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If I was your Vampire('s Mid-Morning Snack)
Topic Started: Feb 27 2018, 11:59 PM (648 Views)
Gene Hunt
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Detective Chief Inspector
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
*It happens in a flash. One second Gene's walking down the road, Sam's bloodbags hidden in the crate he's carrying, and the next moment he's falling, the pavement rushing up to meet his face.

Things had been going well. Really well. He and Sam had strengthened their bond to a point where they both felt unbreakable. Sam was coping with his 'condition', Gene was feeling at ease with it, work was going well and Morgan hadn't shown up again. Things were good.

But of course that couldn't last. When he woke his head was pounding. Morgan's face filled his swimming vision, pale face seemingly glowing in the darkness. The vampire looks him up and down, moustache twitching with pleasure.

"Good. Ship him out to Hyde - their blood donor dried up last week. Hunt here should last a good while seeing as he just refuses to die. Luckily that particular talent should come in useful in this instance."

Morgan pauses, ignoring Gene and speaking only to his servants stood either side of his cargo.

"Keep an eye on Tyler. With this one gone, he should snap within a week."

Filled with horror, Gene barely has time to think before he's knocked out again. There isn't even time to shout to Sam down the link - to warn him. But with the bond still firmly in place, he knows Sam will at least be aware of the danger he's in. All he can hope is that Sam stays strong. This is meant to drive Sam insane. To make him kill. All he can do is trust that Sam's stronger than that. That he's taught Sam enough that he'll be able to withstand any bloodlust that takes him. That he's shown Sam a way of living that can keep both himself and others safe.

That moment - that moment before the vampire's fist hits his temple - that's the moment Gene will hold in his head. The last moment he's relatively free. Because every moment after that is an absolute living hell.

'Blood donor' is a bullshit term. He's seen this before - he knows what's coming. So it's no surprise when he's forced onto a dirty table in the middle of a dark, damp room, strapped down and his shirt sleeves ripped off. No surprise, but still one of the most terrifying moments of his life. Unable to see in the dark, he feels hands pressing against his jugular, his inner thigh, any place where there's a good amount of access to blood vessels. it doesn't take long for them to make their minds up, apparently. Whether his furious and desperate insults had any effect on that he'll never know. But the sharp stabs to his inner arms make it plain that they've found their suitable 'donor sites'. Cannulas are inserted without care, and a few agonising stitches applied - just to make sure Gene won't tear them out.

And then it's a case of waiting. Handcuffed and locked inside a pitch black room for hours on end, one filthy mattress to lie on. A couple of times a day he's roughly dragged from his prison, tied to a chair, a table, anything that can support his weight. The lines are inserted - thin plastic tubes with taps at the ends to stop the blood from wasting - and feeding time begins. Watching his blood pour from the taps makes Gene feel nauseated. He throws up a few times at the start, much to their displeasure. But the worst thing is the feeling that accompanies it. Pain, yes - but that's nothing compared to the feeling of his body starting to shut down. The spots that fly in front of his eyes, the biting cold that takes him over. The fatigue. The sensation of his warmth being sucked from his veins, diverted into the mouths of laughing monsters.

More than once he thinks he's going to have a heart attack. Whenever they go too far, his heart beats hard and fast. His insides start to ache. And he knows that, once he's recovered.... this'll all start again. As soon as he starts to feel something resembling human again.... The lines'll be in, the process of shutting his body down will repeat.

Days turn into weeks. He loses count after two. The lack of blood and the energy his body has to expend in order to replenish his supply... he can barely keep his eyes open even when he's resting. While they drink, he's been hearing them talking over the rushing and roaring in his ears. A hunter, they say. A famous hunter. And now look at him. A mere condiment to be used up and the bottle discarded once empty.

Once he stops registering the days, Gene feels himself giving up. His body carries on, desperately trying to repair. But it's struggling. They leave him attached to an IV with fluids almost permanently now, trying to stop him dying of dehydration before he can eventually die of blood loss, unplugging it only when it's feeding time again. And by this point, his exhausted brain can't maintain the bond any more. It's still there... But Gene can't hear anything or feel anything through it. It's nothing but static. He clings to it, letting the soft fuzzy sound carry him through until the next time he's pulled upright.

He just hopes Sam's okay.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam feels it. The moment Gene is knocked unconscious.

It goes through him like a shock wave. Gene had just ducked out to run a few errands and pick up blood from the butcher's, nothing big. Nothing to worry about.

Except now, as he goes down on his knees from the shock, his eyes wide, Sam feels a horror taking hold of him like he hasn't felt since he realised Gene had been buried alive by Johns and his gang.

He rushes outside, following where the bond leads him... but even as he moves, it grows fainter, weaker. By the time Sam reaches the broken crate, bags of animal blood strewn across the pavement, it's too late. They're far gone. The bond is flickering sickeningly, Gene's disorientation and fear adding to Sam's own mounting panic. He begins to yell Gene's name, running through the streets... drawing looks, whispers... A PC approaches him finally, asks if he's alright.

Sam isn't alright.

Gene is gone.

The bond grows fainter as the day progresses, until it reaches a point where Sam is barely able to hold onto it anymore. He just about manages to make it back to Gene's house before he collapses against a wall, shaking uncontrollably. Gene is his bonded partner - his life. It feels as though someone's ripped out his heart and taken it far away.

It's clear that this was Morgan's doing. That much, he knows. And he knows Gene is still alive. The bond is like static now, flickering, but the diffuse sensations he manages to pick up here and there are sickening, frightening. Something terrible is happening, and it threatens to drive Sam insane.

A new day dawns, and Sam mobilises the entire police force. Even if this is vampiric doing, Sam knows he can't do this on his own. There's strength in numbers, even if it means it's humans against vampires. A city-wide search for DCI Gene Hunt is unleashed, extending to the neighbouring boroughs after a few days. By night, Sam conducts his own search; scours the streets for vampires to interrogate. If they took Gene, then surely there will be stories flying around - Gene is a notorious hunter, after all. From what he knows about vampires, they won't be able to resist the gloating.

Days become a week. Two weeks. No sign of Gene. Sam nearly runs the department to the ground, but there are no results despite their hard work. Sam himself has all but run out of blood bags to keep him afloat, and he's starting to feel the effects. His eyes are red all the time now, his senses sharp and on alert. Sixteen days into Gene's disappearance, Sam realises he can't go into work anymore, or he'll be a risk to his co-workers. He goes on sick leave that same day.

But his underground search continues. Every night, Sam goes out there.

And finally, twenty days after Gene was taken... a lead. Sam smells something - a horrible, repugnant smell unlike anything else out there. Sam recognises it immediately. It's the smell of Gene's blood, the safety mechanism the bond has placed on both of them to prevent the unspeakable from happening.

Sam follows the smell like bloodhound. The vampire it clings to is middle-aged and lean - well-fed, but he still just killed a homeless man for the hell of it. Sam throws himself at him, pressing a stake to the monster's heart. This way, he gets the information he so sorely needed.

Gene has become a 'blood-donor', in Hyde. And he's told Sam enough for Sam to know what exactly that means.

In that moment, Sam can't help but let his vampiric side take over. He drives the stake through the monster's heart, kicking the body into the canal afterwards.

Nothing can stop him from making his way to Hyde immediately. He's aware enough to disguise himself, at least - flat cap, denim jacket and trousers, sneakers. Worn out as he is from having been kept apart from his bonded partner for so long, it isn't hard to play the part of a starving vampire. Another day passes, and Sam runs across a pair of vampires, manages to convince them to take him to their headquarters.

Even being in Hyde, Sam can sense it. The bond, increasing in strength as the distance between himself and Gene begins to shrink. It still isn't much more than static, the sensation just as wooly as they have been over the last few weeks... What's different now, however, is the sudden sense of fatigue. Sam is stood at the edge of a system of underground tunnels now, and he can feel his body wanting to breathe heavily, his eyelids drooping slightly. That sense of fatigue... it's horrible. And to think that Gene is going through this, those sensations multiplied for him - and has been, for the last nearly three weeks...

Sam struggles to keep focusing on what his guide is telling him as they walk through the tunnels, struggles to remember the layout of the place, even though he knows he'll need every bit of information to get himself and Gene out of here. It's teeming with vampires, little groups of them occupying rooms and cavities in what was once meant to be a subway system, but never got past these initial building stages.

They're getting closer. With every step Sam takes, an exhaustion takes hold of him that he knows isn't his own. He blinks rapidly, focusing once again on the man leading him up to a heavy door. Is... is this it...? Is this where they keep humans to feed off of....?*
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Gene Hunt
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*The vampire leading Sam seems to take great pride in this little hideout they've made for themselves, and that pride seeps through in every word he speaks. He shows Sam the living room, ratty old sofas and threadbare cushions scattered across the dark space, dim electric lamps casting an eerie glow. He shows Sam the sleeping quarters, old knackered beds they'd stolen from places, makeshift sleeping places constructed from pallets and mattresses. The place looks dirty, typical of a killer's bachelor pad.

He points to a mattress in the corner of the room.

"If y'wanna stay, that'll be yours. Gotta earn your way up to the four-posters, y'know."

And then, he leads Sam to that heavy door.

"And this? This is why we have such a high recruitment rate. You're starving, I can tell. Most are when they find us. And so! Welcome to the games room, complete with free drinks-on-tap."

He pushes the door open with ease, revealing a large space full of vampires. There's a couple of pool tables, darts, spaces for relaxing... The air inside is cheery. Vampires laugh loudly as the snooker balls clack together, loud heavy music from the radio almost obscuring it. A good-natured fight is happening just off to the side, the men enjoying a scuffle, overpowering each other and guffawing wildly. At the centre table, two vampires shout a 'cheers' to each other, quickly downing their shot glasses of fresh dark red blood.

"As you can see, we've got as good a space here as you'd ever find in a pub. There's more games out the back, but the pool tables are a bit of a hit as you can tell."

He leads Sam through the room, wafting the heavy smoke out of his face as he does - Not that they'd care before, but being vampires, smoking isn't a danger even worth considering any more.

