AN-Sorry its taking so long to turn these updates around. I am getting there slowly but my computer does not always want to play nice and upload them. To add to the mix another story I started after episode 1x14 has taken over my brain but I am getting there slowly.


Chapter 7.

Chris woke to the sound of beeping and it wouldn't stop. Sitting up he felt his neck crack and his back lock yet there was something warm and unmoving in his hands. Blinking a few times till his eyes came back to focus his memory returned and his world crumbled around him again. He was hoping that when he woke this was all a dream and he wouldn't be sat at a hospital bed with his fiancé hand in his as the machines round her helped her fight the infection that was coursing through her body.

Standing up he stretched but never once let go of her hand. Looking at his watch he saw it was a little after 04:00. He needed coffee but he was not leaving, not until she woke up and he saw them big chocolate brown eyes of hers and he knew she was going to be okay. Leaning over her he brushed his lips across her forehead and tasted the salty layer of sweat that lay there. Her temperature was still high which was not good.

Pulling his phone at his pocket he typed a message to Tricia letting her know where they were and what was happening. He asked her if she could pop over with a few bits for them both before they left and could she check them in for another 3 days. He didn't have time to do much before they left so it would be a great help if she could.

Pulling his chair as close to the bed as he could he sat back down again. Taking her hand in both of his again he rested his head on the bed above their joined hands. Placing small kisses to her fingertips he closed his eyes and tried to send as much positive energy as he could through his hands to hers. He needed her to wake up, he needed her to know how much he loved her, how much he needed her.

Just then the door to the room opened and in walked a nurse.

"I have to check a few things over so why don't you go get a coffee and a bite to eat" seeing the look of pure terror that crossed Chris's face she followed up with "you can bring them back here and stay with her" as she saw his face ease a little.

"Thank you, I will go and get something then be right back" as he stood and leaned over the bed he kissed her head again.

"I will be right back baby I promise, I love you" as he stood back up and went to leave the room.

As he left he closed the door and looked back through the window. Seeing her lying there he felt so utterly helpless and lost. He felt his eyes fill with tears but held fast, he needed to be strong for her. He needed to be there when she woke and standing here was not getting him coffee and food. Turning away he took the elevator to the ground floor and went to the all night cafeteria.

After buying 2 extra large coffees, a couple of packets of sandwiches and some other snacks he set off back to the elevator. Stepping out on Merri's floor he stopped at the bathroom before heading back to sit and wait. As he reached the door he saw the nurse had left and Merri was on her own. Opening the door he went in and placed his coffees on the table before going back to shut the door. Dropping the bag of food on the floor next to his chair he sat back down and picked up one of the coffees from the table. Taking a drink he nearly choked on the bitter taste.

"I would offer you a drink princess but they should bottle the stuff as wall paper stripper, it's awful" as he took another drink and placed it back on the table.

Taking her hand again in his he ran his fingers over her knuckles and sat watching her face. Seeing her face didn't look as hot he reached up and touched her head. He was not sure if it was real or hope but she didn't feel as warm as she had before.

"I texted Tricia before to ask her to book us in for another three days before they leave. I also wanted to know if she could bring us some stuff in for later on as we kind of left in a hurry. I know you wanted to stay a little longer but even this is a little much. I thought we could maybe spend the time cuddled up together and practice making them babies my momma wants. I did not expect to be sat here praying for you to open your eyes and look at me. Merri please I need to know your okay, I can't go on without you by my side".

"King will never let us go anywhere together again after this. You may need more than two weeks off if you don't get better soon. Hell I really should let him know what has happened. I can't remember how long he said he was away for, can you?. Actually I might take the chickens way out and text him, might be safer for me at least".

Going back to pick up the sludge the hospital classed as coffee he took another long drink and looked at the contents of the cup. It didn't even look like coffee never mind taste like it. Putting the cup back he bent over a little and picked the bag of food up from the floor. Digging round he found a sandwich and a chocolate bar. Placing them on the bed he dropped the bag back on the floor and looked between his joined hands and his free hand. Shrugging his shoulders he picked the sandwich up and placed it between his knees and used his free hand to open it.

"See, didn't need both hands did I" as he picked the sandwich up and took a bite.

