His night was dark and cold and he did not enjoy it at all. He didn't dream anything and when he woke up, he was immediately cast into despair and pain. Upon opening his eyes, he expected Pavel to be there, laying next to him, smiling, but he wasn't. Bones woke up alone.

Sitting up with a massive headache and a stuffy nose, he huffed and growled to himself, slightly upset that no one had come into the room and done away with him. He was still thinking about either shooting himself or leaving town. Both of them seemed pleasing and welcoming, but he wasn't sure which one he wanted.

Standing up from the bed, he pulled out his gun. It was still full of bullets…the thought was tempting, but he recognized the consequences of shooting himself and the bullet not doing what it was supposed to do. He would be in pain for days…weeks, before he died a morbid, painful death that would leave his body rotting on the side of a caravan road.

Bones didn't do much in the morning. He wandered around the house, lost and lonely. Part of him wanted to go over to Jim's and see how Pavel was doing, but then again, he didn't. Because what if Pavel was still unconscious? What if the kid never woke from the sleep he was trapped in? The choices at this point were very difficult for Bones. He wasn't the best at making up his mind and he wasn't about t o start now. So the morning continued as he walked down the stairs and slowly began to gather everything that he had brought, which wasn't much. Then he would stop and sit on the couch, stare at his Revolver, toy with the revolving chamber some and then get back up and go out the door, only making it as far as halfway before turning back around and going inside.

One of the times that Bones was staring at his gun, he realized that he had never given his precious weapon a proper name. All he called it was his Revolver. He knew lots of men that literally gave their guns and whips names. Holding the hand loosely in his hand, he glanced from out the window back down to the gun. What would he name the gun that he had for his whole life?

"Pasha…" He murmured to himself, bringing the gun to his chest. He was going to name it Pasha in memory of Pavel. That meant when he left town, that he would bring a piece of a small memory with him. At least it would be a pleasant memory of the kid.

"I should get going now…" Bones sighed to himself, gathering up the only bag and his gun and slid it in the holster and slung the bag over his shoulder. He couldn't bare to stay in this town anymore. He was going to leave, maybe go out of country. Scrounge up a couple more bucks and he would have himself a boat ticket to Europe.

Bones hesitantly left the house that he had known so well over the course of this week. To think that it was only a week that so much good had happened to him…now he was back at square one. The bad would start again.

Stepping over the threshold and out onto the porch, he began to walk towards the stables. He wanted to look back and see the broken door that he had kicked down when people had threatened Pavel's life, see the old, tiffany blue couch that him and Pavel had passionately made out on for the first time. But he didn't look back. He knew the memories would just hurt him more. So he kept walking towards the stables, spotting his black stallion that he had ruthlessly stolen. Hurrying over into the stall, he unlatched the door and quickly mounted his horse bareback. He didn't have time for a saddle or reigns. He knew how to control the horse.

"Alright, take me out of here, as fast as you can." He whispered to the horse while mounting it. The black stallion whinnied and threw its head back lightly, almost nodding in compliance. Bones gave a small smile and loosely grabbed the mane of the horse, urging it out of the stall with his legs, kicking slightly. The horse bolted forward out of the stables and caused a ruckus. He made so much noise getting out of the stables that people turned and stared. He knew that the townspeople would be happy to see him leave. He was like a plague to them. They knew something was up with him and they didn't like it one bit. Bones kept looking straight ahead.

He saw the tall wooden logs holding up a large metal sign that spelled out Enterprise. It was the entry/exit of the town and he had never been happier to see it. A small smile fell upon his mouth as he looked up and saw the sign overhead as the horse trotted out of the town. He wouldn't bother saying goodbye to Scotty or Jim. He would never see them again, so what did it matter? There was to be a new life ahead of him. Maybe marry a nice girl…if he could even tolerate being with a woman. After being with Pavel, despite the age gap, Bones enjoyed it. Much better than a woman.

Bones saw the green grass mixed with the dead, tan grass as he left the town. The mingled colors were actually quite beautiful, but when Bones was looking at it, all he saw was death and life. Some were given life who didn't deserve it and some were given death who were too kind to die. His thoughts confused him. He had never thought like this…so depressed He figured that maybe as soon as he's out the range of the town, he would be all better. Looking behind him, Bones saw that the town was now farther away than expected. His heart ached as he saw the metal sign swinging in the wind. Good riddance to the town. He kicked the horse into a gallop, getting farther and farther away.

