The male's diamond eyes locked on Payne, and though she hadn't seen him in forever, she knew who he was. Sure as if she was staring at her own reflection. Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes for last she had known, he breathed no longer. "Vishous," she whispered desperately. "Oh, brother mine.

You know you were with the lessers, true?" Butch lifted one of his busted-up hands. "And here I thought I'd been to Elizabeth Arden.

Then you would hold me up, wouldn't you." He traced over her features with his fingertips. And as he did, for some strange reason, he felt the arms of infinity wrapping around them both, holding them close... linking them forever. Yes, he mouthed. I would hold you up. I will ever hold you up and hold you dear, lover mine.

Vishous, could you stop grinning like that? You're beginning to freak me out.

You've got nothing to worry about. The righteous do not always right, but their souls remain pure. -Lassiter the Angel

As much as we have free choice, absolute destiny is immutable. What is meant to happen does, through one measure or another.

Gallows humor is part of having a doctor in the house. Deal with it.