When the visions around you,

Bring tears to your eyes

And all that surrounds you,

Are secrets and lies

I'll be your strength,

I'll give you hope,

Keeping your faith when it's gone

The one you should call,

Was standing here all along...

* * * *

"Chris?" Sam yelled as he nudged the door to Chris' apartment open with his shoulder and entered the darkened hallway. Closing the door behind him, he put the six-pack of beer down and glanced around the apartment.

"Chris? You here?" There was a long pause and then a quiet voice replied.

"I'm in here. Living room" Curtis followed the sound of the voice.

"Why the hell are you in the dark?" asked Curtis.

Silence. Curtis flicked on the lights to discover Keel, slumped in an armchair, gazing at the moonlit tombstones outside. His chin was resting on his chest; his eyes were lacking their normal sparkle, replaced by the look of complete and abject sadness.

"Hey, you alright?" Curtis asked warily. He had never seen his partner so unhappy before. Keel said nothing but continued to stare outside as if he was oblivious to Curtis' presence. Curtis crouched down next to his friend, peering vigilantly into Keel's eyes, trying to will that familiar sparkle of amusement and mischief back into them. When Chris finally returned the gaze, Curtis saw the depression and helplessness flicker through the expressive blue eyes and it filled him with apprehension.

"Please talk to me." Sam said solemnly. He spun the chair around to face him, forcing Chris to look at him, to see that he wanted to help.

Chris shook his head sadly. "Its nothing. It's just... I've been thinking about Teresa a lot lately." He stated simply.

"Oh." Curtis did not know what to say. Chris had told him about his wife's tragic death a few months before and they had never spoken about it since. Sam knew that Chris was still haunted by the memories. There were times where, during a football game they were watching or a meal they were eating, Chris would sigh heavily and lapse into quiet contemplation, and Curtis knew he was thinking of her. Quite foolishly, Curtis had started to dislike her because of the pain she was putting his friend through.

"You really miss her, don't you?" Curtis said gently.

"I do miss her... but what's bothering me is that... I don't miss her as much as I used to." Chris said, his voice low.

"Well, that's normal. I mean, as time passes, the hurt that you initially felt becomes less because you slowly learn to deal with it." Sam replied.

"I don't think it's time that's making it hurt less." Chris said cryptically.

"Then what?" Curtis asked. Chris sighed and raked his hands through his hair then rubbed at his tired eyes.

"If I tell you what...I'm afraid you'll be mad at me." Chris said and Curtis opened his mouth to protest but Keel held up his hand to silence him. "I know you're going to say that you won't be mad at me but this is big - I mean real big. And it has the potential of wrecking our friendship, partnership, everything. I'm not sure if I want to take that chance." Keel said, sitting up in his chair, suddenly his eyes were intense and full of emotion.

"Keel, nothing could be that bad." Curtis replied, a half smile on his lips. "There is nothing you could say that's going to make me want a new a partner. Trust me on that one. Whatever is troubling you, you know you can tell me. That's what friends are for." Keel was shuddering now, silent tears forming in his eyes and wetting his gold-tipped eyelashes, making them glisten in the moonlight. Curtis realised he would do anything to take away the pain Chris was feeling. If he could, he would battle Chris' demons himself if it meant that Keel would be happier.

He loved Chris. He had for a long time but never dared to tell his partner with the fear that it could be unrequited. Right now, all he could do was offer his support to his friend, be the shoulder Chris could lean on, the face to cheer Chris up. Gently, Curtis reached for his partner and pulled him into his embrace, guiding Chris' head to his shoulder where it rested without hesitation. Sam could feel the tears escaping his partner through his shirt and rubbed at Chris' back reassuringly.

* * * * *

And I will take

You in my arms

And hold you right where you belong

Till the day my life is through

This I promise you

This I promise you....

* * * * *

The hug lasted for a long moment as Chris calmed down and his breathing returned to normal. He lifted his head to look into Sam's eyes, knowing he would find understanding within those deep green pools.

"Tell me Chris." Sam whispered. "What's making you miss Teresa less?" Chris let a small, silent sob escape his throat as his eyes continued to search Sam's.

"You." Chris replied. "It's you."

"Me?" Curtis asked, his arms which were still around Keel, dropped down to his sides. He didn't understand.

"I'm in love with you Sam. And every time I'm with you, I miss Teresa a little less. I feel bad that I'm doing that but I can't help it. I love you." Chris said and then his sad eyes became shuttered. "I'm sorry, I know you probably want a new partner now and I understand if you don't want to see me ever again, but I just...I had to tell you. I'm sorr...." Chris was silenced by a kiss. Sam tenderly pressed his lips against Chris' as he brought his hands up to cup his partner's face. When he withdrew, he saw confusion in Chris' eyes.

"If the kiss didn't tell you... I love you too." And for the first time that evening, Chris smiled and the sparkle returned to his eyes.

* * * * *

I've loved you forever,

In lifetimes before.

And I promise you never,

Will you hurt anymore.

I give you my word.

I give you my heart.

This is a battle we've won.

And with this vow,

Forever has now begun...

* * * * *

Both men leaned in once more, their lips meeting in a gentle caress. Keel brought one hand up to Sam's shoulder and the other slid through the dark silk of his hair - an action he had longed to do for so long. He sighed as Sam's tongue slipped between his lips to explore his mouth. The feel of Curtis' lips moving hypnotically over his own and the warmth of the toned body that was pressed against his sent a wave of eternal bliss coursing through his veins. After such a long time, he was finally content.

* * * * *

Just close your eyes.

Each loving day, I know

This feeling won't go away.

Till the day my life is through,

This I promise you.

This I promise you.