Ethan was walking through the corridor when he heard the cry on the radio. 'this is Brandt, I need help!'

Soon enough Ethan heard Another response on the line, Benji being the one speaking. ' what's wrong Will?' he asked.

'I think I just got shot' came a weak reply. 'Brandt! Benji yelled, hold on bud we'll get you right out!

'Brandt just stay on the line with me, I'm coming!' Ethan answered.

'I'll try, but Ethan?'

'yeah?'

'Hurry up'

'Benji! Where is Brandt at?'

'I see his signal coming from the top level of this building, but be careful, it seems that there is someone who wants to hurt us here.'

'Okay will do'

As Ethan was running down that corridor he couldn't but to help thinking what would happen if Will died. ' I could not take another loss.. Not after julia.' it had taken him sometime to get used to the idea that he was gay, he had shut down Brandt that night in the bar. Right now all he could think of was that mixture of deep hurt, pain and rejection that had lingered in Will's eyes afterward.

'come on Will. I know u can hang on!'

Finally, after a time that seemed like an eternity for Ethan, the elevator had reached the right floor. As the doors opened Ethan ran into a body that was still holding a hot gun. Now more scared Ethan advanced farther into the new corridor.

He ran into a second and then third body, but beginning by the second corpse, there was a trail of blood.

'Will!'

'Will!'

'it's me, Ethan!'

'I'm here.' came a strangled reply from behind a corner. As Ethan turned the corner, gun ready, he came to a horrific scene. Brandt was laying on the ground, bleeding, while another assassin was laying on him, dead.

'Brandt!'

'you came Ethan' Will replied weakly.

'of course I came Will!'

I didn't think you would after that night at the bar, I'm sorry Ethan, I should've know I'm not good enough' Will whispered before passing out from the blood loss.

'Will!' Brandt! Damn it all! I do care for you! I'm sorry it took so long to realize.' Ethan whispered to Will as he picked him up. Compared to Ethan, Will was smaller, more fragile. As Ethan gently tucked Will against his chest, he knew that Will needed medical attention, and fast.

'Ethan! Did you find him?' Benji asked on the line.

'yes, I got him, but he's in really bad shape, he needs a hospital and right now!

'okay Ethan, I got the transportation ready for you downstairs.

Quickly Ethan carried Will downstairs and climbed in the car. Benji was sitting in the back and when Ethan emerged carrying Will all color fled his face.

'dear god...what happened to him?' Benji asked

'i found him under a dead corpse on the floor, he fought for his life.'

'god have mercy, Benji whispered.'

Ethan ran into the hospital cradling Brandt and when the doctors took over, all Ethan could do was collapse in benji's arms.

'I..I rejected him in the bar, I hurt him so much and now he might not survive for me to tell him I love him back!' Ethan sobbed into Benji's shoulder.

'shhh..Ethan breathe.. It will be fine.' Benji answered soothingly, while rubbing circles on the back of distraught Ethan. Silently he was worried if Will would make it, it seemed very unlikely.

Two weeks later Will got discharged from the hospital, he was going home alone, since he hadn't called anyone to help, after all, he didn't want to be a burden.

Once he got home he slowly walked into his bedroom.

'hmm.. I ache all over, a nice bath might help.'

So Will walked slowly into the bathroom and begun to draw the bath. As the tub filled with steamy and warm water, he slowly began to undress. The amount of pain he was still in was incredible, and the doctors wondered how he had such a high pain tolerance. When the tub was full Will shut of the stream of water. He slowly lowered himself into the tub, luckily he had decided to sink it into the floor, climbing to a tub would have been out of the question.

Just as he had sat in the tub, there was a knock on the door. Sighing heavily Will called out gruffly that he's coming. The knock became more persistent and Will began to scramble out of the tub, trying to climb out he slipped on the tile floor and fell. His body exploded with pain and he let out a strangled scream. Last thing he heard was someone breaking the door to the bathroom, then his world went dark.

