So not tons to say. More of a fill in chapter though that wasn't my original intention. I must warn that Chris has an alias in this story. Will be explained why later of course. I also didn't go into much on Piers' squad because I felt it would clutter everything up and drag the story on. Unless people feel more interested to reading about them they won't really play a big part.

I was very pleased to receive reviews at all. It's been quite a long time since I wrote anything. If anyone wants to chitchat hit me up with a pm!

Waking up was hell. Everything hurt. His neck, his head, his chest. Even his ass felt as though someone had used it as a car bumper in a collision. Shifting around on the flimsy mattress didn't alleviate the ache in his hips or back. Piers didn't want to bother opening his eye given the bit of light was enough to burn. There was a beep that gave him a continuous, pained throb in his head every time it went off. A hospital monitor, a sound he knew all too well. He was alive, again. The thought wasn't the least bit comforting.

"Piers?"

It was deep, but soft. The familiar voice had him cracking his eye open. He immediately regretted that action and shut it tight, moaning with displeasure.

"Keaton? The hell…" The other person's hand gripped his tight.

"It's okay Piers. Finn's alive."

The man tensed at the news, remembrance to the night before reemerging in his thoughts. Finn's disappearance, the thugs, the attractive man. How did he get out of there alive? The men had guns and they were outnumbered.

"I don't understand." His voice was scratchy and sounded almost alien. He tried to swallow for moisture but it did little to ease the ache.

"What Piers? Finn pulled through surgery he made it out alive." Keaton gripped his hand tighter and Piers slowly shook his head.

"I don't understand how we made it out alive…" There was a moment of silence before a light chuckle reverberated through the room. It had the injured man further baffled. Piers attempted to crack his eye open again his comrade, the other man staring down before him. All he could see was a giant blob of a mess mixed with bright light and sighed in exasperation.

"I don't know the details man, we showed up late to the party. You should have saved us a piece." The attempt at humor only further displeased Piers, his face must have shown it as Keaton merely chuckled at him again letting go of Piers' hand to lightly pat him on the shoulder. "Andy got there first. I got there after the ambulance hauled you away, so I only got to hear a little of it. There was a guy, some beefy son of a bitch. He said you took the bullet for him." Piers heart picked up as he nodded in memory. A gun aimed at them, more enemies, he could remember the gun in the man's hand but nothing after. "So story was he took out the S.O.B's, which doesn't surprise me none since I caught a glimpse of him before the cops hauled him in for questioning. He showed up an hour ago asking about you and Finn but since you were both still out he left. I don't know where he is now."

The sniper sat up slowly, feeling immensely weak. Blinking rapidly he tried to adjust to the light while gritting to the pain. "Finn… where is he?" Keaton walked towards the door looking out it.

"They have the little guy in intensive care. He should be out soon since they had him in there mostly for observation. Give me a minute I'll get you something to drink and let the guys know you are okay. They'll want to see you." The man gave Piers a wink he didn't see and left. Shifting around on his bed Piers couldn't really get comfortable, he needed to go to the bathroom too. He debated if he should try to get to the bathroom on his own or wait for Keaton to come back. He pressed his lips together in displeasure at the thought of receiving help for something so basic.

In the following months to the disaster that claimed his arm, he had been basically inept in the beginning. People had to do everything for him. It took months in training his left hand to not only be the dominate hand but also capable of doing things one normally didn't do one handed. Opening a can of soda, pulling up a zipper, tying his shoes. Piers had to relearn it all.

Taking a deep breath as he held in noises of discomfort, he scooted forward inching toward the edge of the bed. He was at least grateful the bullet went through his right side instead of his left. The person missed his heart completely and didn't put his good arm out of commission. He chuckled darkly with a laugh that ended in a cough. A terrible thing to being pleased about and it was a reminder to his crappy luck as of late.

He found the switch on the heart monitor machine flipping it off, pulling off the various tabs on his chest. Undoubtedly the nurse will complain to him later about it. Gripping his IV he took a very slow, cautious step to the ground, the chilly floor unpleasant but the medical staff didn't give him any slipper socks it seemed.

He very nearly slipped within the first two steps. He had not expected to be so drained, his body felt as though he had the weight of another person on his back. Piers stood there unmoving for a few minutes before he attempted to move again. The feeling didn't get any better but he continued more carefully. Walking to the bathroom barely six feet away should not have been so hard. Though he least could walk at all.

