I don't think he heard a word the minister said. He just stared lifelessly at the tombstone, his eyes welling with tears. He brushed them away with his thumbs the second they touched his cheeks.

It's only me, Bobby and Ross. Bobby doesn't have any family left, we can't find Donny, and Evelyn declined the invitation, although I can't really say that I blame her. Our colleagues mostly clapped Bobby on the back, offering muted sympathies.

Ross tries to tell Bobby to take as much time as he needs, but it's pretty clear that he can't understand him so Ross looks at me to translate.

I nod.

Ross starts for his car, following the minister.

I look up at Bobby, waiting for him to direct me. He doesn't offer anything so I tell him, simply, "I'll wait".

I head for my own car.

He grabs my arm, and I gasp by the force behind it, even though I'm not all that surprised.

I loop his arm through mine and he leans on me for support. Together we walk back to my car. Slowly, our steps in sync. This time, he lets the tears fall freely.

We arrive at his apartment, and again I wait for some direction. Leave him be? Escort him up? Stay the night? The more I wait, the more I realize that he doesn't know what he wants; he doesn't know what he should want and he doesn't know how to decide.

"C'mon," I say finally, breaking the overbearing silence that's invaded the air. "I'll make you some tea."

He barely nods, but follows me out of the car.

I use a set of house keys that he once gave me for emergencies and once inside, he collapses on the couch.

I make the tea, silently, even though I know it's not what he wants but at least I'm doing something that's somewhat helpful.

I hand him a cup and he takes it without looking up, but he lets his fingers slide over mine. His touch is cold. I shiver.

"Sorry," he mutters.

"Oh, no..." I say, rather stupidly.

I sip my tea.

And then the cup is empty.

I set it down in the sink and pick up my coat.

"Call me if you need anything."

"Eames." He looks up at me; his eyes are red, bloodshot, and his cheeks are etched with tears.

"I need you to stay."

I unzip my coat, but leave it on.

"Just sit, here. With me."

I take off my coat, but remain stationary.

"I just... my whole family is dead. Everyone I love. Everyone but you."

He reaches his hand out.

I take it.

His cold fingers make me shiver.

He almost smiles.

We sit together on my couch, surrounded by death's chaos.

But we sit, despite it, together.

My head on her shoulder, her hands over mine; I can feel her strength slowly re-heating my body.

My mother is dead. My brother too.

But I'm alive. And so is she. And we sit together, silently, just being.

And soon the tears start to fall again. But not out of grief.

And she realizes it too, and is openly weeping.

Because it's that that is worth rejoicing.

A/N : This was written for LJ's CI Fans Unite post ep prompt challenge : Post season 7's Frame - Alex takes Bobby home after Frank's funeral.