Eating and talking were a no so he just sat watching Merri as she slept. He watched the machines beep and the drips slowly pump he had no idea what in to her to try and make her better. When he finished his sandwich he placed the wrapper on the table and drank the remaining coffee in the first cup. Opening the chocolate bar with his teeth he took a bite and sat back in the chair. He was at the stage where no amount of coffee or sludge could keep him awake so chocolate was the next step.

When the chocolate was gone he didn't feel anymore awake. Picking up the other cup of coffee he started to drink it. It was now just about cold so he didn't need to put the cup down to finish it.

"I better clean this mess up before anyone comes in, we don't want people thinking were slobs now do we" as he let go of her hand and went to pick all the wrappers and empty cups up before dropping them in the trash.

Sitting back down he took her hand and moved close to the bed again. Looking at the time he saw it had only been an hour and a half since he first woke again. Placing his head back on the bed so he faced her he kissed her hand and said he would be there when she woke and he wouldn't leave till she could leave with him. He felt his eyes grow heavy and close as he said a silent pray for her to come back to him.

When he woke the second time something felt different but he couldn't work out it was. He looked up at Merri but she was still asleep, then the machines but they all looked the same. The IV drips were still there so it wasn't them but there was definitely something. Looking at their joined hands it was then it hit him what was different. When he fell asleep his hand was resting over hers but now her hand was on top and her fingers were slotted in his.

When did that happen? How had it happened? Surely for her to do that she must have woke up and moved her hand. She had woke up and he hadn't noticed, now he felt terrible. Looking up at her sleeping he willed her to wake again just so he could see for himself. He needed to get lost in them big chocolate brown orbs of hers, to see that smile that light her full face and made it all the way to her eyes. He wanted to hear her laugh and to see how well she fitted up against him when they lay together. Looking at his watch again he saw it was just past 06:30, he knew there was a couple of hours till breakfast and a nurse coming back.

Standing up he surveyed the wires and lines that were attached in different places to Merri . Seeing she only had her IV line on her left side he let go of her hand and walked round to that side of the bed. Moving the tower that had the line on further away from the head of the bed and nearer the foot of the bed. Once moved he made sure the line was not pulling or caught on the blankets. Dropping the side on the bed he slid his right arm under Merri's neck and used his right arm to weave over her chest, careful not to catch the wires attached to her. Shuffling a little he managed to sit half on the bed with his legs crossed to support his weight on the bed.

Once he was anchored on the bed he checked again to make sure he hadn't caught anything and all the machines were still doing there job. Bringing his head down next to Merri's he buried his face in her hair taking a deep breath. Placing kisses to her hair he moved his head a little so his face was now level with the side of her head. Bring his lips level with her cheek he kissed her a couple of times before coming to her ear.

"Sorry I missed you before when you woke, I will not miss you again when you wake this time. Wake up princess, I love you so much" as he placed a kiss to her ear and closed his eyes again letting the feel of her in his arms and the smell of her hair overtake his senses.

He felt a tear escape his eye but didn't let go to wipe it away. It rolled down his cheek and landed on Merri's cheek and sat there as a testament to how much he missed her. Slowly he felt himself drift off again as his tiredness and the feel of Merri in his arms lulled him into a false sense of security.

As he brain fought the haze of sleep he felt something move next to him. Gingerly opening his eyes he blinked a few times and was meet with the most amazing site in the world. Nose to nose with him and staring into his big blue eyes was Merri. Brown locked with blue and they both smiled.

"Your awake, please tell me this isn't a dream and you're really awake" as he brought his hand up to rest on her face.

"Yes I am awake" Merri replied hoarsely as she licked her lips.

"Finally you're awake. God I thought the worst when you took ill. Don't ever scare me like that again, I can't take you not being by my side" as he leaned in and brushed his lips over her.

Looking at the time he realised he should move as it was nearly 08:00 and he knew the nurse would be back soon. Looking at Merri he kissed her lightly again and started to move but she brought her hand up and held his top.

"The nurse will be here soon so I need to move. I don't want to be removed from your room so I have to get up" as he lowered his legs to the floor and slowly brought his arms out from around her.

