Torn Canvas

Who was it that knew Eros was in no shape physically or mentally to protect Sani? why Reece of course, and Reece wasn't about to let this sort of opportunity get away from him. As soon as police escorted Eros away, Reece was off himself towards Eros and Sani's home. Now that Sani lived with the man, he had to report that he had moved with the courts so it was only a matter of looking at his files James had given him to find Sani. Although, it wasn't James' intent to help Reece, he also didn't have much choice into doing so since he was still his lawyer afterall.

It wasn't long for Reece to arrive at the address, finding all the lights were out in the house, he assumed the boy was asleep. Did you leave him in his sleep to come speak with me?...Tricky man...though this makes it easier for me. The designer thought to himself. Reece went around the back of the house, easily tricking the lock to the sliding door, he opened it and found his way in the dark with a flashlight on his key ring. Thinking that it would be odd to have a master bedroom on the first floor, he immediately went on to the second story and found his way to the room where the boy was sleeping. Creeping into the room, Sani stirred a bit in bed, still clinging onto the pillow he sleepily guessed was Eros. 'Oh my dear little sister,..how I've missed you terribly.' he whispered. he moved on to pick the boy up and carry him out. Sani groaned within his sleep. 'Eros~...?'
'..........Yeah it's me,..you fell asleep, i'm gonna take you to bed.' the man lied, though because Sani was half-alseep, he couldn't tell the difference and clung on to the man's neck as he went back to sleep. 'okay...I love you.'
Reece smirked. 'I love you too Sani...I always have...'

Reece packed Sani away in the back of the car, Speeding away and just like that,..they were gone.

Speaking of gone, it was so late at that point for Nathan and James, James was snuggled up next to Nathan, enjoying the intimacy with the other, finding himself drifting off to sleep when suddenly Nathan's cell rang. James let out a deep breath. 'I'll get it for you.' he said as he got up and went to find the boy's phone. Locating it, he picked it up and handed it straight over to Nathan. 'Hello? This is Officer Jayden, we have a Eros Delacroix here saying that you're his therapist, we need to confirm that he is indeed in your care and requires medication?'

Oh if Eros knew what was going down now, he would be pissed and probably would have killed those cops there at that moment for the simple fact that he was trying to protect Sani. However, he was stuck and his withdrawls were not getting any better. Nathan was being called at that moment, something that Eros couldn't wait to get his chance to talk with Nathan when the time came. After all, he wanted Nathan to get to Sani, to help him protect Sani. If only he knew...

Nathan had closed his eyes and was so very comfortable, relaxing next to the one he was starting to develop something for. As his phone suddenly went off, Nathan's brow twitched. Who the hell wants to call me now of all times? I'm sore, cranky...and now finally comfortable and at peace! "I don't want it..." Nathan grumbled, but reached out for the phone that was gathered for him, despite saying that. "Thanks..." Nathan sighed and took to answering. "This is Nathan." Nathan stated the usual stuff he did when saying he was the therapist and all that fun stuff....But to hear an officer on the other end caused him to blink. "Officer?" He wasn't expecting that. What was said next caused Nathan to suddenly sit up in bed. Son of a bitch...that hurt.... Nathan winced, almost having forgotten his sore ribs. But he forced that aside as he listened intently on what was being said. "Why is Eros there? Y...yes, I'm his therapist. What's going on?" Letting Jayden finish, Nathan bit his lip. "Yes, he's in my care and he really does require medication...What's going on? Can I speak with him? I'm...I'm coming down to the station." Nathan waited for whatever else was said before giving an apologetic look towards James. This was important, he had to figure out what was going on with his client.

After confirming that Eros indeed needed medication, Jayden nodded to what the man was saying over the phone. 'Thank you for your cooperation.' It was then Nathan asked if he could speak with Eros. 'Hmm,...yeah i guess so,..this will be counted as his 1 phone call.. standby.' He then gave the phone over to Eros to speak with him.

While that was going on, Reece was well out of town and into another. The man was smart enough than to take Sani to his home or any common place where Reece would be,..esspecially with in the city, No, he would take the boy very far out and would take a while to get there..He only hoped that the boy would stay asleep until he was able to outfit the boy in proper restraints. Though as it would seem at this time,..Sani was still fast asleep, oblivious to what was happening at that time.

