"He’s awake?!" Callie rushed to Joe’s side, praying she’d heard him correctly.

"Yes! Yes!!" Joe cried out, grabbing Callie and pulling her into a hug so tight, she could barely breathe.

"Mmphf!" Callie tried to protest the almost painful embrace but was stifled as Joe held her tightly to his chest. Finally able to push him back a few inches, Callie looked up at him and knew she hadn’t misheard. Joe looked just like a kid on Christmas morning whose every wish had come true.

"He’s awake?" Callie repeated, breathlessly. "You’re sure?"

"Yes!! He’s awake! Well, not now. Now he’s sleeping. But he was awake! Before he fell asleep!" Joe replied as the words came tumbling out in a jubilant rush.

Vanessa laughed at his uncontrolled enthusiasm.

Releasing Callie, Joe took a few steps and stood in front of his fiancée. "He’s back, Van." Joe said quietly, his eyes shining, the smile never leaving his face. She held out her arms and encircled Joe, holding him tightly as he was suddenly overwhelmed by all the emotions he’d been trying to keep inside for the past twelve hours. Several moments later, he pulled away.

"Thanks, Babe." He smiled at her, punctuating it with a kiss.

"Honey?" Laura said softly, tapping Joe on the shoulder.

Joe turned to his mother and saw concern still clearly evident in her eyes.

"You said he woke up." Laura began, afraid to ask the question that was nagging at her, knowing she couldn’t survive another disappointment. "But did he recognize you? Did he respond to you? Did he say anything at all?" She asked.

Joe realized his mother was worried that even though Frank had finally awakened, he still might have suffered permanent brain damage as a result of the drugs that had invaded his system.

"Oh, yeah." Joe responded with a huge grin. "He told me to shut up."

Laughter erupted from everyone as Laura leaned heavily against her husband, smiling with relief. "Thank God." She whispered.

"Well, I see Joe has shared the good news with you all." Dr. Bowles voice carried through the room.

"Have you seen him? Is he going to be all right?" Callie asked the doctor anxiously.

"I just left him. Understandably, he’s exhausted. We’re preparing to run some tests on him but based on our short conversation I think I can safely say he’ll make a full recovery." Dr. Bowles smiled at the sighs of relief and murmurs of thanks. "The tests will probably take a few hours and I’m sure he’ll be pretty tired afterwards. If you’d like to go home and get some rest, something to eat, he should be ready for visitors by the time you get back."

"Thank you, Doctor." Mr. Shaw shook the mans hand, then turned to his daughter. "Come on, honey. Let’s get you home for a few hours of sleep." He hugged Callie tightly.

Callie nodded a little sadly. She had wanted to be there when Frank awoke, although if it couldn’t have been her she was at least glad it was Joe who was with him. Realizing how much she had to be grateful for, Callie smiled and accompanied her parents out of the hospital.

Turning to Joe, Vanessa wrapped an arm around his waist. "I bet you could use a few hours of sleep, too." She kissed him on the cheek. "Let’s go home."

*****

Frank opened his eyes, slowly looking around the room, finally coming to rest on his father who was sitting in a chair next to the bed, smiling at him.

"Welcome back." Fenton said. "We missed you."

"Thanks. I’m glad to be back." Frank replied, using the remote control to raise the head of the bed slightly.

"How do you feel?" Fenton asked, standing to help Frank arrange the pillows behind his head.

"Tired. Other than that I feel fine."

"Water?" Fenton pointed to the pitcher on the bedside table.

Frank nodded and watched while his father poured a cup, which he drank quickly. Settling back against the pillows he looked at his father inquiringly. "So what exactly happened? I know Gloria finally got to me, but the details are pretty fuzzy."

"Apparently Gloria was waiting for you when you got home after going out with Joe last night. She was waiting in the bushes next to the porch." Fenton began to explain.

"No wonder I never saw her. I drove by the house and around the block before I even pulled into the driveway. I was so careful about checking across the street before I walked out of the garage. It never even occurred to me that she’d be so close." Frank shook his head in disgust. "Where’d she end up taking me?"

"To the house she was renovating. The one she had left to her son. Thank God, Joe remembered it or we never would have found you in time." Fenton said, his voice betraying the calm look on his face.

Frank looked around again frowning, the absence of his younger brother finally registering. "Where is Joe? And how is he?" Frank demanded, vaguely recalling how upset Joe had been the last time Frank had seen him.

"He’s at home getting a few hours of sleep. But he’ll probably be back any minute now." Fenton replied checking his watch. "And he’s fine now that he knows you’re going to be all right."

"So Joe knew right where to look for me?" Frank smiled. ‘I knew you could do it, little brother.’

"He remembered you saying that Gloria Sansom had a house that she had left to her son and that she was renovating it in anticipation of moving in herself. He knew the house would either be in her name or her son’s. Vanessa used your computer and had the address within ten minutes." Fenton explained, an unmistakable note of pride in his voice.

"I called Sam and told him what happened. By the time Joe and I got to the house, Gloria had already been arrested and taken to jail and the EMT’s were working on you. When we got to the hospital Sam told us Gloria had made a full confession."

