A/N Thank you to my wonder reviewers luv yah! Okay so I was expecting to be yelled at for the last chapter. But didn't :D I finally finished the chapter that took me two weeks to write. I am so over that chapter, so lets hope I can get the flow back into my writing. I promised my reviewers a Monday post and will make Monday a sure posting day. The others will still be random just to keep you on your toes and me.

All mistakes are my own.

This is a m/m story as you know if luscious man on man loving isn't your thing don't read you have been warned. Also check out Mrs. Jones new story Heart and Soul a Edward/Seth story.

But here is the next chapter enjoy and reviews are encouraged.

Chapter 15

Racing through the corridors, Edward was pulled to a halt by Jasper as he came out of the waiting area. His eyes swollen and red. "What happened, where is he?" the red-headed man asked. He received a phone call from Jasper who told him to get to the hospital fast, Jacob had been shot. Nothing else had registered. Dropping the phone, he grabbed his car keys and raced out the door. Ignoring the elevator, he went to the stairwell and down the flight of stairs like the devil himself was chasing him. He broke every law to get to the hospital and was now parked illegally but, he didn't care he needed to know what had happened and that Jacob was okay.

"All we know is that someone pulled a gun on him at close range. The bullet missed his heart but other than that, we don't know anything. They are operating as we speak," the blonde pulled his friend into his arms. Edward let out a agonizing moan as he fell towards the ground. It was his fault, if he hadn't of said what he had, Jacob would still be at home safe where no one could hurt him. But, like a idiot, he had told the boy he wanted him. "He's strong, Ed. The doctors are some of the best in the country," he helped Edward into the silent waiting room. Embry and Seth were sitting with their heads bowed, tears unashamedly falling down to the floor, cold cups of coffee sitting on the table. "All we can do is wait," he pushed Edward down into a seat and went to join his lover.

Time ticked by, noon came and went as did other visitors to the waiting room. Still they hadn't heard anything. Elizabeth heard through a text from Jasper what had happened and she joined them trying to get each of the men to eat. None of them felt they could eat, all having a reason to think they should be blaming themselves. The waiting room door opened again and they looked up. Seth jumped up and walked over to Leah and Emmett. "We only just heard," Emmett whispered sitting down by Jasper as Leah and Seth hugged. They still didn't understand why they felt this connection but they were happy they found each other. "Any news?"

"Nothing not a word," Jasper sighed getting up and going to the door. "I will see if I can find anything out," he left the room happy that Leah had come to support his lover.

"Mr. Clearwater, the doctor will see you now," Seth pulled back from Leah and went to follow the nurse. Jasper was standing by the nurses station and took his lover's hand. "You understand that normally it is only next of kin who can normally get information but, the board has made a special exception due to your generous donation to the hospital," the head nurse said. She hated that money spoke but, it was nice that the boy had someone who cared enough to give such a generous donation. Seth just nodded, he didn't know that Jasper had just donated half a million dollars to the hospital. He didn't care either. As long as he saw his cousin again, he would beg on the streets if he had too. Jasper was a wealthy man and richer than even Seth knew. Not that Jasper cared if he knew, it was that Seth honestly didn't care. Even with their flash cars and lavish home. They were simple with their day to day life, something Jasper loved about his lover. The nurse led them to the office of the head surgeon. Knocking, she went to stand beside the doctor who was still in his scrubs writing on a pad.

"Mr Clearwater," the doctor went to stand but, Seth waved him down. "Your cousin is very lucky, he lost a lot of blood and he will be kept in an induced coma until he has healed enough. We will slowly wake him up but, he is not out of danger yet," the doctor went on to explain what they had done and would do. The process seemed long but, necessary. "If you would like to see him, I will have someone take you to ICU. I ask that only one at a time, however. Until we can move him to a private room in the next day or two," he stood and shook Seth's hand. Thanking the doctor, he followed the nurse while wrapped in his lover's arms. Outside the ICU, a guard was on duty. Jasper left his partner and went to tell everyone what was happening.

The noise of the ICU was loud beeps and machines going off all the time. He was lead to the far corner where his young cousin lay with a tube down his throat to help him breathe. Wires seemed to be everywhere. "Oh, Jake," Seth went to the bed and tried to find somewhere he could touch his young cousin. The nurse kindly picked up Jacob's hand and placed it in his. "Thanks," he wiped his tears from his face and tried to smile but, failed.