"Blood here is free - We've only got one dispenser at the moment, but there's enough each day for everyone to have a good glug. Just don't let it kick the bucket. Y'break it, y'have to replace it. And good luck tryin' to find another one that tastes this sweet. "

He walks past the next attraction as he talks, expecting Sam to follow. There's a thick wooden stake hammered into the ground, a human tied tightly to it with IV lines running from his arms. The man is slumped over his bonds, sitting at the base of it with his legs outstretched. It's clear he's on the brink of unconsciousness, but still there are vampires gathered around him, holding empty bloodstained glasses and waiting their turn for a refill. Sam might just be able to hear the sound of liquid pouring as a vampire squeezes the tap attached to one line and pours out another finger for his comrade. But Sam's guide carries on, not expecting any real reaction from Sam. he's bound to have seen this kind of luxury before, after all.

"Let me show you the emergency exits next. No hunter'll ever find us, but y'know, pays to be prepared..."*

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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam just nods absently, letting the man's words wash over him. Any other day, he would have been both horrified and impressed - to think that vampires have made this many places their own, and so thoroughly as well...

But they've entered the game room now, and Sam is nearly overwhelmed by the sheer noise of it, all the different smells... though it's one smell that stands out to him in particular, makes him hold his breath reflexively.

Gene's blood. It's everywhere, wafting through the room just like the smoke, clinging to every single vampire present. Even the one who's leading him around. Even if he wanted to, Sam can't pay attention to them all, just barely manages to duck out of the way of a guy stepping back from the pool table. The sense of closeness, and with it the overwhelming feeling of utter exhaustion, is growing stronger with every step Sam takes, nearly causes him to stumble...

... and there. His guide continues to walk, but Sam can't help but stop and stare, his eyes widening.

Gene.

The sight is so horrific that for a moment, Sam can't even think.

They're mere feet apart, so by all accounts, he should feel better than he has in all these weeks, but the opposite is the case. The way Gene has been tied to the big wooden spike; the ashen pallor of his skin, with the veins standing out sickly; the IV lines, coloured entirely red...

... his blood, his life, being squeezed out of him by these.... these monsters....!

It takes all the self control Sam can muster not to attack the vampires right then and there. The feral part of him wants to tear them apart, right fucking now. But there's still a scrap of rationality left within him, telling him to wait. Bide his time. Otherwise, neither of them will have a chance to get out of this alive.

But even with that reasoning, Sam can't bring himself to move on and catch up to the other vampire. The bond between them seems to be straining as Gene's consciousness fades, making Sam feel dizzy... He wants to at least let Gene know that he's here, that he's going to get him out of here, but no words make it past Sam's slightly parted lips.*
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Gene Hunt
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*The vampire takes a couple more steps before he realises Sam isn't following. He turns, finding Sam stood staring at the bloodbank like he's never seen this setup before. Huh. Time to educate, then.

Extending a hand to clap it against Sam's upper arm, he turns to look at the human slumped against the stake.

"What, never seen this setup before? Must be a newbie."

He advances on Gene, gesturing to the vampire pouring out a glass, encouraging him to pass it over. Quickly, the vampire hands Sam's guide the glass.

"We hook 'em up, keep' em hydrated etcetera - and with these taps, it stops 'em bleedin' anywhere but into the cut crystal."

With a friendly grin, the man shrugs.

"Or straight into yer mouth if you're feeling lazy."

In one fast motion, the vampire lifts the glass to his lips and takes a swig. His lips spread, teeth bloodstained.

"'Ere. My treat."

And just like that, the red-coated glass is thrust up to Sam's eyeline, offered to him as a gesture of goodwill.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*At first, Sam's eyes remain glued to Gene's prone form, looking for any sign of life apart from the jerky motions of his chest heaving with shallow breaths...

But then, there's that glass. Suddenly, the smell is almost unbearable, but Sam can't stop himself from staring, staring at that precious liquid, Gene's life blood...

... disappearing into the vampire's mouth...

Rage flares up red and hot, but before Sam can act on it... the glass is extended to him.

He freezes.

He can't drink this. In the vampire's mind, the bond alive and frantically trying to get Sam to do the right thing, drinking Gene's blood would be akin to murdering him with his own hands. It would go against the very nature of their connection, of Sam's being. He wants nothing more than to knock the glass out of the vampire's hand and just... kill them all for putting Gene through this kind of hell...!!!

.... but if he does that now, it'll all be over. His cover will be blown... they'll kill him, or capture him and drag him to Morgan... and then no one would be able to save Gene....

He would... he would die....

...

Slowly, struggling to make his muscles comply, Sam raises his hand. Takes the proffered glass. He's holding his breath against the horrible stench, and he can't stop his gaze from sliding back over to Gene. He can't say anything... can't let him know he's here.... can't apologise....!!

Gene, I... I'm so sorry... I have to do this, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.....!!!

With that mental outcry, Sam squeezes his eyes shut and knocks back the blood.

It tastes like heaven.

Before Sam knows it, he's drained the glass, licking his lips afterwards. It tastes so good, it feels so right, it feels so wrong.

Without a word, Sam hands the glass back to his guide, his hand shaking only slightly. He can't look the vampire in the eye... if he does, he fears everyone's going to see the disgust and shame. It was for Gene's sake, it was for Gene's sake.... Sam repeats that mantra to himself, but it does nothing to lessen the guilt.

The only thing that will is to get Gene out of here, alive.*
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Gene Hunt
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*The vampire watches happily as Sam doesn't just take a sip but actually drains the remainder. And that slight shake in the man's hand - he knows how Sam feels.

"Yeah, packs a punch, right? Apparently this one's killed a whole load of our own. Makes revenge taste that much better, eh. They've been lining up round the block to get a piece of this one. And you join us, you can have a taste of this whenever y'want. One of the perks in joining the brotherhood."

He discards the glass, taking a hold of Sam's arm again and trying to move him onto the next room, away from the line of vampires still draining Gene bit by bit of his life.

"What d'you think? Good arrangement, yeah?"*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*God... Every word from the vampire's mouth makes Sam want to strangle him. So Morgan made sure everyone knew... All of vampirehood in Hyde and Manchester knows that Gene has been taken down... The thought adds to the ever-present nausea that's been pressing down on Sam's insides ever since he entered the hideout. This... the humiliation on top of the cruelty...

The vampire's touch makes Sam's skin crawl, and for a moment, he resists - Gene still hasn't... hasn't given any sign of life... Nothing has been coming through the bond, nothing but static and absolute exhaustion... the faint sensation of being drained, over and over...

In that moment, Sam is grateful that he choice a cap for his disguise - his eyes are burning with sudden tears, the situation almost too overwhelming.

But he keeps it together, lets the vampire pull him away, but not without a heartfelt promise.

I'll get you out of here, Gene. I promise. I promise.

Belatedly, Sam mutters in response to the vampire*

... i-it's... impressive, yeah.

I, uh-- I heard a... rumour...

*He licks his lips nervously, still keeping his gaze downcast*

.... heard this one was living with-- with one of u-us.

... S'it true?
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Gene Hunt
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*Completely oblivious to Sam's impending tears, the vampire steers Sam into the corridor - it's long, a wide section of subway track that wasn't ever completed.

"Ahh so you've heard of 'im. Yeah, apparently. Bastard stopped a fresh vampire from killing. Stunted its growth. Can you imagine!? Ripped a kid's throat out as soon as I opened my damn eyes. That poor bloke, deprived of first blood like that...."

He shakes his head in sympathy.

"Heard they were shaggin' like a pair of poofters too. Makes me wanna vomit. But ahh, if we can keep 'im going for a year or two, that ought to be enough payback. Give it three months and he'll be a complete vegetable."*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*At this point, Sam can almost physically feel how he's having to wrestle down his urges. He wants to rip this vampire apart, wants to feed him his own tongue, wants to make him pay for every single insult, and every single droplet he presumably drank from Gene's blood.

He croaks*

... I... I see.

*And from there, his mouth remains shut. He doesn't have the self-control to keep up a more or less normal conversation with a monster... Not when he knows what Gene is going through back there, and the side effects of that clouding Sam's mind and judgement. He can't slip up, not before he's even had a chance to free Gene....!*
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Gene Hunt
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*The vampire keeps chatting to Sam, taking his sudden silence to mean he's made his mind up. And when he finishes the tour, he gets a hard-sounding conformation. Sam will be joining them after all. A slap on the back and a quick guide back to Sam's mattress and he leaves the new recruit there. Eventually Sam will be expected to hunt, to alert the rest of the group where the kill was made and to provide leftovers to feed the rest. But for tonight, he'll be allowed to settle. There's blood on tap if he's hungry.

-------------------------------

Back in the games room, it's clear that their donor is drying up. He's gone white as a sheet, his chest only just managing to draw air in, heart pumping hard and fast, desperate to try and circulate any blood left in him. If they take any more, his organs will fail. And they can't have that. This one is special. They'll want to keep him going for a good long while. So the vampires halt the drinking session and unhook Gene from the tubes, untying him from the stake as they do.

Gene himself is barely aware of any of this. He's aware when they hook him up initially, of course. But as the hours go on, blood being sucked from him inch by inch, by the end he's out of his mind. And it's the same this time. His ears are roaring, all laughs and comments sounding like twisted TV static. He's freezing. Numb. Everything inside him aches. It feels like he's dying for the hundredth time. Unable to support himself or even lift his head, he finds himself suspended between two of the vampires and dragged back to his prison.

Unaware as they drop him onto his dirty mattress, he doesn't feel it as his hands are clamped together again with his own handcuffs. The IV with fluids is fitted as usual into the cannula in his left arm - a pathetic attempt to rehydrate him and start his blood cells multiplying once again. And in Gene's mind, he's regretfully sure it'll work. He'll recover from this again. And later tonight he'll be dragged out once more. Stabbed with needles, drained almost to death once more. The cycle continues. Over and over.

With no strength and no energy to even groan, Gene drops into unconsciousness just as the door bolt slams locked.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*It takes Sam every ounce of willpower to stay put until the other vampires move out to hunt. The seconds trickle by slowly, far too slowly - Gene's blood had come out so easily in comparison... far too easily...

He wants nothing more than to back to that horrid room, to get Gene out.... But he has to bide his time, he knows that. He knows that the vampires will go out to hunt sooner or later... that's when he'll have his chance.

