The Gift

by Jes Parker

ov_r_the_rainbow@hotmail.com

Fandom: A Team

Pairing: Hannible/Face

Rated *R*

Authors Notes: This story is a pre-quel to Slow and Easy. Shee decided she couldn't live without knowing what had happened during the case with the couple when Facey was thrown off the boat and lost his gun, nearly drowning. So you can blame her for this mess I'm trying to call a story.

I had a song pop in my head that helped me to write this story. It's called The Gift and it's by Jim Brickman/Collin Raye/Susan Ashton. See end of story for lyrics.

This is a SLASH story folks so take heed now. (Although no actual sex takes place.) If a loving and caring relationship between two men squicks you or if you are underage, I suggest you head over to the Gen library where you can find lots of good stories more up your ally.

For those of you still here, grab a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, co-co, sparkling water or other beverage of your choice, sit back and enjoy the trip into the little area I like to call my mind. But
first, the regular warnings, disclaimers and what not. Read 'em cuz I get tired of those crazy few that don't and then they write to me all hot and bothered because of something in my story and if they would have just taken the five minutes to read all the bullhonky then they would have known better then to play in deeper water then they can stand. Whew! I feel much better now.

SUMMARY: Facey falls off a boat, loses his gun and nearly drowns.

DISCLAIMER: As I'm sure you all know I do not own The A-Team, that privilege belongs to Stephen J. Cannell. And I'm sure if he saw what I was doing with his boys he'd have a field day suing me. Although I'm quite positive he wouldn't get more then a cat or two and truthfully, they're not worth it. Hell half the time they forget to use the damn litter box . on second thought . take them!! I'll even throw in the litter.

COMMENTS: Are much appreciated. I just love comments. Hell you can even throw in a flame or two if it makes you feel big to cut someone else down. I post them to my 'feel better about yourself at least we don't stoop this low' group and we laugh at them 'til we feel all happy again. Oh yeah, Comment card is great. Thanks!!

WARNINGS: SLASH (Although no actual sex takes place...sorry) If you do not know what SLASH is, that's a loving and SEXUAL relationship between two people of the same sex, normally men... Oh yeah, HURT/COMFORT(not as drastic as my normal stories however . I must be slipping). VIOLENCE (not too much though) . WAR MEMORIES (Not many). And perhaps a bit of LANGUAGE, but not much. Keep in mind this story is NOT a true story. Things in my story may not always be entirely accurate, although I do take great strides trying to research my stories to the best of my ability. If things don't seem possible, chances are good they are not. And for the sake of all others, PLEASE do not try this at home.

Am I done with these warnings yet?

Many thanks to my betas: Shee, Quent, Firebird and Sandy. You guys are the greatest!

Dedicated to my pal Shee!! Without you . life just wouldn't be the same!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Gift
by Jes Parker
Copyright © Jes Parker, 2001

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometimes when the sun reflects just right the tiny flecks of gold in those spectacular blue eyes stand out and grab your attention not wanting to let you go. The whole world sorta slips into itself and you cease to notice its existence. All that you're really aware of is the man before you, those blue eyes, the muscles that line his wonderful and sleek body, his blonde hair that blows gently in the wind, tipping in his eyes and without thinking you reach out to gently push it back. The world doesn't exist, it's just him and his silky voice, and what is it that he's saying?

Hannibal blinked as sound came back to him and the world rushed back into play. "Hannibal? So can we trust them? Hey Hannibal are you paying any attention to me at all?"

Hannibal blinked again as he pulled his hand back from his lover's head, where he had been unconsciously brushing the locks of golden hair back from his eyes. Face looked at him with confusion. Hannibal looked around, Murdock had an amused look on his face as he pet the air beside him, and BA had a little smirk playing in the corner of his mouth, although he was desperately trying to hide it with a scowl. But the light in his eyes gave him away. Hannibal looked back at his sole existence for breathing.

"Um . yeah, I think we can trust them. Why? What don't you like?"

"Um Yeah?" Face repeated. Was that sarcasm Hannibal heard in his voice? "Where the heck have you been? We haven't even met the clients yet. Just you. So-what-do-you-think?" He exaggerated the sentence this time, drawing it out with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.

"Man he's got a one track mind." BA growled from where he was standing by the van. The hint of amusement was clear to everyone's ears.

Hannibal could feel the blush rising up his cheeks. He inwardly sighed. BA was right. When it came to his Lieutenant all he could think about was loving him. He gave himself a mental shake to snap out of it as he remembered what it was they had been talking about. Didn't take long for it to come back to him and for him to jump back into commander mode. Years of training had him normally quick on his feet, and with his mind. And years of practice made him able to think, most of the time, with his universe by his side.

Hannibal gratefully accepted the cigar he was being handed from his Lieutenant and quickly lit it before replying. After he inhaled deeply, he looked around his unit. "Yeah, they're clear. In fact I
think you'll like them Face." A playful glow suddenly appeared in his eyes.

Face narrowed his eyes at his CO. "Why's that?"

Hannibal's smile grew wider as he pointed his cigar, which was pinched between his thumb and middle finger, at his second in command. "Because they have a gorgeous blonde daughter in her early twenties that I think you'll like."

Face inhaled at the comment, looking upwards to avoid eye contact with the rest of his team. BA snickered and Murdock outright laughed.

"And to think I thought I was off the market?" Face got a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Hannibal stepped closer to him. "You are," he emphasized this by thumping Face on the chest. "But on this mission a little flirting won't hurt. In fact it could be a real bonus. It seems that one of
the goons harassing the Dugans has a thing for Cyndi. Would probably make them really happy if she had a thing for you, don't you think?"

"Aw Hannibal, do you like to get me in trouble? Or do you just get off on seeing me bleed?"

Hannibal smiled suggestively. "Well, I do like to play doctor." Face could only groan.

"I hate your plans."

"I know you do, but suck it up," he turned to face the other men, but turned back as he remembered something. He stepped closer to Face and tipped his loves chin. "Just don't forget who you belong to," he reminded his lover.

That mischievous tone in Face's eyes was back, but before he could say anything Hannibal growled in his ear. "You're mine."

"So possessive."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Before the sun had set the following evening, the team found themselves settling in a small mountain community in northern California. The evening air was just beginning to cool from the
scorching heat the sun had radiated across the land earlier that day. The light breeze that drifted around them added it's cooling fingers as the sun began to dip below the highest peak in the distance.

Hannibal stretched his arms out to the side as he looked around himself. Now this is the kind of place you fall in love, he thought with a smile. Or fall in love all over again.

His gaze instantly fell on the youngest member of the team. His smile softened and his breath caught as he looked over his lover. Face was standing in the orange glow of the sunset, his hair just a touch out of place, his blue jeans tugging gently at his great ass, his greenish-blue flannel shirt bringing out the color in those chameleon eyes. His golden tanned chest peaked out where the top two buttons were not fastened and his ensemble was completed with the brown cowboy boots he wore on his feet. His eyes were directed over Hannibal's shoulder at the distant horizon where they could hear horses play. Hannibal knew that it was in places like this that Face really felt at home. A place he always envisioned while growing up in the cruelty of a big and careless world, a place that he could someday call home. Even if it was only in a dream. Watching his lover gaze at the beauty of the mountain home and the land that surrounded it, Hannibal knew that someday he wanted to make Face's dream come true.

Hannibal smiled as their eyes met. He saw the serenity behind his lover's eyes and felt his heart swell with joy. Face gave him a warm smile before they set about unloading their gear from the van and Hannibal gave their orders for their upcoming tasks

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"So you want me to lead her on." Face stated again as he stood in front of his Colonel in the living room of the guesthouse the team would be sharing.

"I want you to do what it takes to piss these men off enough to screw up."

"So what exactly do you want me to do Hannibal? Take her to dinner? Buy her flowers? Kiss her? Screw her? Make her feel like she's the only woman in the world and then let her fall back to earth at 195mph when this case is done?"

Hannibal pinched the bridge of his nose. The kid could be so stubborn sometimes. Especially when it came to their relationship and the necessity of sometimes having to keep up the appearance that their handsome Lieutenant was 100% straight and completely available. Yet when he finally stepped into the persona, he did it without flaw. Hannibal had to admit, even sometimes he was fooled . and maybe even a bit jealous.

"Yes dinner would be nice Face. Flowers a great touch. Kissing makes them jealous. Screwing her . we'll talk. And I'm not asking you to drop her out of a plane Face, just date her."

"And when it's all over?"

Hannibal sighed again. "She'd be a complete moron to think that she could have a long term relationship with a felon Face. I don't think she's that clueless."

Face studied his Colonel. "Is this an order?"

"Do I need to make it one?"

"It would make me feel a bit better for cheating on you, yes."

"Fine then Face, it's an order. But it's not cheating."

"How isn't it?"

"Damn kid you exasperate me, you know that?"

"So I've been told."

Hannibal had to smile at that. He shook his head and took Face's hands in his own and sat him down on the couch. "Look Kid, to me it's not cheating. You're doing what's necessary for the job. Just like you 'acquire' things for the job. Don't you see?"

It was Face's turn to sigh. "Yeah, I understand what you're saying Hannibal, but it doesn't mean I like it."

"Do you like to steal?"

Face shot Hannibal a dirty look. "I do not steal," he said indignantly.

"Yeah I know, you scam, you acquire, you break and enter, you borrow." Another dirty look. "But Temp I know you love me. I'm not worried about that. So don't you."

