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Daren had called Tim's phone and when that didn't work, he had one other choice. he was sure they would yell at him and hang up, but he could at least ask them if he could say goodbye. he was surprised when Tim himself answered. "oh-hey." he smiled a little, despite himself, "yeah. i got that all taken care of, i've been packing." he swallowed a little and looked down, "i was just-just wondering if you would even want me to come say goodbye in person or not. i get it if you never want to see me again, i really do, and i'd just say goodbye here, like this instead, i just-wanted to know what you would prefer."

Daren could hear the pain in Tim's voice and his resolve wavered. "alright, i'm on my way there now. just make sure your moms does eat me when i get there. see you soon, Tim." he hung up and took a small breath before heading out. twenty minutes later he was on his way down the hall to Tim's room, moving slower than he would normally. he stopped just outside and steeled himself before knocking and walking in, "tim?" he smiled at the man on the bed and moved to the side, "Hey. you're looking better. need anything?"

Daren sat down and gently held Tim in his arms, not wanting to hurt him. "you'll be ok," he said softly, ruffling Tim's hair. "you are surrounded by people who love you, what's one grumpy cop going to change?" he chuckled and sat back, running a hand over Tim's cheek and wiping away his tears, "come on, don't cry. you're mothers will kill me if find out i made you cry again."

Daren shook his head, "No. Don't ever think this was your fault, Tim. it was mine, if i had taken you to work myself, or gone down to the car with you, this wouldn't have happened." he dropped his gaze, "you have been hurt over and over because of me and i won't allow it to happen any more." he looked up and smiled as their eyes met, "You'll forget about me. you'll deny it now, but in truth i'm just a small part in your life. my role is over and it's time for the main character to move on." he patted Tim's cheek, "you are strong, Tim. stronger than i ever was,and that strength will help you to keep going, no matter what. though, i do think you wouldn't hurt for a couple self defence classes, just in case."

Daren shook his head, "then it is a good thing i am leaving. someone like me? i'm the last kind of person you would ever want to love. make sure to see the shrink, ok? especially now, he gets in your head and messes with you, Tim. you weren't with him long, but please, go to her? for me? i'll send you my address if you promise to go to her every week." he lifted an eyebrow about Tim getting kidnapped by the mafia. "I doubt that," rather than being kidnapped, Ceasar would invite Tim over and the boy would walk right in, happy as a lark.Daren didn't feel the need to warn Tim about Ceasar, the man was no danger to him. some things were best left unknown. "i should head soon. be good, ok? no more soda time with lions!" he laughed and stood, "you'll be fine, Tim. Jason will take care of you."

Daren laughed, "Apple's the only one for me! she just knows how to make you feel good, even you warmed up to her." he gave a little wave, "See you around, Timothy James. I'm sorry for everything that has happened, but i'm glad i met you. just hope you're as glad to have met me." he head out, but as soon as he stepped through the door, he saw Jason leaning against the wall, out of sight, but in hearing range. Jason met his eyes and Daren knew he'd heard Tim saying he would have fallen in love with him. "don't worry," he said softly, patting the Doctor's shoulder as he passed, "he's all yours."

Jason felt horrible for being jealous, but seeing Daren, he knew he had every reason to be. who wouldn't choose that man over someone like him, danger included. the pat and assurance made him feel a little better, he waited a few moments before poking his head into Tim's' room, "hey, i'm on break. can i come in?"

Daren stopped once he was outside of the hospital and just stood there. he looked out over the city, his city. the place he'd fought and bleed and sweat to protect. now he was leaving it. going to some small station in Illinois, becoming just another grunt. he had to tell himself that this was for the best once more before he head to his car. the movers would be at his place in an hour, he had to meet them so they could get into his flat and he's have to get Tim's things to his moms' place. there was stuff he needed to do, and he couldn't do it standing here. with a nod, he left, heading for his car and the start to his new life.

Jason smiled, a tray heaping with food held between his hands. "i bear gifts." he walked in and put the tray on the side table, "a few. i'm not into anything huge like surgery, but i do my share in saving lives." he shrugged and handed Tim a fork, "dig in, you need your strength."

Jason chuckled, "at least i can be a hero for someone!" he watched Tim eat, happy to see his lover had his appetite and was eating properly. "Hmm? oh, i work in the Emergency Room. i take care of the minor cases and help out during big trauma stuff. nothing too important, just helping the world a little bit at a time." he didn't think he was important, but the truth was that he was head of the ER and was called in on the worst of cases, handling the minor things when he wasn't needed.