"It's okay dear, just a slow sip, there," Marcus held a cup of water to Erica's lips, helping her drink. While they tried to keep giving her water and some food, once the exorcism started, it was just something the demon could spit back at them. She was clearly dehydrated, too weak to even hold up her hands for a longer period of time. Marcus was glad they managed to cast out the demon when they did, because if her husband came and found her in such condition with two guys standing over her, there would surely be some bloodshed. Marcus hoped the man was still somewhere over the ocean and not about to give them a surprise visit.

"That's it," he cooed at her, using a washcloth to clean her face. She was lucky, he knew. The fact her mother came just in time and stopped her from hurting the child made all the difference. If her son had been hurt, Marcus was pretty sure she would never recover, no matter if the demon vanished or not.

With a sigh, he did everything to make her comfortable until her mother came and called a doctor. His hands offered comfort as his voice spoke soothing words, all the while his mind trying hard not to replay the last few hours... Because all he could see was Tomas, kneeling next to the bed, eyes unnaturally white, face screwed up in anguish as tears ran freely down his cheeks and there was absolutely nothing Marcus could do to stop it, no comfort he could offer.

So, he had focused on Erica and the exorcism, hoping that at least there he could lend a hand. When he heard Tomas finally join him in his prayer, Marcus' heart leapt. Erica was thrashing on the bed, the demon clearly trying to flee, but trapped. As Tomas' words grew stronger, Marcus knew they would win this one. He felt the familiar warmth running through his own hands and channeled the energy he knew came from God. Finally, Erica's body arched on the bed, her mouth open in silent scream. The air around them bristled and Marcus felt a wave of some unseen energy.

Then it was all over. Erica's body fell back on the bed as if someone cut the strings on a marionette, and Marcus instinctively looked at Tomas. He couldn't see his eyes because Tomas' head was bowed but he could see his body jerking and Tomas taking in a gasping breath, as if someone just pulled him out of the water. In one quick move Marcus crossed the distance between them and grabbed Tomas by the shoulders, trying to stop him from hitting the ground.

"Tomas!" he called out, feeling the tremors running through Tomas' body, like a mind waking up from a dream. Gently lifting his chin, Marcus felt immense relief upon seeing the red rimmed, unfocused, but definitely unpossessed pair of eyes blinking at him. With the relief came also the rush of anger that always appeared right after the fear was vanquished.

"You bloody fool!" Marcus couldn't stop himself, his own fear and worry got the better of him. Tomas jerked as if slapped and Marcus shook his head, recognizing the reaction for what it was.

Tomas looked at him, his eyes filled panic and despair and Marcus didn't like that look at all. Taking a deep breath, he swallowed the reprimands and the anger that came to his tongue.

"It's alright, you're back. You're alright," he said instead and tightened his grip on Tomas as he swayed unsteadily. "You with me now?" Marcus asked after a moment and Tomas gave him a shaky nod, still looking as if the slightest breeze could blow him over. Marcus gritted his teeth, torn between hugging the man, happy that he was back, or shaking some sense into him in anger. In the end he did neither, because Erica moaned and reminded both of them that she was the real victim here.

"Check on her," Tomas whispered and pushed Marcus away. Albeit with some reluctance, Marcus left Tomas and went to check on Erica.

"I'll go... get some water," Tomas said, his voice a bit stronger, and Marcus nodded. He noted Tomas' unsteady gait towards the kitchen and was hoping to see him return soon with the water, but as the minutes passed and there was no sight of Tomas, Marcus' worry returned.

"I'll be right back dear, just rest your eyes," he said to Erica. She calmed down a bit when Marcus told her that her husband was also on his way home and finally let go of him, too tired to keep him trapped in her hug. Marcus didn't have to search long for Tomas, he could hear the retching from the hall. Grimacing, he made a detour to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, then went to the bathroom. Tomas was standing by the sink, looking on the brink of collapse. Marcus could see the back of Tomas' shirt clung to his skin, wet from sweat and he was pretty sure the younger man was sporting a fever. Based on the demon's words, he was feeling sick for quite some time too, which only made Marcus' frustrations grow. He opened his mouth to tell Tomas just what he thought about this pretense, but he caught sight of Tomas' bloodshot eyes in the mirror and decided to leave it for later. Marcus cleared his throat and Tomas swirled around, his hold on the sink the only thing stopping him from falling down.