Face could only nod. He didn't really like doing this, but he knew Hannibal was right. Making a pass at Cyndi Dugan was probably the best and fastest way to get to the men behind this mess. And as long as Hannibal was okay with it, why should he feel any different about it?

Hannibal smiled and lowered his mouth to taste the delicate lips of his lover. Face groaned as Hannibal's tongue pressed gently inside and explored the cavity of his mouth. When Hannibal stopped he moaned at the cessation of pleasure.

"Just remember you're mine." Hannibal growled possessively in his ear.

"Forever," Face promised.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hannibal paced by the old apple tree as he watched Face make his way over to Cyndi. They had been briefly introduced the night before and by the look in her eye, Hannibal knew it wouldn't be a problem winning her heart. Not that it ever really was when it came to Face. Face had this way of worming his way into your heart when you least expected it. Face could smile and women melted at his feet, hell half the time men did too. That was just Face. Then there were Face's conning abilities. Face could talk a Penguin into flying south for the winter, which was a feat in itself seeing as Penguin's don't fly. No, he knew Face could pull off this simple task, simple for him anyway. What worried him though was what happened when the bad guys found out.

Hannibal really did hate to put Face into danger, but sometimes it was just necessary. He tried not to worry all that much. Worrying about every situation he sent his men into would cause nothing but an ulcer in just a matter of hours. Hannibal knew that the team would back Face up when needed. And he knew that Face trusted them to do so without hesitation. Face may complain, but he trusted them wholeheartedly. But trying not to worry and not worrying are two totally different things. Hannibal worries about all his men. And since he's in love with the intended target of a mad man, he worried all the more. Even if he didn't always show it.

Oh she's definitely buying it, Hannibal thought to himself. He watched Face's body language. Sure enough, Face had turned on all the charm. As expected, Face fell into his role of womanizer perfectly. Hannibal smiled, admiring his Lieutenant's skill, as Face tossed his head back and laughed at something Cyndi had said and in the next moment had latched onto her hand and kissed it gently just as a gentleman was supposed to do. The smile in her eyes was pure lust. Face played on it. His arm slipped around her waist as she led him off to the kitchen door. Hannibal followed at a distance. He wasn't following them, he was hungry.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Two days later Hannibal found himself sitting on the beach overlooking the ocean as the waves crashed in against the coral reefs, wondering what was wrong with his plan. Why the man supposedly in love with Cyndi hadn't taken action yet? Things were moving too slow for Hannibal's liking. He was the type of man who preferred action to sitting and waiting. No action made the man jumpy and sometimes just the slightest bit cranky.

The sun was setting low in the distant horizon and Hannibal watched in awe as the sun disappeared to the other side of the world. No matter how many times he sat on the beach watching the sun whisper it's final good night before announcing its presence to those waiting
on the other side, it would never grow old to him. He only wished his young blonde lover was curled by his side to enjoy the fabulous sight the coming night brought. Hannibal sighed as he reminded himself that it was his idea for Face to court the young and beautiful Cyndi and that Face had wanted nothing to do with it at first.

But now he seems happier then a drunk monkey, Hannibal growled in his thoughts. He shook his head of the thought. It was one of Face's many talented scams. He was only doing what he was supposed to be doing. Look on the bright side. Hannibal tried to convince himself. If he is fooling me then he's definitely fooling the baboons causing this mess. Either way the sooner this whole fiascal was cleared up and packed away, the better.

Hannibal's eyes drifted over the now darkened shoreline. Just as he suspected lights appeared in the distance. He was willing to bet that the lights coming from the drifting vessel were coming from the gangs' hideaway.

Hannibal sighed and stood up slowly. He grunted at the stiffness in his back and placed his hands on his lower back to crack it. He sighed in relief and was just about to turn and head back towards the guesthouse when he spotted movement near where the waves rolled softly up the sandy beach. He squinted his eyes around the darkness of the night and sighed deeply as he saw Face walking hand in hand with Cyndi Dugan. He was too far away for sound, but close enough to see their every move. Hannibal chewed on his inner cheek thoughtfully and then sat back down in the sand, hidden in the shadows.

Face's eyes drifted out over the ocean. He felt Cyndi push herself against his side, warming him. He turned to her and smiled down into her eyes. She smiled back. Face leaned his mouth towards her and captured her lips in a tantalizing kiss. His mouth made the kiss real, but his heart would not. He could only think of Hannibal.

When he pulled away she had an amused look upon her face. "What?" he questioned, eyes sparkling.

Cyndi shook her head. "Nothing," she whispered with a smile. "Let's go in, it's getting cold out here."

Face nodded in agreement and led her off towards the house. Hannibal sighed again and watched after them as they walked down the path. He couldn't help the ache that grew in his heart or the small amount of jealousy that gnawed at his stomach. This was your idea, he reminded himself. Even so, he doesn't have to be so damn convincing. Hannibal shook his head. "Yes he does," he whispered. Still, didn't mean he had to like it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Yards away, out over the dark ocean; a large yacht lolled with each rocking wave and a man tightened his grip on the powerful binoculars that he held in his hands. His mouth tightened in an angry frown and his eyes grew dark with rage.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Have a nice night Lieutenant?" Hannibal growled when Face finally stepped through the door. Face only sighed wearily and turned to face his commanding officer.

"Don't start this Hannibal," Face approached sadly. "This was your idea, not mine." He added a bit tersely.

Hannibal sighed and sat down hard on the couch. "Yeah I know," he muttered. "You're just so damn convincing."

Face smiled slightly at the compliment. He sat down next to his lover and put his hand on his neck. "Well, if it makes you feel any better I can only think of you every time I touch her."

Hannibal did smile then and lifted his head to look at Face. "You wouldn't just be saying that to cheer me up would you?"

"I don't know," Face joked. "Is it working?" He turned up his best con smile.

Hannibal growled playfully and leaned into Face tickling him. Face gasped and fell back against the couch laughing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Face stopped in his tracks and he felt Cyndi's fingers tighten around his arm. He instinctively wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, but he didn't bother to turn. Instead he started walking again.

"Hey I was talking to you pal." The voice leered as a hand clamped down on his shoulder. Face let himself be spun around and forced his most annoying smile. He tilted his head slightly and feigned innocence.

"Can I help you?" he kept his voice was light.

"Yeah you can. You can get your blasted hands off my woman."

Face's eyes dipped into confusion. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" he asked, not releasing his hold on Cyndi. He could feel her shaking against his side, but a sideways glance at her face didn't show the fear her body was displaying for him.

"No, I was just about to introduce myself," the man sneered back.

With his arm around Cyndi, Face couldn't block or duck the blow that connected with the side of his face. He did however let go of Cyndi before he fell to the ground. He looked up at the man as he rubbed his bruised and slightly bleeding cheekbone.

"I'm sorry I must have missed your name." he voiced sarcastically as he climbed to his feet, brushing off his jeans. He glared as the man grabbed Cyndi around the arm. "I'd suggest you let her go," he deadpanned.

"And if I don't?"

Right on cue the black van spun around the corner and came to a stop next to the group. Face smiled slightly just before drawing his arm back and connecting a punch with goon number one's head.

Hannibal, Murdock and BA all jumped out of the van then, guns in hand. The other men standing with goon number one had pulled their guns, but seeing the deadly glint in Hannibal's eyes and the illegal automatic weapons the team sported, they quickly lowered them.

"Bout time you showed up Hannibal." Face commented sarcastically as he took the guns from the gang.

Hannibal just smiled around his cigar. He eyed the smeared blood on his lover's cheek, anger growing inside him; he turned his glare on the leader of the gang. "I'd suggest you leave Cyndi and her family alone," he said calmly, the cigar still clenched between his teeth.

Goon number one laughed and looked at his friends. "And if we don't?"

"Well thena we musta be pluckin outta your toenailsa anda fingernailsa and shovin thema upa your -"

"Think they got it Murdock." Hannibal interrupted Murdock's Italian dialogue with a grin. Murdock just shrugged and looked at his commander.

"I was just gonna say nose Colonel," his voice took on a sulking expression. Hannibal couldn't help but smile from behind the cigar clenched in his teeth.

Face and Cyndi climbed into the van along with BA while Hannibal and Murdock shot off a round at the gangs' feet and jumped in the van as it sprayed dust and gravel over the foursome standing on the dirt road.

"So who's your pals?" Hannibal grinned at Face. Face smirked and looked at Cyndi.

Cyndi took a deep calming breath. "The man that hit you," she said looking at Face, 'is Joey Donner," she paused. "The others were Marty Jacobs, Randy Johnson and Morgan Donner. Joey's big brother."

"I take it Joey's the one with the crush on you?" Hannibal asked, watching the young blonde.

She nodded carefully and finally sighed. "We dated awhile ago. But then he started getting weird," she paused as she made a face. "So I broke it off. Apparently he wants me back."

Murdock looked at Hannibal. "You think this whole thing is because Joey's got a nut or two loose?"

"Fool, you the only one with the screws loose." BA snarled from the driver's seat.

"That hurt BA." Murdock pretended to pout. "You know that I'm sane now. I even have -"

"Yeah yeah, whateva foo'." BA rolled his eyes. "You always gonna be crazy."

Murdock stuck out his tongue and then looked back at Hannibal. "So whatcha think?"

Hannibal looked thoughtful. "It's a possibility. Cyndi's mom and dad aren't too sure why they've been harassed. I thought that was a bit confusing. Usually when someone's after someone for something they at least tell you what it is."

