Mercy's still form was lying on a bed in the middle of the hospital room as Tyler walked in. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her and all the machines that she was connected to. Taking a seat in the armchair beside her bed, Tyler reached for her hand. He was so relieved that she was okay, but he wished Mercy would awaken. He desperately wanted to tell her how much he loved her, and how it scared him almost to death when he had found her shot on the filthy gravel.

He couldn't lose her, he didn't think he could bear it. He loved her so much. Tyler had developed his feelings for Mercy as soon as he knew about love. They had been the best of friends since kindergarten and he had never told her about how he felt because he thought it would jeopardize that friendship. He would rather be friends with her and hide his real feelings than go on with life without her close by his side.

But now he had ruined any chance of not having the latter. In less she somehow magically returned his feelings…

Tyler sighed, gently caressing her hand. "Uh, Mercy, why did you have to get shot right after I kissed you? Why? I love you so much." He said the last part in a whisper, bowing his head as he tried to contain his emotions.

"Tyler?" A strangled whisper sounded in the room.

His head shot up again to meet the now open eyes of his beloved. "Mercy," he let out a breath.

"What you just said, is it true?" She asked, confusing him.

"What did I just say?" he asked, having already forgotten.

"That you love me?" Tyler face flushed as he turned to the door.

"I better get the doctor and tell him you're awake…" he trailed off.

"Tyler!" Mercy's voice held authority despite her just getting shot. "Do you love me?"

He sighed. "Yes, Mercy, I do. I've loved you since 7th grade. I loved you with all of my heart, more than I ever thought possible."

Mercy's eyes closed for a moment and it freaked Tyler out. Was she repulsed by his feelings towards her? Would this ruin any chance of them talking to each other?

"I love you too."

The voice was so quiet that Tyler asked, "What?" to make sure he heard correctly.

"I love you," she spoke louder forcing him to make eye contact with her.

"You do?" He questioned, his voice cracking. Gosh, he was acting like a love-struck teen, but then, he figured he was.

"Yes, now just shut up and kiss me."

Tyler didn't hesitate to lower his face to her's. The kiss was tender and soft since Tyler remembered she was still in a hospital bed, but it was magical. All of Tyler's and Mercy's suppressed emotions went into that kiss, and they both let out a sigh of contentment when they finally parted, resting their foreheads against each other's.

"Well, I'm glad we got that out of the way," Mercy breathed. "The 'I love you' part, not the kissing. I could kiss you forever. I'm just going to stop now."

Ty smiled at her flushed face. Giving her a quick peck on the lips, he said, "I better get the doctor now, and I think your parents might be here."

"Ok," Mercy reached her arm to rearrange her pillows but then gasped in pain. "My shoulder," she cried. Tyler rushed to her side gently rubbing his thumb over her non-injured hand.

"Yeah, the doctor told us that you got shot in the shoulder and you've fractured your wrist when you feel. Same arm, by the way." Tyler explained.

"That's just great," Mercy said sarcastically, her face in a grimace as she tried to move her fingers.

"Hey, don't move," Tyler ordered. "I'll get the doctor and he'll give you some painkillers."

"I'll try."

...oOo…

Outside in the waiting area, Ryder and I were talking about who could have done this terrible thing. Of course, there was the chance it was an accident, but who would be shooting a gun in an alleyway in the early morning in Riverdale? I know this town was messed up, but not that bad I hoped.

We were going through a list of people who would've wanted to harm Mercy, which consisted of no one of yet, when Tyler came into the room, a smile on his face. I stood up to greet him.

"I'm guessing by that smile that she's awake,' I assumed.

"Yep, and we admitted our feelings to each other," he grinned. "I know it sounds cheesy, but I'm the happiest guy on Earth right now, and the only thing that could make it better is if Mercy miraculously got healed right now."

I laughed at his words, happy that my two good friends had finally shared their feelings. It was driving me crazy! Tyler turned towards Mercy's parents.

"Ryan, Ana, glad you're here, even if such unfortunate circumstances."

Tyler had been friends with Mercy long enough that he called her parents by their first names.

"How's Mercy?" Ana asked him.

"She's fine," Tyler assured them both. "I just saw her and she woke up and she's alright. In a bit of pain, but nothing some painkillers won't fix."

"Do you think we can see her?"

"I'll ask the nurse," Tyler offered. "I just told the doctor that she was awake, so I think they're asking her some questions about how she feels right now."

It was a few hours later when I finally had my turn to see Mercy. "Hey you," I greeted cheerfully as I perched on the edge of her bed. "Sleeping in I see."

"Haha very funny," Mercy smiled. "I have to tell you what happened earlier-"

"Let me guess, you were in a comma, and Tyler was sitting beside you and he told you he loved you and you woke up, said the same thing and you kissed for hours."

Mercy's mouth gaped open. "We didn't kiss for hours, more like a minuted, but how did you know?"

"Tyler isn't particularly good at waiting patiently, and he told me everything."

"Of course he did," Mercy rolled her eyes. Mercy chatted for a while, going on and on about how nice it was to finally be with Tyler, while I sat there, glad that Mercy had found happiness in the midst of all this drama.

"We have to catch whoever did this to you," I told Mercy, covering her hand with my own. "We just have to."

Author's note: Hey you guys! I hope you liked this chapter. Sorry about the super cheesiness about Mercy and Ty, but I hoped it was worth it ;) It's really weird writing about those two because I used my brother's name for Tyler because I wanted to get a brotherly feel, and my friend's name is Mercy, so it's a bit weird. I should have thought of that before I started writing! ;)

Anyway, please please please let me know what you think, I am dying for some reviews!

By the way, thanks to megan for commenting, and I will try to add in as much as I can from them:)

Stay tuned for the next chapter where the team's investigating skills come into play.

Xx G