While riding away, he heard a loud shot ring out from behind him. He quickly wheeled the horse around to see if anyone was coming for him. He pulled out his gun and aimed it into the air, looking around wildly for the shooter. As he peered hard at the entrance to Enterprise, he saw someone jumping and waving their arms. Bones rolled his head and turned the horse back around. It was probably no one important.

A few minutes in, he heard another thing. This time it was a voice. "Leonard! Leonard!" Bones stopped the horse in its tracks. Was he hearing Pavel's voice? Was this some spirit of a bastard who liked to tease people? "Leonard wait!" The voice cried out again. Bones turned his horse around, just to tease the idea of Pavel being there before him. And when he did turn around, that's exactly what he saw.

Pavel, all groggy and tired, arm bandaged up, bags under his eyes, was standing there before him. Bones' eyes widened as he slowly got off the horse, scared that if he made any sudden movements, that the mirage would disappear.

"Pasha?" His voice cracked. Pavel smiled and nodded.

"Vhere vere you going?" He asked, cocking his head.

"I was leaving town." He muttered, stepping closer to the mirage.

"Vhy vould you leave town?" Pavel asked, taking his own step closer, looking Bones in the eye. Bones turned his gaze.

"Because you were going to die and I couldn't cope." He whispered under his breath. Pavel stepped closer, barely an inch away from Bones, looking up at his hero who was also his boyfriend.

"But I'm not dead…" He told Bones, reaching out his injured arm towards him.

"Yes you are. No one of your size could have made it through something like that." Bones shook his head. Now his mind was really playing games with him. Toying with his emotions and feelings.

"But Leo, I'm not…" Pavel whispered under his breath.

Bones stepped back. "Yes you are. You're gone…I can't be in this town anymore." He shook his head, refusing to believe that his Pasha was alive and standing before him.

"Leonard! No! You have to stay!" Pavel cried. Why would Bones leave. He was fine and alive!

"I'm leaving. Pavel is dead. You're just in my imagination." Bones hissed, turning back to his horse, grabbing the mane to mount. But not before a hand grabbed him down from the horse and pulled him into a kiss.

Before him, Pavel was grabbing Bones' arms, pressing his mouth against Bones. He had to prove that he was real. Wrapping a lengthy arm around Bones' neck, he stood on his tiptoes to fully meet the man he loved. It took Bones a moment to figure out that he was real and not fake. And when he did, he grabbed Pavel around the waist and lifted him off the ground, his heart soaring.

Pavel pulled away from the kiss, breathless as Bones put him back down on the ground. "I'm alive!" He exclaimed.

"You're…you're not dead." Bones could never be more happy in his life. "How…how did this happen?" Bone's asked.

"Jim Kirk ees a very good medical man. He patched me up. But he said zat eef I should ever get seriously injured again, zat my chances of making it are slim." He sighed.

"I would never let anything touch you." Bones wrapped Pavel in another hug, squeezing him tightly, giving small pecks all over Pavel's face. "Thank god you're alive. Thank god." He mumbled over and over again before he was reduced to tears.

"Leonard…vhat's wrong?" Pavel asked, backing out of the hug, looking into Bones' dark eyes, which were tear stained and red.

"I-I almost killed myself Pavel. I almost left town…" He cried.

"Leo! NO! You can't do that! Even eef I vas dead, you have to promise that you wouldn't leave or kill yourself." Pavel begged.

"I wouldn't be able to cope Pasha! I would go crazy." He explained, throwing his arms about to add to the emphasis.

"Just…at least I eem not dead. Let's look at zat." Pavel huffed, embracing Bones again, leaning his head against Bones' chest.

"Yeah, I guess that's all that counts. Let's go back to town. I'm sure that people are worry about you." Bones guided Pavel to his horse.

"Not many people. But I eem guessing Jim ees. I told him zat I vould go to ze stables and look for you." Pavel admitted sheepishly. "I kind of snuck avay."

"Yeah, we have to get you back." Bones laughed as he helped Pavel up on the horse, then helping himself. "Latch on kid." Bones ordered. Pavel wrapped his arms around Bones' waist and leaned his head against Bones' back, closing his eyes.

Bones, now relieved and somewhat still in shock, kicked the horse into gear, aiming it back towards the entrance to Enterprise. Bones had some errands to do when he got back into town.

Riding back to town, Pavel wouldn't stop talking about how happy he was to be alive and to be with Bones. That only made Bones grin wider and his heart lighter. Now he couldn't wait to get back to the town. He was going to have to meet Uhura and Jim for something.

"…but my father comes back today." Pavel muttered at the end of his sentence.

"Today?" Bones's voice shook slightly. Sheriff Pike would be back and then all sleeping with Pavel would cease. Everything would stop.