Frank frowned in concentration for a moment, trying to recall what Gloria had said to him before the drug had taken effect. "She told me we couldn’t keep our gifts. She had some warped idea that since her son was the first one born on that day and he was gifted, that anyone else born on that day, who also had some special talent, had to lose it because Blake did. She kept rambling on about how we all had to follow the same path he did and I was the "last one". She told me that as soon as she took away my "gift", her mission would be complete." Frank shuddered at the recollection, looking at his father apprehensively. "Dad, if you hadn’t found me in time, would it have worked? Would I really be…" Frank let his voice trail off, not even wanting to voice that fear.

"Unfortunately, yes." Fenton confirmed. "Gloria knew exactly what she was doing."

As Frank contemplated this thought, the door opened and Callie rushed in. Before he knew what had happened, Frank was enveloped in a hug so tight he almost had to gasp for breath. Hearing Callie cry softly, Frank wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

"Sshhhh. Don’t cry, Babe. I’m fine." Frank said softly, watching as his father discreetly left the room.

"I...kn…know…" Callie stuttered, not wanting to let him go just yet.

Scooting over a little, Frank pulled Callie onto the bed next him and held her. As she laid her head down on his chest, sniffling every now and then, he ran his fingers through her hair, inhaling the scent of her perfume.

"I was so scared, Frank." Callie said quietly a few moments later, holding onto him as if she’d never let go. "The doctors weren’t sure if they’d gotten to you in time. I think last night was the longest night of my life."

"I’m sorry you had to go through that. But the doctors said I should make a complete recovery. They said I’ll be tired for several days, but as long as I take it easy, I’ll be good as new in no time. Okay?" Frank lifted her chin so he could look into Callie’s eyes and smiled.

"Okay." She whispered as Frank leaned down and kissed her. When they finally broke apart several minutes later, Callie stopped to catch her breath before speaking. "But don’t you ever scare me like that again!"

"Promise." Frank replied, leaning in for another kiss.

"Hey!" A loud, boisterous voice echoed through the room. "Haven’t I warned you before about those public displays of affection?!"

Looking up, Frank saw Joe standing with Vanessa, grinning happily.

"That you have." Frank replied wickedly, pulling Callie close and planting a kiss on her that almost made Joe blush.

When Frank looked at his brother again a moment later, Joe winked at him. "Not bad, big brother. You’re learning."

Callie disentangled herself from Frank sheepishly and stood up, looking slightly flushed, causing Vanessa to laugh out loud. "Don’t worry, Cal. You get used to it after a while." Leaving Joe’s side, Vanessa walked over to Frank and hugged him.

"So how are you feeling?" She asked. "The doctors said you’d probably be tired."

"Yeah, I am. But they said after a few days rest I’ll be fine."

"I’m glad." Vanessa told him, stepping out of the way, as Joe came to stand beside her.

"Nice to have you back, big brother." Joe smiled, his eyes shining brightly.

"It’s nice to be back." Frank replied. He was about to thank Joe for ensuring he was found and treated so quickly but the door opened once again as Laura and Fenton entered.

Callie, Joe and Vanessa all stepped aside, allowing Laura access to her son, whom she hugged fiercely.

"Here it comes." Joe whispered loudly. "The mother checklist." However, a stern look from Laura and a light smack on the shoulder from Fenton brought a quick halt to whatever else Joe was going to say.

Turning back to Frank, Laura began interrogating him on how he felt, what the tests had revealed, and what the doctors had told him until she was satisfied that he would indeed make a complete recovery. The Hardy’s spent the remainder of the evening celebrating the good news and making plans for Frank’s release the following morning.

Two days later, Frank was relaxing on the couch as Callie bustled about the house getting ready to leave for work.

"Are you sure you don’t want me to stay home?" She asked concerned. "It’s not a problem."

"I’m fine, Cal. All I’m going to do is sleep. I don’t need a babysitter for that." Frank replied. "Besides, I’m sure Joe will be here as soon as he drags himself out of bed…around noon!"

"Well…if you’re sure." Callie walked over to him, placing the phone on the end table, making sure it was within easy reach. Leaning down, she kissed him goodbye. "Now call me if you need anything. I can be home in a few minutes."

"Stop worrying." Frank laughed. Hearing the front door open, he and Callie exchanged a surprised look, wondering who would be visiting them this early.

"Anybody home?" Joe’s voice rang out.

"In here." Callie replied. "Call me later." She said to Frank as she walked out of the living room, stopping to greet Joe with a quick hug and a kiss before disappearing out the front door.

Frank looked up and smiled, pleasantly surprised to see his brother so early in the morning. "Hi, Joe. What are you doing here?"

"What you’re not happy to see me?" Joe pretended to be hurt, dropping himself into the recliner.

"I’m always happy to see you. I’m just not used to seeing you this early in the morning when we’re not working."

"Couldn’t sleep this morning." Joe shrugged, the grin on his face not quite able to mask the uneasiness in his voice. "So I figured I’d come over here and annoy you."

