A Dragon's feast

Laz almost tripped and fell back with the pull, but his ninja reflexes saved him! He sat down close to Lexi and took her hand in his. He fully planed to slip into the bed with her once everyone left. He just hoped that the night staff wouldn't kick him out.

That was a loaded question. He was sorta doing better when he thought Hun was gone. But now? Now they were really doomed. But instead of saying all that. Ezekiel just shrugged his shoulders a bit.

Yeah it's pretty hard to wrap my mind around everything. But I'm doing alright. Have to, ya know. Can't fall apart when people need you. Of course mama's in the dark about most of what's going on. No need for her to worry. I'm most worried about Bella to be honest. I don't have anywhere to send her where she would be safe. No family or friends anywhere other then in the city. And Gabe...I'm not use to him being....Unable to fight if need be. that was the nicest way he could think of putting it.

I want to leave the state just flee. Lexi here doesn't think that'll work and i have to admit she may be right. Right now I'm worried about one thing. And that's Lexi being in this hospital. I can't stay, I know Laz will, but if a gang comes up here to finish the job...And ain't no cop gonna help you know how that is.

Lexi was glad to have Laz so close to her. It was amazing that just his closeness could put her at ease. She snuggled up against him, eager for the moment when he could fully join her. She knew she would have to be careful snuggling thanks to broken bones, but where there was a will.. there was a way, and she was certainly a determined woman.


~*~*~*~*~*


Dee frowned, giving a knowing nod at Ezekiel. He understood how bad this situation was on all fronts. It sucked. He hated seeing his adopted family in such distress, and knew how much danger they were in. It was time like these they would have to count the little things, and he did notice Lexi's contentment with Laz. Even though so broken and battered, she could find an ounce of peace. If she could be in the front lines of Hun's anger and still achieve that, there was hope for all of them. But he knew Eze carried a heavy burden, not only as a gang leader... or former leader, but as a father. He also had to protect his child.


"Well, if things get bad, Eze... I could take Belle and disappear again, until this blows over. The gang is used to me makin' long trips.. they wouldn't suspect anything. Could take Mama, too.. if the ol' goat is willin'." And there was a soft chuckle in his tone, knowing how stubborn Mama could be.


"Gabe must be pretty messed up, huh? I'm gonna come see him later today. May follow you back."


And then there was the issue that Eze addressed last, but not least. The fact that Lexi was a sitting duck at this hospital. "I doubt Laz here will let anything happen to 'er. But.. I know some guys outside the gang. I'll have 'em keep an eye out this way. We could probably talk to the doc and see if there's any way she can have an early discharge. Surely not tonight.. she needs rest, but maybe tomorrow night..."



And just then the doctor came in, giving a small knock before doing so. He held a clipboard with paperwork, and slides from the ultrasound they had performed to make sure there was no internal bleeding. What they found was something else.. something that may be good news in all of this.



"Hello, Ms. Davis... when we did the ultrasound before surgery, we somehow missed this..." And he held up the film so Lexi could see, using his capped pin to invisibly circle the little 'peanut' in the middle of a black space. Lexi's heart constricted.. her female intuition had served her well. Her eyes watered with happy tears and she spared a nervous look at Laz, hoping to god he was okay with this...


"It appears you're pregnant. We will do follow ups to make sure stress and the drugs didnt terminate.. " He offered, giving the news a moment to sink in. He knew Lexi from her intern days, and knew she would understand that this pregnancy wasn't a result of the rapes, but from at least a month before...  


Dee smiled and looked at Eze, knowing they would soon have another little life to protect....

Laz was pretty much keeping quiet, letting the other two men talk. It seemed this new guys was also very close to the group, like family. It was nice knowing that they had such a support system. With the Foot it wasn't really a family thing, more like eat or be eaten.

Soon a doctor came in, Laz was SO not ready for the news. Not because it was bad news, but...What guy is ready for that news!

They were going to have a peanut?

Laz sat there in shock for a moment and looked at Lexi with wide eyes. Then slowly a smile formed on his face and he practically squealed in excitement.

We're gonna have a peanut! I'm a father!? I'm a father! Ahhhhhh!

He then leaned down and kissed Lexi's face all over.