"Marcus, I'm..." Tomas started but Marcus didn't want to hear it. A sorry wasn't going to cut it now. Ever since they reunited, Marcus was walking on eggshells around Tomas, especially after Mouse left. Tomas had changed during those six months and Marcus was ready to accept that, but he didn't expect the soldier like attitude Tomas has learned from Mouse. It felt out of place and a bit like a farce, but Marcus had let him get away with it, until now. They needed to clear the air and find out where they both stood. Seeing the flushed cheeks and eyes filled with more emotion than he'd seen in them since their reunion, Marcus knew he would have to wait just a bit longer. He pushed the water into Tomas' hand, urging him to drink, but Tomas just stood there, uneasy.

"I called Erica's mum... she'll be here within half an hour."

"That's... good. Look, about what happened-"

"We will talk about it later Tomas," Marcus said, his voice brooking no argument. Suddenly there was a noise coming from the bedroom and Marcus rubbed at his eyes, feeling every bit of his age. He wished they were already gone, settled up in some nice motel room, preferably after enjoying a hot shower, a meal and at least 12 hours of sleep. Then they would talk.

"Go lie down in the guest room. I'll get you when it's time to leave," he said to Tomas, feeling his own energy waning by the minute. He knew he was being curt and sending Tomas to bed like a child was ridiculous, almost insulting, especially to someone who was trying so hard to show him he was capable enough to handle anything. But Marcus wanted to think he was doing it out of concern, rather than as a petty revenge for getting scared by the younger man's actions.

"Marcus-"

"Not now, Tomas," Marcus said and walked away, even though Tomas' pleading tone made him feel like a total scumbag, he was unable to turn back.

Marcus said a prayer of thanks when he heard the rattle of keys in the door and Erica's mom entered the bedroom, a sleeping child in her arms.

"Mom? Danny!" Erica called out, her voice hoarse.

Marcus stepped aside and watched the family reuniting, Erica hugging her son and repeating over and over how sorry she was, while her mother shushed her and cast an inquiring look at Marcus.

"The demon's gone," Marcus reassured her in a soft voice. "But she should be looked over by a doctor."

"I'll call our family doctor, he is a good man... goes to our church too. He will... understand," she said and Marcus nodded.

"Hopefully he can handle this without involving the hospital."

He didn't add that the physical wounds would be much easier to treat than the psychological ones, but Erica's mother seemed to get the message.

"Matthew coming home will help too," she said with a small smile, then looked around with a frown.

"Where is father Tomas? Did he leave already? I wanted to thank him for all his help-"

"He's just resting in the guest room," Marcus quickly interrupted, hoping that was indeed the truth. "He's coming down with something and the exorcism took a lot out of him."

"Oh, poor soul. If you need to stay a bit and get some rest-"

"No, thank you. I think it would be best for all involved if we left, before Matthew arrives," Marcus said with a smirk and Bethany couldn't but agree, her eyes turning towards her daughter and grandson.

"Yes, you are right, father. Of course. But if you need a place to stay for the night, my cousin owns a nice little motel just out of town. If you tell her I sent you, you'll get a room and the best pancakes for breakfast you ever had."

"Now that's an offer I can't refuse," Marcus said with a smile, as she gave him the address then nodded towards Erica.

"If you need anything... you know who to call," Marcus said with a smile and bade her farewell. It was time to collect Tomas and get the rest they both needed.

He first headed to the guest room, hoping against all hope that for once Tomas heeded his request. Of course, the guest room was empty and, with a sigh, Marcus walked to the bathroom, a bit of worry gnawing at his stomach. Maybe he shouldn't have left him alone after all... the bathroom was empty as well and Marcus was about to turn when he spotted the unopened water bottle on the sink. Frowning, he grabbed the bottle and started checking the other rooms, calling out Tomas' name. There was no response when he opened the door to the nursery and he almost missed him, when a slight huff of breath caught his attention. There in the corner was Tomas, leaning against the wall, curled around a big stuffed bear as if it was a pillow. Marcus would have thought it an amusing picture, if it hadn't looked so out of place.

