Bayou Boys

Authors: Pet & Foxhunt2blue

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~Part: 21~

"I never said she wasn't a good mom. I love your mom." Liam tried to take the edge off what had just happened, as well as soothe his own internal pains from all the barbs that William’s father had swung his way.

William nodded, flashing Liam a sweet smile, before getting lost in his own thoughts again.

"Where do you want to go now? You pick."

"The lake..." Will whispered softly. "I want us to go back there, have some fun, relax. Let's get some beer first though cause frankly I could use a drink, pet."

"Alright you got it." Liam smiled, getting into the car.

When William was seated beside him, he pulled out of the LaCroix estate, not giving it a backward glance. He headed to the nearest liquor store, acquiring two six- packs and then they headed to the lake.

The stars were just coming out when they pulled onto the beach, shimmering along the dark water. Liam slipped out of the car popping two beers open and offering one to Will.

"Here."

"Thanks, luv." Will took the beer and propped his feet on the dash, staring up at the stars. After a few minutes of companionable silence he finally spoke. "You ever notice that some things never change? Stars never change...the lake..." he sighed softly.

Sitting on the hood of the car Liam glanced up at the sky. "Yeah…I notice."

Retrieving the pack of smokes he’d hid in Liam's glove box, he hopped over the car door and clambered onto the hood of the car. With a sigh he stretched out next to Liam and lit one. "You know, luv..." he sighs again, "...mum's right. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. You ain't none of those things that he said." He turned on his side studying Liam's profile as he took a drag.

"I used to be everything he said…and worse. I know that and I don't make excuses for it. But, I did change, I am trying, and now I have you. I know I'll just get better. I know I can be so much better."

Flipping the cigarette into the darkness Will reached out pulling Liam's face around. "You already are, luv." Leaning up he pressed his lips to Liam's in a gentle kiss.

Liam kissed him back softly, then sighed happily. "Thank you."

Grinning like a little boy William nipped at Liam's chin. "How about a dip in the lake, pet. I remember something about making love in the lake or was that..." his fingers trailed down Liam's chest, "...snogging like horny bunnies?"

Liam chuckled and was about tug Will off the car, when a set of headlights pulled up fast. Blinking against the brightness, he saw it was Charlie’s truck and he wasn’t alone. Gator jumped out with him, heading up to the pair.

"Thank fuck you two are predictable." Charlie yelled out.

Liam raised a brow. "Why is that?"

"Damn..." William grumbled as he slid from the hood of the car. "Well I'd say Charlie and Gator want some tips on the man lovin'." He chuckled as he lit another cigarette.

"This is not ta time for jokes and shit, Will. I'm serious." Charlie glanced over at Gator. "Tell them what you heard.”

Gator swallowed hard, pacing back and forth. "After you left the other night...well perhaps I'm being a bit paranoid."

"Dammit Gator just get on with it all ready." William growled, still upset that his fun time had been interrupted.

"Well...Buster's cousin, Gene came in. He was talking to one of the regulars and said Buster had been by his house." Gator slipped off his glasses. "He wasn't there, but his wife told him Buster was needing to talk to him about getting a night scope for his hunting rifle." He sighed. "I know it may not seem like much, but Buster doesn't hunt. He never has..." he glanced at Charlie nervously.

Liam frowned now sliding off the hood. "Well, maybe Buster hunts now. Gator stop fidgeting, you’re making me nervous, and I don't like it."

"Maybe you should be nervous. What with your stupid ass making a show in that bar for all to see. What did you think? Everybody was just gonna play along?" Charlie demanded, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You have to be joking me! You were proud of me the other day. Now you’re giving me a lecture? They deserved it…the close minded sons of a bitches." Growling Liam began pacing.

Reaching out William grabbed Liam's arm. "Hey, calm down. Let Gator here finish-up ‘cause I'll tell you one thing. Buster's always been a bastard, but I don't like where this is going, luv."

Gator stopped pacing and shook his head. "He said that his wife asked Buster what he was hunting for and he said 'swamp rats'. Of course his cousin was amused and said that he couldn't see his law abiding, sheriff cousin going out poaching. Therefore, he thought perhaps that she'd misheard. Liam I do not like this in the least. I applaud you for being open with your relationship with Will, but if Buster has went a bit off his nut, then we have a problem."

"Yes, we do. Because if he showed up here with a gun intending to shoot me I think I would laugh myself to death."

"Well, then Lee you better start laughing." Buster walked out of the darkness, coming around Charlie’s truck, gun in hand. Herbie as always was behind him gun in hand as well.

"What the bloody hell is this about, Buster?" Will dropped his cigarette in the dirt, grinding the butt out with his boot heel with a growl.

Gator turned his eyes as wide as half dollars, but his voice steady. "I do believe that you've overstepped your bounds Buster. There is nothing going on illegal here...just some friends having a couple of beers on a warm summer night."

"Oh, I think your mistaken little tarty britches." Herbie announced.

"That's right you are indeed incorrect. I have two, out and proud, faggots parading in my town like little happy fairies and that will just not do. We don't want it or need it and I can't just let it continue." Buster stopp- ed, gun held high, a few feet away from Liam.

Liam sneered. "So your gonna---what? Cleanse us of our demons? Or…wait…run us out of town? Or better yet torture us til were straight again---that's it?"

"No." An eerie calm surrounded Buster. "I'm gonna remove the threat completely."

"FUCK OFF BUSTER!!" Liam screamed.

"No, thank you I don't swing that way." Buster shifted the gun, aiming, and then pulled the trigger.

The air went utterly still, so quiet not even crickets were heard. No one moved or even breathed until Liam's foot slid a bit forward, and his shoulder sagged.

Charlie suddenly screamed. "Jesus fucking Christ Buster! You shot him you mother fucker!"

Liam’s gaze lowered to focus on his shoulder. A dark, red patch started to spread outwards, like a blooming flower on his tee shirt. He laughed softly. "Well I'll be."

"What the bloody hell?!" William roared as he caught hold of Liam, helping him to the car, where he leaned him against the fender. "Shit..." he hissed softly trying to push down the bile that rose in his throat.

"Are you completely starkers?" Gator turned on Buster his eyes flashing with a fury few had seen. "You can not do this..."

"Course he can." William turned from Liam and took two steps forward, his voice cold as ice. "Don't you get it, Gator? He thinks just because Liam has a rep as a trouble maker in this hick town he can shoot him like a dog in the street." He took a deep breath his eyes never leaving Buster's. "You mad cause he made a fool of you? Oh yeah that's right..." he turned back to Liam, "...you made a damn fool of yourself."

Herbie raised his gun aiming. "Get out of the way! We’ll finish Garrigan, then we’ll shoot you. Wipe the prints and put the gun in his hand. Can ya jus see it? Liam Garrigan goes psycho! Kills his gay lover, then kills himself---cops arrive too late."

"HELLO!! STILL STANDING HERE!! GONNA KILL US ALL?!" Charlie shrieked as he moved to his brother’s side, trying to check the wound.

"No…you two will keep your mouths shut if ya know what's good for ya." Buster simply smiled.

Laughing Liam pushed Will and Charlie away, then walked up to Buster. Pressing his chest against the barrel of the gun, he spoke low, but certain. "Kill me you stupid redneck bastard. Kill me…go ahead if it will make you feel better. But, you don't touch Will. You let him go home." Sweat dripped down his face with the effort to keep standing as more blood seeped from his wound.

Buster narrowed his eyes, pushing the gun barrel into Liam's chest, shoving him back so hard Liam fell on his ass. Looking down at him Buster grinned. "I'm going to kill you…you fucking worthless asshole so I don't care what you say."

Raising his chin defiantly, Liam looked straight into Buster’s eyes. "Well…what you waitin’ for? An invitation."

Buster gritted his teeth and cocked the gun.

Just a few feet away from Liam when he heard the gun cock, Will felt a chill in his gut. Suddenly it was like one of his nightmares. Liam lying there in the dust blood spreading across his chest, and he was to damn far away. Everything seemed to slowed as Will screamed in fury as running forward, his legs feeling like they wouldn't move, like they were mired down in the sludge of the bayou. He could hear his heartbeat like the ticking of a clock---beat by beat.

"William! NO!" Gator screamed his hand darting beneath his jacket as Buster pulled the trigger.

At that split second, William jumped in front of Liam the shot hitting him low in the side. William fell to the ground unmoving and just as sudden Liam felt every nerve firecracker in his body. Every vein in his body was pumping ten times harder. Adrenaline, pure and true, surged as Liam rose gracefully to his feet as if he’d received a second magical wind. Liam ran up to Buster, ripping the gun from his hands, and swinging it upward the gun butt connecting with Buster’s jaw. Then he swung the gun down hitting Buster over the head.

Herbie raised his gun. "STOP!" He was about to shoot when a shot echoed through the night air and he fell to the ground screaming in agony, his knee shattered.

Stepping forward Gator aimed his pistol at Herbie's head. "Do you know what a bullet will do to a human skull?" Gator questioned coldly. "I'd suggest staying down or you will find out by God." Turning he kept one eye on Herbie and yelled at Charlie. "Check on William." He side stepped Herbie who was still laying on the ground clutching his shattered knee, whimper- ing, and kicked his gun away.

Charlie ran to William, rolling him over carefully, and pulling up his shirt. Covering his mouth with his free hand, he tried to keep himself from being sick. "Oh, god…Jesus no…please god…fucking god." Charlie pressed his hand against the ragged wound. "Listen to me William a'right? Ya hear? You stay with me."

Hearing every one of Charlie’s pleas Liam lost it, punching Buster in the gut, then kicked him in the jaw when he doubled over. Grabbing a fistful of hair Liam pulled Buster over to his car and slammed his face against the hood repeatedly and snarled. "I promised him…I promised him I would keep him safe you god damn bastard! You made a liar out of me!" Liam wrapped his arm around Buster’s throat and began squeezing.

