Author: BatmanSwiss
Title: Collateral Damage
Spoiler: 5x06
Disclaimer: Still not mine. :( Property of Jeff Eastin, USA, etc.
Author's Note: Sorry if it's a bit rough around the edges- I am trying to dust off my muse and put her back to work. This will most likely be a three-parter. No real plot, just some h/c goodness.
"FBI, Freeze!"
The first thought that ran through Neal Caffrey's mind at the sound of the cavalry's arrival was typically one of relief. However, he wasn't usually alone, un-armed, and pissing off a Russian thug.
This wasn't going to end well.
Sure enough, Nikolai grabbed Neal before he could even think to flee. The big Russian used his weight to pin Neal against the wall, his arms pushing Neal upward until his feet no longer touched the ground.
He tried to wriggle free of the larger man's grip, but it was no use. Nikolai had his arm against Neal's throat, and the more he struggled, the more pressure the thug applied. Bright spots were beginning to flash across his vision, and Neal did the only thing he could think of: he brought his knee up into the other man's gut.
The maneuver worked, and Nikolai dropped Neal. He landed with a thud, but his survival instincts had taken over and he was instantly up on his feet. Neal turned and tried to run back toward the stairs, but a meaty hand latched onto his shoulder and pulled him back.
The sudden change in direction, coupled with the lingering dizziness from before, left Neal unable to pull away. Thankfully, Neal could see Jones rushing down the stairs in their direction.
His relief was short-lived, however, when he saw Jones' eyes widen. Neal tried to turn his head and face his captor, but was instead greeted with a hard pressure on his side.
Neal dropped to his knees, trying to figure out what happened. Had Nikolai landed a lucky punch? He felt disconnected, though he was vaguely aware of Jones shouting at the Russian. Then there was an all-too-loud thump as something fell to the carpet next to him. The world suddenly began to tilt, and Neal felt himself falling to the floor. As he fell, he was able to catch a glimpse of a jagged knife, covered in blood. His blood. Oh. After that, the pain ripped through him and everything went black.