Once in the bathroom, using the toilet had become its own adventure. He took so long he was in the middle of washing his hands when he heard Keaton's return. Sure enough there was a horde of people with him, Piers could hear their footsteps. There was a small part of him that wanted to stay and hide in there. An irrational side of him desired to not appear as weak as he really was in front of his squad. He use to lead these men, but now he was a cripple. Pushing that thought aside to the back of his mind, he opened the door, their once loud voices going silent as he met nine pairs of eyes.

Apparently the thing he had to most worry about was the back beating and loud cheers after. Cries of 'way to go captain' and 'good job' reaching his ears, sending a wrecking ball to his brain. He would have stumbled to the ground if there weren't a dozen hands pushing him every which way. Their over enthusiastic behavior making him want to go back to sleep with a morphine injection. He swung his hand around raising his voice.

"Enough! One at a time. My head hurts, my body hurts, my soul hurts. Let me at least get back to bed before you take turns abusing me." They made room to allow Piers to grandpa shuffle to the bed though he didn't miss how each man gripped his shoulder a bit tight in his passing them in case he would fall. His chest grew tight.

The quiet didn't last long. Just before he got in the bed there was a wolf whistle behind him. It took a moment to realize it was due to the fact, in his hospital gown; his ass was hanging out on display.

"Dammit, Jeff you are worse than a dog." Ben said berating the man. After which the African American started barking and ended with an intentionally heavy pant having everyone in the room laughing. Piers rolled his eye and practically fell into the bed, just glad to be off his feet. He was tucking himself back in the sheets when Keaton handed him a large styrofoam cup filled with water. Piers gave a nod in thanks and gratefully drank up the contents.

"Might I ask how it is all of you are here instead of on base?" When he had finally drank his fill, he inquired. These men weren't exactly on shore leave. They were currently on active duty and only even in the same state as him as they were preparing for their next mission, the base not far from Piers' residence. Finn was the only one who had requested leave, months prior, as the boy had wanted to visit Piers and see how he was fairing.

"You know we got out early on good behavior." Jeff shrugged throwing his hands up carelessly.

"All lies, we dug a tunnel and swam through a sewer line to be here for you." Reid spoke up, peeking his head out from behind Jeff and Marco, receiving an elbow from the latter.

"We were given until nightfall to come here and only because Captain Stone is covering us from the higher ups." Ben answered ever the rational one. "He is good man and a decent Captain, you'd like him Piers." Piers nodded his head and hid the look of distaste behind his cup. He didn't like the reminder of his replacement on the team, but given they were here, risking punishment, he appreciated their devotion in the face of his removal. He also noticed there was another missing amongst them.

"Where is Kirk?" Piers' good eye darted around the room.

"He is staying near to Finn for when he wakes up." The others were noticeably quieter after Ben shared that bit of sobering information. "They had hit him on the back of his head several times, probably to get him down without a fight, used glass bottles to beat him with and cut him up. They found some of the broken pieces in him during surgery. He has a concussion, minor lacerations and some internal bleeding. They said after everything it looked worse than it was. No broken bones, no ruptured organs and they got to him early enough." Piers stared at his bed sheets, expression unreadable. He received another not so gentle slap to his good arm, grimacing but otherwise silent to the action. It was Andy.

"Hey, no sweat. The kid will make it through, he receive worse from us. You need to get better because when we leave it's up to you to watch him. His folks are on the way and I so don't want to be here when that happens. That's all you captain." Piers started sulking, giving the man his meanest stink face to which they laughed. He liked it better when he was their captain and he could order them to shut up. When Piers thought about it, he couldn't actually recall them listening to him off the field. He just must have been that much of a push over for a commander.

It was in the middle of his former team laughing at his expense that the door received a knock, though it wasn't closed. It had been done most likely to announce the new arrivals presence. Piers had been presented with the back of everyone's head. He couldn't see a thing from his position with the mass of bodies in the room either.

"I didn't mean to interrupt, I was told by your friend that Piers had woken up. I was hoping to say a few words, unless you are busy." Piers' heart started pounding again as he grew nervous. Though he could not see his face he recognized the voice. It was that man again. His skin flushed and Keaton, who turned to him, took notice.

"Yo, beefcake, get in here. We are having a get well party and Piers could use some entertainment." Andy crudely said. Piers turned red to his toenails. Of all the places to have gotten in a scuffle at. The cracks at his expense would never end now. He hid his face in his hand. The other man merely laughed at the comment.