Laz's reaction was very amusing. Eze couldn't help the very slight smile on his face. But he was quick to get back to his more serious expression. He gave the two a nod.

Congrats you two.

Ok. So the it looked like the foot were staying. What did it matter anyway? They were in as much trouble as they were going to get, nothing much could make things worse. Of course, this did put more pressure on Ezekiel. He had so many people he had to protect, and now even an unborn child. Now he wished more then ever that Gabe was well. He needed his brother, his partner in crime, his rock, he needed help. Things were becoming to heavy for him.

Lexi practically held her breath, a whirlwind of emotions spinning rapidly out of control. Of course, she had known for a couple of days now, but now it was official. Not Laz knew and for that moment he was silent, she worried. Panicked. What was he feeling.. what was he thinking? This could have came at a better time, but it made sense that they would discover 'the bun' when doing untrasounds of her abdomen to check for any internal bleeding.


Then came his reaction and relief washed over her. Then came the emotions and despite what had been done to her, happy that he took the news so well. It would have been better if their lives weren't all in danger, but they would have to take it for what it was and find peace somehow.



Happy tears streaked her bruised cheeks and she chuckled hoarsely as Laz kissed her all over, and she managed to catch his in a soft kiss. "Yeah, you're gonna be a daddy.' She smiled weakly, managing to wrap her good arm around him.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~



"Congrats, you two.." Dee congratulated, but could see that this added more worry to poor Ezekiel. He stood up and after giving the two parents-to-be a quick hug, moved over and squeezed Eze's shoulder. "I know what yer thinkin' dawg, but Gabe ain't gonna be crippled forever. He'll help you with this, and you know if you need anything... I'm just a phone call away."

Laz kicked off his shoes and moved on the bed a bit more, still mindful of her injuries and the machines she was attached to. So much was going through his mind. He had quite a bit of money in his savings account, he had always been careful with his money, but it would run out at some point, he needed a job.

Finally he laid down enough to hold Lexi close to him and kissed her lips. He was so excited to tell Mikko! She had been waiting for him to have a child she could spoil.

________

Ezekiel gave Dee a nod and even managed a thankful smile. I'll be keeping in touch for sure. he told the man.

Eze then also stood up. He needed to get back to the cabin. I'm going to head out too, guys. Need to get back to the cabin make sure everything is alriht over there. You need anything Lexi, just call and I'll come right back over.

Lexi's smile grew a little wider when Laz laid on the bed with her. She carefully moved closer, also mindful of the tubing and contraption hooked to her side, but managed to melt into him, her broken and bruised body comforted by the warmth. She returned her kiss, and rested her head against his chest, lulled by the soothing beats of his heart.


Hearing that Ezekiel was also leaving, and catching his offer, Lexi spared him a faint smile, thankful that he had visited. Eze was one of those that usually displayed tough love, but his actions often spoke volumes. The fact that he was here tonight proved that he genuinely cared, and that touched her deeply. He even seemed sincere when she had received the news that she would indeed be mothering Laz' child. He had seemed emotionless before when she mentioned that it was a possibility, but she understood that he was scared.


"Thanks, Zekie." She managed in her raspy whisper. And she couldn't convey just how much it meant that he had visited her. Maybe someday her voice would be strong enough to let him know.


When the two men exited the room, she shifted her head just enough to meet Laz' gaze, her good hand sliding beneath his shirt, palm resting against his stomach, absorbing his warmth. "Boy.. or girl?" It was painful to talk, but one of her biggest dreams was coming true. She was going to be a mother. And like any mom to be, she wanted to know if the love of her life had a preference...

---

Dee followed Ezekiel out of the room, still worried about the guy and knowing his burden was heavy. "I'm gonna go by and visit Gabe tomorrow... I'll give you a call and maybe you can give me directions or somethin'." He eyed his friend thoughtfully and once again squeezed his shoulder. "And if you need anything, you give me a call...okay? We'll get through this.And who knows, maybe Lex's boy in there will step up to the plate while Gabe's out of commission, you jus' gotta give 'im a chance to do so..."

Once everyone was gone, he made himself comfortable and pulled the blankets over Lexi, Tucking her in. At her question he thought on it for a bit.

I hear boys are easier to handle. Maybe that would be good for first time parents. But boy or girl. I know our child it going to be the best, most beautiful child in the world.