Straightening the bed he put the rail up and brought the IV trolley back up the the head of the bed. Walking back round he sat in the chair and pulled it back up against the bed again. Taking her hand in his she wrapped her fingers through his and gave a gently squeeze. She gave him a half smile and he smiled back. As if on cue the door opened and in walked a doctor and a nurse.

"Welcome back agent Brody. You had us a little worried about what was wrong with you but due to the information agent LaSalle here gave us we managed to hazard a guess and start you on a tough course of antibiotics to clear the infection that you have. The only problem we still have is we're not sure where the actual infection is" as the doctor flicked through the papers he held in his hands.

"Try my left calf near my knee" Merri croaked out.

The doctor raised his eyebrow and stepped closer to the bed at the same time as LaSalle stood up and came round the bed. The nurse followed and the doctor raised the sheet a little till he could see her left leg. Sure enough there just below her knee there was a wet patch on the sheets were the infection had burst through the skin and weeped out. Chris's face turned a definite shade of green at the site and both the doctor and nurse nodded to each other. The nurse left the room to get clean sheets and a dressing kit while the doctor scribble down on the notes what they had found.

On returning the doctor informed Merri that since they knew where the infection was now and it was working its way out her system and that she was on antibiotics to fight it, she would probably be able to go home tomorrow as long as she had someone to help clean and change the dressing at least twice a day till she finished an oral course of antibiotics. Chris stepped forward and said he would take care of her as soon as she was released.

The doctor nodded his head and said he would check back in the morning and as long as all was well she could be discharged. Leaving the room the nurse set about laying out what she needed to clean and dress Merri's leg as well as change the sheets. Before she started she removed all the clips and wires attached to Merri leaving only one IV line attached for antibiotics and the other IV drip in her hand just in case.

Lying the bed flat she got Merri to roll to her side so she had better access to her leg. Merri started to move then groaned as she peeled her leg away from the bed sheets.

"If that looks as gross as it feels then I really don't want to see it" as the cool air hit her leg and she felt how wet and sticky it was.

Chris just nodded his head as he had to agree that the sheets spoke for how bad it probably was.

"Agent LaSalle if you come here I can show you you how to clean and dress the wound till it's healed over" as the nurse looked at LaSalle and waited for him to come round to watch.

Merri watched the colour drain away for Chris's face as he saw her leg. She knew he had a strong stomach as she saw what he ate so it must have been bad. He watched as the nurse cleaned the wound and then apply the dressing making sure to stick it down round the edges. Finally when the nurse was done he made a quick get away and came back round the bed to sit down. The nurse asked Merri if possible could she sit up and get out the bed into the chair as she needed to change the sheets. Merri was more than happen to get out the bed as Chris stood and helped her down and the nurse brought the IV trolley round. Helping her sit in the chair Chris stood beside her and watched her to make sure she was okay.

When the bed was made the nurse said she could get back in when she was ready and that she would be back with breakfast shortly. Leaving the room Chris and Merri looked at each other as Chris ran his hand over Merri's face. Before he could stop her she stood up and wrapped her arms round his chest holding him tight as she rested her head on his shoulder. Chris pulled her against him as he let one hand drift up her back to hold her head on his shoulder the other arm found its way to her back and his hand slid through the gap in the hospital gown to rest on the bare skin of her back.

"You feel so good. I never want to see you lying in a hospital bed again, well unless you're giving birth of course then that's different. When we get home I swear I will never let anyone or anything hurt you" as he let his fingers stroke her back and run through her hair just holding her to make sure she was real.

"Chris in the job we do you can never protect me so don't even try to. I can take care of myself at work but when we get home or we finish work then by all means protect away. All I ask is you let me be person I am at work and not try to smother me or stand in front of me. Other than that I am happy" as she brought her head off his shoulder and looked up at him.

Just then the door opened and Tricia burst in carrying a couple of bags looking very flustered.

"Thank god you're okay" as she dropped the bags and nearly ran across the room towards the couple who were still in each other's arms.

Pushing Chris out the way Tricia looked Merri up and down then enveloped her in a hug.

"Girl you look crap but hospitals can do that to you. I brought in clean clothes for you both and pyjamas so you don't have to wear this god awful thing" as she pulled at the hospital gown.