"Tomas?" Marcus walked to the sleeping form. The anger he felt over Tomas' recklessness was momentarily replaced by worry and regret. Tomas, the man who only a year ago led his own congregation, whose' smile could light up the room, especially when Luis or Olivia walked in, was now looking sick and depleted... lost. And for the first time since Marcus returned, he truly saw Tomas and not the soldier Mouse tried to make of him.

With a sigh and popping joints, Marcus leaned down and put a hand on Tomas' knee.

"Time to go, Tomas," he said and waited until Tomas opened his eyes, coming to with a jolt.

"Hey, relax. It's just me."

"Marcus?"

"Time to go, Tomas," Marcus repeated, but Tomas just blinked at him, looking confused and a bit hurt.

"But... I saved her," he muttered, panic starting to appear in his eyes as Marcus frowned. "I didn't fail. Don't send me away. Please?" Tomas grabbed Marcus' arm, eyes wide and pleading. "I will do better I swear, just don't- " Tomas spoke, his voice cracking and desperate and Marcus' heart just about broke.

"What? No, Tomas, what... what are you talking about?" Marcus reached out, his hand automatically touching the nape of Tomas' neck in a gesture of comfort, when he felt the heat radiating off of him. Marcus cursed, at Tomas for not saying anything, at himself for ignoring the signs. He knew Tomas was feeling down and had a fever, but didn't think he would find him half off his mind, burning up.

"I'm not sending you anywhere, Tomas. I'm not leaving you either. Not now, not ever, you understand?" Marcus said emphatically, even as he ran his palm over the younger man's forehead and cheeks. Tomas shook his head, eyes looking past Marcus, as if he wasn't even there.

"You already left. I messed up and you left and if I mess up now, you'll leave again, like they did," Tomas was muttering, clearly delirious.

"This is different, Tomas. I swear on my life... you won't get rid of me that easily." Marcus wanted to make sure Tomas understood that. He cupped his face in both his hands, their faces almost touching and Marcus repeated the words, again and again until Tomas' eyes finally focused on him.

"I'm not leaving you, do you understand?" Marcus asked and something in Tomas' eyes changed. Marcus realized that was as much of an answer he could get in this moment and that he would need to repeat it until Tomas finally believed him. Right now though, there were more important things to do.

Marcus opened the bottle of water and just like with Erica, he held it to Tomas' lips, nudging him to drink. Tomas swallowed the water then started coughing, but the action seemed to bring him closer to lucidity at least.

"Marcus? Are you... are you real?" he asked once the coughing fit passed. Marcus grimaced, and would have taken offence at the question if it hadn't clued him in to what the demon did in Tomas' head. Of course, it used his image and planted the seeds of doubt about his presence. Marcus felt another surge of anger, at the demon for using him as a way to hurt Tomas, and at Tomas himself for allowing it to happen. 'You should know better, Tomas' he thought but quickly realized his own compliance in the matter. After all, he did leave and, when he returned, he didn't really make Tomas understand why... what changed. Marcus knew he would need to rectify that.

"Of course I'm real. That's why I need you to get up and walk... my old bones aren't made for lugging you around," he said with a smirk, even as he grasped Tomas' forearm.

Tomas looked at their clasped hands in mild wonder and Marcus bit his lip to stop himself from walking out of the room, because he needed a moment to deal with his own feelings.

"Come on partner, let's get out of here, what do you say?" he asked instead and rose, pulling Tomas along. They stumbled a bit, then Marcus put his arm around Tomas' waist and Tomas put his arm over his shoulder. They looked a bit like a pair of drunks going home from an all-night binge and they probably smelled even worse. Marcus could feel the heat under his arm and it was like walking with a furnace, the black shirt soaked through with sweat.

"Can we get some popsicles on the way? It's too hot in here," Tomas muttered and Marcus rolled his eyes.

