Hold still my beating heart. The feels! Michael and Fay deserve another chance. It won't be perfect but the way this ended gave me hope.

And I'm so relieved Billy pulled through. I hate it when he gets hurt but I get so happy at seeing how he recovers with his team by his side. As much as I love seeing Rick get hurt, this whole Billy as a damsel in distress has grown on me. But hopefully I run into some Rick whumpage?

All in all...great job.

. . . . .

*high pitch squeal*

What happened?! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!

I was going to write a long, detailed review but I simply can't! I need to know what happens next but I will say this was excellent! The way Fay feels is heartbreaking and I really wish she and Michael had been able to work it out but right now there's more important things to talk about. Like will Billy be okay?

I loved this story! I know its a bit late..but only just recently starting watching Chaos..and i actually really like the way its a drama but has the satire in it. Loved Fay's POV in your piece - and how the dynamics of the ODS interlink with her and Michael's relationship. Very well written and one of my faves!

I really love this story. You did a wonderful job capturing Faye's character, and her feelings about the break-up of her marriage to Michael. I especially loved how the mission changed her perceptions of her marriage, and of Michael, and hopefully made her a bit less bitter. I think though that one of my favorite parts was Casey telling her that the years of her marriage were the best for the team, because Michael was extra careful and vigilant because he had her to come home to.

Thanks for sharing.

Great chapter. So much lovely angst! I love Faye's observations on a mission gone wrong, getting her perspective of the situation. It's the kind of POV that really maximizes everyone else's reactions as well as the one whose perspective that we're getting.

Fave Parts:

It's a pristine and exquisite backdrop to such a macabre scene. Because in the midst of all the grandeur, Billy's lying on his side, slumped against the wall, mouth open and face pale, with a spreading patch of red on his shirtfront that's starting to pool on the floor.

-And you know why I LOVE this!

She's running and Billy's there.

Now she's standing still and Billy's bleeding on the floor.

- The lines: "Billy's there" and then "Billy's bleeding on the floor". Something about those two sentences just don't register, there's a stark comparison between the two moments and situations that bring different emotions. One of relief and security and the other the total opposite and presenting them this one after the other gives the absurdity of everything's that's just happened.

They both look at her. "No," Michael says, averting his eyes. "Billy excused himself when we caught wind of what was going on with Richard. I told him to stay put-"

"His position was closer," Rick interjects, and his implication is clear. There's no telling what would have happened between Richard and Fay and a knife.

It's too much to process.

-THUD! I never get tired of heroic Billy! NOT EVER! HAHAHA!

Michael leads her to another waiting room and she sees Rick, pacing. His face is taut, hands shifting restless from his pockets to his sides in uncertain intervals. Casey is seated behind him, still and stoic.

When Rick sees them approach, he stops mid-pace and he looks tired. For a second, he and Michael share a look before Rick swallows. "He's in surgery," he says. "The worst of it hit his lung, and they're not sure about one of his kidneys. It might have also hit part of his liver."

Michael doesn't flinch at the news and Casey seems to sigh.

Fay blinks. "What's his prognosis?" she asks, because it seems like no one else is going to.

Rick looks at her, as if he's almost forgotten that she's there. "They won't know until they get in there to see the extent of the bleeding," he says. "His blood volume was really low when we got here, though, so it's been touch and go."

"He was stabbed in the chest," Casey grunts from his seat. "All things considered, the fact that we got him here without having him bleed out entirely is nothing short of a miracle."

-You know I loved this! Serious surgical outcomes are always my favorite things!

And yet, he's not surprised. He sits in the chair, body bent. His elbows rest on his knees and he props his head up on his chin as he looks out and waits. He's not sure what news the doctor will bring. He's gauging it all, the best case scenario and the worst. He's preparing to hear that Billy's alive and fine, that he's going home soon. He's preparing to hear that Billy didn't make it, that they're going home with a coffin instead of a friend.

-AWESOME description of Michael here!

"Surgery was longer than expected due to the placement of the blade," the doctor explains. She motions to her chest. "Though it was not a large wound, it did cause significant damage to several internal organs. We are treating the puncture to his lung with a chest tube, and we expect no further complications from that. We have to continue to watch his renal output; while we did save his kidney, it is unclear to us if it will regain full function or not. He also did damage to his liver, and we removed a small portion while we contained other bleeds in the upper abdominal cavity."

It's the kind of thing Fay might read in a report. The basic facts she'd leave in a briefing for Higgins. The cold delineation of facts, the plain truths without any softness or context. But Fay remembers that this is a person they're talking about-this is Billy. This is the man who came to her aid at the expense of the mission and without regard to his own personal well being. It's not just about a lung or a kidney or a missing part of a liver. It's about life and death and blood and so much more.

