AN: As always thank you for the love, follows and reviews.

Eric POV

She doesn't have the first clue how beautiful she is.

I watch her across the room as she smiles politely at the person that Roxanne has introduced her to. Her dark blonde hair is in some sort of fancy braided thing...Marlene called it an updo or something ridiculous like that while she was working feverishly on it before we left our room. She's wearing the blue dress, and as much as I couldn't wait to see her in it I now can't wait to see her out of it.

They brought her some jewelry; earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings all of these expensive and quite attractive pieces and she chose a simple pair of dangling earrings and she kept her wedding rings on, even when her mother suggested she take them off and wear some of the provided jewelry to match her dress.

When her parents arrived she somehow found a way to act like nothing had changed. It's strange, because now that we suspect that Natalie and Andrew are somehow involved in this plan to use Tris for her genes we find their behavior more and more suspicious. Tris and I answered her parents' questions about our wedding without missing a beat, even though we both knew they had watched it. Andrew slipped once during the conversation, subtle but enough that both Tris and I caught it She didn't miss a beat though, and as soon as their forced and obviously faked social visit was over Tris burst into tears.

I tried holding her and talking to her until she calmed down but when that didn't help I distracted her the only other way I knew how. Twice.

We've been unable to get any type of alone time with Nita or Matthew; instead Roxanne has been introducing us to who's who in the city of Milwaukee since we arrived over an hour ago. The worst part is that dinner has yet to be served, although they keep circulating trays of these tiny little morsels of food. At least they have an open bar.

"This whole party is bullshit." Edgar says as he slides into the bar stool next to me.

"Pretty much." I agree. "I think the whole purpose is to distract us."

"It's working for some of us." He retorts as he gestures towards Marlene, Uriah, George and Amar. They are laughing heartily with the other people who are sitting at the table with them. "I just want to know what reality in this place is. We came here to protect the ones we love, and now we're worried that they are once again being targeted. When does it stop?" He asks.

"Love?" I ask.

"That's the only word you heard in everything I said huh?" Edgar retorts. You wouldn't have known he and Tris were raised separately for how alike they are. I quite enjoy bantering with my brother in law.

"I heard other words too, but that one stood out. Things are that serious?" I ask with a smirk.

"Yeah, I think so. We've known each other a long time. While I can't say for sure it's love I know it's damn sure close. I think he may be there too." Edgar replies.

"That's good man. You deserve happiness." I reply.

"Even if you hate him?" Edgar chuckles.

"I don't necessarily hate him but he and I don't have a pretty history. He was a good friend once upon a time." I shrug.

"You got the girl though." He grins.

"That I did." I reply as I scan the crowd for Tris. She catches my eye and smiles sweetly at me. "Damn she's gorgeous." I murmur and Edgar chuckles.

"Yeah, she is. You guys doing ok? She's had a lot of shit come down on her since being here."

"Her parents came by earlier, apparently right after they had left your place. That really threw her for a loop. They almost seemed to be digging for information, but it's really subtle. Andrew slipped slightly when we were talking about the wedding; he actually corrected something I said so to me it was obvious they had watched it. I just don't know what they have to gain with this genetic bullshit." I reply.

"They are definitely digging. Like you said, it's subtle. They're working it into what seems to be normal conversation." He replies.

"Edgar, what did Four say about me?" I ask while turning towards him.

"I take it Tris told you." He states and I nod. "Nita warned them about you, she said she wasn't sure you could be trusted because of your parents' genetic research and manipulation on you and your brother. She thinks it's possible that you're using Tris to find your own cure."

I shake my head. "I take it you don't believe her?"

"Not a word of it." He replies. "You love my sister, period."

"I do." I nod. "What about Four?"

He sighs. "Tobias is paranoid as hell by nature. It's almost ingrained in him. He and I had time to talk before Andrew and Natalie came by and I think I have him convinced. He wants to hear it from Tris too I think."

"The history between Four and I hasn't been pretty, especially after Dalia. I would say I don't give a fuck whether he trusts me or not, but at this point it wouldn't be true. We all need to work together."

"Agreed, and believe it or not he finally believes you about what happened with Dalia." He replies.

"Really?"

"Your wife is quite convincing when she defends your honor." He smirks and I laugh.

"I'm a lucky man." I reply. Edgar and I gaze out into the crowd and watch as Tris and Four are whisked from group to group and introductions are made. It's obvious that this entire party was has everything to do with the two of them.