He smiled at her and gave her another kiss. But now you have to rest. get some sleep ok. I'll be right here when you wake up.

Ezekiel gave a nod. Yeah, Gabe'll be happy to see ya. And thanks man. I'll keep you in mind when or if things start getting too much. I hope yer right about Laz. I wasn't too keen on him being around, Him or Gabe's girl. But...I guess he isn't too bad. Still unsure about the Mikko girl though. Eze gave a shrug.

Gimmie a call tomorrow and I'll let you know where we're at. It's pretty far out of the city. I should be heading back there now. Make sure the place hasn't burned down. Talk to you soon, man.

Dee understood Ezekiel's concerns, but it sounded as though he was actually warming up to Laz. Well, Hell could freeze over, it seemed. Dee was a pretty good judge of character and felt the guy was legit. Though , he would have to meet Gabriel's new girl, though. Dang, had Gabe actually settled down? This girl must be something special.



"I'll touch base with you tomorrow, dawg. Be careful goin' home." Because it was a long drive and it appeared as though Ezekiel had little to no sleep. After waving goodbye, Dee went his own way.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Lexi melted into Laz, tracing small circles on his stomach as she tried to fight to pull of sleep.She was enjoying his closeness and warmth and didn't want to miss one second of this. But hearing his coaxing, encouraging her to rest, she gave a small nod and kissed his chest, right above the lulling rhythm of his beating heart, and with a quiet 'I love you', allowed her eyes to close.



Seconds later they would be visited by a young blonde, adorned in a nurses outfit but she certainly didn't look the part. Her pig tails were dyed unnatural pastel colors and her face was smeared with dirt and make up and... was that blood on her left cheek?


She slipped into the room as quietly as she could, which true to form, she couldn't keep silent for very long. She giggled as she moved closer to the bed and seeing Laz, her little heart fluttered! OMG, he was so yummy!


"My, aren't you a pretty little thing..." She said with a wink as she pressed her cold hand against his chest. "I just need to check your vitals and take your temps through your back door..."

Laz smiled as Lexi fell asleep, whispering an I love you back to her. He was about to settle in for some sleep of his own when a strange woman came bouncing in. Right away Laz knew that she wasn't a nurse, and probably didn't work there. He felt protective over Lexi and his unborn child of course. Who was this girl? Was she from the psych ward? Was she dangerous?

Laz gave the girl a smile then put a finger to his lips.

Shhh. My wife is sleeping. He told the girl in a quiet tone.

I don't think I see you around...Dr...? He would roll with her role play for now. Get a feel for her and figure out who she was and where she came from.

Ooooh, so this guy was married? Well shit!! Oh well. That didn't have to stop them from having a little bit of fun... but something told her this guy was not going to venture away from his horribly injured wife. She nodded when he 'shushed' her, those usually psychotic eyes seemingly innocent for the moment as she laid the thermometer on the bed, deciding that she wouldn't 'probe' him ... this time.


OMG.. did he buy her act? A huge grin spread across her lips as she dug through her stuffed turtle backpack, momentarily laying the various large bottles of pills on the bed. Obviously stolen from the supply room. Buried in the depths of her cute plush bag was a pink mass that looked much like a brain and it hissed at being disturbed. She bapped it softly with her brush, uttering 'Bad Squishy!' before quickly closing the backpack before anyone saw her little 'pet'.



"I'm Doctor....Avocado!" Because it was the first thing that popped into her head.   "If she's in a lot of pain, she should take a lot of these...." And she proceeded to pour out various pain pills into her hand and laid them beside Laz.. "But, not all at the same time! That would probably... you know... kill her or something..."



And she could hear footsteps thrumming down the fall, frantic and urgent. Crap! The doctors must have realized she was missing! The young blond frantically shoved the bottles back into her purse and gave Laz a pleading look, pressing a finger to her lips to indicate that she desperately did NOT want him to give her location away! She managed to duck underneath the bed just as the doctors, escorted by a cop, entered Lexi's room. The men were winded and had obviously been looking for this girl ever since she  slipped out of the psyche ward a few floors up....


"Sorry to disturb you, sir... but have you seen a blond with dyed pig-tails?"  



