The season premiere broke my heart into a million little pieces and put it back together by the end. It was everything and more that I expected. This fic isn't very long but I got inspired after last night. Enjoy!
Eddie sat next to the hospital bed, clutching her husband's hand like it was her lifeline. She slowly ran her thumb across his knuckles. The doctor had said that he probably wouldn't wake up until the morning since his body had gone through so much. The rest of the family had already left for the night, but planned to be back first thing in the morning as soon as it was allowed.
She felt like she'd been to hell and back in the last 12 hours. Getting that phone call was something she'd always dreaded and hoped that she would never have to experience it again. They both knew that there was always a possibility of something like this happening to either of them and always reassured each other that if it did, that the other person would be okay no matter what happened.
Eddie let out a long sigh as she looked at him. Then, she reached out and ran a hand through his hair. "You literally scared ten years off my life today, babe," she said gently. "When I saw you laying in that bed… all I wanted to do was run in there and just be with you. I don't know what I would do without you, Jameson Reagan. You always say that if something happened to you, that I'd be alright. To be honest, I don't know if I would be. We've been through too much for our story to end the way it almost did today. I need you to be here with me."
She felt a small squeeze to her hand and smiled, "I know you're hearing me." Suddenly, she felt a wave a tiredness wash over her and laid her head down on the bed next to his hand. "And I know you heard me earlier today too," she continued. "I kept on yelling at you not to leave me… and I'm so glad you didn't."
"I would never," she heard from a raspy voice. She immediately lifted her head up and saw the hazel eyes that she loved more than life itself staring back at her.
"Jamie…" her voice trembled.
"Hey," he said with a small smile.
She stared at him for a long minute before leaning in and pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Hey there," she responded softly. "You don't know how happy I am that you're awake."
He squeezed her hand, "You don't know how happy I am to see you. What time is it?"
She looked at her watch, "It's almost midnight. How do you feel?"
"Just tired," he said with a yawn. "And like I got shot. Did they get the bullet out? I remember the doctor saying something that it was close to my spine. I was in and out so I only remember bits and pieces of what people were saying."
"They did," she confirmed. Then, she looked toward the door and started to stand up. "I need to let them know that you're awake so they can check you."
"Wait," he said, squeezing her hand and pulling her to sit back down. "Not yet."
"Jamie, they need to check you," she urged.
"It can wait a few minutes," he responded. "I just… need you right now. Please…"
"Okay," she finally relented.
He pulled on her hand to come close and they met halfway for a long kiss on the lips.
"I love you," he said when they finally pulled away from each other. "More than anything and anyone. Never forget that, Ed."
Eddie nodded, "I love you too. So much."