"They're parading the two GP's around like a fucking exhibit." Edgar says from next to me. "They give two shits about the rest of us."

"I was thinking the same thing. I gave up after they completely ignored my presence and headed over here to drink." I reply with a shrug.

Four gestures for Edgar to come to the small group he's standing with. "More schmoozing I guess. I'll be back later." He says as he walks off.

I order another whiskey and continue people watching from my spot at the bar. I scan the crowd for Matthew or Nita and don't see either of them.

"You're Eric." A woman with dark red hair says as she walks up to me.

"Yeah, what about it?" I ask.

"I'm a fan. My name is Emily." She says as she extends her hand. I reluctantly shake it and she holds on to my hand a little longer than I'd like. I move it away from her and turn towards the bar. "Mind if I sit?"

"The seats aren't assigned last time I checked." I reply and she sits down next to me.

"You look just as thrilled with this shindig as I am." She sighs.

"It's not my thing." I reply, trying to think of the least assholish way to tell this woman to get lost.

"What brought you out here to Milwaukee?" She asks. I watch her flag down the bartender and order a gin and tonic. "Would you like anything?" She asks as she looks over at me with a slight smile.

"No thanks." I reply as I turn away to look for Tris. I see Roxanne has ushered her to another group, and her back is currently facing me. I scan my eyes over her bare shoulders and watch the way her tattoos look with her subtle body movements. She is so damn sexy without even trying.

"You never did answer me, what brought you to Milwaukee?" She asks.

I turn back towards the bar and grab my whiskey, downing the rest of the glass before answering her question.

"You've watched us; you should already know the answer to that." I reply.

"Wow, I guess that asshole persona wasn't an act." She replies. "Sorry for bothering you."

For some reason I feel like I should apologize for my behavior, so I stop her from leaving.

"Wait, I was being rude, you don't have to go. I'm just getting used to things around here. It's odd to have so many people know me but not know anyone in return." I don't know where that came from, especially when talking to a perfect stranger.

"I understand. I can't imagine the culture shock you're going through." She replies. "Want another drink?"

My mind says no… "Yes." I reply.

"Jack Daniels, right?" She says softly and I nod. She signals for the bartender and orders drinks.

I look over to find Tris and I no longer see her in the room. I glance over and see Four and Edgar talking with the same group of people as before. I feel a bit cloudy and I shake my head to try to clear it.

"Here you go. How about a toast? Here's to new starts." Emily says as she clinks her glass with mine.

I hum in response and take another gulp of my drink. My head is feeling foggy; all this drinking on an empty stomach must be getting to me. I glance around the crowd again and still see no signs of my wife.

"You ok?" Emily asks from beside me.

"Yeah, just need to eat. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea." I reply.

"These dinner parties are always like this, a bunch of alcohol and little bits of food until they finally decide to give us a real meal. I'd much prefer they just put a buffet out here and skip all the etiquette." She replies and I chuckle.

"Yeah, I don't much enjoy this fancy shit myself. How long have you lived here?" I ask.

"All my life, I was born right here in the city and raised here. I started working in the lab when I graduated, so right at sixteen. I've been there for six years now." She replies.

"What do you do in the labs?" I ask.

"Genetic research, much like your parents." She replies. I immediately turn to face her.

"What do you know about my parents? Are they here? Are they alive?" I ask.

"Oh Eric, no, I'm sorry. I didn't bring them up in an effort to mislead you. I watched them quite often, before they passed, and they were brilliant. I'm very sorry for your loss." She replies.

I take a deep breath and try to clear my head a bit. For a few seconds my hopes were up and I thought that maybe their deaths were staged much like the Priors. I down the rest of my drink and then scan the crowd for Tris again. Everything is blurring together and my head feels extremely foggy.

"Are you ok? Emily asks.

"I can't find my wife." I slur.

"I can help you find her. Come on." She says softly and holds out her hand to me to help me up.

Once I'm standing I feel like the room is tilting a bit and I stumble against Emily as a result. I can feel her put an arm around my waist to help steady me as we begin to walk towards the door.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"We're getting out of here." She purrs. "Do you want to come to my room?"

"Why?" I ask.

"I've watched you Eric; you were quite the ladies' man back in Dauntless. I was just wondering what it is about you that had so many women wanting you." She replies seductively.

"No." I shake my head and the room feels like its spinning.

"No what?" She asks.

"I'm not like that anymore. I love my wife." I slur.

