Chapter 12:

Calleigh's eyes fluttered slowly open as the morning ocean breeze swaying itself in through the slightly ajar window, tickled her skin, mingled in the familiar warmth that surrounded her. Her eyes settled on the caramel skinned arm, snaked around her stomach, trapping her body against his, and then those green eyes were suddenly wide awake as she realized the position she was in.

Eric's arm was pulling her closer to him. She could feel his bare sculpted chest against her back, her bare shoulder skin drowning in his embrace, as his chin rested on top of her head. Her leg seemed to have found its way between his at some point during the night, and Calleigh realized just how intimate this position was. She could feel his morning erection tease her bottom cheeks, and suddenly, Calleigh was feeling hot, as her body temperature started going up, her cheeks turning slightly pink in embarrassment. Her skin tingled beautifully though as goosebumps started taking over, as if her skin was enjoying the feeling, her eyes fluttered at the sensation that filled her.

Realizing what was happening, Calleigh decided it was best to not let things...sensations run too deep, and get out of bed, hopefully without waking Eric up.

Placing a hand on his, Calleigh slid carefully out of his embrace, and out of bed. Just out of bed though, as she couldn't help but turn around and watch him. He had this faint smile on his face, that made her smile in return. He was probably dreaming of something blissfully happy, that made his face smile in his dreams. She watched his hand slide...like it was slipping, as a frown started developing on his face, the smile fading away, so Calleigh grabbed the pillow she was supposedly sleeping on and slipped it under his arm, letting him thinking it was her he was hugging. She almost chuckled at the deception, watching the smile replace the frown between his eyebrows take over, as she slowly turned away, and walked out of the bedroom into the kitchen.

As much as she wanted to let him sleep, Calleigh realized it was already quite late. They had slept in, and in about an hour and a half, they needed to pick up his parents to drive them to the airport, so Calleigh turned the kettle on and prepared two mugs of coffee for when the water boils. One spoon of coffee, one spoon of sugar. They liked their coffees in the same way...same sweetness.

Opening the refrigerator, Calleigh took out the packet of bacon and some eggs and started cooking them, preparing breakfast for the two of them. She smiled as she realized how nice this all felt. Preparing breakfast for two. For once she had company during breakfast time. It was easy to find someone to join you for lunch time or dinner, but when it came to breakfast...well that was something else. Time you only shared with someone who is close to you, who you are willing to let them see you unmade up. No make up, no suits...just natural beauty and that was it.

The kettle whistling, snapped her out of her thoughts, damn sounds always ringing or whistling in bad times, ruining blissful moments...well...maybe not always. They do sometimes save the day or rather the moment, especially when you need to run away from something. Usually that would be an emotion, a fact, someone doesn't want to face, and God knows, Calleigh has had plenty of them.

She poured the hot water in the mugs and turned off the cooker. Placing a couple of sandwiches in the toaster, she placed everything on two plates, one for her, and one for Eric, both plates, both mugs on a tray and made her way into Eric's bedroom. She placed the tray on the bedside table and opened up the curtains, letting the morning rays fill the room and proceeded to wake Eric up. His arm was still wrapped around the pillow, and that silly smile was still on his face, and Calleigh couldn't help but smile herself. He looked so cute sleeping...almost boyish.

'Eric' she whispered 'Time to wake up' she told him as she stroked his naked arm with her thumb.

He stirred slightly then, turning on his back as Calleigh watched him 'Cal' he whispered.

'Hey' she smiled 'Wake up, I made breakfast' she told him and his eyes opened. Sleepy brown eyes staring up into her blue...no they were green this morning he thought. It marveled him how her eyes always change color, and at times they appeared to be green and at other times they appeared to be blue...always ocean related though. Definitely the best place on earth.

He popped himself up, resting his back against the headboard while Calleigh placed his mug on his bedside table. Placing the tray with food in the middle of the bed, Calleigh climbed up as she settled with her legs crossed in front of her.

