Hey guys! Enjoy the update!

Special shout out to my reviewers! Gillian gutfright, SumNumb3rs, justdreaming-83, daughter of ewan, Gabi2305, and Skippy1967

Chapter 8

Sam's heart was racing as he cradled his partner close to his chest. The smoke was becoming thick throughout the building as Sam made it to the staircase. The once dim first floor was now orange and grey from the growing flames. "Shit," He glanced down at his unconscious burden, although Callen was by no means overweight, he was still a man made up of heavy muscle and not exactly 'light' to carry.

Not wanting to put any unnecessary strain to the injured man's busted ribs Sam couldn't throw G over his shoulders in a fireman's carry. Grunting he shifted his partner's weight and started down the stairs blindly. The large man stumbled only once, nearly losing his hold on his partner and sending them both tumbling down the stairs. Thankfully Sam managed to maintain his balance and G at the same time.

Breathing heavily and sweating just as much Sam scanned the extremely hazy room for a safe way out once they reached the bottom. The heat stung his skin and dried out his eyes as he searched, feeling frantic and panicked but remaining composed and calm on the outside. He could do this, he had to save his partner.

Since the building wasn't completed the structure was weaker. Sam could see what had caused the fire to spread so rapidly. Blocks of insulation waiting to be wedged into the walls had been the initial start of the flame, from there the unsealed wood lit up like kindling.

The entrance was already up in flames and smothered with smoke, Sam didn't want to risk charging through, not with G in such a state. A cough worked its way up and out of his chest, shaking the injured agent's battered body in the process. Callen groaned and choke on the thick air as well. The sound was weak and strangled.

Wincing Sam looked for the nearest 'doable' exit only to find nothing else. Grunting the SEAL ducked his upper body over Callen like a football player protecting a football as he charged down the field. Instead of the defensive team coming at him Sam had to worry about fire that had spread to the ceiling.

Dashing forward Sam held his breath as he passed through the flames. Once outside and a safe distance away he immediately set G down as gently as possible and moved to rip off his now burning shirt. The heat had already scorched the skin on his back and the smoke had already done its damage on Sam's lungs and throat. Coughing he collapsed on his knees next to his partner, making sure that G was in no way on fire. As far as Sam could see through his blurred, dry eyes Callen looked to have no new injuries. A small blessing out of this mess.

G was breathing a little harsher, but Sam was just thankful his partner was breathing at all. A siren sounded and flashing lights caught the big man's attention. The ambulance had arrived. Sam heard his phone singing, but ignored it. Once G was taken care of he would call Eric back.

The EMT's asked questions as they prepped G for transport and Sam felt his mouth moving with answers. One of the EMT's insisted Sam be checked out and reluctantly the large agent agreed, his eyes on the other two buzzing over the still unconscious G.

It was about than that Kensi and Deeks pulled onto the scene. "Sam!" Kensi called out as she got out of the vehicle. Marty glanced at the ruined hotel, still burning though a fire crew was on scene.

"What happened?" Kensi asked Sam, glancing at the oxygen mask the larger agent was holding to his mouth. Her eyes skipped to were Callen's still form lay, Kensi's expressive eyes screamed with concern and worry for her friends.

The paramedic stepped in, interrupting the start of Sam's lengthy explanation, "Sir, we have to go."

"We lost the guy," Sam shook his head coughing a bit as he corrected himself, "I lost him, tell Eric to search the area for cameras, the guy was unmasked when we were chasing him."

"Sir, please." The paramedic insisted and Sam nodded, climbing in the back of the ambulance next to the gurney holding his partner already strapped down and hooked up to a heart monitor. The pulse was bouncy, going from fast and thready to normal from minute to minute.

"Keep me updated!" Sam barked as the doors were closed.

Thank you guys so much for your support…I hope this chapter wasn't a disappointment.

Love you guys!

- Strawberrywaltz