Ok Everyone, we're back! Chapter 13 is done! Now...here's the deal: This chapter was going to be longer...however...it's easier if we break it up into at least one more chapter! And...guess what...I have most of the next chapter written...so...I might be able to get it up before my prom at the end of the week!
Sweet, right?
Sad part...we only got one review for chapter 12... BIG thanks to CrazyWomanLovesYou who has reviewed every chapter in the past, including this one!
We are really grateful for your opinion, we're glad you like it, and I've taken your suggestion into consideration, I never noticed how much Nell stuttered when she was upset! Thank you so much!
For everyone else, I guess you didn't like it...so...hopefully this one turns out better!
Disclaimer: We only own this plot!
Enjoy!
Chapter 13
Eric stood silently beside Nell at Phil Newman's grave. He wrapped an arm gently around her waist.
"I can't believe he was blown up." She murmured.
"I know. It's not a good way to die. He probably died feel much pain though. He would have gone quickly." He rubbed her back.
"I hope so..." She leaned to him. Eric held her close to his and gazed at Phil's headstone.
"What was Phil like?"
"Funny. Caring. A little stubborn. He talked...a lot."
"Seems like he was a great guy."
"He was." She shut her eyes a bit. Eric softly brushed her hair back from her face. She blinked and gave him a smile.
"But you're here. And you're even better." Eric smiled softly. "Eric...thanks for everything." She nestled her head to his shoulder.
"It's no problem at all, Nell. I'd do anything for you. Anything." He lightly leaned his head to hers. Nell smiled and blushed. He kissed her cheek lightly, before releasing her. "I need to go visit someone while we're here." He walked for a few minutes before reaching the grave of Dominic Vail. Eric lightly touched the headstone. "Wis you were still here, Dom. We all still miss you." he said softly. Nell stood back, giving him space. Dom. The name hit her hard and she shut her eyes. She'd heard that name before. From Sam...From Kensi. Memories whirled through her mind where she heard his name. She tried to keep remembering, but she couldn't. Eric shut his eyes and sighed. He opened them, then went to Nell. Nell shut her eyes tighter. Dom...Kensi's old partner... She bit her lip. Flashbacks of even more memories about what she had learned about Dom flew through her mind. She gave a few shudders, her arms wrapped around herself.
"Nell? What's wrong?" Eric demanded. He held her face in his hands and gazed into her brown eyes. Nell opened her eyes quickly.
"Dom...He was Kensi's partner...before Deeks, right? Went missing...then was killed? I remember him."
"He was Kensi's partner and he did go missing, and then he was killed. You are right." Eric said. He liked that she was starting to remember things, but he wished they wouldn't be such sad memories. Nell hugged him. She took a deep breathe.
"I want to remember you..." She whispered, tears filling her eyes.
"Nell, you will remember me." He pulled her close and wiped away her tears.
"I hope so..." She leaned into him. "It's just...I remember work...Dom, who I never worked with...Kensi and Deeks a little bit...but not you. It's upsetting. And it's frustrating."
"I know. I understand how you must feel. It's going to take a while for everything to come back. Maybe after you spend some more time with me, you will start remembering more things." Nell nodded against his shoulder.
"Hopefully." Then she blinked up at him and let a ghost of a smile cross her lips. Eric smiled gently, as he lightly traced her cheekbone with his index finger slowly. Nell blinked slowly, smiling, his finger brushing warmly against her cheek, and she blushed. Eric's fingerd dropped from her cheek when he saw her blush.
"Sorry." He said softly. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
"No...I liked it." She whispered. She gaze up at him, giving him a slightly bigger smile. Eric smiled back. His fingers brushed against her cheek again. Her skin was so soft and warm beneath his fingertips. Nell leaned to his hand, shutting her eyes peacefully. His touch calmed her...just being with Eric calmed her. His presence...made her feel safe and protected. Eric's eyes stayed focused on her, watching her every emotion, trying to get a good read on her. He knew that she liked him, even though she couldn't remember him. But he also knew that, in her heart and mind, she was still fixed on Phil...and would be until she finally remembered his death and came to terms with it. He wanted the old Nell back. The one who remembered him and was his best friend. His Nell. He hoped that soon...he she would be back. Nell rested her head on his shoulder, blinking. She smiled as he kissed the top of her head lightly. She hugged him, then lightly kissed his cheek. Eric held her tight, then wrapped one arm gently around her waist, smiling.
