His mutilated, barely recognizable, beautiful body.

"Chris," Buck grabbed his friend by the shoulder. "We need to let the coroner and forensic boys in here." The ladies man turned Larabee from the horrendous site and headed to the patrol car, where the other of the seven waited.

"Is it...." JD couldn't bring himself to state the awful question.

"Yes." The anguish of the leader's voice left little for hope. But before anything more could be said or asked, Chris walked away from them, the scene, the people, from his life....never looking back.

'That's it Larabee, run like a good little boy.' A shadowy figure watched the black-clad man's departure, from the alley across the street. "Would you look at that pretty boy! He's just letting you go, like you wasn't worth a damn dime to him." A sharp, muffled cry of pain melted into the walls surrounding the man, as he pulled his hand into the moonlight and smiled at the blood covering it. "I knew this would be fun, just not this fun." He began to laugh lightly, as he once again plunged the knife he had just extracted from the body propped at his feet, into the figure once more.

Vin Tanner had never really thought about whether there was a heaven or hell before, but now, he was really wishing for death, as he felt the rigid blade cut into his already punctured abdomen. 'Dear God help me!'

Buck remembered the time after Sarah and Adam's death and had prayed since then that he would be spared the heartache of watching his friend slowly die. But, it was happening again. As Wilmington glanced once more to the somber body sitting in the passenger's seat of the Ram, he recalled the days of drinking, of never knowing if he would find Larabee alive or dead. He was hoping it would be that simple this time, but he knew it wouldn't.

Vin had meant much more to Chris, maybe even more than humanly possible. Buck had known the connection went soul deep from the first day he saw them together. And he thanked God from that day on, as he saw the life force seep back into Larabee's wilted life. But today, he wanted to curse the exact thing he had been happy for.

"You want me to stay with ya, Chris?" Wilmington knew the answer before he asked, but he still needed to know.

"No." Chris' monotone was no surprise to the ladies man, but the next words did catch him off guard. "Don't worry, Buck. I won't self -destruct without you there." Chris glanced sideways and hoped his eyes conveyed the sheer gratitude he felt for the man. Wilmington had brought him from the brink of hell too many times for the leader not to realize how lucky he was. "Vin wouldn't want me to wallow in self pity." He turned his eyes back toward the front and ignored the trees that lined the driveway to his ranch, as he started to remember the days before the nightmare.

He and Vin had decided to buy a new mare to breed with Tanner's stallion. They wanted to start a small breeding ranch as a backup plan in case they didn't have their badges anymore. That was three days ago. Three horrible, long, suffering days. Chris reached up and pushed his fingers through his tangled mass of hair.

He had prayed the letter he'd received was a prank of some kind, but the sudden disappearance of Vin and then the letter telling him where to find the body, had all turned into his destruction.

"We're here, pard." Buck had pulled up to the porch and stopped. He watched the play of emotions on his friend's face, as he waited for the right moment to bring him back. "We're here for ya, Chris. You need anything...." Wilmington couldn't finish his sentence as he noticed Larabee's eyes fall on Vin's boots, which set by the front door.

"Yeah, I know Buck. But I'm afraid there's nothing we can do now." Larabee opened the door and quietly slid out of the cab of the truck. He never looked back, as he shut the door and entered the darkened ranch house.

"Wakey, wakey!" Horton's voice blasted it's way through Vin's subconscious and quickly alerted him to danger. "I need you to wake up for me, boy." Tanner tried to will his sluggish eyelids to cooperate, knowing pain would follow if he wasn't quick enough. Sure enough, his response time was off and immediately a sharp lance of agony slice up his chest, causing his body to convulse upward, not only physically but mentally.

"Oh God..." The scream was no more than a hoarse whisper, as Vin's eyes popped open and the madness of Horton's face was in front of him.