And finally, the time comes. Sam hears them leave one by one, until the tunnels are eerily quiet. That is when he finally uncurls from the grimy mattress.

He moves through the tunnels, quickly and silently. Finding his way back to the game room isn't hard - he simply follows the smell of smoke and... and Gene's blood.

But once he's there... he's met with the sight of an empty stake and disconnected tubes.

Shit--! That vampire never mentioned where they hold Gene when they aren't using him....!!

His hands curling into fists, Sam forces himself to remain calm and concentrate. Gene has to be somewhere close. Following the scent of his blood should be doable - now that the vampires aren't around, the stench isn't everywhere, instead focusing on particular areas. Honing in on that, Sam begins to follow the smell - out a back door, through a tunnel he wasn't shown earlier... While he walks, he makes mental notes of landmarks he'll have to use to get them out later.

Sam makes it past a locked door (which he forces open by force), down another set of tunnels... and finally, the smell becoming overwhelming again, he finds himself stood in front of a wooden door. The chain that's haphazardly wrapped around the handle is more for show than anything else; Sam drops it to the ground, then pulls back the bolt.

And then he opens the door.

The sight he's met with... Sam won't forget it for as long as he lives. His eyes easily able to see in the dark, Gene's skin is so pale that it looks like it's glowing faintly. He's facing the door, but his eyes are closed.

What's even worse, though, is what Sam feels. The fatigue is almost overpowering at this point, making Sam stagger slightly as he steps into the room. And he feels Gene's heart, struggling to pump what little blood is left within him through his veins... his organs, groaning with the exertion, doing their best not to fail entirely... His lungs, burning with laboured breathing...

Sam doesn't know how he got there, but he's kneeling next to Gene now, laying a shaking hand on his arm. His voice fails him, is nothing more than a broken whisper*

.... G-Gene.
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Gene Hunt
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*By the time Sam's made it to Gene's prison, Gene's body has recovered just enough for that touch to his arm to register. And though he can't form coherent thoughts, his gut tells him something, the message coming through stuttered and faltering. It's too early. You don't have enough blood yet.
You'll die.


Too out of it to realise what's happening and who's in front of him, Gene flinches. Tries unsuccessfully to roll away. The only movement he can make to try to save himself. Because he fights back, he always fights back. No matter how ill he feels, he won't let them see the despair crushing him inside.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*As if the flinch wasn't clear enough a sign already, Sam feels that sharp sting of fear and defiance, piercing through the haze. And it hurts, somewhere in his chest. Hurts as if a stakes been driven right through his dead heart.

Sam swallow hard, hands shaking as he reaches out again, this time, and with infinite care, placing both his hands on Gene's cheek. They need to get out of here as quickly as possible, but first, Sam needs Gene to know that he's safe now... that the nightmare is over, that Sam is getting him out of this hell...!

Emotions overwhelming him, Sam presses a kiss to Gene's cold clammy forehead. It's all he can do, if neither Sam's voice nor the bond can reach Gene through the bloodloss-induced mist...!*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene keeps weakly trying to roll away, his muscles tensing lightly but producing no movement - until he feels something gently touch his face. A gentle push against his forehead. And though he doesn't consciously realise it, something inside him tells him this is different. Usually there's just hands on him, pulling and pushing, nothing nearly so gentle as this. His muscles relax, but the fear is still there, making his head swim with confusion.

Is this even real? Can he really feel something? Or is this a dream? He's had enough of them...

Summoning all his remaining energy, Gene forces his red-rimmed eyes open a touch, straining to focus on the blurry shape in front of him.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*....!

Sam feels it - Gene's muscles relaxing. His eyes open a second later, bloodshot and red-rimmed, but his gaze is unfocused... He probably won't recognise Sam. But even so, on a subconscious level he must be realising that something is happening... and that is enough for Sam at the moment. It has to be enough.

Smiling a quick, shaky smile which he knows is lost on Gene, Sam leans in for another quick kiss. His lips pressed against Gene's skin, he whispers*

I've got you.

*Now, however, he can't afford to waste another second.

Sam straightens, turns his attention to the rest of Gene's body. Handcuffs, and the IV... that's all that's keeping him here.

The handcuffs first. Sam reaches out, his hands closing around one of Gene's hands, and the thin chain connecting the two bracelets. He knows this is going to hurt Gene, but it has to be done... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, but I promise, it'll get better, I'll get you out of here....!

A quick yank, and the chain breaks with a faint clink.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Sam's right. Gene can't focus, no matter how hard he squints. Sam is a mere smudge in his eyeline. But even so, there's something about the shapes in front of him. Something that doesn't make his stomach drop with dread.

Another pressure on his face as the shape leans down to touch him somehow... And then his hands are lifted.

Alarm bells start to ring again. They only take these off when they're about to attach him to something else...

It doesn't take long for his fears to be confirmed. That familiar but unwelcome sensation again - pain. The bracelet digs into his wrist, bruises as there's a sharp motion, jarring his arm. They're going to move him. He can't take this again, not so soon.

He sucks in a panicked breath, trying once again to pull away from the figure in front of him, but only succeeding in writhing weakly against the mattress.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Oh shit, no-- Gene's panic filters through the Sam, makes him suck in a startled breath at almost the same time, the tremor in his hands increasing - but the cuffs are severed already, thankfully. Immediately Sam presses his palm against Gene's cheek again, stroking it in an effort to calm Gene down. His voice will fail him if he tries to speak now, he knows it.... so touches are the only means of communication he has, at least until Gene becomes aware of the bond again...

Time is of the essence, but Sam simply can't proceed until Gene calms down again....!*
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Gene Hunt
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*Chest heaving with panic, Gene freezes once Sam's hand is back, stroking gently once again. Body still half numb, it's hard to tell if the touch is even real...

He doesn't understand....

On impulse, Gene opens his eyes a crack again, disoriented and unfocused, lack of strength meaning he's unable to hold them open for more than a few seconds. But in those seconds, he sees it. The same shape. Something about it strangely familiar.

In his heart, Gene knows who he wants it to be. He's thought about Sam every minute of every day. But this won't be him. Every time he's hallucinated Sam finding him, he's awoken only to find the shape he saw as Sam morph into another monster armed with tubes ready to attach. It's never Sam. And it never will be.*
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*He isn't calming down, not really... Sam should be hurrying - if anyone finds him in here, they're both good as dead... but the bond is making it impossible for Sam to ignore Gene's distress.

So he continues to stroke Gene's cheek, leaning in once more as he realises Gene's eyes have opened again. There's no way Gene will be able to recognise him... but it gives Sam the opportunity to press another kiss to Gene's forehead, and then one into his shaggy hair. If this is all he has to make Gene understand, then he needs to make the most of it...!*
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*The caresses continue, and though it doesn't help to calm his nerves, Gene does begin to feel something besides fear. If this really is a dream... If when he blinks, he'll see Sam in front of him... At least he'll be able to see him once more. To fool himself into believing Sam's alright, even if only for a few minutes. Until the illusion is shattered, anyway. So the next breath he takes is deeper. Slower. His eyelids flicker, blurry eyes watching the fuzzy movements above him. Maybe if he looks hard enough, he'll see something he recognises in this face. Something he can hang onto. To keep the next bout of torture at bay. Denial can be sweet momentarily, even if it hurts when taken away.*
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Sam Tyler
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*There it is, once again... Gene is relaxing slightly. Still tense, still anticipating more pain... But this is better than nothing. Sam can sense how Gene is trying to reach out, to hold onto this moment, the gentle touches...

... So Sam caves, allows himself a moment of weakness. He angles Gene's face up slightly, and catches his lips in a soft, emotion-ladden kiss, just for a moment losing himself in the sensation of Gene's warm breath ghosting over his lips as he pulls back.

Then, however, he knows he can't dawdle any longer.

Chest aching, Sam pulls back, his eyes skimming over Gene's body once more. He can't do anything about the cannulas right now, so the only thing that's left to do is to disconnect the IV. So he gently takes hold of Gene's arm, biting his lip as he pulls out the needle.

And now, finally, there's nothing stopping him from scooping Gene up in his arms like he's ached to do from the moment he saw his bonded partner tied to that stake. He cradles him close to his chest, taking a shaky breath as suddenly, Gene's heart is so much closer - Sam can feel it, working hard and tirelessly, keeping Gene alive...

Once again, Sam whispers*

I've got you.

*And he steps out of that horrible cell. Now begins the hardest part - getting Gene out of here and someplace safe.*
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*Gene barely registers something happening to his arm. A sharp pain as the needle inside his vein moves again, the IV line pulled free - but he was expecting) expecting that. He's being moved, of course they need both arms free. It's always like this.

But then he feels himself jostled. Rising, the world around him spinning and turning. Usually they drag him out, two of them to keep him from struggling. They never do.... This...

Cheek pressed against someone's shoulder, arms around and under him, Gene releases the fight from within him, letting it ebb and disappear. There's no fight left. Not this time. Not when it's so easy to imagine it's Sam this time, holding him close. Carrying him away from this place. It almost feels as though he can smell Sam through the sickly scent of blood permanently infused with his own skin now. If he closes his eyes and breathes in deeply.... He can almost imagine.*
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*Sam feels as in his arms, Gene's tension drains away. Does this mean that he's subconsciously recognised Sam... or that he's given up...?

Gritting his teeth, Sam makes his way through the tunnels. He's getting Gene out of here, no matter what Gene thinks is happening to him. Sam is going to save him. He's going to make it all better again.

Sam moves soundlessly, constantly checking and double-check in that they're alone. When he gets back to the game room, he contemplates for one moment to complete destroy the "bar", to make it harder for this pack to set something as horrible up once again. But, no. His priority is to leave this place.

So he continues on, out of the game room and into the main barracks. This is where things are going to get trickier.... Sam doesn't know how many of the vampires stayed behind. If they smell the blood, they might become restless and try to confront Sam... and he's in no position to fight right now, not with Gene in his arms.

