Semper Fi
By Ann3
Writer's Note: Okay, folks, I've woken up now, and am safely back to my usual sane and sensible self. ;o)
That's all the angsty stuff over with - but what kind of effect has it all had on our favourite little hero...? With some more references to Michael, Misbegotten, the truly classic Duet, and my own Taken On Trust story, you're about to find out !
As always, I hope you enjoy !
Chapter Four
Winds Of Change
Waking up to bright morning sunshine was, to Carson Beckett, a timelessly enjoyable experience. A soft, warm, living weight lying snugly asleep on top of him was another, even more welcome find.
Laura.
A delighted smile quickly faded, though, as Carson gently stroked her fringe back from her forehead. The way he'd treated her these last few days, shutting her out as he'd wallowed in selfish self pity – well, he dryly chided himself, she'd have been fully justified in telling him exactly where to stick his stethoscope.
Yet here she was, snugly wrapped in his arms, holding onto him just as tightly. Just as possessively. Holding onto him, her arm curled right the way around his body, as though she'd never let him go.
She was there, right there beside him, comforting him through yet another personal nightmare. Just as she'd been there for him last night. And the night before that. Not to mention earlier that morning.
And countless times besides.
The disastrous experiments on Michael, where he'd gone against every ethical code he believed in.
Michael's brutal revenge against him, which had so nearly cost him his sanity - not to mention his life.
That horrific experience on Vora, where he'd knocked on death's door, too loudly for anyone's liking, for five terrifying days.
And now this. Yet another mission which had left him physically, and emotionally, shattered. Yet again, Laura was there beside him, helping him to pick up the pieces and put them back together
Whenever he needed her, whenever he'd needed an anchor of hope to hold onto, a reason to go on – aye, his 'wee lass' had been there to hold him, calm him down, and convince him to fight another day.
Their relationship was... well, quirky, to say the least. Even their first kiss had been a surreal, three-way event. But now she loved him. This wasn't a simple patient/doctor crush any more. She really loved him.
It astonished Carson. It humbled him. It brought everything, however bad it was, back into perspective
Quite what she saw in an almost mid-life doctor who was scared of his own shadow still defeated him – the reason she'd given during a thankfully McKay-free dinner date causing his smile to lovingly widen
'You're everything I could ever hope to find... and compared to McKay, you're one hell of a kisser...!'
Even in sleep, she could read him so easily - and send him a mischievous response from her dreams. The softest of mouths now nibbled its way, with cheek-biting ticklishness, into the crook of his neck And from under a mane of strawberry blonde hair came further proof of just how much she loved him.
"You're mine... all mine... can't believe you're mine..."
He was hers...? Through some kind of miracle, he'd really been so completely, irrevocably, claimed...?
'Bloody hell...!'
Again his thoughts were uncannily read as Laura stirred again in her sleep, hugging him possessively closer, while once more mumbling that one, simple, incredible word.
"Mine..."
The movement had caused the quilt around her to drop away, allowing a still chilling breeze to sneak beneath. A mother hen to the last, no matter how upset and unsettled he was, Carson tucked it gently back again.
As a beautiful smile sleepily thanked him, Carson smiled too, allowing his mind to proudly re-wander. For a toughnut Marine, she had a remarkable knack for keeping him calm. Keeping him grounded.
'Not to mention bloody sane...!'
Laughing softly at his wry self analysis, Carson sighed, resting his chin on top of Laura's head. Aye, she was something special alright. Very special. Even if he survived in this damn place to be a hundred – well, Carson honestly doubted that he would ever find anyone else, anyone else, quite like his Laura.
And he loved her too, just as deeply. He could so easily grow old with her, live out his days with her. Spend eternity with her.
Another thought now tugged at his mind, as softly and gently as the breeze which brushed his face – one which caused him to swallow hard, his eyes to widen, as its astonishing significance sank in.
'Bloody hell...!'
Its consequences went unsensed this time. Deep in her dreams, Laura slept peacefully on in his arms. But the luxury of sleep, however much he needed its rest, was now way beyond Carson's reach.
A firm believer in Fate's many wonders, he now turned his head once more, lifting his face full on into that gently shifting breeze.
It was a sign. A message. A call for him to get off his apparently cute backside – and make one hell of a decision.