A/N: Just a little Paric one-shot that's been in my head ever since I re-watched Casino Royale. This is set quite early in their relationship which is why Pam is referred to as 'Pamela' throughout. The title comes from the Guns N' Roses song of the same name, I was going to use the lyrics from that song too but thought 'Even Though' was a better fit. Anyways, hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Don't Cry

…
Even though your heart is aching just know I'm right beside you
You don't have to face it on your own
Even though

I have seen you so many times before
Ashamed of how you're living your head hanging low
Let me show you how it can be
Put your weight on my shoulders I'll carry the load
I'm willing and able through the highs and the lows
Let me show you how it can be

You know that I'm the one
Who makes the sun shine through again
- 'Even Though', Take 6
…

Eric cautiously opened the door to the hotel room he was sharing with his progeny, "Pamela?"

No response.

Frowning, he set his hat and cane aside before making his way into the small bathroom adjacent to their bedroom.

He found her fully clothed and completely submerged under the water in the bathtub. Even though it was impossible for her to drown, the sight still brought his protective instincts to the fore and he had pulled her out from under the water before he even registered what he was doing.

She gasped in shock, blinking wildly at him as she tried to get her bearings. Eric released her upper arms and took a step back from the bathtub as she calmed down.

"Care to explain why you ran?" he asked finally, crossing his arms and leaning casually against the doorframe.

She looked away, "I killed him."

"And?"

She looked up at him with wide eyes, "Isn't that enough? I killed him Eric," she continued before he could comment, "I'm just like them," she added in a small voice, hugging her knees to her chest and looking down.

"No you're not," Eric assured her, coming to crouch beside the bathtub.

"You were right," she said flatly, ignoring his comment and refusing to look at him, "I didn't know what I was asking when I asked you to turn me."

A single, bloody tear dripped off her cheek and landed in the water. "I'm a monster," she whispered, dropping her forehead to her knees and bursting into tears.

Eric watched her cry for a few moments feeling completely helpless, he had never been particularly good with weeping women and, if he was being completely honest, had never felt any desire to comfort them.

But this was different, this was his Pamela and she needed him.

"You're not a monster," he told her gently, stroking her hair. "You made a mistake, that's all," he continued in a calming tone, "you are nothing like Lorena and her progeny. They're the monsters, not you."

She sniffed, "Do you mean that?"

"Of course I do."

She looked up at him with bloody tears staining her otherwise flawless complexion, "You're sure?"

He cupped her face with his hands, "Of course I'm sure," he told her seriously, kissing her forehead. "I'm your Maker, I know everything," he added, suddenly ceasing to be so serious and making her giggle.

"You idiot," she said affectionately, wiping the tears from her face.

"Ah, now there's the insubordinate vampire I know and love," he teased, tapping her lightly on the nose as he stood up. "Come, let's get you out of those wet clothes," he continued, holding out his hand.

Pamela frowned down at the dress she was wearing, "But this is the only dress I brought with me on this trip."

"Is it?" Eric asked with mock innocence, "That's a shame."

Pamela raised an eyebrow as he helped her out of the bathtub, "But what will I wear in the meantime?"

Eric's only response was an impish grin as he swept her into his arms and carried her out of the room.

Her dress was completely dry by the time the two vampires next ventured out of their room.