Sam begins to move even more cautiously, pressing Gene closer to his chest. The second-hand exhaustion really isn't helping right now, but luckily Sam's protective instincts are sharp enough to pierce through the haze and keep Sam focused. They can do this. They're already halfway out. They can do it... they can do it....!!*
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*Indeed, the place is fairly empty by now, most of the vampires being out and about, hunting for the full meal that Gene couldn't provide. The stragglers are holed up in their quarters playing cards and laughing. But as Sam moves past one room he'll hear a sudden voice.

"Hey, anyone smell that ponce? The blood guy? Did they bring 'im out again already!?"

Another replies.

"Naah, s' way too soon. They plug 'im in again now and all you'll get out of' im is dust."

"But don't you smell that? Swear I can smell blood."

"That's just your stomach. Go check if you want, but every bloody vampire in this place is full of 'im by now. Someone probably just burped."

Against Sam's chest, Gene is limp and oblivious. If he knew the gravity of the situation, he'd feel sick to his stomach... But for once ignorance is relative bliss. He doesn't want to know what they're saying. All he wants is to stay like this, cradled in someone's arms. That someone may be taking him somewhere horrendous, but for now... He's going to pretend that isn't the case.*
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!!

*Sam's eyes widen as he freezes, his head whipping around towards where the voices are coming from. It's just like he feared - they've picked up Gene's scent...! But it sounds like they're too complacent... the fact that they hadn't seemed to be expecting Sam's arrival either is playing out in his favour right now. They can't imagine someone would try to break Gene out.

Every muscle in his body tense, Sam begins to move again, praying to whatever diety might still be watching over them that the vampires won't pick up on the sound of Gene's struggling heart, or his careful footsteps. If anyone comes out and spots him... they'll be done for.

It can't happen.

Slowly, Sam continues to advance. He knows he must be getting closer to the exit... and from there, it'll be around two miles to where he's parked the car... Thank God that Gene isn't additionally feeding Sam's anxiety. He seems relatively calm now, almost as if he's dreaming... Sam will take this over the despair he'd sensed earlier any day.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Every door Sam passes is a thin barrier between he and Gene and the few vampires lounging about inside. But apart from that first door, nobody else notices. Not yet, anyway. And Gene makes no sound, nothing that would alert anyone. It's a good thing he's convinced he's dreaming. Because if Gene let himself really think about it, he'd be sure of what was happening - maybe he'd run out of juice too quickly. Maybe he didn't taste as good as they'd hoped. Maybe weeks of being locked away has turned his blood bitter. or maybe they're just bored of him. Maybe they're carrying him like this because they're about to throw him out into the cold to die. Replace him with some other poor soul.

He'd almost welcome that idea. Anything's better than this.

But he remains limp, not unconscious but drifting on the edge. Sam will have to navigate out of here alone.*
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*Thank God, it remains quiet.... As the initial voices recede, Sam begins to speed up again. Now that he can almost smell the fresh outside air again, he's becoming more and more anxious to finally get out of here. Of course, once outside, they could be spotted even more easily... but at the same time, it'll be easier to get away. Sam will be free to run. And once they get to the car...

But he shouldn't think this far ahead. He needs to keep his focus on the next immediate step. In his arms, it feels like Gene has almost resigned himself to... to something Sam doesn't even want to think about. If only he realised that he was in good hands...! Sam just wants Gene to realise that it's over... Because right now, he's nothing but a shell of himself, and it hurts to see him like this.

Then, finally.... finally. The door. Moonlight filtering through the cracks in it. Sam pushes against it with his shoulder, and it opens with a faint creak...

... and they're outside. Sam inhales reflexively, then looks down at Gene. Is he going to sense it? The fresh night air, completely different from the stuffy stale air down in the tunnels? Sam hopes so.

He remains still for a moment, scanning their surroundings... but there are no guards here, luckily. Everyone must be out hunting...Which means he'll have to be extra careful now. The smell of blood could easily draw in hungry vampires.

Sam begins to move again, beginning to actually jog instead of walking. Due to his strength he manages to keep Gene fairly stable nonetheless, with the wind being the only indicator of how fast they're actually going.

Two more miles. Sam parked the car on the outskirts of the suburb, so he won't have to actually brave Hyde's town centre. Still, he's unfamiliar with the area, so he doesn't know where he'll be likely to run into vampires... So it's far from over.*
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Gene Hunt
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*As the fresh air hits, Gene finds himself almost unable to breathe. The cold temperature, the chill in the air further cooling his cold body, it's hard to deal with. Every breath he takes, his lungs want to cough. Three weeks in that place.... He's acclimatised.

Lines of discomfort form on Gene's face, the slow, soft steps carrying him now becoming faster, just that tiny bit more jolting. Gene's head is already spinning...

Where the hell is he?? What's happening??

Unable to form coherent words, Gene just coughs against Sam's chest, turning his head into the cold body holding him.*
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*Gene's distresses feeds through to Sam like so many needles. He must be absolutely freezing now... and his chest is heaving, struggling to draw breaths...

Clenching his jaw, Sam adjusts his grip on Gene, holding him closer even as he feels Gene's head turn towards him, as though he's trying to hide himself away - it's absolutely gut-wrenching. That he should be in this kind of state...

But Sam can't stop, can't slow down. It's still dangerous out here, just as much as it was in the hideout. And he can't talk either, for fear of someone else hearing him... So he tries to concentrate, to once again strengthen their bond. If he keeps it up, surely Gene will start to realise that this isn't a dream, that what he's feeling is real...!

So, continuing to jog, Sam gathers all the mental faculties he still has left to communicate comfort and safety to Gene. All the warm feelings and sensation he has within him, Sam takes them and puts them into the bond, hoping that at least some of it will get through to Gene...

And then, twenty minutes later.... He spots the car. In that moment, he could shout with relief - almost there, almost there...! He speeds up once more, and a minute later slows down and comes to a halt next to the car. It's not the Cortina - too showy - but to Sam, in that moment it looks like a magnificent carriage sent to carry them away from all evil.

This next bit takes a bit of fumbling and maneuvering - which is a bit difficult, given that he's still having to hold Gene as well - but a few seconds later, Sam has managed to unlock the car and open one of the rear doors. More maneuvering, trying his best not to jostle Gene too much... and finally, Sam lays him down on his side across the back seats.

And now, at last, does he allow himself to lean in again, place his hand to Gene's cheek, and mutter roughly*

.... Gene? Gene, it's... it's me...
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*Gene can't help but flinch every time he feels himself being moved - arranged. At any minute he expects the ropes to start looping around him, his arms pulled out tight, the cannulas opened and hoses stuck into them....

But that doesn't come. All he feels is a hand on his cheek. A voice through the thudding muffled sounds in his ears.

A frown twitches across his face. What... What did he just hear...?

With a monumental effort, Gene rolls his head just a tiny amount, straining to try and look at the person who's been carrying him. And for a moment, he thinks his heart might have really stopped. The shape... looks so much like....

... But it can't be. This is his mind playing tricks on him. Just like the last time. And the last time. He can't fall for it again now. Not when this time it feels even more real.

If he could move his arms, he'd try and raise a hand to grab onto the shape - test for himself that it's a solid object, not just a figment of his deluded imagination. But with the cannulas still in place, bending his arms without pain is impossible. Not without poking more holes in his veins and adding to the already extensive bruising there. So he has to make do with blinking blearily at the face in front of him, trying and failing to focus.*
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*Still nothing... Not even a spark of recognition, even though Sam can tell that Gene is trying hard to focus... He thinks he can even see Gene's arms twitch. That draws his attention to them - he hadn't really registered it before, but now that they're out of that horrible place, he can see the horrific bruising, both of Gene's arms painted in shades of black, blue and purple, all down his forearms and even up past his elbows.

Sam grits his teeth against the wave of horror and rage - this isn't what Gene needs right now. He needs reassurance.

He presses his hand further against Gene's cheek, his other coming up to stroke across his partner's forehead, and back through his hair.*

*still with no more than a rough whisper*

You're okay. I've got you. You're safe now.

*With that, Sam camber out of the car again, but he leaves Gene only for a few short seconds. The car boot opens and closes again, and Sam is back, holding a blanket he'd remembered to pack before setting off. He spreads it across Gene's form now, careful not to disturb him too much as he tucks him in. Even with his limited sense for temperatures, Sam was able to tell just how cold Gene's skin is right now... With the severe bloodloss, he needs all the warmth he can get.

Then, one more time, Sam leans in to press a kiss to Gene's cheek, his forehead.

Now, it's time to truly leave this place. Making sure that Gene is tucked in properly, Sam closes the door and gets into the driver's seat. The moment the engine starts without trouble and he reverses out of his parking spot, rolling down the road... A huge weight lifts off his chest. There's still danger, of course there is - but now, with Gene safe in the car, it'll be that much harder to follow them.

Plus, Sam has a plan. He doesn't turn back to Manchester. Instead, he takes them further out, towards Macclesfield. Not all the way, though. After about 45 minutes of driving, he turns into the parking lot of a motel on the outskirts of the city. It's dark, only one or two windows dimly illuminated, but the sign reads "24hr service", so it'll do. Turning off the engine, Sam turns in his seat. He's glanced back as often as he could while driving, but now finally he's able to properly check on Gene again... See if there has been any change.*
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Gene Hunt
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*The blanket is where it starts. The blanket... Something soft and light, covering him up with no possible ulterior motive that Gene can think of. Touches, those are always hard to read. They could go one way or the other, or start out gentle and quickly turn nasty. But this... For the first time... Something he genuinely feels might be a gesture of kindness with no way it could go south.

The 45 car ride goes like a blur. The soft roar of the engine combined with the padding of the seats he's lying on cause Gene to drift into a dreamless half-sleep, and before he knows it the roar has died down, silence taking its place. And what Sam sees when he turns should give him a little hope. The lines of pain on his face have eased, his body relaxed under the relative warmth of the blanket.*
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*The sight indeed lifts Sam's spirits considerably. Gene is still an impossibly long way away from healing... but this is a start. It's so much better than that expression of pain that had looked as if it was irreversibly etched into his face.

Sam twists properly now, clambering to his knees and leaning over the backrest of his seat, his hand finding its way to Gene's head, stroking through his hair. Hopefully that will help him relax further... and realise he's not with the enemy anymore...