"What if she didn't know Eric? She's nowhere to be found. We could slip out of here without anyone knowing. Come on let me know you how much fun you can have in the city." She replies.

"No." I reply.

"Eric, you understand that being with Tris taints her. You don't want to do that now do you? She's perfect and you could ruin her." She presses.

"Mmhmm. She is perfect. The love of my life." I feel my head dipping and then a hand under my chin.

"Eric, let's get you out of here. You look like you're about to pass out."

"Mmmhmm." I hum in response.

My head begins to feel heavy as I continue to follow her out of the room. We get to the elevator and she helps me to lean against the wall while we wait for it.

"What are you doing?" Someone asks loudly from next to us. I turn my head to look at the person but they are out of focus.

"None of your business, so move along." Emily replies.

"He's definitely my business." The man says and I feel myself slipping against the wall a bit. "What the hell did you do to him?"

"He's drunk. I'm helping him, leave us alone." She replies.

"Eric, hey man look at me." The man says. I can see him in front of me but I'm unable to recognize who it is.

"Blurry." I slur and I feel him slip an arm under me to help balance me.

"What did you give him?" The man practically yells.

"You should step away if you know what's good for you." Emily says angrily. I can feel myself sliding down the wall and I'm yanked up by two sets of strong hands.

"Who are you? What the hell did you give him?" Someone yells.

"Just a little something that will keep him away from Beatrice Prior and our plans for her." She warns.

"Stay away from him." The man who is helping me says angrily and I feel myself being dragged away before I pass out.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

I feel like I'm burning. Why the hell is it so hot in here? I slowly open my eyes and blink a few times to try to gain some sort of focus. Everything is so fucking bright. There's something in my mouth, I feel like I'm choking. Why can't I get this thing out of my mouth?

"Oh my god, you're awake. Baby, don't pull on that you'll hurt yourself. Hey, look at me." She says. I feel her hands on mine and she has tears trailing out of her hazel eyes. "You're ok." She says soothingly. She presses a button repeatedly on the side of my bed.

"How may I help you?" A voice barks out over a speaker.

"He's awake, please hurry."

"We are on our way."

She looks back down at me and I feel her hand pushing my sweaty hair away from my forehead. She obviously knows who I am but I am struggling to recognize her. My eyes are darting around and I reach for the tube in my mouth again. She quickly moves her hands to mine.

"You can't. They're coming in to help you. Please baby." She murmurs. I wrap my hands around hers and squeeze.

"Hello there Eric, it's nice to see you awake. I'm Dr. Farrar and we're going to get this tube out of your mouth ok?" He says and I blink my eyes rapidly. I watch as he turns to the woman next to me. "You may not want to be here for this part." She looks down at me and I squeeze her hands and hold them tightly.

"You want me to stay?" She asks and I blink at her. She looks up at the doctor. "I'll stay out of your way but I can't leave him."

"Alright, I'm going to have you move to the other side of the room."

I begin to panic as she tries to pull away. I hear machines beeping and I feel a bit lightheaded.

"Hey, look at me, I'm not leaving you ok? Calm down, I promise you I'm staying right here." She says to me and she threads her fingers with mine. She looks at the doctor and nurses in the room. "I'm not leaving his side, work around me." Her voice is hard and authoritative.

The tube removal was just as unpleasant as they described, but now that it's out I feel relieved. I can hear people talking in the room but I can't concentrate. I'm so sleepy.

Off and on I wake up, it could be minutes or it could be days, I can't tell. Every time I do I see her, but I'm too weak to talk to her. She talks to me sometimes and I love the sound of her voice.

Except when she cries, that completely guts me. I want to know who she is. I wish I could concentrate.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

I open my eyes and the room is dark, save the light that shines under the closed door of my room and the moonlight that peeks in through the blinds on the window.

She's in a chair next to my bed, reclined and wrapped in a blanket. Her hair is long and it spills over her shoulders and she has her eyes closed but her rigid posture suggests she's not sleeping. I open my mouth to talk but nothing comes out but a dry rasp. It's enough to cause her to open her eyes and jerk forward.

"Hey, do you need something?" She asks as she stands by my side.

I try to speak again but my mouth is too dry and I start to cough. She pushes my sweaty hair back from my forehead.

"You're too hot." She moves the blankets off of me so only a sheet is covering me. I smile at her. "Your mouth is probably very dry. They said if you woke up and could stay awake they'd let me give you some ice chips. I can go get some."

I shake my head and reach for her.

