her.

I struggled under Mr. Firay's weight. "Mr. Firay… Could you support yourself a little more?"

"Daphne, go over there," Mr. Firay ordered, pointing to the corner of the building. "Around the corner."

I turned my head slightly to look at Mr. Firay. "What? Why? We need to get you in right now—"

Mr. Firay sighed. "Daphne, just go. Now."

I scowled, but obeyed Mr. Firay, shooting a look at Sage. He raised an eyebrow, watching as I staggered off to the edge of the building. Mr. Firay slowly took on more of his own weight, still keeping a tight grasp on me. He ordered me to go around the corner. I did as he said.

"Are you okay?"

I looked at Mr. Firay in surprise. He forced me to drag him all the way over her so he could ask me if I was okay? "I'm fine…"

"I'm sorry, Daphne," Mr. Firay apologized suddenly, raising his right hand to my face, cupping my cheek. "This will be the last time."

"Last time for what—"

Mr. Firay suddenly leaned in closer to me, and I could smell his cologne as I inhaled sharply from the sudden proximity. A hint of a smirk played at his lips before he pressed them against mine softly. For a moment I was frozen in shock, my eyes wide, my heart stopping. Then Mr. Firay cupped my neck with his free hand, and I let myself relax into the kiss, my heart jump-starting again, and my eyes closing. His lips were slightly chapped, but surprisingly soft as they moved against mine. Shoving my embarrassment to the side, I brought my arms around him and pulled myself closer, my head feeling light. All too soon he pulled away, staring at me for a moment. Our gazes locked, and I blushed under the intensity of his piercing eyes.

My mind was blank. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't form a coherent thought. Mr. Firay kissed me— and not for blackmail, or because he was fever dreaming. I opened my mouth to speak, but Mr. Firay shook his head, bringing his lips to mine again, this time a little bit harder. There was an acrid taste to his kiss, but I ignored it for the time being, bringing my hand up to his head to run it through his hair. Suddenly he pulled away, hissing in pain, dropping his hands away from my face.

I abruptly stepped away from him, my heart pounding from the kiss. "A-are you okay?"

Mr. Firay pressed a hand to his forehead. "I'm okay." His eyes slid out of focus for a minute and he winced.

"We should bring you in now," I said, looking at him in concern. "You're looking pale…"

Mr. Firay stared at me for a moment, his lips pursed. "I'm not done."

I blushed, knowing what he meant. "Mr. Firay, um, I just— You need medical attention."

"You don't want me to kiss you again?"

"No!" I said quickly. "I do! B-but you need— and you're still bleeding a-and you—"

Mr. Firay chuckled, putting a hand to my lips again. "You're so cute when you're flustered." Then he leaned forward again, and for a second I thought he was going to kiss me again, but instead he nodded, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Okay, let's go back."

I nodded, letting him wrap an arm around me again. That was the last time I would ever refuse to kiss Mr. Firay. As I took the first step back to the front of the hospital I froze, my heart jumping into overdrive as my brain finally registered Mr. Firay's earlier words.

This will be the last time.

"Mr. Firay…"

"Hmm?"

I clutched him tightly, feeling my hands shaking. "You're not going to… leave, are you?" I whispered.

Mr. Firay's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

"You said that would be the last time," I pointed out, feeling anxious.

Mr. Firay stared at me for a moment, before sighing. "Daphne—"

I shook my head. "No! Mr. Firay! I've said before I don't are how dangerous it is! I know I'm being selfish, but…"

Mr. Firay put a hand to my lips. "I'm being selfish, Daphne."

I gave him a questioning look.

"I didn't mean that would be the last time I'd kiss you," he told me, amusement shining in his eye for a moment. "I meant that would be that last time I'd kiss you without your permission."

Relief washed through me immediately, and I started laughing. Mr. Firay removed his hand from my mouth.

"Daphne, I know I probably shouldn't say this, but even though you're in danger by being with me, I don't want you to stay away," Mr. Firay admitted. "It's selfish, but it's how I feel. I've always been a selfish man, anyway."

Ariana and Sage entered my vision again, waiting patiently by the front of the hospital.

"I wouldn't go even if you forced me," I assured Mr. Firay quietly. "Trust me."

