Author note:

Some sweet fluff for you this week. Please keep those reviews coming. They really do motivate me.

CH 109-Tender Loving Care

Much to Emma's relief, the doctor discharged her from the hospital, and they were on their way home. She was sore and tired. But she knew that she would rest so much better in her own bed. She glanced over at Clay as he drove them back to the apartment. He looked almost as exhausted as she felt. There were dark circles under his eyes and his sandy blonde curls were pressed limply against his head. She reached over and laid a hand on his forearm. He started at the contact and his eyes darted to the side, startled.

"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, no you're fine. My mind was drifting, I guess."

He laid his hand on hers as he spoke.

"Are you alright? Do you need something?"

"I'm okay. Happy to be going home."

"Me too," he agreed with at short-lived smile.

"Should we…I think we will need something to eat at some point. Do you want to stop somewhere?"

He hadn't thought that far ahead. All his brain could focus on in this moment was getting her home, and into their bed safely.

"I'm sure we have some stuff at home. I'm not very hungry anyway…unless you are…"

"No," she shook her head as she answered. "Not right now. I'm mostly tired."

He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed a soft kiss across her fingers.

"We can worry about that later then."

He pulled up to their building and helped her out of the truck as carefully as he could. Still, she gasped and bit her lip as the movement stressed her ribs, shoulder, and knee. He held her for just a moment as the pain subsided. Then, kissing her on top of her head he told her to wait there.

He parked the truck and grabbed her things from the back. Then, he guided her toward the elevator. She leaned on him as the conveyance took them up the three flights to their floor. The doors whooshed open and they made their way slowly to their door. Clay opened the lock and Emma preceded him into the living room. He closed and locked the door behind them and lowered her bag to the carpet. Emma looked around, noticing that Koda was absent. He answered her unasked question.

"I thought it might be best for him to stay with Brock and Cerb for a couple more days, at least until you got some rest."

She nodded and flashed him a strained smile. In truth, her strength was leaving her. She was trying to remain upright and pretend everything was normal. She knew he was watching her closely, hyper-aware for any signs of weakness or pain. He was already on edge, so worried about her. She didn't want to cause him any more distress.

She watched him walk over to the end table and set down his phone and his keys. Still trying to put on a brave face, Emma headed toward the bedroom. She got almost to the doorway before her legs started to buckle and she wobbled. Clay was there, steadying her before she could fall.

"You okay, Em?"

"Yea. I didn't think I would feel so weak."

"Your body went through some decent trauma. It's understandable. Are you sure it's nothing else? You're not dizzy or anything?"

She knew he was thinking about the instructions and warnings the doctor gave them at the hospital. He listened intently to everything the doctor had to say, asking several clarifying questions.

"No. I just don't seem to have any strength."

He helped her to the bed where she sat down. Clay spotted their spare key and a note on the desk. He read it out loud.

Emma & Clay,

I got the key from Jason and stopped by earlier. Don't worry about dinner or anything. Tonight's meal is in the refrigerator, you just need to heat it up. And there are muffins for tomorrow morning. The rest of the team will each take a night this week.

Emma, please take your time recuperating and don't worry about anything. If you need something, either one of you, call.

I'll check in with Clay later.

Lisa

They looked at each other and at the freshly made bed, and the extra pillows to help Emma's comfort. Clay smiled fondly, shaking his head while Emma held back tears.

"Trust Davis to think of everything."

"Lisa is always on top of things."

"Yep. We're lucky to have her."

He pulled back the covers and stacked up the pillows to help Emma get settled.

"Comfortable?"

She scooted and punched down a pillow as she answered.

"As much as I can be. It's a million times better than that hospital bed."

"Anything I can get you right now?"

"No," she sighed. "I think I just want to rest."

He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently. Stopping at the door, he turned and spoke softly.

"I love you, Em."

"I love you too."