"Da." Pavel nodded solemnly.

"Jesus that was too soon." Bones shook his head.

"I know…just a few days ago ve were shooting at hay bales." Pavel sighed. He too was going to miss all the freedom he was able to have with Bones. "I vant to leave." He whimpered.

"I know. I think we all do. But remember what we said." Bones reminded Pavel of the plan. You could not sway or deviate from the plan.

"I know, I know." He mumbled under his breath.

"Just think…soon we'll be out of here." Bones reassured him. "It's going to be amazing." He grinned.

"Of course…yes. Ah, I cannot vait." Pavel sighed heavily.

The two of them came riding into town, greeted by a grumpy Jim and Scotty. If looks would kill that both Pavel and Bones would be dead. Bones stopped the horse and let himself and Pavel off. Jim and Scotty both took a step forward.

"What were you thinkin'?!"

"Pavel! You didn't tell me that you were leaving town?!"

"I was worried sick about you!"

"What the hell were you two thinking?"

Jim and Scotty both yelled at Bones and Pavel, scolding them for their mistakes, but all the two did was small and cast small, loving glances at each other. They were amused by the two men before them, yelling.

"Would ya stop makin' goggly eyes at each other!" Scotty yelled.

Bones stepped forward putting both his hands on Jim and Scotty's shoulders. "We're fine. Sorry we scared you." He apologized. "Now…Jim, I need to talk to you and Uhura…in private." Scotty cast a glare towards Bones. "Scotty, I want to see your reaction to this top secret thing when it happens. Can you take Pavel home and watch him?"

"Sure." Scotty sighed and nodded. Bone stopped him and hugged Scotty.

"Thanks. You're the best." He whispered to Scotty.

"I know I am!" Scotty tried to stay angered and serious, but couldn't help but become flustered and crack a smile. He pulled away from the hug and took Pavel by the shoulder and gently walked him to the house. Bones turned to Jim.

"Jim, I need your help with something." Bones confided to Jim. "We need Uhura though as well. Where is she?" He asked.

"She's in the Saloon? What is it?" Jim asked.

"I can't tell you yet. I need both you and Uhura. Come on." Bones patted Jim's back and headed towards the Saloon. Jim hurried and followed after, wondering what Bones was up to.

"No but really…what are you doing?" Jim asked.

"I can't tell you yet." Bones warned. "Wait." He jogged to the Saloon, gliding up the steps and in through the swinging doors. Jim followed, catching the door as he followed Bones through the crowd of people. People that had seen Bones leave were shocked to see him back in the Saloon. They were terrified and upset that he hadn't stayed away.

Bones searched the crowd of people for Uhura, looking all around. He even looked up the stair where the men usually received special service from the barmaids sometimes. He looked all around.

"Jim, where's Uhura?" Bones asked as Jim made his way through the crowd.

"She's in the back." Jim pointed to the back wall where Uhura was standing, just observing the wave of people that had walked in. How could have Bones missed her there? He ran over to her, with Jim trailing behind him.

"Uhura! Uhura!" Bones called out, waving his hands around. He had never been so elate about something in his life before. This was a new experience. Something wonderful.

Uhura looked up from the crowd when she heard her name called. She saw Bones and Jim making their way through a crowd, pushing to get to her. Bones had the most excited look on his face and Jim just looked confused.

"Yes?" She asked, pushing herself off the wall to meet the boys.

"Uhura! I need to talk to you and Jim outside. Can you come?" Bones quickly asked.

"Sure." She nodded, though wary why he wanted her to come with him.

"Okay!" He smiled brightly. He felt like a child for some reason. Giddy and carefree, running to his friends to tell them a secret. "Come outside." He waved his hands towards the door, running outside, escaping the crowds. Jim and Uhura were not far behind, wondering why Bones had called upon them.

As soon as they were out of sight and out of earshot from prying ears and eyes, Bones' face turned redder than a tomato.

"What's wrong Bones?" Jim asked.

Bones looked at both Uhura and Jim. "Alright. I want…I want to marry Pavel. Or at least engage him." He released. Jim and Uhura's mouths hung open. Did Bones just say that wanted to marry Pavel.

"Marry? Like marriage?" Jim asked.

"Yes! Last night and today have really opened things up to me and…I really love him." Bones shrugged.

"You met the kid at the beginning of this week!" Jim reminded him. Bones nodded.

"Yes, I know that. But it's just one of those things that you just feel is right." Bones tried to convince Jim. Jim sighed, but Uhura was elated.

"Marriage! Yes! Do you need help with wedding plans or anything?" She asked. Bones smiled.