Slowly Will begun to open his eyes, he felt he was laying on something soft, and soon recognised it to be his bed comforter. 'what...?' Will thought to himself.

As he laid there, every breath, every movement of his body pained him, and he began crying. 'I can't do this anymore, I don't want to feel the pain, I would have been better off dead than this...what kind of a god does this?' Will cried desperately, as more of the heart tearing sobs raked his body, he did not hear the door open and close. As his back was facing the bedroom door, he did not see Ethan approach carrying a syringe. All the sudden Will felt strong arms encircle him, and before he could see who it was, he felt a needle being pressed into his arm. He knew he should fight back, try to save himself, but Will was too tired, too much in pain, and felt like there was nothing for which to live for. As soon as he got ejected with the fluid, his pain eased tremendously. He was able to turn his head and see who it was holding him. To his surprise, the strong arms that held him steady were those of the one and only Ethan Hunt. As he enjoyed the feeling of painlessness, he had to ask Ethan what he was given.

'Ethan..what did u give me?'

'class seven morphine'

'oh'

'and Ethan?'

'Where did you get class seven morphine?'

'I pulled some favors.'

'thanks'

As Will's pain was lessened, he could still not move. Ethan's arms around him seemed mocking, just reminders of what he couldn't have. He tried moving away but the arms tightened just a fraction, not enough to hurt.

'where are you going?'

'away'

'do you still hurt? I do have more of that class seven morphine if you need another shot right now?

'Ethan, I know you don't want me, so please let go, I can't deal with being reminded that not one person whom I've liked or loved reciprocates my feelings.'

'but Will...'

'no Ethan. And it's okay I understand... I just wish you would have left me to die, anything is better than feeling what and how I'm feeling.'

'Will, shut up'

Why? He asked indignantly. And that's when Will felt Ethan's arms let him go. The tears began to roll down his face and he hated himself more than ever. All the sudden Ethan walked around so he was in front of Will.

'Will, I love you too, and I'm sorry it took so long to realize.' and then he lowered his lips onto Will's.

'Will, I love you, I love you, I love you!'

' I love you too Ethan'

After this Will turned back onto his back and Ethan sat down next to him. We just sat there in silence, both comprehending what had just happened. All the sudden the silence was interrupted by Will's moan.

'aahh'

'What's wrong Will?' Ethan asked worriedly

The pain is back, my side hurts so much, he answered crying. Ethan crabbed another syringe and injected Will with more morphine, he then wrapped his as around Will and cradled him to his chest. 'you are not okay honey, I'm going to take you back to the hospital right now.'

'No..'

Will, I can't just keep giving you morphine with that high of dosages, your body will shut down.'

'Then let it'

'Damn it Will! I will not let you die, I need you!'

'Okay Ethan, do what you need to do.'

As he closed his eyes, Ethan picked Will up and carried him once again to his car, speeding all the way to the hospital, he brought Will in and explained that he had given him morphine, but the pain would not go away.

Once the doctors had treated Will, Ethan was allowed to see him. As he walked into the room, the first thing that Ethan realized was how weak Will seemed. The smaller man laid unconscious in the bed, looking more fragile than ever before. 'my god..what did the bastards do to you Will?' Ethan whispered. Slowly he made his way next to the bed, opting to sit by Will. The chair was small and uncomfortable, and although Ethan hated hospitals, he would not budge until Will had woken up.

Slowly the time passed, the minutes turning into hours, yet still Ethan sat by Will's side. The day had turned to night, and Ethan had finally given into his exhaustion and fallen asleep. It was around 3am when Will stirred the first time, Ethan's hand fell off Will's lap and he jerked awake. As Ethan watched, Will slowly came about again.

'I thought I was going to lose you…' Ethan whispered

'Ethan…'

'Yes?'

'Everything hurts so much' Will whispered and begun to cry.