Face shot Hannibal a look that said, 'Great, what have you gotten me into this time?' Hannibal just smiled.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You cowards, why'd you let them get away?" Joey Donner berated his friends.

"In case you didn't notice Joey, those guys had automatic weapons. Would have done a lot of good against our puny hand guns." Marty explained calmly, not bothered by Joey's outburst.

"Not if you were a good shot." Joey sneered.

Morgan stood up and walked over to his little brother, placing his hand on his shoulder. "That's enough Joey," he said softly. "Don't worry, we'll take care of this. Just makes us have to alter our plan a little bit that's all," he smiled vindictively. "But first, I think we need to pay a little visit to pretty boy, what do you think?"

Joey's eyes lit up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Great Hannibal, this is just great," Face complained as he paced the floor of the guesthouse, hand absently on his stomach. Hannibal smiled at the gesture.

"What's great Face?" Hannibal smiled as he lit a cigar. Face snatched it out of his mouth and put it in his own, inhaling deeply. Hannibal grinned and shook his head. "I've told you before kid, those things are bad for you." Hannibal took it back from Face and watched as he continued to pace.

Face ignored Hannibal's comment. "This whole thing is just great."

Hannibal had to agree. When he insisted Face make them jealous he didn't realize how close to the mark he'd really come. If this whole thing was because of a jealous ex and Face was the new man in her life, things could get really ugly. But it was too late to change the plan now.

"You're right Face," Hannibal finally sighed. "It would have been nice to know Cyndi had dated Joey when we took the case. Maybe we would have went about this a little different," he paused in thought. "Then again maybe not."

Face spun on him. Hannibal shook his head at him stopping whatever protest that was about to escape. "Think about it Face," he began, cigar pinched between his fingers, clearly enjoying this. "What better way to draw them out?"

"You mean piss them off."

"Well, yeah, whatever works." Hannibal's eyes were twinkling.

Face glared and finally shook his head. "I cannot believe we're working a case of a jealous lover."

"Just be glad it's not a jealous lover of one of the many women you wooed through the years," Face continued to glare, not at all amused by the comment. "Besides," Hannibal plowed right on, "we're getting paid good money to do so, so whose complaining?"

"I am."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Oh man I knew this was a bad plan." Face groaned more so to himself then anybody else. His eyes darted nervously at the approaching goons as he carefully pushed Cyndi behind him. He thought about going for his gun that was hanging faithfully in his shoulder holster, but quickly dismissed it seeing how outnumbered he was; it would only bring more risk to Cyndi. Face then took another step back, pushing them both up against a tree. "Why oh why did I insist on this walk in the woods?" he muttered and then turned to Cyndi. "Run. Run as fast as you can and don't stop until you're safe back with the team."

"What about you?" her eyes sparkled with fear for the man before her.

"Don't worry about me, just run!" he gave her a light push and she obeyed his orders and took off through the woods, dodging in and out of the trees. Face threw himself in the path of the four men, hoping to give her a good size lead. Little did he know, she didn't need one. They weren't after her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Hey guys, can't we talk about this?"

"Ain't nothin to talk about. I told you to leave my girl alone and you just don't seem to be listenin. I think a lesson's in order. Then maybe you'll think twice before touchin things that don't belong to ya."

"Look pal. I don't know what your problem is, but Cyndi's just not interested in you. I think it's time you move on. Find someone new. I'm sure you can do that. A good lookin guy like you could probably have any girl in town if you wanted."

"I don't want any girl in town," Joey snarled. "I want Cyndi. And as long as you're in the way I can't have her." Joey stepped even closer to Face, a psychotic gleam in his eyes. Face swallowed.

"Well, yeah, but you know, if you want her so bad you really shouldn't be goin around harassing her family. That's kind of a turn off. Women just don't go for it. They like the strong, sensitive
type," Face turned on his con smile. "Try toning it down some. Lay off her family. Who knows, maybe she'll take you back. Why are you harassing her family by the way?"

Joey shook his head. "What business is it of yours?"

"Hey Joey, just finish him so we can get out of here. She makes it back to the ranch and his friends are gonna be up here in no time using our heads as target practice." Marty interrupted.

Joey smiled. "Hold him," he growled.

Marty and Randy moved to either side of Face. Face lashed out and caught Randy on the jaw, then ducked and tried running, but Morgan caught him with an uppercut, sending him sprawling into Marty and Randy's waiting arms.

"Perfect," Face muttered.

"Not for long." Joey grinned as he pulled back and swung at Face's head, hitting him beside the eye. The Lieutenant's head snapped back and he blinked rapidly trying to quell the stars. Before they cleared, another fist popped him in the gut, with another following to the ribs. Face groaned and slowly brought his head up to meet Joey's crazed eyes.

"You love her so much how come you're harassing her family?" he managed to choke out. Joey's fist connected with his lip, splitting it against his teeth. Face spat out the blood, his eyes full of fire,
as he looked his attacker in the eyes. "You may love her, but she will never love you." Joey glared and hit him again, knocking his head back once more. Then he repeatedly punched Face's ribs. Face dropped to his knees between Marty and Randy and Joey grabbed him by the back of his sweaty head, gripping his hair tightly, pulling his head back so that their eyes met.

"You just tell Mr. Dugan that if I don't get my money in 24 hours, he can say adios to his daughter."

"You'd kill Cyndi?" Face whispered, trying to make sense of the conversation.

"Not Cyndi stupid. Angelina," Joey growled. "And for the last time, stay away from Cyndi." With that Joey delivered a final blow to Face's head, only this time using the fairly large branch he'd found lying on the ground. Face's eyes rolled up with the impact and Randy and Marty let him fall to a heap on the forest floor. Then the four quickly disappeared.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cyndi grabbed her side as she staggered from the woods and into the clearing of her family's home. The team, seeing her stagger out of the woods, quickly ran up to her.

"Cyndi. What happened? Where's Face?" Hannibal asked, panicked.

"Joey," she gasped. "Joey and his friends-" she stopped and took a deep breath. "They must of followed us. Face told me to run. You've got to help him," she pleaded.

BA ran to the van and grabbed the guns while Hannibal's eyes searched the woods.

"Where'd you leave him?" he asked as he turned back to her, accepting the gun from BA. He heard Murdock rack the M-16 he was holding. Hannibal turned slightly and could see the deadly gleam in the eccentric pilot's eyes. Face was Murdock's best friend and if anything happened to him .

"Straight back. About a quarter mile. There's several large pines in a circle, you can't miss it." Hannibal nodded and patted her on the shoulder.

"Go inside and lock the doors." With that the team was off and running to find their lost friend.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Stay alert guys, there's the clearing," Hannibal motioned. Murdock and BA silently slipped off in separate directions, while Hannibal continued on going straight.

Murdock was the first to see the crumpled form of his best friend. "Ah Jeez Face," he muttered softly and approached cautiously. He doubted the men were still around. "Found him, Colonel," he called loudly as he kneeled next to his battered friend. His fingers shakily reached out seeking a pulse on the side of Face's neck. He let out the breath he'd been holding as he felt it beating steadily against his fingers. He laid his hand on his friend's back and leaned down close to his ear.

"Hey buddy. You in there?" he sought softly. He felt Hannibal drop beside him.

"He alive?" Hannibal questioned hopefully, a tinge of panic in his otherwise controlled voice.

"Yeah, pulse is fast, but strong." Murdock assured him. Hannibal quickly removed his black gloves and stuffed them in his pocket just as BA dropped across from them.

"Aw man," he muttered as his eyes took in the situation.

Hannibal delicately reached out and pushed the damp hair from the side of his lover's face so he could see that side of his head. As he did so they could see the bruising and large gash and blood streaking down over and around his eye.

Murdock's hands skillfully ran under Face's shirt and up and down his spine, while BA quickly checked his neck.

"Alright, let's turn him," Hannibal said quietly as they both nodded their approval.

Carefully they supported his neck and back and rolled him over. They all moaned at the sight that greeted them. Their Lieutenant's face was bruised and bloody, his clothes rumpled and dirty and splotched with blood. Hannibal carefully opened his second in command's shirt and touched the bruised ribs.

"They broken, Colonel?" Murdock asked, fingers laced with Face's.

Hannibal shook his head. "Don't think so. They're gonna hurt like hell though."

"Facey - Come on pal, open your eyes. Let us see those baby blue's." Murdock murmured to his friend.

Hannibal stroked his lover's cheek while BA growled across from them. Hannibal looked up at his Sergeant.

"They gonna pay, Hannibal."

Hannibal nodded. "One thing at a time though BA. Let's get him conscious and back to the house to clean him up, then we'll go after Joey and his friends," he turned his eyes back to Face. "Come on Face. Wake up."

Face groaned and shifted beneath them. He tried to open his eyes, but they felt so heavy. He groaned again wondering who the hell hit him with the bus. "That's it Face. Open your eyes," he heard Hannibal call to him somewhere off in the distance. He felt Murdock's hand encompass his own and he squeezed a little.

"He's comin around Hannibal." Murdock reported. "Come on Facey. That's it. Follow my voice back."

Slowly, they watched as Face opened his eyes and took in his surroundings and the scared, concerned looks of his friends. "Bad plan Hannibal," he groaned as his tongue felt around in his
mouth. "Awww Hannibal," he groaned again as his sore tongue found the loose cap.

Hannibal smiled slightly. "What's the matter Lieutenant? 'Nother loose cap?" he couldn't keep the amusement from his voice.

"It isn't funny," Face muttered, slightly concussed, Hannibal judged from the slur to his voice.