"Why don't we head home now?"
"Ok." She kept close to him as they walked back to the car, holding hands, both happy to be by each others side. He kissed her cheek, before opening the car door for her. He looked at his iPhone when it vibrated.
Team outing tonight at 6. Karoke Bar. You and Nell gonna come? It was from Kensi. Nell and Eric both got in the car.
"We are having a team outing tonight. Pretty much we all hangout, just so we can all spend time together out of work. It's up to you if you want to come or not. They are meeting at the karaoke bar on 3rd Street at 6."
"...Only if you get up and sing." Nell said, giving him a big grin. Eric chuckled.
"Really. Hearing me sing is your one condition?"
"Exactly! This is going to be fun!" She laughed.
"Ok. Fine."
He texted Kensi back. We'll be there!
Awesome! :-) Kensi replied. Eric put his phone in the cup-holder and drove.
"Hmm...Let's see...what are you gonna sing tonight?" Nell said grinning. "Maybe some Tina Turner...Oh, I got it! Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just wanna have fun!"
"No way! Not gonna happen!" He argued, laughing.
"No seriously! He could hit the high notes AND dance!"
"Sounds more like something you would sing."
"...I get squeaky in the high notes though."
"I bet you would hit them better then I would!" He parked, got out, and opened her door, smiling. Nell laughed.
"Ok! Ok! A different song..." She blinked. "Shania Twain, Man I feel like a woman!"
"Uh, still no!" He unbuckled her and scooped her up bridal style in his arms, tickling her. Nell laughed, squirming.
"But that's not high pitched!" She said, words coming out in between her laughs.
"I'm pretty sure that any guy's pride would be hurt after having to sing that!" He gazed down at her, grinning, and carried her inside. He gently set her down on the couch and continued tickling her. Nell laughed, smiling, then tickled her back.
"Ooooh. Poor Eric! Ok. How about sing that one, then go into I'm still a guy, by Brad Paisley!"
"I am going to pick my own song thank you very much!" He laughed when she tickled him, then attacked her belly, knowing it was where she was the most ticklish. Nell squealed loudly, giggling and laughing.
"Eric!"
"Nell!" Eric mocked playfully, grinning from ear to ear. Nell giggled, her face lit with laughter, and it made Eric pause. He gazed right at her, wishing he could freeze time right now and have her be this happy forever. Nell returned the smile, meeting his eyes. Eric's eyes locked with hers. Slowly, he leaned closer to her, his lips only an inch away from hers. Nell smiled and brought her lips closer to hers...when suddenly Phil was there. Confusion and fright filled her eyes as her mind whirled and whirled, and then it went black.
Nell held Phil tight.
"I'll miss you Phil.."
"I'll miss you too Nell. And I promise. I'll be back. It's all going to be fine. I promise."
He kissed her softly.
"Hun...it's time ... I have to go.."
"No." Nell didn't let go of him. He let out a weak chuckle.
"Nell..."
"No."
"I have to." He kissed the top of her head, then peeled her arms from around him. "Bye Nell..."
"Bye..."
Nell's head hurt so bad, her eyes shut as she waited for the whirling memories to leave, but they didn't. The darkness came back again...
Nell got up, hearing the doorbell ring. She opened the door and stopped in her tracks.
2 Marines, in full dress blues, stood on her front steps.
"Ms. Jones?" Nell's heart dropped. She weakly nodded.
"What are you...no...no h-he can't..." Marines at her door...she knew...she knew it was Phil.
"Ms. Jones, I'm afraid we have some devasting news. May we come in?" Nell nodded, biting her lip.
She stepped back and they stepped inside. She led them to the living room.
"He...he can't be gone..." She whispered.
"Ms. Jones, I'm sorry to have to bring this horrible news to you...but Petty Officer Newman died yesterday."
"No! You're wrong! Y-You have to be!"
Nell's heart shattered, all of these memories swirling in her brain. She shut her eyes, afraid, wanting the spurts of darkness to stop, but it returned one more time.
Nell sat at the couch, slowly going through the mail. She had just gotten home from Phil's
funeral.