"You don't want ice chips?" I furrow my brows and shake my head. "You don't want me to leave?" I nod. "Ok, if I can get someone to bring ice chips do you want them?" I nod again. She smiles and presses a button on my bed and when someone answers she asks for ice chips.

I feel my eyes drooping again and I snap them open. I look up and find her staring at me.

"It's ok if you sleep. I won't leave." She says and I shake my head. She runs the fingers of her free hand through my hair and across my scalp and I relax. I refuse to close my eyes.

"Here's some ice chips, remember he has to be able to stay awake to get them. We don't want him choking, especially since we don't know how his swallowing reflex is at the moment." A nurse warns.

"I'm aware, and thank you for bringing this. I'll keep a close eye on him." She replies and with a curt nod the nurse leaves the room.

"Ok baby, we're going to start small. Can you open up?" She asks and I open my mouth. The ice chips feel better than anything I can think of at the moment and I hum a little.

We slowly work our way through the small cup of ice and she never once loses her patience with me. I eventually let her go long enough to get a cool washcloth to put on my head and I finally begin to feel some relief.

"You don't know who I am, do you?" She asks quietly.

I wish I could talk, but every time I try to speak only noises come out. Why can't I form words? I huff in frustration and she begins to run her fingers across my scalp lightly again. She obviously knows how to calm me.

"It's ok. I'm just so happy that you're here. I was so scared baby. I thought I was going to lose you." She whispers. I pick up our entwined hands and press a kiss to hers. I notice her wedding rings so I look down at my left hand and find a matching band. I show it to her and then point at hers.

"You want to know if we're married." She states and I nod. "We are." She replies softly and I sigh happily. I close my eyes and concentrate on the gentle movements of her fingers through my hair.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

I sit as patiently as I can while the nurse takes my vitals. My wife is here, just like she always is, but today she's with two other men who I feel I should know. I couldn't quite keep my eyes open today, but I could hear them talking about me. Something was said about my motor skills and possible brain damage that could cause my inability to speak and issues with my reflexes.

Brain damage? I open my eyes wide and try to talk. Nothing comes out but more noise.

I admit, my memories are all kinds of fucked up and I may not be able to do anything but gesture or grunt but I'm in here. I look over at my wife, who I've learned is named Tris, and she can immediately sense my panic.

"Hey baby, you're awake. It's ok, don't get upset it'll cause your blood pressure to spike." She says softly. I reach for her hand and grip onto it and she bends over and kisses my forehead.

I may not remember everything about our life but I know I love her. She's keeping me sane. The way she looks at me tells me she loves me unconditionally. I have to beat whatever the fuck this is.

I look over at the two men who are hanging back, leaning against the wall as if they're afraid to approach. I tug on Tris' hand and gesture towards them.

"You want to know who they are." She states and I nod. I watch warily as the two approach my bed. "This is my brother Edgar." The tall man with the dark blonde hair and blue eyes extends his hand and I'm able to grasp and shake his hand without trouble.

"It's so good to see you back with us." He says and I can see the sheen of unshed tears in his eyes. Whatever happened to me must have been serious. I nod my head and squeeze his hand before dropping it.

"Baby, this is Edgar's boyfriend Four." Tris says. The dark haired, dark eyed man approaches cautiously. I furrow my brows at him but extend my hand and he shakes it and smiles slightly.

I hold up four fingers and gesture at him, giving him a questioning look. He laughs when he figures out what I'm asking.

"It's a nickname. My given name is Tobias. Can you see why I changed it?" He asks with a good humored laugh and I smile and nod at him.

I squeeze Tris' hand then use my free hand to point at my head. She furrows her brow. "Do you have a headache?" I shake my head. I point at her and then point to Edgar and Four and then back to my ear.

She glances at them and then realization hits her. "You heard us talking?" I nod and she sits next to me on the bed. I put my hand on her thigh and squeeze and she smiles at me. "I know you're ok in there. You don't remember everything, but I know you're still as sharp as a tack. I don't believe the doctors about any of that. You're improving every day baby. The physical therapist is pleased with the motor skill progress you've made. We're going to get you out of this bed soon."

I nod at her and smile and she cups my cheek with her hand. I place my hand on top of hers. I open my mouth to speak.

"I…" I groan in frustration and Tris gently rubs my bearded cheek.

"That's good, you said I and I understood it. What's the next word Eric?" She asks.

"Luhhh. Luhhhhhh." I take a deep breath. "Luhhh…vvvvv…"

"Love?" She asks and I nod.