"Good, I was afraid you had gone and died on me." He reached out and patted the black and blue left cheek and then backhanded the sharpshooter. Vin yelped in surprise and pain. "I am not going to allow you a peaceful death, Tanner. I want you to suffer as you have made me suffer. You took something that belonged to me and I'm going to get it back." Horton grabbed Tanner's hair and jerked him almost off the floor. "You will lay here and die. And you will think about how I'm comforting Larabee of his grief, knowing that I was the cause. You will think about the night's to come, when I'm the one rightfully in his bed. Not some damn Texan who don't give a damn about him. You'll think about all that, while you lay here and count the hours and minutes until death comes calling you home." Horton laughed suddenly, and then threw the sharpshooter back to the floor of the rundown building.

Vin struggled to control his anger and fear, as he recalled Horton's words. "He'll never have you." Tanner could feel the tears begin to stream down his face from the pain. "He'd rather die then touch you." Vin knew his words would probably provoke a violent reaction, but he didn't care.

"Nice try, pretty boy, but it ain't going to work. You're lucky your ass ain't my type, but thankfully Larabee's is. I'll show him what he was missing with you, boy." Horton leaned close to Vin's face. "I hope your death isn't quick." He kissed Vin fully on the lips and then vanished into the breaking of the dawn.

Vin immediately wiped at his lips, hoping to rid himself of the vile taste, but Horton's words only made the repulsion grow. He had to get out of this place and get to Chris. Larabee needed him now more then ever and he'd be damned if he died without trying.

Tanner rolled to his side, gasping instantly as his knife wound connected with the cold, cement floor. After letting his breath get under control, he slowly began to push himself onto his hands and knees. His limbs were shaking terribly from the past days of being malnourished,, that he knew he would smack face first into the concrete, but by some miracle of sheer will, he was finally on all fours.

His head was swimming, his stomach lurching, but he refused to give up. Chris needed him and that was all that mattered.

No, cowboy. What really matters is we'll always be together.

Vin jerked his head upward, hoping to see Larabee standing there, but his hope was dashed as nothing but concrete walls greeted him. "I know you're here, Chris. I can feel you. Help me." Tanner's tears began to pour once more, whether from the physical pain he was experiencing or the emotional agony, he didn't know. "We promised as long as we each drew breath in our bodies, we'd protect and love each other. I'm trying to keep that promise, cowboy and I need you to help me keep it." Vin's words were no more than a whisper, but the sharpshooter could feel his strength gain with each utterance until he suddenly found himself on his feet.

He knew he was in a bad way. The knife wound itself had caused him to lose a large amount of blood, but mix that with his numerous bruises from the beatings and the lack of food and water, it was a miracle he was able to breath, much less anything else. "I guess Josiah was right, the power of the soul is mightier than the body." Vin took a cautious step and then another until he found himself at the door leading to, what he hoped, was the outside. He took the doorknob into a very shaky hand and turned. The relief that flooded his body when the know turned, almost sent him to his knees.

"I'm on my way, Chris."

The light began pouring into the living room, but Chris didn't notice. He had been sitting in the same position, in the same chair, since Buck had dropped him off at midnight. He was hunched over with his elbows resting on his knees and a picture clutched in both hands.

He was caressing the frame with his thumbs. "Why Vin? You made a promise just like I did. We said we would never leave each other no matter what. You said even if one of us died, we would still feel one another. But I can't." Larabee stopped his touch on the frame reaching one hand across the glass and laying it on the figure of Vin. "I don't know why I'm blaming you, when it was me that broke the promise first. I didn't protect you and I'm sorry."

Chris felt his throat constrict and the tears that he'd been holding at bay begin to well up. "Oh God, I am so sorry, Vin. You were not only my true love, but you were the other half of my soul. How am I suppose to live without you?" The sob sounded like a croak at first and then it begin to grow into a racking sob, shaking the agent's whole body. "Please....don't leave......me....."

