A/N: Thank you to those who have read and/or reviewed this story. As always comments are welcome and greatly appreciated.

Danny could hear her broken sobs through the wall, causing him to sigh heavily. The argument had hit them at full-force, and shock ran through both their bodies. He held his head in his hands, trying to make light of what had just occurred. He and Lindsay had never fought. Sure they had their little quarrels over the years, but nothing compared to this. He was merely watching out for her, and he couldn't help but smile at her independence. However, he was unable to shake the thought of Pratt possibly targeting her. He knew that Pratt's main focus was Mac, but the threat to the whole team was still prominent.

Rearing up, he knew he had to make things right again between him and Lindsay. Padding softly to the closed door, he knocked gently and waited for her reply.

He was slightly surprised when she opened the door, sniffing through tears. "I'm sorry."

He stepped in and encased her in an apologetic embrace. "Me too."

She returned the hug gratefully. They stood there for a few minutes, allowing their nerves to calm before breaking and sitting down on the bed next to each other.

"It was foolish of me to yell at you. You're right; you can look after yourself."

Her chuckling mingled with her brilliant smile. "Well, it doesn't hurt to have a strong man such as you to protect me." She suddenly became serious, staring intently at him and rubbing her thumb over his hand.

"I realize that you only want what's best for me. I know this must be very difficult for you; Aiden's killer is out there, and you want nothing more than to put him away."

"To be honest, I want him to suffer the same fast as Aiden."

Lindsay was not surprised by his words. "I've felt the same way with past cases."

He lowered his eyes, afraid to meet her gaze. She placed both hands on his cheeks and kissed him gently, breaking to lean her forehead against his.

"This is all part of a relationship, Danny. Couples argue, but that doesn't mean they don't love each other. Though I am a bit glad this happened."

He was clearly confused. "Why?"

"Sometimes pain brings two hearts closer together."

---

Pratt's heart thundered against his chest as he ran. Chancing a glimpse behind him, he cursed as the two mysterious figures relentlessly followed, speaking in ghastly voices as they pointed at him and taunted.

"You will pay for your crimes, murderer!"

"There is no escaping the law!"

Pratt tried to drown out their threats, but it was no use. Whirling his head around, he skidded to a halt and immediately backed up. A woman stood before him, barring his way. Her eyes burned wildly as she pointed an accusing finger at him and spoke in a cold voice. Something was oddly familiar about her.

"Cowards die a thousand times, but a warrior dies only once."

The eerie message sent chills down Pratt's spine, and he suddenly found himself sinking into a corner. The three females surrounded him, silent as they stared into his very soul. Pratt attempted to bury himself, covering his head with his hands.

"Please, don't hurt me! Leave me alone! NO!!"

---

Screaming, Pratt sat bolt upright in bed, beads of perspiration lining his temple. After gaining control of his heavy breathing, he groaned loudly. This was the third nightmare he had had since killing the first girl, and each one was more frightening than the last. However, he was not one to give up so easily. Bravado hastily returning, he paced the room, saying his thoughts aloud.

"I will not live in fear of some ghostly woman. I know who you are!" He pumped a clenched fist towards the ceiling. "You're that bitch of a detective who stalked me! Who won that battle, eh? I did! I'm still here, an' you're dead! Haunt me all you want; you will not stop me or my revenge!"

Laughing manically, he lay back in bed, confident his message had been heard.

---

Danny gently pulled back a loose curl from Lindsay's face, watching her sleep peacefully. He had stayed awake and allowed her to drift off on her own, knowing she had an early shift the next morning. Her slim chest rose and fell with each breath, and her eyelids flickered slightly, an indication that she was dreaming. Danny pulled her closer to his body, hundreds of thoughts running through his mind. He felt terrible for initiating the argument; he had no intent to make her upset. He hated seeing Lindsay distraught; the very sight made his heart crumble. He wanted nothing more than for her to be happy.

Burying his head into the crook of her neck, he closed his eyes and listened to her steady breathing. He could not – would not – lose her. Life would have no meaning if she were taken from him. Danny knew all too well how one's entire world could change in an instant. How one minute everything can be fine, and the next it's all torn apart. Lindsay was no stranger to the terrible feeling as well.

She was his fallen star; the sheer bliss of being around her was enough to set his spirit on fire. The gentle rhythm of her breathing lulled him into slumber, and th last thing he saw was the image of a beautiful young woman with dark brown curls and a soft smile.

---

Reed tossed and turned in his sleep as he visited the dusty citadel of dreams. Mac had stayed true to his word, and the young man was resting for the night in a hotel not far from the lab. Grey figures roamed the corridors of his mind as soft voices hung in the air. A sense of happiness, something he hadn't felt for a long time, washed over the young man, and he smiled brightly. He blinked and an image of an older woman stole across his vision. Tears immediately welled in his eyes; though he had never seen her, he instinctively knew it was his mother, Claire. She beamed proudly, her presence radiating strength and comfort. When she sang, her voice was like twin bells tolling softly over a great meadow.

Sleep, my little one,
Let your dreams take way.
Fly o'er seas of blue,
An' soar through pastures of green.
The city slumbers under a watchful moon,
Jewels shine their honour upon ye.
Close your weary eyes, child,
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
The air is sweet an' still,
Night has cast itself o'er the world.
Don't ye fret, my son,
I will protect you from strife.
Lay thy head down, babe,
Smell the flow'rs as they come into bloom,
Feel the fire's warmth lift your heart,
Peace you will find here.

The vision faded, and Reed fell into a deep slumber.