Charlie's eyes went wide as he yelled at Gator. "Gator for gods sake! Don't let him kill him! Stop him! Stop him!!"

Moving across the small space Gator holstered his gun with one swift move and with a strength that wasn't obvious in his slender form he grasped Liam’s shoulder.

"Liam! Liam let him go! William needs you now..." his voice softened, "...William needs you. Let the State Patrol take care of this fucker." He glanced over his shoulder to where Charlie was desperately applying pressure to the wound in William’s side.

William coughed, blood welling up on his lips as he whimpered in pain. "...li...Liam..." his body shuddered.

Glancing back to Liam, Gator hissed through his teeth. "Let him go, Liam. William's calling for you."

He’d nearly suffocated Buster to death, but at the sound of Gator’s soft plea Liam released the pressure on his throat, letting him drop to the ground. His eyes went back to their usual soft brown as tears welled in them.

Turning from Buster he ran to Will’s side, bending down. "Charlie move your hand." He whispered.

Charlie moved his hand and Liam scooped Will up into his arms carefully, applying pressure to the wound. He leaned over Will murmuring softly in his ear as he struggled to get his keys from his pocket. Tossing them to Charlie, he headed for the car.

"It's okay baby…I got you…I got you. Everything’s gonna be okay." Tears cascaded down Liam’s face as he walked as fast as he could without risking further injury to Will. "We're gonna get you to a hospital and everything is going to be fine."

Charlie tossed Gator his truck keys. "Drive that back into town. Call the next town over, their police. Tell them everything and have them pick up those two scumbags. Maybe tie them up if you want---rope is in the back."

"Done, Charles. You take care of them." Gator gave a slight nod of his head as he pulled out his cell.

Getting in the back seat Liam clung to William and Charlie was in the driver's seat, a heartbeat behind them. A few seconds later the engine roared to life and the car surged forward. The jerk caused Will to gasp, his eyes fluttering open, glazed with shock.

"...liam..." he moaned as the pain in his side flared up into his lung like a burning poker. Another cough caused his body to spasm and more blood seeped from between his lips.

Liam fought to keep himself together, brushing Will's sweaty hair from his face and rocking him gently and murmuring repeatedly as the car raced to the hospital. "It's okay…shh…its okay baby I'm here. Everything’s gonna be fine, you'll see. Bet it's just a scratch---you know? You’re such a drama queen." His throat tightened and he coughed hard trying to get his voice back, but even then it was strained and broken.

"You'll see Will. Everything is gonna be all right. I love you so much. I won't let anything happen to you. I'm gonna make it all better."

Swallowing back the urge to cry as well Charlie concentrated on getting his brother and his lover to the hospital. He broke every speeding law in fifty states, but there were no cops to pull him over---or shoot him. Angered and enraged he pushed the gas pedal harder.

"...shot...you..." Will's voice was barely audible above the roaring engine. His eyes were unfocused and Liam's face was a blur above him as he was cradled close in warm arms. "...you...okay?" Another round of coughing ripped through his body and he cried out in pain, not much louder than a mewing kitten. "...i...i'm cold..."

"Shhh…don't talk save your energy just don't talk." Liam sobbed softly. "I'm fine…just fine. Buster’s a shit shot." Liam called to his brother in the front seat. "Go faster!!"

"I can't I'm going as fast I can! I swear to god Liam!" Charlie exclaimed as he turned a corner to thankfully see the hospital. Thanking god above he drove over the sidewalk and right up to the ER doors, and jerked the car to a stop. Jumping out Charlie opened the car door for his brother.

Carefully as he could Liam slid out and ran toward the doors. As they slid open Liam ran in and straight for the desk. "I NEED SOMEBODY NOW!!"

Suddenly people surrounded him and voices filled the air.

"Son...son! What the hell happened?" A tall man with dark grey streaked hair tried to get Liam's attention as two orderlies ran up with a gurney.

"He's in shock!" Another voice cut through the air.

"No shit! Damn he's got a gunshot wound too…in his shoulder."

A flurry of activity surrounded them as the orderlies eased William from Liam's arms, lying him on the gurney.

"It's okay we'll take care of him." A young nurse took Liam's arm guiding him along the floor to the examine room. "You're hurt, too."

The dark-haired man reappeared in front of Liam as the nurse coaxed him to set on the gurney. "Son...listen to me...can you tell me your name?" A warm gentle hand tugged Liam's head up, a bright light flashing in his eyes.

"Name..." Liam whispered. "I have a name. Liam… Liam Garrigan. Where's Will? I need to be with Will. Will needs me…I've always been there for Will… always. He needs me to protect him. I have to go to him. Where is he?" Liam moved as if to stand.

"Sit down, Liam." The man gently pushed Liam down. "Will is that your friend? The young man you brought in with you? They're taking him into surgery---okay?" His voice softened as the nurse began cutting away Liam's shirt. "Listen to me. You've been shot son, you've lost a lot of blood, and you're in shock. What I need you to do is lay back."

Liam shook his head, grabbing a handful of the doctor’s coat. "More than a friend...more. Can't stay here…have to go to Will. He gets scared without me. He's afraid of monsters. I have to keep him safe. Beat up the bullies for him…be his hero. I'm his hero. It's just a scratch...on my shoulder…just a scratch Band- Aid...a Band-Aid should do me."

"Liam...son you can't go into the OR with him." He glanced at the nurse over his shoulder and she nodded back. "Now listen carefully I'm Dr. Wright and my colleague Dr. Matheson is with your Will, okay? He's a wonderful doctor and your Will is in very capable hands. Now we have to take care of you. You have to be taken care of so you're the first thing Will sees when he wakes up." He pressed Liam back against the thin mattress.

"You're going to need more than a Band-Aid on that son. This is Joyce…she's my right hand lady. She's going to give you a little shot, okay?"

"I think me and Will have had enough shots today doc...tor..." Liam turned his blurring eyes on Joyce. "Do you have, Will? I need, Will."

"Will's being taking care of sweetie." Joyce smiled down at him as the doctor and another nurse lifted his legs up on the gurney. "Now be a nice boy for me and let me give you this shot. Then I'm going to start an IV. We're going to fix you right up and then you can go see Will, okay?"

"Okay…" Liam hummed out. "As long as you take me to Will." His eyes started drifting shut. "I still don't understand all this fuss over a scratch. Doctors sure are paranoid…"

~Part: 22~

Early morning light drifted through the slated blinds of the hospital room, dancing across the pale industrial tile of the floor, and leaving smears of gold along Marcus Garrigan's scruffy oil-stained work boots. His eyes were drooping from lack of sleep, but they refused to leave the still, sleeping form of his youngest son.

Liam was so still when he’d first got there he'd feared the worst, but the doctor had eased his worry. Yes, Liam had lost a good deal of blood, but nothing vital had been hit and the bullet had left a hairline crack in his clavicle.

Leaning forward, he reached out to touch his son's hand. A sheen of tears glistened in his eyes as he studied the bandages that surrounded the upper part of Liam's torso, and the sling that held his arm firmly against his chest. The crack hadn't been bad enough that they'd needed a cast and there was no nerve damage thankfully.

Sighing Marcus scrubbed at his eyes willing the tears away. A thought drifted through his mind. Did they make casts for broken hearts? Because he feared that Liam would need one once he woke. William was in a bad way, a very bad way, and the doctors weren't sure if he would make it. If he didn't he knew Liam wouldn't survive it.

He leaned his head against his son's hand, his own wrapped tightly around it, and he began to pray. Pray- ing wasn’t something he’d done since his Meredith had been diagnosed with cancer. "Dear Lord...I don't often talk to you, but this ol' man needs a favor. My boy here he needs William and he's in a bad way, lord. See fit would you to hearing an ol' man's prayer. Let Liam's little one come back to us..."

"Daddy? I brought coffee and donuts. Ya gotta eat…ya been sitting here all night, haven't even gotten up ta pee. So take this and eat." Kathy’s eyes were puffy, swollen, and red from crying as she handed over a cup of coffee and a little packet of powdered donuts. "Charlie saw me in the hall…he's going to get some sandwiches, then he'll be here he said. Now come on."

Marcus lifted his head from where he'd been praying and turned to Kathy trying to keep a strong face on. He accepted the coffee with a shaking hand and with the other pulled Kathy into his lap, hugging her tight.

"Thank you baby. Ain't you got no sleep?" He sipped the coffee thankful for the warmth because he'd been cold since Gator had called him, cold to the bone. "You know baby…Liam here is gonna be okay. He's gonna whup up on your ass for staying up all night." His free hand stroked through Kathy's hair thinking how much she reminded him of Meredith.

"I know…daddy." Kathy choked out, trying not to sob. "I want him, too. I want him to wake up and be angry and yell at me..." Her breathe caught and her voice wavered. "I don't like seeing him like this. And…and I saw William's mom and she's...she's a wreck…" Kathy sobbed lifting her hands to wipe at her eyes. "I hate Buster and Herbie, daddy. I hate them."

"Now dumpling..." Marcus shook his head, "...ain't right to hate and you know that. Was hate that caused this evilness. Trust me, I know better than you do and so does Charlie. When Charlie's momma and me were together, we witnessed it first hand. Letters filled with vile threats, rocks through the window, and even a burning cross on the front lawn. See when people don't know no better or don't understand they get fearful something awful, then the hate, it rears it's ugly head. God and the law will take care of those two and we just need to pray that their hate don't destroy us."

Kathy nodded, wiping her eyes as she muttered. "But I still wanna kick them in the balls."