'Wow' Eric commented 'Is this how you will be waking me up everyday?' he teased and Calleigh smiled.

'You have to have breakfast. You need to take your pills soon' she told him, avoiding the question really. Eric caught that of course but didn't say anything.

'Yes and we soon have to get ready to go and pick up my parents' he noted, as he glanced at the clock on his left.

'Yep' she replied taking a bite into her toast with eggs and bacon.

'You know...I wanted to thank you for doing this' he told her 'You really didn't have to' he said.

'It's nothing really' she replied with a shrug and a role of her eyes 'I know you would want to go and give them one last hug before they leave' she told him.

'Yeah. I wouldn't have been able to do that though' he told her.

'Well now you can' she replied smiling.

'Yeah...thanks to you' he said.

oooOOOooo

They had just waved them goodbye and Eric and Calleigh were on their way towards the car. It had been almost emotional watching Eric hug his parents before they leave. They had insisted on their visit when Eric gets better and he gets the go ahead from the doctor that he can fly, and Calleigh had assured them that they would keep that promise, and this time Eric just couldn't help it.

'You really mean that?' he asked her.

Calleigh looked at him and pretended to not know what he was talking about 'What are you talking about?' she asked him.

Eric smiled knowingly but indulged her anyway 'You would really come with me to Puerto Rico to visit my parents?' he asked her.

'I did promise them' she replied.

'You didn't have to do that' he pointed out.

'Well what can I say...I have grown fond of your parents' she told him smiling 'Besides...I couldn't really say no, could I? And you have told me plenty of times that I would love it there' Calleigh told him.

'I have' he agreed.

They were in the car now and on their way back home, just getting out of the parking lot when Eric finally found the courage to ask her something that has been on his mind since he has been in hospital.

'Cal...can I ask you a favor?' he asked her, and Calleigh glanced his way.

'Of course' she replied.

'Can you take me to my sister's grave?' he asked her and Calleigh pulled a side and pulled up the handbrake.

'Are you sure?' she asked him 'Are you sure you can handle it?' she asked him concerned.

'I have to Cal. It doesn't feel right not visiting her. I feel like I have abandoned her' he tried to explain.

'You don't even remember what happened, and you haven't abandoned her. You have been in hospital' she told him, placing her hand on his lap caressing the area where her thumb laid 'You're lucky you're here with me right now' she told him softly, and Eric could see how hard it was for her to say that to him. Her eyes were starting to get glossy at the thought that he could have found the same faith as his sister. He placed his hand on top of hers and squeezed it a bit for her and Calleigh swallowed the sudden lump that was trapped in her throat.

'I know...I just need to go there' he told her 'Besides...I won't be on my own. You will be right there with me' he told her.

'I won't leave your side unless you ask me to' she promised.

That's as far as their conversation seemed to go so Calleigh turned on the engine and drove all the way to the cemetery where Marisol was buried, and all the way, silence just loomed in the car, both Calleigh and Eric drowning in their own thoughts. She could feel the sadness, the confusion that was lurking over Eric. He knew for a couple of days now that his sister was shot dead, but yet, he had pushed it aside, and even though he seemed fine, he apparently wasn't at all.

She hadn't really given it much thought. She had almost forgot about it. She was just so focused on getting him out of hospital and his health, that it almost slipped her mind that he didn't remember certain things...and among those things...events...situations, was Marisol's death.

Eric on the other hand was staring ahead, trying to keep his tears at bay. He could still see her pretty face. She was a beautiful woman in his opinion, any man would have been lucky to have her, it could also be because she happened to be his sister, so he might be a little bit biased, but still, she was a beautiful woman...who happened to marry his boss. A man who Eric had grown fond of, cared about and trusted and yet...he hasn't been around when he probably should have been the most.