Larabee brought the picture, the one of he and Vin playing touch football with the rest of the seven, up until it was resting against his forehead. "I need you, cowboy." The silent plea was followed by more tears and then drowned out by the cry of an eagle in the distance.

You can do this, Tanner. Vin swayed dangerously, as he attempted for the umpteenth time to walk in a straight line toward what he hoped was a phone or people. You're worse than a new born colt. Just get your ass together already. The sharpshooter continuously berated himself, trying his damnedest to block out the immense pain. A few more steps and you're home free. Tanner snorted. Who the hell am I kidding? A few more steps and then I've got real problems. He broke off the tirade as his hand clutched the glass door of the phone booth.

"Thank God." Vin sighed heavily. "Well, Josiah always said that miracles can happen." He pulled the door open as far as his battered body would allow and then squeezed himself through. As he eyes adjusted from the dizziness once more, he could see the dawn was breaking over the horizon.

"Hang on, cowboy, I'm on my way." With what strength he could muster, he picked up the phone and punched zero.

He could feel the heat on his face, but couldn't understand why it was so strong. He knew he had shut the blinds in the den before he sat down the night before. As awareness started coming back, he also knew he was in the house when he fell asleep, not in the back yard.

"What the...." Chris broke off his question when a cough overtook him.

"Ah, good, you're finally awake. I was afraid the fun would be all mine." Horton laughed happily, as the green gaze focused on him. He had been waiting a long time for this day. "Good morning, Chris. I hope you slept well."

Larabee squinted against the sunlight, hoping he was just dreaming what he was seeing. "Horton?" The leader choked off a gasp as recognition dawned.

"Ah, good, you remember me. I was so hoping you would. How have you been? Oh, silly me, I know how you've been. The pain, the agony of losing the one you love." The madman leaned close so he could look the agent in the eye. "I am truly sorry for your suffering, Chris, but if it will make you feel better, Tanner didn't die alone." Horton saw the mixture of emotions go from complete shock to instant rage.

"YOU..." Chris tried to grab for the man and found himself bound to the tree. Why didn't I feel this before? The agent's mind was fuzzy and unclear. "What did you do to him?" But he had still comprehended what Horton had said.

"Now, now, you wouldn't want to know all the sordid details, do you? Well, I'll spare you some of the moments, but I can tell you that I now know what you saw in the lanky figure." The madman smirked when he saw all the color drain from Larabee's face. "Aw, come now, do you think I would waste such a pretty thing like that?"

Chris wanted to die. That was the only thought he could process right now. He literally wanted to get his gun and blow his brains out. The mere thought of someone like Horton touching Vin and he wasn't able to stop it, tore his soul to pieces.

"But don't worry, I'll give you an up close and personal reenactment of his last act." Horton moved closer to Larabee, dropping his voice an octave. "I know for sure you'd want to experience what he did right before I killed him."

The leader looked into the man's eyes and saw nothing but madness. "Just kill me now, Horton. There's nothing you can do to me that will be any worse then what you've already done." Chris let his head drop back against the tree.

"Wanna bet?" Horton stepped up to Larabee until they were touching. "Tanner said the same thing, but he changed his mind quick." The man acted like he was gonna step back, but instead he let his hands fall to Chris' waist. "I bet you like it rough like he did, uh Larabee?"

Chris' eyes swung suddenly to the man in front of him. He opened his mouth to say something, but quickly shut it as he felt the zipper on his pants go down and Horton's hand slide inside.

"It's party time." Horton laughed, as he winked at Chris and then dropped to his knees to let his mouth follow the same trail as his hand.

"Operator, how may I help you?" The woman's voice sounded like it was coming through a tunnel, but Vin knew it was the ringing in his ears causing that.

"I need 565-7729, please." Tanner had no idea why the first number to pop into his head was Buck's, but right now he was just happy he remembered anything at all.

"Hold please, while I get acceptance." The phone line seemed to go dead, causing Vin's heart to pick up it's pace. As he started to say something, the line opened up once more. "Caller, please identify yourself."