Clay did his best to be quiet so he wouldn't disturb Emma. It looked like Davis had picked up the living room and cleaned up the kitchen. He got himself a glass of water and sat down to go through his emails and texts. Most of the messages were family or friends inquiring about Emma. Everyone from Linda to Mikayla had been in contact, asking for updates on Emma's status and offering their help and support. He answered them, assuring their loved ones that, thankfully, it appeared that Emma was going to be fine. Just as he got through all the texts, there was an incoming call from Jason. He expected that his boss would want to make sure his girl was home safe.

"Hey Jace."

"Hey. You guys at home yet?"

"Yea. We got home about a half hour ago."

"How's Em doing?"

"She's okay. She's weak and tired. Her head hurts and I think she's starting to feel the bruising on from her impact with the door."

"Can she take anything for the pain?"

"We've got Ibuprofen. But since she was able to sleep, I didn't push it."

"Sleep's the best thing for her right now. Do you think she'd feel up to a visitor later?"

"I'm sure she would like to see you. You wanna come over for dinner?"

"I don't wanna…"

"Don't worry, Davis stopped by."

"Yea, she got the key and said she was going to."

"Well, she was here and left enough food for the whole Team. So as long as you don't mind reheated food, we have plenty."

"Sounds good. I'll see you at about 6:00 then."

"See you then."

He crept quietly into the bedroom to check on Emma. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she was still sleeping. He grabbed the book off his nightstand and went back into the other room to read.

He didn't even realize that he had fallen asleep until he heard the sounds coming from the bathroom. He walked into the bedroom and met her as she opened the bathroom door.

"How are you feeling, babe?"

"Some better. I'm really sore though."

Wrapping an arm around her carefully, he started to help her back to bed.

"Can we go out on the couch?"

"Em…I think that staying in bed would be…"

"I know I need to rest. What does it matter if it's in here or out there?"

She could see from his expression that he was still skeptical.

"It's only…if I'm in here, and you're out there…"

He leaned over and brushed his lips against her temple.

"Okay. Let me help you get settled and we can watch a movie or something."

Once she was seated on the couch, he retrieved a few pillows from the bed, and grabbed an additional blanket. He tucked and fluffed and fussed until he was satisfied that she was comfortable. Emma shook her head and bore it with a smile. Before he would agree to join her, he got her a drink and a couple Advil tablets. She swallowed them dutifully and patted the cushion beside her. He sat down so she could lean against his left shoulder. This was the opposite side from where he usually sat, but he didn't want to jostle her sore bones. She snuggled against his chest and he carefully put his arm around her. They settled in and decided on a movie.

About an hour later Emma needed to switch positions. She shifted her weight and winced with the effort. Clay was immediately concerned.

"What's wrong?"

"I was getting a little stiff, that's all. I'll be fine in just a second."

He jumped up and started re-arranging pillows, supporting her body weight, and generally fretting. Even after she promised that she was fine, he sat down on the edge of the cushions, not sitting back, but hovering next to her to catch any gasp or flinch. She figured he would be over-protective, but not like this. She grabbed the remote and paused the movie. She started talking before he could start in again with questions.

"Clay, honey, you don't have to worry so much. I am fine."

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Okay, I'm not 100%, but I am as good as I can be right now. I am achy and sore, and yes, once in a while something twinges, or I move wrong and it hurts. But" she took a hold of his hand. "I'm going to be fine."

"Is that your way of telling me to back off," he grinned.

"Not back off, exactly. Just…just relax a little. I don't want you to be so worried that you exhaust yourself. I know this was hard on you too, and you need to be able to rest so that you're good to go if you guys catch a spin."

He bristled at the mention of Bravo being called in. He didn't want to think about leaving her while she was in this condition. But they both knew that he wouldn't have any choice. Cupping her cheek gently, he kissed her softly.

"Alright. I'll try to ease up, Okay?"

Smiling, she restarted the movie and laid her head back down on his solid shoulder.

