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Daren shrugged, "i like them raw, tastes better to us the yolk as a sauce." he decided to chop up some potatoes to make into a hash, thinking it would go well with the rest of the meal. the steak was browned on both sides and then put in the oven to finish cooking to perfection. "let's see, meat, potatoes, eggs...anything else we can add?" he gave his hash a stir and got out some orange juice. he started to set the plate, nothing else he could really do while he waited. when the stakes were done, he pulled them out and placed them on the plates. the hash went next an he held out the plates for the eggs, "this smells amazing."

"It was a joint effort." Daren put the plates on the table and sat down. in truth it really did smell good. he took a bite of the steak and found it perfectly done, "let me know if you want me to cook it any longer. i should have asked earlier, but i like mine medium. sorry." he gave a small smile to tim before breaking his egg yolk and spreading it over everything. "good thing it's sunday, or you might have had trouble for arriving at work late."

"Andy would have a litter of kittens from excitement...and probably win a couple bets while he was at it," Daren said, shaking his head a little. "i wonder what their reactions would be learning it was me. you're in an office so everyone knows everything about everyone else's lives, meaning i've probably been a topic of gossip more than once," and didn't that just make his stomach knot up, "so learning i was the one that made you unable to walk, would they worry i was abusing you or wink at each other and grin?" he actually wondered which it would be, what kind of impersonation did he actually leave on people?

"some of them know-" he said softly, knowing that Tim's higher ups had learned of what had happened in order for him to get his job back. "but you are probably right. i don't think they would associate me with abuse. i hope not, at least." he looked sheepish and finished eating, sitting back. "then again...with the media coverage before...i wouldn't be surprised." he smiled wistfully and stood, taking his dishes to the kitchen. he didn't want to have to face Tim thinking about what had happened to him because of Daren.

"like father, like son," Daren said softly, more to himself than anything as he handed Tim the sponge and picked up a towel to dry. "i'm more like him that you think." he felt his stomach tighten slightly, "maybe it should be me warning you against dating me. you never know when i'll snap. i'm temperamental and likely to hurt you, emotionally if not physically. i'm not a good person, Tim. then there is-" he trailed off, twisting the towel in his hands, "people i love get hurt, Tim. you've already felt that, you've already been hurt because i cared for you. can you live with it happening again? i don't think-i don't think i can."

Daren smiled a little at the kiss and pulled Tim into a gently hug. "i won't let you get hurt," he said softly, kissing Tim again. "no matter what happens, from now on, i'll protect you." he staid that way for a few more minutes before finally letting Tim go. "Sorry, i'll get to work drying the dishes." he picked up the first and started to do his part. the pans went into the dishwasher, but the rest were put away. "so, plans for today?" he asked, when they were done.

Daren stepped out into the living room, having finished the dishes. "That's dangerous," he said softly, moving to sit on the couch. "you already know that, but just be careful, ok? I could go with you, or if you get the urge to drink, you can call me and i'll talk you out of it or pick you up." he'd heard Tim trying to talk his way out of it, so not going wasn't an option. "but we will work through it together, ok? if you slip up, then we'll ward off parties completely and start from there. not saying it is ok and you shouldn't try, but it's pretty soon and i won't hate or condemn you if you make a mistake."

Daren nodded, "it is, but it's also one of the most effective ways. saying you will only have a drink or two now and then reminds you of the taste and feel and makes it harder to resist another and another." he moved to the floor and slipped his hand into Tim's. "i-i've never directly told you, at least i don't think i have, but i used to be pretty bad. for a while i was drunk more often than i was sober. Actually the only time i was sober was when i was on the job. as soon as i got home i started drinking and i didn't stop until i passed out." he ran a thumb over Tim's hand, watching that instead of looking at the redhead. "i stopped buying food, turned off my water and electricity. my entire paycheck went to drink, every penny i had that wasn't tied up in investments was spent on alcohol. i lost over eighty pounds and i didn't care. i was reduced to nothing but muscle, and hardly any of that, but i could still do my job and do it well. i drank my calories, and i thought that it would work. Iroh finally stepped in. He came to my house late one night, when he knew i'd be about ready to pass out. he put me in handcuffs, threw me in the back of his patrol car and took me to a rehab center. he had them lock me up, since he has my power of attorney, and refused to let me out until i was back to myself." he smiled a little, "i hated him for it, but he saved my life. i was made to attend AA meetings and visit a shrink. that's where i met Akane, and she's stuck with me since." he sighed, "i hated it, still do, but i'm scared to stop. i'm afraid if i stop going, i'll turn back into what i had become..." Daren closed his eyes and dropped his head back against the wall. "i really do know what you are going through, and i'll help however i can. i guess that's what all this is coming around to say."