"Vin." The sharpshooter hoped his voice had been loud enough.

"Your call has been accepted, have a nice day."

Tanner waited, daring to believe someone was on the other line.

"Hel'o." The voice sounded drowsy, but it was pure music to Vin's ears.

"JD?" Tanner let his head fall forward until it rested on the phone.

"Who is this?" JD immediately came wide awake when he heard the voice. He wanted to believe it was real, but after the day before, he didn't know what to think.

The sharpshooter shook his head slightly. "JD, it's me, Vin." Tanner could feel his long battle coming to an end. "JD, listen to me, it's important." Vin felt his voice waning. Please, God, just a few more minutes.

Dunne knew in the instant Vin spoke again, it really was him. He placed his hand over the mouth piece and yelled with all his might for Buck. "It's okay, Vin. I'm here, where are you?" JD reached for his pants that were laying in the floor, hopping into them as he listened for Vin.

You can do it, cowboy. Tanner swallowed hard and then started speaking. "I'm somewhere in the warehouse district, the other side of Purgatorio. But, there's no time for that now, you boys have to get to Chris. Horton's gone after him." The dizziness was back with full force, causing the man to pause.

JD could hear the hurt in the other man's voice, so once again covered the receiver and turned to the older man standing beside him. "It's Vin. Don't ask, no time. He's hurt and somewhere in the warehouse district. Said Chris is in trouble, being hunted by somebody named Horton. Need to get to him fast." Dunne finished his speech in three seconds flat. He went back to the phone, ignoring Wilmington's cussing and swearing as the man grabbed his cell phone and slammed the front door. "Okay, Vin. Buck and the others are going to help Chris, now I need you to give me more info about where you're at so I can come get you." JD made his voice as calm as possible, remembering what all the others had taught him about approaching a wounded animal.

Vin took a deep breath, gasping in pain as the knife wound was pulled.

"Vin, Vin, talk to me, please." Dunne felt sheer terror course through him at the gasp.

"I'm here. Just feeling a might poorly." Tanner let a smile crease his bruised face, finally feeling some peace knowing the others would get to Chris for him. "All I can tell ya, JD, is I'm standing in a phone booth outside an old diner. The sign is half gone, but what I can read says, Clem." As soon as he finished the word, his world tilted and the blackness took over.

JD heard the phone drop and then the muffled thud. "Vin?" Nothing. "Hang on, Vin. I'm on my way." Dunne didn't know if his friend could hear him, but he didn't care. Tanner was alive and he aimed to keep him that way.

Chris' mind knew what was about to happen, hell even his fucking body knew what was about to happen, but the only thing he could picture was Vin being forced to suck this madman's balls. He started remembering all the nights the sharpshooter had pleasured him by literally sucking the life out of him and his cock, but this, this man had took those precious moments and banished them. And now, he was about to perform a hideous act against him and he couldn't stop it. Just like he was unable to stop what Vin had been through.

Dear God in Heaven, if you can hear me, tell Vin I'm sorry. Larabee could feel the first set of tears threatening to run over, but those were quickly replaced with blazing fury as Horton's mouth surrounded Chris' hardening penis. Horton's tongue flicked out and caught the head and slowing began caressing it using a swirling motion. Larabee felt his stomach give a violent heave and without thought he let the contents, what little there were in his stomach, come flying out, aiming them directly for Horton's head.

The man immediately forgot his task, as he felt the liquid mix land on his hair and then begin a slow drip down the back of his shirt. Horton came up cursing, screaming, and swinging. Before Chris knew what was happening, Horton was landing blow after blow to his midsection and then his face, but Larabee didn't care. He had managed to stop this man from not only taking him, but his dignity, and what beautiful memories he had left of Tanner. Thank you, God.

