Chapter 3: Here with me
Warning, this chapter is PG-13.
Nick pulled his truck into his driveway, but stayed in his car for a moment. He tried to gather the thoughts that were rushing through his head. What was he going to tell her? Did he want to say it poetically, or did he want to just say it? He couldn't decide. The thought that she might not want to stay with him scared him. What if she said no? What if she just wanted him as a friend, nothing more. He couldn't watch her go away, he couldn't bear the thought of her ever being with another man besides him. It had hit him when Catherine had talked to him how much he really did care about Emma, and caring this much frightened him. Losing Emma would hurt him more than seeing her in a hospital bed again. He asked himself when his thoughts of her had turned from friendship to something more, and he realized that he had always cared about her, ever since she had first asked to take his order. He had only to look into her eyes, and know that she was special. Then go in there and do it, he decided. Nick took a deep breath, then turned off the car, and walked to the front door. He fumbled with his keys before letting the door swing open. He didn't expect Emma to be awake, she liked to sleep in, but the music that was blaring reminded him she had class to go to today.
Lets get it started, lets get it started in here! The "Black Eyed Peas" sang out from the stereo. Nick could hear singing from the bathroom. He turned down the music, and called out,
"I'm home"
Emma stuck her head out of the bathroom. She had straightened her hair, and was wearing a fuzzy pink bathrobe. She smiled at him.
"Hey, how was your night?"
"Interesting to say the least."
"Did you solve the crime Sherlock?" she asked, grinning at him.
"Eventually. We had to resort to this brain scanning technique though."
"Well, I was thinking that when I get back from class around twelve, we could grab a quick lunch, then go look at some apartments. How does that sound?"
"Listen, can we talk?"
Emma raised an eyebrow at him.
"Sure, about what?"
"You moving out."
"How much rent do you want me to give you?"
"No, you don't owe me anything."
"Then what is it? You want a permanent roommate? Cause if you aren't going to charge me rent, I'll stay."
Nick gazed at her, hypnotized by her smile that was making her blue eyes dance. She was beautiful, and he knew he had to tell her.
"That's just it Emma, I want you to stay."
The song changed, and Dido's "Here with me" began.
I don't want to move a thing
It might change my memory.
"Are you serious Nick?"
"Yes. Don't go Emma" he answered, brushing her cheek gently with his hand.
She leaned into the caress, looking into his eyes. She saw what he was saying in his eyes.
"I won't."
I won't go
I won't sleep
I can't breathe, until your resting here with me.
I won't leave
I can't hide
I cannot be, until your resting here with me.
He leaned in, drowning in her eyes. Closer and closer they came, until there lips met in a passion filled kissed.
Oh I am what I am
I'll do what I want
But I can't hide.
They parted for air, but only for a second, before he leaned in again, placing his hands on her hips. She moved closer to him, running her hands up and down his back. Nick drew back once more, and both stood, breathing heavily. He took her face in his hands.
"Promise you'll stay" he whispered.
"I promise" she answered with her whole heart.
Emma guided his hands down to her shoulders, as their lips met again. The pink robe slipped to the floor, and his hands met warm skin and soft cotton. She un-tucked his shirt, and he pulled it over his head. They kissed and explored, then Nick picked her up, holding her to him, and moments later he placed her softly on his bed.
I won't go
I won't sleep
I can't breathe, until your resting here with me.
He took in every inch of her porcelain skin, trailing kisses down her neck. He made his way to her abdomen, and then stopped. His eyes fell upon her now healed wound, and suddenly he was in the alley.
Her skin changed to crimson, and the colour covered his hands. He looked at her face, it was bruised, and her eyes were closed.
"Nick.." she said weakly.
He could only hold her, starring at the blood that was all over.
"Nick"
She touched his cheek, bringing him back to reality. The room morphed back into his own, and she sat in front of him.
"Are you ok?"
"I had a flashback, to that night"
She realized what he had seen in his mind, and pulled him into a hug, placing a kiss on his forehead.
"It's alright. I'm here, I'm fine."
He ran his fingers lightly over the scar forming on her tummy.
"You saved my life Nick."
"You are my life now" he answered.
She touched his lips with hers, and he knew that everything would be alright. The fire that they had started was re-kindled more passionately than before.
I won't leave
I can't hide
I cannot be, until your resting here with me.
Later, he held her as they lay together, never wanting to let go.
Until your resting here with me.
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know please. There is more to come, including some GSR! Disclaimer: I do not own the song "Here with me" I am only borrowing it. It belongs to Dido. Thanks to those who have already reviewed.