"Open up," Face obeyed and Hannibal looked in and carefully pulled the cap from his Lieutenant's bloody mouth. "Don't worry Face. We'll get it fixed. We always do."

"That's exactly the point Hannibal." Face murmured, as his eyes grew heavy.

"No you don't Lieutenant. Open your eyes," Hannibal commanded. "Get him to his feet guys." Murdock got to his feet and waited while Hannibal and BA pulled Face upright and then caught him as he swayed forward. Murdock waited, hands on his friends hips, one leg pressed forward and into Face to steady him, while Hannibal and BA adjusted his weight between them. Then he collected the guns and led them from the woods.

"Come on Face, keep your eyes open," Hannibal's tone was still commanding, hoping to keep his younger lover awake. "Tell us what happened."

"Told you, your plan sucked." Face's voice was sleepy, his head lolled between them.

"Did you get in any good punches?" Hannibal joked, trying to keep Face talking.

"Doubt it," Face sighed. "Randy . or was it Marty?" he half shrugged. "One of them, probably has a sore jaw, but that's about it. Morgan's got a fast upper cut. And Joey - Joey's got one hell of a
right cross."

"You've got a pretty decent right cross too Faceguy," Murdock quipped; he turned over his shoulder to grin at his friend. Face smirked. "You'll have to show Joey next time we see him."

"Or you could show him your left hook." Hannibal joined in. "More damage."

"I could just show him my knuckle sandwich," BA growled from beside Face. "Then he can spend the rest of the day picking his teeth outta the ground."

The small, yet powerful group made their way out of the woods as Face's head slipped onto BA's broad shoulder. "Wake up Face," he tried to sound gruff, but when it came to Face being hurt, the big man just couldn't do gruff.

Murdock turned and stood in front of Face and gently tapped him on his bruised cheek. "Facey. Wake up Facey." Glazed blue-green eyes opened, but didn't quite focus.

"Let's get him inside." Hannibal started walking again, and Murdock ran ahead to open the door to the guesthouse. The front door to the main house opened and Mr. Dugan stepped out, running over to them.

"Oh my God, is he okay?"

"He will be." Hannibal said as they climbed the steps. Mr. Dugan followed them in.

"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do? This is all my fault. Should I call a doctor?" he nervously began to jabber.

Murdock turned to him. "No, don't call anyone. He's a felon remember? We don't bring in outside help unless we have to. We can take care of this. And this isn't your fault. You can help by going back to your house and locking the door until we come and get you." Murdock ushered him to the front door.

"You sure I can't help?" his eyes drifted to the figure Hannibal and BA were gently easing to the bed.

"We'll take care of him. We always do." Murdock assured the man. When he got the man out the door, he quickly ran to gather supplies, with BA on his heels.

Hannibal sat carefully next to Face. "Come on Lieutenant, open your eyes," Face blinked. "That's it baby. Open those beautiful blue eyes for me." Face slowly opened his eyes and settled them on his commander.

"Just wanna sleep Hannibal. I'll take the next shift, m'k?"

"No, open your eyes Face." Hannibal ordered as Face's eyes slowly drifted shut again.

Face's eyes flew open in panic and darted around the room. "They here Colonel?"

"They just stepped out to gather medical supplies." Hannibal tried to reassure him.

"Med. supplies? Who's down? Thought we were gonna escape?" Face's voice was rising in a whispered panic. Hannibal narrowed his eyes.

"Where are we Lieutenant?"

Murdock and BA were just coming up to the edge of the bed and stopped short, watching Face and Hannibal with growing concern.

Face looked up at Hannibal, eyes trying to focus. "We're not getting out are we?" Face's voice was nearly devastated as he ignored the question his commander had asked.

"Out of where Lieutenant? Where are we?" Hannibal didn't know if he wanted to know.

Face sighed, as his eyes grew confused. "Camp," he murmured. "VC . didn't see them. Set up," his words grew heavy as his eyes drifted again. Murdock gasped; BA stood and stared, not sure what to do, and Hannibal's heart sank.

"Face! Open your eyes and look at me," he watched blue eyes flutter. "We're not at the camp anymore. We're free. Come on Face. Look around. See?" Face slowly looked around.

"Free?" he asked with confusion.

"Mostly," Hannibal smiled. "Everything's going to be okay. You just took a hard hit on the head."

"Sleep."

"For a bit. Just rest baby. You're gonna be okay." Hannibal watched as Face slowly nodded and drifted into a fitful sleep. Then he turned to meet the concerned looks of his friends, who still stood where they had stopped in shock, holding the medical supplies they had gone to fetch.

"Aw man Hannibal," Murdock murmured as he slowly sat down and used the wet cloth that he was holding to wipe away the blood smeared on this best friend's face. He didn't need to finish the thought. Face was back in hell and there was nothing they could do. Nothing except wait and see.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Face groaned and tried rolling over. Strong hands grabbed his shoulders and he shuddered. Not again. He couldn't do this again. Hadn't they just come for him? What would they want this time? More torture? The box? Or did they want him? Face thought he probably preferred the torture to the other two options. Hands caressed his sides and he began to struggle. No not this. Anything but this. Hannibal help me, he thought in desperate panic. His foot lashed out to kick his attacker, but he refused to scream. He refused to give them that satisfaction. Instead he bit down hard on his lip to keep the scream inside. Strong fingers gripped his jaw, he struggled harder.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Face come on, it's only us. We're not gonna hurt you Face. Come on back. You're not there anymore. It's over." Hannibal tried to calm his struggling lover. He felt the bed sag as Murdock came over to sit by him. He soothed a wet cloth over Face's forehead while Hannibal's hands stroked Face's sides. BA paced by the foot of the bed.

"Face no!" Murdock exclaimed as Face's teeth clamped down on his lip. Hannibal's hand shot up and gripped Face's jaw while Murdock spoke calmly in Face's ear trying to calm him.

"He's drawing blood," Hannibal said between grit teeth. Murdock pinched Face's nose. After a moment Face had no choice but to open his mouth to draw in air.

"That's it buddy. Breathe. Can you hear me Face? Are you in there somewhere? We're not gonna hurt you. It's over. They're gone. We're safe now. You're safe now. Please wake up." Murdock pleaded with his friend. Slowly blue eyes opened and locked with brown.

"Hey babe. You're okay. We're here," Murdock soothed. Face slowly looked around. "You know where you are?"

Face shook his head once.

"You know who we are?" Murdock asked with concern.

A nod this time.

Murdock smiled. "Who am I?"

"Murdock." Face whispered.

"That's right buddy. You're okay. You just need to rest."

"What happened?"

"Jealous boyfriend." Murdock smiled.

"Was she worth it?" Face asked sleepily.

Murdock frowned. "Um . Facey are you in love?"

Face hesitated then nodded slowly.

"With who?"

Another pause.

"With who Face?" Murdock spared a glance at Hannibal who was sitting quietly watching his lover's face.

"Hannibal." Face finally answered softly.

"Does he know?" Murdock questioned.

Face grunted. "Are you crazy? He'd lay me out," Face said weakly as his eyes began to close again.

Murdock sighed and looked at Hannibal again. "Well, at least he's not in 'Nam anymore."

Hannibal nodded, although his eyes held concern. "He really thought I'd lay him out if he told me how he felt?"

"Colonel, if you hadn't been in love with him - hadn't ever experimented with other men, how would you have reacted?"

Hannibal opened his mouth to respond, but at the twitch of an eyebrow from his Captain, reconsidered, closed his mouth and sighed. "I don't know," he finally admitted. "But I don't think I would ever have hurt him for feeling a certain way. He's gotta know that."

Murdock sighed as he stroked Face's fingers that he now held in his hand. "Hannibal you gotta see things from Face's eyes. Growin up the way he did and all the crap that happened in his life made it real hard for him to trust anyone. Look how long it took us to get him to let us in. To trust us," Murdock looked sadly at Face. "Trust doesn't come easy to Face. I often wonder what happened to him that made him so weary of everyone."

Hannibal nodded. "I know. The camps were bad enough, but Face came into our unit distrusting the world," Hannibal sighed sadly. He knew bits and pieces, but he wondered if he'd ever know the whole story. And what he'd do if he did hear it.

"Can't be easy growing up not knowing who you are," BA quipped from where he finally settled on the end of the bed. "And not havin people to love and care for you."

"World sure can be cruel," Murdock agreed. "I only wish he'd share more about his life before us. For someone who can talk so much, he says so little," Murdock smiled sadly. "Yet he'll sit and listen for hours about someone else's life."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Face sighed inwardly as he listened to his friends' voices. Somehow through the cloudy mess his brain was in, their words registered and struck home. He really had kept them in the dark about his childhood. Even after all they'd been through together. He hadn't really meant to. It just wasn't easy to share that part of himself that he tried so hard to keep locked up where it couldn't hurt him again. It wasn't easy to even think about it, to remember. How could he possibly relive it? But as Face slipped back into the darkness of his mind he promised himself that he'd let them in. He'd tell them about his life, about his past. He owed them that much after all these years. And most of all, he trusted them to help him to finally heal the damage done in his heart. For only they could. For only his family loved him enough to chase the demons away. Face smiled in his sleep. His family. It'd only taken 18 years to find them. But it was well worth the wait.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Hey there Blue Eyes." Murdock smiled as he watched Face open his eyes and look around.

"Murdock?" Face blinked as he brought his best friend into focus. "What happened? Where's Hannibal and why does my head hurt so much?"

