Author: Tiina
Song: Ever the Same by Rob Thomas
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Through TBO
POV: Ranger
Ever The Same
I arrived at the playground half an hour ago, my heart in my throat. I can't begin to describe how I felt seeing her alive, the rush of relief at seeing her smile. I recognized that smile, I'd worn it myself. The smile of someone who survived against their own expectations. I half expected her to break down once the adrenaline wore off. She didn't. I didn't have an excuse to hold her. Probably for the best. After Clyde Cone, I didn't want to let her go. She has no idea of her own strength.
We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
I watched her talking with Morelli. Saw him waving his arms and yelling at her. Noticed how her shoulders slumped. How she suddenly looked...defeated. I felt my anger stir. I had held back, believing Morelli could make her happy. Could give her what she needed. She certainly doesn't look happy now.
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you so we both fall down
Fall on me, tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you, forever in me
Ever the same
I watched Morelli stomp off, back to work. Nice that he could take enough time to berate her, but had none to comfort her. He was trying to take this amazing, strong, fiercely independent woman, my Babe, and break her spirit, put out her fire. Turn her into...a Cupcake. I suddenly found myself in front of her, with no recollection of moving. I put my arms around her, and she melted into me.
We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down, under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold, and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Look at us, man, this doesn't need to be the end
I didn't want her to leave my arms, ever. I took a deep breath. Could I do this? Could she? I tightened my arms around her as I felt her shiver. Was I willing to risk everything, with the possibility of walking away with nothing? As she tilted her head to look into my eyes, I knew. I had made this decision a long time ago. All my dancing away from her was just me kidding myself. Time to face the truth.
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you so we both fall down
Fall on me, tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you, forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me, I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you, forever in me
Ever the same
Morelli turned around and saw me holding her. He's less than pleased. Tough. He had his chance. I'm through backing down and backing off. I met his eyes over Steph's head. I think he saw my resolve.
"Cupcake, I'll have someone take you home now."
She stiffened in my arms but didn't turn. Or let go. I felt her take a few deep breaths before she tightened her hold on me and burrowed her face in my chest. Morelli's jaw clenched. The look he shot me told me this wasn't over. His hands clenched into fists, but he turned and walked away.
"Babe. Come home with me?" She nodded against me. I picked her up and headed for my truck.
You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love
I couldn't give her the white picket fence and 2.5 kids. I couldn't give her a traditional life. Could she be happy without all that? I think we owed it to ourselves to find out.
Fall on me, tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you, forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me, I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you, forever in me
Ever the same