And, because he simply has to try, Sam clears his throat to quietly speak once more, his voice that little bit stronger now.*

Gene.... can you hear me...?
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*Though the constant thrum of fear and dread is still buried deep inside him, that small amount of warmth is enough to have cleared the roaring in Gene's ears somewhat. And that's when he hears it. The words. Muffled but genuinely kind-sounding. Sam-sounding. And Gene knows it can't be real. This can't actually be Sam. Whoever has him now, he's projecting that voice onto them. That has to be it.

Mind still working as though it's been frozen and slowly thawing, Gene replies in a voice barely more than a whisper. Whoever this is, he'll answer.*

... Y-y-yeah....
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Sam Tyler
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!!!

*Gene.... Gene spoke.... He actually answered....!!!

A surge of relief goes through Sam, strong enough to make him choke up. He fights the urge - instead, he slides his hand down to Gene's cheek once again. Maybe this time... Gene is going to sense him through the bond...*

G... good, good...! It's, it's me... it's Sam...!

*And as he speaks, Sam takes what positivity he still has left and concentrates it on Gene. It's not the healing he needs, not by a long shot - but maybe, it's going to clear his mind a bit more, pull him further out of the nightmare his mind still seems to be trapped in...!*
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*The touch registers - but Gene's too addled still to fully understand. He's sure he's dreaming. So many times before, he's mistaken the vampires for Sam, only to mumble to him and have them laugh, shattering the illusion.

And if he's right he just heard the man say Sam's name. Claim to be him.

Not willing to fall for that trick again now that he's feeling slightly less on deaths door, Gene murmurs.*

N-no-not r-real.
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam physically flinches, his face falling. Gene... he still thinks.... He still can't believe...!

But, no, that doesn't matter now - as soon as they're inside that hotel, Sam is going to be able to look after Gene properly... and he'll regain some strength... and he'll realise that it's very real.

Pulling himself together, Sam strokes his hand down Gene's cheek once more, then pulls back.*

I... I'll be just a minute. It'll be ok.

*And, not waiting for a response, Sam gets out of the car, locking it behind him. Then he stops for a moment, turning his head his way and that, listening hard... but it's the middle of the night, and dead quiet. There are no idling cars in the distance... no figures in the shadows. Looks like they haven't been followed.

So Sam makes his way over to the entrance to the motel. Reception is empty when he gets there, but he rings the bell insistently until the disgruntled porter finally comes out of his little chamber. There are rooms, just as Sam had hoped, and he pays in cash for a room for the next seen days. Snatching the key out of the man's hand, Sam immediately runs outside again with a muttered 'gotta get my mate', though he has a feeling the porter doesn't even care.

Once back by the car, Sam unlocks it and opens the back door, anxiously leaning over Gene, placing a hand on his shoulder.*

Hey... Gene? Guv?
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Gene Hunt
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*Those few minutes without Sam in the car - it feels like maybe his suspicions are confirmed. The figment of his imagination has just vanished in front of him. So Gene just lays there, unable to push himself up.

But then before he knows it the hands are back, one of them touching his shoulder. He jumps a little, the figment's return taking him by surprise.

Slurred and hazy, Gene's voice is a mere grunt.*

Wha's...
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*God, every time Gene flinches because of him, Sam wants to kick himself for causing his partner more distress, however small it may be. He strokes his hand down shoulder in what he hopes is a calming gesture, then murmurs*

We're almost safe.

*He pulls back once again, but only for a half a minute - just enough time to get to the boot and retrieve a small sports bag he'd packed before going in this mission. Slinging it Iver his shoulder, Sam returns to Gene's side, this time moving further in.*

Gonna carry you again... But we're nearly there.

*Without further ado, Sam gently lifts Gene up again - including the blanket - and cradles him closed. A but of maneuvering, and the door is closed, the car locked.

When Sam pushes the door to the motel open, the Potter is gone again, which suits him just fine. He quietly walks up the stairs, grateful for the thick carpet muffling his steps.

A minute later, the door to their small room closes behind them. One bed, a basin in one corner - and the tiniest en-suite. It'll do.

Sam lowers Gene down onto the bed, then switches in the bedside lamp. Finally he can take his time to try and get through to Gene...

Placing both hands in his partner's cheeks, stroking his thumbs over his skin, Sam quietly says*

Gene? Look at me...?
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*Again, the jostling. But this whole chain of events is strange... And when he finally feels himself laid out on the soft duvet - something he hasn't felt in weeks - it feels as though something inside him clicks.

This... This is more real now than any rescue dream that he's had. This is more than one stage further...

His mind grinding like a failing car engine trying desperately to start, Gene blinks his eyes open a crack. And there's the same shape he saw before...

His eyes half-focus on Sam, lines of concentration on his face.*
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*...! Gene... The look in his eyes... It feels sharper. And for the first time in a long while, Sam feels something - through the bond. Like it's not quite as one-sided as it had been all these weeks.

Sam leans in, closer to Gene, urgency making him press his hands against his skin more firmly.*

That's it... That's it. S'alright. S'real. I promise you, it's real...

*It almost feels like Sam is having to reassure himself as much as Gene here...!*
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*The words filter through the sound of his own pumping heart, the roaring blood... And the voice, it sounds...

It sounds like Sam.

He squints, barely daring to even try to focus in case he blinks and finds himself back in that place, hooked up to god knows what.

But the shape stays. Becomes clearer. The bond that he's subconsciously been surpessing all this time... It's like a spark has been lit on the end of a firework and the countdown has begun.

Bewildered, Gene whispers.*

Can't... Can't b-be you... Y'r never real...
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*Sam blinks at Gene's words, a wobbly smile tugging on his lips. It's almost funny, but also intensely sad - Gene... He must have been imagining this moment so often... And it took Sam so long to deliver.

His voice nearly breaks as he speaks*

I-it is this time. I got you out. It's over...

*He continues to stroke Gene's cheeks, through his hair, towards the back of his head... Anything to make him realise that he isn't dreaming.*
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*"It's over".

It's over.

Over.

Gene blinks again, eyes opening just that little bit more. Enough for him to make out a few more details on Sam's face. Details that he hasn't had the energy to come up with in his dreams.

C-could it really be...?

Gene freezes, caught in a moment of complete shock and disbelief... Until his subconscious finally lets the barriers down just enough to check...

And the bond opens up again, the full enormity of Gene's three weeks flooding through to Sam's heart. Everything he's been sheltering him from, every ounce of terror and despair... Everything bottled up inside Gene is suddenly shared. But so is the desperation on Sams end. The awful need to reassure him - to make Gene know he's safe finally. And for a moment Gene is speechless, confused but rapidly beginning to understand that the Sam in front of him....he's real.... *
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*It happens so fast - Gene's barriers come down so suddenly that Sam doesn't get the chance to brave himself.

Over the last few weeks, he'd assumed that he got most of what Gene was feeling - the constant horror, then the growing fatigue, the despair... He'd been able to sense it, no matter how far they were apart.

Now, as the memories and feelings hit him like a sledgehammer, he realises he'd gotten off lightly. It sweeps him away like a tsunami wave, leaves him shuddering even as he's bent over Gene. Sam doesn't even realise that his chest is heaving with shallow gasps now, like Gene's had not so long ago...

It's too much of it, too much at once. As yet more comes rushing in - more terror, more utter despair, more suffering - tears begin to drip from Sam's wide eyes, onto Gene's face.

However, almost buried underneath all that, is Sam's intense desire to comfort Gene, to make him feel safe, to let him know he'll be okay now. Sam may not be able to articulate that at the moment, but it does feed back to Gene through the bond.*
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*Gene blinks as Sam's tears drip onto his face - it's real. He can feel the wetness - the tears shed by someone other than him. Jesus christ... It's real... Sam is... Is real...!

Gene would cry if he had any tears left. But for now, he's just absolutely stunned. Frozen in place, he lets Sam's feelings wash over him from inside. And that knowledge that he really is out of that dreadful place is almost too much to absorb. Voice thin, Gene stammers.*

Wh-where...??
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*Sam as well is all but overwhelmed by the sum of both his and Gene's emotions, mixing in his mind and threatening to completely carry him away.

But Gene's voice keeps him grounded - just. The tears won't stop flowing, Gene's pale face beneath him becoming blurry... But his feelings are all too clear. He's beginning to really grasp that it's over, that he's out of that hell...

And so, following an urge he's had from the beginning, Sam scoops Gene up and pulls him into a gentle, yet secure embrace, holding him close - close enough to feel Gene's heart beating against his chest. Sam inhales with a sob, his nose buried in Gene's hair.

He whispers brokenly*

Far away from that place. M-motel in Macclesfield.

*And then, because the onslaught of emotions is simply too much, Sam sobs again*

G-God, Gene... I... I'm so sorry I took s-so long...!
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*Gene doesn't have the physical strength to cling onto Sam as he'd like to. But still, he tries. His bruised, sore arms lift just an inch, fingers loosely hanging onto Sam's denim jacket as though he's about to disappear again.

Though no tears come, Gene's voice chokes up. Sam's emotions are cloaking him, apologies, guilt and love wrapping him up like a blanket.

Sam says he's sorry for taking so long...? Gene doesn't understand. He's out now. That's all that matters. He's out.

But the question has his attention now. He draws a breath.*

H-how long...?
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*As the seconds pass, Sam indeed manages to get enough of a grip on himself to consciously control what's getting through to Gene, and most of all, to make him feel just how good it feels to be cradling him in his arms... Even though he's so weak, and definitely much thinner than before, it's still Gene. That underlying strength, that little bit of him that the vampires didn't manage to break... It's all there.

Before Sam answers, he presses a kiss to the top of Gene's head, and another one. Then, he forces himself to say it.*

... T-twenty days. I'm so sorry...
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*Twenty days... It felt like years... Every time he drifted in and out of consciousness he lost a little bit more of his grip on time. Every minute he was awake, waiting to be grabbed again felt like a month. The news that it was only three weeks feels oddly alien to him.*

T-twenty...

.... C-can't be right....
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*Sam shivers at the sensation of disbelief radiating from Gene, and he thinks he understands what the source of that disbelief is... And it makes his insides clench with grief, guilt and rage in equal parts. These monsters... Torturing Gene like that, treating him like a thing... Less than that...!

