A/N: I promised another chapter before I go. Here it is, I hope you like it! Guys, I love your reviews they're awesome! I also have another story in mind, but before I start writing it, I'll finish this one.
The sight greeting me wrenches my heart. Greg lies in front of Crane, his whole body bruised, badly beaten. Crane is standing upright, looking like an avenging angel holding a gun in his hand. G's tear-streaked face turns to me now, in his eyes a silent cry to rescue him showing unbelievable pain. It takes all of my will power not to run over him, press him tightly against my chest and sooth him. I stand frozen for now, trying to suppress the spark of anger and hate in my eyes. I'm aware that I have to be extra careful, Crane has gotten to know me too well while stalking me… A few years didn't change it, especially not when he's still so obsessed with me. I succeed in sounding normal when I speak now. "Now, I'm here, like you wanted. Let him go now, it'll be like the beginning. Isn't that what you want?" My voice is almost enchanting now despite the fear I hold inside. Did I exaggerate? His eyes narrow suspiciously … He presumes I'd do everything for my G, I guess. After all, that was why he picked me, I've been told. I just have to try harder. I move forward now having restrained myself enough to control my motions. I catch his gaze now, lying tenderness and care in my glance – at high school I haven't been an actor for nothing. My stomach turns thinking of what I'm doing. Out of the corner of my eyes I see he lowers his gun. So far so good… I move even closer, slowly, flirting with him to distract him from Greg. I stop in front of him batting my eyelashes to be sure he doesn't pay attention to my hands. They meanwhile snatch the gun out of Crane's hand turning it immediately against him. Nothing of the softness is now in my eyes anymore, there is only the bitterness left I felt from the beginning.
I pull out my cell calling Brass. They're all around the building now, I'm sure and indeed, after hanging up it is only a minute till he's here. One of the longest minutes in my life, 'cause G is so close to me and I still can't risk turning to him for fear Crane would do something. But as soon as Brass is in sight I don't give him another though. In no time I kneel in front of him pulling him in a tight embrace whispering comforting words in his ears while he nestles to me. He throws his arms around me and clings to me like his live depends on it. His breathing slowly evens, the shivers finally stop and the tenseness in his body melts away gradually. Brass approaches me later. "I don't think there's an ambulance needed, what d'you think?" "No, I'll take him home and take care of him. Can you tell the others?" "Sure, already did. For the next week, they don't want to see both of you near the lab." He says straight-faced. "Great, thanks." "No prob. See you soon then." "Bye!"
Turning to Greg once more I whisper in his ears. "Let's get up, we're going home now, okay?" He just nods and gets up with my support. He leans heavily on me on the way out to the car. The sun has already set and darkness surrounds us. He gets in and straps. As soon as I'm in I cup his face with my hand. "Listen, it's going to be alright, I promise!" I look into his eyes, they're blank now, not full of life and energy like they used to be. 'It'll be back' I try to assure me using the old 'Time heals all wounds' even though I know it isn't right. What did that son of a bitch do to him? He beat him, I can see that, but what did he do to him psychologically? Did he try that? I know he's good with that stuff and knowing Crane I'm almost certain he tried that to hurt him even if we find him. Will we be strong enough to fight it off? It'll be a hard fight… I glance at Greg. He has fallen asleep by now, what's probably the best thing for him.
When I wake him up arriving at our home, he throws his arms around me. "Oh Nicky, this isn't a dream, is it?" He asks frantically. "No, you're safe now, I promise you that!" I answer with me most reassuring voice. After unstrapping him without really letting him go I take him in my arms and carry him into the house settling us on the sofa. I look directly in his face saying: "If you want to talk about it, I'm there, okay?" For the first time, I see something like a grin and hear his sweet voice again. "I know. Thanks." After a few minutes he gets up, wanting to take a shower. When I watch him walking I cannot help but think he's lost the bounce in his step. Once more I try 'Time heals all wounds". It doesn't help and I vow to do anything to bring him back. I don't question if Crane hurt him psychologically, I see now clearly he did, but how? What did he say? I have to get it out from G to prove it wrong. Will he tell me? Is our love still strong enough? Preparing to go to bed I decide to try it tomorrow. We're both tired and emotially drained right now. When I hear him turning the shower off I'm already lying in bed waiting for him. As soon as I see him I open my arms to let him in. We always sleep in each other's arms. We've been through so much and this is the best way for both of us to sleep without nightmares. It gives us the feeling of security, care and love. After a short good-night kiss we fall asleep soon despite of what happened today.