"I figured that was the case." Nathna grumbled when it came to the fact that this would be Eros' single phone call. Once Eros gathered the phone, Nathan could tell that the young man was out of breath. "It's alright Eros, I'm going to come on down to see what's going on." "Nathan...I'm so sorry...but can you do this for me first?" "What?" Eros trembled as he held onto the phone. "I went to him, to R.J...R.J. is Sani's brother...he has to be stopped. He's sueing Sani because...because ...I can't tell you now. Please, you need to go to my place and check on Sani. I need your help. Protect Sani for me. I can't do it from here. I tried to get R.J. to drop the charges...but things got out of hand. I'm being set up." Eros was speaking as best as he could, trying to keep his composure at the same time. Nathan frowned at this. "Alright...I'll do that and I'll be sure to get your medicine to you. I'll have Sani stay with me. How does that sound?"

Eros, on his side of the phone, was relieved at that very moment. "Thank you Nathan, I knew you were the only one I could trust on this. Please protect him while I"m here. I don't know how long I'm going to be stuck here. R.J. made it very convincing." Which was true, poor Eros. "Alright, I'm going to go now Eros. Just sit tight." Once Nathan was done with the phone, he turned towards James. "We have to go to his place and check on Sani. Or...I'll go. You just stay here and sleep." Nathan stated gently, feeling bad for dragging James into all of this to begin with. He explained what was going on to the best of his ability so that James wasn't completely left within the dark.

James listened quietly on Nathan's end of the conversation,...hearing bits and pieces of Eros' and pieced some of it together. Soon the boy was off the phone, turning to the other that spoke of how they would need to go to Eros,..or rather just Nathan. But James wasn't sure if he could just stand idley as such things happened. 'No, I don't think that's a good idea, you're not exactly in any shape to go around doing anything like that...I'm going to go with you. If there's anything I can do,..it'll to keep you from nearly killing yourself.' He was worried for the man's safety,..afterall, he did judt get out f the hospital,...the boy needed rest,. but James also knew that there would be no way in hell that he would be able to pull this off on his own. 'We'll go together.' he said kissing the man's cheek before getting up to get dressed.

Reece on the other hand was on his way out to his destination. It was a bit far, as it was just about out in the middle of nowhere and a place he rarely went himself. The trip was long, but to Reece, worth it. 'Don't worry Sani...everything is going to be fine...I promise.'

The bridge of Nathan's nose blushed a bit as James stated that he would go with him. James was worried about his condition. Finding his cheek kissed, Nathan blushed even more and gave a nod. "Thank you James." He actually felt more better at this, that James would be with him. He just didn't want to be an inconveniece. Eros and Sani were not James' friends after yet. Carefully getting up himself, Nathan took to getting his clothes on and at least making himself decent as best as he could. Once he got his shoes on, he was walking as quickly as hid body would allow, snatching up the car keys before heading on out to the vehicle.

Once they got in, it was time to head off over to where Eros' vacation home was. The drive was a bit of ways out there, but James and Nathan were being as quick as they could be. Eros sounded so urgent on the phone. Upon arriving, Nathan pushed himself towards the door and took to knocking it. Looking at James as there was no response after many good attempts, Nathan frowned. "I'm...not supposed to show you this...but...I think I can trust you. Just don't prove me wrong~" Nathan sqeaked before pushng off to the side of the building and towards a part upon the building. With one of his hands, he pulled free a key. "Eros told me about this just in case....I guess this would be one of those just in case times." Nathan sighed and moved back and took to unlocking the house. Pushing into it, Nathan found himself tensing up. "It's...too quiet here...Come on, let's go. He should be resting in the master bedroom."

James smiled to the other as the man thanked him. He was worried for the other's well-being, and although he didn't know Sani and Eros as well as Nathan did, they were apart of his life now, whether he asked for it or not. They were Nathan's friends, therefore he would be sure to try and get along with him and such as well. The two made it to Eros' place. knocking on the door several times, James figure that the boy wouldn't answer the door with how late it was. It was then Nathan had come up with a spare key. 'Your secrets safe with me.' He promised when the other mentioned that he wasn't supposed to see it, and that he didn't want to be proven wrong. Pushing within the house, immediately, things didn't seem right. 'Yeah it does seem a bit quiet.' the boy agreed. He followed the male up the stairs to the master bedroom where Sani would have been...if he were there.

Pushing the door open, James walked with the other towards the edge of the bed, only to find it empty. 'Well it doesn't look like there was any kind of struggle...where could he have gone?' James asked as he was still out of the loop a bit at Sani and Reece's history, not that itl mattered,..what mattered at that time was that Sani was found...but how would they go about finding him?

One would guess they could check various places as to where Reece would be known to go, perhaps goign to his home and askign the help,..unsure as to whether they would BE of any help,..but it was also better than no clue at all.