'Shh, it will be okay, shh.. go on and cry if you need too, I will be right here with you.' Ethan whispered into Wills ear while holding and rocking him back and forth.

As the hospital had discharged Will that night, he was free to go home. The only problem that Ethan had encountered was that since Will was still too weak to protect himself in case of an attack, he would ask Brant whether he wanted to stay at his house or come over to his house. As Ethan was pushing Will's wheelchair out, he asked this question.

'So what is it gonna be?'

'I don't understand Ethan'

'Are we going to stay at your house or will you come over to mine?'

'Why would we need to do that?' Bradnt asked confused.

'Because you are not able to defend yourself in this condition, thus leaving you vulnerable to all kind s of attacks.'

Will looked sad, and then turned his head away from Ethan. Deep feelings of shame and guilt flooded over him, and though he knew it was not solely his fault, most of it was. Or so he told himself at least.

'I'll be fine by myself.'

'No way, that is out of the question' Ethan countered.

'Well then… could I crash at your place then?' Will asked

'It would be my pleasure' came Ethan's swift reply.

As they drove to Ethan house, a silence was so loud that it screamed. Will was looking out of the window not moving, while Ethan drove. Every once in a while Ethan stole a glance at Will, but the smaller man had not noticed, or had decided to not show he noticed. As they pulled to Ethan's garage, the silence was broke.

'Why did you come over that day?' Will asked

'Because I wanted to check up on you, I am very glad I did because you could have died if I didn't make it.' Ethan replied

'I don't understand you Ethan'

'Not many do.'

Then as the two men got out of the car, they walked up the short steps to the door. Ethan held the door open to Will as they stepped in the house. The garage door lead to the kitchen, and Will was surprised. The small kitchen was very cozy, opening to a nice sized living room. It warmed up the space and was not at all what Will had expected. This was the kind of kitchen he had dreamed of having for years. As he continued further into the house walking past the living room, he saw a small room that was built as an office. On that hallway there were many doors, and as he walked by them he couldn't help but to realize that Ethan had built this house in the hopes of having a family one day. There was a room painted light pink, a room painted light blue, and a much bigger room that was forest green. Close to the end of the hall there was a guest room looking room and the last door must have been Ethan's room, Will concluded. Yet he did not enter that room. As Ethan came carrying Will's bag he walked into the guest room and laid it on the bed.

'Thanks' Will said

'It's no problem' Ethan answered back

That evening Ethan had cooked up some spaghetti, the men were eating and watching TV in the living room. Although it was only 10pm Will was growing increasingly tired and his head kept nodding down. As he realized this he told Ethan that he was going to go to bed.

'I am so damn tired; I can't stay up another moment'

'It's okay, I know you must be, it has been a long day'

'Goodnight' Will said as he walked towards the guest room

'Goodnight' Ethan whispered back

It was getting late and Ethan eventually chose to go to bed. As he was walking past Will's room he couldn't help himself from looking in. When he saw Will his breath got stuck in his throat. Will had kicked off the covers and was lying on the bed. He was wearing a pair of pajama bottoms and nothing else. The cuts and scrapes covered his torso, and on his side a white bandage was covering the stiches over his shot wound. But even with all his new wounds the lighter and almost ghost like scars could be seen. Ethan had read Will's file before he had agreed to have him on his team. Will's father had been an abusive alcoholic and unfortunately Will had always gotten the worst end of the deal. But those were even older, then there were the scars that Will had acquired on the job, and… the ones from his last relationship. As Ethan thought of this rage filled him. How could anyone think about hitting this fragile man… How could anyone live with themselves after making him cry? Ethan promised that he would make sure Will never got hurt that way again. Yet through all the scars Ethan couldn't help but to notice Will's nice physique. He had strong abs and sleeping without a shirt definitely made Ethan's pants feel tighter.