Horton's words were incoherent but his actions were dead on as he kept delivering violent punches to the half-conscious agent. He was about to hit the team leader once more across his already battered face, when a shot rang out and then he felt his body jerk sideways. Horton was able to glance toward Chris before he started his slow descent to the ground and was disappointed when he saw the man was still alive. I'll get you, Larabee, even if I have to wait for you in Hell. The madman hit the ground with a dull thud, and the sunlight now shining overhead displayed the man's lifeless eyes to the four agents' who were sliding to a stop around him.

"Jesus, Chris?" Wilmington immediately stepped in front of his friend, when he noticed the lowered pants and the semi swollen penis laying outside them. He knew the others would think of nothing but helping their friend, but Buck knew Chris' dignity would not let him forget.

The mustached agent took off his jacket and quickly tied it around the leader's waist, chatting softly about anything to take his mind off what had happened. "Buck?" The whispered name had Wilmington straightening up suddenly and then staring into sad, green eyes.

"Yeah, pard, I'm here." Buck reached up and laid his hand on the side of the injured man's face. "It's okay, it's over."

Chris stared hard at the man in front of him, afraid it was a dream, but then he looked into his oldest friend's eyes and knew he was safe. "He killed him, Buck. That bastard killed Vin." Larabee felt the bile begin to rise again in his throat, but this time tried to hold it at bay.

"No, Chris."

Chris cleared his throat and then blinked hard trying to get the blood and hair out of his eyes. "What are you talking about, Buck?" But before Wilmington answered him, the agent reached around and untied the bonds holding Larabee to the tree.

"Josiah, you wanna give me a hand here." Buck glanced over his shoulder, catching the other agent's eye and hoping to keep Larabee from asking too many questions just now.

"Sure thing, brother. Ezra is gone to call an ambulance and Nathan went back to the truck for his medical bag. How is Chris?" Sanchez had waited until Buck summoned him for help, having guessed some of what had transpired before they arrived.

"He's conscious, but looks like hell." Wilmington raised his arms, placing them underneath Larabee's and waited for Josiah to help him ease the injured man to the ground.

"Hello, Brother Chris." Josiah saw Chris staring at him from around Buck's shoulder.

"Josiah?" Larabee knew he was missing something or maybe it was the drums beating in his head getting in the way.

"You just rest, Chris, we're gonna take care of you." Sanchez patted Larabee's shoulder as he and Buck made him comfortable on the ground. Josiah placed his jacket under the leader's head, while Wilmington made sure his jacket was still securely in place around Chris' waist and legs.

Buck looked up and saw Sanchez's questioning gaze. "Pants are covered in blood." The agent didn't care if the other man believed him or not, he wasn't about to reveal anything to anybody, ever.

"How is he?" Jackson and Standish came to a sliding stop a few feet from the injured body.

"He's awake." Buck slid over slightly, allowing Nathan room to get to Larabee.

"Chris, can you hear me?" The medic began taking Chris' pulse, glancing at the disoriented green gaze.

"He killed him." Larabee swallowed hard, as the past day's events and his injuries began closing in on him.

Three of the four men swapped puzzled glances until Wilmington spoke up. "He thinks Horton killed Vin."

Josiah glared at Buck. "You mean you haven't told him." The words were spoken in a hush, but the venom behind them was clear.

"You and I both know that Vin may still be dead." Buck spat his answer back at Sanchez.

"That may be, Mr. Wilmington, but I believe Chris needs something to hold onto at this moment or I'm afraid we may loose him as well." Ezra had felt too much pain and fear in the past 24 hours to let anything keep him from getting some sort of peace back.

Buck glanced from one man to another then leaned over to look into Chris' eyes. "Hey pard, how ya doing?"

Larabee opened his eyes slightly, wanting nothing more then drift silently into the darkness beckoning him. "I'm tired, Buck."

"I know ya are, Chris, but there's something I need to tell ya." Wilmington took a deep breath and waited for the other man to become more focused.

