The house is unusually silent. Normally the television is filled with either cop procedurals or explosions with rather loud commentary for the watcher on the couch. The controllers and remotes are tucked away. There are no empty bowls or have empty bottles on the table. Dang. Oliver was right, is the only thought in my head as I tread quietly upstairs. The bedroom door is closed. I pass it and head to the bathroom to gather some supplies I know my favorite blonde will need.

I awkwardly hold the supplies in one hand as I turn the knob to the bedroom. I can't help but bite my lip in concentration to make sure I don't drop anything. Sure enough there she is. When the light of the hall hits her through the gap in the door, she groans softly and burrows deeper into the bed. Quickly and silently, I close the door and make my way towards her. Her hair is going in every direction. One arm has a pillow pulled tight against her eyes the other is wrapped around a very familiar soft, stuffed orange cat. This can't be good. She brought out the cat. That cat is only ever brought out for nightmares, and sometimes nights spent away from each other.

After placing the supplies the bedside table, I crouch down to finally get a good look at her. Her beautiful face is scrunched in pain. Goosebumps cover the parts of her pale arms that I can see. A tiny shiver shakes her body. I pull the sheets up to her neck. My fingers weave into the short strands at the base of her skull. My nails lightly scratch in rhythm with my thumb gently brushing against her cheek. I softly place a kiss to her forehead. "You're on my side of the bed."

A quiet groan escapes before she answers in a whisper, "You weren't here. Needed you."

"I'm sorry. Is your head any better?" This time my lips press momentarily to hers. "Did you take anything?"

"No. Hurts." She mummers through a grimace. "Dreams. Too scared."

"Babe. You need to take something. It will help. I'll be here the whole night. I'll protect you."

"Lunchbox protect. Aspen protect." Her grip tightens on the the fuzzy cat in her arms. "Okay. Nerd. Drugs."

I can't help the small smile that pulls at my lips at her words. Even miserable as hell with a suddenly limited vocabulary she is still adorable. I move my free hand under the other side of her face to gently lift her enough for her to swallow the water and pills. After, the water is placed back on the table, I return my hand to her back of her skull and continue softly scratching. "Gail. I'm going to get into bed with you now. Okay?"

"Nerd." Her nickname for me is said in that tone breaks my heart. I know she is in pain and uncomfortable. All of these different parts of her body causing problems at one time. I just want to take it away and in this moment all I can think to do is hold her. Hoping that some of her discomfort will diffuse into me.

I toe off my shoes before gently climbing in behind her. Seconds after I am able to wrap around her back with an arm over her and Aspen, the tension in her body begins to dissipate. I tighten my hold and pull her even tighter against me. This time a contented sigh escapes instead of a heartbreaking whimper.

"Lunchbox help. Love Lunchbox." She mumbles just loud enough for me to hear and I smile.

"Officer safe. Love Gail." I mumble back and place a soft kiss to her neck.

"Aspen?" I can't help but softly chuckle at her demand that I acknowledge Aspen in Operation Make Gail Better.

"Aspen help. Love Aspen. Sleep Gail." My fingers stroke across the soft fake fur and brush her arm, encouraging her to sleep. Deep breathing quickly comes from the blonde in my arms. I close my eyes knowing that I won't loosen my grip on her until she is better.