"Well, I'm off duty and after you took a swing at me, I'm charging double." The dancer strutted in the room causing the men to separate to make room for him. He carried with him a brown bag, unmarked, and a pink box. His hair was flat as opposed to the spiked style he had earlier and he wore a black wool coat that went down halfway to his thighs, a blue t-shirt with a dark pair of jeans which the hazel eye man was almost disappointed over. He looked better without clothes. His eyes met Piers' and he smiled warmly. The injured soldier felt helplessly trapped and increasingly less like a man. It was bad enough he was blushing like an inexperienced virgin watching an erotic film, but he had a damn audience while doing it.

The other man put the bag and box down on the end table by his bed before he turned to Piers unfazed by all the men staring at him. This should have not have been surprising to Piers, the man was undoubtedly use to being gawked at. It was Andy who broke the silence.

"Come on how was I supposed to know you weren't the man who hurt my bros? I said I was sorry and you damn near ripped my arm off! I think I deserve a freebie!" The man laughed and it hypnotized Piers. It was so deep and throaty. He probably had a very nice bedroom voice.

"We weren't exactly formerly introduced. I'm Christian. Christian Wentworth, but please, call me Chris. I came to thank you. I'm glad to see you are alright." Chris ignored Andy's comment and addressed Piers, reaching out his left hand offering a handshake to which the other man remained frozen. It got awkward and Chris retracted his hand after a long period of silence. The burly man studied Piers' face an expression of worry and concern in his eyes, as though maybe Piers' condition was the cause for him not reacting. Doug discreetly pinched Piers' foot, getting him to respond.

"O-oh well ahhh, I was just trying to ummm. I was looking for Finn and…" Piers kept stuttering and embarrassing himself. It didn't help his friends were looking at him poking each other and giggling like gossipy schoolgirls. He closed his eye and tried again this time adding more confidence in his voice. 'No need to look like a complete ass.'

"I did what I had to save my friend and to help you out. I should be thanking you for saving us. You have my gratitude."

Chris smiled, the worry in his eyes fading. "Considering that bullet would have been in my head instead of your chest I think I'm a bit more in your debt, but I appreciate your thanks. It's not much but I brought you a meatball sandwich and some desserts. Hospital food isn't the greatest and these are pretty delicious in my opinion."

"Hey come on Chris, the guy took a bullet for you, think the least you could do give him a blow job." Everyone was deathly quiet after Andy's outburst. The man must have had balls of stone standing next to the huge man like that after such a comment. Piers was horrified, his mouth agape. Chris merely raised a brow staring at the other man next to him. There was a great of time that the dancer did not react, a serious contemplative expression on his face.

"You're right." They were the last words anyone expected to hear. Piers almost wanted to ask if it was really Chris who had responded and not one of his teammates in jest. The sniper was ready to hyperventilate in embarrass nervousness, blood thrumming through his veins, breath quickening. There were many thoughts going on in his head, but simultaneously none at all. If he were asked to speak right then there was no way he could even garble out a sound.

"It would be the least I could do, but I would only be thinking of you the whole time gorgeous and that's not fair to Piers." It was uttered in a very lust fueled, deep tenor surprising everyone and stimulating Piers. The sniper stared in horror as Chris entered Andy's personal bubble, head tilted with an inviting look in his eyes. He had his lower lip trapped at the side with his teeth sporting an all too smug smile. One hand was raised and placed on the equally shocked Andy's chest caressing him, seductively sliding towards his abdomen. Piers had been furiously jealous at the action. Andy had looked ready to shit himself in that moment, frozen in terror.

Then Chris pushed him lightly and laughed taking a step back.

"If you are going to tease people about sex all the time you really ought to be able to handle a joke yourself." He continued with a deeper chuckle before it became a loud roar staring at Andy's blushing, confused, slightly terrified stare. It was then everyone else, who had been quiet and just as shocked, started laughing with him. "Kid I've dealt with more ornery people than you. They were a great more shameless and clever too."

Piers had been less amused but remained quiet, almost mad at himself.

Reid spoke up. "What the fuck is ornery?"