'Calm down Ethan' He told himself, 'Will is defiantly not ready for something like that yet, not physically and defiantly not mentally. Thinking that, Ethan quietly closed the door and walked into his room. The last thought that ran through Ethan's mind was that hopefully, one day, it would be Will lying next to him and not just an empty bed.

It was around 4am when Ethan was startled awake by something. He could not right away think where the sound was coming from and the he remembered Will. As he got out of the bed quickly he ran to Will's room. There on the bed, the smaller man was trashing and crying in his sleep. Worried that he would hurt himself, Ethan went to grab Will's wrists. Bad mistake. As Will woke up, he felt the hands on his wrists and violently flinched away from Ethan. This completely broke Ethan's heart.

'What has been done to you?' he thought to himself.

Will…Brandt…it's me, Ethan. You know I won't hurt you Will. Shhh, it's all good, you are safe and nothing is going to hurt you here. With Ethan's reassuring words, slowly Will opened his eyes and realized that he was not at his abusive ex-husbands house, that he was safe and with Ethan.

'Uhh, I'm sorry about that…' Will started

'There is nothing to be sorry about.' Ethan said simply

That's when Will realized that Ethan was still holding his wrists and sitting next to him on the bed. Quickly he grabbed a shirt and pulled it over his head, hiding the scars from Ethan to see.

'It's okay, I'm fine now' Will said to Ethan

'You are obviously not okay so why bother saying that?' Ethan asked gently

'I'm fine' Will insisted

'What happened in your nightmare?'

'I rather not talk about that'

'Why?'

'Just let it go Ethan.'

As Will turned around, his back was facing Ethan, it was not hard to conclude that the other man wanted him to leave. Ethan got up and walked to the door, and just as he was walking out the door he said,

'It's okay to be scared Will, what these different monsters have done to you is nothing to be ashamed off. If you need me I will be in my room.'

'Sorry I bothered.'

On his bed, Will began crying. He was wondering how pathetic he had seemed, crying and trashing like a little baby. Especially in front of Ethan…He had never cried, not about one thing. As he knew nothing else to do, he called his good friend, Benji.

Ring…ring…ring…ring…

'ugh, Benji.' Came a groggy reply on the line

'Benji, I don't know what to do, I can't handle seeming like a pathetic and broken loser.'

'Bran, you know that it is 4.30am don't you mate?'

'Yes, but I had nobody else who to call'

'Okay mate, where you at? We could go have a cuppa coffee, you little snot woke me up anyway and I more than likely won't be able to sleep again.'

'I'm at Ethan's place, just pick me up now if you could.'

'On my way already bud.'

'Okay, just text me when you get here Benj.'

'Will do mate.'

As Brand began to dress up, he had a hard time finding clothes. His head had started to ache and all the pain came crashing down. As he was already waiting outside for Benji, he did not want to go get the pain killers from inside. Finally Benji pulled up to the house and Will limped to the car. Benji was thinking that Will had not told Ethan he was leaving, and that is why Benji texted Ethan saying that he was going to bring Will back as soon as he gets him calmed down.

'You look awful mate.' Benji commented

'Always so honest Benj.' Will said sarcastically.

As they begun to drive towards a morning breakfast place, Will couldn't help but to gasp when they drove over a big bump. The jump of the car made his body vibrate and all of the pain intensified.

'Ahh…'

'Here you go Bran' Benji said as he offered four pills to Will

'What are these?'

'Well, they are kind of my own invention, every blocke's pain blockers, as I call them.'

'And what's in them?'

'Trust me mate, you don't want to know'

'Okay' Will said as he chugged the pills

The pills took effect quickly, because as soon as they had reached the breakfast joint, Will's pain was gone.

'Benj, these are amazing!' Will said

'Yes I know, but you can't take them for a long period of time, they will lose their effect if you use them for longer than a month straight'

As Benji and Will walked into the restaurant, Will was babbling about his night. He told Benji about the awkward silence that engulfed Ethan and Will all of the night before. As he continued talking, he got to talk this night.