"What?" Larabee licked his lips, tasting the saltiness of the blood on them.

"Vin's alive, pard." Buck couldn't keep the stab of pain from shooting through his heart, as the defeated look crossed his friend's face.

"NO, I saw the.." Chris stopped when he felt Buck's hand grab his.

"It's true, Chris. Vin's the reason we're here. He told us Horton was coming after you. JD's gone to get him now and as soon as we're at the hospital, you can see him for yourself. So, you have to promise me you'll hang on, okay. Junior's counting on you." Wilmington was relieved when Larabee's hand tightened around his.

"I promise." Chris let his eyes drift close, not knowing whether to believe his friend or not, but knew he had promised to at least give him the benefit of the doubt.

"VIN....." JD jumped from Buck's truck, leaving the door hanging wide open. He had been driving around for the past 45 minutes in the warehouse district, looking for a sign that said Clem. He had finally struck gold, when he passed an abandoned billboard with an advertisement for Clementine's Grill on 3rd and Wilburn Str. and now he was parked in the lot outside the diner.

And there was no sign of Vin. The young agent spanned the area around, trying to spot a phone booth or even a sigh saying one was near by. He was about to head toward a side street, when a noise caught his attention in the opposite direction. He turned, expecting to see Tanner's battered form staggering toward him, but that glorious thought was short lived, as he watched three gang -bangers with blue colors strutting toward him.

Way to go, Dunne. You're here to save Vin and instead, you've walked yourself into gang turf. JD cleared his throat and tried to stand in a anti violent way, if there even was one. "Hey fellas." Dunne nodded his head to the approaching teens.

"Would you look at this boys. This white boy ain't even smart enough to know to run." The three gang members began circling Dunne.

Damnit, JD, you ain't got time for this. Vin needs you. "Look guys, I would really love to stay and let you all beat the shit out of me, but I've got to find my friend. So, if you'll excuse me, I'll be going." JD turned, but was stopped by a hand grabbing the front of his jacket.

"Look, buddy, you're on our ground now and what we say goes." The young man shoved Dunne, knocking him off balance, almost sending him to the pavement. This made the ATF agent angry. He was worried and tired from not sleeping.

"No, you look, buddy, I've had one hell of day so far and if you and your homeboys don't get the fuck out of my way, I will wipe your asses with this concrete." JD stepped toe to toe with the one who had pushed him, not caring the consequences anymore.

"You just bought yourself a one way ticket to the graveyard, pal." The flick of a switchblade and the yell spurred JD into action.

He had no idea what he was doing, his only thoughts on the moves Tanner had taught him in the dojo. Front kick, knife block, forward punch...... and then nothing. Dunne blinked several times and looked around. The three boys were rolling on the ground moaning, but JD didn't stop to congratulate himself, he had to find Vin.

Buck paced the trauma room, not liking the look of defeat once again adorning the team leader's face. They had brought Chris in and lucky the nurses or doctors didn't ask any questions about the pants, their only concern were the blunt blows to the man's abdomen and face. It had taken 43 stitches to close a laceration to Larabee's jaw up to his hairline, the doctor said it had been caused from a ring but thankfully wouldn't leave a scar.

He had three broken ribs and some bruising to his stomach, but should be fine in a couple of days. Physically anyway. Buck's thoughts turned to the closed door he was once again staring at. Where the hell are you, kid?

JD brushed the blood from his eye and stepped up his pace toward the alley. He had spotted the phone sign as soon as he had rounded the corner of the warehouse running parallel to the alleyway. His lungs were burning and he could feel sweat mixing with the blood, but totally ignored it as he gaze fell on the prone form laying half in and half out of the phone booth.

"Vin?" Dunne slid to a halt at the booth's doors and felt fear grip him when the man didn't move. "Vin!" JD leaned down and placed a hand on the agent's shoulder, almost jumping in shock when the body moved underneath his hand.