Jeff shook his head with a huge grin answered. "I haven't heard that word in ages. My granddad talked like that. It means dirty bastard basically. "

"Something like that. I'm not exactly a young guy myself, though I wouldn't say I'm anyone's grandfather." Chris shook his head crossing his arms. Andy, who had settled down from his shock, had looked vexed. He moved none too discreetly away from the other man given his pride had been wounded.

"Really now, just how old are you then?" Keaton inquired. Chris looked at him and shook his head.

"Isn't it impolite to ask an old man his age?"

"That only works with ladies. I ask because you don't exactly look like you wear depends and I honestly doubt you."

"Flattering really, but I'm a little older than you think."

"Hmmm thirty?"

"You really want to know don't you."

"I do."

Chris was quiet for a moment, an easy going smile on his face. Piers wanted to say something to change the conversation so Chris didn't grow more uncomfortable, but he was honestly curious himself. After a moment Chris raised his hand wagging his finger lightly.

"You have three guesses. Get it and I'll tell you. Don't and you stop asking. Soldier's honor?" Keaton looked surprised for a moment before he nodded.

"Honestly what are you a woman? Why the games?" Jeff complained, shaking his head. Chris gave him a sardonic smile.

"What can I say, I thrive tormenting young whippersnappers." He had finished that last word in an exaggerated old man's voice. "First guess and your buddies don't get to ask me later either because I won't answer."

"Thirty-three."

"Nope." Keaton started thinking hard about it. Doug leaned over and whispered something in his ear. He paused a moment thinking it over before speaking out.

"Thirty-five?"

"Maybe you are going too low try higher! Like forty!" Jeff said. Chris raised a brow.

"Does he look forty to you?" Marco responded. "Oh dear god why are we talking about this. I feel like I have a vagina."

"Guys this is quite ridiculous." Piers finally spoke out, voice carrying a great deal more authority from before. "It's his business, leave it alone. I'm sorry Chris, you picked a bad time to visit. I appreciate you coming here." He offered the other man a genuine smile. It wasn't as if he had wanted to chase the other man off, but subjecting him to his less than considerate former squad was not very thoughtful either. He was also quite ashamed at himself, getting emotional and flustered so easily without just provocation. "Thanks for the food especially. I've had more than I can stand of hospital gruel in my lifetime."

"You're welcome. I brought you coffee but given I have not slept all night I drank it, so you are on your own there." Chris' easy smile dropped slightly as he spoke his next words. "I didn't get to hear anything on your friend's condition. Is he okay?" It surprised Piers a little how sincere the other man was. It wasn't just polite sympathy, he honestly looked a little afraid to hear the answer.

"Finn's alive in ICU, but I don't know much else. Keaton did they tell you?"

"Just that he was concussed and under observation. He is doing pretty well considering they don't think there is long term damage but he is going to need recovery time. They'll probably let you out in a day or two Piers but Finn will be here for several more at least. They'll be able to tell us more once he wakes up." Chris nodded, looking less worried but still grim.

"I suppose I'll come in for another visit then." Piers' eye lit up at that. "I should go now so your friends can go back to harassing you instead of me. It was a pleasure meeting you though. Get better, I want to see you on your feet next time." When Chris' carefree smile came back the sniper's stomach did a flip, he merely nodded his head not trusting himself to speak. Chris reached over boldly and gave Piers' good hand a firm squeeze, as though the action was to urge him well before letting it go moments later. The older man turned, his gaze falling to Andy giving him a devious smirk before leaving with a chorus of goodbyes following him to the door. Keaton slipped out of the room behind him without much of a word. Reid walked his way up to Piers nudging the snipers legs over taking a spot on his bed, a mischievous look in his eyes. Piers didn't like it one bit apprehension building in his stomach.

"So, Captain, not bad. You know for a guy anyway." The marksman glared at Reid which only made the man's green eyes glimmer brighter, smile widening. "Come on I'm being serious, you were only drooling all over yourself, kind of hard not to notice." Piers' good eye was a slit, his lips so tightly pressed together they were white, and he was also worried that Chris could still hear his comrades barely waiting for the man to be out the door before taunting him.

"In all fairness I did think he took that puddle in your lap fairly well. You should have asked for his number." Jeff said worsen Piers' mood.

"I think I've heard enough. If you are quite finished don't let the door hit your ass on the way out."

"Oh Captain started cursing, he means business fellas." Reid mocked, never knowing when to quit.

"Guy's just drop it. Piers could do better." Andy cut in, a touch of anger in his voice.