'I saw them all, Benj, Phil, my father, the last mission… I just broke down. You are the only one I told about this… But I don't know what Ethan will think is up with me…He must think I'm somehow damaged goods. He doesn't want me, he's not gay… I remember how he looked at me with disgust that night at the bar when I asked to dance with him. I just don't know what to do.'

Benji sat in quiet for a while. He was thinking that Ethan knew about Will's past, he just didn't want to tell Will that. He also knew that Ethan cared for Will very much, and that he would never again allow anyone to hurt Will.

'Bran…Maybe you should talk to Ethan about your past…About Phil. He would understand why you flinched away.'

'I don't know Benji…What if he doesn't think me the same person after?

'You know what Ethan is like Will. You know that is not what kind of a person he is.'

'Yeah I know… and okay, I'll see what I can do Benj, I will try.'

As Benji drove Will back to Ethan's he kept talking about all of the new things he was experimenting on. Although Benji was dear to Will, it was usually within the first 10 minutes of conversation about his work that Will was thoroughly uninterested and lost. As they pulled into Ethan's drive way, it was already 11 a clock in the morning.

'whooh', Benji yawned

'I'm sorry benj!' Will said, 'I didn't think about how selfish I was being about this! I've kept you up since half past four!'

'It's quite alright mate, I know you really needed a friend.' Benji said back kindly

'You are a real gem Benj.' Will whispered

'And you are my best mate Willy. Nothing will change that and I will always be there when you need me.' Benji said

After bidding goodbye, Will walked back to the house. Ethan was already completing his daily exercises, having left a message to him saying that he would be back around noon. Noticing that it was only 11, Will opted to lie on the couch and maybe have a short nap. He woke up to a pair of strong arms lifting him off the couch, and although he flinched badly, the arms held strong and reassuring words were whispered into his ear as he was laid in a soft bed. The last thing Will remembered was a door closing and soft footsteps echoing in the hallway.

When Will woke up from his nap he first realized that he was back in his bed. He also noticed that it was almost 6pm. He jerked up realizing that he had slept away most of the day. As he walked to the kitchen he smelled something delicious cooking. He walked in on a sight that kept him mesmerized. Ethan was cooking two meals at one time, while a little girl was running around the kitchen island singing ring around the rosy. As soon Ethan took the food off the burner he scooped the little girl up tickling her. She threw her head back laughing.

'The tickle monster is going to get you my little Izzy!' Ethan growled smiling

'Na ah Uncle Ethan! I will escape!' She yelled laughing. The she squirmed out of Ethan's arms and started to run out of the kitchen. As she ran out of the doorway she collided straight with Will. The girls elbow hit directly into Will's shot wound and even as the pain exploded in his side, he couldn't help but to find the little girl adorable.

'I is sorry mister, I was just trying to run away from Uncle Ethan tickle monster.'

'It's okay honey, what is your name?' Will asked, trying to conceal the blood that was now seeping through his undershirt.

'I is Ms. Isabel Hunt. But my friends call me Bella. Only Uncle Ethan calls me Izzy and only he can, but he did say yous was his fwiend so if Uncle Ethan likes you then you can call me Izzy too.' Isabel said all in one breath.

'Izzy it is then hon. But don't worry about me, just run away from the tickle monster, I'll cover for you.' Will replied gently.

After Isabel ran away, Will continued into the kitchen. Ethan had already walked somewhere else so as he was alone he decided to check the damage to his wound. The blood was already seeping through the second shirt so when Will pulled up the shirt it was no wonder it looked awful. A sharp intake of breath hissed trough his teeth as he took some scorching water and a rag. Just as he was preparing to clean the wound a strong arm caught his wrist. Startled and flinching he looked up to the gentle face of Ethan Hunt.