"Take a seat, Mr. Clearwater. We believe that talking to them, even in a coma, they can hear you. It helps the healing process," she smiled and left him alone closing the curtain behind her.

"You got yourself in a right mess, Jake," he chuckled bringing the young man's hand up to his lips and kissing it. "Well, everyone sends their love. Jasper has gone to tell them that you're going to be okay. So, you better get well soon otherwise you will make a liar out of him and he won't like that," he chuckled but, it turned into quiet sobs. He knew he had to be strong but right now, he needed to grieve. "The Police are looking for Jared and someone has gone to La-Push to talk to your father. We have a Court Order preventing him from coming anywhere near you," he sighed. They thought they had gotten away with any trouble having seen nothing of the thug. The nurse came in a few hours later after hearing Seth beginning to slur his words. It was common for family members to try to remain at their kin's side but, it was not feasible.

"Mr. Clearwater, why don't you try to get some rest. He'll be here in the morning," she smiled as she checked Jacob's vitals. Nodding, Seth stood and leaned over kissing his cousin's head.

"Later, Jake," he whispered. He wasn't surprised to see his lover sitting on a chair outside with his head back sleeping. Smiling, he went to sit beside the blonde man. "Hey, you should be home resting," he shook his lover's shoulder. Jasper jumped with a start. He pulled the young man to him and kissed the top of his head. "Let's go home," he sighed.

As they were leaving Edward came through the doors carrying two cups of coffee. "Hey, is he okay?" he asked worried.

"As well as can be expected," Seth gladly took the coffee, not been able to have drinks in the ward. "I'm starving," he admitted.

"Who's with Jake?" the photographer asked. The thought of Jacob alone worried him, no one holding his hand.

"No one is. Would you like to sit with him a while?" Seth asked knowing full well what the answer would be. Edward ran his hand through his messy hair.

"I don't think he would want me there," he looked out the window. Seth took his hand and give it a squeeze.

"I think you're wrong Edward. Let me tell the nurse you have permission to sit with him," he went back to the nurses station.

"Make sure you rest," Jasper hugged his friend. The photographer just nodded as Seth came back giving him the thumbs up.

"Rest," Seth and Jasper both kissed their friend. Heading through the door, Edward was given a gown to wear. His eyes were scanning the ward trying to find his friend. The nurse took him over and again repeated what she had with Seth. She kindly put the young man's hand in his. She could tell by the look of the man's face he was more than just a friend.

"Baby, I am so sorry," Edward kissed Jacob's hand and placed it on his cheek. His beautiful baby was pale under the normally russet skin. The machines continued to beep and the ventilator moved up and down. "Your contract looks good from Leah but, I will get my lawyer to check it over," he smiled. He wondered if he would have a scar from the bullet wound. More than likely he would but, it would only make him more desirable in the modelling world. He could either go with the bad boy image or the victim who survived. Either way, it shouldn't affect his chance in the modeling world. "I would love to take you to Fiji; sitting in the pacific ocean in a boat sipping a beer," he continued talking endlessly. Of all the things he wanted to do and show the young man. The nurse had left the sleeping man, his head resting on the bed but, his hand still holding his friend's. Both men were incredibly beautiful and one nurse's said she had seen the patient in a magazine and hoped she would get to speak to him when he woke. And if the head nurse was not on, maybe get his autograph.

"Edward," a familiar voice said shaking his shoulder. Sitting up he looked at Jacob who was still laying there a tube down his throat. Sighing, he turned to see his friend standing there. "Time to go home I will stay with him for a while," Seth smiled. Edward reluctantly let go of Jacob's hand and stood letting Seth take his place in the chair. "Jasper will take you home. Rest okay? Embry wants to come sit with him for a few hours later so, he won't be alone," he said kissing his friend before putting his attention on his cousin.

Elizabeth was waiting in the apartment with a meal ready. However, Edward excused himself and headed to his room. As soon as he had shut the door, he threw himself on the bed and sobbed. He hadn't cried like this since, well, like ever. Nothing was more painful than what he was feeling now. The boy laying in the hospital bed wasn't just some sweet little ass for the taking. He was the most precious thing in the world. And because of him, he was laying in a hospital bed tubes sticking out of every orifice. He felt the bed dip and he turned and let his mother wrap her arms around him. "I screwed up mom," he sobbed gripping her for dear life. "I told him I liked him more than a friend," he admitted.

