Without Control ((FULL))

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Aaron Royce Lee

Aaron chuckled and shook his head. 'A bit of money my a**...' But the boy was not only impressed by the quality of the food, but the quality of Trouble's company. It was incredibly nice to be able to eat lunch with a friend and forget all the drama of the last twenty four hours. He even forgot about Ronnie, Kaino, and Ash; for awhile, he was just Aaron, hanging out with a friend, laughing, talking, and eating like a normal person.

After awhile, Aaron noticed that his headache was gone and he felt fully relaxed for the first time since his coma. He also felt incredibly tired. "Thanks for the food, man. It was awesome. And this was nice... just hanging out with you." Aaron shrugged and set aside his empty dishes. "You mind if I take a nap? I think that morphine's getting to me..."

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Aaron Royce Lee

Aaron smiled and curled up under the covers. It took him all of thirty seconds to fall asleep. In those thirty seconds, his thoughts mainly focused on the boy in the other bed. 'Well, at least he's happier now... Wonder where he got that "bit" of money... Comfy pillow...'

****

Thanks to Trouble, the two more days it took for Aaron to be allowed to leave the hospital didn't seem long at all. He shifted a bit uncomfortably as they left the building, wearing Tank's hand-me-downs. They were far too big, but luckily Tank was his same height, so they weren't too short. He glanced at Trouble guiltily. "This really is awesome of you, man... I don't need my own room or bed, I don't wanna put you out... I can just crash on the couch for awhile... or the floor... You know, whatever."

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Aaron Royce Lee

"Well, okay..." Aaron couldn't talk for the rest of the way to Trouble's house. He was too shocked, and he felt like his face had frozen into an expression of pure disbelief. He got out of the car woodenly and stood there, just staring at the house for several minutes, still unable to talk. Finally, he was able to form thoughts and words again. "Well, um... I guess there will be plenty of couches to choose from, huh?" he joked weakly.

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Aaron Royce Lee

Aaron chuckled at Trouble's eagerness and obeyed, entering his room and just looking around, his expression surprised and pleased as he took it all in. Cerulean walls and ceiling with black baseboards, the large bed decorated in the same colors, a bookcase that included every volume of Loveless so far, a TV and entertainment center with several game consoles and all the Guitar Hero games. A nice-sized desk with drawing supplies and a computer. "Sean, this is... It's awesome... I love it," he said, turning and beaming at his friend. "I might never leave this room," he said, lazily flopping over onto his bed and grinning up at the ceiling.

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Aaron Royce Lee

"You did an awesome job... I love this room." Aaron gasped and stumbled along when Trouble yanked him up and dragged him out back. He laughed breathlessly and closed his eyes, not having any idea of what the surprise could be.

Aaron was curious to bursting by the time they reached their destination, and looked the instant he was given permission. He gasped and ran over to the brand new, shiny, blue Charger, not even daring to touch it. "Oh, my god, it's beautiful... I think I want to marry this car..." His eyes widened and he looked over at Trouble in complete disbelief. "Wait... no way, this... Is this for... me?"

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Aaron Royce Lee

Aaron looked from Trouble, to the car, and back again, completely floored. It was too much, far too much. Even as Erin, nobody had ever spent or given him this much before. But he couldn't bring himself to refuse the gifts.

For one thing, it was beyond nice to have someone not only care about him, but caring enough to want Aaron to have nice things and be taken care of. And for another, Trouble looked so excited and eager... Aaron couldn't bring himself to be the reason that smile left Trouble's face. So instead he gave the boy a one-armed hug and smiled from ear to ear at the thought of getting a home, his dream car, and the best friend ever all in one day. "Hey, I'm not arguing... This is quite possibly the best day of my life." He grinned and held out his free hand for the keys. "What do you say we see what this beauty can do?"

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Dr. Sirrah Rawlings

Sirrah tossed and turned in her bed, moaning and shivering in fear. She'd been plagued by horrible nightmares ever since she'd found out what happened to Ash, and it was beginning to take its toll. The dreams mainly revolved around Kaino. The very worst nightmare wasn't when he tore everyone she knew to pieces, or the one where Ronnie was killed in front of her, or even when Sirrah was forced through her dreams to witness the making of every injury on Ash's body. The worst was when Kaino appeared before her and sincerely thanked her for her part in helping him accomplish his sick ends. That one always made her wake up screaming.

She clawed her way out of the nightmare, sitting up in bed panting and crying. Sirrah let out a long, shuddering sob when she realized it had just been another dream. The nights without sleep were starting to show on the half-demon's face; dark circles under her eyes and a glazed look became her constant companions.

Sirrah knew she wasn't the only one suffering from heart-crushing guilt. She could hear Kevin in the bathroom being sick again, even though it was four in the morning. She went and knelt beside him, placing her hand on his back in a weak gesture of comfort. Sirrah didn't know what to say. There was nothing they could do to rectify their mistake, and nothing anyone could say to convince the Rawlings that they were not to blame for Ronnie's death and Ash's rape.