Instead Calleigh had taken days off, and focused on him. It meant so much to him that she would do that out of her free time. It meant that she cared about him as much as he did her. It also gave them the opportunity to get closer. If God forbid the situation was in reverse, he would have done the same thing without hesitation. He shivered at the thought though that she would be hurt like that and Calleigh caught that.

'Are you alright?' she asked as she reached out and checked his forehead 'Are you feeling cold?' she asked worriedly.

'I'm fine' he replied with a smile at how attentive and cautious she was. She was almost cute.

'You shivered' she told him with a frown, as she glanced at him.

'I shivered because I had an ugly thought' he replied honestly.

'You wanna share?' she asked him as she turned her focus back on the road.

'I was just thinking that I wouldn't think twice of doing what you're doing for me if God forbid the situation was in reverse' he admitted and Calleigh glanced his way twice.

'That's sweet Eric' she replied.

'Not you being hurt isn't' he replied 'I don't even want to imagine...' he told her and Eric shivered again. Calleigh took his hand in hers and squeezed it a bit as she gave him a smile.

'Then don't. I'm fine and here with you' she whispered with her usual breathtaking smile.

Not long after she was pulling into one of the empty parking slots near the cemetery and as she turned off the engine, Eric just stared ahead, suddenly not so sure if this was a good idea after all.

'Heyy...are you sure you wanna do this? We can come another time if you want' she told him as she turned to face him, realizing the hesitation on his face. His muscles were tense and Calleigh noticed that immediately. She was most of all worried about him, because health wise, he wasn't ready for another trauma.

'No. I wanna do this. I need to do this. I can't run from this any longer. It's time to face the truth' he told her.

'Alright' she told him 'I will not leave your side for a minute unless you want me to' she told him and Eric nodded.

Calleigh got out of her car and made her way to him as she helped him out holding onto his crutches while he held onto her shoulder. They slowly made their way towards where Marisol was buried, and as they approached Eric could feel darkness looming over him, tension falling on his shoulders, and it was like somehow he couldn't breathe.

'Hey...breathe' she whispered as he felt her stroke his back.

He stopped looking at her and took a deep long breath 'Don't leave me Cal...I need you' he whispered.

'I'm here Eric. I'm here' she told him giving him a soft smile.

It took them about another seven minutes until they finally reached their destination, and Eric couldn't take his eyes off her name written on the stone. Calleigh's eyes were on him though. She was worried. Could feel her stomach in knots as his eyes continued to trace the letters sculpted on the stone in front of him.

'Can you help me sit?' he asked her.

She took his crutches and dropped them away on the floor as she held onto him, one hand holding him from his arm. She slipped the other arm after his back and asked him to watch his leg while she held onto him as he went down on the floor, his leg stretched out in front of him.

'Can you give me some time alone?' he asked her then, surprising her. He had just told her to stay with him and not leave him alone just minutes ago in the car and now he was asking her to actually do the contrary and leave him alone with her.

'Are you sure?' she asked him.

'Yeah...' he whispered softly, and Calleigh realized that somehow he was at peace.

'Alright. I won't be too far away' she told him.

He didn't even look at her, his focus all on Marisol as childhood memories started coming to him, while Calleigh walked further away from him, her hand running through her blonde hair in worry. She sat down further away staring at him, taking him in, taking in the state that he was in.

She wished she knew what he was thinking, what he was saying to her, if he could remember her...well if he actually remembered that moment. She wasn't there when Marisol was shot, but she could recall what Eric went through after her death. How lost he was, how out of track. It took him quite a long time to find his way back and Calleigh had tried to be there for him, but it seemed that she could only reach him to certain level. He had shut himself out and all she could do was be there for him in any way that he needed her to.

She watched him cup his head in both hands as he lowered it practically to the ground, and Calleigh got up from the floor, immediately alarmed and when she watched him trying to get up, she just ran to him and caught him in time, both hands on his arms as she helped him stand, handing him his crutches for support.

'What is it? Are you alright?' she asked him, sounding almost out of breath with worry.

'Take me home' he pleaded in a whisper.

