<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">Isaiah's heart sped up as Kais left to retrieve water for him, but his nausea had eased a great deal and he took the water when it was handed to him. He even managed to get part of it down, and he tolerated the cool compress. Kais took care of the mess he made, and then rid him of his clothing like he'd requested. There wasn't even a reminder of it puddled in the floor. His bloody clothing was just gone, and the wound was closed when Isaiah inspected himself.<br/>
<br/>
Feeling himself whole, and seeing himself free of blood helped to calm him. Or perhaps it was something Kais was doing. The beautiful man climbed into bed beside him; told him he wasn't going anywhere. It was what Isaiah needed to hear, and for once he believed Kais when he said those words. He was exhausted, and while he didn't think he was going to be able to rest, he was soon proven wrong. Warmth had enveloped him, and he turned into Kais' body, resting his head on his chest. That was all it had taken to finish him off, and his breathing evened out, his burning eyes closing.<br/>
<br/>
He woke a few hours later, feeling a little less frayed and vulnerable. He sat up to process all that had occurred, replaying the shooting, and then his behavior afterwords. He was actually a little bit horrified with himself, and he hoped Kais wasn't one to gloat. He gingerly stepped out of the bed, and locked himself in the bathroom. He knew it wouldn't stop Kais if he wanted in, but he hoped it would be signal enough that Isaiah wanted some privacy. He took a shower and brushed his teeth, trying to feel human again. Afterwords, walking out in a towel, his hair still dripping, he climbed back into the bed. He felt better, and at least now there was no evidence of what had occurred. Isaiah might be able to pretend it never even happened.<br/>
<br/>
Isaiah found his phone. Somehow it had managed to end up on his bedside table, most likely Kais' doing since it was in his pocket. He dialed Kamil's number.<br/>
<br/>
“Kamil, are you alright?” Isaiah questioned when someone answered.<br/>
<br/>
“<i>I am, are you?</i>” the man questioned.<br/>
<br/>
“Yeah.”<br/>
<br/>
“<i>I don't know exactly what happened. I thought I'd been shot. I know you were. The amount of blood, you should have bled out. The police were searching for a body.</i>”<br/>
<br/>
“I'm fine. What did you tell them?” Isaiah questioned, and Kamil scoffed.<br/>
<br/>
“<i>You know me better than that. I didn't tell them a fucking thing.</i>” Of course, Isaiah should have known Kamil didn't speak to the cops, no matter the circumstances.<br/>
<br/>
“I'm glad you're okay, Kamil. I have to go.” Isaiah hit the end call button, and put the phone down, plopping against the pillows in relief.<br/>
<br/>
“Thank you, for him as well.” Kais hadn't had to do that. Most wouldn't have, considering Kamil's decorated lifestyle, but he was as close to family as Isaiah had. They'd looked out for one another, and for once, Isaiah had been able to return the favor if only by association.<br/>
<br/>
“What happened to the guy who'd shot at us?” Isaiah wondered. He hadn't seen that part; had been too out of it. He knew Kamil would be searching for him, and most likely retaliating against whoever he found that was connected.<br/>
<br/>
“I don't even know how you knew I was in trouble. I've never asked you how I could reach you if I needed to call on you.” Before, Kais had been there already, following him to Dylan's apartment. He'd made his presence known, and Isaiah had just called for him because he knew he was there. This wasn't the same thing. There had been no sign of Kais for days. He was leaving Isaiah alone, giving him space.<br/>
<br/>
“Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're here now,” Isaiah snorted, scrubbing his hands over his face.</span></span>