"Right here kid," Hannibal smiled from where he sat on the other side of Face. "How many fingers do you see?" He held two fingers in front of Face's eyes.

Face blinked twice, tilted his head and sighed. "Two . three . it'd help if you'd stop moving them," His voice cracked, dry from dehydration. Hannibal sighed and put his hand down.

"You're still concussed." Murdock slipped his hand behind Face's neck and helped him sit up a bit to sip the water he held in his other hand.

"Just sip it Facey," Murdock instructed as Face tried to take a big gulp.

"Thirsty," Face sighed as he gave up and lay back down with Murdock's help.

"I know babe. You're dehydrated. You've been in and out of it for a day and a half now. But you've still got a concussion. You don't want to get sick," Murdock gently explained.

"Too late," Face murmured as he coughed and then gagged. Hannibal and Murdock quickly turned him to his side. BA was already grabbing a bowl.

Face held back the whimper he was feeling and let Murdock and Hannibal ease him over to his back when his stomach stopped rolling. He closed his eyes as Hannibal soothed his mouth and head with a wet cloth. Murdock met his commanders concerned eyes and nodded at the unspoken command.

"Be right back buddy," Murdock whispered as he patted Face softy on the arm and got up and left the room.

"You remember what happened kid?" Hannibal quizzed him softly.

Face started to shake his head, but stopped as it made his world spin, even though his eyes were closed. He slowly opened them and locked eyes with his commanding officer. "No," he whispered.

"You know where we are?"

Face looked around. "Langley?" he offered questioningly.

Hannibal sighed, "We're in California baby."

"California?" Face looked confused. "Where's Stockwell?"

"We left him six months ago. He wasn't upholding his end of the bargain, I didn't like the way he leered at you and we got sick of him running our lives. So we quit."

"No pardons?"

"Sorry kid."

Face shrugged, "He mad?"

"You could say that. He's still looking for us."

"Great, so now we're on the run from the government and from Stockwell."

"That about covers it."

Face smiled briefly and then looked at his CO with concern. "You still love me?"

"More then the world itself," Hannibal returned the smile reassuringly. "Go back to sleep Face. You'll feel better when you wake up."

"K" Face yawned as he slipped back off to sleep.

Hannibal looked up as Murdock and BA made their way back into the room with a box. "Get it?"

"Yep. Good thing Face stole all this stuff from Stockwell before we left," Murdock smiled at the thought of Face 'acquiring' said stuff as he reached in the box and pulled out a bag of Saline, an IV port and tubing.

"Speaking of him," Hannibal started as he pulled the port out of the plastic wrap and bit the cap off. "That's where Face still is." Hannibal tapped the back of Face's hand in search of a vein. BA had already tied a tourniquet around his arm just below his elbow. So many years on the run together had forced them all to learn everything they could about first aid and medicine. He carefully inserted the needle into the vein and nudged it back slowly to thread it. Then he backed the needle out of the tube, leaving the tube in the vein. When he was finished he accepted the tape Murdock was handing him and taped the IV down over Face's hand.

"Then he's getting better," Murdock pointed out as he handed the IV tubing to Hannibal who connected it to the port in Face's hand. "He remember about the two of you?"

"Yeah," Hannibal smiled. "I was worried there for awhile."

Murdock laid a hand on his shoulder. "He'll remember everything. Just give him time."

Hannibal nodded, "Just not easy having the person you love not remember you love him."

Murdock smiled as he hung the bag on a hook above the bed that BA had pushed into the wall. He didn't think Hannibal could get anymore head over heels then he already was . then again . there was always tomorrow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Ugh" Face moaned as he struggled to open his eyes. "Who ran over me with the bus?" he heard Hannibal chuckle and he pried one eye open to look at him, then the other. "What happened?" Face looked around groggily. His sexy hair was disheveled and his eyes were bloodshot and heavy. Hannibal slowly took in the sight before responding.

"What do you remember?" Hannibal asked as he smoothed a blonde lock from Face's forehead.

Face sighed and looked around. His eyes rested on the IV in the back of his hand, and then he lifted both hands to his head and scrubbed at his eyes. He groaned again. "Things are sorta fuzzy. Didn't I go for a walk with Cyndi?" he asked confused.

Hannibal nodded with a smile, relief washed through him. "What else?"

"Joey was there," he pulled his hands away from his head and looked up at his CO, eyes wide as panic suddenly struck. "Is Cyndi okay?"

"She's fine. She came back here like you told her to and told us what happened. We found you unconscious on the ground. That was three days ago."

"I've been sleeping for three days?" Face asked with disbelief.

"Mostly. You've been in and out of it. Not quite coherent though."

Face groaned, "No wonder I feel like crap."

"You're lucky to be feeling much of anything at all. You had more of a head injury then I suspected. What'd they hit you with?"

"Which time?" Face moaned as he struggled to sit up. Hannibal immediately leaned forward, wrapped him in an embrace and gently lifted Face into a sitting position, using his own body as support. Murdock and BA made their way into the room and sat beside them.

"Hey muchacho," Murdock smiled. "Nice to see you up and around."

"Yeah man, we was worried," BA smiled as he cupped Face on the shoulder.

"So how much do you remember?" Hannibal asked softly once Face was settled comfortably on the bed, his back leaning against the headboard. His side propped up against Murdock.

"It's all coming back slowly," Face scrubbed at his face again. "Man, I need a shower."

"We'll get to that soon. But first tell us what happened."

Face shrugged, "Not much to tell. They came out of nowhere. I kinda got the feeling earlier that we were being followed, so I was trying to get us back. I told Cyndi to run and pushed her in the right direction. Then Joey got on me about dating Cyndi, and Marty or Randy . not sure which it was, got panicky about you guys showing up and they went to grab me, I decked one of them, but Morgan popped me when I wasn't looking. Joey beat the shit out of me and then hit me in the head with a log or something. That's all I remember 'til now."

Hannibal sighed, "I'm sorry Face. I got you into this."

Face shook his head and then grinned mischievously. "I told you this plan bit the big one Hannibal." he slowed and looked honestly into Hannibal's eyes. "Your plans never turn out like they're supposed to . we get used to it." Face smiled again. "Besides, I think you had the right idea about me pushing Joey. I'm starting to get to him."

"You think?" Hannibal asked sarcastically.

"No seriously, I think he's starting to crack. Hey look, help me take a shower, then I gotta go ask Dugan about something."

"What?" Hannibal narrowed his eyes.

"Not sure yet. I'll tell you after I talk to him."

"You'll tell me now." Hannibal ordered.

Face shook his head stubbornly. "Not until I know what's goin on. Trust me on this Hannibal," he paused. "Please?"

"You know something," Hannibal pushed.

"I might."

"Spill it Lieutenant."

"Look Hannibal, Dugan didn't want us to know something but I found out anyway. Let me at least find out why he didn't want us to know before I tell you what it is. If he knows you all know, it could scare him into not talking to me. If he knows only I know and I haven't spilled it, then maybe he'll trust me enough to talk to him about it."

"Huh?" Hannibal looked confused, then frustrated. "Then just tell him you haven't said anything," Face gave him a look. Hannibal sighed, "Fine, you've got three hours starting now. Then I want to
know what the hell is going on." Hannibal decided not to argue with Face on this one. Face was one of the most loyal people he knew. He wasn't going to tell someone else's story without their permission and nothing Hannibal did or threatened would break him. And in Face's condition, he didn't even want to try. There were other ways.

Face nodded his agreement and then lifted his eyebrows. "Can I get in the shower now please?"

Hannibal smiled, "What, don't like the sponge baths we've been giving you?"

"I like them a lot more when I'm awake," Face's eyes glittered.

Hannibal rose his eyebrow in question, "And how many sponge baths have BA and Murdock been giving you while you're conscious?"

"Don't you wish you knew," Face teased back.

Hannibal looked thoughtful, then smiled. "How come I wasn't invited?"

Face smiled and shook his head while Murdock laughed and BA rolled his eyes, amusement clearly on his face.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Look Mr. Dugan, we can't help you if we don't know what's going on." Face stood in the Dugan's living room, hands on his hips in a pair of blue jeans and a white button down shirt, open at the collar, with a blue T-shirt beneath.

"I've told you everything I can."

"No, I don't think you have," Face shook his head. His eyes lifted above Mr. Dugan's head at his Colonel standing not ten feet away. Face sighed, he knew Hannibal wouldn't let him handle this on his own.

Hannibal walked into the room and Mr. Dugan turned abruptly. "Hannibal," Face warned lowly.

"What's he talking about Mr. Dugan?"

"Hannibal, I asked you to let me talk to him alone," Face shot when Hannibal was close enough for just the two of them to converse.

"Yeah and four hours ago, you didn't even know your own name. I'm not going to let you handle this on your own," Hannibal threw back, still out of earshot of Mr. Dugan.

"You don't even know what it is I'm handling," Face argued quietly, anger welling inside him.

"Exactly my point."

"You said you'd give me three hours."

"I did. Three hours was up ten seconds ago."

Face looked exasperated, but turned back to Mr. Dugan, ignoring Hannibal, they'd be discussing this one later. So much for trust. Hannibal had no right. But blowing up at his commanding officer in front of their client wouldn't be right either. No, it would wait until later. He did give Hannibal the finger behind his back though. Hannibal just shrugged and sat down on the couch to watch.

Jack Dugan met Face's eyes coolly; "I don't know what you're talking about Lieutenant Peck. I wish I could help you more, but I can't. I'm sorry," he turned to leave the room.

