Even the great Casey Malick needs help every now and then. I just can't believe he admitted to it. The situation was definitely bad so I understand. Great read!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this :) Not only is it a fantasticaly written friendship fic between these two wonderful agents, but I was so pleased to see someone willing to write a story involving such deep Christian themes. In this world and time, that takes some guts!

I've read some of your other works as well, and as usual, you have delivered brilliantly. Your dialogue is smooth and effortless, and you really capture the tone of Casey and Billy's voices. Even Billy's accent comes across clearly.

I love the use of the church as a safe haven of sorts. It really fits. And the whole atmosphere of the story is really powerful. As a Christian I was personally touched by this piece.

Again, thank you for writing this!

Not so much into the god stuff, but good story. ;)

You write Casey to perfection! And his friendship with Billy so revealing. I never tire of reading the stories with them. Taken as a lone human weapon without Billy as delightful context, Casey would be one-dimensional. His deep protective commitment to Billy and how when faced with losing him, Casey defies his own principles and beliefs in order to plead to a higher power to save them ergo saving Billy, someone he needs to have in his life. You illustrate this beautifully and I loved reading it:

Fave part:

Billy's eyes stay open, looking up at Casey before drifting over to the cross. "Come all ye who are burdened," he says.

Casey glances back at him. "I didn't take you for a religious man."

Billy smiles wistfully. "The things I've done," he says, words forced with heavy breaths, "I always sort of figured God might find me too much of a hypocrite to take me seriously."

Another explosion rocks them and Casey leans closer still. "Well, if you've ever prayed," he says, "now might be a good time."

Billy looks vaguely amused. "Casey Malick, afraid?"

Casey glowers at him. "I'm just not opposed to help," he says.

Billy coughs and takes a shuddering breath. It's a clear effort but he says, "And I reckon God might not be opposed to listening."

As the fighting rages outside and Billy's breathing starts to rattle, Casey finds himself hoping that's true.

-sigh! Wonderful!

In the week when the greatest miracle of all occurred it is quite a wonderful and fitting story of faith you've penned.

The religious aspect did not offend me or scandalize me. It fit in quite nicely with what was happening. Quite believable.

I feel like you reached into my brain, pulled out my favorite Casey and Rick moment, and wrote an amazing fic around one of Casey 's best ever quotes!

I absolutely LOVED everything about this fic. The church setting, calm and serene, juxtaposed against the violence and noise of warfare? Completely vivid and super effective. I just love these quick but insightful glimpses you give us of Casey. How he can come to explain the existence of God as a matter of fact and logic, especially since he is not a man of faith, was brilliant. Miracles do happen; even to Casey Malick.

And the hurt Billy was exquisite, as always. You do such a great job of balancing hurt with substance. And his dialogue! You really have all of the nuances to his Billyisms down perfectly. So authentic, just like the rest of your writing.

Already looking forward to the next! Of course, I think you must already know that ;)

Thank you so much for this.

I really like this side of Casey, and I think it's not something one could easily see in his character, but you pulled it out beautifully. And he's right; never mumble a prayer. :)

I'm really missing Rick and his optimism. ;)