Disclaimer: I do not own The Last Ship or any of the characters!
Author's Note: This is my first ever Fan Fiction so please be kind and sorry in advance. Thank you to MorningGlory2 for giving me the encouragement to post my written story. Thank you to this amazing fandom!
Her lips were turning blue and she was falling asleep. Tom knew he had to act fast or he would lose her. As they were running from an ambush, the ice cracked underneath Rachel's feet and she fell head deep into the ice cold slushy creek. Tom had managed to pull her out. At first she was able to lean on him and walk but then quickly she lost range of motion and she stumbled and fell; but Tom was there to catch her and carry her to a cabin he could see in the woods. Everything had happened so fast, Tex, Burke and Green were deployed to fight off the ambush while Tom had grabbed Rachel and tried to run to safety, away from the fighting. Now, the situation looked bleak – maybe they should have stayed and fought?
As he entered the abandoned cabin, Tom said "Rachel, Rachel can you hear me?" When there was no response, Tom cupped Rachel's cheek and shook her face – "Rachel, Rachel", she was non-responsive. Tom removed Rachel's jacket and sweater and laid her down tenderly on the floor. Tom said "Rachel you have severe hypothermia and if I don't get you out of these wet clothes and find a way to warm you up, you will d…nothing…nothing is going to happen to you – trust me." Tom grabbed some blankets and throws that were on the cabin sofa and placed them in a pile next to Rachel. Tom said "Rachel can you hear me? Rachel nodded so slightly that Tom wasn't sure if he had imagined it. "Talk to me! Do not fall asleep, stay with me" Tom pleaded. He placed the lightest blanket over her to keep her warm and protect her modesty and then quickly started removing Rachel's wet shoes and socks and then he moved his hands under the blanket and unbuttoned her jeans and slid her jeans and panties off. He knew she had to get completely dry so her body could even begin to fight off the hypothermia. He covered her feet with the blanket and moved around to her head working as quickly and efficiently as possible. He again moved his hands under the blanket and begin unbuttoning Rachel's shirt and then removed each arm from her shirt before removing her shirt. He reached down and grabbed the hem of her t-shirt and pulled it gently over her head tossing it on the floor. He then placed her head in his lap and unhooked her bra and slid it over her head. Tom wrung out her hair thoroughly and used the blanket to dab and dry her body and placed the remaining heavy 2 blankets over her and then pulled out the lighter blanket which was wet from contact with her wet skin and clothes. Tom now tucked in the blankets around her resting form and took her head gently into his lap. Tom said "Rachel, Rachel can you hear me? Try, try to open your eyes – you have to fight." Rachel's eyes parted ever so slightly and Tom gave her the softest smile and looked deeply into her eyes before they shut again.
Tom laid her head back down on the floor and threw some logs in the fireplace and started a fire. He then wrung her clothes out and hung them over the back of a chair close to the fire so they could dry out. He went back over to Rachel and noticed her blue lips and the fact that she wasn't even shivering. At least before Rachel was shivering which was a good sign that at least her system was functioning but now even her shivering ceased and Tom was alarmed. He knew from his training that Rachel's condition was critical. She needed body heat – it was the only chance she had. Tom stripped down until he was completely naked and crouched down next to Rachel rolling her onto her side and slid in behind her and wrapped the covers over her and him. He cradled her head in his arm and threw his right leg over hers. He placed his hand on her chest and pushed her as close to him as possible. He took her hands in his and rubbed them together to create as much heat as possible. He gently rubbed his feet over her ice cold ones as well. He felt a pit, like shattered glass in his stomach, he thought to himself he already lost Darien, he couldn't possibly lose her too. He buried his head in her neck and hoped she could feel his hot breath on her. He wasn't sure if it was the fear or the desire to smell her that made him take a deep breath. She smelled so sweet, like a fresh ocean breeze. He wrapped his right shoulder and arm across her chest to impart some heat to her front. They had made it so far together – he was not going to lose her now. He would be lying to himself if he hadn't thought about touching her bare body all over, his skin on her skin, so close, but never under these circumstances. Was he being tested by the universe? The universe that had sent her to him – trusted him to protect her so she could save humanity. If not a test then surely this must be some form of torture, to be so close to your object of adoration but yet so far; Tom allowed himself to touch but not to feel. He immediately chastised himself for such thoughts and pushed them out of his mind. As a captain he knew how to compartmentalize, actually took it to an art form. She looked so beautiful and peaceful, too peaceful. He remembered the first argument they had and what a spitfire she was – the thought of the cold possibly overcoming her seemed impossible and ironic. No, she…they would beat this. "Rachel, Rachel can you hear me? I need you to open your eyes – you have to try" Tom said as he grabbed her chin and shook her face gently.
