Two

Ryan sighed as he knocked on Mike's door and when no one answered he was concerned. He turned the knob and was a little surprised to find it unlocked especially with everything that was going on with Joe and his followers. The older agent entered and saw Mike sleeping so he softly closed the door. Ryan felt for the kid and thought he didn't deserve what he got from his ex. Its one thing to be neglectful once but to emotionally abuse someone was wrong and by the way Mike described it Ryan suspected there was also a hint of sexual abuse in there. He took off his shoes and was going to join Mike when he saw the younger man's phone sitting on the bedside table flashing from a new text message. The agent felt anger run through him when he saw it was from Daniel and opened the text messages from the so called "boyfriend".

You whiny little bitch. Breaking up with me just because I got a little rough. Whatever. I can find a better lay any day. Good riddance.

You won't find another man after this. At least not one who will put up with you or be gentle.

Ryan held back his growl because he didn't want to wake Mike up and deleted the messages as well as Daniel from the younger man's phone. He knew it was probably wrong to do that but he wanted to protect Mike as much as he could. Though Ryan did wonder if he should even get attached but also knew that it was too late for that since leaving wasn't an option anymore, at least in his mind.

~Falling Into Salvation~

Mike woke in pain from his injuries and felt a warm body beside him. He saw that it was Ryan and was surprised but then he remembered that he didn't lock the door. He carefully got up so as not to wake the especially since the older man had been working grueling hours trying to take care of Joe Carroll and his followers. Mike grabbed his phone and walked out to the living area, sitting down on the couch but not putting the television wanting a moment to him. He was curious when he saw that Daniel wasn't in his phone anymore and neither were any of his messages.

"I deleted it," Ryan said and Mike looked up to see that the older man wasn't the least bit apologetic about it.

"Why?" Mike asked still shocked at actually having a man, that wasn't related to him, care so much about his well being.

"Because he was hurting you," Ryan stated simply sitting down next to Mike and wrapping his arm around the younger man.

Mike didn't know what to say to that but it made him feel better in so many ways so he decided to just go with it. He was still curious though as to what exactly this was and that was something he needed to know.

"What are we?" Mike asked.

"I don't know Mike. I'm not one for labels but if you really want to put a label on it just use the term partners," Ryan sighed not wanting to think right now.

Mike curled up against Ryan feeling satisfied with that answer at least for now. It was more than Daniel ever gave him and the older agent also treated him like he was a human being instead of a verbal punching bag that was only useful for sex. Ryan ran a hand through his hair to calm him almost like he knew what Mike was thinking about. The younger man sighed and figured that later on after everything with Joe Carroll was taken care of the two of them could come back and have a discussion about their partnership but right now he would take what he could get.

Note: This is the end for this story at least. There will be a sequel in some form or another just please be patient.