I finally watched Population 25 (Ode to Craig Johnson) and this fic is from Walt's point of view in the last scene and what I would love to happen next.

I am willing to risk everything and lose my life. At this moment, I am neither a patriot nor a tyrant, but a man whose choices have led to this moment. I have made the choice to throw the rulebook aside, to suffer the criticism and the blame from others for my actions. That is what men like me do. That is what leaders like me do. I've never seen Vic helpless before and it momentarily jars me. I know she will fight. I know she will resist. I need her to trust me in this moment. When Gorski comes out to rescue her she has to feel my heart in my voice that I am willing to make a pact with the devil to save her. There are many demons that I face and very few that are worthy adversaries but this night is different.

I am standing tall not just for Vic but also for Martha. I need answers and I need them now. If Chance didn't kill Martha it narrows down the possibilities and puts me one step closer to administering justice. I beat down the voice in the back of my head that whispers to stop. Stop and wait for the troops, Walt. You don't have to do this, Walt. The voice comes quietly but I won't let him stay this time. It's all up to me. It's always been and it always will be. I think of how Vic must feel at this moment looking at my silhouette, hearing only my voice, as I think she has 3 men who love her and I think how she made pretty good choices considering. Gorski has brass and guts though he took a decidedly wrong turn but he's here now and that counts for something in my book. There's Sean, the man I can never be, but a man that loves his wife enough to call me.

Vic, is my deputy. My love for her transcends romantic notions and I know my purpose as I negotiate with Chance. Chance is a very worthy opponent but I have the advantage because while Chance can understand the gesture of a duel he cannot understand the depth of my love. He cannot understand that I am willing to die for someone not just an ideal. The love I have for heart and home is the same love that pulsed through the veins of my forefathers and made the ideal of freedom possible. As Vic passes by me, my eyes follow because she has to know I take my stand for her. I honor her through my actions and deeds the only was I know how. My window of opportunity and position of advantage may be extraordinarily slim but it is there and I seize the moment.

At the hospital, Sean thanks me for rescuing them. He is understandably emotional but quieter than usual. I don't press it as I know the man's disdain for me. Sean encourages me to see Vic. "She needs to see you Walt." I leave Sean's room and catch the Doc in the hallway.

"Hey Walt. They both got pretty banged up. Sean has facial lacerations and we are keeping him for observation for a possible concussion."

The Doc can read my face despite my poor attempts to hide my concern for Vic.

"Vic, definitely the worse of the two. Concussion, lacerations, and an all around pissed off demeanor." Doc jokes a bit trying to lighten up the ominous mood.

"Doc, she will be ok?"

"Yes, Walt she will be ok. Fortunately, the only assault was physical and not sexual as well. "

I lightened at his words with the sense of relief that a man has for the woman he loves.

"Thanks, Doc. Ok, if I see her?"

"Absolutely, Sheriff."

I push the door gently open with hat in hand. Vic lays on the hospital bed and looks over at me, a single tear drains from her face. My defenses are worn but I know I must not cross the line although it would be so very easy to do. My smile is faint as I walk over to the bed.

"We gotta stop meeting like this", I joke.

"Yeah or my husband will think I like getting shot with bear tranquilizers and kidnapped by extremists just so I can have alone time with you."

I smile to hold back the pain and without hesitation pull back the long blonde wisps' of hair that had fallen into her eyes. I think of her falling into my arms after she roared back to Chance's fortress and of her confession.

"Are you going to explain why Gorski was there?"

"I will some other time. Right now, you need rest. I just want to let you know that I am here." I retreat to the unique quiet calmness of my mind and hold my love for her tight in my heart.

"I will always be here."