"You…" I rasp. Her smile breaks and the tears steadily begin to flow down her cheeks. I shake my head and put my hands on hers and she won't look at me. I desperately look at Edgar and Four and they are both smiling.

"Happy tears." Edgar says as he puts his arms around his weeping sister. "Tris, you're worrying him." He warns. She nods her head at me and grasps on to my hands.

"I love you too Eric, more than anything." She says between tears.

I reach up and wipe as many tears as I can from her cheek and she leans into my touch. I shake my head no and point at her wet cheeks. She lets out a shaky laugh.

"They're happy tears baby, I promise you. I'm happy." She replies and I relax a bit.

"She's telling the truth Eric. Believe me, we've seen the unhappy tears. Those are long gone now that you're awake and aware." Edgar says and I see Four nodding next to him.

I nod and point at my ears with a frown. Tris cocks her head to the side. "You could hear me?" She asks and I nod. "It wasn't all tears though, right." She says with a smile and I return it while nodding. "I would tell you how much I love and need you too." I nod along with her words.

"You two are so in sync. You are able to have an entire conversation without him speaking. It's kind of amazing." Four chimes in.

"Yeah." I croak out and everyone smiles at me.

"That was great." Tris says and I grin at her. "Every day it gets better baby."

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

They've finally given me a tablet so I can type to communicate with people. Writing wasn't easy for me, even though my motor skills are improving I had a hard time gripping the pen. They said it was normal, and that small objects would be the hardest for me to pick up and grasp.

Tris never leaves although I try to get her to at least take breaks. I desperately want her to stay here, but I don't tell her that. It doesn't matter because she's as stubborn as they come and refuses to budge. I've met more of our friends and through bits and pieces of hushed conversations I've learned there was some sort of agreement that happened right after I was hospitalized. I've tried to leave it at eavesdropping since I have a feeling that Tris doesn't want to discuss whatever has happened, but my curiosity is getting the best of me.

I've been able to walk, with assistance, and I go to physical therapy every day. I've gotten better at forming words with my speech therapy but it's almost as if I just can't force my mouth to say the words that are in my head. I know what I want to say all the time, but I can't coherently form a sentence. I've been frustrated as hell, but my wife is amazing. She always knows what I want or need and she's the best at communicating with me in this state. Today I finally get to take a real shower instead of sponge baths after Tris begged, pleaded and finally told them she'd be in the shower with me to help. She's relentless in her battles for me and I love her even more for it.

She's helped me brush my teeth and trim my beard so far, and now we're in the bathroom where she has finally gotten me undressed and has me sitting on the bench inside the shower. I watch as she undresses, I'm absolutely unable to take my eyes off of her. She's perfect in every way.

"So…beeee…" I can't form the word. She steps inside the shower and crouches in front of me. I reach for her and pull her to my lap and she smiles.

"What are you trying to say baby?" She asks.

"You… are… so…." I stop and think of an easier word. "Pretty." I finally finish and smile. She's beaming at me. "I…love…you…."

"I love you too. " She leans in and kisses me softly and desire takes over as I slip my tongue into her mouth and kiss her deeply. She leans back, breaking our kiss and I enjoy her flushed face and breathlessness. "We definitely can't do that, not until you are feeling up to it." She says.

I point at my very interested and up to the occasion manhood and she laughs at me.

"Well, we know that is working now don't we?" She replies.

"Need…test..." I reply.

"Eric Coulter!" She admonishes and I stick out my lower lip in a pout. "I'll make you a deal, ok?" She asks and I nod eagerly. "You stop giving your physical and speech therapists such hell and start listening to them I will make it worth your while."

"O….k…." I reply and stick out my hand. We shake on the deal and she giggles when I start rubbing my scratchy beard against her neck before placing kisses there. "Tris…" I say carefully and she leans back to look at me. "What… happen…." I try to get more out but words are escaping me.

She shuts her eyes briefly and takes a deep breath. "After the shower." She replies and I furrow my brows at her. "I mean it this time, I will tell you everything. You're finally ready." She replies and I nod.

I spend the rest of the shower touching my wife as much as she'll let me while she takes her time to wash me properly. Sitting on the bench puts me eye level with her perky breasts and I take full advantage. Each time she'd admonish me for touching her inappropriately I'd say 'motor skills', at least the best way I could and she'd laugh at me.