"Hallelujah to that!” Charlie stood in the door holding a half-gallon of chocolate milk and a box of wrapped sandwiches. “Dad…she said ya ain't moved since you got here. Ya need to go pee or something before you pop you old peeps. Can't be doin that." His gaze drifted to his brother, his eyes glazing over for a moment, and he seemed far away. It was as if he were lost in another time and place---not so long ago.

Patting Kathy on the head, Marcus smiled as she slipped off his lap, and he got to his feet with a creak of aching joints. Slowly he moved to Charlie's side wrapping his oldest in a hug. "Now Charlie none of that." He smiled softly. "Liam needs all us in the here and now. Moreover, Gertrude needs us, too. I'll go now empty my ol' abused bladder, but I expect some of those sandwiches to still be here when I get back. You hear me, boy?"

Charlie nodded. "Yeah, dad…I hear you."

"Good." With a curt nod and a pat to Charlie's back, Marcus headed for the bathroom thankful for the break. Besides he thought, he was betting that William's mama was needing a friend right about now.

Gertrude had been a good friend to Meredith, especially during her last weeks on earth despite her fool of a husband. She'd been a good friend to Liam as well during his darkest moments and Marcus figured he could do the same. After all, he had three children and Gertie---well she only had Will.

***

"I DO NOT CARE WILLIAM!! HE IS YOUR SON AND YOU WILL COME HERE AND SEE HIM!! HE COULD DIE AND YOU DO NOT EVEN CARE!! I SWEAR ON ALL THAT IS HOLY THAT I WILL LEAVE YOU IF YOU DON’T COME!!"

Gertrude screamed into the pay phone, tears trickling down her face, and her vision blurring. She was so angry she could spit fire and pummel this town down with her high heels. Her son was lying in a hospital bed in ICU, barely hanging onto life and her husband---her damned stubborn husband---still refused to come and see him.

He could die. Her baby could die and he didn't even care. Gertrude stumbled down the hall back to Will. She had to get to her baby, her dear baby boy, she thought.

***

As Marcus was leaving the bathroom he heard Gertrude screaming to beat all hell and he couldn't help, but to smile a bit. That bastard had over stepped this time. Not in his wildest dreams would he have ever thought to ‘not’ come to his child who was, what could be, dying.

Stretching he headed down the hall to the ICU Unit and stopped at the nurse's station to ask for directions. By now the entire hospital knew what had went down last night and the rules were being bent for the two families. Food and drink in the rooms and now the allowance of more than one person in the ICU. Standing outside room 820 he took a deep breath then pushed the door open to face what waited inside. Tears welled in his eyes as he saw the result of those two fools and their insanity.

William lay still as death, his skin as pale as the sheets beneath him. Thick bandages covered the better part of his torso where the bullet and entered his side. Wires and tubes seemed to grow from everywhere, some disappearing beneath the crisp white sheets. Next to the bed, a respirator sat the soft hiss as it forced air into William's lungs brought back bad memories. The gentle beep of the heart monitor did nothing to cover the gentle whispering of Gertrude LaCroix as she sat next to her son, careful of the wires and IV, as she wept softly holding his hand.

"I was so young and scared when I found out I was pregnant with him. I almost considered for a fraction of time that I would give him up. But then the first time I felt him move inside me…" Gertrude whispered her eyes welling up, "…the first time I felt his tiny little life inside my belly I knew I couldn't love anything as much as this creature inside me. And I was right he's my baby Marcus and if he dies I will die with him, as sure as you stand there. He's the one thing I did right in this world. I’ve had no other meaning than to be this beautiful creature’s mother and it was the best damn blessing I could have ever been given."

Gertrude stroked her son's hand lovingly as she started to choke up. "I cannot lose him Marcus…I just can't."

Marcus laid his hands on Gertrude's shoulders, squeezing gently, his heart breaking for this woman. "You won't Gertie...you won't. The lord can't be that cruel to a human. I'm praying hard and so are the kids that he comes back to us."

He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "He sacrificed himself to save my boy." He whispered softly. "There is so little of that kind of love in the world. He will make it...don't you dare think other- wise."

"Oh god Marcus…Liam!" Gertrude exclaimed. "Is Liam okay? Is that why you’re here?" Gertrude’s face looked more pained and worried if possible.

"Hush now…Gertie. My boy he's gonna be fine..." then his voice cracked as the tears finally fell, "...at least physically. I'm scared about his heart and his head though. He done lost his mamma...he can't lose, Will. It'll destroy him..."

"Oh, Marcus…" Gertrude stood taking Marcus into her arms uncaring of how it may seem to the gossips. They were two scared parents and she didn't give a damn. "Shhh…I know…I know I can't stop thinking about it, too. Liam he..." she took a deep breathe. "…he visits her you know? Goes every Saturday sits and talks with her. I don't know what he hopes for or if he hopes at all. He just talks because it comforts him, but he visits your Meredith, and he's always a wreck afterwards. Will…if he loses Will." Her eyes began to water again. "I'm so scared for him and my Will, Marcus. They have always had each other…since forever. I can't remember a time when they didn't. They’re two parts of a whole and one can't thrive without the other. I'm so scared."

"So am I...so am I, Gertie." Marcus whispered his body shaking with the need to make the world hurt as both he and Gertie did.

"DADDY!!" Kathy skidded inside the ICU, then stopped looking apologetic. "I'm sorry Mrs. LaCroix for running in like this, but daddy you need to come now."

Marcus looked up wiping his eyes. "What is it dumplin'?" His old heart couldn't take much more, he thought, as he excused himself with a nod and took Kathy's hand.

Kathy started to pull harder and faster on his hand as she moved down the hallway. "Can't tell you…you need to see…hurry."

She pulled until she had her father in the door far enough so he could see Liam's fingers twitching.

"See?" Charlie was standing at the foot of the bed looking hopeful.

Taking a deep breath Marcus moved to the head of the bed and grasped his son's hand. "Liam?" His voice low as Liam's fingers tightened around his hand. "Liam come on boy...come on and open them eyes."

Liam's eyes began to flicker slowly, then a bit faster, his fingers tightening and loosening around his father's.

"That's it boy..." Marcus grinned, "...you open them eyes and show 'em what kinda fire runs in Garrigan veins."

His hand stilled in Marcus’ firm grip and his eyes flickered faster, until they flew open. Liam's lips parted, his body shuddering, and he spoke in a whisper.

"Will…"

He turned his head; looking around the room his eyes heavy and his body like stone with drugs. "Where? Will? I…I was…we was…" his gaze settled on his father’s face and for a moment he was confused. When he looked up at Charlie, at the foot of the bed, his eyes went wide and frantic. "WILL!!" He tried to pull himself up. "I have to...I told him..."

"Liam Marcus!" Marcus' voice rose a notch. "You have to lay back and calm down. You hear me, son?" Marcus had dreaded this part. The last thing he wanted was to hurt his son, but that was exactly what he was about to do. "Dear Lord give me the strength..." he whispered beneath his breath.

Liam's chest heaved as his breathing became harsh and erratic. Each breath he took made it harder to breathe. His vision started to blur as he shifted around searching for the IV and tugging at it with numb fingers. "Can't...I can't…I need to go to him. I told him dad I ‘promised’ him."

"Dammit Liam!" Marcus was terrified now as he tried to keep Liam from ripping out his IV. "Charlie go get the doctor! Now listen to me Liam...you need to calm down or that doctor is gonna give you something to calm down. I know you promised son. I know..." tears fell as Marcus squeezed his son's hand.

Liam looked up as the doctor appeared in the door, next to his brother. He clenched his jaw and quit fighting with the IV, but he glanced up at his father, his eyes filled with desperation. "You don't understand dad. I ‘need’ to go to him." He begged. "Please." His eyes started to tear up as he gripped his father's arm. "Please dad? Please where is William? Please dad…" His voice began cracking, "…I want to go to Will."

Fatigue and pain started to overwhelm him and he slumped into his father's arms. Nevertheless, he kept repeating softly as his eyes got heavier. "Please…please, please…"

"It's okay, son...it's gonna be okay." He held Liam close stroking his back as he met the doctor's worried eyes. "Doc...My boy needs to see Will. Can we get him a wheel chair?" His tone was filled with pleading and pain.

Wright looked into Marcus' eyes and knew that no matter how much sedative they gave Liam he'd still wake up like this. The only way to ease the boy's pain was to let him go to his friend, though Wright suspect- ed they were far more than friends.

"Yeah, Marcus," he smiled, "...we can get him a chair, but he's got to calm down."

"You hear that, son? We're gonna take you to see little Will, but you got to calm down a bit, okay?" Marcus continued stroking his hand down Liam's back.

"Okay." Liam murmured weakly, but his voice was full of hope. "Just want Will. Please…want to be with Will." He began calming down the best he could; his chest still hurt though. "Chest hurts…can't move my…" he glanced down to where his arm was against his chest. "Never-mind."

Charlie glanced at the doctor. "Got anything for the pain that won't knock him for a loop? He looks like he's still stoned off his rocker as it is."

"Let me get the nurse in here with some Demerol. It's pretty powerful, but no where the level of the Morphine we gave him last night. I'll take care of that and we'll get that wheel chair." Turning Wright left the room quickly---knowing quicker was better.

A few minutes later a young nurse came in pushing a wheel chair and carrying a needle and a small bottle of Demerol. She had a smile that lit up the room and her hair was a vibrant red that matched the vibrancy of her smile.

"Well…good morning Liam. I hear that we need to give you a little shot and get you out of this bed." Moving to the head of the bed she pulled on a pair of gloves, checked the IV port, then filled the needle, and inserted it into the port. "Now my name’s Willow and if there's anything you need I'll be on until five."

Withdrawing the needle she tossed it in the waste disposal, along with her gloves, and turned back dropping the railing. "So Liam...we're all good with the wheel chair or do you need help?"