'Not here' Ethan said

'Its okay, I got this…' Will answered

'Really? Ethan asked, then why does it seem that you are going to pass out any second and that you are pale as a sheet?' He continued.

'Well..'

No, just lets have you lay down while I do this.' Ethan said determinedly.

After saying this, Ethan led Will to his bedroom. In the middle there was a large king sized bed that was accompanied by night tables on both sides. There was a crib in an indent on the far side of the door and the room just seemed to flow together. It had something calming about it…and safe… for the first time ever Will felt completely safe and that nothing would hurt him. As he laid down on the bed Ethan moved to his side.

'Now this is going to hurt' Ethan said.

'I know' Will gritted his teeth back

Ethan began cleaning the wound with the warm water and a clean rag. About halfway through Will began crying and it killed Ethan to continue. Finally the wound was clean and Will was looking at Ethan.

'Thank you…'

'There is no need to thank me, I was the one who got you in this condition' Ethan whispered

'You can't blame yourself for my mistakes..'

'Will…I'm sorry this happened to you,' Ethan said simply

'Me too Ethan.'

So as the two men were sitting on the bed Ethan finally decided that he should ask Will about his past. He believed that talking would help with something like that and he decided to ask Will later that night.

'So who is the little girl?' Will asked

'She is my niece, my sister just dropped her off for the evening. I love kids and since she knows I can't adopt any kids, being a single and all, she always made sure that Izzy would spend a lot of time with me and loves me like a father. After all my sister's husband was diseased in war.' Ethan told him

'That is…so awful but wonderful at the same time.' Will said

'But talking about that little monster, I have to go wake her up and feed her. It is dinner time. I'll bring you something as well. Just lay here and don't strain yourself for a few hours now.'

'Okay Ethan, thanks.'

'No problem Willy'

'Oh and Ethan?'

'Yeah?'

'If you tell anyone my nickname I will kill you.'

'Just between us love' Ethan chuckled

As Ethan walked away Will smiled to himself. Ethan had accidentally called him love. Maybe there was a chance that Ethan liked him and that it hadn't been all just one big mistake. Laying on the bed he noticed many things. First, the room looked very comfortable and loving. Like there had been hours of work put in making it. Second thing he noticed was that the bed smelled like Ethan. The smell of morning sun, campfire, love, safety… All that was Ethan was captured also in his bed. As Will snuggled closer to the pillows, he knew that too soon he would be woken to go to his own bed.

It was around 1am when Will woke up next. As he opened his eyes groggily he looked at the clock on the night table. When he saw the time his eyes flew right open and he was trying to scramble out of the bed. A hand caught him and when he flinched strongly the arm let go.

'Shh, it's okay if you sleep here tonight. The bed is plenty big and you don't have to be near me.' Ethan said sleepily.

'But…' Will started

'Are you saying you don't want to stay Willy?'

'No, it is comfy. Your right, sorry I woke you Ethan, go back to sleep.' Will said gently

'okay' Ethan said

As Will watched Ethan closed his eyes and soon enough his breaths deepened and he was back asleep. Will hated himself for flinching away from Ethan; he didn't think Ethan would ever hurt him. It was just that Phil had left too many scars, mental and physical. He decided he would tell Ethan everything if he asked. Lying there Will could hear Ethan's soft breathing and when that was mixed with the smell of safety that lingered around him…Well, Will soon began to dose off as well.

Once Will woke up he was surprised to see that Ethan had kept his promise. He had expected that come morning Ethan would have forced him to snuggle against his will while he slept. But no, true to his word Ethan was on the far side of the bed, so much so actually that he was almost falling off. Another feeling now passed through Will…trust…Ethan had earned a lot more trust by doing this simple thing. Slowly Will got out of bed, and although it hurt he kept quiet. As he advanced to the kitchen he decided that he would just order some breakfast for them. As soon as he was finished ordering, Ethan walked into the kitchen.

