By request from someone on Tumblr. This will be a multi-chapter fic.

"She was a fighter, that Emma Hill," Ryan Hardy said as he and Mike Weston watched Emma's body being taken to the morgue.

"I'll say," Mike replied. "That was one hell of a fight, but she didn't stand a chance once we cornered her."

"We make a good team."

Ryan smiled at Mike. Mike smiled back, but Ryan could sense Mike was a little uneasy.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. Just tired, that's all. Even though I'm almost fully recovered from my injuries, fighting hard like that takes its toll on me."

"Well, once we get back to the bureau you can take a rest."

The drive back to the bureau was silent. When Mike wasn't talking, Ryan knew something was up. Mike was always talking. He hated the awkward silence when riding in a car with someone.

"I'll be in the lounge resting if anyone needs me," Mike said as he walked away quickly.

Ryan watched him as he went inside. He stood by the car for a few minutes before going inside.

It was 5:00 and Mike still hadn't come out of the lounge. Ryan was getting ready to go home, so he wanted to check on Mike before he left. When he went into the lounge, he didn't find Mike sleeping. He was staring out the window.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

Mike turned around quickly.

"Yeah. I was just thinking about all that has happened over the past few months."

"I just wanted to check on you before I went home."

"I guess this is it, then," Mike said as he walked over to Ryan.

Mike extended his hand Ryan. Ryan stood there, puzzled.

"What do you mean, this is it?"

"Well, now that we've taken down the cult, you're going back to Brooklyn, right?"

"Who gave you that crazy idea?"

"Well, it's your home, isn't it?"

"It was my home," Ryan said, smiling at Mike. "I'm only going there to get my stuff. My place is here now."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course. How can I just pack up and leave after all we've been through together?"

Ryan moved closer to Mike.

"I know I wasn't always nice to you, but you mean a lot to me. I couldn't let Joe or any of his followers get the idea that I cared about you. Otherwise, you would have wound up dead."

Mike just started at Ryan in shock. For once he didn't know what to say.

"Now that we're finished with the case, I can admit my true feelings. I like you a lot, Mike."

"You really feel that way about me?"

"Yes. After I move all my stuff up here and get settled in, we can start our new life together."

"I look forward to that."

"I have a long drive home, so I'm going to head out now. I'll be in touch soon."

Ryan embraced Mike and walked out of the lounge. As soon as he was out of sight, Mike pumped his fist in the air and mouthed the word yes. He had feelings for Ryan from the start, and to know that Ryan felt the same made Mike feel like the happiest person on the planet.

I know this chapter was a little slow, but it just sets the tone for rest of the story. Chapter 2 will be published soon. :)