Face ran his fingers through his hair, one hand still on his hip and sighed. "Who's Angelina?" Dugan stopped in his tracks and Hannibal looked at Face quizzically, who still ignored him.

Very slowly Jack turned around and met Face's eyes. "How do you know about her?"

"Right before Joey knocked me unconscious he told me to tell you if he didn't get the money, your daughter would die. Silly me, I wondered how he could possibly murder someone he claimed to love. That's when he sprung Angelina's name on me. Imagine my surprise."

Face stood calmly, hands still on his hips in the center of the room. Mr. Dugan looked at him nervously and the unlit cigar in Hannibal's mouth had fallen into his lap. After regaining his composure he was on his feet and in his Lieutenant's face.

"Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" he hissed venomously.

"Told you why Hannibal," Face glared back at him, his voice calm. Hannibal sighed and gave him the 'We will be discussing this later look.' and turned to Mr. Dugan.

"Look Pal, we can't help you if we don't know the whole story. You can't just tell us bits and pieces and expect us to put the puzzle together. It doesn't work that way."

"I couldn't tell you about Angelina," he finally spoke, his tone defeated.

"Why the hell not?" Hannibal was angry. Face just shook his head.

"Told you to let me handle this Hannibal," Face hissed in a near whisper from his commander's side.

"Back off Lieutenant," he snarled back without moving his eyes from Mr. Dugan, who was still too far away to hear the exchange. "I asked you a question Mr. Dugan."

"Because I haven't told my wife or Cyndi about her yet. I didn't want them to find out this way."

"So you know what this is all about?"

Jack nodded. "Blackmail," he admitted softly. "I had an affair a few years ago while I was on a business trip. Angelina was the result. I haven't seen them since she was a baby. I love my wife and Cyndi. I couldn't hurt them. Joey found out somehow and started blackmailing me. But then he started wanting more and more and I couldn't pay them. He threatened to tell my family about my affair if I didn't pay. I didn't know what to do. Then they started harassing us and I got scared they would hurt my wife or daughter, so we called you. A couple days ago they kidnapped Angelina. I was going to tell you. I swear. I just didn't want my family to find out."

"Do you realize your failure to tell us exactly what was going on almost got my Lieutenant killed?" Hannibal ground out.

"How? Joey's pissed off because he's dating my daughter."

"The only reason Lieutenant Peck is dating your daughter is because I told him too to try and draw Joey out. We had no idea what this mess was about and that was our only thing to go on. Joey's attraction to Cyndi. If we'd of known this whole thing was about blackmail and kidnapping, perhaps we could have had this situation cleared up by now, your daughter safe where she belongs and Joey and his gang would be in jail where he belongs."

"I'm sorry Colonel Smith. I really am. I don't know what to say or do."

"You can start by telling us exactly what we need to know and help us figure out this mess. Then perhaps you have a responsibility to your family and to Angelina to tell them the truth," Face spoke up.

Mr. Dugan turned to face the Lieutenant. "I can't tell them what I did. They'll hate me."

"What about Angelina, don't you think she deserves to know her father?" Face shot back. Hannibal watched his Lieutenant carefully. They were treading on really thin ground.

Jack shook his head. "I don't think she'd want to know me," he sighed.

"Don't you think that's up to her to decide? Besides, I think you'd be surprised."

"You couldn't understand, I ran out on her. I abandoned her."

"I understand a lot more then you think Mr. Dugan," Face bit bitterly. "She has a right to know who you are and who she is. Don't take that away from her because you're too shallow to admit you made a mistake." With that Face turned on his heel and quickly exited the room; he breezed past Murdock who was coming up the step, leaving Murdock to stare after him, bewildered.

Hannibal shook his head sadly as he watched his Lieutenant go.

"What was that all about?" Mr. Dugan asked, completely confused.

Hannibal turned steely eyes to meet his clients. "You say he couldn't understand? Try this on for size, his dad walked out on him when he was a baby. He gets a bit miffed when history repeats itself," Hannibal said coolly as he glanced at Murdock who was standing in the hall watching the two men. Murdock nodded in understanding and went after his best friend.

"I didn't know," Mr. Dugan defended softly.

"What difference would that have made? " Hannibal shot back.

"Maybe he's better off not knowing who his dad was. Maybe he's some two bit looser that didn't deserve him."

"You're right, his dad was a two bit looser, but that didn't give him the right to walk out on him and leave him for strangers to raise. You tell a five-year-old kid that he's better off not knowing who it
was who parented him. You think that's going to make a difference to him? All he wanted was a family. To know who he was. He didn't care what his dad had done or the mistakes he'd made. He just wanted to know who-he-was." Hannibal seethed. "And I tell you something, he deserved to know. And you, Mr. Dugan are an ass to take that away from your daughter all because you're too selfish to admit you were wrong," Hannibal shook his head in disgust. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go pick up my Lieutenant's heart and gather my men to retrieve your daughter." Without another word, he slid out the door and went off to find his men.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Hey Muchacho. You okay?" Murdock sat down on the rock beside Face.

"Yeah, I'm okay Murdock," Face sighed as he looked off into the distance.

"So what's goin on? Why ya out here holding this rock down? Was it cold?"

Face smiled at his friend, then sighed. "Dugan lied to us."

"Sorta figured that. Got a kid eh?"

Face nodded abstractly. "He ran out on her Murdock."

Murdock nodded, "Hit kinda close to home huh?"

"Yeah I guess. You'd think I'd get over it after 30 years."

"Why would you Face? How could you get over something like that? I don't think I could."

"She deserves to know who he is."

"Yeah, she does. But at least she's got her mom Face. That's more then you had. Maybe if you'd had your mom, you coulda still known who he was through her."

Face shrugged, "Doesn't change the fact he still bolted."

"No, I guess it doesn't. But you can't change the world Faceman, although you try like hell to do so. Your world continued to turn and so will hers. Let's just hope her mom loves her, cares for her and that it'll be enough."

"Why is it you need a license to fish, but any jackass can be a dad?"

Murdock shook his head. "Beats the bug juice out of me Facey, but perhaps you could ask your legislator that question," Murdock slapped his forehead. "Forget it, silly me, they'd be more concerned at wrapping handcuffs around your wrists then worrying about dads getting fishing licenses," Face smiled and Murdock grew more serious as he wrapped an arm around Face's shoulders. "But I know what you're saying Face. It really does suck sometimes."

Hannibal and BA, standing a few feet away listening to the conversation, couldn't agree more.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Alright guys, the plans simple. We're going in the front door and getting Angelina out."

"In the front door Hannibal?" Face shot him the fifth dirty look of the day, at least Hannibal thought it was five, could be more like fifty-five at the rate they were going. "Can't you think of a better plan than that?"

"No, this thing should have been over days ago and had I known a little girl's life was at stake, it would have been. So no more screwing around. Let's move out."

Face sighed; it'd only been a few hours since they found out the truth about the reason they were here. Long enough for them to gather supplies and come up with a plan. Not that there was much coming up to it. Hannibal always went in the front door . and it very seldom, if ever, worked.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They pulled up to the yacht, unseen in the dark night and climbed aboard. Face gripped his gun and nodded to Hannibal who smiled and kicked the door in, aiming it at the four guys inside. That's when all hell broke out.

Guns started blasting and smoke filled the air. Face stumbled inside through the midst of the fighting . His job was to find Angelina and get her out while the others took care of Joey and his pals. Simple enough, right? But then again, this was Hannibal's plan. Amy had once said that Hannibal's plan's never work right . they just work. And perhaps that's what was important.

Face stumbled down a stairway in search of the little girl. He pushed open door after door and finally came across her, lying on a bed, asleep. He quietly knelt beside her and placed a hand gently on her back. She couldn't have been more then four.

"Angelina?" he whispered. She awoke with a start, rolled over and looked at him in fear. "It's okay sweetie, I'm here to get you out," she looked at him hesitantly and then smiled. "We have to be very quiet so the bad guys don't hear us though, okay?" Little Angelina nodded. "Okay then, take my hand and let's get out of here and go find your mommy." A sad look crossed the little girl's face and she began to cry.

Face looked startled, "What's the matter honey?"

"She," gasp "doesn't," hiccup "love me," choke "anymore," sob.

"What? How can you say that?" Face asked soothingly. He wasn't prepared for the chair that crashed down across his back. He slid forward, protectively gathering Angelina beneath him. He blinked rapidly, trying to stay conscious and he turned, gun in hand.

"She can say that, because I don't," the woman that hit him snarled.

Face shook his head, trying desperately to clear it. He tucked the girl more in his arms as he trained the gun on the woman. If this woman really was Angelina's mother, how the heck was he gonna shoot her in front of her? He didn't have a clue. He slowly stood, gathering Angelina in his arms.

"Look, I'm not sure who you are, but we're gonna go now."

"You're not taking my daughter anywhere."

"That your mommy?" Face looked at Angelina. Angelina nodded, tears in her eyes. "Great, just great," Face muttered. Hannibal where are you?

"Give me my daughter back."

"No, I don't think I want to do that," Face took another step around the woman. "Why are you doing this?"

"To get back at Jack."

"Through your daughter?" Face asked incredulously. "You're crazy lady."

"Give-me-my-daughter-back," the woman advanced on Face. Face backed up. This really sucked. He watched as the woman produced a knife from her coat. Even better.

"Back off lady," he warned.

"You can't shoot me with my daughter watching. What kind of 'Soldier of Fortune' would you be if you shot me in front of my kid?"