"Awe sweetheart, this isn't your fault. It could've happened any time," she rocked her son just like she did when he was a child. "You need to rest come on into bed," she stood up pulling him with her. He allowed her to undress him to his boxers and pulled back the sheets before tucking him in. "Sweet dreams," she kissed his forehead and left her son. She knew she would be picking up the pieces because of the young boy but, she wished she didn't. She had come to love Jacob like another son; his sweet smile, his innocence to some degree but most of all, the love he had for her son. Shaking her head, she went and threw away the meal she had prepared. If only Jacob could see further than a man in front of him and see him as the person he loved. She never cared her son was gay. When he came out to her, she wasn't surprised and actually relieved that he loved her enough to know she wouldn't judge him.

He was so young and he was in love. He came home with a handsome young boy he had met on a walk. He was only fifteen at the time, the boy was a native just like Jacob. "Mom, I want you to meet Quil," he lifted his hand entwined with the boy's. That is how he told his mother he was gay. He didn't want a fuss about it; he was normal, young, and in love. The boys were inseparable during that summer. It was a sad day when they had to say goodbye as he was to return to his hometown. They promised to write and talk when they could. That night his plane went down. There were no survivors. Edward withdrew from the world and he never seemed to be the same boy. He became harder somehow. With Elizabeth, he would try to act the same but, he couldn't fool her. He was hurting more than he let on. He put all his energy into his schooling and his photography. The young teen never dated or even socialized with anyone any longer. "Mom, I've got a job," he excitedly said coming in waving a letter in front of her nose. "I can't believe he offered me a contract. I start at the beginning of the month," he said picking his mother up and twirling her around. So much for college, he had no interest in it. He had the brains but, his love of photography was far greater. She gave her son her blessing and gave him his college funds so he could have a place to live until he could stand on his own to feet.

The shrill of the phone snapped the woman from her thoughts. Picking it up she heard the somber voice of Jasper. Her heart plummeted, it couldn't be good.

"Jacob is back in surgery. I thought maybe Edward would want to know," he said. He was right, he would want to know.

"Of course, I will let him know. What are his chances?" she asked praying they were good.

"Not good, Liz. They warned Seth to prepare for the worst," he sighed.

"Oh, the poor child. We will be there in an hour," she said before sending her love. Hanging up, she went to her son's room. He was already getting dressed.

"I've got to go to him, mom. I can feel it," he said putting his hand on his heart. Without a word they made their way to the hospital getting there in just half an hour since the call. Again they were left sitting in the waiting room waiting for word. The hours ticked by and they began talking, mainly Embry and Seth about the young man. They seemed a tight group getting into trouble and Embry recalled the time they pinched a packet of smokes from his mother and decided they wanted to be cool. They all ended up sick and none of them had touched a cigarette since. As much as the photographer wanted to learn more about his baby, it felt like they were talking as if he was dead.

"He will make it," he got up walking out the door heading to the exist. Pulling out a smoke, he tried lighting it but, his hands were trembling so much. "FUCK!" he shouted after his fourth attempt at lighting it.

"Edward?" turning around he saw Paul coming towards him. One look at his friend and Paul raced to his side and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Hey, shhhh," he kissed the photographer's head as again a flood of tears fell. Jasper came out and saw Paul with Edward and knew he would be okay. He needed to be with Seth who was holding up but, he knew that under it all he was breaking apart. The model looked up and nodded to Jasper as he lead the photographer to a bench seat. "Want to talk?" he asked after he had lit the smoke for his friend and handed it to him.

"Jake, he's been shot and it's my fault. God Paul, I'm going to lose him," he said wiping the tears from his face and looking down his arms resting on his legs. He went on to explain everything that had happened. Paul sat silently and rubbed circles on his back. When Edward had finished Paul pulled him up.

"Come on, let's get you some coffee I think we could both do with one," they made their way to the cafeteria. They took a seat by the window. Paul took Edward's hand in his and he made the photographer look at him. "You're in love with him," he stated.