While what was going on, Reece had arrived at his destination. It had been a long distance, but it was one place he figured it would be a while before anyone thought to look for him,..or Sani for that matter. 'Reece? what are you doing here? and at this hour?...is that...that Sani?'
'Yes,..I brought her home....where she belongs.'

Nathan's eyes widened to see no one in bed, but that there was no struggle. The place was too silent...and the only vehicle really was apprehended no doubt when the police came for Eros. So if Sani was no there, then what? "Do you think...R.J....may have something to do with this?" Nathan found his expression growing troubled. Eros had tried to explain over the phone, but only had enough time to ask Nathan to go check on Sani. R.J. was setting up Eros, but why? Was it because of Sani? Was there indeed more upon the entire fact that the man was trying to sue Sani? "I...I need to get the medicine to Eros. Can you...do you think...you could get a hold of him? R.J. I mean? He's your client right? I...I think he has Sani. I don't know how..but I can't think of where Sani could be right now."

Eros, on the other hand, found himself trembling, doing his best without his meds. "Shit....Nathan...I hope you're able to get to him..." He whispered to himself, sweating a bit from the withdrawls. "Sani...." What if he has him? What if that bastard has him. No...Nathan went to go check on him. He has to be fine...he has to be...Sani...please be safe...

James wasn't sure what to do at that time when they found Sani not there. It was then Nathan asked him to try and get a hold of R.J. The men were now on their way to get Eros his medication. 'I'll see what I can do.' James said as he took out his cell and dialed a few numbers...R.J. was nearly an impossible man to get a hold of during the day,..even though James was his attorney, that didn't necesarily mean that he would have much of a shot to get a hold of him either...but it was still worth a shot. after a few pages to his beeper, various contacts to his office, assistant and business cellphone, he tried one more number. 'James? what are you calling me so late for?'
'Really? do you need to ask? I heard about what happened at your place,....Eros tried to break in?' the boy lied, he knew if he told the man he knew the truth, he would never tel him where he really was. 'As your lawyer, i need to make sure that you're alright.'
'Of course I'm alright.'
'Where are you?'
'At home,..of course.'
'That's all i needed to know...thanks for easing my mind,..I'll talk to you later.' James said and hung up.
'He's at home..he'd probably got Sani tied up somewhere in that big house of his. But at least we have a starting point.'

Nathan listened to the conversation as he took to the wheels, having insisted of driving this time around. He was sore, but not wounded in a way that made him unable to drive. He had driven them both to Eros' place and now he was heading off to the police department where Eros was being held. His expression narrowed a bit to hear the conversation. So R.J. was at his home....Perhaps that would easily be on file, and one that the man's attorney easily had the knowledge of. It was a start. Hearing this from James, Nathan gripped his hands upon the stirring wheel a bit. "So you think that's what's going on? Sani....really hasn't told me anything, but I knew there was something up. I bet that R.J. is indeed the main point behind what keeps Sani all bottled up...and why Eros would head over to his place. Eros is worried about Sani, no doubt this has a lot to do about Sani's well-being. I'll know more when we get to the police department and I question Eros...that's if they'll let me see him other than to supply him with the medicine."

The two continued towards the precinct, Eros doing his best to keep himself coolheaded and not snap at any of the ones there. That's all he needed was to have another sentence weighing down on him if he could not pull himself free from the one he was under now. His gaze shifted a bit here and there, trying to figure out his surroundings. By that time, Nathan and James were already parking and heading into the building of the police station.

Although James didn't like the fact of Nathan driving, he also didn't see reason to argue with the man, but that also didn't mean that he wasn't going to give the man a hard time later on when all was well. James wasn't sure what was going on, only that whatever it was, it wasn't going to end pretty,..what was it that R.j. wanted with Sani? Sure the man was his lawyer and had written up the papers for the suit but whe he was suing for wouldn't be for any grounds to kidnap the boy...there weren't ANY grounds for that... 'I'm really not sure what's going on,..this can't have anything to do with the lawsuit..and R.j. has never really spoken of Sani before any of this,..something big is missing that we don't know anything about...some sort of link between Sani And R.j. or him and Eros? Maybe that's it there's more than just bad blood between Eros and R.J. and that's why he sent Eros to jail and took Sani..Sani being from what I gather, the most important thing to Eros...but what would he want with him I still don't get.' James was way off base,..though again the two didn't have much to start on in the first place. It was then they arrived at the police station.

The two had gone in and were being pat down, though they wouldn't allow JAmes to continue for there wasn't any reason for him to go in and see Eros, only Nathan. 'I'll wait here.' he said nodding for the other to go on.