She was not responding…"Rachel Rachel" - he could feel her slipping away, he felt desperate. He pulled back to look at her and then with one swift move turned her entire body to face him and embraced her tightly giving her all of his heat - he gripped her back with his strong hands - making sure her head was nestled in his shoulder and his head was nestled alongside her head - his legs wrapped on either side of her legs, her seemingly lifeless form clinging to his. He marveled at the perfect fit of their bodies, as if they were meant to be one. His body pressed so tightly against hers. No room for anything else between them, not even a whisper of air. Surely he was being tested. He prayed his body would not betray him…not betray his feelings. He couldn't lose her; not now, not ever. Sure the world needed her but the truth was he needed her...he needed her to be okay...god please save her - he silently prayed. He felt so desperate his grip around her so tight. Was he hurting her? He loosened his grip ever so slightly. He could faintly feel her shallow breathing on his neck...good she's still with me he thought. Putting his cheek on hers, not breathing, his heart pounding against hers as if beating for the both of them willing her to live.
They laid for what seemed like an eternity but after a while Tom felt Rachel's breathing get stronger on his neck. Pulling his head back to look at her face, Tom cupped her cheek calling out "Rachel Rachel." Her color had improved ever so slightly but she was still so pale but her lips weren't blue; he felt hopeful.
Rachel's eyes parted and he swore he saw the slightest hint of a nod. He looked deeply in her pupils and it was like looking into a thick wooded forest with the sun's light shining through. Rachel's eyes closed again but he felt encouraged. Keeping his head tucked in her neck, he could feel her start to shiver and took that as a good sign that her body was beginning to regain function. After a while, he heard Rachel whisper "mom? Mom is that you?" He pulled back slightly to look at her, knowing confusion and even memory loss were possible side effects of the hypothermia. He didn't want to confuse her further in this fragile state. Tom whispered softly "yes." "Mom, am I in heaven with you?" Rachel whispered softly. Tom answered "no sweetheart, you have too much work to do; you have to save the world, I'm here to help save you." Tom gingerly kissed Rachel's head and stroked her hair. Rachel struggled to get the words out "mom, I couldn't find a vaccine fast enough…I couldn't save Darien" as a single tear escaped from her eye. Tom's heart cracked, did Rachel blame herself? She had saved his kids, his father, his crew and the world…but still she blamed herself…still believed it was not enough.
Looking at the delicate state she was in; he replied so not as to break her illusion "you figured it out against all odds, never doubt yourself; I am so very proud of you my sweetheart; you are so smart and brave and strong." Rachel whispered "I miss you mom…I wish", Tom interrupted her "shhh, save your strength" and he placed his head along side hers. Rachel's mind started to fade and her eyes shut again, exhausted from the few words spoken.
Rachel had stopped shivering and was feeling warmer to his touch. It was working, just a little while longer, just a little more heat.
She would be ok, the world would be ok…he would be ok. He heaved a deep sigh of relief. His senses returning, his dedication to his duty; to protect her always no matter what. Had his duty and passion become one? When had it changed? How? If he questioned it before, he knew now how deep his emotions for this woman ran. He had admired her, respected her, even worshipped her but now he knew…he loved her. And now she would live another day…another day for him to love her from afar. It would be so hard to put his mask back on to hide his feelings but he would. He was a master at that.
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So please tell me what you think – even one word will mean a lot. I originally thought of this as a one shot but depending on the reviews and feedback, I could continue.
