Sully worked with the upmost concentration, as he focused on sealing Catalina's wound. He lay her out on the kitchen table the moment he burst into her flat. The bullet had gone straight through, so he just needed to stop the bleeding. He'd used unconventional methods to fix himself up all the time; self-surgery was nothing new to him. But Sully knew his own pain tolerance. He had no idea how Catalina was going to handle it.

Sully wished he hadn't dropped Mateo off at the town clinic. He could have used an extra pair of hands right now.

Frantically rummaging through the bathroom, Sully managed to gather a household first aid kit – filled with bandages, gauze and a bottle of surgical spirit – but he would have to cauterize the bullet holes.

'Hang on in there, Cat.'

She was still breathing, albeit faintly. Occasionally her lips would move, although she didn't say anything.

Sully carefully poured some of the surgical spirit over the wound first. With what energy she had left Catalina squirmed and whimpered at the sting. 'Duele…'

Sully produced a knife from one of the kitchen drawers and turned on one of the hob rings. He waited as the fire began to heat the metal blade. He didn't want to do it to her, but there was no other choice. He stood over her, the knife blade now glowing a fierce red. Sully pressed a firm hand to her shoulder.

'I'm real sorry about this.'

He gently applied the blade to the bullet hole. Catalina came to full consciousness in an instant; screaming and crying in pain. 'Hazlo parar!'

Sully pushed harder against her shoulder to try and keep her still. He blocked out her harsh cries and ignored the tears streaming down her face. Sully couldn't stop until he was sure the bleeding had stopped.

The pain was clearly too much, as Catalina passed out again. It wasn't ideal, but it made his job a little easier. Sully pulled the blade away, satisfied with his work. The burn was sure to leave an ugly scar, unfortunate for her. But that damage would pale in comparison if he managed to keep her alive.

Sully reheated the knife blade and fixed up the hole on her back, before cleaning the wounds again and wrapping her abdomen up tightly with the bandages.

He gaze swept over her. She looked calm now, but the paleness of her skin was disconcerting. Sully could only hope that she would pull through. He carefully picked her up. She was cold to the touch. He carried her through to her bedroom and placed her in her bed, covering her partially with the sheets.

'You're gonna be okay.'

Everything seemed to drag by after he left the room. Sully had become so used to Catalina's presence, the lack of it dampened the entire atmosphere of the apartment. He lit a cigar, relaxing at the familiar smell of tobacco. The second of calm was quickly forgotten as he remembered the blood stained table and the current state of his own clothes from carrying Catalina.

Sully threw his dirty clothes in the washing machine before he dozed off. He glanced at the table again – he hated cleaning. It can wait.

He practically fell on to the sofa, letting his head flop back against the cushion as he exhaled. God, he was tired. Part of him wanted to stay awake, but really he knew there was nothing more he could do now. He'd just have to be patient.

x

When Sully checked in on her a day later, he hoped Catalina might be sat up with that charming smile of hers and the life back in her eyes, but it was not the case.

He was surprised by a visit from Mateo later that afternoon. The bartender looked rough; the clinic had fixed him up and his face was now proud with bruises. Sully admittedly was glad to see that Mateo was up and about. At least the trip hadn't been a complete failure.

Mateo moved confidently around Catalina's apartment. He'd clearly come round before. He knew where everything was and that she definitely had beers in her fridge. Mateo held one out to Sully who took it with a thankful nod.

There was a pause as they drank; neither able to start the conversation. 'How is she?' Mateo eventually asked, passing a glance in the direction of the bedroom door.

'Patched her up as best I could,' Sully replied, lighting a cigar. 'She's still unconscious.'

'She will be fine,' Mateo said frankly, leaning against the counter. Sully's brow furrowed. Sure, it was good to think positive, but the bartender's fleeting comment irritated him.

'How d'you know?'

'She managed to fight her way to you with a hole in her side. She will fight now.'

Mateo had surprised Sully with such a philosophical statement. A small smile crept on to Sully's face, a surge of admiration coming across him for Catalina. She amazed him. He just hoped he would have the chance to thank her for saving him.

'I'll hold you to that.'

'Also, gracias, señor –'

'Sullivan.'

'Gracias, Sullivan. I would not be here if you did not come.'

Sully dismissed the gratitude. It wasn't his to take. 'You have Cat to thank for that. She's pretty relentless.'

Mateo chuckled. 'Sí, lo se.' He took a sip from his drink. He considered the man opposite him. The man who Catalina allowed to call her "Cat". The man who she had become so engaged by. The man she had almost died for. She was never like that with him. 'But you helped.' He set down his bottle only half finished. 'I have to go.'

Sully had half expected him to stay longer, not that there was really anything for them to talk about. On second thought, it was probably best; Sully didn't want to endure any awkward conversation.

Mateo let himself out. 'Adios, Sullivan.'

'Adios,' Sully reciprocated amicably, standing in the doorway to watch the bartender leave. Oddly, he found his hope renewed by the younger man. And if what Mateo said was true, then Catalina would surely wake up soon.

Translations:

Duele... - Hurts...

Hazlo parar! - Make it stop!

Sí, lo se - Yes, I know