None of them really knew what was going on, or if R.J. had indeed kidnapped Sani. Sani could have ran off in search of Eros since Eros had apparently stolen away in the darkness to get to R.J.'s place. Once they got to the station, Nathan had stopped to study James before pushing beyond the gated area to get to where Eros was. "Eros..here, take this." Nathan quickly gathered the man's medicine and held them out towards Eros as well as a cup of water. Eros was allowed to gather the items, and then preceeded to swallow the pills. A sharp note left Eros as he slumped in the chair, his hands in handcuffs. "Eros...what...what happened?"
"Where's Sani?"
Nathan bit his lip at this. "About that...We went to his place, but he's not there." Eros gritted his teeth.
"What? Shit...You have to find him. You have to get to him before he gets to R.J...Or..." Nathan shifted his gaze when it seemed that Eros realized something else. "No....No..."

"James....and I think...that R.J. could possibly...have kidnapped Sani. He says...he's at his home. That'd be my guess as well."
"Of course he's there...Shit...Sani...No....I have to get out of here. That...that R.J.'s a monster..."
"Eros..."
"That....that monster...he's Sani's brother. Sani...was...Shit...He was once R.J's....Reece's...sister. He used to do things to her...Sani's afraid of Reece. He can't be with him."

Nathan's eyes widened. "S...Sister?" He had wondered if there was something off with Sani. He had known that Sani was a "guy" in women's clothing when he first met...but to find out that the youth was actually once a girl, that as mindblowing. "Please, you've got to find him...Save him from Reece."
"Time's up. We're sending the prisoner back to his cell."

An officer by the name of Jayden took hold of Eros, shackling him up, taking him to his cell for the night. 'This is where you'll be held for a few days until you're hearing....breaking an' en'ering, assult on the owner of the house...not looking good for ya. Anyway,..Breakfast's at 5am, you better get some sleep.' the guard continued on before shutting the cell door shut, calling in a code to have the door locked. As he made his way down the the halls of the dorm area, he stopped by the area desinated for those on Suicide Watch and Solitary Confindment. Looking in throught the cell window, he tapped on the glass to gain attention of the one within the cell. 'Mars...are you awake?' The officer opened the cell door with a master key. 'Ethan?' he said stepping into the cell.

James was pacing back and forth within the holding area he had to stay in while Nathan went to Eros' aid with the meds he needed. The longer the man was gone,..the longer James had to think and begin to worry that his client wasn't all of what he seemed and wondered what it was that Reece had planned with Sani,..if that was the case,..afterall, he couldn't rule out that Sani didn't simply leave on his own in seach of Eros, who'd left him in the night. He actually would have preferred is second idea than the first.

Eros found himself calming down thanks to the medicine, however...he was very much stuck in captivity for the time being. After all, he had some pretty strong charges upon him and everything was against him. Hearing Jayden's words were enough to know he was practically fucked for the time being. "Sani..." Eros whispered, growing so very distant. Reece...you bastard.....Shit...Sani...I'm so sorry. I...I failed in protecting you. If only I can get out of here...

Eros wasn't the only one with a lot of regret at that moment. Another was being watched strongly for his earlier acts. A middle aged man laid upon the cot within his cell, his back turned against it, his gaze zoomed in on a small stain upon the wall. Moments ago, this man, named Ethan Mars, had been caught trying to kill himself down at the pier. He had pretty much cried all that he could and had shut himself down for the time being. Ethan had lost his son and wasn't sure he wanted to live at all. He didn't think he should live, which was why he was so very suicidal. The poor guy was already beat up to hell and back. Hearing a voice behind him, hues widened, only to grow troubled. As the door opened, Ethan tensed up. "Go away..."

Nathan pushed out of the area that was blocked from James, the therapist moving closer to James. "This is bad James. They're holding him here for breaking and entering as well as attempted assault upon Reece...er...R.J. James...apparently his name is Reece..and..." Nathan stopped there, looking around. "We need to go. I'll explain in the car. Y...You can drive..." Nathan was beginning to realize he was straining his body a bit and this time would allow James to drive.

Norman, which was the first name of officer Jayden, walked over to the cot Ethan was on. He understood the man was distraught, just a few hours ago, the man had watched as he son drown in rain water while Norman had fought til the death on a conveyor belt against the boy's killer.A man by the name of Scott Shelby. Norman himself hadn't gotten over what he'd done. It wasn't the first time he'd killed a man,..He shot at a crazed religious man after of mistaking a cross for a gun...killed the man, completely out of defense..accident of course, but it still hit him pretty hard.
'Ethan please,..I know it's been a rough day,..but you can't give up...not here,..not now. I know it may not seem like it,..but there's still reasons to live..you still got some life in ya,..I'm not gonna say i know what yer going through cause I have no clue,..but i do know that it doesn't end here for you. Right now,..I think you just gotta get your mind of stuff for a while, then you can get yer life together again with a clearer mind.' The guard had tried to encourage the man, though he doubt he was doing a very good job of it.