"No. Not yet. I still haven't found a ring. That's what I'm coming to you for. I need help. I'm not sure if this town has rings, but I really…really need one." Bones begged. Jim cracked a smile and hugged Bones out of the blue.

"I haven't known you long, but you're a great friend and I'm happy for you." He told Bones. "Yes. I know the perfect place. We have a jewelers, believe it or not." Jim laughed.

"Great! Let's go!" He pushed Uhura and Jim out of the corner and out into the town square. Jim stopped and looked around. Where was the jewelers again? He swept over the town twice before spotting it off in a corner, all lonely.

"There it is!" Jim pointed to it. The three of them made their way to the jewelers, Bones refraining from acting like a little girl. He was so excited. Hopefully Pavel would say yes and hopefully this marriage would go better than his last.

As they made their way over to the shop, Jim pulled out a string of keys, plucking one from the many. It reminded Bones of his many keys to break into Banks and such.

"This is the key that should get us in." Jim nodded, stepped up the stairs and to the door.

"Why is it locked? Doesn't anyone work there?" Bones asked.

"Yeah, but he's a drunk. Probably passed out in the backroom." Jim shrugged, pushing the key into the keyhole and turned it. The door swung open and revealed cases and boxes of clocks, watches, rings, and other items that Bones had never seen before.

"The rings are over here." Jim pointed to a side of the room with a couple dusty, red wood boxes that were stacked up high.

"What kind of ring are you looking for?" Uhura asked.

"Something simple really. Nothing to showy." Bones shrugged. He wanted it to be discreet to people who didn't understand how his and Pavel's minds and hearts worked.

"Okay!" Uhura nodded and smiled. She and Bones picked up the first box case they saw and placed it on the counter opening it up. Jim stood watch at the front door.

Inside were an assortment of rings, most of them very shiny and filled with gems. None which Bones thought fit his darling Pasha. He eyed the set over again before closing the box and going to a new one.

This time there was more of an assortment of styles that Bones liked. He found a matching pair of silver bands that had an intertwined style. He picked them up in his hand, observing them. They seemed to be a decent size. The style was interesting and different. There was a certain appeal to them.

"Did you find a pair?" Jim asked as the movement and bustle ceased behind him. "Don't you think this is a bit quick?" He added

"Yeah I found a pair. No, this is not a bit quick. Dammit Jim, I know what I'm doing. Come on, let's go. We need to get everyone together." Bones nodded, slipping the rings in his pocket.

"Everyone? You mean Spock, Sulu, Scotty and Pavel?" Jim asked.

"Yeah. Them." Bones nodded.

"Okay." Jim opened the door for Uhura and Bones, then slipped outside himself, locking the door. The three of them split up. Uhura went to go get Spock. Jim went to get Sulu. They would all meet at the hay bales as soon as possible. Bones went to Pavel's house and hurried in the door.

"Pavel! Scotty! The group is meeting up at the hay bales!" He announced as he stepped into the home. Pavel and Scotty were sitting on the couch, awaiting Bones' return and when he did, both of them jumped up.

"Vhy?" Pavel asked, rounding the corner, Scotty not far behind.

"I don't know. They just asked to be there." He shrugged, trying to keep the smile off his face.

"Alright. I guess we could go." Pavel shrugged and reached for Bones' hand, holding it.

"Let's go!" Scotty announced, heading out the door quicker than any of them. He had been dying to get out of the town center. It was driving him crazy. Just going beyond the homes and to the field was relief for him.

For the first time, Pavel and Bones walked out of the house into the public holding hands. At this moment neither of them really cared. Pavel swung his hand lightly, leaning his head on Bones' shoulder. Lucky for them, not many people were outside.

They all walked to hay bales, seeing Spock, Sulu, Jim and Uhura in the distance, waiting. Bones' heart rate sped up quicker and his face was beginning to become flushed. He quickened his pace and Pavel hurried to match it.

"Vhy are you going so fast?" Pavel asked.

"You'll see." He teased, reaching the group. Jim and Uhura was grinning like stupid idiots and everyone else was confused by why they were here.

"Okay! What's the meanin' behind this uh…meeting?" Scotty looked towards Spock.

"I do not know. I thought that Mr. McCoy had arranged this." Spock glanced at Bones. Pavel looked up at Bones.

"I zought zat you didn't know vhy vere coming?" He asked, brows creased. Bones nodded, biting the inside of his cheek. Slowly, he got down on one knee and pulled out one of the rings.

"Pavel Chekov, would you do the honors and marry me?"

(There might be a hiatus because I'm on vacation! But I'll still be working!)