Having fallen asleep a few hours Tim woke to an even darker room than before. Touching the face of the specially designed watch on his wrist the computer voice stated "10 pm".

Making his way to the doorway he heard the patter of Satch moving while he made his way to the bathroom across the hall. Satch then sat outside the door patiently waiting for Tim to emerge.

"You're stubborn, you know that" he told the big ball of fur as he felt him nudge his leg. Tim kneeled down, wrapping his arms around him, "I'm sorry, buddy...I shouldn't have yelled at you" he told the pup giving him a huge hug. Satch licked his face in acceptance of his apology. "I'm hungry, how about you" he asked with which Satch woofed his reply.

Making his way to the kitchen he flipped on the light. Even though he couldn't see far because most things were dark and cloudy the light highlighted the shadows making it easier for him to maneuver around. Heading to the back door he let Satch out to relieve himself while he felt around inside the refrigerator to find a drink. Reaching in he felt a plate wrapped in foil. "He doesn't give up does he" he chuckled aloud bringing it out to the nearby counter when Satch was back scratching at the door to come in.

"Looks like we won't be eating cereal tonight Satch" he commented opening the door.

"You wouldn't be eating it at all if you weren't so damn stubborn" replied the familiar voice.

Catching him off guard Tim stumbled back slightly only to be grabbed by Chance "Easy there" he told him steadying him before he fell.

"You make it a habit to stalk blind men, scareing the shit out of them" Tim stated wiggling out of his grip.

"Only one and it's not stalking, more like watching out for them, like a guardian angel" he laughed.

"More like a pain my ass" Tim replied sarcastically.

"Sit down and let me warm your dinner for you" Chance advised him.

"I can do it my self, thank you" Tim retorted, heading towards the microwave.

"Maybe so, but I think Satch would appreciate it in it's intended form, not a rubber chew toy" Chance stated taking the plate from Tim.

"Damn it Chance...."he began to argue.

"Tim, just sit will ya. I didn't go to all that effort for it to be ruined by a microwave" Chance demanded.

"Fine" Tim sassed as he made his way to the table. Chance found an iron skillet in the bottom drawer of the oven and continued to prepare the meal. Within a few minutes he placed the plate of food in front of Tim and popped the top off an ice cold beer.

"The steak is at 9 o'clock, the collared greens at 12 o'clock and the roasted corn is at 3 o'clock. You're beer is just right of the plate at 1 o'clock" he explained before taking a large swallow of his own beer.

Tim looked up, only able to make out the shadow of his form in front of him, wishing he could see his face. He was amazed how he continued to care for him as if nothing happened earlier. He needed to apologize, to let him know how much he appreciated everything, how much he dare admit he needed him. He just didn't know how.

"Go ahead, eat before it gets cold, it won't survive a third warm up" Chance laughed.

"Thank you" Tim quietly replied before he began cutting a piece of meat. "I'm surprised you didn't cut this into bite size pieces" he added.

"Your hands work don't they" Chance replied with a hint of sarcasm. Truth be told he almost had but he didn't want Tim to feel any less secure in his independence than he already did.

Cutting a small piece he called for Satch to come for the tasty morsal, which he did without hesitation. Licking his chops he sat by patiently waiting for more.

"Such a mooch, he already had his own plate" Chance laughed.

Tim raised a brow, "oh really, well you little beggar I guess that's it for you" he told him. Satch whined in discontent before giving Chance a disapproving look.

Once finished, Chance cleared the table while Tim drank another beer. He wasn't quite sure how to approach him with the news from Adam. Grabbing another beer for himself he sat down across the table from him.

"Thank you again, that was the best meal I've had in a while. The hospital food sucked and as you found out there wasn't much in the cupboards I could make" Tim stated. "How did you know about placing the food on the plate ya know in reference to a clock".

"Not sure really, instinct maybe or could have been something from my recovery days. I don't recall" he answered drinking more of his beer.

Tim had a flashback to when Chance was recovering from his surgery, the therapist explaining how he could assist him with his daily living skills from getting dressed to eating his meals. Funny, he hadn't given it much thought. He really did understand what he was going through, so why was he being so stubborn and pushing him away.

"Hey, you ok" Chance questioned.

Tim shook his head  "yeah...umm...yeah I'm ok".

"Can we talk for a minute" Chance asked with hesitation.

"If it's about earlier, I'm ... I'm sorry. I know you were only trying to help..." Tim replied quietly.

"I know, I just didn't want you to get hurt. You could have done some major damage to your hand" Chance told him. "Umm, Adam called. He was concerned you haven't answered his calls".

"So he called my babysitter " Tim stated, slightly annoyed.

"Seriously" Chance stated.

"Well, ok, sorry" Tim sassed a bit drinking more of his beer "what did he want"

Chance wasn't sure how this was going to go over, the mere mention of Jenika and her father just fueled the fire within Tim. "The court dates have been set. They need you back to Mankato by Monday".

"Dates? There's more than one? Monday? What the hell" Tim responded.

"Apparently her father wants a trial now instead of his sentencing date. He wants to prove his innocence in the matter" Chance cautiously advised.

"His innocence? Do I look like the result of an interaction with an innocent man. What the fuck. I can't see, can barely function on my own, have to rely on a dog to get me anywhere outside my own home. I'm more of a prisoner than he seems to be" Tim barked.

"The attorneys seem to think you attending will prove the truth of what happened, especially having Satchmo with you" he continued.

"Oh, so parade in the cripple for all to see for sympathy and shame. That's bullshit" Tim barked again.

"Tim, it's for the best. Coming in to show you're still recovering and that you need assistance, it's the best thing to prove what you've suffered at his hand" Chance calmly replied, touching him on his arm.

Tim quickly pulled his away, he could not give in to the sensation he felt from his reassuring voice and touch. He could only deal with one thing at a time and right now he felt he couldn't deal with any of it. Standing, he began to pace, something he'd always done when he felt overwhelmed.

Chance walked over to him, Tim tried to push him away, he wouldn't let him. "Listen to me" he calmly stated, putting his hands on each arm " it's your decision. No one is going to force you into anything you don't want to do. Just think about it. Whatever you want will be done".

Tim didn't want to think anymore. The touch of his hands, the sound of his voice sent shivers down his spine. "What the hell is happening here. He's my bestfriend, brother, a man for crying out loud. This is wrong so wrong" he screamed inside his head.

Chance sensed Tim had become uncomfortable. Not wanting to add to his anger or anxiety, he removed his hands and stepped back. But he couldn't leave, he slowly moved his hand along Tim's face, cupping his cheek. Tim closed his eyes and leaned into it. Chance smiled slightly at his reaction, gently wiping the tear that had escaped from his eye.