James jumped when Nathan returned, listening to the man as he spoke of how he would explain more once they got into the car. Once they were there, James started up the car and pulled out of the parking spot. 'Okay so what happened?' he asked on their way out.

Ethan had also killed a man, cut off the tip of one of his fingers, drank a poison that he now wished it had killed him, and did whatever else Shelby had wanted...only to fail at the end. It was indeed something that Ethan was indeed distraught about. He had failed in the end...all because of people getting in his way, like lt. Blake. None the less, he was still alive and had to deal with it. Norman approached him, trying to give him comforting words. "What's the point...Shaun....Shaun's dead....I've lost Jason...and now Shaun...." Ethan found tears returning, only to shake his head. "What am...what am I supposed to do?" Ethan turned so that he was facing Norman.

Nathan was with James, having taken to the passenger's seat. Upon sitting there, he turned his gaze towards James. "I...I've found out some pretty heavy stuff. What I'm about to tell you, you can't tell anyone alright? I'm seriousl...I'm putting a lot of trust on you...Normallly I'd have to keep this stuff a secret." And with that said, Nathan began to explain to James what Eros had revealed to him, about how Sani was once a female...and the relationship that Reece and Sani shared, about them being brother and sister and the way Sani was frightened of her brother. Once he was done revealing this, Nathan narrowed his gaze. "We...we have to go get Sani."

Norman had to admit that he didn't really have an answer to the man's question of what he was supposed to do at this point, but he also wasn't going to give up. He stooped down to the man's eyeline. 'You keep pushing on, that's what'cha do. take...take it one day atta time..moment by moment, but don't just give up, there's still stuff you got left to do while yer still on this Earth Ethan.' he said pushing forth a gentle hand to brush fingers across the other's cheek. Tilting his head to the side to get a better look at the man, hoping he was helping the man feel a bit better, though he doubted it.

James' mind went through a loop gathering what he had from Nathan about Sani. Of course he had no idea,..sure he thought Sani looked a little fem for a man, but that wasn't something that was really unheard of,..but to hear that Sani had actually been female at a time...that was just mind-blowing, thus leaving the man with so many unanswered questions about both Sani and Eros,..but those were something that would have to wait for another time. It was then Nathan mentioned that they had to get Sani. 'Right! well..we know Reece is home, so it's just a matter of getting him to let him go.' he said as he drove in the direction of Reece's house.

While the two were on a wild goose chase, Reece had taken Sani home, their childhood home. 'Reece, what is the meaning of this?' A gentle, elderly voice asked.
'Shh!...she's sleeping..i brought her home where she belongs, it may not look like it,..but it's Sani. She's gotton much worse, I think we should take her back to the institute, they are the only ones that can help her now.' Reece had laid Sani down on the couch of their family home. Worried, concerned and frightened eyes were gazed on to the boy. Sani's family surrounded him as he slept, unknowing of what was going on. 'Oh Sancia,..what have you done to yourself?' their mother had asked rhetorically. Tears formed in her eyes as she gave Sani's transformed body a once over. the woman turned into her husband's chest and wept silently as he conforted her. Straight-faced as he looked on at his step-child. Sandie looking at her sibling. 'But I saw her,..just not to long ago,..she...she wasn't like this...'
'This is why she has to go back, she's lost all sense of who she is...and became...this..'

A shuddered note escaped Ethan as the agent before him took to gently brushing his fingers against his cheek. To feel such a gentle touch, it had thrown Ethan for a loop at that moment. After doing so many painful trials in an attempt to save his son, only to fail in the end...to have a gentle touch...Well, Ethan just felt he did not deserve such a thing. Grace, his past wife, had left him at the death of their first son and now he had just gone through hell failing to save his other son. He felt he was the most horrible dad in the world at that moment. But not Norman...Norman was not accusing him like Grace had, or like any of the other officers within that building. No, instead, this man was gently trying to console him. Hues lowered, only for Ethan to slowly nod his head. "I....I have to live on for my sons...It's just....shit, it's just hard...I have nothing..."

Eros, on the other hand, felt so very alone once Nathan left. He hoped to hell that Nathan and James would be able to rescue Sani from Reece. That had to be where Sani was, it had to be. Sani was in danger, and Eros felt so useless being locked up at that moment. He had calmed down immensely, but was still under the weather. He needed to get out of that jail, but how?

