Torn and Broken

no. why should it be. His loss I say.

Tiph was soooo tired of hearing the two arguing. She was worried about Gabe, and she actually agreed with Eze, to a point. She didn't see anything wrong with Laz, and he could totally take care of Lexi and protect her if need be. Mikko on the other hand, yeah she needed to stay away, course Tiph had other reasons she didn't want the girl around.God would you two just kiss already. jeeze.

Of course, Lexi only thought Ezekiel was playing around, even though he wasn't well known for that. Still, part of her wondered if he really wanted to be with her. She had always admired Ezekiel's strength and determination, but she had never considered him in any other way. He had always been off limits, for obvious reasons. He was Gabriel's brother. Yeah.. he had to be teasing.


Suddenly Tiph spoke up with an outrageous proposal and it completely caught Lexi off guard. After a moment, she was able to laugh it off, and leaned in to press a kiss against Ezekiel's cheek. "There... feel better, Zekie?"

Eze had always had a thing for Lexi, but like her, he knew that she was off limits. Not because of Gabe or anything, all is fair in love and war, but because she only seen him as a brother, and that was fine. He wouldn't mind her being with some other guy as long as that guy wouldn't put her life in danger.

He rolled his eyes at Tiph and gave a sideways grin at Lexi.

Not really. but it'll do.

"Aww, c'mon. You know that was the best kiss ever." Lexi managed a little grin, winking at him. Obviously she had never known that Ezekiel had a thing for her. She leaned back in her chair and cast a look in the operating room's direction, hoping there would be an update soon. It had been at least an hour, and she really wanted to know something. She was also hoping that Laz would hurry. What was taking him so long? He was ninja, after all.


"Maybe you and Tiph should date..." She suggested. Hell, why not. They were both single.

Tiph shook her head. Nah he has a thing for you. And she wasn't broken up about that, she never really found Eze attractive. And she still wasn't over Gabe. One day maybe she would tell Gabe how she felt, soon.

oh my god... Eze groaned.

Just then Laz walked up to the small group and he smiled at Lexi. You ok? he asked ignoring the others for now.

Well, judging by both Tip and Zeke's reactions, they wouldn't be tying the knot any time soon. Ezekiel's groan was certainly comical, though. Lexi pulled out her phone and was about to text Laz again, but as if on cue, the guy showed up, and it was like a weight was lifted from Lexi's chest. She was so glad to see him, and it brought forth all of the emotions that she had been trying to suppress.


Lexi was still smeared in Gabe's blood. The sight of her was probably scary to some of the other people waiting in the room, but this was a common thing for them. She pushed herself up and wrapped her arms around Laz neck, holding him tightly. She gave a slight nod at his question, even though she was still scared to death. "Thanks for coming.." She told him, and after a moment, she reluctantly released him and looked at Eze. "Zeke, this is Lazarus. Laz, Zeke.." God, she hoped Ezekiel would behave himself...

Ezekiel wasn't impressed. He gave the guy a nod ignoring Laz's out stretched hand. There would be no friendly handshake. He folded his arms and stared the man down. My brother is in there because he decided to befriend some girl who thought is was a smart idea to drop out of her gang. because Ezekiel saw the Foot as just another gang.

I hear you decided to leave too. So who's to say this shit isn't going to happen again? To Lexi, maybe. Can you promise that she's safe. Or for that matter, were you followed here? Maybe the foot are keeping track of us now. I don't like you being here. I want you to know that. And if anything happens to Lexi, I'll make sure your pain is so much worse.

________________________________________

Laz hugged lexi tightly and rubbed her back. When she introduced him to Ezekiel he put his hand out which went ignored. Then came Eze's words. It took him aback. So this guy didn't trust him and felt he shouldn't be around them. Honestly he understood where the thug was coming from. But that didn't mean he was going to abandon Lexi.

You don't have to worry about anything. I can take care of her. Laz looked at Lexi. He seems nice.

Lexi was hoping that Ezekiel would be nice, but of course, that was wishing for a lot. Still, she knew it could have been a whole lot worse, and Laz rolled with the punches beautifully. Still, she just wanted Ezekiel to give him a chance. Laz was an amazing guy, he deserved a chance to prove himself.