"Pretty hair." Liam murmured in awe.

"Yeah…I'll help him. “ Charlie piped up. “Dad you get his waist and I’ll get his good arm."

Charlie moved to the bed lifting Liam’s good arm up over his shoulder carefully. Marcus wrapped his arm around Liam's waist helping Charlie get him in the wheel chair. With a smile Willow adjusted the foot rests and stood up her ponytail bouncing as she shifted the IV bag to the pole on the chair. Taking a blanket from the bed she tucked it around Liam's legs and ran her hand through his hair.

"Well there ya go all safe and snug in your own Speed Racer. Now if you guys need anything don't hesitate to call. And don't let him stay out of bed too long, okay?" Then in a swirl of red she was gone leaving them.

Liam looked up at his dad. "Dad did you see the hair? Nice hair." His eyes drifted shut, but he forced them back open whispering softly. "Will."

Smiling softly Kathy kissed her brother's head, then pulled back. "I'm gonna run ahead. Tell Mrs. LaCroix we're comin---alright?"

"Okay, dumplin' you do that." Marcus smiled at his daughter. "Yeah, Liam I saw that hair...red as the sugar maples up north in the fall. Now listen here though Liam you don't want to go and make Will jealous do ya when he wakes up?"

"No." Liam sighed, dropping his head on his shoulder. "Love Will…need Will more than anything…more than air."

Charlie reached over running a hand through his brother's hair to distract himself. He couldn’t break down right there, he thought. "He feels the same way about you baby bro." He answered softly.

"That he does Liam." Marcus smiled at his son as he took the wheelchair in hand. "'M thinkin' that the boy would like to hear your voice son. He'll be lost without you and little Will's mama could use someone to talk too." He pushed the wheelchair forward, patting Charlie on the shoulder as he went. "You comin' son or you want to go get some rest?"

"I'm comin'." Charlie answered. He knew once Liam was in the room, once he saw William, that Liam would need all the support he could get. "I ain't got no place else I want ta be."

With an understanding nod to his elder son, Marcus pushed Liam out into the hallway and down towards ICU. The nurses and doctors lifted their gazes silently watching the procession. More than one turned away at the sight, looks of pity, and sadness in their eyes. They were all grieving for the young man in the wheelchair and they all knew that his heart would break even further when he saw his boy. Some even pulled out their cells and called their loved ones hoping and praying that they would never have to face what Liam Garrigan was about to face.

***

Gertrude saw Marcus coming and stood, walking to the door. Glancing down, the sight of Liam brought fresh tears to her eyes. She almost didn't want to open the door, if only to shield the boy from the heartache she was suffering. However, she knew Liam would never leave, never budge without seeing William. Her hand squeezed the knob as she slowly turned it and the door opened just as she plastered on the best fake smile she could.

Moving to the wheel chair, she leaned in carefully embracing Liam. "Hello…my other precious. How are you?"

"I feel swell." Liam answered with a doped up voice. "Is Will awake?"

"No sweet one…he isn't. He's sleeping, but I know he would want you with him anyway. You wanna come in?" Gertrude questioned trying to keep her brave face on for as long as she could.

"Yeah." Liam said softly. "I need to see him."

"Okay sweetheart. Have your daddy wheel you in…I'll hold the door." Gertrude moved back inside holding the door open, keeping her eyes on Liam.

Marcus smiled weakly at Gertrude and grasp her hand in his squeezing gently. "Thank you Gertie..." he whispered as he pushed the wheelchair into the room. "Now Liam, son...Will may be sleepin' but he can hear your voice." The last two words came out gruff with emotion as he pushed the wheelchair up to the bed.

Nodding Liam lifted his head, his gaze settling on the still pale body of his lover and friend. He studied him from head to toe and suddenly the room felt far too cold suddenly, the drugged fog in his brain seeping out along with the heat. His mouth opened, but he couldn't think of a word desperate enough for what he felt as his hands shook with the effort of choosing what he needed and wanted to do first. Touch Will or cover his mouth to keep the scream that was welling from breaking loose.

Gertrude fought harder to keep her brave face from slipping her fingers combing through Liam's hair. She leaned over whispering near his ear. "Shh…I know, I know sweet one. It's okay...oh sweet Liam…honey it's okay."

The sound that broke though Liam's throat sounded like a mix between a cry and a strangled scream. Gertrude wrapped her arms around Liam rocking him gently.

"Shh…he's still here…still here Liam. He needs you now. He needs you to be strong for him now. I know it's hard…I know."

Marcus knelt, despite popping joints, at his son's side. His chest ached with what his son was seeing. He knew what it felt like intimately. Liam's mother, his beloved Meredith had been like this in the end, surrounded by machines that helped her breath, that feed her, and his soul had screamed just like Liam was doing now. If there'd been one thing he'd ever wished were that his children would never have to go through this.

"Liam...son...he loves you something awful. If he didn't he'd already be gone. He's strong and he'll hear you. Your mama heard me when she was sick and she told me that right for she was called to God. This boy of yours...little Will...he's just found you again. God was ready for your mama and she was ready for him, but Will...he ain't ready to go and God ain't ready for him either. You hear me son?"

Liam nodded tears streaking his face, answering in a hoarse voice. "Yes…I hear you."

He reached up cupping Liam's face and swiping at the tears with his calloused thumb. "I love you son very much. I am so proud of you and Will...finally finding that love I had with your mama. Don't you let go of that love no matter what. It's Will's safety line." Standing he pressed a shaky kiss to his son's forehead. "You need me I'm here, okay?"

"Okay." Liam reached a shaky hand out laying it on the bed, his fingers inching forward until they caressed Will's, wrapping around them oh so gently like he was afraid to break him. "Hello…baby." He murmured. "I'm here now. I'm sorry it took so long."

***

He'd been in the cold darkness for so long, it seemed and he couldn't quite remember how he'd gotten here. Suddenly though he felt warmth, as if someone were holding his hand, but he couldn't move his hand. He tried desperately, but he was so damn tired. Then he heard a voice, a voice he knew like he knew his own. Will's heart swelled and he tried to speak, but he couldn't, so he focused all his energy on that voice. He had to find a way out of the darkness and now there was a crack where light was waiting for him.

***

Liam looked over his shoulder at the encouraging faces of his father, Charlie, and Gertrude, then turned back to Will. "I was asleep like you...for a little bit. Doctors drugged me...I wanted to go with you but they wouldn't let me. I tried though I tried so hard." His voice cracked a bit but he swallowed and continued. "I miss your voice I'm not so good with the conversations by myself I need you to keep me on my toes." Liam scratched the back of his neck with his free hand. "But mostly I just miss your voice it soothes me."

Charlie pulled up a chair to give himself something solid to hang on to as he watched his brother struggle to keep it together. He had to keep it together too.

***

The voice was getting stronger and William felt himself drifting towards it. Liam, he thought, Liam was here, and he had to find his way back. He'd already lost Liam once and damned if he'd let that bony bastard the Grim Reaper separate them again. He closed his eyes to the darkness and focused on that voice filled with such desperation and love. He tried to flex his hand again, but it was hard so bleedin' hard. Tears welled in his eyes as focused all his energy again and screamed out in his mind.

***

Glancing up from his study of the cold tile Marcus' eyes widened and he stepped closer to the bed. "Sweet Jesus..." he whispered, "...Liam keep talkin', son." His gaze focused on William's pale face and at the single tear that trailed slowly down his cheek. "He can hear you son." His words caught in his throat.

Liam saw the tear and moved closer to the bed his lips closer to Will's ear. "I miss your eyes too. So blue and so expressive I can see everything in your eyes. Mine are so dark and yours are so light. I think..." Liam whispered, "…I think you’re the light to my darkness. Please don't leave me in the darkness Will. I can't do this without you. I don't want too."

Reaching over Gertrude’s hand clasped Marcus' as a tear slid down her face.

***

Inside lost in the darkness of his mind William tried to move his hand again. I'm here Liam, he thought, I'd never leave you, luv. He focused harder and flexed his hand, willing it to tighten.

***

Swallowing hard Marcus squeezed Gertie's hand back as his gaze moved down Will's pale form to where Liam's fingers were entwined with Will's. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw the muscles twitch and he held his breath. "Dear Lord bring him back..." he whispered beneath his breath.

"And I want to get you out of the darkness. I can't fail you anymore. Once was enough. Come back to me." Liam moved his mouth even closer to William's ear. "Come back to William…please baby…I love you."

William's hand twitched suddenly; his pale slim fingers curling weakly around Liam's long tanned ones.

Liam jumped and smiled keeping up the encourage- ment in Will's ear. "That's it come back Will come back to me I love you…I love you."

At Liam's soft whispered words Will's eyes began to flicker behind his bruised lids as if he were dreaming. On the monitor next to the bed, the slow green line that beeped softly began to speed up. William's hand twitched again, this time his fingers squeezing tighter.

"That's it don't stop…come to me. I know you...you wouldn't let anything stop you. You won't let anything take you from me. I know that. Open your eyes Will open them and look at me baby." Liam pulled back Will’s face intently.

***

William stood in the darkness and stared at the tiny crack of light willing with all his soul that he could come home. Behind him a warm breeze hit his back and he turned back to see a pinpoint of light begin to grow. It reminded him of the Good Witch, Glenda, from the Wizard of Oz. A bubble of light and in the center was a form, a very human form.

"What the bloody hell?" His brows drew into a frown as a soft, firm voice echoed through the darkness.

"William...you must make a true choice."

"Choice? I think I already have. Took a bullet for Liam---didn’t I?"

The glowing form sighed softly. "Is he the one?"

"The one? The one what you spooky wanker?"

"There is no need for such anger here, William."

"So where is...here?" Will questioned angrily.