He squeezes his eyes shut, causing even more tears to roll down his face and into Gene's hair. If he could've have spared Gene at least a little of this... If he could take away even a fraction of those memories... He'd give anything for that...!

He whispers again, barely getting the words out*

.... M'sorry...!

*He cradles Gene closer, curling in on him as if to wrap himself around Gene and form a shield, to keep him from ever being harmed again.*

B-but it's over now. I...

*Sam swallows, then consciously repeats what he told Gene, all those months ago when Johns almost killed him.*

... I've got you. I've got you...
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*overwhelmed but too tired and emotional to outwardly react, Gene just drinks in the feeling of Sam around him, protecting him, saving him. He never thought he'd feel this again. Thought Sam would never find him. He couldn't feel him through the bond... It'd closed down out of protectiveness and lack of energy to maintain the connection while his body struggled to sustain itself.

But now he can feel Sam in all his glorious clarity - he can hear Sam's internal voice in his head, feel the emotions washing over him... God, he's missed this...

And Sam... All that guilt, all that worry... He was going spare...

Gene breathes Sam's words back at him - both as a confirmation of Sam's promise and a promise right back.*

Got you...
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*Sam swallows hard as he hears those words, and even moreso as the sentiment behind them washes through him. Everything is a swirl of emotions right now, and he's finding it hard to exactly tell his and Gene's feelings apart - but that promise... it's clear. Even now, even as he's weak and beaten down... Gene is still thinking of Sam's well-being...!

It's almost enough to completely overwhelm him again, but Sam grits his teeth and swallows it down. He needs to be strong for Gene now, needs to give him everything he has to help him recover from this.

Slowly, Sam pulls back, gently laying Gene back down onto the bed in the process. He presses another kiss to his forehead, then sits up, his hands stroking down Gene's face, his neck, his shoulders. That is where he stops, once again taking in how horribly bruised Gene's arms are...

His gaze lingering on the cannulae, Sam quietly says*

I'll get... those... off you now. Alright?

*He wants to promise that it won't hurt, but he knows he can't. He doesn't have the surgical tools to make it painfree for Gene - all he can do is be quick.*
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*Gene closes his eyes, drinking in Sams touches and kisses - such gentle sensations he never thought he'd feel again. But then he senses what Sam's doing even before he says it.

Those things in his arms. Suddenly, Gene feels anxious again.

Gene lifts his right hand a few inches, trying to catch Sam's hand before it makes a move.

Voice suddenly wavering again, Gene pants.*

W-wait... Won't come out... Tried already...
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*Gene's sudden panic stings Sam like a hot needle, and he has to blink hard against the sudden burning sensation in his eyes. His hands immediately slide up to Gene's face again, thumbs stroking and soothing.

Sam saw the stitches, of course - crude, sloppy, but tight enough to definitely stop Gene from pulling out the cannulae... And he says he already tried... God...!

Sam swallows before gently murmuring*

I brought a first aid kit... I can get them out. I promise.

*He can't promise that it won't hurt - they both know that - but at least he can take them out and bandage Gene up... And then help him heal. One small discomfort is all that's standing in the way of Gene's physical recovery...*
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*Sam's hand on his cheek sends a calming wave through Gene. Not enough to stop his heart from beating fast at the thought of Sam touching the things in his arms... But enough for him to lower his hand back to the bed.

He wants them out. He wants his arms back. He wants every last little reminder of his ordeal to disappear. But in order for that to happen, Sam has to do this.

So Gene lays still with a tense sigh.*

... Do... What y'have to.
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*Do what you have to do...

Sam nods - but for a few more seconds, he doesn't move, keeping his hands where they are. He and Gene were separated in the worst way possible for far too long... It's a gut instinct that's keeping Sam from breaking physical contact.

When he finally does, pulling away slowly and reluctantly, he feels the loss of warmth and life immediately. He knows he needs to get back to Gene as quickly as possible now - not just to rid Gene of those horrible cannulae, but also for his own sanity.

The first aid kit is easily found, and a few seconds later, Sam is kneeling next to Gene again, opening up the box and rifling through it. Scissors, disinfectant, bandages... He knows that once the stitches are out, Gene should be alright, shouldn't need the disinfectant; Sam's healing abilities should be enough. However, they're both shaken up, and Sam hasn't completely shaken his human instincts. He'll apply the disinfectant just in case.

He drips a few drops of it onto a piece of cloth and rubs it over the scissors' blades, before putting the cloth aside and lying his hand on Gene's shoulder. He knows Gene went through much worse during the last few weeks... But still Sam hesitates.*

... I... I'll get the stitches out now. Then, you can rest.
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*Then he can rest...

Gene can feel just how desperate Sam is to keep up the contact - to keep as close as possible and keep the bond open now he's allowed that wall to come down. And Gene is equally as desperate. But they need to do this. Gene needs to bear it. And then they can rest. Both of them. Because Gene can only imagine what Sam's been doing these last few weeks.

Steeling himself, Gene grits his teeth loosely and nods. He's terrified of anybody touching the pieces of glass and plastic fused to his bruised skin - it feels so tender, like his arms and veins could break open at the slightest pressure... But the only person Gene trusts to do this is Sam.*
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*Even without the bond Sam would be able to tell just how reluctant Gene is - and who can blame him? However, he also senses that his partner is allowing him to continue. Trusts him.

Huffing out a grim breath, Sam steels himself as well. He knows he's going to be hurting Gene, even though it's the very last thing he wants. This won't be easy for either of then.

He needs to get it over with quickly.

Scissors in hands, Sam sets to work. Since the stitches were applied quickly and haphazardly, it's easier than it usually would he to get a proper grip on them. One snip, and Sam begins to quickly pull them out, wincing as he goes. There's barely a patch of skin on Gene's arms that isn't discoloured... It's horrible...!

With the thread removed, Sam manages to slide the cannula free easily. He drops it down the side of the bed and immediately presses gauze against the puncture wound to stop it from bleeding. He wraps a bandage around it as well - not too tight, so as not to hurt Gene further; just enough to keep the gauze in place.*
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*Gene braces himself as Sam moves in. And though his partner is incredibly gentle, the deep bruising all over his arms means he feels every brush of Sam's fingertips, let alone the thread being pulled from where it lies embedded. Every sensation seems to set off a fire inside his inner elbow. The needle has been firmly in place for three weeks, sitting inside his vein, poking and prodding and puncturing whenever it moved. To be free of it suddenly... It's bizarre.

Gene doesn't want to look as the blood wells up from the hole - he's seen enough of his own blood to last a lifetime. He feels sick just thinking about it.

The pressure of the gauze jolts him back to reality. Even that slight pressure sets Gene off. He jumps, his arms twitching towards himself instinctively - he can't help it. The bruises are agony. A gasp escapes his lips, body tense and stiff. The bandages are loose... Sam made sure... But it doesn't stop it throbbing and stabbing relentlessly*
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*Sam knew something like this was going to happen - the bruises are too dark, too angry to not hurt at the slightest touch - but he still isn't prepared for the sickening sensation that's feeding back to him through the bond. He gasps along with Gene, but carries on nonetheless, bandaging up his arm. It has to be done, there's no way around it...

But once he finishes, he once again presses his palm to Gene's cheek, trying to soothe him through the pain.*

Sshh, sh... you're alright...

*But Sam's voice is wobbly, betraying both his emotions and the fact that he's feeling the 2nd hand pain as well. And it's not so much the actual hurt as it is the sensation that throws Sam off - a foreign object having been embedded there for so long, being pulled out, but the damage still remaining deep down...

Sam knows he should continue with the other arm - the sooner this is done, the better - but he can't bring himself to ignore Gene's discomfort. He needs to calm Gene down at least a little...!*

M'sorry... I-I'll try to be more careful...!
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*Gene shudders, Sam thoughts mirroring his exactly. The absence of the needle that's been in his skin for so long... It feels as strange as it does a relief. And the sooner both arms are done the better...

He nods shakily. Sam says he'll be more careful, but Gene can sense just how careful and gentle he's already being. None of this is Sam's fault. It's the vampires for doing this in the first place. It's his for not being careful enough and getting snatched so easily.*
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*Even though Gene can't see it, Sam nods back at him. He thinks he detected something there - a pang of... guilt? Self-deprecation? He'll need to get to the bottom of this, if he's right.... but not now. Now, he needs to fix what he's able to immediately fic.

Sam repeats the procedure on Gene's other arm; the thread doesn't come out as easily, with the skin having started to heal somewhat... but the needle is removed quickly, and this time, Sam does his best to apply even less pressure than before - just about enough to keep the gauze and the bandage in place.

Then he moves quickly, shutting the first aid kit and getting up to put the last bloodied evidence of Gene's suffering away - for now. He's half a mind to pursue this officially as a kidnap investigation... but that's for later as well.

Sam returns to Gene's bedside with a small glass filled with water, putting it down on the bedside table. And then finally, he's able to do what he wanted to from the start...

Ever so carefully, Sam shimmies his arm under Gene's shoulders and raises his upper body, mindful to not upset his arms too much. Then, silently and as graceful as a cat he slides onto the bed, positioning himself between the head and Gene. Finally, he lowers Gene back, until his back is flush against Sam's chest. Sam gently wraps his arms around Gene's front and pulls him in close, burying his nose in his partner's hair.

He lets out a long breath, eyes closing. Finally... finally there's the contact he's been longing for... needed... and he knows Gene needs it as well, sorely...!*
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*Gene valiantly bears it as Sam deals with his other arm, cutting through the surgical threads and pulling the cannula out smoothly. The pressure still hurts, of course it does... But they're both gone now. The last physical ties to that place, they're gone from his body. He can hardly believe it. And that disbelief carries through, even as Sam eases himself in behind Gene and holds him close. The contact he's so desperately needed - it's happening. And he can barely believe it.

Gene takes a deep, slow breath, grounding himself.

God... He could still be back there. They would have been back in in a few hours, seeing how much blood he'd generated.

Hoarsely, Gene whispers.*

Thank you...
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*Gene's disbelief... the lingering horror and fear... and gratitude. It all washes over Sam, overwhelming him. Suddenly, the tears that had stopped when he needed to concentrate on helping Gene, are flowing again, dripping down his cheeks and into Gene's hair.

