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Even the sound of gunshots and his own heavy footfalls as he ran down the corridor could not block out the panicked thoughts in Sanford’s mind. Deimos had called him for help; god knows what happened to him after the radio transmission cut off. As he turned another corner, he couldn’t help but worry that he wouldn’t make it in time… His partner could be dead, for all he knew. Reaching a door, he stopped for a moment, shaking his head to clear the negative thoughts.
This is where he said he was , he thought, pressing the button, opening the door. Let’s hope he’s still around here.
“Deimos?” Sanford called, looking around the room frantically. There were bodies of agents scattered here and there, but no other signs of his partner. “Deimos?!” he called again, his panic increasing.
There was a shuffle to his left, then finally, a response. “Over here,” he heard the familiar raspy voice of his partner call out. Sanford breathed a sigh of relief, following in the direction that he’d heard Deimos’ voice.
When he arrived, things did not look good. While the usual agency personnel bodies littered the floor, unfortunately, Deimos was also down. He was in a sitting position, leaning against the wall with his head hanging low. He looked up when he heard Sanford enter the room, giving him a weak smile.
“Hey, I knew you’d make it,” he said with a pained chuckle. Sanford rushed to his side, kneeling down next to him to take a look.
“What happened??” he asked worriedly. He shifted Deimos forward a bit to reach his backpack, searching through it for a med-kit. He usually kept at least one in there, unless he’d removed it prior to make more room for snacks, which seemed a lot like him.
“M’ not really sure, to be honest,” Deimos responded, as he watched Sanford pull out the supplies. “I think something went wrong with the gun. It sorta exploded on me.”
Sanford bit his lip, thinking. That surely didn’t sound good. Setting the bandages and other supplies to the side, he gently removed Deimos’ arm from where it was plastered to his bloody side. Peeling away the fabric of his jacket, then his shirt, he finally got a good look at the wound. It was rather gruesome but nothing he hadn’t seen before, of course. Considering the wound was on Deimos, however, made him a bit more worried, as he always felt protective over his partner.
“Is it that bad?” Deimos chuckled after a moment, breaking Sanford out of his thoughts. “I’ve never seen you make that face before.”
“It’s fine, Doc can fix it,” said Sanford, mostly trying to assure himself at this point. “I’ll do the best I can for now, then we’ll you back.” He unfurled a roll of bandages, getting to work on patching up the wound.
Deimos closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. “You sound awfully worried,” he said quietly. He took a slow, shaky breath inwards, then opened his eyes a crack to look at the other man.
“Listen, Sanford, if I don’t make it this time-“
“ Don’t talk like that, Deimos,” Sanford interrupted him, grabbing his partner’s wrist. He looked up and their eyes locked, his gaze intense behind his glasses. “I’m gonna get you back, and Doc will fix you up, you hear me? You’re gonna be just fine.”
Deimos smiled again. “Just in case, though,” he started, putting his other hand on top of Sanford’s. “I wanted to tell you… I’m really glad I met you.”
“ Deimos …” Sanford said quietly, squeezing his hand. “You’re not going to die, I promise. You’re gonna be alright.”
Deimos closed his eyes again, letting out a sigh. A soft “mmhmm,” was all he could manage, as his head started to droop slightly.
“ Shit ,” Sanford swore, and he dropped Deimos’ hand. “Deimos, come on, stay with me here,” he said, bringing a hand to his partner’s face. Thankfully he was still breathing, albeit lightly, and it seemed he was just barely conscious.
“We’ve gotta get out of here, quick,” Sanford muttered, mostly to himself. Leaning forward, he scooped up Deimos’ limp body into his arms with ease, as he had done many times before. His head moved to rest on Sanford’s shoulder, and his arms wrapped around his neck for support.
“ Thanks, San… ” Deimos mumbled, as his partner carried him out of the facility in a hurry.
Sanford tried not to listen to his increasingly worried thoughts as he drove back to the base in silence, occasionally glancing over to check on Deimos. His partner was still out cold, probably due to him losing blood, and looked rather pale.
He’s survived worse, Sanford tried to reassure himself. He’ll be okay. He always bounces back.
Upon arriving back at home, Sanford scooped Deimos up into his arms once more and brought him inside, straight to Doc’s office. He knocked the best he could, to let him know he was there, then pushed open the door in front of him.
“You’re back rather early,” said Doc, who sat at his desk, doing whatever it was that he always did on his computer. “Did something…” he trailed off, looking rather concerned when he turned to see Sanford cradling the still unconscious Deimos’ body.
Sanford spoke up quickly, trying not to sound too worried. “He’s- he got hit pretty bad,” he explained, as Doc motioned for him to set the hacker down on the cot in the room. “I- I tried to fix it up as much as I could, but- he’s lost a lot of blood already, and-“
“That’s enough,” Doc interrupted him, holding up a hand to stop him. “Just calm down, Sanford. I’ll take care of him.”
