A/N: Once again, thanks for the reviews/favourites/follows :) Unfortunately the 'throwing-the-shirt-in-the-face' scene didn't really work for my purposes, so this is my version. Hope you enjoy it anyway :)

Later that evening Eric was rifling through Amber's wardrobe whilst Pam had a shower in the en suite. He paused in his rummaging as he heard the water stop, hearing nothing to alarm him, Eric resumed his task.

"Have you found anything yet?" she called out through the bathroom door.

"Nothing that isn't pink," Eric replied, still intent on his task.

Pam opened the door, clad only in a towel, "Is that a problem?"

"Not for you," Eric replied without looking at her, "I found a tracksuit that might fit you," he added, nodding towards the bed.

Pam walked passed him and he was momentarily distracted as he noticed her lack of attire for the first time.

"Eric?" Pam prompted, breaking Eric from his ogling.

He raised his eyes to her face, "Hmm?"

"Were you even listening?" she asked, looking amused.

"Of course," Eric scoffed as he turned back to the wardrobe.

"What did I just say?" she asked.

"You asked me if I was listening," Eric replied smoothly.

He didn't even have to see her face to know that she was glaring at him, "Nice try," she deadpanned.

"Worth a shot," he replied easily as he finally found some of Jeremy's clothes in the back of the wardrobe.

Pam rolled her eyes as she sat down on the bed and inspected the clothes Eric had selected for her. "I was actually asking whether you had heard anything else from our 'partner,'" she said, raising an eyebrow as she examined the floral print t-shirt.

"He doesn't expect an answer from Tokyo tonight," Eric told her absently as he checked the size of a pair of pants and a shirt against himself. "I suggest you get some rest," he added, tossing the pants to one side and looking for another pair.

"Works for me," Pam replied wearily as she stood up and began to get dressed.

Eric shot a concerned look in her direction, "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine," she answered, her voice slightly muffled as she pulled the shirt over her head, "stop worrying."

"I don't believe you," he said, ignoring her comment.

"Tough," Pam answered before suddenly gasping in pain, she clutched the bedpost for support and squeezed her eyes shut.

Eric was at her side in an instant, "Pam?"

She shook her head as she scrunched her face further, willing the pain away. "It's nothing," she insisted once she could speak, "I'm fine," she added, sounding thoroughly unconvincing as she opened her eyes.

Eric rocked on the balls of his feet, feeling helpless. "I'd leave you behind to rest but I don't trust these people," he admitted, torn between wanting her to be comfortable and his need for her to be safe.

Pam gave him a weak smile, "I'm fine," she repeated as she straightened and let go of the bedpost, only to fall into his arms the next moment.

Eric looked down at her, "You were saying?"

"Just shut up and get me to the bed," Pam mumbled against his chest.

At any other time Eric would have had a roguish comment in response to her order, but he was too terrified to do anything except do as she bid. He crouched beside the bed as she snuggled gratefully into the pillow.

"Better?" he asked, trying to hide his anxiety as her weakened condition brought back painful memories of Nora.

She opened her mouth to reply but he cut her off, "And don't even think about saying 'I'm fine'," he ordered.

Pam closed her mouth and looked at him apologetically, Eric smoothed her hair off her forehead. "We're so close now, Pam," he said softly, "and once we find Sarah everything is going to be ok."

Pam regarded him for a long moment before she reached out to touch his cheek, "I love you."

Eric cleared his throat as he suddenly found himself close to tears, "Don't you dare say good bye to me," he said firmly as he kissed the palm of her hand before taking it in both of his. "Not when we're so close. As your Maker, I forbid it," he added, forcing a smile.

Pam smiled weakly, "So bossy."

"Well, you're so stubborn," he retorted, kissing her on the forehead as he stood up.

Pam shifted into a more comfortable position, "But you still love me," she murmured as her eyes slipped shut.

Eric stooped to plant another kiss on her forehead, blinking back tears as he did so.

"Always."