Chapter 9
Lunch is a quiet and solemn affair. Everyone there has their own thoughts about the events that have transpired the previous day. Rick and Kate are trying to comfort Tori, as well as the rest of the gang.
"Tori, everything will work out for the best," Ryan said.
"Tori, he is at his physical best. This gives him an advantage. He is strong so do not think that he won't pull through." Kate adds.
She looks at her half eaten burger on the table.
"Would you guys mind if I went outside for some fresh air?" She quietly asks.
"No, not at all… Please take all the time you need." Kate replies as the rest consent.
"Rick, I'm going after her. She should not be alone in this sort of situation." Kate whispers into Rick's ear.
He nods yes as he gives her hand a gentle squeeze. Kate quickly stands up then leaves the table. She easily catches up to Tori as she taps her on the shoulder.
"Want some company?" Kate asks nonchalantly.
"Sure Kate I'd like that." She says still looking down.
They walk for a while as Kate strides next to her in silence. They spy an outdoor café.
"Why don't we sit here…We've been walking quite a bit." Kate suggests.
The younger woman nods so they sit down at the table. Kate wants to let her know that everything will be fine. So she decides to draw from her own experiences. Kate decides to start the conversation.
"Tori, I am going to be upfront with you. I know that you're a little bit younger than I am. I have been where you are right now. The only difference is that I was the one in the hospital." Kate says.
"Yes I know I read about it in the papers and it was on TV for months too. How did you do it?" The younger woman asks.
Kate figures to head off this inquiry until later so she continues.
"I know that you are in love with Javi. I can see it in your face. Don't get me wrong, love can be so very powerful. This is what I see between the two of you." Kate says.
"Kate… Do you have any idea how he makes me feel?" She asks.
"Trust me Tori, I know. It is the same that I feel when I see Rick. You are not the first person to fall in love. However, you and Javi have an advantage over Rick and me. You are able to give your love to your man. A person so willing to receive it that he returns that love. This is where the two of you are so much more than Rick and I. It is I that would not receive his love. I was tormented with the fact that I had just been shot. I kept thinking to myself why would he want to tell me this now instead of before I was shot?" Kate replies.
"Kate maybe I can answer that for you. My guess is that Rick had been in love with you for quite some time. I know this might sound morbid. He must have thought that you need know how he feels. In his mind, this must have been his last chance to tell you" She says. "I also believe it is his way to make you want to fight to return to him instead of succumbing to the lure of oblivion."
Kate thinks about this for a while.
"Kate, I did not mean to upset you." She says as she takes the older woman's hand.
"Tori, I am not upset. I see now that you are right. I am in love with him. I was too confused about how I really felt about him at that time, though." Kate says.
"Love does funny things to you doesn't it?" the younger woman quips.
"It sure does. Listen to me you have the love of a very strong man. He will come out of this better and possibly stronger." Kate assures.
"Kate, I hope that you're right because when he gets out of this damned hospital I will never let him go." She says.
They rise and leave the outside table then rejoin the others inside. Kate walks up to Rick. She tells him what they talked about. He listens to her every word. When she is done he has a look of shock on his face. He is just about to ask her what she has exactly said to Tori when her cell phone started to ring. Kate answers it then places it on speaker so that everyone can hear the call.
"Beckett," She says into the speaker.
"Detective, this is Dr. Williams at Grace Hospital." The voice says.
"What can I do for you doctor?" Kate asks worriedly.
"Your contact information was given to me for any update that is in regarding Detective Esposito, correct?" The doctor replies.
"Yes, why is there any change doctor?" Kate asks while holding her breath.
"Detective I have good news. Detective Esposito has regained consciousness. Mind you he is still a bit out of it. He will only be able to see two visitors at a time for about ten minutes each." The doctor responds.
"Doctor Williams this is great news. We will be there in about 15 minutes." Kate says as she hangs up.
Kate looks directly at Tori as she is hanging on every word.
"Tori, as you heard Javi is awake. We will all returning to the hospital for a very short visit." Kate says as the younger woman visibly relaxes.
She relaxes so much that she collapses toward the ground. She doesn't reach it due to Rick's quick reflexes. He guides her to a chair as all those fears come out.
Taking a few minutes to recover from the relief then they head for the limo. They arrive at the hospital shortly. The younger woman has found the strength to compose herself as they walk to the hospital.
When they turn the corner to the hallway that leads to Javi's private suite, Tori stops then faces a mirror before entering his room. Kate looks at her.
"Tori you are fine. He just wants to see you. That is all. He will not care how you look. Now go in there and see your man" Kate encourages.
The younger woman shrugs then enters Javi's room alone as Kate stays outside for a few minutes. Rick and the others look at her. Kate just shrugs then shoos everyone else to the waiting room. The lovers need some time alone.
He looks peaceful and there are far less medical apparatuses near him. As Javi hears her footsteps he slowly opens his eyes. She is greeted with a big smile that covers half his face. Tori crosses the room then takes his hand into hers.
"I'm so relieved that you are okay." She says gazing into his eyes.
Javi looks at her with loving eyes.
"I am too, now what about that dinner at your place?" Javi suggests.
The younger woman giggles as Kate enters.
"My god it lives" Kate says jokingly.
"Don't make me laugh Beckett…It hurts just a little bit." He says switching his gaze to her.
"A little bit? That would be an understatement Javi." Kate jokes.
They all just giggled. Kate rolls her eyes at her partner. It could only be Javi to think about food at this time.
"Javi, I am a big fan of having a man over to cook for. Though with the current situation, I think that we might want to eat out next time." The younger woman blushes.
With that, their time is up. A nurse enters to shoo them out.
"Dr. Williams is adamant about keeping the visits strictly at ten minutes." She says as she escorts Kate and Tori out.
They wait in the waiting room as Rick and Ryan goes next. They joke then do a feed the birds.
"Bro, I'll be back," Ryan says as Arnold in the terminator.
Javi almost threw his pillow at his partner. The nurse however gave Javi a stern stare which stopped him in his tracks which cause Ryan and Rick to burst out in laughter.
When everyone has had their respective visits, they all meet in the hallway. It has been a very long day. The limo drops everyone off at their respective locations. It is only Tori, Rick and Kate left. The car stops at Tori's location.
"I thank you two for offering up your home to me. However, you guys need some alone time too. I don't want to be a burden. So thanks for the offer. I am okay now that Javi is awake. I will be good tonight." The younger woman says as she gets out.
Rick and Kate watch the young woman exit.
"Kate, I wonder if it is a good idea to let Tori be alone at her place tonight?" Rick asks as he looks out the window at the younger woman.
"Rick so do I" Kate admits. "Though, she was adamant to do it by herself. She did not want to be another burden."
"Yes I recall someone else like that too," Rick says smiling as Kate curls herself into his side.
Pulling away Rick thinks about the events of the day then comes to a startling conclusion...