About 5:45 there was a knock at the door. Emma had drifted off while laying against him. Trying his best to move without waking her, he slipped a pillow under her neck and head and went to let Jason in. He opened the door and immediately put a finger to his lips. Jason nodded and stepped inside soundlessly. He walked in and looked over Emma, dozing on the couch. When he was satisfied that she was okay, he jerked his head for Clay to follow him into the kitchen. They spoke in whispers, taking advantage of the rapport they had built as teammates, they were able to communicate almost without speaking.

"I brought her something."

Jason lifted the bag that Clay didn't even notice was looped around his arm. He reached inside and sat a carton of Mint Cookies N Cream ice cream on the counter.

"I hope this is still her favorite. I remember when she was a kid, if she got hurt, or was having a bad day, a few scoops of this would cheer her right up."

Both men smiled at the mental image of a young Emma gobbling down scoops of her favorite frozen treat. Clay placed the carton in the freezer and the two went back into the living room. They had just walked in and each was looking at Emma, peacefully sleeping on the sofa. At that moment she shifted and grimaced slightly. She spoke up, her voice still gravelly with sleep.

"You two standing around, watching me sleep is getting creepy."

They all laughed together. Jason sat down next to Emma on the couch and Clay took the chair.

"How're you doin', honey?"

Jason smoothed her hair back from her face and kissed her forehead, mindful of the bruise from the accident.

"I guess I'm okay, considering…I didn't know you were coming over."

"Sorry Babe. I forgot to tell you he called."

She grabbed her father's hand and held tightly.

"It's fine. I'm glad you're here."

"Me too, Em."

"Is anyone ready for dinner," Clay asked.

Both Emma and Jason nodded in the affirmative.

"Well then, let's heat up this food Davis left for us."

Clay went into the kitchen to heat up their meal while Jason and Emma continued to talk.

"Have you talked to Ray and Naima today? How's Jameelah?"

"I did. Ray said she's fine, a little sore, but doing good."

"In fact, Naima asked about what to fix you guys to bring over for dinner tomorrow."

"She doesn't need to do that. They need to take care of Jameelah."

"Honey, she really is fine. And…do you want to be the one to tell Naima, 'No'?"

They laughed together, and Emma mock shuddered.

"Good point. Well, I hope you mentioned her scallion flatbread."

"She already had that on her list."

Clay stuck his head out to ask what everyone wanted to drink. Jason got up and went to help. Soon, everything was plated up and ready. Emma started to get up and go to the table when Clay stopped her.

"Emma, sweetheart, what are you doing?"

"Uhhh…sitting down to eat."

"You stay put. We can sit on the couch and the chair and eat. It's not like we haven't done it before."

"But…Dad's here and…"

"Em, please."

She looked over Clay's shoulder to where her dad stood and saw him grinning at their little quarrel.

"You're impossible," she conceded and sat back down.

Clay kissed her cheek as he handed her the plate. Then her dad followed, setting her glass beside her on the end table.

"For what it's worth, I think he's right."

"Uh!"

She huffed at him while they laughed. Jokingly, he goaded her further.

"Hey, behave yourself or you might not get the surprise I brought for after dinner."

She opened her mouth, and then closed it without saying a word. Jason looked to Clay, but he knew better than to comment and just dug into his meal.

They enjoyed the food Lisa provided and Emma immediately began asking what her surprise was. Jason and Clay went into the kitchen and her dad emerged with a big bowl of ice cream.

"Is that what I think it is?"

Jason handed her the treat.

"Mmmhmm. I thought it might make you feel better."

"Thanks Daddy."

"Well, it always used to work. Like that time, you broke your wrist trying to do a flip off the jungle gym at the park."

"And when my hamster, Mr. Fluffers, died."

Clay was enjoying observing their interaction and finding out these new details about her childhood.

"Sometimes, when you were deployed, and I was really missing you, Mom would let me come in your room with her. She would get me big bowl of this, and we would watch movies until I could fall asleep."

Father and daughter both had tears shining in their eyes at the mention of Alana. They all missed her so much. And Emma's car accident brought everything about her death rushing back. Jason reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Don't you ever scare us like this again, okay Em?"

She smiled weakly and blinked back the drops gathering on her lashes.

"I'll try not to."