'Eric' she whispered, searching for his eyes, and when Eric finally let their eyes meet, she almost gasped.

'What happened?' she asked him.

'I'm getting flashes' he replied 'I think' he whispered.

'What do you see?' she asked him.

'I just need to sit Cal...I don't think I can stand' he replied a little breathlessly.

'Alright, let's get you in the car' she told him as he held onto her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders while she held his crutches. He simply didn't have the strength to help himself on them. He needed her strength, her shoulder to literally lean on.

A couple of minutes later Eric was sitting in the car, his legs still out as he left the door open and Calleigh bent down so she could look in his eyes, both her hands resting on his knees. He needed some air, he needed to breathe.

'Eric...talk to me' she whispered.

'I keep seeing bullets...someone being hit in the arm...someone wearing a black shirt and then someone in white...I think my sister being shot...' he whispered and by now he was almost out of breath, so Calleigh placed her hand on his cheek, while the other one remained on his knee.

'Look at me Eric...breathe Eric please breathe' she told him 'I shouldn't have brought you here' she whispered shaking her head at herself. She felt him place his hand on top of hers then and realized that he was starting to calm down.

'Who was getting shot?' he asked softly.

'Can you calm down first? Please' she begged him 'I can't rush you back to hospital Eric, I just can't do that' she told him.

'Can you just...just hold me?' he asked her.

Calleigh wasn't sure she understood what he needed exactly but still she got up and pulled him in her arms, his head resting on her chest, his arms wrapped around her lower back, while her arms held the back of his head and stroked his back. She rested her chin on top of his head and closed her eyes, trying to find the strength that he seemed to need within her to help him get through this. He was remembering bits and pieces it seemed.

'It was you in the black shirt' she whispered against his head as she kissed it for him, her hand rubbing soothing circles on his back 'You were shot first' she whispered and her hand moved slowly to where he was shot, her thumb caressing the area there 'The woman in white was your sister' she continued showering his head with soft kisses.

'Why?' he whispered in agony 'Why her? Did we catch the bastard?' he asked.

'We did' she whispered 'He's in jail' she told him.

'Can we go home?' he asked her then.

'Of course' she replied.

Not long after they were back at his house, and once again, Eric was supporting himself by holding onto her not the crutches. It was like his physical strength was gone...vanished into thin air as bits and pieces from when his sister was rudely taken away from him flooded his memory. He had remained quiet in the car, trying to focus on controlling his headaches that were tearing through him second by second, and as soon as he sat on the couch, Calleigh handed him the pills and a glass of water and waited patiently until he was able to speak.

'Why don't you go to bed and rest?' she asked him stroking his arm. The feel of his muscles nearly burning her palm. It was definitely not the right moment to take notice of such facts, but Calleigh couldn't help it.

'NO...No Cal, I can't' he told her, eyes wide open 'I don't want to see her dying again, I can't take it. Every time I close my eyes I see her...falling in my arms...I don't want that' he told her, his eyes pleading with her to not let him go through this alone.

'I know Eric...I understand that, but you need to rest. I'll promise I'll hold you all the while if you just lay down in bed. I won't leave you alone' she promised.

He was tired, and deep down he knew she was right. He needed to rest. He surely didn't want to go back to hospital. He wanted to stay here with her in his house, acting as if this was her own house, and she just told him that she was going to hold him in her arms, he couldn't really make a pass at that. He needed to make his headaches subside, and sleeping was the only way to do that.

'Alright' he whispered as he let out a yawn.

They slowly made their way into his bedroom, and Calleigh got into bed with him, even if in the same clothes she was wearing. She didn't even bother to change. She just wanted to hold him in her arms, and make his pain and troubles go away.

She settled on her back and opened her arm for him to get closer to her, and Eric shifted, snuggling closer to her, as he settled his head on her chest, his arm moving across her stomach.

'Are you comfortable like this?' he asked her concerned.

