Duke sighed once his ass landed back in the familiar wheelchair. His leg was throbbing having had more activity than probably what it should have. He rubbed his upper thigh hoping to ease some of the tension from the tendons. His eyes focusing on it until he felt his foot lift. His gaze focusing down to find Tala kneeling down and taking off his boots one at a time. She takes a moment to gaze at his jean clad leg looking in deep thought. 

With a gentle sigh she stands up, "I won't give you any more numbing shots but would you like some aspirin for the pain?"

He nodded his head making her turn and walk over to a cabinet before pulling a small bottle down. He closes his eyes momentarily trying to take deep breaths hoping it will help. 

"Here"

Her soft angelic voice makes his eyes snap open to find her holding a glass of water and two white tablets in her hand. He takes them with haste tossing them down before taking the glass and gulping it down. Tala's dainty hand coming out which he takes as to give her the glass back. She sets it aside before turning back to him. Her body leaning closer to him making his heart palpitate faster. His eyes remaining on her soft brown pair. Feeling movement, he looks down and realize what she was doing. Her fingers working the buttons of the jacket. Duke aids in helping remove the jacket. She hangs it on a hook next to hers before walking behind him. He relaxes as she begins pushing him and leading them towards the bedroom. 

Rick was asleep appearing to have tired out while they were gone. Tala leaves him and walks over to check on the man in the bed. Duke couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from the sight of the beauty. She was unlike anyone he had ever met. Her nature to care for others, her kindness over ruled all other senses. He could tell she had a past, her body language early on gave it away. However, when she was needed it seemed nothing else matter. Not to mention her physique... Duke couldn't even explain how much time he has spent in the last few days studying her. 

"Duke"

So lost in thought, he didn't even realize Rick had awoken. He smiled rolling up beside the bed. Tala helped adjust Rick before excusing herself to grab something. Rick had more color to his cheeks making Duke feel relieved. 

"How are you feeling?" Duke asked taking a glance over his entire form before going back up to match his gaze. 

Rick nods his head, "Better. I can't believe that we are here man."

"Yeah, I know.." Duke says fidgeting with his fingers looking down to his lap. Taking a deep inhale, he lifts his head. "We are here and that is all that matters."

Rick looks to him with a small smirk. "That girl is doing you good."

Duke doesn't say anything but continues to stare at Rick. His smirk turning into a wide grin. Rick eventually rolls his eyes earning laughter from his best friend. The laughter shook his body making him moan in pain after only a moment. Duke's care free attitude instantly switching to alarmed. His arm shooting out to his friend in reflex. Rick calms himself taking a few breaths nodding in reassurance to Duke. 

"Alright boys, it's time to eat."

Duke and Rick turn to the door to find Tala walking in with a tray with three bowls on it. She walks over placing the tray down over Rick's legs and the aroma instantly engulfs them. It was a chicken broth with chicken and noodles with carrots and celery. It smelt absolutely delicious. She carefully handed one of the bowls over to Duke who gave her a gentle smile. Duke can feel Rick's gaze on him but refuses to turn to him instead focusing on the woman before him. 

She rounds the bed sitting down on the other side near Rick's feet. She reaches for one of the bowls bringing it to her lap with a gentle sigh relaxing on the plush of the comforter. She beams happily at him before looking to Rick. 

"Are you still feeling okay Rick?"

The heated gaze finally lets up. Rick nods his head at Tala, "Much... the pain is still there but I am more than happy just to be alive."

Tala gives him an understanding smile nodding softly. "Did Duke tell you?"

Rick and Tala's gaze going to the man who was slurping some of the warm broth. He swallows before clearing his voice. "We spoke to Summer."

The twinkle that lights up Rick's eyes making the whole trip worth it. His smile grows as he plays with his spoon seeming to be in a happy set of mind. "Is... Is she okay?"

Tala places her hand on the man's leg, "She is so happy to know you are alive."

Both men chuckle before Rick allows a tear slip down his cheek. His hand coming up quick to wipe it away. The hand on his leg rubbing it gently up and down in a comforting manner. "Wh-when will I be able to.."

His voice trails off while looking at Tala. The brunette smiles in understanding. "I am hoping as long as you don't move around to much, we can get you both transported in two weeks time."

While Rick looked thrilled, Duke's gut clenched uncomfortably not sure how happy to feel about that news. Glancing at Rick first, he knew all he wanted to do was get back to Summer and their baby. Turning to Tala, her eyes met his and she give a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. He couldn't give one back because he was confused. Shouldn't he be happy to be returning to his life?

"So Tala, I haven't got to truly thank you." Rick pipes up feeling the tension developing. 

She turns her attention back to him give him a slight bow of her head. "I'm glad I could help."

"You must be an incredible doctor!" Rick says happily.

The room goes quiet and Rick's smile falters seeing such a pain filled smile on Tala's face. Duke's eyes already trained on her. He knew it was a sensitive subject but the urge to know was clawing at him. 

"I'm sorry Tala-"

Tala waves him off taking a shaky breath. "It's alright. I used to be a surgeon."