"I take it with the fact you're up then they have found out what's wrong and are putting it right" as she finally let go of Merri and stepped back.

"Tricia take a breath, I am okay now. They found the problem and as you can see they have started to put it right yes. I got bitten by something in the lake yesterday and it caused a massive infection. Antibiotics are now the way forward and I can probably leave tomorrow as long as my leg looks okay" as Merri pulled the gown up a little to reveal the dressing.

Tricia turned to Chris and looked him up and down then walked back round to pick one of the bags up she dropped when she came in.

"Here you look a mess go get cleaned up and changed. There is a couple of changes of clothes in there so you should be good till tomorrow. I will stay till you get back so don't worry she's in safe hand" as she pushed Chris towards the door.

"Come on let's get you changed and looking more like you, you will feel so much better when we are done" as she picked up the other bag off the floor and walked towards the en-suite bathroom.

Merri just looked at Tricia and then her IV line as if stating the obvious.

"I didn't train as nurse for nothing now come on before lover boy comes back" as she gave Merri a big smile.

The door to the room opened and the nurse entered and placed a breakfast tray on the table then left. Leading Merri into the bathroom Tricia pressed a few buttons on the IV drip and turned it to silent as she closed the line down and gently undid it from Merri's hand. Taking out the clean underwear and pyjamas from the bag she passed then to Merri who put them on the shelf. Then Tricia pulled out a towel and wash bag and said she could get washed and if she was needed to give her a shout as she would be just outside the door.

Merri appeared a few minutes later after getting washed and ready in her own clothes. She had to admit it did feel good to have her own clothes on. Tricia went and hooked the IV back up and set it off again and then put Merri stuff back in the bag. Helping her over to the bed Merri looked at the bed and the chair and decided maybe the bed was better. Climbing on she let out a sharp ouch as her sore leg hit the bed. Moving round she sat and Tricia adjusted the bed so she was sitting up.

Looking over at her breakfast tray Merri felt sick but knew she had to eat something. Tricia brought the table closure to the bed and Merri picked at the toast but didn't really eat it. She did drink the juice and ate the bacon but the egg just made her feel sick so she pushed it away. Chris came back in the room at that moment and they locked eyes and smiled at each other. Dropping his bag at the foot of the bed he came round and kissed Merri on the forehead at the same time as taking her hand.

"Hello again beautiful, you look a lot better. How you feeling now?" As he looked Merri up and down just to give himself peace of mind.

"I feel a lot better now nurse Tricia here helped look after me a little. At least I got my own clothes on now. Your look a lot cleaner and brighter too" as Merri ran her hand over Chris's freshly shaved face.

"Good to see you have perked up and feeling better, now we just got to get you out of here tomorrow" as Chris leaned in and brushed another kiss to Merri's head.

"Well I booked you in for another 4 days so your due out Friday morning. I cleaned up a bit and made sure everything valuable is in that bag" as Tricia indicted to one of the bags on the floor.

"I haven't told anyone you're here so it can stay that way if you want as I will tell the others not to say anything. I have to go now as I have got to get back and finishing packing and then drive back. You too take care of each other and I will see you both soon I hope" as she stepped he to Chris then Merri and hugged them both.

"Thank you for everything Tricia" as Merri hugged Tricia back.

"Thanks Tricia, especially for bringing us this stuff and sorting the site out. I promise not to stay away so long next time" as Chris hugged his cousin.

"You better not, we have a wedding to attend" as Tricia walked to the door saying her finally good bye and leaving.

"You need anything? I might go down and order some of that sludge that they try to pass as coffee" as he grabbed his jacket of the back of the chair taking his wallet out the inside pocket.

"Something that passes as food should be good and if the coffees that bad I will have some Pepsi please" as she wriggled around a little trying to get comfortable.

"Let me tuck you in before I go, you not comfortable like that are you" as Chris helped take the blankets from under her and pull them up over her before brushing his lips across hers and went to leave the room.

"See if they have nice chocolate, I just fancy some please" as he opened the door to leave.

"Sure, won't be long" blowing her a kiss as he left.