"JD?" The voice was weak but was definitely there.

"Yeah, Vin, it's me. Hang on and I'll have you in the hospital in no time." JD let his relief and happiness help him get Tanner standing. Then he didn't pause to check the man's injuries, he knew that the nurses and doctors would see to Vin once he got him there.

"Don't worry, Vin. You're gonna be okay."

The sunlight was once again making itself known as it streamed through the hospital room's drapes. A whole day had passed since the hellish ordeal with Horton and now Chris found himself waking to the smell of anti-bacterial and the sounds of carts rolling up and down the hallway.

He sighed heavily as he thought of the day before and the promise he had made. The miracle he thought Buck had given him, but reality was clear when he had fell asleep yesterday evening, no Vin. Larabee attempted to shift in his bed, causing his stitches to pull and his ribs to protest. A harsh gasp escaped his lips.

"Easy, cowboy." The whisper sounded like something out of a dream, but Chris knew he had heard it. His injuries were quickly forgotten, as he sat straight up in bed and looked to the bed on his right and there he saw the most beautiful sight in his life. Vin Tanner.

"Vin?" Larabee eased himself from his bed and hurried to Vin's side. "You're alive." Chris grabbed the hand that had snaked from under the covers and held on for dear life. "God, you feel good." Larabee closed his eyes and let his forehead fall until it connected with Tanner's.

"I made a promise, remember." Vin's speech was heavy from the painkillers, but his eyes shown bright as he stared at Chris' face.

"I don't ever want to lose you." Chris swallowed, as thoughts and visions that Horton had painted for him came charging back to him. "Oh God, Vin, I am so sorry for what he did to you. For what I couldn't keep from happening to you."

The sharpshooter immediately sensed the change in Larabee. "It's over, cowboy. I'm fine and there's nothing he did to me that won't heal." Vin smiled as his eyes locked with Larabee's.

"What about...." Chris couldn't bring himself to say it.

Once again the silent communication was working and Tanner swiftly began to put his partner's fears to rest. "He didn't touch me, Chris. He hinted at it a few times, but he would then tell me he was saving himself for you." The Texan understood the sudden relief that flooded Chris' face, but there was something else there.

"Thank God. When he told me the things he had made you do before he killed you, I wanted to die." Larabee felt his strength giving way, as peace began to settle once more in his heart.

"Hey, they were all lies. I'm fine." Vin pushed Chris' shoulder slightly, hoping to get the man to sit in the seat behind him before he fell down.

Chris smiled, as he allowed the sharpshooter's hand to guide him into the chair. "I can see that, now."

Vin also smiled, happy to be with the one he loved once again, but the lurking darkness in Larabee's eyes still had him puzzled. "What aren't you telling me, Chris?"

The team leader knew he wouldn't be able to hide what happened from Vin, so he told him, leaving out a few details here and there, but he told him and the rage that erupted in Tanner startled him.

"That son of a bitch, if he wasn't already fucking dead I would gut him like a poached deer." Vin's hand clenched and slammed first into the bed and then into the table that sat alongside the bed.

"Whoa, easy there cowboy." Chris grabbed the Texan's chin in his hand, wincing as he pulled his ribs, but never let his grip slacken. "I'm fine and like you said earlier, there's nothing he did to us that won't heal. As long as I have you by my side, Vin, nothing will ever hurt me." Larabee leaned over and placed a kiss on his lover's lips, which quickly deepened, causing both men to groan with pleasure.

"Damn, you do that again and injuries be damned, we'll give these nurses something to gossip about." The mischievous glint in Tanner's eyes had Larabee seriously thinking about that prospect.

"No, cowboy. We're definitely gonna wait and seal this miracle the right way, no matter how long it takes." Chris waggled his eyebrows and once again took Tanner's mouth, letting his tongue tell of his worry and heartache, and Vin accepted it, letting his tongue promise to never leave again.

The End