Daisy held her breath, hoping.. praying this guy had her back and t hat 'Squishy' wouldn't scream out!

Doctor Avocado? that was really the best she could come up with? He just gave a nod at the young girl and the pills. Yeah, that would probably be bad. He told her in agreement.

Then she was hiding. Clearly she didn't want whoever it was to find her. And then doctors and a cop came in. Who the hell was this girl? Was she dangerous? She didn't seem like she was, maybe a little crazy though.

At their question he gave them a confused look and shook his head. No, I don't think so. Is this someone I need to be worried about?

Daisy covered her mouth, afraid that even her shallow breaths would give her away. She was extremely surprised that her new friend had not told on her!



The doctors glanced at the cop, then back to Laz and shook his head. They were not in a position to discuss the girl's history with the man since she wasn't an immediate threat seeing as she was not in this room. "No, she escaped lock down and her medications have to be monitored..." They told him. "If you happen to see her, hit the nurse light. Our apologies for disturbing you." With that, they turned and disappeared out the door.



Daisy waited for several minutes until she was certain the cost was clear, then slid out from beneath the bed. Now straightening the massive wedgie from her barely there shorts, she smiled at Laz and leaned in to press a friendly, thankful kiss against his cheek. "Thanks, Sugar-tits. I don't want to go to t hat room..." And she headed towards the window, knowing there was a fire escape close. "I gotta go now..." And just then the little infant alien in her backpack squealed loudly and the gave the bag a shake to hush it, and flashed a cheeky smile at Laz. "Kiiids, huh? Can't take 'em anywhere!" And she gave a salute before wiggling and struggling with the heavy window, then stepped out onto the fire escape's platform. "May the Force be with you!"

Did she have an actual baby in there? He couldn't just let her go out there in the big scary world all alone. With a heavy sigh and strong feeling he was going to regret everything he was about to say, he put up his hand and motioned her back over.

Come here. I can't just let you go out there with no where to go. What's your name? And what's in your back pack?

Wow, was this dream boat calling her back? That like, never happened before! A huge face-splitting grin stretched across her smeared lips as she crawled back over the threshold and quietly walked over to the bed, taking a seat in the recliner that was situated close. No doubt this is where the guy had been sitting before he sweetly joined his injured 'wife'. She saw no ring, but decided not to call him out. He seemed sweet enough.



"Avocado... Daisy Avocado..." But damn, she hated that fake last name and it was obvious that he didn't buy it. "Oookay, Daisy Adams, but everyone calls me Crazy Daisy but.. c'mon, we all hear voices..." And it seemed he was interested in her little pet so she carefully unzipped the backpack and dug around inside, placing a packet of gum beside Laz, along with his assortment of pills. She then slowly and carefully pulled out the baby alien, which, fortunately for her, had yet to develop teeth but its long tentacles kept reaching for her face, trying to hook into her nose and mouth. Oblivious to its real intent, she just shook her head and cooed at the creature.


"This is Mr. Squishy! I found him in a pile of garbage. Damn cats were trying to eat him... I think they ate all but his brain or something..." And she held him out towards the guy. "Wanna touch my wet squishy, uh... I'm sorry, what is your name??"

Laz couldn't help but give a chuckle at her made up name. You have a thing for avocados uh? It's nice to meet you Daisy. And no I don't think we all do. But I have a good friend that does. She takes medicine for it too.

He watched her pull out the strange brain thing and took it from her. He studied it closely and gave it a few pokes. Had to be alien. Not mutant. The turtles might want to look into this he figured.

Uh, Lazarus. You can call me Laz. I think Mr. Squishy might not be from around here.

Laz really wanted to help this girl. But he couldn't just invite her to the cabin. and she couldn't stay in the room with them. it was too bad Ezekiel left, he could have maybe taken her to a motel or something for the night.

Do you have anywhere to go tonight?

"So, your friend is crazy but they don't keep her locked up?? How did she get so lucky?" But of course, Daisy had did something horrible that had resulted in her being committed, though she couldn't be entirely held responsible for it.



[color=pink]"You think Mr. Squishy is a star alien blow fish or something?" She carefully took him back after Laz examined and poked the creature, feeling slightly over protective. "I dunno what to feed him.. though he seems to like lortab. And Lazarus, huh? I like that name.. and.. I've never eaten an avocado. They look gross."