Mr. Firay chuckled. "Alright."

Sage wagged his eyebrows at me as we grew closer. I did my best to keep my face composed.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I demanded when we were close enough.

Sage smirked. "What went on back there?"

"We had a quick chat," I lied, feeling my face heat up. Luckily it was dark, so I didn't think Sage noticed.

"Uh-huh," Sage commented. "Sure…"

"Never mind," I said quickly. "Let's just get Mr. Firay and Ariana checked out."

"Umm, Daphne?" Ariana started, sounding like she was going to laugh.

"What?"

"I don't think you should go in the hospital," she told me. "You're in your underwear, remember?"

For the billionth time that night, I felt my face flushing. Sage started laughing, looking down at my boxer-clad bottom half.

"Stop staring!" I cried, crossing my legs. "Sage! You pervert!"

Sage continued laughing, but did look away. "Daphne, you should probably wait in the car. I can handle Matt and Ariana."

Begrudgingly, I handed Mr. Firay off to Sage. "Fine," I grumbled.

"Give me your car keys."

Sage dug out his car keys and tossed them to me. "Don't go anywhere."

"I won't," I promised him. "I just don't want to freeze."

Sage ran his eyes to my legs again, smirking. "Well, maybe if you kept your pants on—"

"Shut up!"

"Ow!" Sage cried as Mr. Firay slammed his fist into Sage's shoulder.

"Bring me in the damn hospital," Mr. Firay muttered. "My head is killing me."

"Yes, your highness," Sage responded. "See you soon, Daphne."

"Bye," I responded flatly.

Sage feigned a hurt look.

"Stay safe," Mr. Firay said, his eyes piercing into mine.

I nodded, swallowing nervously. "I hope everything goes okay with your head."

"Nothing's ever okay with his head," Sage commented in a singsong voice.

Mr. Firay slammed him in the shoulder again. "Shut up and move."

A/N. Okay, I thought I should also mention –if you didn't catch it- that the hospital they're going to has Everafter doctors, so they won't have any problem dealing with anything like, "From checking this guy's back, he has wings! CALL THE ZOO!" or something from a human doctor. ^^

Oh, and Daphne never retrieved the wand from the ground *wiggles fingers mysteriously*. Keep that in mind for a later chapter.

Anyways, kisss? ;D C'mon, I'm at least hoping for a comment on that.

REPLY TO AVRIL-GRIMM: Eleni, right? Well, anyways, it's a bit rude to post a review on someone else's story promoting yourself. So, don't keep writing, "Hey guys! Check out my poll/profile!" (I can't remember what you wrote :3) on someone's story because…well, it's just not right. Hopefully you're not mad after reading this, but I noticed you wrote that same message for Curlscat's NGHC, so yeah. ^^ Thanks for the review anyways!

Anon. Replies:

killer bunnies: Nope. I was, too. XD I'm glad you liked those moments! Hahaha, thanks! I was tired last night, so I thought, "Daphne's going to lose her pants." XDD For the record, he didn't shoot Daphne. He was going to, but he ran out of bullets. Wow, a lot of fears. Congrats on winning the QofW! True. I'm going on a cruise with my family and friends for April. xD It's going to be awesome –the only thing I hope doesn't happen is the ship sinking. ^^ Thanks for your review! Aw, that's sweet. :D You're awesome!

PenguinLoverGurl: Lol. xD Oh, wow! Hahah. XD I'm glad he got what he deserved –but then again, it was a prank. :3 Aw, thanks! That means a lot to me –really? More words and quicker than MB? You sure? :D I love him, too. AHH! THAT'S CREEPY –well, I guess I can't really say that because my friend did that once, but I think the boy ran away, lol. I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend until college. I can't even go out on double dates 'til…later. Around highschool, but I'm not really sure which year. Aw, well, that'd be cool if you guys came down to Naples or something. XD Nope! :D Oh, what army? Thanks! ^^

Any errors or confusions –please tell me! I might've missed something –I haven't proof-read this. :3 Thanks!

Um, I have to sleep now. D: At least tomorrow is a half-day for school! Yayyy! Next update is Friday!

~Lara