Edward nodded and the tears splashed onto the table. He hadn't meant to have fallen in love. He knew that love hurt and he had vowed he would never love again. But, there he was, in love with a boy who wasn't even interested in him that way. "I can't do this. Not again," Edward began talking about his first love. Edward's mother walked in with Embry in tow.

"God, would you look at him," Paul moaned. Edward looked up and actually smiled. "Please be gay," Paul went to get up and head over to the couple. The photographer grabbed his hand and pulled him down.

"His name is Embry and he is Jake's best friend. Don't go there," Edward sighed. Paul pouted and sat down.

"Who is that with him?" he let his eyes wander over the pair.

"My mother," Edward waved them over knowing there was no way of avoiding the introductions. "I take it no news?" Both shook their heads and took a seat after ordering coffees. Embry blushed as Paul held out his hand to him. "Embry, this is my friend, Paul Lahote," the kid was doomed. He was smitten with the older man, it was obvious. "I should get back. Thanks for listening, Paul," he stood and kissed his friend's cheek.

"I'll come with you. You can help me take the coffees back," his mother giggled as she too could see that Embry was in no hurry to leave his new acquaintance. Edward would warn Embry off Paul. As much as he liked Paul, he would eat Embry for breakfast then spit him out. He could just see in his head what Jacob would say. Leah and Emmett had joined the group. Handing them all their coffees they again sat in silence. Embry walked in looking flushed behind him was Paul who was looking smug his eyes not leaving the younger man. The blonde could tell his lover was not happy with Paul being there. Whether it was because of him being there with his young friend or something else, he didn't know.

"Mr. Clearwater," the nurse came in the room and smiled at him. "He came through well. You can go see him shortly," she left the room as everyone let out a deep breath. Edward slumped into a chair and for only the second time in his life, he thanked god. He may not believe there was a god but, he damn well would thank him in case he was.

"Come on you, home to bed," Edward's mother ordered. Without argument he stood and farewelled his friends after getting assurances that he would be contacted if there was any news. The photographer slept a full eight hours having not being disturbed by a phone call.

He was at the hospital an hour after he had woken. Sitting outside, ICU he pulled out his phone and opened the message from Seth with Jacob dressed for his date with Nessie. He looked stunning and this would be how he remembered him if he lost him. The door opened and Jasper walked out with a very tired looking Seth leaning heavily on him. "You happy to stay with him for the day?" Jasper asked after greeting his friend.

Thanksgiving came and went as did Jasper's birthday. Jacob's condition continued to improve and the tube down his throat was removed and he breathed on his own. He was to be moved to a private room as soon as they brought him out of his coma. The days slipped into weeks and today was the day they would bring him out of his coma. Seth was worried that it was too soon but, he had to have faith the doctors knew what they were doing. Edward was sitting out in the corridor, the rest of the group had to get on with life. Embry was able to get Leah to take him on as an assistant in the meantime until he could get his portfolio ready. Emmett was looking after Jasper's business stepping up to the mark pretty fast. Paul too had left Rose's agency, leaving her desperate to get new models signed up. Her two best models gone and probably the next big name in modeling slipped from her fingers. The ward doors open and a bed was being pushed by an orderly and two nurses. Behind them came Seth leaning on his lover. Standing up Edward followed the small procession to the waiting private room. The injured man was still sleeping but, no longer in a coma. Once he was settled in his room, all three men got chairs and sat looking at Jacob. "This is much better, isn't it Jake?" Seth took his cousin's hand. "We will bring you things to make the room yours," he nodded his head to himself. "So, I need to think about Christmas shopping and another party for Jaz," he started talking just like he had when Jake was in his coma.

"Turn the light off," a husky voice murmured from the bed. Jasper jumped up and went to turn off the lights. Seth stood stroking his cousin's hair from his forehead. Jacob smiled at the simple touch and leaned into the hand that rested on his cheek. "My throat hurts," he said trying to lift his hand but, was too tired.

"Shhh, don't try to talk," Edward had left to get the nurse. He stood outside as staff came in and out of the room. Jasper came out and joined him a few minutes later.

"He's asking for you," he smiled. Pushing himself off the wall, the photographer couldn't help but smile. He went to the door and allowed the medical staff to leave before he entered the room. The young native was sitting up slightly, his eyes closed. Seth looked up and kissed his cheek saying he would see him soon. Nodding the young man opened his eyes and looked at the man standing at the end of the bed.