'G'mornig' Ethan said rubbing his eyes

'Morning' Will answered cheerily

'I thought that I'll save you from cooking today, I ordered breakfast' he continued

'That's nice; I do love a well-made breakfast. Especially if I don't have to make it.'

As they sat at the table waiting for the breakfast order, Ethan decided that when the breakfast arrived he would ask about Will's past and his scars. When they had finished eating breakfast Ethan brought up the topic.

'So, what had happened to you in the past Willy? What has made it so that every time I touch you, you violently flinch and draw away from me?' Ethan asked gently.

'Ethan…'

'Will, I won't judge, I would like to understand, that's all.'

'When I was growing up my mother passed away when I was only 7 years old. Once she passed my father began to drink. First it was one night a week, then two, then three, and soon enough he was drinking every night. He would often come home when I was sleeping already, he would then find something wrong, like the ashtrays would be full, or there might have been a plate in the sink. Well, either way he would come into my room, yank me out of my bed, take off his belt and give me a trashing. He would then 'supervise' the completion of the chore and then he would often lock me in the outside shed. I would scream and cry myself hoarse in the dark. I usually passed out and when I woke up he would come open the door, make me a new list of chores and either head off to work or to the bar. This kept repeating until I was 17 years old and got my emancipation through…I am still afraid of the dark…and I still don't do very well when I get woken from my sleep.' Will finished

'What about the flinching?' Ethan prodded gently

'I used to be married. I don't know if you knew this Ethan, but I was. The man's name was Phil Karr. He was a big man compared to me, roughly about your size. When we got married it was bliss. I thought I had someone who cared about me, even loved me. I finally had someone to protect me. But it all began to turn bad about four months after we married. It all started with him losing at a poker game and coming home a little buzzed. I had wanted to do something and he got very angry. When he was yelling at me I was beginning to feel like in my father's house again. And then it happened. He slapped me. It wasn't anything big, just a small slap, but what it meant was something much greater. It showed him that I was smaller, weaker and couldn't defend myself too well against him. Over the next weeks this behavior continued to worsen. The slaps turned to punches and kicks, and back then I was sporting bruises all over my body. Benji tried to help me the best he could, but usually the worst beatings I would get happened after I spent a day with him and came home happy. Finally the beatings weren't enough and when I came home I walked on Phil having sex with another man. I tried to run out but Phil caught me and dragged me over to our bedroom. He cuffed me into the bed post and told me not to make a sound. I had to listen to him finish with that other man, and when I heard them walk to the door, my heart broke. Phil told him he loved him and I heard the kiss before the door closed. When Phil walked into our bedroom I was growing increasingly scared. I couldn't move and wasn't sure what Phil was going to do. He walked over to me and started by kicking and punching me. When I started to bleed sluggishly he stripped naked. He began tearing clothes off me and I knew what was going to happen. He entered me without lube and although I tried to fight back it wasn't any help. I was screaming and crying for help, for anyone to hear me, but nobody came, nobody heard. He raped me twice that night, and after the second time I passed out. He had left me still chained by one arm, but with the other I could pull on some pants at least. Then I could reach the safety device Benji had given me and I activated it. It took another two hours before Benji and the police found me. It is because of this that I flinch when people touch me. Although on the job I have learned to hide it well.'

'Will…I didn't know it was that bad…I'm so sorry.' Ethan said

'I just hope you understand that it's not you who I shy away from, it's my past Ethan.'

They sat next to each other at the kitchen table and then slowly and very noticeably Ethan raised his hand. It was palm up and showing he had good intentions. He raised his palm close to Wills face and stopped. He looked Will in the eyes and softly stroked his cheek. This time Will did not flinch or turn away, just leaned into the touch.

'You know I will never do anything like that to you, don't you Willy?' Ethan whispered

'I…I believe you Ethan.' Will answered back.

Ethan slowly leaned in and lowered his lips onto Will's. The gentle kiss was enough, and when Will broke it Ethan did not push farther.