"Sure, whatever you want. Popsicles, some food that isn't microwaved... but first, bed. The sooner the better," Marcus grunted, already feeling the protest of his back.

"Was Mouse keeping you on a muscle building diet? I could swear you didn't weigh this much before," he grumbled and Tomas paused, thinking.

"I'll tell you a secret," Tomas said in a hushed voice and Marcus looked at him, intrigued.

"Go ahead."

"Mouse can't cook," Tomas said and put a finger to his mouth in the universal shushing sound. "But don't ever tell her that... or she will kill you. Trust me on that."

Marcus couldn't stop the chuckle and Tomas looked at him as if he had grown a second head.

"I'm serious," he said, sounding offended and Marcus laughed out loud.

"It's okay, I won't tell her, don't worry." Marcus patted Tomas on the stomach placatingly. They made their way out into the hall and almost collided with Bethany, holding a sleeping baby in her arms.

"Oh, father Tomas! Do you feel better? I wanted to thank you for all your help," Bethany said, eyes red from tears. She looked like she wanted to hug Tomas, but the boy in her arms started fussing.

"I'm sorry, I need to put Daniel down to get some sleep, or he will be a terror." She quickly entered the nursery and put the boy into his crib, pausing for a moment as if remembering the scene from only a few days back. There were still some shards from the broken vase lying on the floor. Marcus watched the woman from the door, aware of all the problems that still awaited the family and wished he could offer her some advice, but he also keenly felt Tomas' weight on his shoulder and the alluring call of a shower and bed in their near future. Next to him, Tomas' gaze followed Bethany and the child in the crib, and there was a look of longing in his eyes.

"Tomas?" Marcus asked, wondering what he was thinking about, if he was even aware of his surroundings.

"Hm?"

"What's on your mind?"

"I just remembered... when Luis was that little." A smile appeared on Tomas' face and Marcus felt a pang of regret, because Tomas hadn't smiled like that for a long time now. "He always grabbed my finger when I put him down and didn't let go until he was fast asleep."

"I bet you enjoyed that."

"Yes, until he started teething and tried to chew off my finger."

"I have a feeling you still let him do it," Marcus commented with a fond smile and the fact Tomas didn't protest was answer enough. Bethany finally put the boy down and returned to the hall, taking a first good look at the pair of them. Tomas was now leaning against the wall, still looking towards the nursery and the child that was now cooing at a stuffed toy inside his crib. He had a smile on his face, but a faraway look and a sheen of sweat on his forehead. Marcus was standing right next to him, one arm on his shoulder in support.

"Father Tomas? Are you alright, dear?" Bethany watched him with a frown on her face, but Tomas just blinked, lost in thought. Marcus straightened a bit.

"Nothing a bit of rest wouldn't cure, right, Tomas?" Marcus said, hinting that they should get going anyway. Tomas of course didn't answer.

"Our family doctor is already on the way. Maybe he can take a look at father Tomas as well? He wouldn't be asking any questions," Bethany added when she saw the protest on Marcus' lips. Marcus looked at Tomas and the idea seemed to appeal more to him by the minute. He really wasn't sure what was wrong with his younger partner, maybe letting someone check him out wouldn't be such a bad idea.

"If you are sure the doctor wouldn't cause any problems?" Marcus said, but Tomas seemed to start paying attention. At the mention of a doctor he blinked, straightened and shook his head.

"No," he said and gave Bethany an almost reassuring smile. "No doctor, please. Just some sleep."

"Are you sure, father? Quite frankly, you look almost as bad as my daughter."

Marcus was inclined to agree with her, even as Tomas shook his head and resolutely pushed away from the wall.

"I am fine. You should focus on Erica." Tomas shot a pleading look towards Marcus and, despite his better judgment, Marcus nodded.

"Tomas is right. We are used to this, you don't have to worry. Nothing a bit of rest won't cure."

Bethany still looked dubious, but she nodded.

"Take care of yourself, father Tomas, father Marcus. I can't say how thankful I am that you saved Erica."

She hugged both of them, checked on her grandson who was already sleeping and returned to the room with her daughter.

"Okay, let's get you out of here," Marcus sighed and led Tomas out of the house.