A/N: Here's the new chapter. I hope you will enjoy it, especially the person who this story is dedicated to.

Reviews are gladly appreciated.

I apologie for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Chapter Eight.

Brendan found himself awoken the next morning by the sunlight streaming in through the windows, bathing the room in the pastel colours of light. It's been always like that for the past three days.

He rubbed his eyes from sleep and carefully pushed the covers back, then sat up, and looked at the back of the kid lying next to him. He would have perhaps preferred to make sure Joel was all well by touching him on the shoulder, but decided not to dwell on his inner - the-worried-sick mode. Besides the nurse was always responsible for awakening him at an hour far too early. So after some moments, Brendan rose on his feet and walked out of the room.

Brendan was sitting on the window ledge, gazing absent-mindedly out at the all green garden below. As it sometimes happened when he was completely lost in his thoughts. In light of recent events he must think rationaly, acts abruptly. He has to protect his loved ones, that's exactly what he does - every single day he breaths only to keep them safe and far away from the spiders' webs.

He seemed surprised when Joel called his name, as if he thought the hour far too early for there to be much chance of him being awake.

Before entering the room, he saw the form of the nurse, who was about to reach the patient earlier today. He swoop in and took her attention, closing the door.

"I suppose you're here to feed him with the medicaments of yours?"

"Yes, as always. In the morning he has to tak-"

Brendan cut her off. "He's weak and he was shaking again, he shall be given some more time," He paused. "I could give 'em to him himself. I .."

"Mr Brady, you forgot where you are. It's hospital and there," She gestured to the door." Is lying the person, who's been seriously hurt; he's suffered enough, all you're allowed to do is stay with him, is all. We are doing all we can." She looked him in the eyes and not a muscle moved on her face.

"Step aside, please."

He didn't say a word, too tired to react somehow. Just did as he was told.

The nurse opened the door and glanced at him. "You may come in after I've finished the procedure."

Nobody knew, except one person, so it was best to avoid any kind of stupid questions and end this game, Brendan thought.

He's been waiting not so long to see the kid, as the later was going through the full physical examination, though it felt like several hours passed as the nurse came out of the room. Without any explanation she passed through Brendan and soon was out of his gaze.

Brendan knew that obviously she'd sedated Joel again, so he wasn't suprised when he saw his eyes closed in sleep. He couldn't bear wake him for he looked so peaceful and still.

Brendan sat on a chair that he brought to Joel's bedside, kissing Joel's forehead, and whispered. "Joel, it's me."

Kid's eyes flickered a bit. "Brendan?"

Brendan sighed, when he'd heard him saying his name. A light smile touched kid's pale lips. "How are you feeling?"

"..vision's blurry,.. 'm tired..." Joel made an effort to sit up slightly but Brendan stopped him. "Don't, you should rest."

"...now much better...forr seeing you."

Brendan brushed his wet hair away from Joel's forehead, and took kid's hand in his. "You've got to tell me who it was, and what you've done. You know that you're a very bad player, when you're in those games all alone, don't you? I need to know what have you done to make them do what they did."

"I..."

"But you are still my protégé." He could hear Joel's soft chuckle. "And I do believe you will be loyal to the very end."

"...yes."