Shaking its head, the form looked up and though it had no face William got the distinct impression it was smiling. "You know where this is and now you must make the choice. Do you go back or do you come with me?"

Glancing over his shoulder Will's gaze focused on the crack that grew wider with each faintly whispered word. "The dreams...Ophelia knew this would happen." He spoke to no one in particular. "She knew and she gave me the dreams."

"No, the old seer did not give you the dreams, William. We did. Long ago you and he were cursed. Now the curse is about to be broken that the darkness created. Say it William LaCroix and you shall be free."

"Say what?" William turned fearful eyes to the glowing image.

"You know in your heart William. Say what is buried deep in your soul. Would you die for him?"

Glancing back William gave his answer.

***

Suddenly the alarm on the monitor went off as his heartbeat went wild. His hand gripping tight to Liam's, William began to convulse. Seconds later the room was being filled with medical personnel.

Liam started to freak out refusing to release Will's hand, looking wildly around the room. "What the hell is going on?!!"

Doctor Wright moved into the room, nurses parting as he leaned in opening Will's eyes one by one and flashing his penlight in them. Turning back to the others, he spoke firmly. "Clear the room."

Marcus started towards the wheelchair his heart thumping wildly. "It's okay, son. Let's go...let the doc do his thing."

"No! FUCK NO!" Liam growled, his hand tightening around Will's. "I'm not and you all can fucking try to move me, but I'm not leaving him! Not for nobody do you hear me?! NO ONE!!"

Marcus turned to Wright with pleading eyes. A split second of indecision crossed his eyes, and then he nodded. "Let him stay. However, the rest of you need to go. We've got work to do."

A young man moved around Liam and smiled down at him. "Liam I have to give Will a sedative okay? Can I have his hand? I need to get to the IV port."

Liam held William’s hand for a few moments more, then reluctantly let go. "I want it back after you’re done alright?"

"Deal." The young man took Will's hand and gently inserted a needle into the IV port then let Liam take it back.

"Should be a few seconds and his heart rate should be down." Wright turned to Liam with a smile as Will's taunt body began to relax. "I am sorry that this happened while you were here. I'm not sure what you said to him, but apparently he heard you." He turned back to the bed as William's eyes fluttered open, his head turning towards Liam. "He's coming out of it and his body is trying to expel the breathing tube. As soon as the sedative kicks in we're going to remove it."

Liam smiled softly as William's eyes began to open. "Hey you…hey baby."

Blinking drowsily Will's unfocused eyes began to focus on Liam. His hand tightened around Liam as his eyes drifted shut again.

Liam leaned over brushing his lips over Will's forehead. "It's okay baby. Sleep a little longer I'm not going anywhere."

Eyes flickering open again Will tried to speak, tried to tell Liam where he'd been, but the tube wouldn't allow it. With another faint squeeze of Liam's hand his eyes shut.

"This isn't pretty, Liam, but I suppose that won't change your mind about staying." Wright stroked Will's brow gently and suddenly he knew why Liam cared for this young man so deeply. "William...can you hear me?"

William's eyes fluttered open and he nodded weakly.

"I'm Doctor Wright and this is Daniel." He nodded to the young male nurse. "Of course we call him Oz. Maybe it's the interesting colors in his hair. What do you think?" He smiled wider. "Now we're going to get that nasty tube out. Would you like that?"

Will nodded again his gaze flickering from Wright, to Oz, and finally settling on Liam.

Liam swallowed and gave his lover’s hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm here it's gonna be okay. Be over before you know it."

Reaching to the control panel Daniel adjusted the bed so Will was sitting up at an angle. "Yep, simple." Daniel smiled at Will.

Wright gently removed the tape that held the tube in place, then looked into Will's sleepy eyes. "Now as I pull exhale. Do you understand?"

Nodding Will flicked a scared expression at Liam.

"It's okay…I'm right here…right here."

Gently Wright began to wiggle the tube and William whimpered as little by little it was worked out of his throat. "That's it Will...you're doing fine..."

Daniel continued to watch the monitor his face serene. "Pulse is steady, doc."

"See there...doing great." Wright pulled more of the tube and William's hand tightened around Liam's. "Oz get the nasal tube ready. That's it Will...slow and easy..."

Will made a gagging noise and began coughing as the tip of tube pulled free of his throat. Quickly Wright held a small pan beneath Will's chin as he coughed phlegm up, tears welling in his eyes. "Daniel nasal tube."

Daniel moved around to slide the thin tube beneath Will's nose and into place, then adjusted the oxygen level. "How's that?" He glanced at Will as Wright sat the pan aside. Will nodded as Wright pulled a wipe from the small plastic container and cleaned Will's mouth.

"Better?" Will nodded again falling back against the pillows. "Let's start him out with a water sponge and if that goes good we'll do ice chips." Wright turned back to Will. "You did good son. Your throat is going to hurt for a couple of days so I'll get Oz here to bring you some Chloraseptic spray. It'll take care of the pain." Glancing over at Liam, he smiled. "You take care of him. He needs anything have the nurse page me, okay?"

"Okay." Liam nodded, rubbing Will's hand gently, and his eyes never leaving him.

Patting Liam's back, Wright glanced back at Daniel and waved him out. "Let's give these boys some time alone." Then they both slipped out the door leaving the room in silence.

"You're beautiful." Liam murmured as he stared at William with teary eyes.

A tiny smile curled Will's lips as his eyes flickered sleepily. He wanted to tell Liam how much he loved him, but his throat hurt so bad. Squeezing Liam's hand his smile widened just a bit and he hoped that Liam understood him.

"Yeah…I know. It's okay you just sleep."

~Part: 23~

He'd been asleep for far too long, William thought to himself as he shifted beneath the blankets. Just that little movement sent an arrow of pain through his side. Biting his lip he blinked and let his head drift to the side. A tiny smile curled his lips as his gaze settled on Liam who sat slumped in a wheelchair, softly snoring. His gaze drifted down to where Liam's good hand--- rough, calloused, and tanned---his fingers curled around his pale ones.

Squeezing gently, he opened his mouth, his voice coming out a whiskey whisper. "Liam...luv?"  

"Wha…? Huh? I want a donut...with powder sugar and chocolate milk." Liam murmured as his head lolled to the other side. As it did, his hand tightened around Will's as he drifted back to sleep.

"Liam..." William's smile softened as he tried to squeeze Liam's hand harder. His blue eyes shimmered with faint tears as he thought how much he wanted to touch this man. He loved Liam more than he could imagine snoring and all. "Liam...wake up, luv."

Liam's eyes popped open and he tried to sit upright, gritting his teeth in pain, then slumped back in the chair. "Hey." He wheezed out.

"Hey...weezer..." William croaked, then began coughing.

Sitting up carefully Liam rubbed his fingers along the soft skin of Will's hand. "You okay? Should I call for someone?"

Squeezing Liam's hand, he shook his head. "...no...just need water...throat hurts." He looked up into Liam's concerned eyes and smiled despite the pain in his side.

Letting William's hand go for a second Liam reached over grabbing a paper cup from the bedside table and filled it from the plastic water pitcher he carefully he handed the cup to Will. "There."

Fingers trembling Will accepted the cup and smiled again at Liam, his dark ringed eyes glistening. Bringing the cup to his lips, he sipped slowly pushing back the desire to gulp it all down. Just that little movement had hurt like hell and his brows knitted together forming a knot of pain between his eyes.

"Thanks..." he croaked holding the cup out to Liam, his hand shaking with the effort.

Liam took the cup, setting it down on the table, then scooted forward in the wheelchair. Lifting his hand, he rubbed the tips of his fingers gently between Will's brows. "Your mom is eating some lunch with dad, Kathy, and Charlie. They'll be back. Your dad hasn't shown yet." Liam frowned but it slowly faded as he concentrated on his fingers and the soft skin of Will’s brow.

Will's eyes drifted shut at the soft soothing tone of Liam's voice, his frown relaxing as the pain eased in his side. "Not surprising..." his voice drifted off into a faint whisper. Tears seeped from beneath his dark lashes as his body trembled.

"Shh…it's okay if he doesn't show. It's his loss baby …not yours…don't let it get to you. Not after everything else. You don't need it---a'right?"

Blinking Will could feel the tears trail down his pale cheeks, leaving pools of dampness in the hollows beneath his eyes. "I...I thought..." he stuttered softly like a lost child, then turned his gaze from Liam, "...I thought I'd lost you...again."

"Oh…" Liam blinked his voice a soft whisper. "I thought you were crying cause of..."

"Because of me? So did I for a second there." William Sr. mused as he stood in the doorway his hands tucked in his pockets. His face was expressionless as he took in the scene before him.

"Dad?" Will looked up at his father with wide, pain filled eyes. "You came...why?"

"Your mother called again. She demanded to talk to Mary so that she could pack her things. Mary took her own chance then to get on my case. Therefore, I decided to save my marriage and keep our housekeeper off my back. It would be best to come that is before the wrath of all the women in my life got to be too much." William walked into the room his gaze locked on his son as he stood at the foot of the bed. "After all you are my son, you are alive, and I'm happy about that. I did not wish death on you---my only child."

"Really?" William croaked out between cracked lips, his tongue darting out to moisten them, and then squeezed Liam's hand harder. "Or is it you just want to gloat? Tell me that if it weren't for Liam this wouldn't have happened." His eyes welled with more tears as he took a painful breath.

"Well it seems I won't have to say it first." William Sr. glanced with distaste at Liam. "I was going to wait but I see no need now."

Liam stared up at William Sr. for a brief second, a look of disbelief on his face. The look quickly turned to one of guilt and he turned away, his eyes focusing on the water pitcher.

"Good that takes care of that particular argument. If you thought that, by some wild chance, it wasn't all your fault then you were wrong." William glanced over at Liam's turned head.