Once she helps me out of the shower and we get dried off I do the best I can getting dressed by myself. The shirt wasn't too bad, but the most difficult thing is gripping the waistbands of my boxer briefs and sweatpants, and Tris patiently let's me try everything on my own and waits for me to ask for help before stepping in. It probably takes us three times longer this way but I love her for it. When I look at the socks she packed me I sigh, knowing that my hands aren't going to cooperate for that kind of task. She smiles at me and simply pulls the socks on my feet.

"Feel...so…" I begin. The word is useless but I can't get the right sound out.

"Don't even think it. You're doing so much better. Every day you're getting stronger." She admonishes.

"What...happen...to...me…?" I ask and she leads me over to the recliner she typically sits in when she's not in bed with me. I sit down and gesture for her to sit on my lap and when she does I wrap my arms around her.

"You were given a serum by someone who was hired to prevent us from being together." She begins. "When Edgar and Four got you to the hospital no one knew what the serum was and you were in bad shape. Your heart stopped several times and you literally had to be brought back from the dead."

She leans her head against my shoulder and I press kisses to her forehead. "Do you remember who David is?" She asks and I shake my head no. "Let me step back, do you remember leaving Chicago?"

We left Chicago? What is she saying? Where are we? My mind is racing and Tris sees the panic on my face. "Hey, look at me, it's ok. Breathe with me." She says softly and we take deep breaths together.

"Do you remember Chicago?" She asks and I nod. I nudge her and point to the tattoos on my neck. "Yes, you were a leader in Dauntless." She replies with a smile and I nod.

"We leave?" I ask slowly and she nods. "Why…?"

She proceeds to tell me about the war, the uprising that followed and the aftermath of her kidnapping to ultimately open the mysterious box. She goes on to explain that the box contained a message from the people outside the wall along with an invitation for us to be with them.

"The serum you were given was twofold: it removed any memory you had of you and I together and it also included a mutated version of the death serum. The leader of the city of Milwaukee, David, used you as a weapon against me. He forced me to watch you forget me, then he was going to allow you to die a slow, painful and downright torturous death unless I cooperated with him." She explains.

She then explains the genetic abnormalities that both she and Four possess, and how the biggest reason they were adamant that we stay apart was because if I were to get her pregnant she would lose her genetic purity. They need her DNA and genetic strain to find a cure for genetic damage, and they forced her cooperation by threatening my life.

"Even though I immediately cooperated the damaging effects of the serum had taken their toll on you, so for the first couple of days no one knew if you'd even live. David had ordered they give you full doses of antiserum around the clock but you were so weak. Your body was in no shape to fight or expel the serum you had been given. So we had to just wait and hope for the best. It was awful baby. You went through so much but you kept fighting. The day you woke up was the happiest day of my life, outside of our wedding day." She says and I lean in and press my lips to hers.

"What...um…" I can't get the words out to ask what he's making her do. She grabs the tablet they've given me and I type the question out.

"He just tests things. They've drawn blood multiple times, I had to do a bone marrow draw in my hip once and that was uncomfortable for a few days. He's also put me back on pregnancy prevention serum, so at least for the next six months we won't be able to try for a baby." She says without meeting my eyes.

"Practice…" I smirk at her and she laughs. As much as I want to have a baby with her right now isn't the right time with everything that's going on with this David person. "Ba...baby…" I say and she looks up at me. "He… let's us...be…?" I gesture back and forth between us.

"He does. I threatened to kill myself if he kept us apart." She says quietly and I turn her to face me completely.

"No…" I shake my head and she puts her hands on either side of my face.

"We're together baby. I made my point." She replies and pulls me in for a kiss.

"How long here…? I ask carefully.

"How long in the hospital?" She asks and I nod. "This is week seven."

I shake my head. I've lost almost two months in this place. She's been stuck in a hospital for that entire time.

"Eric, stop, I can almost hear your thoughts. I love you and I am happy to be here with you because you're alive. I almost lost you, I watched you fading further and further away. I don't care how many nights I spent in that recliner, or how many showers and meals I've missed. I have you. I'm not leaving you for a minute. Everyone else was forced back to Chicago, they had no use for them here. They only wanted Four and me, and as a result they've allowed Edgar and you to stay." She explains. She grabs my tablet and begins typing. I quirk an eyebrow at her and she shows me the screen.

"As soon as you're better we're getting out of here. Zeke already has plans." She's typed.

I nod and she leans her head back on my shoulder and I rest my chin on top of it.

Zeke may have plans, but as for this David person I'm going to kill that bastard myself.