"You're just mad because he showed you up, looks and quick tongue. Think you hit it big Cap." Doug responded to Andy pressing salt into the tender wound, ending with a lecherous look at Piers.

"Dude he is a stripper, don't you think Piers couldn't do better?" Marco said. Piers was momentarily offended for Chris.

"You wouldn't be upset at that because of what happen last time you went home with a stripper would it Marco?" Jeff smiled, all teeth and mocking. Marco bristled, shaking his head and glowering.

"You just can't be sure of people like that is all. He probably uses his good looks to take advantage of guys all the time."

"Yup you are totally going off your experience. Don't listen to him, Piers, he is butt hurt. You know better."

"In light of my injuries what I'd love is if we could drop it and let me actually have some peace." Piers replied. He reached out to the bag of food Chris left the smell calling to him, making his stomach grumble and ache with want. Looking in the bag there was in fact two sizable rolls and it had him pause a moment. Chris probably got the other for Finn. It made Piers morose. Not particularly cheerful he began working over his sandwich not able to enjoy it as much as he wanted.

Before anyone could start arguing again a nurse came in, middle aged and on the bigger side, looking at everyone in surprise until her eyes landed on Piers chewing on his sandwich.

"Who brought you that? That's too heavy in fat and grease for your body to be handling right now." Piers glared taking another defiant bite. He'd be damned before he would give up his sandwich. Reid slid off the bed and out of the woman's line of vision, letting Piers handle her wrath.

"If you don't mind I'm rather hungry, and as sure as you might find something properly nutritional to help my recovery progress, I'm not up for eating chicken broth and crackers." Taking another generous bite the woman looked agitated. Most the men around her tried not to laugh too loudly, choking down the sounds immaturely.

"Mr. Nivans, you've loss quite a bit of blood and have been heavily medicated it's not wise to be putting something so heavy in your system. We are here to help you live and you make that difficult gorging on heart attack level meals."

"If I am to die today I think I'd rather go out on something tasty and not with a lecture. Is there anything you have to discuss with me?" Piers took another bite for emphasis, the displeasure rising on her face as well as the sound of cackles in the room.

"Damn captain, you a hard man. It's not nice to be mean to such pretty ladies." Doug slid up to the nurse with a wink, her aggravation becoming more prominent with the action. She dismissed him completely.

"Also Mr. Nivans, though it is visiting hours having so many guests is too exciting for someone in your condition and has not been approved. I need to conduct an examination of you and everyone needs to leave."

"I'm sure it can wait mam. I'm not done my sandwich." Piers was only about halfway and slowing down. It was a rather big roll.

" I have other patients to attend too and I'd like to check on your status." She was almost speaking through clenched teeth.

"Then you can go attend to them. I'm fine; don't let me hold you up in your work." Piers remained indifferent while the woman was practically seething.

"I need to exam you now so I must ask you to stop eating and have your friends leave. I don't want to have to get hospital security."

"Mam I'm really tired and I don't want to argue over this. I don't want to have to get out of this bed and walk out of this building but I assure I will if you can't patiently wait until I'm done. This is a hospital, not a prison, you aren't my warden. I ask you calmly put aside your aggression as it's unprofessional." The look on her face was menacing. Piers was sure she was ready to rip into him with a scalpel at that point, instead she thundered out of the room sure to go seek out someone of authority to try and make Piers more complacent. He shook his head and dug into his food again.

"Way to go Piers. It's quite obvious you don't deal with women much. I think you ought to keep it that way." Reid laughed shaking his head.

"Just don't like being in hospitals, and I don't care for them dictating people around." Piers shrugged after his reply.

"No one can hate you for feeling that way Piers." The memory of what had transpired months previously is what had Marco choose those particular words. "But we do have to go captain. Your mom should be here soon to keep you company. Heard she got on the first flight out this morning. Don't know who is coming with her." Marco didn't say it outright but Piers understood the underlining meaning.

'Wasn't expecting to see him anyway.'

"Got to get back to base to start the party with hookers and booze. Nothing you'd find that interesting, we'll keep in touch. Let us know when Finn gets his lazy ass out of bed." Reid walked up to Piers patting him on the shoulder with smile before stepping away.

"Don't lie Reid, you are just scared of Nursezilla coming back to give you an enema. I don't want my rectum defiled captain; I'm totally running out of here. Also you ought to not sleep tonight if you going to continue to harass the staff like that." Jeff said saluting Piers before walking to the door.

