Spoilers for the Bourne Legacy

Title: Never alone
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Marta/Aaron
summary: little missing scene from their first night on the boat

Former outcome agent Aaron Cross jerked awake at the familiar scream. He was on his feet gun raised before memories of his surroundings
kicked in. Philippines, fishing junk, off the grid. Even as those snatches of reasoning pierced Aaron's fear the scream reached him once
more. Marta...
Aaron took off at a run clad only in dark blue boxers.

The fishing boat was small but efficient on space. There were four sleeping quarters on the lower deck each consisting of a cot and a
tiny sitting area with a chair and table. Bamboo walls and door offered privacy. The next level down was for cargo. Under Aaron's
initial protest Marta's sleeping quarters were two down from him with the fisherman's teenage son inbetween. They were guests on the boat
and had to abide by local customs. Woman slept separate from the men or as much as possible in the tight quarters. The youth poked his head
out of his quarters as Cross ran past. Aaron skidded to a halt as he caught sight of Marta. The doctor was thrashing on the cot caught in the grips of a
nightmare. With all she'd been through Cross was surprised she hadn't had more of them.

"She'll be okay."Aaron assured the teen as he glanced behind him. "Bad dream."

The young man nodded sleepily and retreated to his own cot closing the door. Aaron hoped he wasn't lying. He'd been alone so long that
comfort and consoling were terms almost foreign to him now. Marta had done so much for him...saved him...the very least he could do was
ease her pain. Cross stepped in to the small room and kicked the door shut. He dropped to his knees next to the doctor's cot. The bullet wound on his
right leg screamed in protest but he ignored set the gun on the floor. Out in the hall Aaron heard the whispered conversation between
father and son. Then footsteps and silence.
Silence penetrated by Marta's now softer screams and sobs.

Aaron's heart broke at the fear and sadness etched on his friend's beautiful face. He cared about Marta. It'd been a long time since he'd
let anyone close. Aaron knew he was on a dangerous tightrope. Falling in love would be a mistake. He knew at some point he'd have to let
Marta go. He was a danger to her. For now on this small fishing boat all they had were each other. Aaron knew she trusted him. Maybe even
was starting to let the line of friendship blur into something else. Tenderly Aaron took Marta's hands in his and held them tightly.
Preventing her from hurting either of them.

"Ssshhhh."Cross soothed quietly. "You're safe, Marta. I'm here...you're safe."

Slowly the sobs became sniffles. After a few minutes Aaron released the doctor's hands and rocked back on his heels watching. His eyes had
long ago adjusted to the dim light. Aaron saw his friend's body stiffen as she woke. Disorientation clouded Marta's features as she
sat up and looked around. Finally her troubled gaze settled on Aaron.

"You're safe."Cross promised as he inched forward. "Just a nightmare."

Marta brushed sweaty bangs off her forehead and nodded. "I remember...sorry if I woke everyone."

"You okay?Aaron asked as he tentatively reached for her right hand taking it in his.

"Yeah."Shearing replied shakily with a nod.

"Want to talk about it?"Cross inquired as Marta stared at their entwined hands.

"I was somewhere...it was all dark..."Shearing began in a trembling voice.

Aaron rose to his feet letting go of her hand as he sat next to the doctor. Without hesitation he wrapped his arms around Marta pulling
her close. She rested her head on his bare chest.

"I don't remember anything else about the dream just an overwhelming feeling of being alone."Marta continued. "Forever alone and afraid."

Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat Cross pulled back. He freed his right hand and gently touched Marta's right cheek wiping away the
remaining tears.

"You're never alone."Aaron whispered. "I promise you'll always have me."

Aaron wasn't sure who moved first but the next thing he knew he was kissing Marta. He had to force himself not to deepen the kiss; not to
explore everything he wanted to. She was vulnerable there would be time later to build on this new aspect of their relationship. The fact
that she wasn't immediately pulling away from the kiss was enough for Aaron. He allowed himself a few more minutes of the soft sweet kiss
before pulling away. Aaron scooted gingerly back against the wall and Marta followed settling onto his lap. She laid against him using his chest
as a pillow. Aaron wrapped his arms around Marta and rested his chin on top of her head.

"Get some rest."Cross ordered gently. "I think we're safe here for awhile."

"I hope so."Marta replied softly.

A few minutes later Aaron heard the doctor's breathing even out and knew she was asleep. Cross felt his eyelids droop and soon he too was
asleep.