Chris took a walk down the stairs to the shop, he needed to stretch his legs and now he knew Merri was okay he wasn't in such a rush. Walking in the shop he grabbed the things Merri had asked for first before he forgot then he got himself some bits before getting 2 bigs cup of coffee and paying for the whole lot, he dropped it all in a bag before picking the coffee up. Taking a slow walk back he took a drink of the coffee and had to grit his teeth to swallow it. Going up the stairs he walked back to Merri's room using his elbow to open the door.

Walking he looked over at the bed and saw Merri had her eyes closed he entered as quietly as he could in case she was actually asleep. Placing the bag on the table he placed both cups down and sat down next to the bed. Looking over at Merri he still couldn't believe what had happened in the past few days. For someone who didn't want a vacation she seemed to have been having a ball. As he slotted her hand in his he grazed his fingers over the ring still sitting on her finger. Picking her hand up and bringing it to his lips he kissed her fingers.

Merri stirred from her light slumber as Chris kissed her finger. Looking over at him she couldn't help but smile as he nuzzled her hand against his cheek. God she loved him so much and she couldn't imagine her life now without him by her side. He must had sensed her watching his as he looked up and he saw the look of total love and devotion that played across her face and eyes. Standing up he let go of her hand and sat on the side of the bed. Lifting one arm up he placed it on her shoulder and then placed the other one on her hand. Merri sat forward and leaned towards Chris who took her in his arms as he slid his hand from her shoulder to her back pulling her close.

As they sat together on the bed Merri let out a small sigh. She loved the feel of Chris's breath as it tickled against her neck and how she fitted so well up against him as they lay together. She hoped the day would pass quickly as all she wanted to do was go home and lay down wrapped up in Chris's arms tight against his side. They finally broke apart when Chris felt Merri yawn against his neck.

"You need sleep, come on let's get you settled in" as he stood from the bed to let her sleep.

"No sit with me, where's this food and drink you bought? I am still hungry as that breakfast wasn't worth it" as she spied the bag on the table and the two coffee cups.

Chris saw her eye the coffee and just laughed. Passing her one of the cups he sat back as he was sure she would spit it out when she tasted it. Merri took the cup and had a quick smell before looking between the cup and Chris. Bringing the cup to her lips she took a small drink at first, then as the flavour flooded her mouth she took a few mouthfuls and placed the cup in her lap.

"How the hell can you drink that stuff it's vile?" As he watched Merri raise the cup to her mouth and down the rest of the coffee in a few mouthfuls

"Now that's coffee, that stuff you and Pride drink hasn't got that kick in it" as she eyed the other cup up on the table.

Chris took the empty cup from her and passed her the full one from the table which she took happily. Finally a well made strong cup of coffee, simple things kept her happy. By the time she finished the second cup she was very much awake and alert. Looking at the clock she saw it was nearly lunch time so she decided to wait and see what she was brought before she raided the bag on the table.

Chris picked the bag off the floor from when he first went to the shop and dug out the last couple of sandwiches. Looking at the sandwiches he ripped open the wrappers before devouring them both and chucking the wrappers in the bin.

"Hungry Chris? You think you never got feed the way you eat" Merri laughed as she saw Chris sit back down and take the new bag of food for the table.

"I comfort eat, makes me feel better" Chris said as he grabbed a huge chocolate bar from the bag and started to snap off pieces before putting them in his mouth.

"What to do need to comfort eat for? Last time I checked it was me that got bitten and infected. If you hadn't been so quick it could have been nasty" Merri told Chris but instantly regretted her words when she saw the pain and worry cross his face.

"Come here" as Merri reached over and took Chris's hand as she pulled him towards her.

"Sorry for saying that, I didn't mean to upset you. I am going to be just fine thanks to you and your quick thinking. When we get out of here and I can show you just how sorry I am for scaring you like that. I had no idea how sick I was till I woke up here and you were sat there looking at me. If we get like this now how we going to cope when we get back? We get shoot at at least once a week and come in contact with some weird and wonderful things that could probably kill us" as she placed kisses to his hand since he wouldn't come any closer to the bed.

"This lunch wants to hurry up as I really need to hold you right now. I will not lie and say you didn't scare the life out of me when I brought you in here. You were so unresponsive and you looked so ill. I could have made breakfast on you stomach with the heat coming off you, you were burning up so much. Yes things will be tough when we go back but I am sure we can make it if we do what we do everyday and put our trust in the fact we can do the job we do and still find a way to not be overprotective. We have managed so far up to this point without incident so we can do it" as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers in return.