Nathan, at the moment, was with James, having finished telling the man what had come to be, what Sani truly was. The two had fallen silent, thinking upon the news that they had just found out. Though it didn't completely shock Nathan as he always felt there was something off. What he was more shocked at was the entire ordeal they were in. Eros was locked up and a designer had practically gone mad and kidnapped his brother/sister. Of course, what if Sani really was needing of an institute? No, Nathan couldn't believe that. He had talked to Sani, and had connected with Sani. Sani was not crazy, Nathan was certain of this. The fear that Sani must have had for his/her brother was real and for a reason. Sani...We'll get you out of whatever trouble youlre' in...

Norman watched at what his touch had done for the other. It seemed ot have calmed him a bit more, which was good, Only for the man to continue on that he had to live on, but felt he had nothing. 'Think of it this way, you gotta chance to start fresh...maybe not in the best circumstances or nothin', but ya still gotta try. I never got to meet yer boys, but I don't think they would wanna see you like this. IF you continue on like this, you're not really livin'...you're just as dead as they are..and that ain't livin'.' Norman wasn't trying to upset the man, but he was out on trying to pursuade the man with tough love. 'You gotta live enough fer all three of ya, take some chances and really make it worth while.

James wasn't sure how to really take the news that Nathan had given him. Silent, but mostly shocked from it all. 'Well, one thing's for sure, there's no way either of us are gonna let anything happen to Sani. Eros is counting on us and I have no intention in letting him down.' Soon after they arrived to R.J.'s home. James figured that keeping things calm was the only way that he was going to get anything he needed from the man,..but first, he would need to get past the maids and butler. Stopping and parking in front of Reece's mansion, James turned to Nathan, 'I think it might be best if you stay here. If Reece answers the door, he'll think that I'm alone and think that i'm here for some legal matter or something and I can get in. If I'm not back in 10 minutes,..come to the door.' James himself wasn't sure if it was the best plan, but he also didn't want to really endanger his lover anymore than he needed to, not to mention the man was still in recovery and still in pretty bad shape. He kissed the man's forehead, 'I"ll be right back.' he said quietly, and left the man in the car as he got out and walked to the front door. Using a door kncker, he waited for an answer. The door was opened by one of the live-in maids. 'Yes? Oh hello, what brings you here at such a late hour?'

'Mai, Please,..I need to see R.J.'
'Oh, Mr. Cameron is not in.'
'Not in? what do you mean? I just talked to him, he said he was home!'
'No sir, he hasn't been home for a few hours now.'
'Is there any place you can think he would be?'
'Yes, he said he was going to his family home for a few nights, maybe you can find him there..is it urgent? I have the address here somewhere...'
'Yes it is rather important, thank you Mai.'
James followed the helpful maid into the dark house, returning a few moments later with a piece of paper with their next clue..it would be a bot of a drive, but James and Nathan promised to protect Sani at all cost,..esspecially since Eros coudlnt' do it himself for the time being.

James got into the car,..'He's not here...but I have an idea where he is.' he said handing the paper with the address on it to the other.

Ethan winced at the comment on how he would just be "dead" like his sons were if he were to go on in the state that he was. Perhaps not the best way to say it, but Nathan got his point across. "So....I should live for them..." Ethan was distant as he said this, but had slowly nodded his head. "Norman....Why?" Ethan suddenly stated, turning towards the man. "Everyone has been accusing me since day one when I first lost Shaun...I...I was even starting to think I was the Origami Killer...I was afraid of myself....I tried to do everything and yet everyone was against me....except you. Sure there was the journalist...but you....You even helped me escape the police department." Ethan whispered, focusing upon the other. "Why? Why are you even here now? Consoling me?"

Meanwhile, Nathan's eyes had widened. "No, you shouldn't go in there alone. Besides, he thinks I'm your assistant remember?" Nathan tried to get out, only to bite his lip as the other continued. Reece could still see it strange that James was out that late with his assistant. Having no leg to really stand on, Nathan frowned as he was kissed upon the forehead and the man had left to go to R.J.'s place. "Be careful.." If ten minutes had passed and James did not return, Nathan would immediately come after. Though before those painful ten minutes could come to an end, Nathan lit up, seeing James coming to the vehicle. "What? He's not here?" Nathan tensed, only until a piece of paper was handed to him. "This...is his other home?" Nathan guessed, only to seem relieved. "I hope that's where Sani is...We need to get him out of this situation..." And with that said, the two set off for a bit of a drive.