"Ah. I see." Frank said simply. Settling back down on the couch, Frank waited, now knowing there was a reason for Joe’s early morning visit. He listened patiently as Joe talked about sports, Vanessa, the weather, Vanessa, food, Vanessa – doing anything and everything to avoid talking about whatever was bothering him and growing more restless by the minute.

When Joe finally stopped rambling, Frank thought his younger brother was now wound up so tight he might just snap. Despite the fact that Joe was seated in the chair, he seemed to be in a state of perpetual motion. The way his eyes constantly darted around the room, purposely avoiding Frank’s gaze, told Frank everything he needed to know.

"Joe, is there something specific you’d like to talk about?" Frank asked gently, giving Joe the opening he needed. "Because I’m ready to listen if you’re ready to talk."

"Are you sure?" Joe asked tentatively, finally looking at his brother. Joe wasn’t even sure he really wanted to talk about this. "You really wouldn’t mind?"

"I’m sure, Joe." Frank reassured him. Sitting up, Frank propped a pillow behind him and got comfortable, giving Joe his complete and undivided attention.

After a few false starts, Joe began to speak. Slowly and quietly at first but then the words started coming faster and faster, a jumble of emotions and fears pouring out, landing in Frank’s lap and in his heart. At first, Frank found his rage and anger increased rapidly as he listened to Joe describe the first – and the worst – of the torture’s Rashman had administered. The one that had been literally seared into Joe’s memory. The one that would leave physical scars, making it impossible for Joe to ever forget it, even if that were possible.

Frank’s eyes followed his brother’s movements as Joe instinctively grabbed his left arm, the unconscious habit feeding the fury that was eating away at Frank. At one point, Joe was pulling on his arm so hard Frank winced, certain he was about to hear a "pop" or a "crack". As difficult as it was seeing Joe so vulnerable, and scared, it served to help Frank to regain control of himself and his emotions. As he forced the burning desire for revenge back down into the place in his soul where it smoldered day after day, Frank calmed down considerably, once again became the composed, patient, supportive older brother Joe depended on. While he occasionally offered a word of advice or encouragement, Frank spent most of the time simply listening as Joe let out all the doubts, fears and worries he’d kept bottled up inside for so long.

It was close to two hours later when Joe finally became quiet again and that’s when Frank saw what had happened, although he didn’t know when it had happened. At some point, Joe had moved, apparently needing not only Frank’s emotional support but some kind of physical closeness to his older brother, as well. Joe was now seated on the couch next to Frank, the side of his leg pressed up tightly against Frank’s. Frank realized he was gently rubbing Joe’s back and by the way his arm was aching, he must have been doing it for quite a while. As Joe remained silent, staring down at his hands, Frank suddenly wondered if this had been such a good idea. He knew nothing about psychology. Whatever made him think he could help Joe through this, when a licensed and degreed therapist couldn’t do it?

Frank studied his younger brother for a moment and when he saw what Joe was doing, or rather what he wasn’t doing, he felt a tidal wave of relief wash over him. While Joe was still fidgeting slightly, he was no longer protectively clutching his left arm. In fact, he wasn’t touching it at all. When Joe finally looked up, meeting his brother’s gaze, Frank knew without a doubt he had done the right thing. He vowed if this was Joe’s reaction to their talk about the hell he had endured in Chicago, it would be the first of many.

The apprehension and anxiety that had been clearly visible in Joe’s eyes when he began talking had completely disappeared, having been replaced with the elusive sparkle that had been starting to make a reappearance in recent weeks. There was a hint of a smile on Joe’s face and Frank got the feeling that Joe’s infectious laugh was hovering just below the surface.

"Thanks." Joe said simply, the little smile growing bigger.

"You’re welcome." Frank replied. Without warning, Frank let out a huge yawn and felt nothing but happiness when Joe burst into laughter.

"I don’t usually have that effect on people!" Joe teased his brother, holding up a hand before Frank could apologize. "Don’t worry about it. You’re supposed to be resting and here I am talking your ear off. Why don’t you go upstairs and take a nap so you can get away from me for a little while, huh?"

Frank yawned once more, unable to stop himself. "Mmmm. That sounds good." Frank agreed standing up. "You gonna hang around?"

"Would you mind if I did?" Joe asked, looking up at his brother. "Vanessa’s at work, Dad barred me from the office today…. I have no where to go." He finished pathetically.

"Of course I don’t mind. See if you can find something to amuse yourself for a few hours and then I’ll come down and beat you at few video games, okay?"

"Yeah, in your dreams!" Joe snorted as Frank made his way upstairs for a much needed nap.

Standing up, Joe wandered over to the collection of video games by the TV looking for something to help pass the time. As he perused the titles, Joe became a little overwhelmed as it suddenly struck him that the vast majority of games had been purchased with him in mind. He could pick out maybe one or two titles that he knew Frank would happily play on his own. The rest, Joe knew, Frank wouldn’t even look at if he weren’t there too.

Picking one of his favorites, Joe popped it into the slot, picked up the controls and walked back to the couch. As he waited for the game to start, Joe looked up towards the ceiling, thanking the higher power that had blessed him with a brother he was never quite sure he deserved.