Confused, she stared at a single envelope. It was postmarked through the Marines. Return name...
Phil Newman. Fresh tears filled her eyes as she slowly opened the letter.
Her eyes skimmed over the words, and then the letter fell to the floor.
"H-He left me...?" She whispered. She forced herself to throw it out, not wanting to think that Phil had dumped her, cheated on her. But that's exactly what happened.
"Nell? Nell look at me. Tell me what is wrong, honey." He gathered her in his arms. What had frightened her? Oh God...was it me?Eric thought anxiously. Nell started crying.
"I'm sorry..." She cried. I...wanted to...and they came back! Memories came back..." She gulped. "He dumped me...I found out 4 days after...he died...by letter! He cheated on me!" She choked out. "I hate him." She added.
"Nell, it's alright. I should have waited longer. And I'm so sorry. He was stupid to break up with you."
"I can't believe..." She broke off as more tears filled her eyes. "I thought he loved me..." She gulped. "So he goes and writes me a Dear Nell...sends it...and then gets killed.." She pressed to him. "And Eric...it wasn't you.." She whispered.
"You can't blame yourself for thinking he loved you. He probably did love you for a while. You always think the best of people, of course you wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he did that to you." He craddled her to his chest and rocked her slowly. Nell leaned to him. She shut her eyes, gulping.
"Sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for."
"You've been listening to me go on and on about Phil...this great hero...when you...you..." She paused. "It's not fair to you." She added.
"Nell, like I said, you didn't know. And up until he broke up with you I bet he was something of a hero to you."
"It's just not fair to you."
"I promise, it's alright. Don't worry about it, ok?"
"Ok." She pressed closer. Eric pecked the top of her head. He glanced at the time.
"We should probably make some supper before we leave."
"That sounds ok." She slowly pulled her legs to her chest and gave him a small smile.
"Anything particular you want?" He asked with a gentle smile.
Nell thought silently.
"Cheese steaks?"
"Alright, I can do that." He softly released her from his hold and got up. He went and started dinner. Nell rested her chin on her knees and sighed. She rubbed her legs with her hand. Eric was quiet as he cooked, glancing at Nell once in a while. Nell just sat there. She tried to muddle through her recently reacquired memories. She was glad that she realized what happened with Phil. It was just...bad timing. She liked Eric. She liked him so much, and she didn't know what to do. Eric finished making dinner, set the table, then set the food at the table with some soda.
"Dinner's ready." He said gently, pulling out her chair. Nell got up and went to the table.
"Thanks..." she sat down.
"You're welcome." He sat down, then gazed at her. "You alright?" Nell nodded.
"Yea. I was just thinking. That's all."
"Ok." They ate as silence filled the air. "Well...tonight should be interesting. Just so you know Callen, Sam, Deeks, and Kensi will probably all be hammered by the end of the night."
"Oh, yeah, that will be fun." Eric nodded.
"Callen and Sam most likely won't sing until they are drunk."
"That just makes it way more hilarious!"
"Yeah, very true." Eric finished eating, and they both cleaned up. "Ready to go?" Nell looked at her clothes.
"Should I change?"
"Up to you. It's a pretty casual bar, so you don't have to if you don't want to."
"Then I'm good. Yea...let's go." Eric gently took her hand and went outside. Nell held his hand as they walked to the car. Eric helped her into the car.
Eric parked near Kensi's and Sam's cars and got out. She got out and gave him a smile. Eric entwined her fingers with his and led her inside. He spotted the team sitting at a table, drinking and laughing.
"Hey guys!" Kensi said, waving them over. She was perched on Deeks' lap, holding a beer in her hand. Eric smiled and walked over with Nell. Sam said hi.
"Hey you two!" Deeks said, sipping his beer. Callen smiled.
"Awesome, everyone's here."
"Cool! So, who's gonna go first?" Kensi asked. Eric sat down and pulled a chair up beside him for Nell. Nell sat and smiled. He gently put an arm around Nell.
"You should!" Deeks said, poking Kensi's side. She laughed.
"Nope. Not until you go." She sipped her beer and smiled. Nell leaned to Eric as Deeks downed his whole beer. He glanced at the stage.