Sanford’s hands lingered for a moment before he let go of his partner, setting him gently on the cot. He paused, then looked up at doc and nodded. “R- right,” he affirmed, stepping back and rubbing at his arms awkwardly.
“Are you injured?” Doc asked him rather casually, as he pulled out some supplies. When Sanford shook his head, Doc turned away, letting out a huff. “Good. Now get out.”
He was hesitant to leave Deimos’ side, but Sanford knew that his partner was in good hands with doc. He nodded quickly and complied, leaving the room, as he knew Doc usually didn’t like company when he was trying to work.
He waited idly outside of Doc’s office in the kitchen nearby, sitting at the table with cup of coffee in his hands. It was ignored, for the most part, as he was too busy trying to ignore the intrusive thoughts in his head
while he waited rather nervously for any news. While he for sure didn’t doubt Doc’s ability to fix him up, it was just in his nature to worry, especially about his partner. It definitely didn’t help his anxiety when Deimos acted so reckless all the time, either. Although for once, this injury hadn’t even been his fault, he noted.
He was so lost in thought that he didn’t even hear the door open nearby. He was rather surprised to look up and see Doc waiting for him, his arms crossed rather impatiently. Sanford stood up immediately, looking hopeful.
“Is he-?” he started to say, but Doc stopped him, holding up a hand.
“He’s fine,” the medic told him with a nod. “He’s just resting now. You can go see him if you want… Just try not to wake him up.”
Sanford nodded eagerly. “Thank you, Doc,” he said, the somber mood he was just in lifting immediately.
He hurried to the medic’s office and opened the door, peeking in first. Just as Doc had told him, Deimos was asleep on the cot across the room, and Sanford made his way over to his partner’s side quickly.
Deimos definitely looked better than he had before, but his face was still rather pale, Sanford noted. He couldn’t help but smile, relieved that his partner was alright. He looked quite peaceful as he slept, something Sanford knew he had trouble with at times.
The room was silent, and Sanford sat down in the chair next to the cot, simply watching over his partner fondly as he rested. After a moment, however, there was a bit of movement, and the hacker cracked open his eyes, looking over at his partner.
“ San…? ” he said quietly, almost in disbelief as he gazed up at him. “Am I alive?”
Sanford smiled in response, nodding. “Yeah, you’re alright,” he told him, gently taking Deimos’ hand in his. “You’re not goin’ anywhere, you hear me?”
Deimos laughed softly, closing his eyes again. “Good,” he stated simply, smiling. “You guys would be lost without me.” He put his other hand on top of Sanford’s, and the two of them were quiet again.
“Hey, Sanford?” Deimos asked his partner suddenly, looking up at him. The man in question cocked his head in inquiry.
“M’ glad you’re my friend,” Deimos told him with a smile, a bit teary-eyed. “Dunno what I’d do without you.”
sanford sighed with a smile. “You don’t have to worry about that, Dei,” he reassured his partner. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”
“Heh, I know,” chuckled Deimos, giving him an endearing grin. “I love you, man.”
Sanford blinked, a bit shocked. He was surprised at the sudden confession, but looking at him, Deimos was probably only about half conscious at the moment, and didn’t even realize what he was saying. That didn’t make it any less special to Sanford, though, and he gave the hacker a soft smile, squeezing his hand in his lightly.
“I love you too, Dei,” he admitted to him, and Deimos looked rather pleased as he closed his eyes once more.
“Hehe, I knew it,” he said rather mischievously, and Sanford rolled his eyes.
There was a brief silence, before one of them spoke up again. “You should get some rest,” Sanford said, letting go of his partner’s hand, and reaching up to ruffle his hair. “I’ll see you soon, alright?
Deimos gave him a simple, tired “mmhmm,” as Sanford stood up to leave.
“Sleep well,” he told him, and quietly left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
The next day, Doc was practically begging Sanford to get Deimos out of his room, as the hacker was feeling much better, and therefore much more talkative. Sanford agreed, of course, and was listening quietly as Deimos talked idly about whatever was on his mind, as he helped him back to his own room. Sometimes it felt like Deimos just talked for the hell of it without any real reason, but Sanford didn’t mind; he liked the sound of Deimos’ voice. It was nice to see him so enthusiastic despite what had happened the day prior.
Upon arrival to his room, Deimos immediately flopped onto his bed with a large sigh. Sanford smiled amusedly, tilting his head as his partner looked back up at him.
“Need me to getcha anything?” he asked, and Deimos closed his eye briefly, shaking his head.
“Nah, I’m alright,” he responded rather casually. He rolled over on to his back, lifting his head up to look at his partner again with a grin. “Could probably use some company, though.” He patted the empty space on the end of the bed next to him as an invitation.
Sanford rolled his eyes humorously, and couldn’t help but smile. “I suppose I could stay for a minute,” he said jokingly as he sat next to his partner. He watched the hacker sit up with a yawn, giving him a smile. “I’ve got work to do, y’know. Someone had to pick up the slack after you got hurt!”