She gestured for him to take a seat because there was no way she was going to let Zeke run him off. When he finally settled into one of the chairs, she took a seat in his lap, and rested her head on his shoulder. Yeah, the guy wasn't going anywhere. Like Laz, Lexi could see where Ezekiel was coming from, to a point. But Laz was her friend.. and maybe something more.


"Yeah, he's a sweetheart.." She said, referring to Laz' comment about Ezekiel being nice. She then glanced over at Ezekiel. "Don't worry Zeke, you two will be buds before you know it."

Ezekiel was not happy about any of this. He felt they were being foolish. Here he was trying to protect everyone and no one was helping. Whatever... Eze slunk down in his chair and grabbed a magazine to pretend to read about expecting mothers.

Laz wrapped his arms around Lexi and gave her a squeeze. So have you all heard anything yet? Is Gabe going to be alright? He asked. He had no idea that Mikko was involved in all of this, for now he was just glad that Lexi was alright.

Lexi knew that Ezekiel wasn't happy, and part of her understood. But there was no way she could just shut Laz out of her life. As she had told him before, it was too late.She was already attached to this guy. He was good to her. While knowing him could put her life in danger.. he was worth the risks. She reached over and gave Ezekiel's knee a reassuring pat, then shook her head at Laz, frowning deeply.


"We don't know anything yet. They rushed him into the back. They had to sedate him just to get him into the doors...he has a phobia of hospitals." She explained. "I know, most people are afraid of hospitals, but he's seriously phobic of them."

Laz nodded and glanced over at the doors that lead to the surgery room. I'm sure we'll hear something soon. you need anything? coffee? a snack? I saw a vending machine on my way in. and I get the fear of hospitals. Mikko's not to fond of them either. She was...in and out of them a lot.

Continued from: Tower of Terror

---

As they started their trek towards the hospital, Raphael felt an 'intrusion' against his hand. It was enough to cause the Reptile to tense, then he saw what was going on. Mikko was holding his hand. Seriously? Wasn't this what couples did? Surely she didn't think they were a couple, right? Or did she? Chicks were crazy like that, or so he had heard. But he was a friggin' Turtle! It would never work..would it?


Then Raph decided that he was over analyzing this whole thing. She was just holding his hand, not asking him to go steady. Still, it was awkward and something out of his comfort zone.. He wanted to pull away, but girls were sensitive, right? Yeah... another tip from the television. Still, he couldn't help but notice how small her hand was compared to her.. and how easily he could hurt her. How easily he had hurt her...


The mutant made an attempt to release her hand, trying to be a subtle as possible. It was a huge relief when the hospital came into view. She was getting a little too touchy-feely...

Mikko noticed that he tensed up he must just be really shy, maybe he didn't like to show affection in front of his brothers. That was cute. She let go of his hand but not before giving it a squeeze. Yes Raph had hurt her, but it wasn't his fault. She held no dear of the turtle.

The hospital soon came into view and she stopped walking.

I can make it the rest of the way myself. you guys be careful going home.

She smiled up at Raph and grabbed him in a bear hug then let him go. Make sure you are free tomorrow night. You and I have a date. she told Raph.

...and the awkwardness continued. Not stopped right outside of the hospital, concealed by bushes that desperately needed tending to, Mikko wrapped her arms around him (as best she could) and hugged him tightly. Raph was taken aback, but finally gave her an awkward pat on the head. Yeah, that was smooth. Then she told him that they had a date? Well, that was a first. What the hell was he supposed to say?!


"...okay...I think.." He finally responded, giving a little wave. As she disappeared into the hospital, Raph's gaze shifted to his brothers, namely Leo. "Not one word!" He huffed, glaring daggers at the former leader.

Mikko would have planted a big kiss on Raph but didn't want his cock hulking out in front of everyone. So she returned the wave and waved to the others then ran in the hospital. She stopped by the front desk and after getting information on where Gabe was she headed upstairs.

Soon she spotted the others and walked up to them.

So how is he?

It seemed Mikko was really into his brother. Raph was harder to read so Leo wasn't sure if he was actually interested or not. If he wasn't, he hoped that he would tell Mikko soon and not lead her on. When Mikko vanished in the hospital and turned to Raph with an amused look on his face.

