AN: This story takes place just after the Season 4 finale of NCIS L.A. (Descent). Be advised, the episode itself contained violent content, and as I am continuing the scenario, so too does my story. The focus is on characters who have just been submitted to torture, so anyone who is not comfortable with that, please read no further.

Thank you, everyone who has posted a review. I am new to writing, and I really appreciate the feedback.

If you enjoy this story, please check out my other work: Densi Kiss 2 (NCIS L.A.), L.A. Supernatural (NCIS L.A. / Supernatural crossover)

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.

Sidorov came back into the room, wiping his hands on a bloody rag. Sam's heart was beating hard. Moments before, Deeks had been screaming, but now there was only an ominous silence. Had they killed him?

Sidorov spoke, 'Your friend is out again. He has not your stamina, yes?' Internally, Sam sagged in relief. On the outside, he sat stoic, staring straight ahead and doing his best not to give away how much hearing Deeks' torment had affected him.

Sidorov leaned in close, studying Sam, taking note of the sweat and the rapid pulse. In his threatening Russian accent, he murmured, 'I think it hurts you more when we hurt him, than when we hurt you directly. Good, I want you to hurt.' He straightened. 'We must go now if we are to make the meet. But if I find out that Quinn has betrayed me, I will return and you and your partner will learn the true meaning of pain.'

He moved to stand in front of Sam. 'In fact, I will bring her here, to join our little party. I will put another chair here, facing you, and then I will do to her everything that I have done to your friend in there.' Sam sat without moving, but felt his skin shrinking over his bones as his insides turned to ice.

Sidorov turned and placed a gun on the table beside the machine that had dealt Sam so much pain. Sam knew it was meant as another form of psychological torture, to have a gun so near at hand, but utterly out of reach. He'd never wanted to kill anyone so badly in all his life.

'In the end, she will ask only for this, for a merciful end to her pain. Perhaps,' Sidorov mused, 'perhaps I will give you that option. Would you shoot her, David, if I put this gun in your hand?'

Sam sat, saying nothing, but nightmare scenes played out behind his eyes. Sidorov laughed, knowing he'd gotten to him. 'Well enough for now. I shall see you soon, sooner than you wish.' With that, Sidorov went back into the other room, collected his henchman, and they left.

'Deeks!', Sam called, desperate for some response from the still form he could somewhat see through the dirty glass panes of the door into the garage. 'Deeks, are you with me?'

But Deeks did not move. Sam was alone in the sudden silence, with only his own demons left to torment him.