William's face flushed with heat. "I'm not arguing with you...it is because of Liam, father. That's the first time you've even been half right." He shifted against the pillows hissing softly. "It happened because I wasn't willing to lose the only person that I've ever loved. It was because I love Liam father and you should know I'd do it again. So sod off you old bastard. Mum may want you here, but I don't..." he began to cough and tears welled in his eyes again as he fought the pain ripping through his side.

"Listen to me William. You may not want me here, but you need me here. Don't you see son? No more than a few hours…hours…William since you chose to leave with him and he got you shot. He got you shot. Do you not see the danger? Do you not see the trouble he brings?"

"I'm not…" Liam muttered beneath his breath.

"What was that?" LaCroix questioned, looking back at Liam.

"I said…" Liam turned his head, looking straight into William Sr.'s eyes, "…I wasn't trouble. I shouldn't have did what I did in the bar---making a scene---but I'm not ashamed of what I feel. So, I did it. But, Buster and Herbie decided to come find us, act crazy, and shoot us. I would do anything for Will and I about died trying, but I would have never put in harms way on purpose. Not ever."

"And yet here he is…with a gun shot wound in his side. One that he nearly died from." LaCroix crossed his arms over his chest.

Liam's face scrunched up in anger as he stood up unsteadily from the wheelchair. Never taking his eyes off Will's dad, he spoke. "I offered myself to them so that Will could walk away…walk away. I was going to die for your son, no questions asked, cause I LOVE him you ungrateful bastard. I nearly killed Buster!!"

"Liam..." Will gasped softly through the pain, "...don't...please..." he whispered as he glanced from his lover to his father. "I chose this...I ran in front..." he coughed again, this time crying out in pain, his fingers clawing at the sheets.

At that moment, Marcus Garrigan walked into the room. All he saw was his son facing off with William LaCroix and Will, his face pale and twisted with pain. "Son of a bitch!" He barked. "What the fuck do you think you're doing LaCroix?!" He stepped around LaCroix, his fists clenched, and his eyes narrowed.

"I was merely pointing out errors to my son and yours. I'm just going to step outside and get myself some coffee." LaCroix stepped around Marcus carefully then turned to his son. "When I return we will discuss this in a decent fashion. I hope there won't be a audience." Then he turned his back, walking out of the room.

"You motherfucker!!" Screaming after him Liam headed for the door, trying to claw off the sling that pinned his arm to his chest. "I'm going to KILL you!!"

Marcus stepped towards his son, one hand grasping his good shoulder firmly. "Don't son...settle down. Me and LaCroix are going to have a talk." He turned to Liam his eyes narrowing. "Will needs you, Liam. Go take care of him..." he turned back to the door his eye burning with anger, "...cause this good ol' boy is about to take care of some high falutin' ass." He was across the room and out the door in a split second.

Liam gritted his teeth panting, his chest rising and falling hard. He wanted nothing more than to beat the living hell out of LaCroix, but he knew his father was right. Will needed him more than anything right now after all. Taking a deep shuddering breath Liam nodded and stepped back towards the bed. "Okay…dad."

"That's my boy!" Marcus' voice drifted from somewhere down the hall.

***

Marcus marched down the hallway his eyes locked on LaCroix's stiff ass. He'd had about enough of the fucker. Gertie might kick his ass for this, but at this point, he was just damn tired. Tired of LaCroix and his holier than thou attitude, of the way the man had badmouthed his son on a regular basis, of how LaCroix treated his wife and son---he was just fucking tired.

"Lord don't take this the wrong way cause I'm a good Christian, but that fucker needs to be straight. Don't be angry that I'm going to do the setting."

As LaCroix stopped at the coffee machine Marcus grabbed his shoulder spinning him around on his three hundred dollar leather Gucci loafer heals. "Exactly what the fuck do you think your doing William LaCroix?! Are you that big of a bastard or you as dumb as a pile of rocks in cow shit?!"

William brushed Marcus' hand off his shoulder as if he were dirt, then turned back to the coffee machine. Grabbing a cup, he poured himself a cup of coffee casually. "It would appear I am getting a cup of coffee Marcus…and yourself?"

"Fixin' to kick your good for nuthin' ass..." Marcus growled softly. "Even the gators in the bayou wouldn't eat you! Shit you'd leave 'em with a bad taste in their mouths. Now I'm gonna say this once and you are gonna listen. There will be no talk with Will. The boy damn near died and you're in there causing him more pain. That ain't the way of a true father and I should know."

William added cream to his coffee, then picked up the sugar. "Oh…is that right?" He added one teaspoon then another. "And what is it you think a ‘real’ father should do or allow---hum? Oh…wait let me guess." William turned coffee in hand. "You think letting your sons whore about town and do nothing but cause trouble is the way a father ‘should’ act. On the other hand, maybe you also think a father should let his son fail and go nowhere in life. Maybe he should follow the same path you led which of course, I believe is true but in your case it goes nowhere and stops at a garage. No Marcus I think I will talk with my son if for no reason other than to talk sense into him once and for all. Maybe being shot made him see the light as you will." He sipped his coffee eyes locked on Marcus.

Without another thought, Marcus let fly with his fist, smiling wickedly as LaCroix nose made a satisfying crunch beneath his knuckles. The coffee cup flew from LaCroix's fingers, coffee splattering the front of his precise wool suit along with the blood that poured from his nose.

"How's that for acting you stupid son of a bitch?" Marcus snarled.

William grabbed his nose, his eyes wide in shock. "ARE YOU INSANE?" He screamed. "Completely crazy?! You can't just hit me!" Grabbing a napkin from the nearby table, he pressed it to his nose, wincing in pain.

"Just did dumb ass." Marcus grinned his eyes narrowing. "I mean bein' as I'm a no account redneck, unmannered auto mechanic. You know our kind fists fly and questions are asked later. Course bein' as I'm uneducated and all can't right think of a question right now."

"Shut up!" William growled. "I'll take you to court you smart ass." He pushed past Marcus, pulling out a chair and flopping down. "God my suit…" He glanced down. "You’re going to pay for this suit Marcus."

Marcus turned a smirk curling his lips. "That so? Seems to me that I heard tell that you richies could get anything out with club soda. What you tellin' me that ain't true?" His innocent brown eyes twinkled.

Rolling his eyes LaCroix ignored Marcus, then changed the topic back to the original subject. "I am his father Marcus and I do care for him. It's why I'm doing all this…why it needs to be done. Just because it’s your son he needs to get away from, that does not give you a reason to be violent towards me. The facts are still the facts Marcus."

Leaning against the wall Marcus studied his fingernails. "Facts? Oh, yeah...those are..." he paused looking up with confused eyes. "What are those now? Care to explain them to an uneducated man?"

"That your son is a cancer. He kills everything he touches. He hurts everything eh touches. Things that are near him suffer. After all, you should know. Your son sure as well does. It’s why he visits her grave every Saturday at least the boy knows he's nothing but a dead end." William calmly wiped his nose. "My son will not be your son’s next fatality. I'm smarter than that."

Marcus was across the hallway in a second and yanked LaCroix from his chair, spinning him and slamming him into the wall hard enough to knock the wind from his lungs. "You bastard! You don't know my son! You never did!" He slammed him against the wall again with a growl. "My boy was a good boy! Had the grades! Had the game! Then he lost it cause of an injury!" Another slam into the wall and Marcus had LaCroix pinned, his forearm across his throat. "Wasn't bad enough he lost his mama!"

Leaning forward, his breath smelling of tobacco and black coffee, he met LaCroix's gaze head on. "You ever think that maybe if you'd listened to me and not sent Will away, then my boy would've made it through that?! You took his best friend from him you son of a bitch!" He slammed LaCroix against the wall once more for good measure, then released him turning his back.

Coughing and spluttering William bent double clutching his stomach. He wiped his mouth as he wheezed out. "I gave my boy a chance at a good life. We never had a good life when we were boys Marcus I gave William a chance. I couldn't let him stay just to keep your boy in line. Didn't matter they were the best of friends. None of that stuff matters just his future. HIS FUTURE!! And he has none with Liam." William slowly straightened. "Not a one. We live on different streets now Marcus we don't play together anymore and neither will our sons."

From her spot next to Marcus, Gertrude murmured softly. "You ignorant bastard."

"GERTIE!!" William cries out in rage.

"NO! No you listen to me good William LaCroix. I am your wife and I deserve it. You are a damned ignorant bastard. This man was your best friend. YOUR BEST FRIEND!! Since forever. How dare you? How dare you speak to him this way? Just because you have money and because we got lucky, it doesn't give you the right. You are the cancer here not anyone else and certainly not Liam. Not Liam at all, William."

"I will not listen to this."

"YOU WILL!! You will or else." Gertrude walked closer her eyes brimming with tears. "Money made you a monster William. You were a man once a good strong loyal man. Now you’re just this disgusting shell of what you used to be. Your son is sick down the hall and all he wants in the world is for you to love and accept him and to love Liam. And you want to take all those things away from him. Because he's gay you don't want to see him and because he loves a poor boy you don't want to allow it." Gertrude turned away her hand covering her mouth as she whispered. "You make me sick."

William opened his mouth to answer, but the words seemed to stick in his throat, as he looked at first his wife, then to Marcus.

"You know she's right..." Marcus replied softly. "I used to think I was lucky to have a man like you as a friend. Then the money came and suddenly I was invisible to you. That ain't right, William. You want your boy to have a good life. Well I want the same for mine. Those two love each other more than life itself. Both of them were willing to die for the other." Marcus cleared his throat rubbing at his eyes. "Who are we to dictate who they love? You remember what Gertie's dad did when he found out you'd gone and got his baby pregnant? He went after you with his shotgun. He was ready to lay your ass out with a couple of well-placed rounds. Who saved your ass, William?" His gaze settled on LaCroix's pale face. "My daddy did." Marcus turned and walked away shaking a smoke out, as he slipped out the glass doors, his shoulders slumped.