That was...sweet? So where you taking her? And when's the wedding?

Laz was so thoughtful. Here he was, worrying if Lexi needed anything, but all she wanted at the moment was comfort, and he was providing that. She shook her head at all of his offers, her gaze following his towards the cold looking double doors. It had been a little over four hours now since they had taken Gabriel back. Maybe that wasn't much considering that they were doing surgery, but why haven't they received an update yet?


Before those words could pass through her lips, Mikko finally made her appearance. Lexi was relieved the girl was in one piece, but obviously she had sustained a few injuries of her own. "We haven't heard anything yet.." She told the woman, secretly wondering how Tiph was feeling about Mikko being here. She knew of her friend's crush on Gabriel, and it was no secret that Mikko and Gabe had been together. More so, Lexi was worried about how Ezekiel would react...

Fortunately, before the gang leader could utter a word, one of the doctor's emerged from the double doors. Her once blue scrubs stained in Gabriel's blood. She wore a look of grimness on her features which caused Lexi's heart to stop. Had he died?


"Who here is family?" She asked, then looked at Lexi. She had recognized the girl from when she served her internship a few months ago. Gabriel would usually visit her outdoors, but he would never step inside the place. "Are you the girlfriend?" She asked. Lexi shook her head and pointed to Tiph, and then to Mikko.. wow. Yeah, that was confusing, but then she remembered that neither were girlfriends. Funny how stress could mess with your mind.


"But he's Gabriel's brother." Not blood of course, but that wasn't important. The doctor gave the man a questioning look. Ezekiel looked nothing like Gabriel, but she decided to let that go. These people were the only ones waiting to see if he was alive. "And his parents?"


Lexi shook her head. "They threw him out when he was eleven, so I doubt they would care now." This was driving Lexi insane! This woman just needed to let them know something!


With a nod, the doctor finally took a seat on the little coffee table that was situated in front of the group, wanting to be able to see all of them. It always felt rude only speaking to one worried family member. And this group obviously cared. They had stuck around.


"Is he... alive?" Lexi finally couldn't take it any longer. he doctor was taking her sweet time. That usually meant bad news. The doctor was quick to give a nod. "Yes, he's alive. He needed multiple transfusions throughout the operations, but we finally managed to get the bleeding under control. There was some internal damage. The knife nicked his lung and kidney, but we were able to repair the damage." She told them. "As you know, there is extensive damage to his back and unfortunately his spine was hit. The vertebrae was damaged so we put a metallic rod in to help support them as he heals. As with any spine injury, it can be touch and go and at this point, it's hard to determine if there will be any nerve damage. We will have to wait and see."


At this point, Lexi was pale. The injuries were far worse than any of them could anticipate. She swallowed thickly, trying to find her voice. "Can.. we see him?"


"Soon. We're getting him cleaned and bandaged, then we will put him in an ICU room." She told the group, then looked to Ezekiel.. the brother. "Do you have any questions, or concerns?"

Ezekiel was not happy about Laz being there and he made no effort to hid that fact. Then Mikko showed up. She looked pretty beat up herself, her cloths were torn and she had dried blood all over her, but other then she seemed fine. How the hell did she get out the tower? It didn't matter and he was about to get up to pull Mikko into the empty room across the hall when the doctor came in.

Of course she wanted to know who was family. Hospitals only talked to family members. When Lexi spoke up he sat up right in his chair and raised his hand a bit. indicating that he was in fact family.

Ezekiel knew that it would be bad news. But hearing that Gabe's spine was injured was not something he was expecting. Would Gabe be ok? would he be able to walk? Before he could ask these questions Mikko chimed in.

Will he be alright though? His spine...he'll be able to walk and everything right? You make him better. do what ever you have to do, I'll pay for what ever he needs.

Ezekiel frowned at that. He didn't want Mikko paying for anything, he didn't want any ties to this girl or to Laz for that matter. He shook his head.

No she wont. I'll take care of it. She's the reason Gabe's in there in the first place.

Mikko looked at Ezekiel in disbelief. What the hell was this guy saying!? Do you have a problem with me?

Ezekiel leaned forward in his chair. Yeah I do.

Mikko looked at the doctor and gave a small smile. Thank you for caring for Gabriel. emotions are high right now, we're all worried about him.

