Far Away
A/N: This is just a sweet little fic that takes place right after 12.8. It is based on the song "Far Away," by NIckelback. I love this song, and I think it fits them perfectly. Please read and review!
Summary: After 12.8. What happens after Gallant comes home? Two lovers are finally reunited, and this time… it's for good, and that's how it's supposed to be.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, and the song belongs to Nickelback.
This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait?
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know
They stood in the street, cars honking all around, with no care in the world. He held her close, and stroked her hair. She breathed in the scent of him, and closed her eyes, willing her head to stop spinning, and the tears to stop falling. The few seconds they stood like that, it seemed as though time had stopped. Very gently, he put her down, and stared into her tear filled eyes. She touched his cheek, and smiled. A final honk jolted the couple into reality, and they quickly moved to the sidewalk.
"Come inside, I have so much to tell you!" Neela squealed. She led him by the hand up the stairs, and into her apartment. Michael noticed her short, raspy breathing, but didn't say anything. He dropped his bags by the door, and surveyed the place.
"I'm sorry it's not real clean. I have been so busy lately…" She turned to face him, and gazed up at a beaming Gallant.
"Oh, don't worry about it. It's very cozy…" this caused a loud snort from his girlfriend. "No, really. It's just… you share it with…Ray?" There was a hint of jealousy from his comment, but Neela didn't catch on.
"Yeah, but I kicked him out so we could be alone, when you were supposed to come home… and I just haven't let him back yet. I was going to let him come back tonight, but now I know that's not going to happen…" She leaned up, and kissed him tenderly on the lips. As her knees gave way, he caught her.
"Falling for me, are you?" She laughed, and walked into the living room, with Michael closely on her heels. She took off her heavy jacket, and gave him a mischievous smile. "Good," he added.
"You wanna sit down? I really have to take a shower. I... there was a terrible crash today. I was helping out at the scene…" But she was cut off.
"I completely understand. I saw it on the televisions at the airport. I flew in just as they crashed… It was awful. I tried to get here as fast as I could so I could help out, but traffic was awful, and my taxi driver wouldn't go over that way… I wish I could have flown in sooner… I could have helped out…"
"Trust me, it wasn't something you want to see…" she added quietly. "But it should only take me 10 minutes… I just… it's your first night home… I want it to be special." They shared a brief kiss before she took off, and left him staring at her, realizing where the wheezing was coming from.
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore
He heard the shower running, and a soft singing coming from the bathroom. He figured he would give her come privacy, so instead of listening to her, he retrieved his bag from in front of the front door. He pulled out some boxers, and went into Neela's room to change.
And there, right on her dresser, was the letter he gave her a few months back during his last visit. He opened it up, and read silently.
My Dearest Neela –
If you are reading this, then one of my worst fears has come true. I have died valiantly in Iraq. It pains me to say all these things, because the thought of never being with you again is one of the most painful things I have ever felt. Knowing I will come home to you is what kept me going. But we are all human, and when it is our time, we just have to accept it. I love you, and even though it might be too early in our relationship for you, I love you. I want you to know that. I died with you in my heart, which means I died in the most perfect way. I died happy.
Please don't be upset, and don't shut yourself down. I know how you tend to do that a lot. I want you to move on, and be happy. I want you to be the greatest doctor you can be, and most importantly, never forget me.
Dead or alive, you mean the world to me. Please pass the news on to my parents, and brothers and sisters, and tell them all it was painless, and that I love them. Take care of yourself, Neela. You were the greatest thing that ever happened to me, remember that.
-Michael
"Michael?" came a startled Neela. She was standing in her doorway, holding a towel to her dripping wet body. "Are… are you reading the letter?" she asked quietly. He nodded, and put it back in its envelope.
"Yeah, I… I'm sorry. I was… I just saw it lying there…"
"No, it's okay. You wrote it afterall… I was going to read it when you didn't come home… I thought the worst, even though I had already spoken to someone about it… I didn't though. I remembered your instructions, and I guess I just forgot to put it back." Her hair was brushed, although it was sopping wet, and all she had on was a green towel. He hadn't changed yet, so she left him to do his business while she went to go get his bag. She set it by her door, and went into the bathroom to dry her hair.
He smiled at his reflection in the mirror. He had made it back. For good.
On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know
She walked in, and saw a touching sight. The lights were off, except for the candles lit all across the room. She gasped in surprise, and saw Michael lighting the last one. He looked up when he heard her come in, and smiled.
"Michael… it's… it's beautiful!" she exclaimed, taking in everything. She stepped into the room, and slowly shut the door.
"I thought you would like it…"
"Where did you get all these candles?"
"I found a few in here, and while you were drying your hair I went out and got some from the living room, and kitchen. You don't mind do you? I just wanted to do something special for you…"
"Are you kidding? I love it…" she walked over to him, and put her arms around his neck. "Oh, I forgot something…" she quickly walked over to her dresser and retrieved the remote from it. Aiming it at her CD player, she pressed play. A soft song started playing, one Neela knew very well, because it was one of her favorites. It reminded her of Michael so much, she listened to it whenever she thought of him.
"Ah, the music… now everything is perfect. May I have this dance?" Neela grinned, nodded, and put her arms back around his neck. Nickelback's "Far Away" played softly in the background, but they couldn't even hear it. They were absorbed in each other.
Swaying slowly to the music, he breathed in her scent. He felt happier than he had in years. She, on the other hand, ran her hands up and down his back. She felt just as happy. Looking up at him, she knew she was in love. When he looked down at her, he knew he was too.
"Neela?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for waiting for me. Knowing I was coming home to you was the only thing that kept me going. I love you." They stopped. The song had ended, but neither one noticed.
"Knowing you were coming home to me… it was the greatest feeling. I feel so lucky to have you, Michael. I now can't picture myself with anyone other than you. I love you." He leaned in, kissed her, and the towel she was wearing slowly fell to her ankles.
So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Hold on to me and, never let me go
A/N: This fic was fun to write, seeing as though I love them as a couple. This is one of my favorite songs, and it matches them perfectly. I liked how Neela listened to it whenever she thought about him, so I put it in here. I cannot wait until the wedding episode coming up next! I really recommend this song, especially if you are a sappy romantic person like me! Please read and review and let me know if it's any good. Depending on how many reviews I get, I might make a chapter 2…