William turned to Gertrude, his mouth opening again as if he were going to speak.

Shaking her head Gertrude whispered softly. "Don't say anything Marcus…not even if it's good. Don't say a thing to me. I married you for better or for worse and this is most certainly worse. You will go to your son’s room and you will look inside. You will do this now." Gertrude raised a hand stopping any arguments he might have had. "Now William. Just look…look at them."

William looked indecisive for a few seconds, then nodded, slowly walking around his wife and down the hall. Watching her husband go, Gertrude sighed, then headed outside to speak with Marcus.

***

"You should have seen Herbie's face when I hit Buster in the face with the gun." Liam chuckled, caressing William's hand. "Thought he was going to turn clear."

"Turn clear or piss himself?" Will croaked out softly, his fingers curling around Liam's. Despite the bandages, the tubes, and the dark circles beneath his eyes William's smile could have lit up the entire room. "Would have been funny to see that, pet."

***

Outside the door, William Sr. walked up, peering through the window. Quietly he listened to the conversation.

***

Liam laughed softly as he picked up Will’s hand, kissing it softly. "I love you." Liam murmured. "I love you so much and I was so scared. I thought that was it-- -you know? I thought the stupid fucking curse was going to take you from me. I thought I would never feel fear like that again. Not since mom." He glanced down at Will's hand. "Couldn't save her neither."

"You saved me though..." Will whispered softly, "...I heard you. It was so bleedin' cold and dark, then I heard your voice." He lifted his gaze to Liam's dark eyes. "God wasn't ready for me and I wasn't ready for him. Now your mum...she was ready to go, luv. Was her time and you couldn't change that. None of us could." Tears welled in his eyes. "You brought me back though. Never thought I had much to live for until you came along." He smiled through the tears. "My hero...saved me from that fat bastard Buster. Guess it was time for me to pay back the bleedin' favor."

"You sound like dad." Liam whispered as he lay his head in Will's lap, turning his face up to look at him. "I would have died for you---you know?"

William lifted a shaking hand and stroked his pale fingers through Liam's thick soft hair. "I know..." he whispered, "...it was my turn though. Time for me to show you that I loved you enough to die for you, pet. Never did that before...was always you that died."

"It was you in my dream." Liam whispered softly, tilting his head back into Will's caress.

"Was it?" Will leaned down the best he could pressing his lips to the top of Liam's head. "Don't remember dying in any of mine..." he mumbled softly, then realized what Liam had said. "You had a dream?"

Liam nodded. "Yeah…it was you. Scared me something awful. Went to O asked all these question thought maybe she was messing with me and I didn't want to think that."

His hand slid down to lift Liam's chin so he could look in his eyes again. "Is that where you went? I was wondering where you took off to in the middle of the bloody night." He smiled down at Liam. "Thought maybe you left the iron on at your house or something." He chuckled wincing as the pain flared in his ribs.

Liam reached out caressing down Will's side softly. "Shh…don't be laughing too hard. I don't want them stitches busting. I happen to like your insides as much as your outsides." He grinned naughtily up at Will.

"That right, luv?" William raised one brow, then relaxed into Liam's touch with a yawn. "I like your insides and outsides too." He leaned back against the pillows, his fingers still stroking through Liam's hair. "Wish they made double hospital beds. It'd be nice to have you hold me." He yawned wider and blinked sleepily.

Sitting up Liam moved around the bed and slid up onto the mattress slow and careful so as not to jar Will's side until he's snug against his side. "Well lookie here." He slid his arms around him, folding his hands across Will’s stomach.

Sighing Will closed his eyes as Liam curled around him. "That's nice..." he whispered as he folded his hands over Liam's. "Missed you."

"I missed you too baby." Liam leaned in kissing the nape of his neck.

***

Outside the door, William Sr. sighed softly, then turned away walking down the hall and outside. He looked up as he walked to where his wife and once longtime friend were standing talking softly to one another.

Gertrude turned as her husband approached, seeing the look in his eyes she rubbed Marcus' arm. "I'm just going to go use the ladies room. I'll be right back." She walked up to her husband kissing him on the cheek with a tiny smile, then went inside.

Rocking back on his heels back and forth, he shoved his hands deep into his pockets. With a faint sigh, he tried to breathe carefully, but the cool wind made his abused nose sting. He stood in one spot for a minute or two then moved closer to Marcus speaking softly.

"When we were boys and we talked about having sons was them ever growing up, being gay, and in love in the package?"

"Nope..." Marcus exhaled a cloud of silvery grey smoke as he stared into the night sky. "Don't think the being gay was part of the package." He took another drag, then studied the glowing cherry with feigned interest. "Look..." he started, then exhaled, "...it don't matter what we thought was gonna happen." He turned to William with a sigh. "What happened with us William? Was it just the money?"

"It would seem that and the fact I'm something of a monster." William mused softly. "I was that woman's hero once. Now I'm her monster. That is quite a drastic change---a sad and drastic change."

Marcus chuckled softly to himself. "Gertie just wants her Will back." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "You know your boy is the spit and image of you when we were in high school. I imagine that she sees that and thinks that you're rougher on him because of it. I know you're in there Will...just got to get past the money thing. You've given your boy a better life than we had as boys, but now you got to let him spread his wings. Neither of them are children anymore Will...they’re men and they love each other."

"I see that...I saw...I saw that just now." Will admitted looking down at the ground. "Will seems so happy with Liam. So very happy."

"He is...and Liam well my boy hasn't been this happy since before his mama died. They're good for each other always have been. Even when they were boys." Marcus dropped the cigarette butt and ground it out beneath his boot heel then turned to William. "Look...I'm sorry about the nose, but I think you know you were asking for it." He chuckled. "How about we try and start over Will. You know my Meredith always said to forgive was the first step to heaven's gate. So what do you say?" He held out his hand with a questioning look.

William looked down at the hand for a few seconds then took it in his own. "I think I would like that Marcus…very much."

Smiling from behind the glass door Gertrude pushed it open and walked out. "Well, then why don't we go check on our boys. I sent Kathy and Charlie home to start on a good dinner for you Marcus. You've been living on cafeteria food for far too long."

Rolling his eyes Marcus stretched with a grunt. "Maybe I like that cafeteria shit, Gertie."

"Well I do not and you will not argue with me Marcus Garrigan. Now scoot."

William chuckled, walking through the doors, and calling out behind him. "If I were you Marcus I would listen to the woman."

"Yeah, I kinda figured that William." Laughing softly Marcus patted William's back as he followed him through the doors. "What do you suppose the boys are talkin' about now?"

Gertrude smiled, walking through the doors, and trailing behind them. "I already know."

***

When they reached Will’s room, she peeked in, then grinned wider. Moving out of the way, she whispered softly. "Have a peek."

Moving to the door Marcus smiled as he focused on the two boys. Liam was curled up behind Will, his arms folded gently around his waist as if he were holding onto a precious piece of delicate china. He sighed with relief as he saw the tiny smile curling Will's mouth in his sleep and his gaze moved to where their hands were entwined, resting against Will's stomach. Both of them were sound asleep. He turned back to William Sr. and grinned as he waved him to the window.

Looking inside William Sr. sighed. "And I so wanted grandchildren someday." He smiled though at the sight. "I can always make them adopt."

"Make that ‘we’ can make them..." Marcus chuckled. "Not that I ain't gonna be a grand daddy already, but I think the boys would make great parents." He wrapped his arm around William's shoulder as they watched Liam and Will sleep.

~Epilogue~

Five Months Later

"Woman I told you every time I try to change his diaper he pees right in my face! He does not like me!"

"Charles that is your son! Now change his diaper." Fred patiently growled as she handed their son to Charlie.

Charlie made a sour face, but took his son. "Now listen here Lee Marcus Garrigan…you will not pee in my face this time. Ya hear me?" The baby cooed, then reached out grabbing Charlie’s nose and smiling his innocent toothless baby smile. "Yeah that's my little man."

Running out of the house as Charlie walked up the stairs Kathy headed straight to her father. "Daddy look! The pictures they came out perfect! Don't I look so great in my pink dress! And oh look at Will in his suit!! I made everyone so jealous!!" She squealed as her father shook his head with a grin and shoved the pictures at him.

"That you did, luv." Will walked past Kathy chuckling, a bowl of potato salad in his hand. Heading for the table beneath the old oak, he yelled over his shoulder at Marcus with an amused grin. "Thought I was going to have to start handing out napkins to all those drooling princesses."

"Liam you about done with the hot dogs?" Fred called out as she opened the rolls and buns on the table.

Liam poked the hot dogs again for the tenth time. "Yeah…I think so."

"Do not think Liam ‘know’! For god’s sake, you just cannot cook let me look…" Gertrude pushed Liam out of the way.

"Now Gertie don't hurt his feelings." William patted Liam's shoulder as he walked to the picnic table with the tray of napkins and plastic utensils.

"Shush man! Why do you think you have napkin and utensil duty?"

William grumbled beneath his breath, but stayed at his task.

Glancing up at Liam who was standing his brow furrowed and his mouth pursed in a soft pout Will wander back towards the grill. With a soft sigh, he wrapped his arms around Liam's waist hugging him tight and placing a soft kiss between his shoulder blades. "Don't pay any attention to mum, pet. You know how she gets when she's nervous."

From the table Marcus' soft chuckling drifted as he shuffled through the stack of photos Kathy had given him. "That's right, son. She always was a bit peckish--- now wasn't she William?" He gave Will's dad a sidelong glance.