At his question about having a place to stay, she shook her head. "No, not really. I've been in and out of rehabs and when I'm not locked up... I just stay in abandoned cars or gutted apartments, wherever.." She said, shrugging indifferently.

Well. She was locked up once. But, like you she escaped. unlike you, she joined a group of ninjas and now she kills people for a living. Or use to. We kind of got fired. Anyway, I can't have you wondering around alone and sleeping in cars. I also don't think you should feed anything lortabs. I'm going to call my friend see if she'll come pick you up and find you a place to stay, alright?

Of course that meant explaning to Mikko what had happen to Lexi and why they were not still at the cabin. also meant she would have to leave Gabe, and he wasn't sure she would do that.

"OMG, so you're like a real ninja??" Now Daisy was a little star struck She almost let it slip that she had killed, too... but luckily caught herself. The last thing she wanted was for this guy to hate her, too. She carefully slid her little pet back into her bag and bounced in her seat eagerly.


"Oh, thank you.. soooo much! I promise I'll be good!"

Oh Mikko was going to love this. He smiled and picked up his phone and gave Mikko a quick text. He didn't give her details. Just that lexi was in the hospital and he was staying with her and he had a new friend that needed a place to stay. He then asked if she could come and pick the new friend up.

Mikko was already awake and had taken Belle to the kitchen to get her a glass of water when her phone went off. She read the text and of course had a million questions. Who was this friend? why was Lexi in the hospital? Wasn't she in the barn? When did she leave? But. Knowing Laz, she knew that she would get all those answers in time. She also knew that he wouldn't ask her to drive all the way to the city for no reason. So with a heavy sigh she told him that she would be on her way.

Laz read the message and gave Mikok directions to the hospital and told her the room number. he also mentioned that Daisy was wanted by the doctors and a cop so she couldn't just walk out the room. Good thing they were ninjas!

after setting up all the details Laz put his phone down. Mikko is on her way. She's a few hours out. But given the way she drives, she'll cut that time in half.

Daisy was more than excited!! It would be great to have a place to stay, and she had made a new friend and.. was about to make another! This night had really turned out awesome! "So I get to hang with you til then! Where do you stay? Do you stay with your crazy friend? Am I staying there, too? What's wrong with your wife, and why aren't you wearing a ring... yeah, I noticed." She winked, now comfortable with this guy, firing off a gazillion questions at once.

That was a lot of questions in a span of a few seconds. He gave a quiet chuckle and nodded.

Yeah, I live with Mikko. We've lived in the same place together sense we known each other. right now we're staying in the country in a little cabin. Uh...I'm going to leave it up to Mikko where you'll stay, but chances are she'll bring you back to the cabin.
Laz glanced over at Lexi to make sure she was still sleeping comfortably.

She was attacked and beat up by a bunch of guys. Luckily she was saved by a friend of ours. And, yer right there is no ring. We're not official. Yet. But will be soon. So tell me about you. What you do to get locked up and why is a cop looking for you?

Daisy tried to make herself comfortable in the chair, keeping an eye towards the door that thankfully the doctor had shut on his way out, probably to keep her out. She frowned at hearing what happened to his 'wife', but knew that sort of thing happened, more often than it should. It should never happen. A man should never hurt a woman.. but some abused their size and strength.


Then came the million dollar question and Daisy briefly wondered if she should answer... but.... she had never been good at keeping quiet. And besides, this guy was helping her. He deserved to know about her. "They say.. I'm not right in the head because I hear voices and...I'm just... not right..." And that had always been hard for her to wrap her mind around because she thought she was perfectly normal.



"my dad was a cop. But.. he liked to do bad things. He popped pills, left them around... and I was just a baby. I thought they were candy and ate a bunch. Nearly died.. but I didn't. But, it did something to my brain. Anyway, that wasn't the worst thing he ever did. He hit me and... him and his buddies would... do things to me...bad things.. raped me....until I had enough and I grabbed a butcher knife and opened up their throats like smilie faces...." And she popped a block of gum in her mouth, almost indifferent. "They don't do that shit anymore..." And her gaze shifted over to him, giving him her biggest puppy eyes; the eyes of someone innocent and incapable of such an act. "I hope you're not scared of me...."