'I don't know if I can do this yet…' Will said quietly

'It's okay…you won't have to do anything you are not ready for Will.' Ethan replied

As the evening came around the two men were getting hungry. As neither wanted to cook that night, they chose to go out to eat. Will had changed into a pair of jeans and a nicer dress shirt, while Ethan had khakis and a polo type of shirt. Together they made a stunning couple and turned many heads at the restaurant. That night when they got home something big was going to happen. As Ethan pulled into the garage he walked around the car to hold the door for Will. When Will managed to get out of the car and walk inside, Ethan was already sitting by the fireplace holding up a bottle of wine.

'Would you care for some wine my prince?' Ethan asked

'Oh yes I would, my knight' Will chuckled back at Ethan's antics.

As the two men sat down by the fire, Ethan sat right next to Will. He slowly put his arm around him and this time Will did not flinch quite as bad. Ethan pulled him into his lap and rocked him back and forth. This silent comfort was all it took for Will to break into tears. He cried for his past and what might happened to him in the future, he cried for being so hurt and broke, and that maybe Ethan would put him back together. Ethan thought about the broken man in his lap, he thought about all of the people who had hurt him and he promised himself that one day, this man in his lap would be his husband.

'Will…I have a question for you.'

'Okay?'

'Would you want to become my boyfriend?' Ethan asked shyly

'I would like that very much…' Will replied

And then Ethan once more leaned in slowly and caught Will's lips with his own. After that one kiss Ethan pulled away and kissed Will's forehead. He realized that Will must be getting tired; it was getting late after all. So Ethan picked up Will in one shift motion and carried him down to the guest bedroom. As he laid Will down on the bed he was rewarded by a small smile.

'G'night Ethan', came the tired wish

'Good night Willy' Ethan said.

When Ethan was walking back to his room he couldn't help but to think that maybe one day, Will would be sleeping in his bed, in his arms. Little did he know that it would happen much sooner than he thought. Four hours later to be exact. Around 3am Ethan was awoken by cries again. He quickly ran to Will's room and scooped him up in his arms. Will was flinching away again, but Ethan held him gently, whispering soothing words to his ear. Slowly Will came about and realized that Ethan was holding him. He clung onto Ethan like he would drown if he let go.

'Would it be okay if I carried you to my room, we could sleep in my bed.' Ethan asked

'I think I can do that…but Ethan?'

'Yes?'

'Could you hold me please?' Will asked quietly

'It would be my pleasure.'

Ethan carried will into his bedroom and opened the covers. He slowly slid Will between them and then lay down next to him. He engulfed Will in his arms and as he tucked Will's head under his chin, he felt content. The sweet smell of Will's hair served as the sweetest lullaby and soon enough they were both deeply asleep.

The next morning when Ethan woke up he was a little confused at first. Then he realized that the weight in his arms was his boyfriend Will. He looked so happy and content while he slept. Ethan loved the pain free look that was on Will's face.

'You deserve this all the time' He thought to himself.

Ethan gently moved Will off his shoulder and laid his head on the pillows. Then he got out of the bed and headed towards his shower. While he was in the shower Will was beginning to wake up. The first thing he noticed was that he was alone in Ethan's bed. The second thing he realized was that he heard a shower running. Ten minutes later Ethan emerged from the shower, hair dripping wet and a towel draped across his waist. His strong muscles could be seen very clearly, and Will thoroughly enjoyed what he saw.

'Care to take a picture Agent Brandt?' Ethan chuckled at his boyfriend's expression

'Very funny Ethan.' Will commented blushing

'Well, it's all yours and only yours so there is no need for a picture I guess… I do see your point love' Ethan joked

'Okay okay mister funny guy' Will replied laughing.

The next thing that happened took Ethan completely off guard. Will got out of the bed, walked over to him and kissed him. This was the first time that Will had initiated physical contact and inside Ethan was jumping for joy.