After that the conversation went back to happier remembrances from her childhood. Clay ate up every detail. He loved anything he could learn about Emma. Jason didn't linger long after they ate. He knew Emma needed her rest. He left her with a kiss on her cheek and reminded them both, that if they needed anything, they only needed to call.

Clay gathered up the dishes and began rinsing them off and placing them in the dishwasher. As he came back to get the bowl from her ice cream, he could see that she was lagging again.

"Honey, it's okay if you want to go back to bed."

"I hate being so worn out. I haven't done anything."

He sat her dish in the sink and came back to sit beside her.

"Em, don't try and push yourself. I have some experience with concussions and injuries."

She chuckled ruefully as he took her hand.

"You need to give your body time to heal. Sleeping is a big part of that."

"I know I need to rest."

"I can help you back to bed, if you want."

"You know what I really want? I want to wash up. I haven't showered since the accident. And I smell like the hospital. I want to get that off me."

"That might not be such a good idea right now. But…I know that you will sleep better if you can clean up. What if I run a bath for you? That might be better than trying a shower."

"Actually, a hot bath sounds great."

"It might help your soreness and stiffness too."

"Thanks, honey."

Clay pecked her on the lips and got up to go start the bath. He was back a few minutes later to help her to the bathroom and into the tub. She got undressed, with some discomfort as she irritated her shoulder pulling her top over her head.

"Let me help, sweetie."

Clay helped her balance as she eased into the hot water. Even after she sunk down against the back of the tub, he didn't leave. She laid her head back and closed her eyes, letting the water do its job, cleansing and relaxing her. He grabbed her shampoo, body wash and sponge from the shower and sat them on the enamel rim of the tub. Knowing that trying to reach back to untangle the elastic that still held her hair back would overly tax her shoulder; he kneeled down and began to gingerly free her tresses. She started to object, but he interrupted her.

"Em, humor me, okay?"

She swallowed her reply and simply nodded.

After he worked the holder out, he dipped the sponge in the water and wrung it out over her hair. He repeated his actions a few more times until her curls were completely saturated. Then he squeezed some shampoo into his hand and lathered up her hair. Emma sighed in contentment as his strong fingers massaged her scalp. Next, he rinsed out the bubbles by using the sponge again.

Emma looked over at him and reached out a hand.

"Thank you so much, Honey."

She though he was finished. After all, she could manage to wash herself with very little effort. Before she could coax herself into moving. Clay had the sponge once again as was smoothing her shower gel over her shoulders and down her arm. As he approached the discoloration of the bruises on her skin that were a riot of purple, blue and green, she could see the concern in his expression.

"I can do this. It really doesn't hurt too much."

"Baby, please, let me pamper you this once."

She motioned for him to lean over and she tilted her head to place a tender kiss on his lips. He continued his ministrations, carefully bathing and rinsing her skin, from her neck to her toes. His touch, although endlessly intimate, wasn't meant to arouse their lust or passion. It was an expression of his love for her and his desire to care for her.

When he was finished her eyes were drooping. Pulling the plug on the drain, he scooped her up carefully and set her on her feet. They patted her skin dry and he hung up the towel. Then, catching her wet hair in one hand, he wrapped it up in second towel on top of her head. He swept her up in his arms again and carried her into their bedroom, laying her down and pulling the covers over her. He kissed her forehead and promised that he would be right back.

She could hear the shower turn on in the other room. Even though Clay was in and out of the bathroom in mere minutes, she was already warm and drowsy, so close to sleep. She barely registered his return until he slipped under the sheets next to her. He curled his bare form behind her, careful not to put pressure on any of her sore spots. Her eyes fluttered open and she reach for his hand, pulling his arm between her breasts and pressing his fingers to her lips.

This was not a prelude to sex. This was two people, still frightened from a freak accident that had almost torn them apart. Clay pressed kisses against her hair, and she could feel the beating of his heart as she snuggled back into his chest. They didn't need words. They just wanted to breath, to exist, to be together in this moment. For now, it was enough.