He presses a kiss against Gene's head, and another one. Gene shouldn't need to thank him - not for something like this. Not when it took Sam this long to find him, when he couldn't spare him from going through hell day in, day out for nearly three weeks.

But he can't say any of it - words elude Sam, emotion making his throat close up. All he can do is hold Gene close, hold him like he won't ever let go of him again.

If anything, Sam is grateful for Gene's strength - for the fact that he managed to hold out long enough for Sam to come and find him. Eyes shut tight, drinking in Gene's presence and letting it heal the wound his absence had torn into Sam's psyche, he just hopes that Gene can sense Sam's answer, even though it isn't verbal.*
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*Gene can sense everything going through Sam's mind - and with that and Sam's tears.... The emotion flows through Gene suddenly, like an electric overload. Sam's love, protectiveness, the guilt of not finding him sooner, his gratitude that Gene even hung on that long...

Gene feels a drip on his cheek - one that didn't come from a height. It rolls down from his cheek to his chin, and as he blinks watery eyes, he realises the tear is his own. The horror of this.... It's going to leave a deep, angry scar. Even now, here, laying against his partner in a safe, warm place... There's a part of him inside still convinced that this is a dream.*
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*Before Sam even knows what he's doing, he's hugged Gene even closer against his frame, his knees pulling up as if to completely cocoon his partner and shield him from the world. Knowing that Gene is crying as well now causes Sam a completely different kind of pain - but he knows this is good and important. Tears mean that Gene is beginning to really process what happened... And while Sam just wants to hide them both away from the world and kiss those tears right off Gene's cheeks, he doesn't move. Enveloping Gene both physically and mentally is what they both need right now.

There is so much they need to unpack. So much that needs to be said and done... But for now, Sam will let Gene cry, and rest, and recover. And he'll be there, providing security, comfort and healing.

It's just a motel in Macclesfield they're in, but right now, it feels like the safest and most comfortable place Sam could imagine.*
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*Gene appreciates Sam not commenting on the tears dripping down his face. He doesn't think he could articulate anything he's feeling right now. So in the comfortable fortress Sam has provided, cocooned and safe, Gene finds himself crying quietly until he's too exhausted to continue. His red-rimmed eyes close and his breathing evens out... And eventually he's asleep, warm and comfortable rather than cold and in pain.

By the time Gene jolts awake the sun has risen, rays poking in through the gap in the curtains. Gene jumps, the beginnings of a nightmare thankfully failing to properly materialise. But that doesn't stop him from momentarily becoming disoriented - he's been asleep for ages! They're going to come and get him any minute now surely - it's breakfast time, they always--! *
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*Sam doesn't move a muscle through the entire night. Even as Gene finally falls asleep, he remains as he is, eyes open, his chin resting atop Gene's head. He could go into his trance - it would help Gene heal faster if he did - but Sam keeps himself present. He's listening for suspicious sounds, suspicious movement, anything that might indicate they've been compromised. It shouldn't happen, by all accounts, but after everything that's happened, Sam can't help but be in on his guard.

The sound of Gene's even breathing is comfort enough. Listening to the rush of his blood, noting how his heart seems to be growing stronger again with every passing hour... That is what provides Sam with solace. It's all he needs right now.

By the time Gene wakes up, Sam has allowed his eyes to slide half-shut. It's daytime now... The vampires won't be likely to pull any stunts right now. The jolt pulls Sam right out of his little doze, and he springs to action immediately. Shifting around Gene he brings up one hand to stroke through Gene's hair, the other loosely draped across his chest, lips peppering the back of his head with kisses - anything to make him realise he's in a safe place, absolutely safe, with no hostiles around...!

And in between kisses, Sam whispers*

Sshh, sshh, you're okay, you're alright.. S'just me... You're safe... I've got you...!
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*Heart beating fast, Gene slowly relaxes under Sam's ministrations - that's right, he's... He's safe... He isn't there any more... Nobody's coming to get him...

It takes a minute for Gene to completely go limp, the slow outtake of breath that accompanies it one of cautious relief.

And then once his mind has stopped racing, Gene realises just what happened all over again. Sam saved him. Got him out of there. Groggily, he lifts his head to blink down at his arms, only to find that he did remember right. His elbows are wrapped up in bandage, the bright white blinding against the surrounding black and blue skin. The cannulas are completely gone.

Shuddering, Gene breathes.*

Jesus....

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*Sam keeps up the touches and kisses, patiently waiting for Gene's breathing to even out, his heart to return to its calmer rhythm. But during that time, Gene's emotions, his fears, they batter at Sam's psyche. Images flash before his eyes as well - the darkened room, pale figures showing up, grabbing him, the IV lines--

He pulls Gene in closer, tucking his nose against his partner's shoulder and pressing a kiss there. Sam feels him move, knows he's studying his arms... So Sam raises his head to look as well. He can't tell if there's a difference to the night before yet, but one thing at least he knows - this will heal. If they stay like this for a few days, Gene's body will be good as new.

As for his mind...

Sam brushes his lips against Gene's neck, behind his ear. Then, he murmurs, his voice somewhat husky*

Alright...?
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*Feeling slightly shaken, Gene nods.*

J-Just about, yeah...

*he swallows, not daring to move just yet. He feels more rested than yesterday. His blood must have replenished somewhat, though he doesn't feel one hundred percent. It takes longer now to recover after being drained so often... It's as though his body's decided that if it makes less blood, they won't take it. But that never works.

He feels both lighter and heavier than he used to, as well. Lighter in that he's sure he's lost weight - they kept him hydrated well enough, but food was a scarce thing. They topped him up with vitamins and all those essentials, but calories and actual energy-producing food? He can't even remember the last time he properly ate. And as for feeling heavier... His limbs feel weak and heavy. Like they're made of lead.

But still... A little stronger than yesterday...

He flops his head back against Sam, blinking blearily at the room around him. The unfamiliar bed, the wretched wallpaper. Disorientated, he croaks.*

Wh-where are we? Looks almost as shite as your flat...



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Mmh.

*Sam keeps his grip on Gene strong and (hopefully) assuring. He feels so... Fragile in Sam's arms. And fragile is a word Sam doesn't want to associate with Gene - it's just wrong. He's lost so much weight as well; no wonder, that, if all the vampires did Was to keep him hydrated via the IV lines...

Gene's question pulls Sam out of his dark musings and he blinks, focusing once more on simply providing physical and mental comfort to his bonded partner. He even manages a bit of a wry huff.*

Charming.

We're in Macclesfield, a motel just out of town.

*He presses a quick kiss to the side of Gene's neck, unable to stop himself from these little gestures*

Figured they wouldn't expect us to move further away from Manchester.
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*A motel... Sam drove them...

Gene can only remember bits and pieces from the journey - he was too far into the blood loss to be more than only semi-awake at any time. But he does remember being wrapped in a blanket, laying on the vibrating back seat of an unfamiliar car...

Good thinking from Sam there. If they're going to chase him, this wouldn't be the first area they'd look.

Gene huffs a small, grim laugh.*

Well... S'not the Ritz, but I'll take it over that... Hell hole...
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Mmh.

*Sam can practically feel the cogs whirring away in Gene's brain, trying to piece together the events from last night... It makes him feel even more protective. Gene was so out of it because of what was done to him...

Sam's grip tightens, pressing their bodies together. This kind of violation - a bonded vampire and human being separated, and the human abused in such a way... He doesn't consciously realise it, but it's the worst thing that could be done to them, short of one of them being killed. Thinking about it, catching glimpses of Gene's memories, knowing what happened; it kicks up a turmoil within Sam that's hard to control. He wants to go back and rip apart each and every one of those monsters, while at the same times he wants to curl around Gene and hide him away, hide them both away forever. The thought of them ever getting separated again sends waves of ice cold fear through Sam.

But physically, he doesn't move a muscle, other than holding onto Gene as tightly as he dares, his nose buried in the crook of Gene's neck. His partner smells like blood and grime, illness and sweat... But underneath all that, it's Gene. And Sam needs that scent right now, as much as he needs to hear the steady thrum of Gene's pulse.*
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*Gene swallows, Sam's protectiveness washing over him once more. God, what must he have been going through? Especially since the bond went dim. The fact that Sam even found him... He must have been searching nonstop.

He lets the silence stretch for a moment before whispering his question.*

H-how.. How did you even find me?
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*Sam senses what Gene's question is going to be even before he says it out loud, but he remains silent for a little while nonetheless. Remembering the last three weeks is... painful. They passed in a haze of panic, of near unbearable fear for Gene's life. The days all melted into one torturous stretch of time, Sam either at the station or out on the streets searching for clues and rumours. He doesn't want to subject Gene to the emotions he had to go through during that time, does his level best to hold them back even now.

However, he can't just not answer the question. So he speaks slowly, murmuring against Gene's skin*

... caught your scent on the street one night.

*He doesn't say that it was Gene's blood he smelled.*

Interrogated the bastard it stuck to... He tipped me off, told me to go to Hyde.

*And then Sam killed him. But he doesn't say that either.*

I pretended to be starving... once I was there, it didn't take long to find where-- where they put you. Just 'ad to follow the bragging.
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*The bragging.

He remembers that. The laughs, the boasting, the mocking, the jeering. At first. But quickly, as he himself lost his spark, the taunts dropped too. He became less of a celebrity and just another barrel of liquid to drink.

But even through those horrid memories, Gene can sense that Sam's holding himself back, trying to spare Gene from his own memories. And that in itself tells Gene all he needs to know about how Sam fared during their time apart. It makes him want to apologise. But this isn't his fault. It's niether of their fault.*

Y'didn't... tell the others....?
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...

*Before responding, Sam closes his eyes to gather himself. He can't get lost in his own trauma of the last few weeks... for Gene's sake, he can't. He has to be strong now, for the both of them... to allow them both to recover.*

... I... I had to. I couldn't....

*He breaks off, his throat closing up. He can't do this, can he? Talk about what made him do the things without reliving the emotions.

So Sam forces himself to go on, though his voices is growing quieter, rougher. Beginning to shake somewhat.*

... I-I couldn't pretend like... like nothing was wrong. The... the moment I realised what-- what had happened, I... I reported you as missing.