Just then the door to the room opened and a very happy nurse entered carrying the lunch tray. Placing it on the table she looked at Merri then Chris then told them both if they need anything just give a buzz or if not the doctors was around at 17:00 to start his night checks. Leaving the room the nurse shut the door and started to walk away. Merri wasn't sure if the door had even shut before she felt Chris come round and climb up on the bed next to her making her shuffle over a little. As soon as she stopped moving he had his arms round her and his face buried in her hair. Her words must have really hit a nerve before as she could feel he was physically shaking as he held her.

"Chris lift up a minute so I can get this bed moved" as she nudged him a little to get him to move.

When he lifted up she adjusted the bed but instead of letting him take her back in his arms she put her arms up and around him and pulled him tight against her chest. Chris buried his face in to her chest and held on with a vice like grip. Now she knew she had hurt him as she could feel as he struggled to gain control of his emotions as he started to take ragged breaths in between fighting the tears she could now feel being absorbed by her top. Bringing her hand up she rested it on the back of Chris's head and slowly stroked his hair at the same time as running her hand up and down is back.

"Baby I am so sorry, I don't mean to hurt you. I never thought when I spoke and now you're upset. I am perfectly fine now and we can go home tomorrow morning, well back to camp which is good enough. Here give me your left hand" as she took his left hand in her right and some how managed to snake it between them and up under her top coming to rest just under her left breast. "Feel that, you kept it pumping by bringing me here. It beats because you brought me here and got me treated but also it beats for you. You own it now and always will because I love Chris" as she felt his fingers spread out and stroke the skin on her chest.

He was still trying his best to get himself under control when he lifted his head a little so he could look up at Merri. Looking down her Heart broke when she saw the big tear Sitting on his cheeks and in the corners of his eyes. She had brought him to tears and it was a humbling experience to say the least. Here he was her strong macho mans man crying because he thought he could have lost her. Now she truly understood how much he actually loved her. Bring her hand back out from under her top where it had been resting on his she wiped away the tears as best as she could. Never breaking eye contact with him as she did.

As they lay there they she watched as her strong and tough fiancé let his body calm against her and the rhythm of her heartbeat under his fingers lulled him to sleep. Lying still she felt the muscles of his back under her fingers as she slid her hand under his t-shirt just to feel his skin under her hand. As she watched him sleep she couldn't help it as her eyes grew heavy and slowly shut as she held on to her sleeping fiancé.

When Chris woke a few hours late he was surprised to feel his head pillowed up against Merri's chest and his hand still resting to feeling her heart beat. He glanced at the clock and saw they had slept for just the over 3 hours. They were so tied up with each that Merri's lunch sat untouched on the table. Looking up at Merri he saw how peaceful she looked and he hated to wake her but he needed the bathroom and they both had to be hungry by now as it had been hours since they had eaten, especially her. Removing his hand from under her top he brought it up to her face and gently ran his fingers over her face as she stirred from her deep sleep.

As she woke up Chris couldn't help but smile as she opened her eyes and brown met blue as she blinked to focus on him. Seeing him smile made her smile as she leaned her face to the hand that was there. Cupping her cheek he reached forward and brushed his lips gently over her's. Her lips felt soft and warm against his as she returned the kiss letting her tongue brush over his bottom lip. Chris opened his mouth a little and was about let his tongue brush her top lip when he felt her tongue push past his lips and seek entry to his mouth. As the kissed deepened they both got lost in feelings they had for each other. When they finally came up for air they rested their foreheads together and waited till the could breathe normally again.

"You missed lunch, you missed be hungry. Let's get you something to eat before we get carried away here" Chris told Merri as he went to sit up and pull the table closer to Merri.

Merri surveyed the tray and just looked at Chris. Seeing the look on Merri's face Chris had to laugh.

"Well at least we got a muffin" as he grabbed the muffin and showed Merri.

"Yay, I can survive on a muffin then. What's in the bag other than my Pepsi?" Merri asked looking at the bag.