"Oh Dear Lord...It's country night." He bit his lip, sighed, downed another beer, then went onstage. His eyes caught the TV screen and blinked. "Seriously?" He muttered. He shut his eyes as the song started playing. Brad Paisley's: I'm Still A Guy. Callen burst out laughing as Deeks started singing. Nell grinned.
When you see a deer you see Bambi
And I see antlers up on the wall
When you see a lake you think picnic
And I see a large mouth up under that log
You're probably thinking that you're going to change me
In some ways well maybe you might
Scrub me down, dress me up but no matter what
I'm still a guy
Kensi's eyes were glued to Deeks as he sang.
"I never thought I'd ever hear Deeks sing. Didn't think he'd actually get up there." Eric said.
"Well...he did have 2 beers." Nell said.
"Very very true." Eric squeezed her as Kensi cheered.
When you see a priceless French painting
I see a drunk, naked girl
You think that riding a wild bull sounds crazy
And I'd like to give it a whirl
Well love makes a man do some things he ain't proud of
And in a weak moment I might
walk your sissy dog, hold your purse at the mall
But remember, I'm still a guy
(Chorus below)
I'll pour out my heart
Hold your hand in the car
Write a love song that makes you cry
Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground
'Cause he copped a feel as you walked by
I can hear you now talking to your friends
Saying, "Yeah girls he's come a long way"
From dragging his knuckles and carrying a club
And building a fire in a cave
But when you say a backrub means only a backrub
Then you swat my hand when I try
Well, what can I say at the end of the day
Honey, I'm still a guy
(Chorus)
These days there's dudes getting facials
Manicured, waxed and botoxed
With deep spray-on tans and creamy lotiony hands
You can't grip a tacklebox
With all of these men lining up to get neutered
It's hip now to be feminized
I don't highlight my hair
I've still got a pair
Yeah honey, I'm still a guy
Oh my eyebrows ain't plucked
There's a gun in my truck
Oh thank God, I'm still a guy
Once the song ended, Deeks bowed and smiled a little as he stepped off the stage. Kensi drank a few tequila shots, then got up. She went over and hugged him.
"You sing really good." He hugged her.
"I'm not that good..." he said. Callen grinned a little, watching from the backgroung.
"Oh God...Kensi and Tequila..."
"Yes you are Deeks." She smiled and went up to the stage. Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson started playing. Kensi sang, totally getting into it.
Well, I ain't never been Barbie doll type
No, I can't swig that sweet champagne, I'd rather drink beer all night
In a tavern or in a honky tonk or on a four-wheel drive tailgate
I've got posters on my wall of Skynyrd, Kid and Strait
Some people look down on me, but I don't give a rip
I'll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip
'Cause I'm a redneck woman, I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raising, I say, ?Hey y'all? and ?Yee-haw?
And I keep my Christmas lights on, on my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels song
So here's to all my sisters out there keeping it country
Let me get a big 'Hell yeah' from the redneck girls like me, hell yeah
Victoria's Secret, well their stuffs real nice
Oh, but I can buy the same damn thing on a Wal-Mart shelf half price
Still look sexy, just as sexy as those models on TV
No, I don't need no designer tag to make my man want me
Well, you might think I'm trashy, a little too hardcore
But in my neck of the woods I'm just the girl next door
Hey, I'm a redneck woman, I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raising I say, ?Hey y'all? and ?Yee-haw?
And I keep my Christmas lights on, on my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every Tanya Tucker song
So here's to all my sisters out there keeping it country
Let me get a big 'Hell yeah' from the redneck girls like me, hell yeah
I'm a redneck woman, I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raising, I say, ?Hey y'all? and ?Yee-haw?
And I keep my Christmas lights on, on my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every ol' Bocephus song
So here's to all my sisters out there keeping it country
Let me get a big 'hell yeah' from the redneck girls like me, hell yeah
Hell yeah, I said hell yeah!
Ok, so I need to say that I am a huge country fan, if you couldn't tell.
If you have never heard any of the songs listed above, I suggest you look them up on youtube! They are amazing!
And yes, there's more karaoke scenes in the next chapter (or 2. Depends on how long they are.)
Disclaimer: All songs and lyrics belong to the artists and record companies. Not me.
So...I hope everyone enjoyed, and PLEASE review! It helps me get this up faster!
So come on, hit the button...hit it. It's right down there.
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