Norman blinked at the question. 'Why? Cause I've been huntin' down real criminals, serial, killers, rapists and they all got the same M.O., you didn't have that. I admit they found you in some pretty weird places, and you told the police that you blacked out when Shaun first went missin'. I talked to yer psychologist, from what I got,..you don't got it in ya to do anything like that. So it didn't add up for you to be the Origami killer..That's why i wanted to help ya,..that, and that Detective Blake guy is an asshole. Ya know, to be honest,..I dont' really know why I'm here..io just know that,....I wanted ta see ya..' he said in a soft tone. The agent could see that the other was a bit distant, but reached out and held the man's hand, bringing him back. He leaned forward, leaving a small kiss on the man's forehead.

James and Nathan took off for a nice long drive,..the address was at least 2 towns over,.but the two would manage it just fine. 'Who knows what he's planning to do with him...her...Sani.' James had confused himself for a moment, the fact that he had recently learned that Sani had once been a woman, still remained fresh on his mind as he tried to leave his thoughts on it behind,.regardless of what Sani was,..the two needed to come to the rescue in Eros' place. 'How are you feeling? I know this ride can't be very confortable for you in your state.' he said glancing over at the other, still pretty bruised up. 'you shouldn't even be going at all, not that I'm trying tko stop you, or that this isn't important,..but you really should be trying to rest...I'm....worried about you.' he admitted as they drove on into the night.

While that was happening, the family gathered around for a meeting while Sani slept in his old room. 'What should we do with her? She can't go out like that pretending to be something she's not.' Sandie spoke up. 'Don't you see? that's why she needs to go back to where they can help her, and,..bring her back, she thinks she's a man, she went and had the operation. if she hadn't escaped, this woudln't have happened. I think she should go back immediately, tonight if possible.' R.J. suggested. 'Don't be obsured, we can't take her in the dead of night like this,..youe mother and I will talk it over, and if er both feel she should go back,..we'll take her first thing in the morning.' their father spoke in a low tone.
'What if she wakes up before we take her back?' Sandie asked.
'Simple, use the chain lock on her door, like we did when she would sleep walk at night.' Reece added.
So it had been decided that Sani had become a prisoner in his own childhood home without even aware, as far as he was concerned, he was still in his lovers arms safe and sound.

So that was it, Norman just couldn't see him as a killer. Ethan was relieved at this. Finally, someone believed him. Sure there was the woman, Madison, but once everything was said and done, she ran off with her story. Norman continued, only to say something rather surprising. "You wanted...to see me?" Why did Norman want to see him after everything? Shouldn't the man just be on his way with a new case? Finding his hand caught, a soft breath left the once father as he felt lips press against his forehead. "N...Norman..." Ethan wasn't sure how to respond to such a thing. Cheeks burned a little at this. However, for some strange reason, he felt soothed. "Th.....thank you."

"Him." Nathan decided to correct. "Sani, I don't think he wants to be remembered as the girl he once was. With the past he had...what Eros had told me anyways, I don't think he wants to be a girl anymore. He wants to be Sani...rather than...Sancia." Nathan frowned, only to blink as worry was heard in James' voice. "I'm fine. Sore...but I'll manage. I'm more worried about getting Sani back for Eros' sake...as well as mine. He's....a friend." Nathan admitted with a faint blush. He had a friend...It was nice to say. None the less, his gaze softened. "I'll be fine James. Thank you...for worrying though." Cheeks burned a bit more at that. This drive wasn't going to be very comfortable for Nathan, but he would endure it.

Norman heard the other's thanks and decided it was the best thing to have done. From what he gathered, he had maybe been the only one to show him any sort of kindness since Shaun had gone missing. he could see that the man had been through a lot and was about to go through more, afterall,..he shot and killed a man during one of his trials. It had taken the police a few days to figure it out, but had pinned Ethan as the murderer, but would he be convicted of such a thing,..well that was something else entirely, something that would need to be determined in court. Though that wasn't something to think about at that time. 'It's nothin', i figured you needed some sort of kindness after all this. I'm here if ya need me...if you wanna talk, or..anythin'.'
Why was it that Norman was there for,..that he didn't know,..but it would seem that Ethan would be there for a while, and Norman took it upon himself to keep the man company on the nightly bases when he was still there.

James stood corrected as Nathan decided on the gender of Sani for him. 'Him...right.' it was still a bit of a shock for the man after hearing what Sani truely was..but he supposed that that shouldn't be a reason to treat him differently, nor did he plan to. It was then Nathan answered James on how he was feeling. James was pretty worried for the man, not too crazy about him coming along on the trip to begin with. Though he wasn't going to stop the man, he made a promise to Eros that he would get Sani and act in his place.

