Ian sat in his isolated spot that gave him a good vantage point to every angle he thought Kramer might take up point. After assembling his weapon he lay still and in wait. He saw Don and Terry walking , guns at the ready, and many other agents and police ready to take out the maniac that has been terrorizing the people of L.A.

Breathing slowly his eyes wandered the scene before him. Charlie's voodoo put this as the spot where he would try to take his next victim. And he had long since learned not to challenge his math.

This case had been hard, not just because people had lost their lives. Having to pretend you didn't know the man you loved and have been in a relationship for 4 months was getting the better of him.

He thought back to the argument he had had with Charlie that morning.

*NUMB3RS*

Ian threw his phone hard across the room. "Damn it Charlie No! We're not doing it. Absolutely not!" If anyone expected Charlie to back down from the pissed off sniper, they clearly didn't know Charlie Eppes.

"Why? Why not Ian. What could be the worst that would happen? Someone doesn't like it? Tough! I'm tired of hiding Ian. I'm tired of acting like we don't even know each other! It's not like it's going to hurt anyone by them knowing! It's not their business!"

And rounded on him. "EXACTLY! It's not their business Charlie! If you don't care what they might think, why do you want them to know so bad?" Why couldn't Charlie understand? He knew times were different now, that people were more accepting of men in relationships with other men.

But he also knew some people still had a major problem with it. Especially in the military. He wanted to protect not only himself, but Charlie as well.

But Charlie wasn't done. "Maybe I want to show people what a great guy I happen to love Ian! Maybe I want the chance to show you off!"

"Yeah, and maybe I DON'T!" The words were out of his mouth before he had a chance to think about them.

He saw Charlie jerk, as if slapped. Oh god. His inside froze as Charlie looked at him. Ian could swear he could see Charlie's heart breaking through his eyes. A heart he had always felt so special knowing it was his.

He scrubed a hand over his face, pausing at his eyes. He needed to fix this. He hadn't meant it the way it sounded. But there was no other way for Charlie to take it. He knew that.

At the jingle of keys he removed his hand and opened his eyes in time to see Charlie walk across his hotel room to the door. Not thinking he reached out and grabbed Charlie's elbow. "Charlie, wait I.." Charlie turned and Ian's instantly dropped his hold on the younger man.

He had seen anger and hate on the faces of the men and woman he captured. He had seen it on some people that he worked around. But never had he seen anything close adorning his handsome boyfriends face.

But at that moment it was all Ian saw. Charlie's eyes narrowed, his gaze almost fiery. Tears ran down his face but it in no way took away the hurt, anger and yes, hate he saw on that handsome face he loved so much.

Charlie straightened as Ian's cell rang. A moment later Charlie's phone also rang. He pulled it out and saw that it was Don. He looked back to Charlie. "Agent Edgerton" Charlie said then turned and walked out the door, out of Ian's life.

*NUMB3RS*

Ian closed his eyes as he felt moisture prickle the corners. He had screwed up so bad. And now he had lost Charlie.

No, no he hadn't. He wouldn't accept that. After this case he would take a few days leave and work this out. He and Charlie would sit down and talk about this. They would work it out. They had to.

He loved Charlie. More than he had ever loved anyone. Charlie had to know that. Maybe he should have.. "CHARLIE, GET DOWN!" Dons frantic voice broke through his mental breakdown. He looked to the left and saw David tackle Charlie to the ground as a shot rang out.

Aiming his weapon he looked around, seeing the tip of a rifle sticking out from a window in the building across the street. Ian took a deep breath and held as Kramer leaned out to take his shot. Ian fired and Kramer went down, his weapon falling stories below.

He was sure that Don had reached Charlie by then so taking a moment he swiftly started disassembling his weapon. He had almost had it fully put away when David's panicked shout rang out, making Ian's blood run cold. "GET AN AMBULANCE OVER HERE NOW!"

Not thinking twice about it, he left his weapon behind as he ran across the courtyard, making his way quickly to Charlie. As he got closer he saw David holding Charlie's hand as Don was putting pressure on Charlie's shoulder, blood quickly seeping through his fingers.

Ian fell to his knees beside him. He heard David yell to the Leo's where the hell the ambulance was. But all he could see was Charlie. He was breathing harshly but unconscious. Don franticly tried to stop the bleeding, all the while crying for his brother, telling that he would be alright, telling him he loved him.

Ian threw his jacket off and handed it to Don. Don quickly pressed to the wound. Seconds later blood soaked it's way through.

After an eternity of waiting an ambulance pulled up and the paramedics quickly had Charlie hooked up to the appropriate machines and an IV in his arm. When they loaded Charlie in the back he automatically made to get in but was shoved aside by Don. Don stopped a quick second to stare, wondering what the hell Ian was doing before he climbed in with his brother.

Ian was left standing there, staring at the puddle of Charlie's blood left behind.