ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 101

" You will not give me a kidney. I won't allow you to give me one of your kidneys."

Zipp Dennis looked weaker than ever and frail as he forced himself to sit up in his hospital bed. His eyes were glued to the handsome stubborn face of Ethan Stone as he stood next to the bed staring back at him.

" You will. You will be quiet and keep fighting to live, you very stupid man," Ethan shot out in an extremely frustrated voice as he leaned closer to the sick man. " It's my damn kidney. I can give it to anyone I damn well please. I'm a match. You need it. Shut up and accept it. "

Zipp closed his eyes and then after a few minutes of silence reopened them. In a strained voice lined with fatigue and pain he whispered," I don't want you risking yourself for me. I'm nothing to you, Ethan. Just let me go. I can be with my daughter. "

Ethan reached out to stroke the man's face. " Let me decide what I should risk and for whom. You are not nothing. You're my friend. "

Then he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on Zipp's forehead. " I don't have much in my lonely work obsessed life. But I have you. You're my best friend. I'm sorry I haven't been a better friend to you. " His lips drifted a little lower and rested on Zipp's own which trembled greatly. " Please don't die on me. Please don't leave me. "

A tear slid from Ethan's eye down his cheek. " Please. Let me help you. I'm a match. I can save you. Let me give you my kidney. "

" Ethan....."

" I love you, you selfish , self centered , naive wonderful beautiful bastard. And not just as a friend. I love you. "

Zipp shook his head. " You love him.... Richard........"

Ethan laughed. " I can love two people. I love you. But if you die on me I'll hate you for the rest of my natural life. "