- LOVED this POV. I love her view that that she usually reads about the injuries through a report not experiencing first hand

Fay's gaze lingers; she nods. "I know, but..."

But it's not the same.

This isn't the same.

She gathers a breath and lets it out. "He compromised the mission for me," she says. "If he had stuck to the plan..."

Then the mission would have been over sooner and there's no telling what exactly would have happened to Fay. If she could have gotten out, if Michael or Casey or Rick could have gotten into position on time.

"Missions are more than the reports we file," Michael explains. "Our first goal is always the safety of those we serve with. Always."

He speaks without hesitation, with total resolve.

- LOVE IT!

When he's settled, Fay says, "So it looks like they're working you pretty hard in the therapy."

Billy makes a face, waving one hand dismissively. "I just like to give them a challenge," he says. "If I woke up jumping through hoops, the poor physical therapy department would feel rather neglected."

Fay rolls her eyes slightly. "I'm sure that's it."

Billy manages an impish grin.

-Sigh!

Billy smiles. "In the end, it's still about survival," he says. "You have to protect your soul just as readily as your life, and for any spy both are always in mortal peril."

"And it's worth it?" Fay asks.

"The uranium is secure. My friends are safe. And you are standing, perfect and lovely before me," Billy says with a confidence that belies his still weak condition. He nods. "It's worth it."

And in everything, for Fay, that may be the truth that matters the most.

- I LOVE THIS MAN!

Great!

This would be a heck of an episode. You made it so easy to see. Billy whump too!

I love this story and this POV of the ODS and of course, Billy. He is just too adorable for words and he woos with his comforting presence without any effort, so natural. I can't get enough 3rd party POV of Billy in any form.

Fave Parts:

Billy lifts his eyebrows, clearly impressed. "You make it sound positively perfect the way you say it," he says.

She rolls her eyes. Of all of Michael's partners, Billy has always been the least difficult to get along with. After all, he's generally good mannered and considerate, and even when he's completely messing up her life, he's doing it with a genuine smile that makes her feel like it's somehow not as bad as it is.

Still, he's a spy and a con, and probably the best-and therefore, the worst-among them. The fact that she wants to like him doesn't change the fact that he's impossible to really like because of all the aforementioned reasons.

- LOVE this observation, it's almost like she can't make up her mind about Billy. I like that.

Billy inclines his head and gives her a knowing look. "This may not be business as usual for you, but surely you understand the nature of the job."

"I understand it," she agrees with a nod. "And I don't have to like it." She stops and looks at Billy icily. "And I don't have to like those who do."

Billy doesn't disagree, and when he settles back in his seat, Fay tries not to notice that content smile on his face looks forced.

-Ouch! So harsh.

His blue eyes are wide and earnest. "I pride myself on having a tough exterior, but I will say that your words are hurtful."

"They're true," she says curtly. "I'm taking a shower."

-SO mean! hee!

And as much as she'd like to deny it, Billy's lack of personal cleanliness does not negate his commitment to the mission.

Dressed and ready, she steps back out into the main room. The first thing she notices is that it is in fact clean. Or, cleaner. Billy has dumped the blankets and the pillow on the bed, picking up his things and throwing them in his suitcase. Clothes still hang out the sides, but it is a marked improvement from before.

The second thing she notices is the steaming breakfast waiting for her.

"I took the liberty of ordering us a few things," Billy says from one of the chairs. He's dressed immaculately and even if his hair is still askew, he certainly looks the part of a well-to-do businessman. He nods toward the table, peering at her over his cup of coffee. "With all we have on the agenda, I feared we wouldn't have time for a proper meal."

It's actually surprisingly thoughtful and she feels a pang of guilt for waking him so rudely.

- SO BILLLY!

It's a point she hasn't thought about extensively. She's read Billy's file. Though the details are all omitted-top secret, or so she's told-the basics are there. His impressive career with the British resulted in an impressive deportation. Higgins must have known the details when he okayed Billy's hire, but while his career with the CIA has been equally impressive, Billy is still not allowed to go back home.

Ever.

The thought almost makes her frown

- AH, the deserved rethink and sympathy.

Michael is dressed for the role. The uniform looks a little ridiculous, but she can't deny that he fills it out quite nicely.

She's embarrassed by the very thought and she's blushing with her mouth open when Michael walks further in the room.

Billy, on the other hand, snickers. "You look spectacular," he says, crossing his arms in satisfaction over his chest. "Though shouldn't maids wear an apron?"

Michael is nonplussed even as he looks at Billy critically. "I'm an upper level bell hop," he says. He holds out a towel. "I don't clean, I serve."

Billy frowns mockingly. "Your disposition lacks a little charm," he comments. He quirks an eyebrow. "Might be hellish on your tips."

