||???, USA||

Todd's silver eyes fluttered open, staring up into the starry night. He was wearing a button up white shirt with a gray vest over it... The clothes he wore when he was under his foster-parent's care. He looked down at his body, to see he was a translucent figure.

"Todd?"

A soft voice called, causing Todd to spin around. He saw a tall man with feathered gray hair and dull eyes. Todd felt tears prickle in his eyes, as his throat went tight.

"Father." Todd's father rushed towards him, embracing him into a hug. Tears rolled down Todd's cheeks, as he buried his face into his father's embrace. "Son, I was wrong..." He began, looking down at the man before him.

His warm and loving smile quickly faded into a cruel glare. "You turned out to be more worthless and pathetic than I thought. You? A bandit? Ha! You're filthy criminal, you're dirt to even the law now!"

Todd's body froze up, as he found himself stuck in place. His father sneered, slapping Todd across the face. "And to top it all off - You're gay! You're in love with the sheriff - A man who's WAY out of your league! There's no way he'd fall for a filthy fag like you..." He growled, letting out an amused laugh. Todd flinched as his father stared him down.

"You're a worthless fag."

The words 'worthless fag' played over and over, coming out like chants. Todd felt his eyes burn. He wanted to move, he wanted to scream 'shut up'. But he couldn't.

All men had their weaknesses, his weakness happened to be his past. His past family was abusive both physically and mentally. They said he was worthless, that he wasn't worth saving. They were right.

They were always right.

Todd began to realize it now - He was a killer, a manwhore, a thief. He had even fallen in love with the Sheriff, a man of the law, Thomas. There was no way the sheriff would ever love him. There was no hope for Todd...

He felt himself being dragged down into the deep and dark abyss. His stomach churned, as he began to feel empty and broken. He saw a flash of light, feeling warm arms wrap around him.

The chanting ceased all at once, as Todd felt himself being pulled out of the darkness. He turned his head around, seeing Thomas staring into his eyes. His heart fluttered when Thomas held him close. "Thomas, why did you-"

Todd was cut off as he felt Thomas' soft lips press against his. He lost his breath, pushing his lips against Thomas' exploring his mouth. His eyes fluttered, as he gripped his waist tightly.

Thomas was his light, his angel, his hope. Todd didn't ever want to lose him.

-----

Todd's eyes fluttered open as he found himself out of breath. His heart raced feeling a body heat close to him as he jerked away. Thomas snapped his eyes open, clearing his throat as he traced his fingers over his lips. "I-"

Todd cut him off, pressing his lips against Thomas'. Thomas ran his fingers through Todd's hair moving his jaw with his movement. Their lips danced together in a rhythm, the two men tasting each other. Pulling away a string of drool kept them connected before they stared into each other's eyes for a tense moment.

"What were you doing here?" Todd trailed off, his eyes trailing down Thomas' neck. "I-I went to go wake you up... And- I heard you whispering things and I-...." Todd understood, shaking his head softly as he cupped Thomas' cheek. Thomas pushed the hand away, looking at Todd with a pained expression.

"Todd."

"Hm?"

"What happened to you?" Thomas paused, biting his lip for a moment, "Something is hurting you - And it pains me to see you like this." He rasped, searching Todd's face for answers.

Todd froze, feeling his heart pound. He never wanted to talk about this - Ever. It was something that happened to him, something awful, but he would be happier if he never spoke about it. "I'd rather not speak about it," Todd rasped, looking away. Thomas quietly acknowledged, kissing the side of his forehead.

"I understand."

Todd looked up at Thomas appreciating his response, before lighting up in surprise feeling Thomas hug him tightly. Thomas buried his face into Todd's vest, catching him off guard. Todd smiled softly, running his fingers through the back of Thomas' head. He let out a soft hum, leaning his head back as he relished in the peaceful moment.

For once in Todd's life, he felt complete and happy. Like nothing could ever make him sad or hurt ever again. As long as he had Thomas, he'd be okay. He just prayed to God that he'd be merciful enough to let him be happy with Tom.

God, keep my angel safe.

A/N: Oh, what a happy chapter, nothing can ever go wrong now. : )