Disclaimer: Sadly enough, I don't own anything. This is written for pure enjoyment only and no profit to be gained!

CHAPTER: 23

Alex could tell, as she held onto Bobby, that he was trying his best to hold back the tears. Bobby was so relaxed against her small frame, and yet, so tense at the same time. His insecurities, his doubts were being shown to Alex, plain as day, and she had every intention of banishing all those feelings that he held inside of him.

He always holds back. Always keeps his feelings inside. Well, not anymore.

"Bobby, you've got so much on your shoulders…just let it all out." She whispered in his ear. "You're not alone anymore, I'm here with you. Everything's going to be ok now. One way or another, I promise. It's ok to cry on my shoulder."

And he did. He clenched onto her ever tighter, shook against her, and then cried freely; his tears soaking through her shirt. He felt relieved.

Bobby had so many emotions running through him…but mainly…he felt he was loved, and it was that revelation alone, that made him cry. He knew it. Someone loved him. He was finally experiencing the meaning of the word 'love.' He never thought he was good enough for anyone, especially Alex, but she convinced him. She loved him, she admired him…and he loved her back. He'd never questioned his love for her.

After about ten minutes of just holding each other, comforting each other, Bobby softly released his grip from Alex.

"I want you to need me, Bobby. I want you to come to me when something's wrong. I'm here for you, you know?" She spoke into his hair. "That's what it means to love someone. No more running away from me, ok?"

"I'll always need you, Eames." He sighed as she rubbed his back. "I'll try, Eames. I can't promise anything. I'm so used to…to being alone that I don't know any different. I hoped that one day someone could…"

After waiting a few moments for him to finish, Alex questioned him. "Hoped someone could what, Bobby?"

"I…I always hoped that someone could love me, could truly care for me." He whispered. "But I gave up a long time ago." He willingly admitted and nuzzled his face into her neck.

Alex only held onto him tighter. "I know, Bobby. But I love you and I'm here now. And I'm not going anywhere."

Bobby quickly became tired and started to lie back…once again taking Alex with him.

"Go to sleep, Bobby, you're tired."

"Only if you stay with me…" He murmured like a little kid as his arms continued to hold onto her as if he were afraid that the minute he fell asleep, she'd be gone.

Alex sensed it. She knew Bobby all too well. "I'm not going anywhere, Bobby. You can't get rid of me that easily." She smiled and then settled comfortably against his sturdy frame; her head on his chest.

"Love you, Eames." And Alex couldn't help but chuckle at the use of her last name.

"I love you too, Bobby. Now rest." She soothed.

And he did. The last thing Alex heard was Bobby incoherently mumbling, "I'd never want to get rid of you, Alex."

A/N: WOW!! I can't get my mind off of the season finale, "Frame." It's distracting me from writing this fic (sad look). I have so many ideas for it that I feel a need to rush this fic, but I don't want to. And you know me, I don't like to work on two lengthy fics at one time. So...I won't mention any spoilers for those who haven't seen it yet…but OMG! For the people that have seen it, what did you think? All I can say is, wow! Within minutes, I felt my eyes watering. So many questions finally answered!

-Snyder-