- HILARIOUS

"Aye, that is one of the perils of espionage that they fail to warn you about," he says. "Your body is at the mercy of the mission, be it torture or peril or the over indulgence of the well-to-do."

Fay has to smile. "Still, that was impressive," she says.

Billy lifts his eyebrows. "The spread of food?"

"No, you," she says, watching him with fresh interest. He's discarded his tie somewhere on the floor and his jacket is now strewn over a chair. "I mean, you managed to get him to tell us his entire life story, complete with business details."

Billy shrugs, sitting heavily in one of the chairs. "People enjoy talking about themselves," he says. "Ask the right questions and provide the best company and they'll often willingly share most of their secrets, be they dark or not."

- AH! there's some praise finally!

Billy nods. "Very noble," he says. "Although I would wager that's a choice he may regret now. I half thought I might have to defend your honor the way that man was ogling the woman who is supposedly my wife of the weekend."

Fay laughs again. "That's ridiculous."

"Oh, I think not," Billy says. "Part of the reason he was so willing to talk was because it gave him more time to eye your clearly attractive figure. Our success in this mission is only half based on my charm and the rest of it can be attributed to your grace, elegance, and allure."

It's a beautiful type of flattery. "I bet you say that to all your partners."

Billy purses his lips, thinking about it. "To Rick, yes," he accedes. "Michael, perhaps, if the conditions are right. Casey, never."

At that she laughs heartily. "Well, no matter what you say, I know you salvaged the meet back there."

-HHAHAHA! He's SO cute here.

If the question is a surprise to Billy, he doesn't show it. But there's no arrogance or cockiness in his disposition. Instead, he gives her a simple smile and his eyes are bright but tired. "You answered your own question," he tells her. "You just do it. You put it all aside because the consequence if you don't are dire, and usually the things most at risk are the things you want to protect the most."

-AH! There's our Billy. SO noble!

"I'm quite serious," Billy says. "With all the attention you're gleaning from your very presence, I'm becoming a bit nervous at maintaining my typical affluent stealth."

She shakes her head, eyes scanning the crowd, looking for a familiar face. "You really are insufferable."

"He is insufferable," Michael's voice comes over their comm link.

Fay flinches, suddenly remembering her earwig.

"And Billy, stop flirting with my wife," Michael orders.

Fay's jaw tightens and she looks around the room pointedly for any sign of Michael. "It's nice to be with a man who actually takes the time to appreciate me in all aspects," she says.

"My intentions on all counts are entirely noble," Billy says, and it's not clear if he's assuring her or Michael.

- One of my favorite, favorite parts!

Fay's going to protest but she doesn't need to. "And if that were the case, I'd respect her wishes. But a lady in retreat speaks for itself."

"You don't know what you're talking about," Richard spits.

"And you don't know how to be a gentleman," Billy returns.

Richard's face darkens again and this time he lunges. Fay yelps, stumbling backward, but Billy holds his ground. He meets Richard's advance with an easy punch that puts Richard on his back.

-LOVE HEROIC BILLY! SO MUCH!

Billy is leaned against the wall. When he looks up at her, his eyes are wide and bright. "Just a small snag," he says, almost apologetic. "Tell Michael it's all in place. We just need to...to execute."

He's heaving now, face pale and sweaty.

She frowns. "But, I don't-"

She's going to say she doesn't understand.

But then she does.

Because a drip of blood splashes to the ground and Billy's entire shirt front is red. He has one hand pressed tight against it, but red still seeps through his fingers at an alarming rate.

She doesn't know if she should scream or cry but she does nothing.

Billy smile. "I'm sorry," he says as his eyes roll up in his head and his body goes slack, sliding down the wall and landing in a heap on the floor.

- THUD! Need I say more?

Really nice Chaos story, complete with suspense, surprises, whump of Billy, wonderful characterizations, teamwork and all that good stuff!

Need I say more?

Maybe not, but I will anyway. :)

I really enjoy the way you write the characters. You had me cheering for them throughout the story. I love how Billy was all gallant in protecting Fay. I just love him, and you portray him very well. Ah, and the heartbreakingly wonderful conversation between Michael and Fay at the end... so bittersweet!

Lovely job!

Great job on having Fay flip that switch between office worker and field operative...

I think you left a beta comment in again and it's a comment I totally agree with, lol: And Fay understands. For the first time in a long time, she really understands. YESSSSSSSSSSSS! SO MUCH WIN FOR THIS WHOLE SCENE! :D

Really liked reading Fay's POV of the guys and coming to a new understanding with Michael. Thanks for sharing this!

Evil cliffie but I forgive you since the next chapter is available... ;0]

BTW, I think you accidentally left one of your beta's comments in the text, but not sure though: Billy purses his lips, thinking about it. "To Rick, yes," he accedes. "Michael, perhaps, if the conditions are right. Casey, never." AHAHAHAHA! Win. :D