Deimos laughed, giving Sanford a playful jab to the arm. “Oh, shut up,” he snickered, unable to contain the smirk on his face. “You know I’d be out there with you in a heartbeat, if Doc’d let me.”
Sanford chuckled. “Yeah, yeah,” he said dismissively, rolling his eyes again. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you liked sittin’ in bed all day, with how much you get yourself into trouble.”
“Please! If I had to spend another day in there with that stuffy ass old man, I think I’d go crazy,” Deimos huffed in response, and the two of them laughed. There was a pause in the conversation, and Deimos leaned back on his hands, idly staring at his bandaged torso.
“Feels like I haven’t seen you in like, days,” he commented, probably just talking to fill space like he usually did. “Guess it really wasn’t that long though, huh?”
Sanford hummed, thinking. “Only about half a day,” he recounted. “We talked a little after Doc fixed you up, but you seemed pretty out of it.”
“See, I don’t even remember that,” Deimos huffed in annoyance. “I didn’t say anything embarrassing, right?”
Sanford looked away nervously, his face slightly flushed. “Well, about that,” he laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “You sorta… told me you loved me.”
Deimos’ eyes went wide, and his entire face turned red. He put his head in his hands in embarrassment. “Oh my god,” he groaned, slightly muffled. “San, listen, I-“
Sanford cut him off with a laugh. “It’s okay, really!” he reassured him, smiling. his laugh faded slightly, but the smile still remained as he looked away anxiously. “I mean, I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t say it back.”
Deimos looked up at him, dumbfounded, with his mouth agape. “You- Huh?!” he exclaimed, leaning forward. “And you were just gonna keep that from me forever?!”
That earned even more laughter from Sanford in response. “No, no! I was gonna tell you eventually, I promise!” he told Deimos. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself for a moment. “I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything, y’know?”
Deimos rolled his eyes, smirking. “I suppose,” he said quietly, then chuckled slightly. “Well, I guess that secret’s out then, huh? Thanks a lot, delirious me.”
There was a pause, and Deimos put his hand on top of Sanford’s lightly, looking down. “I s’pose it’s not really a secret anymore, though.” He looked up at his partner fondly. “I like ya… A lot. Don’t think I would’ve guessed that you liked me too, though.”
Sanford smiled back, holding Deimos’ hand in his. “Why wouldn’t I?“ he responded, gently cupping his partner’s face with his free hand. “You’re the greatest guy I know... Smart, funny, handsome…”
Deimos looked away, blushing. “Ford, c’mon,” he huffed, slightly embarrassed. He put his hand on top of his partner’s, leaning into his touch and closing his eyes briefly. After a moment he sighed, then looked back up at Sanford, smiling. “What d’ya s’pose this makes us, then?” he asked quietly.
Sanford took both of Deimos’ hands in his own, looking down as he was thinking. “Dunno, really. I guess ‘boyfriends’, if ya want.”
Deimos gave him a rather devilish smile. “If we’re boyfriends, then does that mean I can do… This?” He leaned forward, closing the space between them and pressed his lips against his partner’s, closing his eyes. Sanford, while surprised at first, wrapped his arms around Deimos’ waist, leaning into him as they shared a silent but blissful moment.
After a minute, Deimos pulled away, giggling. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he admitted, putting a hand to Sanford’s chest. “I’m not still dreaming, am I?”
Sanford chuckled, leaning his forehead against his partner’s. “100% real deal here, baby,” he joked, planting a smooch on Deimos’ cheek, which earned him another giggle. There was a brief pause before he spoke again, and this time he was a bit softer.
“I’m just glad you’re alright, y’know? You had me real worried, yesterday,” he told Deimos, gently running a hand over the bandages on his waist. “I dunno what I’d do without you.”
Deimos smiled, wrapping his arms around sanford in a comforting hug. “Don’t worry, big guy. You’ll always have me around to annoy ya,” he said, jokingly but lovingly. Sanford hugged him back, squeezing him gently as Deimos rested his head against his shoulder.
They were silent like that for a while, until Deimos lifted his head up, brewing an idea.
“Hmm… don’t think I’ve had breakfast yet, today,” he started, and Sanford gave him a curious look. “Why don’t we go get something to eat?”
Sanford raised his eyebrows, giving him a small “hmm”. “You’re not just trying to get me to buy you Gil’s, are you?” he inquired, suspicious.
Deimos tried to act shocked. “What!? Noo, I’d never do something like that,” he said exaggeratedly, then covered his mouth to hide his smile, looking to the side.
Sanford narrowed his eyes, but smiled anyways. “Ah, how could I say no to my dear boyfriend?” he sighed dramatically.
Deimos lit up, both at the use of his new title and at the prospect of getting Gil’s. “Fuck yeah! I love you, Sanny!” he tackled him with a hug, the both of them laughing.
“I love you too, dumbass,” was Sanford’s short yet amused response.
Not long after that, the two of them went out to get their food. It wasn’t much different than a normal day out, but a keen bystander might have been able to notice the two holding hands now as they strolled along. It seemed they were even more inseparable than usual, that day.