Finally untangling his body completely from Merri Chris stood up and emptied the contents of the bag on the bed. Putting the bottle of pop on the table Chris watched Merri look through the food before picking a cheese sandwich and some Doritos. Sitting back she made a start on her sandwich as Chris picked out a turkey sandwich and sat in the chair beside the bed. As they ate the IV pump started to beep so Chris got up and went to get the nurse. When the nurse came in she switched the machine of and set about undoing the line form Merri's hand.

"I will leave this in like the other one just in case but hopefully you won't need either one now. We have the medication to start you on oral antibiotics now so they start in an hour with dinner then every 4 hours 4 times a day" the nurse told Merri.

"All done, I will be back with dinner in an hour and your first antibiotic. The doctor comes around at about 18:00 so we will see what he says when he come round" as he nurse went to leave the room

"Thank you" Merri said as the nurse left the room.

Sitting back they sat and finished their sandwiches before they both made a start on the Dorito chips. Finally a fight broke my it over the the last one but since Merri pulled her sad face she won as Chris could never say no to her. Chris got up and cleared away the rubbish before he stood and stretched out working out the kinks in his back and neck.

"I need a bed to Stretched out on. This is no good for my back" Chris mumbled as he heard his back crack a couple of times.

"Well why don't you go" but Merri was stopped by a finger on her lips.

"Not without you" as he took his finger away for her lips.

"Well you better get comfortable as we got another night of this wonderful food and room service" Merri laughed but stopped when her leg moved and she felt how wet and sticky it felt.

"Chris can you get the nurse please, this is all wet and sticky" indicting to the leg.

Chris left the room and reappeared a minute later with a nurse carrying a new dressing and cleaning pads. The nurse set about removing the old dressing and cleaning the wound before putting the new dressing on and checking it over. Picking up all the used things she placed them in the trash and left the room. Chris sat back down and they sat talking till the nurse came back in with the dinner tray and took the lunch tray away.

"Well at least whatever that is its hot" Chris said as he watched the steam rise from the plate cover.

"Is that supposed to make me actually want to eat it, because it's hot. I swear I need pizza or at worst a huge McDonald's" Brody said as she tentatively lifted the cover of the plate and peeked under it.

"Well it's doesn't look that bad does it" as Chris looked at the food on the plate.

"Well you eat it and I will finish whatever is left from the shop" Brody told Chris as she picked up a chocolate bar and started to open it.

Chris looked at the food on the plate and decided against it as he had no idea what it was suppose to be. He looked at the menu that came with it and it said it was fish pie. Well if that was fish pie the fishermen needed shot. Looking across he saw a bowl of soup so picking the spoon up he gave it a try.

"Hey you should try this, it's not actually bad" as he filled the spoon up and offered it to Brody.

Brody looked between the spoon and Chris then decided it had to be okay if he was eating it. Then she remembered he would eat anything so she edged towards the spoon and opened her mouth.

"Here comes the plane" as Chris moved the spoon into Brody's mouth.

Brody closed her mouth round the spoon and had a taste.

"Actually it's better than I thought it would be" as she let the spoon slip from her mouth.

"Come here and we can share it" as he spooned up some more and offered it to Brody.

After they finished the soup Chris pushed the table away and they set about eating the last pack of sandwiches and bag of Doritos as well as the 3 chocolate bars. As time wore on they both became drowsy with a mixture of boredom and tiredness. Just as they both started to drift off to sleep there was a knock at the door and the doctor and nurse entered.

"Well looking at this Miss Brody I can't see any reason why you can't go home now. You wound is cleaning itself nicely and I can see you will be well taken care off when you leave. We have you antibiotics here and a supply of dressing and things for your wound so if you feel up to we can release you now" the doctor told Merri as both her and Chris were now very much away.

"That would be wonderful thank you" Merri told the doctor as she sat up more in bed.

"I will go get your papers to sign to get you out of here and you can pick up your medication on the way out" the doctor told Merri as he went to open the door.

Once the doctor left the nurse set about removing the IV lines out of each hand and applied a new dressing to Merri's leg so they could get home and settled for the night without having to worry about it. Once the nurse was done she cleared up and left Merri and christmas to get ready to leave.