It was a few hours more before the two actually made it. it was the middle of the night and the house pitch black on the inside. 'This is it,..looks like everyone's asleep. I can't imagine this going very well in trying to get him out of there...we don't even know for sure if he's even here or not, but i guess there's only one way to know for sure.' James sat sliently for a moment, trying to think kof the best way in. Was he thinking of breaking into the house and stealing Sani away? ....well it wasn't completely out of the question, that was for sure. James turned to his lover, 'What do you think?'

"Norman..." Ethan really didn't know what to say to the man who was showing him such warmth. This was all he really had left was Norman's kindness. Grace, his ex, had left him after the death of his other son Jason, and no doubt she blamed him severely for the loss of Shaun so she was out of the question...Madison was off with her book she was working on, and the police were just trying to figure out what to do with him since the entire fiasco about him murdering that drug dealer. Honestly, Ethan could care less what they did to him for the simple fact that he was on the verge of suicide to begin with. However, Norman was different. He was there for Ethan, something that the once Father had no idea how to respond...especially the way the other kissed his forehead.

"Do I...really have to stay in here?" Ethan suddenly asked. "I...I know I...killed that man, but it's...it's not as if I did it out of cold blood..I..I had to for my son...Shit, why did I fail?" Ethan almost broke down again, but forced himself out of it. "I need to get out of here Norman. I'm...I'm not saying to run away from the police. I just...I need to get out of here. Somewhere, where I can breath. This place, all it does is remind me of my son...."

Nathan on the other hand, just wanted to get out of that vehicle. The drive was a pain on his sore body, but he hid it as best as he could, not wanting James to see that he was indeed in pain. He wanted to get Sani to safety, so there was no way he was going to tell James of his pain. He'd be fine once they were able to stretch out. And after a few hours, their chance had arrived. Hues narrowed upon the very building that probably and hopefull held Sani. Turning towards James, a sigh left him. The two had to be thinking the same thing...breaking into the house. "I think....we better be careful and not set off any stupid alarms. Plus, um....I have this, just in case." Nathan pulled out a tape recorder. "What kind of shrink would I be without one of these? I figure if something happens and we have to go inside and confront the situation, we can at least record truth, then I can sue him for what he's done to my client." Nathan grumbled as he meant how Eros was currently suffering. "I say we break in. I'm tired of this nonsense." Nathan sure could be irritable.

Norman paused at the question, asking if he really had to stay there. there wasn't really something he could do for the man and for that, he felt bad. 'Ethan, I think you and I both know that I can't do that. I mean I already got ya out once, it can't be done a second time. the best I can do,..is maybe see if I can work some magic downstairs and see about maybe gettin' ya outta here..its not much,..maybe i can get you into a halfway house or somethin'..but it's the best I can do fer now. Just sit tight til then.' The man wished that he could do more for the other than just tell him that he would 'see what he could do' cause to him,..that usually didn't matter much and Norman was more of a person that perferred to show progress than just say he was gonna try,..though with the results he'd given Ethan in being able to help him prove that he wasnt' the Origami killer,..then maybe,..maybe he believed that he would do what he said since he hadn't given the man a reason not to trust him otherwise.

While that was going on, James and Nathan we're thinking about what they should do to get into the house of where they hoped Sani was in,..if there were wrong again,..it would have been a dead end and the two would be completely out of clues to go on and would have failed in their attempt to save Sani for poor Eros that was locked up in jail for the night. Reece had really done a number on the poor guy, having the police think that he had broken in and attacked the designer. BUt now the two had to take over and act as Eros for him since he couldn't be there. James nodded as Nathan had seemed to have had the same idea of just breaking in,..they would just need to be careful was all. The two had to be careful they didn't know who or how many they were up against. This was Sani's family so there was no way this was going to be an easy task in trying to take him back and just deal with Reece..no,..they would need to go against everyone in the household. James was worried at this seeing how Nathan simply wasn't in any shape to really take on any tough task, But again, James wasn't crazy about him going at all, again,.something that couldn't be helped.

Nathan had explained his idea of recording any possible conversation they might have, thinking this was a good idea. 'i never said it was odd that you would have a tape recorded,..I wouldn't have expected anything less from you.' the lawyer grinned. 'Okay well it looks like eveyone is asleep since the lights are out,..going through one of the windows in the front might be the way to go and when we find Sani, it will just be a matter of walking out the door with him, and if there are any sort of security on the house, it will go off then, but we'll already be halfway down the street by the time they get outside. I think this will work.' He nodded, trying to convince himself. James had never done anything like this before and certainly hadn't planned anything like this on a typical evening out.