"Just let us go and I'm sure they'll give you a nice warm bed in a nice padded room somewhere," Face said as he edged for the door. She was right, he didn't think he could shoot her. Not unless Angelina was in danger.

"They can't lock me up, I'm her mother."

"And that means what exactly?" Face asked seriously. "You obviously don't care what happens to her."

"No, but I'm still her mom. They don't put mom's in jail."

"Since when?" Face was almost to the door now. Where the hell were the guys? He heard scuffling upstairs now. At least the gunfire had ended. He just hoped that his friends were all safe. Taking a deep breath, Face spun suddenly, blocking Angelina from her mother and dashed through the door. He felt the knife as it pierced through his skin and sank deeply into his back and then the rush as it was yanked out fiercely. He kept running. He couldn't stop. He made it to the
stairs at the end of the yacht, up the first flight and then, when he was racing around the corner, he somehow lost his footing, slid sideways, bounced into the rail and slipped right over the side of
the boat, into the ocean below. All the while the precious bundle still held tightly in his arms. As he hit the water, dread washed over him. He was in the middle of the ocean, bleeding. Wouldn't that
attract sharks? The impact had knocked his gun from his grip. Ahh this is just great, he thought to himself. He tightened his grip around Angelina.

"Angelina honey? Can you swim?" she shook her head at him. He looked around for the boat. It was too far away, but he had to make it. He didn't have a choice. The little girl's life depended on it. Slowly he rolled to his back, hooked his arm around Angelina, and swam them towards the boat. The stinging from the salt water to his open wound had ceased some; it was more of a dull burn now. He heard Hannibal, Murdock and BA up above calling for him, but he had no strength left to answer. He reached the boat and heaved the little girl in with all that he had left. He tried to haul himself in, but he couldn't. He looked at Angelina softly.

He was met with terrified brown eyes. "Angelina, you hear those men upstairs calling for Face?" she nodded. "They're my friends. I want you to yell really loudly so they'll hear you. They'll take care of you okay?" she nodded again.

"Where you goin?" she asked in a small voice.

"I'm right here Angelina, I'm just real tired. Think I'll close my eyes. Start yelling baby. Real loud."

He heard the little girl shriek as water swam around his head and the blackness faded in. He never felt the water rush into his unprotected lungs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hannibal spun around and ran for the edge of the yacht towards the sound of the little girl screaming. They had just finished tying up the four men and the crazy lady who had come screaming up the stairs with a bloody knife in her hands. Hannibal was terrified by whose
blood may be on that knife. They had searched the boat for Face and the missing girl, but neither was there and the woman just screamed insanity's about Jack Dugan.

His eyes settled on the boat containing the little girl, but no Face. Without a second thought, he threw himself over the edge of the yacht and into the water below. As he surfaced he grabbed the boat and peered in.

"Where's the man who was with you?" he watched as she pointed her tiny hand toward the water.

"He said he was real tired and wanted to close his eyes." her innocent voice explained to him. Hannibal looked to where Murdock and BA were scrambling down the ladder.

"He went under," he called to them and then dove down into the dark ocean, hoping for a glimpse of his lover. He was rewarded. Face was sinking slowly not far from where he was swimming. He swam over as fast as he could, wrapped his arm around Face's chest and hauled him to the surface. As soon as he broke to the top, his hands were pushing Face's head out of water. When he didn't hear Face gasp for air, dread set in. He guided Face to the boat where Murdock and BA
pulled him over the edge. Hannibal scrambled in after.

Murdock's fingers were desperately searching for a pulse, but none could be found. "NO FACE!" he screamed in desperation. "Don't do this Face!" his mouth sealed around his best friends, while his fingers pinched Face's nose. He frantically breathed his life into Face. BA bundled the little girl close, his heart overwhelmed with fear, while Hannibal's hands furiously ripped Face's buttons on his shirt open and pressed firmly on his lover's chest, anguish in his eyes. At Murdock's second breath into Face, he began compressions; deeply pressing his friends heart into action, counting each beat aloud, and then Murdock would breathe in his life again. They repeated this over and over. Fear fully lodged within all of them. The rain that began to pour from the skies didn't register as they pleaded with Face to return to them.

"Come on Face, don't back out on me now," Hannibal panted. "Damnit kid, breathe!" he felt as though his world were collapsing. It was, it was dying beneath his hands.

Tears streaked down Murdock's face as he whispered to his best friend. And BA held the trembling girl in his arms, his own heart, tight in his chest.

Finally, Murdock held up his hand as his fingers searched the Carotid Artery in Face's neck. "Thank you," he breathed as the pulse beat weakly beneath his fingers.

Hannibal sighed with relief and sunk his head onto Face's chest. BA grinned broadly and then quickly, without removing the little girl from his arms, began rowing them to shore.

Hannibal and Murdock gathered Face close and tried to keep him warm. Hannibal's fingers registered the warm stickiness on Face's back and he turned him slightly to explore.

"He's been stabbed," Hannibal said as his fingers found the wound and his hands clamped down to try and staunch the blood. Between them they rocked Face gently, whispering words of encouragement.

Face's eyes slowly opened and he looked into Murdock's worried brown eyes and then Hannibal's terrified blue one's.

"Told you it was a terrible plan Hannibal." he murmured softly.

"Yeah, you did." Hannibal agreed with a grin as he gathered Face closer.

"I lost my gun," Face pouted with a twinkle in his eyes.

"We'll get you another," Hannibal promised. Face sighed and smiled and welcomed the warm darkness that enveloped him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Don't get up Face," Hannibal warned as he pushed his Lieutenant back onto the couch gently. "You're healing." Face sighed reluctantly and watched Hannibal go to the door to open it. Murdock, lying beside him with his feet in Face's lap, head in a comic book, giggled.

BA, sitting in the recliner, watching TV, smiled.

"Mr. Dugan," Hannibal said in surprise as he opened the door.

"Colonel Smith. I wanted to come and thank you. Is it alright if I come in?"

Hannibal nodded and stepped aside. Mr. Dugan came in and Hannibal directed him towards a chair. BA muted the TV as everyone glanced at their unexpected guest. Mr. Dugan cleared his throat.

"I um, thank you for what you did for me. And I'm terribly sorry for misleading you. I realize now how stupid I've been," he looked at Face. "And how right you were," he stopped for a moment to gather his thoughts. "I talked to Connie and I told her what had happened. We uh - have many less vases in the house now," he smiled slightly. Hannibal did too. "But, we're working it out. She's a good woman. I should have realized that a long time ago. She loves me so much. I really don't deserve her. Yet she's giving me another chance. Says that it hurts. Hurts a lot, but that she thinks our love can see us through," he smiled a little more. "I know it can. We got custody of Angelina. Connie told me right off that it wasn't Angelina's fault and in no way will she ever suffer for it!" Dugan's smile continued to grow. "There'll be another hearing in a few months, to go over the final documentation and to make sure we're fit parents. But I'm sure it'll work out. Connie just adores her. Angie's already calling her mom. And Cyndi's doing good too. In fact she came with me. She's waiting out front. Wanted to see you Lieutenant Peck."

Face smiled slightly, "I'm glad everything's working out for you. And that you came to your senses," he said after a pause. "Angelina deserves happiness."

"And she's going to get all that and more," Jack promised. "We love her. All of us. She's going to be just fine I think. I just wished I'd figured all this out sooner. Made everyone's life a little easier," he stood up. "I know it's all going to take time, but I think we're on the right track. I'll get Cyndi if that's alright." Face nodded and Murdock, Hannibal and BA got up and followed Mr.
Dugan to the door.

"We'll let you two be a lone." Hannibal grinned at his lover.

"Yeah thanks Hannibal. Uh, Mr. Dugan," Jack turned back around. "You didn't uh, tell her what we told you did you?"

Jack smiled. "And break her heart? You've got to be kidding."

Face nodded and smiled. "Thanks."

"Don't you break her heart either, you hear?" Mr. Dugan smiled at the young blonde.

"Yeah, okay," Face smiled, nervously. The four exited and a few minutes later, Cyndi pushed the door open.

"Hi Face," she said softly. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm okay," he smiled at her. "You?"

"Adjusting. But I think we'll be okay. Angie's a great little kid and it's kinda nice to have a sister," she smiled as she settled on the couch next to Face.

Face smiled, wishfully. Although he did have a sister somewhere, she didn't want anything to do with him. He sighed, "Um - Cyndi look."

Cyndi held up her hand and gave him the same amused smile she'd given him several times before. Namely while they were kissing.

"What?" Face asked again as he had each time he saw the same look. Cyndi smiled and shook her head, laughter in her eyes. "You give me that look everytime I kiss you. Am I that amusing?"

This time Cyndi laughed outloud. She covered her mouth and glanced over at Face. "I'm sorry Face. Really. It's just ." her voice drifted off, but the amused smile in her eyes didn't leave.

"Just what?" Face didn't know what to think. Maybe Cyndi was loosing her mind, or perhaps he was loosing his touch. He voiced his concern. "Am I that bad?"

"No! Definitely no." The amused glint was quickly replaced with a dreamy, glassy eyed look and finally seriousness. "How long have the two of you been together?" she asked quite honestly.

Face blinked twice, opened and shut his mouth like a fish waiting for food and finally shook his head. "Wh-what? Who?"

"You and your Colonel," she answered, looking deeply into his eyes.

"Uh - " he shook his head again and finally his shoulders drooped, "am I that transparent?"

"No. No way. You two hide it well. I don't know how I knew really. It's just something about the way his eyes always linger on you the longest, or how when he thinks no one's watching he's . sweet to you. I don't know how to explain it. But somehow I just knew."