"Why couldn't they have said an hour ago I could go. I haven't got the energy to get change to leave" Merri said looking down at her pyjama pants and top.

"I don't think anyone cares how you leave as long as you're wrapped up and warm. Let's get you a top then we can leave the pants till we get back" as Chris set about digging through Merri's bag to find a top for her to put on.

Finally he pulled a sweat shirt out which happened to be his in the first place. Picking up all the other things from round the room he quickly packed everything away and cleared up the rubbish before helping Merri put the sweat shirt on. Slipping her shoes on they were both ready just in time for the doctor to come and get Merri to sign the paperwork.

"All done, don't forget your medication on the way" and with that the doctor left the room.

"Let's go home princess, even if it is a tent for now" Chris said as he helped Merri stand and grabbed the bags that Tricia had brought in.

Taking her hand they went to desk and picked up the bag of medication before making there way to the lift and the exit of the hospital. When they arrived at the car Chris held the door open and Merri climbed in as Chris chucked their bags on the back seat.

"Pizza on the way home?" As Chris drove out the hospital car park.

"Sounds good to me" Merri yawned from the passenger seat.

"Pizza and bed for you. We still have a full day here and then we got a couple of days at home to get you better. We will have to see how you get on when we get back to see if you need more time off. King is going to love us when he finds out everything that's happened in such a short time" Chris finished as he parked the car outside the pizza shop.

"You stay there, I will get the pizza and you can stay warm okay, back in a second" as Chris got out the car and went to the pizza shop.

When he came out 10 minutes later he opened the back door and put the pizzas on the floor along with the bottle of Pepsi. Climbing in the drivers seat he looked across at Merri to find her fast asleep with the my seat resting back a little. Starting the car he drove back keeping an eye out to make sure she didn't jolt the car and wake her. When they got back to the campsite Chris got out the car and took the pizza and Pepsi in to the tent and switched the light on. Coming back to the car he opened Merri's door and placed his hand on her face.

"We're back home and the pizza is getting cold. Come on inside and we can eat then go to bed. Tricia has cleaned up a bit for us so it's not to bad in there now" as he watched Merri slowly wake and stretch out.

Helping her climb out the car he held her to his side as he closed the door and locked the car. Walking back to the tent he noticed how quiet it was now everyone was gone and looking at Merri he was sure she noticed to. Going in the tent he got Merri to sit down and he closed the door to keep the night chill out for a little while. Sitting down he opened the bottle of Pepsi and poured out 2 cups full. Placing them on the table he opened the pizza box and watched as the aroma filled the tent and Merri smiled as the smell hit her nostrils.

"Pizza, finally real food at last" Merri smiled as she sat forward and took a piece of pizza from the box.

Watching Merri eat the pizza Chris had to laugh as she sat and savoured every bite. Finally he took a piece out the box and started to eat but keeping an eye on Merri as she ate. When they had cleared the pizza box and drank there Pepsi Merri sat back and yawned.

"That was so nice, pizza never tasted so good" as Merri stood up and stretched.

"You're right there, that was really nice" Chris replied as he also stood and started to clear away the box and the cups.

"I am so ready for bed now, sleeping in hospital chairs does nothing for the back or neck" as Chris bent down to take his shoes off and his back gave a cracking sound as if agreeing with him.

By the time Chris had taken his clothes off Brody had taken her socks and shoes off and was standing in just her pyjama top and panties. Leaving the light on Chris took Merri's hand and lead them in to the bedroom making sure to do the zip up on the door when they were both inside. Merri was the first one to lie down as she snuggled down in the sleeping bags and got herself comfortable. Chris waited till she was in before he got in and pulled her to him as she lay facing him. He placed kisses on her temple as he gathered her in his arms making sure she was tucked in.

"You okay lying like this or you want to turn over before you go to sleep?" Chris asked as Merri looked up at him.

"I am happy whichever way I sleep as long as you hold me. Let's get some sleep and we can have a lie in as there's no reason to be up early. Merri yawned as she buried her face in to Chris's chest closing her eyes as she moved.

"Whatever you want, good night baby sleep well" as he placed one finally kiss to Merri's head before closing his eyes and letting sleep take away the stress of the past 24 hours.