"It's too soon to tell. He may require some rehabilitation..." The doctor tried to explain, but then things became heated between one of the girlfriends and the brother. They were bickering back and forth, which wasn't uncommon in these situations. Then Mikko mentioned that everyone was stressed and that was understandable. It was a lot to take in. Especially considering that their friend would have a long road ahead of him. "As I was saying, he may require rehabilitation, so he is going to need a good support system.." The doctor told them.


"We have him on a morphine drip to help with the pain. I was going through his files and saw that he has been here before due to a drug overdose, among other things. So I didn't want to put him on something so potent, but considering his pain level, I think this is the right call."


Lexi gave a small nod. Indeed, she wasn't happy about the morphine, but what could they do? Let him suffer? No. He needed it. If it caused a relapse, then it was just one more thing they would have to deal with. She spared a glance at Ezekiel and Mikko, hoping those two would settle down. Then her gaze shifted to Tiph.. she was being too quiet...

Ezekiel settled down, for now. He listened to the doctor and nodded his head in understanding. Gabe would have a long road ahead of him. And of course they would all be by his side every step of the way.

Tiphanny didn't know what to think, or say, or do. She was the outcast of the group. She didn't know anyone that well still so she felt she had no say in anything, but she would support Gabe any way she could. right now though she was in shock. She had been in the gang for a while. But never seen anything like this. She felt the same as Ezekiel honestly. Mikko and Laz shouldn't have been there. and seeing what Gabe went through because of Mikko why was Lexi letting the woman stick around.

I need some air. She finally said and hurried away from the others to head outside.

It seemed as though things had settled down, for now. The doctor finally stood up and watched as the one girl headed outside. Obviously she needed some time alone. "If you all need anything or have any further questions, I will be here overnight." She told them. Just as she was about to slip back into the OR, one of the male doctors poked his head out to address her. "He's in his room, if they would like to see him..." He told her, then looked at the others. "We gave him a reversal, so he should be waking up soon."


The female doctor gave a nod, then looked at the others. "Are you ready to see him?" Translation. Were they prepared?


Lexi gave a nod, noticing that Tiph had left the room. She would have gone after her, but first she needed to check on Gabriel...

Tiph wasn't handling things well and Ezekiel would have went after her but he needed to see his brother first. Hearing that they could go in and see him he stood up. Yeah He then glanced back at Mikko and Laz.

Not you two though. go home.

Mikko was ready to head in with the others when Ezekiel stopped her and Laz from going in. She really didn't want to cause a scene in the hospital. She looked over at Laz and he looked at her. She then looked back at Ezekiel.

I don't know who you are. But you're not stopping me from seeing Gabe. Now you can play nice and let me in. Or I can show you one of the one hundred ways I know how to kill a man with a hair pin. choice is yours.

Laz rolled his eyes and helped Lexi off his lap then stood up. He put a hand on Mikko's shoulder. I'm sure that wont be needed.

Laz then took both Lexi's and Mikko's hand and pushed passed the thug to see Gabe.

And once again, things were getting out of control. With a sigh, Lexi slid from Laz' lap and was about to speak up for the two, but them Mikko made her voice known, and Laz pushed past Ezekiel. Lexi understood where Zeke was coming from, but at the same time, she couldn't just turn her back on Laz. Even if they didn't become an item, the man was a part of her life now. And obviously Mikko was a part of Gabe's.


"Just be nice, Eze. They're worried about him, too." She told the Thug, giving his shoulder a little squeeze, then took his hand to tug him inside. The entire time she was mentally trying to prepare herself for what her eyes would be met with.


The room was dark, illuminated only by the soft glow of monitors and the lighting that filtered in through the doorway. Monitors beeped along with their readings, and the ventilator exhaled with each of Gabriel's shallow breaths. Through tear-filled eyes, Lexi finally managed to look at him. His back was completely covered in white gauze and bandages, protecting the wounds from infection as they healed. A sheet was draped over his lower half since a gown or clothing weren't an option at the moment. The tube was still in his throat, supporting his damaged lung. For the moment, he was still unconscious, but his finger twitched as the reversal started to do its job. Heavy eyelids fluttered, then slowly began to open...