"I guess we are going then, I'll go get Kirk so he can come see you before we leave." Ben had said before nodding to Piers, leaving to find said man.

One by one everyone said goodbye to Piers and he was disappointed to see them go. It wasn't so much that he was lonely over their departing, though there was a bit of that. It was another reminder how he was not ever going to be out on a mission again. He had worked hard from his youth, working to his life's goal of becoming a military man and defending his country. Now he could no longer do that. He wouldn't be getting out of this bed when he was better and going out to the battlefield. He did his best to hide such thoughts as he parted with his former squad. Keaton came back in just as everyone exited.

"Keaton, hope you do well looking out for everyone so they don't stress your new captain, I'm counting on you to be the reasonable one."

"Piers, are you going to say anything to Chris?" The question confused Piers, catching him off guard.

"About what?"

"Can't say I know his answer, but you should ask him out when he comes back. Be a shame if you missed out on the chance."

"Keaton, not you too. Don't make this a bigger deal than it is." Piers ran a frustrated hand through his hair, somewhat embarrassed.

"I think it is a big deal. How many months has it been since you even looked at another person that way? The worse he can say is no Piers and I don't think being a coward suits you at all. See you captain." Keaton didn't stick around to listen to hear Piers' response. Watching his comrade walk out the door, he gritted his teeth with a hiss, the comment stinging.

He hated how no one seemed to get it. They didn't understand. He didn't lose just his arm and an eye. He lost so much of himself as a person. He wasn't as confident and composed as he once was. Adjusting to this new life was hard and he was dealing but often he found himself wandering why he even bothered. Morbidly at times, he wondered why he was even still alive.

He lost his dream; he didn't want to spend his life behind a desk. He was always prepared to die for the cause but he wasn't suited to living without it. His self-esteem, his direction in life. Shot to hell with the grenade. He wasn't okay with himself, why would someone else want that kind of damage package? To Piers is didn't seem fair either.

Not so hungry anymore he tucked his sandwich away back in the bag placing it on the table his gaze catching on the pink box. Not that one could really miss it being so brightly colored, but it wasn't as if it trumped importance verse his increasingly depressing thoughts.

He reached for the container reading 'Jessica's Treats' on the cover. Pulling up the lid he wasn't overly surprised to find cookies inside. What was unexpected was the shape of the cookies. They were cut into hearts with different words written on them in icing. 'Get Well. Tough cookie. My hero.' The last one he studied. He heard that word thrown around quite a lot in the last year. Yet he was feeling something staring at the sugary treat that hadn't hit him before.

"Piers?" Looking up Piers saw Kirk standing there but he wasn't alone. The doctor was there too along with his mother. Even with Marco's warning it was still quite emotional seeing her again given what had happen the last he saw her. He wasn't sure what to say while trying hard not to think too much. Now wasn't a good time to ponder over bad memories.

"Hello mother. Kirk." He closed the box placing it back on the table, not bothering to look his mother in the eyes too long. The doctor, a younger woman than the nurse, went to the foot of the bed to check Piers' chart while his mother came to his bedside looking down at him with quite a pitiful expression that only made Piers' more ill ease. Kirk stayed by the doorframe as though to keep a distance from the conflict that was sure to ensue. Putting on the least awkward smile he could he addressed him. "Thanks for coming Kirk you saw Finn right? Is he okay?"

"He is still in the same condition at the moment. He isn't up yet either. The staff said they'd let you know when he is awake. So you be sure to leave us a message okay? We'll get it when we get back." Kirk tried his best to smile too but he could feel the awkward tension in the room. Piers smiled with a little more heart at the thought, Kirk wasn't alone in the feeling.

"Yeah I'll do that. Don't wait too long to come around again. Talk to you later."

"Nothing set yet Piers but the guys and I were hoping we can get command to give us a weekend to come see you. We'll let you for sure know later. Stay away from bullets before then alright?" Kirk gave him a parting smile and left. Piers was now at the mercy to the doctor and his mother. He really wished he had the strength to walk again.

"Mr. Nivans you are looking better than I anticipated you to be. How are you feeling?" The young doctor inquired. Piers looked to his mother for a moment, her sad hazel eyes boring into him quite intensely. He dropped his frail smile, turning his attention to the doctor answering honestly.

"I've been better."