"That's one word for it." William whispered, but to no avail as a grill mitt launched through the air and hit him in the head.

Liam chuckled, leaning his head back against Will's shoulder. "I feel much better now."

"WOMAN HE DID IT AGAIN!!" Charlie screamed running out of the house, a naked squirming baby held at arm’s length.

Sighing Fred stood up from her seat. "If you will excuse me I have to help my man with our cunning evil son. An evil son who likes to pee all over his daddy."

"I feel real better now." Liam chuckled.

Will shook his head, nipping at Liam's neck. "So...you interested in maybe getting one of those evil babies?" He chuckled, his hands caressing Liam's stomach as he began to rock.

"Mmm…keep doing that I'll agree and say yes to just about everything." Liam murmured.

"Ewww…gross! Daddy they’re doing it again." Kathy shrieked.

Rolling his eyes at Kathy's imitation of a foghorn Marcus hefted himself to his feet. As he wandered past William, he sighed with a put upon expression. "Just be glad you only have one. Imagine having a teenager with the vocal range of an alien spacecraft about to explode into hyperspace."

Will turned his head, grinning at Marcus. "Or the ability to talk faster than a speeding bullet. You should have heard her at the prom...incessant and never ending. Well except when she was busy trying to feel me arse up."

"WHAT?" Liam growled looking at Kathy.

Whistling innocently Kathy quickly got up. "I'm just...just going to help Charlie and Fred...nowww!!" Then she was running for the house as fast as she could.

"Now Liam…my William is just adorable. No one can resist him." Gertrude sweetly cooed, pinching her son’s cheeks. "Aren't you baby? Yes you are…"

"Oh, now Gertie! Don't do that to your son while his man's right there."

"Oh, no…please do it. I find it endlessly entertaining." Liam mused, grinning like a loon as he settled his head on Will's shoulder. "Don't we, baby? Yes, we do…"

"Bite me Liam." Will growled softly as he tried to get away from his mother's pinching fingers.

"You know Gertie your husband’s right. Shouldn't encourage Liam he needs not a bit of encouragement. After all he is my son." Marcus waggled his eyebrows as he tucked the photos in his shirt pocket, then reached in the tub of ice to grab a bottle of beer.

Liam bit Will's neck, then licked the spot as Will squirmed and giggled.

Charlie and Fred appeared from the house, Kathy trailing behind them with a now dressed and gurgling happy baby. The three sat down at the picnic table Fred giggling and whispering to Kathy. Setting the hot dogs next to the hamburgers Gertrude sat down next to them Precious leaping into her lap with a soft yip of happiness.

Standing William Sr. raised his beer in a toast. "We're here today to give our sons a fond farewell before they go off to London for a well deserved vacation. We pray that the trip is safe and that they have the most wonderful time a couple could ask for. For they carry, our hopes and dreams as well as our names and we could not be prouder of them. Our lives would not be as enriched and happy without them. And for god's sake make sure they come home as soon as possible or my wife will make my life miserable beyond the telling…Amen!"

Gertrude slapped her husband’s thigh playfully, then returned to feeding Precious bits of hot dog.

"To my bro and his beau.” Charlie stood lifting his beer. “Go to London get drunk, have fun, lots of sex…that I do not get anymore…and bring me back shit. I love ya." He sat down as Fred reached up stroking his face.

Glancing around the table at all the smiling faces Will smiled back, then looked up into Liam's dark eyes. "Well...I'd bloody well say we'll be back, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get Liam back on a plane after I get him off." His eyes twinkled as he leaned into Liam, one arm wrapped around his waist. "Planes are safer than cars you know, luv." He whispered as he nipped at Liam's ear.

"I would rather have my car." Liam muttered. "Don't like planes."

"I know, luv. It's going to be fine though." Will turned looking up into Liam's dark eyes. "It'll be right...trust me." Stretching up he kissed Liam gently his hands moving from his waist up his back to finally tangle in the soft silk of his hair. Pulling back, he grinned wide. "Everything...I swear on me soul."

"No need to swear, William."

The two of them turned to see Gator coming down the stairs, Harris behind him towing a keg of beer. William's eyes lit up with that spark of devil that they often had before the shooting. It was getting easier for him now to show the affection he had for Liam. He had almost as much affection for this friend of Liam's just in a different way.

"Hey, Gator! See you finally got a set of knockers on you." He winked at Gator as he glanced over at Harris who was cussing beneath his breath as he wrestled with the keg. "So is Harris as fine as he looks?"

Gator rolled his eyes, a sparkle in his own eyes. "As a matter of fact he is." He chuckled as he moved to the table and smiled at his best friends. "Liam...Will..." a sudden seriousness came over his face. "I have some news."

"And that would be?" Liam asked.

Taking a deep breath Gator looked into Liam's eyes. "The jury came back with a verdict." He reached up squeezing Liam's arm. "They just came back twenty minutes ago and I got over here as fast as I could."

William moved closer to Liam his face paling at Gator's words. This had been the worst part of the past five months, the waiting, and the reporters who had been calling incessantly looking for a sound bite or comment from he or Liam.

Liam frowned. "I'd rather hear about Harris's fine ass." He hated talking bout Buster or Herbie or this case. He just wanted to pretend it was one huge nightmare. But every time as if god was telling him that wasn't possible his shoulder would, ache and his fingers would slide up William's side to his scar.

"I'm not complaining. My ass hasn't ever had so much attention. As a matter of fact not much of me ever has." Harris remarked, grinning boyishly, as he rolled the keg into position in the corner.

"I know how much you hate this Liam, but this is it. Those two have been quite the thorn in this town's side. It was to be blunt quite amusing to see how the majority of the town stood against them when they were brought to trial." Gator glanced over at Harris winking. "It's over now though...for good or so it would seem."

Arms tightening around Liam's waist William growled softly. "Enough with the chittering..." he whispered his side aching with the thought of the law not doing what it was meant to do. "If they..." he choked up, his gaze lifting to Liam's, "...if they walk away I don't know what I'll sodding do." His lower lip trembled as he tried to hold back the tears welling in his eyes.

"Shh…" Liam whispered, then lifted his gaze to Gator’s. "So what's the what? Do I have to commit murder soon while two pigs sleep or will big beefy guys in prison do it for me?"

Gator's smile widened. "Two big beefy guys in prison will soon have a new set of bitches to love." His eyes sparkled with humor. "Guilty on all counts."

Liam let out a breathe he hadn’t known he was holding. "Thank fuck."

"Amen." Harris mused, holding out a cup of beer. "Drink up…no aspirations to murder needed."

Liam accepted the cup from Harris as he handed one to William.

William Sr. nodded. "Good…this is very good. However, personally I would have pushed for the death penalty. They deserve to fry for what they did. Sheriff's should know better. They are the law."

Nodding Gator took a sip of his beer. "I'm not one for judging others, but I agree wholeheartedly. On the other hand, those two won't be seeing the outside world again. Life imprisonment with no chance of parole...ah yes the joy of having a judge whose granddaughter is a gay rights activist." He lifted his glass. "So shall we have a toast."

Marcus moved from his spot at the table to stand between his boys. "I'd say that's a right fine idea, Gator."

Liam, Charlie, Fred, Kathy, and Harris all held up their respective drinks as Liam glanced at William. "You want to make it or me?"

Eyes sparkling brighter than they had in five months Will lifted his beer. "I will..." his voice was soft, "...to the new beginnings. And to fate that bitch who finally lost after to many bleedin' lives lived in fear." He smiled up at Liam. "And to Meredith Garrigan a woman who was far wiser than any of us could ever hope to be. Thank you Meredith for bringing Liam to me...at last."

"Here, here!" Liam murmured taking a sip of his beer, everyone following suit.

Gertrude tapped the picnic table. "Alright everyone take a seat and dig in before the bugs decide they are gonna eat it for us."

Everyone mulled around, finding seats at the picnic table. Liam grabbed Will's arm pulling him away towards the swing. Marcus gave him a look and Liam just held up his finger. Marcus nodded as Liam pulled William into his arms.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." Will smiled up at Liam, "...yeah I am. Think I'm far better than I've ever been." He leaned into Liam's broad chest, his head tucked beneath Liam's chin. "And you're the reason, luv." He whispered softly. "You've always been the reason."

"I know what that's like…having that feeling." Liam whispered softly, resting his chin on top of William's head. "So you going to introduce to me to all your friends? Your American redneck boyfriend?"

"Course you silly git..." Will lifted his head and smiled as he smacked Liam. "And you know what they'll all be jealous that I have a tall, dark, handsome, and far too broody boyfriend." Chuckling he wrapped his arms around Liam's waist and began to sway to a song only he could hear. "My very own Heathcliff...yeah they'll be jealous as all bloody hell."

"What about all your ex-lovers? Them too? So can I...beat them up?" Liam asked with mirth in his voice.

Will raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Just how many lovers do you think I had before you, pet?"

Liam's eyes scan over William as he muttered low, his hands tightening around William's waist. "Better not have been many."

"Only had two, luv. Just two before you and neither relationship turned out to good. First one found God...and well the other, he died in a car accident right before I came back. We were friends and all by then, but I already knew why it never worked with him." He swallowed hard looking into Liam's eyes, his heart pounding as he took in every inch of that beautiful face. "Couldn't give me heart to him...cause you already had it."

Liam smiled softly. "You’re such a sap and I love you for it."

"Am not!" Will smacked Liam and took off at a dead run, laughing as he went.

"ARE TOO!!" Liam yelled taking off after William.

The group watched with smiles, Charlie picking up a roll as he shook his head in amusement. "Some things never change."

"No..." Marcus grinned as Liam slammed Will to the ground beneath the old apple tree, their laughter ringing through the warm afternoon air as they playfully wrestled. "They never do son...they never do."

~Finis~

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