"Used to?" Duke pipes in making her gaze snap to him. 

She nods once in affirmation. "It's a long story."

Rick clears his throat, "Well Tala, can I be honest with you?" She nods her head. "I am terrified of your dog."

Laughter spilled from Tala making a chuckle come from Duke while he listened to the sound. The tension dissipating. Tala looks around not seeing her boy in the room. She whistles and the patting of paws can be heard. He instantly goes to her side laying his head on her leg. Rick looks down practically holding his breath. Duke smirks at his reaction to the dog. 

"Come here Bear," Duke calls gently. The dog's head snapped before he rounded the bed going and sitting right at Duke's feet. 

Tala was stunned. She did not expect her boy to be so obedient towards the man that only a few days prior he wanted to bite at. Duke rubbed Bear's head affectionately breaking Tala from her stupor. Her heart swooning, she had to suppress the awe threatening to spill out. 

Duke looks up to his friend grinning, "See... no reason to be scared."

Rick scoffs and instantly silence finding Bear's eyes trained on him. He goes stiff again but another head rub from Duke makes the dog forget all about him. Rick only narrows his eyes at his friend who couldn't look more amused if he tried. 

"Did you reach out to the label?" Rick asks after a spoonful of the soup. 

Duke hesitates before shaking his head negatively. "I uhm.. I only called Summer."

Rick's brows furrow looking at him confused. He watches as Duke's eyes go to Tala for a moment and he can see why he didn't call. If he did, they would send someone out immediately to retrieve him. From the look Duke is giving the woman, it's clear he isn't ready to leave. 

"Roger said there was news report of a plane being lost. They have people scouting but do to the density and weather, it's not likely they will find it... not unless they know the area."

Duke nods his head quite happy that they no one will know where he is at currently. He quite enjoyed the serenity of this cabin. His eyes continue to flicker to Tala who always seem to match his gaze on instinct. He could feel a warmth in his chest making his lips twitch upwards. 

They continue chatting about random things until the soup is gone from the bowls. Duke was relaxed and at ease just sitting and talking. He can't remember the last time he did something so simple as just talk. Hard to believe it took him possibly dying to finally wake up. His stomach turned thinking about leaving this little slice of heaven he had found. 

"Alright boys, I got to take Bear for a walk. When I get back in, Rick..." She pauses pointing her spoon at him. "You need to get washed up."

Duke's eyes harden imagining her doing to Rick what she did to him. The intimate moment quickly running in his head. He didn't realize his grip on the bowl had become tight. Rick however saw his friend's knuckles turn white. 

"Could Duke help me with that?" Rick ask trying to diffuse his friend. 

Tala's brows furrow in confusion not sure why the man wants Duke. "Duke needs to rest his leg. If I make you uncomfortable, we can-"

"No, no..." Rick interjects not wanting to her to get the wrong impression. "It's fine."

Duke's eyes narrow on Rick who gives his beauty a forced smile. Duke doesn't like this at all. Tala begins to gather up all the bowls placing them back on the tray before she leaves the room. Rick meets Duke's glare head on. 

"Oh come on Duke!" Rick's hands flying up for a moment. "I am a happily married man. I'm not interested in her."

"You could have said no." Duke says lowly. 

"Dude, have you smelled me??" Rick gives him an exasperated look. Rick closes his eyes trying to calm down his irritation. "Look man, stay in the room.. I don't care but she is right. I need to clean up."

Rick laid his head back closing his eyes. Duke's jaw was locked still not thrilled with the situation. It didn't take long before the sound of Tala's feet could be heard. She went to the bathroom and sounds could be heard. She arrived with her hands with the familiar bowl and sponge a minute later. 

Duke's gaze set on the damn bowl in a scowl. Tala sets it down before turning to him with a raised brow. He frowns and wheels back but doesn't leave the room. Tala's brow pinch together but based on his facial expression, she didn't further question him. She rinsed out the sponge and began wiping down Rick. The man's eyes remained closed feeling the hard stare still on him or more specifically everywhere Tala was touching him. Rick really wanted to throw a damn pillow at him but sufficed in just allowing the woman sponge him making him feel better. 

Duke continued to glare at the damn sponge like it would go up in flames. When she began removing the blankets he had to grip the hell out of the chair. After twenty agonizing minutes. She dropped the sponge into the bowl and Duke breathed a little easier. That was until she took the sponge squeezing it over his head before she scrubbed his hair. Duke watched Rick to see if he would open his eyes and look at the sight before him. Lucky for his sanity, Rick kept his eyes closed. 

"Alright Rick, all done. Do you feel okay?" Tala asks standing up with her hands on her hips. 

The man nodded his head snuggling back into the pillow not wanting to come out of the coziness he currently felt. Tala took the queue grabbing the bowl before heading out. Duke wheeled himself out following Tala who returned to the bathroom. She dumped out the water before refilling it and placing salts in it. She turned around looking directly at him. 

"Promise to not glare while I wash you?"