Face sighed again, "I'm sorry Cyndi. I didn't do this to hurt you. Hannibal just thought that - I'm sorry."

"No Face, don't be sorry. I mean, you're really great and I'd love to really get involved with you, but I see how much you mean to Colonel Smith and how much he means to you. I couldn't ever think about trying to take that away."

"How long have you known?"

"Since the first time you kissed me. I knew your heart was somewhere else. After that, it was merely paying attention to see who it was that stole it."

"I really am sorry Cyndi."

"Don't be Face. I know why you did it. And it was fun. It really was. And I like to think that we shared something special. Even if it wasn't love," she smiled.

"Yeah, we did," Face agreed softly.

"And you saved my family. Protected me. Joey and the guys are in jail where they belong and can't bother me anymore. And you gave my little sister a new chance at life. You're really great Face. I really hope we can somehow remain friends."

"I'd like that."

"I would too," Cyndi agreed. Face pulled her to him and let his fingers drift over her soft cheek. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips, just as the front door opened and Hannibal, along
with BA and Murdock, stepped inside and cleared his throat.

"Well, I gotta be going," she said softly, rising. "Thanks again Face," she slid out the door and joined her father in the car. Hannibal walked over to Face and stood in front of him. BA dragged
Murdock out the back knowing when a confrontation was about to brew.

"What's going on?" Hannibal didn't quite keep the anger from his voice.

"She knew."

"Knew what?"

"About us."

"So you did what? Kissed her to make sure she realized you were still a ladies man?"

Face looked at him in disbelief. "I was telling her goodbye," he let the disdain show in his voice.

"Is that how you say goodbye to all the ladies?" Hannibal asked sarcastically.

"Possibly," Face shot back. What the heck was Hannibal's problem? It was his idea for him to date her. The kiss didn't mean anything. Why didn't he see that?

"You want to date other people Face?" Hannibal threw at him angrily.

Face's eyes lit up in indignation. "Yeah, in fact I was planning on going out and banging a whole room full of hookers tonight!" Hannibal's eyes widened in shock and he took a heated step forward, fists locked at his side. Face sighed. This was getting out of hand, one of them had to try and take control of the situation.

"Look Hannibal, the kiss didn't mean anything. I -" he stopped, unsure of this argument. "I love you," he finished softly, but put emphasis on that one little word.

"Then start acting like it," Hannibal snapped his foot around and headed for the door. Face watched him go, shocked by the turn of events. He was starting to think the Dugan's might be bad luck. He sighed and got to his feet slowly. His back burned and ached. Then again, stab wounds and stitches were never much fun.

"Now what do I do?" he muttered to himself, once on his feet. He stared at the door Hannibal had left through and finally went after him. He found him sitting on the garden swing. Face stood in front of him.

"I don't want to talk to you right now Lieutenant."

"Fine don't talk, listen."

"And I don't want to listen either."

"Hannibal, what the heck is your problem? You're acting like a spoiled child."

"What part of that didn't you get Lieutenant?" Hannibal sneered.

Face sighed and turned to walk back to the house. "I do love you, you know." he admitted sadly as he walked away. He opened the door and went back inside. Hannibal watched him go. Murdock slipped around the corner and plopped down next to Hannibal.

"I kinda want to be alone."

"Too bad," Murdock replied completely unfazed.

Hannibal sighed. "What do you want Murdock?"

"He's in love with you ya know."

"And he shows it by kissing other women?"

"Who's idea was it for them to get close?"

"That was then Murdock! It's over."

"And they were saying goodbye. What was he supposed to do, shake her hand? Come on Colonel, that's just not Face, you know this."

Hannibal sighed, "Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"No, it doesn't. But doesn't mean you treat him like doggy do-do either. You're being a real jerk you know this right?" Hannibal looked away. "He didn't want this assignment. You ordered him. He did it. You got jealous."

"He enjoyed it a little too much."

"You should have never ordered him to do it if you couldn't handle the consequences. Hannibal you know as well as I do that when Face does a con, he does a con. There is no half-ass for Face. That's why he's so good."

"He's never conned me." Hannibal pointed out.

"That you know of," Murdock murmured to his toes. Hannibal glared at him. Murdock lifted his head to meet the silent dare. "He wasn't trying to fool you Colonel. Your head knows this . your heart is afraid."

"Of what?" Hannibal whispered, suddenly unsure.

"The con," Murdock answered honestly. "Face is a con man. He jumps from one con to the next, one woman to the next. That's our Face. That's always been our Face. Somewhere you're afraid he can't commit. But Hannibal, you keep forgetting to see the whole picture. Face gave you his heart. All of it. He has never ever done that before. For anyone. Not even Leslie. That there should tell you how real this is to him. It isn't a game. Not to him."

Hannibal sighed, "You're right Murdock."


"I know," he smiled.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Face stopped at the top step and swayed. He shouldn't have climbed the entire flight without assistance. He knew this, but all he wanted was to lie down in his bed. His head hurt, his ribs hurt, his back hurt and now his heart hurt. And damnitall . he'da made it to his room if it wasn't for the stupid pain medicine that made him so dizzy and disoriented.

"Let go of the rail Peck. Get away from the stairs," he tried to coax himself. He knew he was going to pass out. If he could only get away from the stairs so he didn't end up at the bottom. But his vision was already going dark and his face was beginning to flush. He was afraid of letting go and not making it away from the stairs in time. Either way, he faced it, he was screwed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hannibal opened the door to the house and stepped inside. The first thing he noticed was that Face wasn't on the couch. The second thing he noticed was that he was lying on the stairs, near the top. He took the stairs by two's and knelt by his lover's side. He noticed that Face's grip on the stairs had kept him from falling to the bottom. His fingers sought out a pulse and relief washed through him when he found one, steady and strong. Then he quickly scanned Face's body for injury while yelling for Murdock and BA, who burst through opposite doors seconds later.

"What happened?" they both asked at once as they reached their side.

"Must've passed out on the stairs. He seems okay. Didn't open his stitches." he confirmed as he lifted his shirt and glanced at the white gauze. "At least I'm pretty sure he didn't. Let's get him to
bed."

They carried him into the room he and Hannibal shared and laid him down on his stomach so Hannibal could remove the gauze. He did so about the same time Face began to come around. Murdock spoke quietly to him

"S'okay buddy. Hannibal's just makin sure you didn't rip no stitches out."

"They're in," Hannibal sighed and then helped Face roll over. "I am so sorry."

"Don't worry about it Hannibal," Face tried to avoid eye contact. That never worked with Hannibal though. Hannibal just reached over and tipped his chin towards him with his finger under his chin and his thumb on his chin, forcing their eyes to meet.

"I am worried about it. It wasn't enough I almost lost you twice on this case, but then I have to go screw up and have you almost kill yourself on the stairs."

"I'm fine Hannibal," Face reassured him.

Hannibal sighed. "I'm sorry," he repeated.

"I know you are Hannibal."

"I don't know what I'd do without you Face," Hannibal held Face to him as Murdock and BA once again slipped away. "I'm so thankful for you. I'm so thankful you're still here. You know how many times we've come close to loosing you over the years?"

"And why do I get the feeling it's not the last time either?" Face sighed knowingly.

Hannibal shook his head, "Let's cross that bridge when we get there. Until then, I'm just thankful for the gift!"

"What gift?" Face asked confused, sleep beginning to mar his thoughts.

"You," Hannibal whispered. "Your life. You're still here with me. The ocean didn't claim you. For that I'm eternally grateful," he cuddled Face close as he slid into a warm sleep, watching over him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Epilogue

Several weeks later, after a lot of threatening Face to stay still and not push it, a lot of Face complaining and ignoring them, the team smiled as Hannibal handed Face a package.

"What's this?"

"Open it," Hannibal encouraged.

Face eagerly ripped off the paper and opened the box. Inside was a gleaming, black, 9-mm. Face pulled it out and turned it over in his hands, his eyes falling on the inscription on the barrel. "The Ocean didn't claim you. My heart did. JHS."

Face looked up with moist blue eyes. Hannibal smiled, "Try to keep this one out of the ocean, k baby?"

Face could only laugh.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Copyright © Jes Parker, 2001

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

More Authors notes: I'm ending this here. Seemed fitting. Will probably be continued because Face still gets to tell his friends of his childhood. And of course after pre-reading it, my beta's, Shee included, decided I needed to make a pre-quel of the pre-quel to go over touched upon points throughout. Any suggestions you might have will be warmly welcomed, including for the pre-quel and it's sequel, before Slow. Please email me and let me know!

PS. Any discrepancies between this and Slow and Easy will be updated in Slow. If you see any that stick out that I may have overlooked, please let me know!! I'd really appreciate it!

And as always, thank you for joining me!

The Gift
Jim Brickman/Collin Raye/Susan Ashton

When the snow is falling down
Children laughing all around
Lights are turning on
Like a fairy tale come true
Sitting by the fire we lay
You're the answer when I pray
I would find someone
And baby I found you

All I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more everyday
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
And I'm thankful everyday
For the gift

Watching as you softly sleep
What I'd give if I could keep
Just this moment if only time stood still
But the colors fade away
And the years will make us gray
Baby in my eyes
You'll still be beautiful

And all I want is to hold you forever
All I need is you more everyday
You saved my heart from being broken apart
You gave your love away
And I'm thankful everyday
For the gift

~ In Loving Memory of Reagan Ann ~
9/7/01 - 10/3/01