*He huffs, though it's close to a small sob*

The entire police force was lookin' for you. Manchester-wide, then nation-wide. An' I was with 'em, u-until I--

Until I ran out of b-blood.

That's when I continued o-on my own. During the night.
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*Shit... Of course Sam reported him missing. And the search went nation-wide? Jesus...

And then Sam ran out of blood. Carried on at night by himself.

God, what a mess. He can feel what Sam felt, the terror, the complete desperation... It's awful. And having to deal with the rest of the team while knowing things he couldn't tell them... that must have been hard. Even when he found out what was happening to Gene, he wouldn't have been able to tell the others...*

What... What do they think happened?
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*Sam gives a small, helpless shrug.*

That you've disappeared. Someone... took you. I found the groceries you were meant to buy on the street when you-- when you didn't turn up again.

*Sam inhales even though he doesn't need to, but the act helps him pull himself together enough to concentrate on Gene, to try and ground himself in his partner's presence again. He can't let himself get swept away by this... For Gene's sake if not his own.

A little calmer, Sam continues*

I... Couldn't tell them anything. I-I was scared that any tiny hint might be... Too much.
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*it's hard to hear. The fact that the others are involved now worries him - but Sam was careful. Didn't get them caught up in the lurking dangers behind his disappearance. That's good. Sam did brilliantly.*

Good call...

*But then there's the worry - what if the vampires look for him? What if they saw Sam drive off? What if--?*

They... They don't know where we are...? Y'weren't followed...
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Sam Tyler
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*Immediately sensing Gene's worry, Sam lifts one hand to stroke over his hair, to calm him down.*

Not as far as I could tell. And if they knew we were 'ere, they'd already 'ave stormed the place during the night...

*That doesn't mean they can't still find out... But for now, it seems they're safe. As safe as they can be, at any rate.

To distract Gene a little, and also because it's a real concern at the moment, Sam quietly says*

... D'you want some water?
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Gene Hunt
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*Sam's hand stroking his hair does the trick, that and Sam's comfort through the bond helping to lower his heart rate back down.

But even so, he can't help his throat catching a little at the offer of water.

Christ, he hadn't even thought of that. He'd gotten so used to not eating or drinking that his body'd had to find way to cope. The thought of swallowing water feels almost daunting to him at this moment. And does Sam even know what the arrangement was? Suddenly Gene's stuck for words, anxiety creeping up his throat.*
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Sam Tyler
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*Gene's anxiety is like a hot iron poker driving right into Sam's chest.*

H-hey, hey...!

*He shifts, sitting up so that he can pull Gene closer, craning his neck until he's able to press kiss after kiss to his cheek. In between, he murmurs*

S'okay, you don't... Y'don't have to...

*But the images flash through his mind, confirming Sam's suspicions - the IV lines, the horrible hole Gene was kept in... They didn't even feed him. They didn't... All the nutrition he got was...

Sam squeezes his eyes shut, trying to ground them both back in reality... Doing his best not to get overwhelmed by the swirl of emotions.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Sam's kisses and hugs do calm him down a little... But what Sam says isn't technically true. He's not hooked up to fluids any more. If he doesn't drink, his body won't regenerate. He'll end up dehydrated as well as everything else.

A lump in his throat, Gene shakes his head.*

'Ave to at some point... Unless you're gonna put those back in...

*He nods at the bin where the cannulas are now hidden*
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Sam Tyler
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*Gene's words send a jolt through Sam, nausea suddenly rising. How can Gene suggest something like that even as a joke--?!*

N-no! Jesus, don't...

*He breaks off, closing his eyes for a moment to gather himself. A bit calmer, he continues*

... I-I can sustain you a bit longer. Til you feel up to it.

*Sam inclines his head over to the night stand*

S'over there, if you want it.
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene half expects Sam's revulsion to his joke... But he can't help making it. He's so fragile inside, the only way he can cope is to make light of it. Laugh or cry.

Following Sam's gesture, Gene looks over at the night stand.*

...

*what if he never feels up to it? What if this has given him a sodding phobia or something? He's going to have to try it at some point...*

M'not sure if I want it or not.
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam senses Gene's indecision - fear, rather - as if it were his own. He responds by taking a deliberate breath, in and out, encouraging Gene to go along with it. That fragility emanating from his partner... It scares Sam as much as it causes his protectiveness to go into overdrive. "Gene" and "fragile" should never ever be compatible words.*

Give it a few more hours then. M'not moving unless y'want me to.
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene swallows and nods. It feels like a failure already and he hasn't even tried yet. But he'll have to manage it later. He'll have to. If he doesn't drink and he dehydrates, he'll have to go to hospital, and if he does that there'll be an IV and...

Shaking himself out of that thought pattern, Gene half-whispers. He needs to do something. Anything. Something to feel like he's made a small victory.*

I uh... Don't want you to move, but.. It'd be nice to get out of these rags...
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Sam Tyler
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*Through the bond, Sam has no choice but to follow Gene's thought spiral, and it frightens him. Of course Gene would be deeply traumatised by his experience of the last three weeks, but it's only now beginning to dawn on Sam just how deep that trauma is running...

Gene's suggestion is welcome - it means there's something Sam can do. And really, he should have thought of that sooner... Of course Gene would want to get out of the torn clothes he's been forced to wear for the last few weeks.

He nods, almost enthusiastically.*

Good idea - how about a shower? We can rinse you down, and I brought spare clothes... Should make you feel human again, eh?
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Gene Hunt
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*Spare clothes... Actual clothes that aren't filthy and covered in grime... It sounds perfect.

And a shower sounds wonderful. They'd tried to keep him scrubbed down in case he got sick (they wanted to keep him alive for as long as possible, of course). But there's a level of grime and dirt stuck to his skin that no quick scrub with cold water could wash away. Gene feels disgusting, and god does it sound good, being able to feel clean again.

So he relaxes against Sam again, the tension draining from him.*

Yeah... Anythin' to stop me feelin' like I've been pickled in me own juices.
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam relaxes along with Gene, incredibly relieved that his suggestion elicited such a response. When they arrived, he didn't have the patience to undress Gene and clean him up... And he hadn't wanted to do something like that without his partner's knowledge, knowing that all agency had been taken from him during those weeks.

But now it's time, and Sam is sure it'll make a huge difference to Gene's overall state and wellbeing.

He almost smiles as he nods again, his chin rubbing a little against Gene's shoulder.*

Alright then. Your wish is my command.

*He shifts, carefully extracting himself from behind Gene, though he keeps his hands in his partner's shoulder and back, keeping him supported and making sure to jostle him as little as possible.

Once Sam is stood up, he keeps one arm wrapped around Gene's back. The other he holds out to Gene, an invitation for him to try and get up of his own accord, but with Sam's help. Sam knows that Gene must be weak still... But this as well is part of Sam's effort to give him choices, to decide what happens when.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene can't help his appreciation from flowing across the link in spades. Having a say over what happens to him isn't something he's experienced for weeks. And knowing Sam's being careful to give him control? Normally he'd grump about being seen as weak, but this time he gladly accepts it. He needs it.

So Gene tries his best, using Sam's support around his back to stop himself from collapsing backwards. Awkwardly he let's his legs drop over the side and tries to summon the energy to push himself up.

It's a struggle, as predicted. He has to grab onto Sam to help himself, but even then it's hard - his arms hurt too much to hang on tightly and his legs wobble. Lightheaded, Gene has to rely on Sam to keep him upright. It'll pass, he tells himself as spots dart in front of his eyes. Just a few minutes and it'll pass...
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Sam Tyler
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*Gene's appreciation and gratitude are like balm on the wounds in Sam's psyche. Finally he can do what he's supposed to - support his partner, be there, use the bond to help him... It almost makes him glow from the inside out.

The effect somewhat dampened by how shaky Gene is as he pulls himself up. Once again, Sam is struck by how much weight Gene has lost; the rags that are left of his clothes are too big, making him seem even smaller and thinner. His face is drawn, shadows making his cheeks look more hollow than they should be... The sight makes his chest constrict painfully. That something like this had to happen to Gene, his Gene...!

Sam supports Gene as best as he can, using the arm around his back to hold him up and prevent him from collapsing. He moves in a little closer, effectively pressing Gene to his chest, allowing him to lean on Sam. Gene's dizziness is filtering over to Sam, and he closes his eyes to try and counteract it, to ground them both as he murmurs into Gene's ear*

Take it easy... There's no rush.
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene leans on Sam, the fatigue momentarily taking over - but Sam's grounding him, trying to get him steady. And eventually it works. Walking in a straight line is hard. Impossible. But Sam helps him all the way into the small hotel bathroom.

God, if he can't even stand up straight on his own, how is he going to stand in a shower and properly wash himself? Growing slightly dizzy again as they make it to the bathroom, Gene murmurs.*

S'there a bath?
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam leads Gene over to the toilet, putting the lid down before coaxing his partner to sit down. He can feel Gene trembling slightly against him even now; it's making him want to never let go. He'd do anything to be able to stop those shivers, to save Gene from having to exert himself so much...

At Gene's question, Sam regretfully shakes his head.*

Just a shower, sorry...

*He chews on his lower lip a bit - Gene is either going to have to stand, leaning on Sam, or sit down on the tiles... Either way, Sam's going to have to undress as well. Not that that's a problem.*

I could just wipe you down, but...

*Sam trails off, knowing that Gene probably won't want that... But he feels he should give Gene that choice as well. Whatever he's most comfortable with.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Wipe him down? The thought of that makes Gene shudder again. It’s too close to what happened in that place. A quick flush with water to try and knee him getting sick... to try and keep him alive and bleeding for as many months as possible.

Quickly, Gene replies.*

Not that.
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam realises his mistake the moment he makes it, but it's too late. The images flash past his eyes as well - the awful feeling of being powerless, nothing but a thing to be used - and from one moment to the next, he can't help but feel weak and dizzy, Gene's emotions mingling with his own intense rush of guilt.

He swallows, before nodding.*

'course.

*Sam glances over at the small shower stall, then back at Gene, sitting on the toilet, pale and exhausted already.*

... Best sit down on the floor then, I suppose. Unless you wanna try standing.
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