'I am' she whispered 'Now go to sleep' she told him.

Eric felt her hand stroke the side of his face, and he sighed enjoying the feel of her skin against his. It was simply surprising to how comfortable she was with being with him like this. He never thought she would actually let him get this close. He knew how hard she protected her heart, with due reason after all the ways her heart had been torn apart, and he knew that their friendship was special to her, that she cared about him a lot and didn't want to do anything to ruin it. Getting close was stepping over the unspoken boundaries the two of them had. Playful banter was always their thing, it was always how things were between them, but this...this was something else, and Eric wasn't sure he would be able to handle going back to how things were before he got shot now that he has tasted this world of bliss.

Sure he was in pain and trying to heal from almost loosing his life, and that way the main reason why she was here in the first place, but the fact remained that she was. That she chose to be here. He certainly didn't force her to do such a thing. She did it because she cared that much about him, just as much as he did her.

It was somewhere along those thoughts that his eyes closed and drifted into sleep, and Calleigh remained there just like she promised him she would, holding him in her arms. Her hand was still stroking his face as she held onto him, maybe a little bit closer than she really needed to. She hated seeing him like this...so fragile and in pain. She closed her eyes and took a deep long breath willing those memories of seeing him for the first time hooked up to all those monitors and wires, fighting for his life, away.

She just wanted him to get better.

She wanted to give him something else to dream about, something else to fight for, but what could she give him? The truth was that she knew exactly what she could give him, what he would so willingly receive.

Her.

He wanted her and she knew it. She always knew it but she always fought it, with every fiber of her being. The truth was that she was scared. Scared that giving into those feelings would ruin their friendship, would ruin them working together, especially now with Stetler on her back...but most of all she was scared that giving herself to Eric would shatter her if their relationship wouldn't work out. She had always been able to get back on track, build those walls high up where no one would hurt her again, but with Eric it was something different.

She recalled their beginning when they had first met on her first day on her new job. He had so bluntly asked her for her number and she had laughed hard at how straight forward he had been with her. It wasn't a secret to her that he liked her, that he wanted her from day one, but her...she hadn't even tell him her name much less give him her number, even though every part of her screamed and yelled at her for her stupidity and her stupid own policy of not socializing with anyone remotely job related. She could still hear him say "We'll see..." and her was right. Here they were years later, lying in each other's arms, in the same bed. Who would have told her back then how different things would be years later, how close they would become. He was the one person Calleigh trusted with her life, and she knew it was the same for him. Maybe he had other people in his life that he trusted a lot, but she knew deep down, that they shared a certain bond, a certain understanding that no one can really understand. Sometimes not even they can understand how deep that bond runs.

It had been tested over and over again, especially every single time something horrible happened to one or the two of them. They would always fall into each other's arms for support and it didn't matter if they were seeing somebody else in the meantime...sometimes they just simply needed each other, and now was one of those times, and Calleigh was grateful that Eric wasn't seeing anyone, because she wasn't sure she could handle someone else holding him like this and not her. She couldn't even consider being away from him at such time, and that was why going back to work on Monday was something she was dreading. She had never dreaded going to work, not even when things were tough, but Monday was that day, Calleigh never thought would come.

She felt him stir in her arms then as they shifted so his head was lying on her arm and the pillow and Calleigh was now propped up on her side, as watched his frown blossom on his face, and Calleigh simply couldn't help but reach out and caress that area as gently as she could. Her eyes were watching her thumb, stroke that area between his eyebrows, as the frown slowly faded away, and now her eyes were slowly watching other parts of his face. His lips.

She wanted to feel them. She wanted to feel their softness. This sudden hungry need growing inside of her of needing to feel those full lips of his... He was asleep. He would never know...and just like that...Calleigh just leaned down...and placed her lips softly against his, and his lips moved as they felt hers, as Eric took a deep long breath, and suddenly her tongue was slipping into his mouth and her eyes fluttered shut at the feel of his tongue dancing with hers.