AN: Another chapter… After oh so many chapters Eric and Calleigh are finally together…however brief it maybe… Enjoy…

BECAUSE OF YOU

Chapter 17

Horatio ran to Calleigh's room, she was awake and panicking. Her arms were swinging as best as her weakened body would allow. "Eric, Eric I need you to step out of the room."

"Horatio…" Eric began to protest but was cut off by the stern look Horatio sent him.

"NOW ERIC! If you want to help her you'll step out." Eric sent one final glare towards his boss before stepping out of the room.

Horatio moved to Calleigh asking the nurses to also step back. "Calleigh."

"Calleigh, you need to calm down. Calleigh you're safe now." He grabbed her hands steadying them. Once she stopped fighting him he continued.

"Calleigh, Eric's safe." She began shaking her head as tears filled her eyes. "He's alive Calleigh, I promise you."

"I…I saw him…I…he…" she couldn't complete the sentence.

"Calleigh he survived, what you saw was him unconscious. Eric is alive, he's standing outside your room right now."

She looked towards the door.

"Really?" This had to be another trick. Horatio squeezed her hand. "Would you like to see him?"

She wasn't sure she was ready and yet she couldn't wait to see him to check for herself that he was alive.

She nodded. Horatio stepped out finding Eric just outside the door. "What the hell Horatio?" Eric was pissed.

"She thinks you're dead Eric." Horatio shot out straight to the point. Eric's jaw dropped. "She wants to see you." Horatio continued using a softer tone. He hadn't meant to be harsh but it was the only way to get the younger man's attention. Taking a deep breath Eric nodded. "Eric they were showing her a video, of you getting beaten, you were calling out to her."

"Damn it. That was the night they took her H. They knocked her unconscious and continued to kick her, that's why I was calling for her. I just wanted her to wake up." Eric's hands shook in anger.

"She needs you now more then ever. She needs to know you're okay, you can do this Eric, you have the whole team to help you. Are you ready?"

Receiving a nod from Eric, Horatio led the way into the room Eric made sure to stay a few steps back.

"Calleigh." Horatio announced his presence not wanting to startle her.

Her eyes immediately went to Eric. The tears rolled down her cheeks as he moved closer.

Reaching a hesitant hand Eric grabbed her hand. "Eric?" Her voice was so soft he barely heard her.

"It's me." He could no longer hold back the tears he'd been fighting since finding her. "You're okay?"

"Now that you're safe I'm beyond okay." He pushed aside a strand of hair. She closed her eyes leaning into his touch. "I thought.." a new set of tears flowed.

"I'm here." It broke his heart at how broken her voice sounded. It would be a while before the Calleigh he knew and loved would return. "Get some rest." Before she could argue he stopped her. "I'll be here when you wakeup."

"Eric." Horatio placed his hand on his shoulder. "Horatio, how will we get through this? What if I can't help her?" He began doubting himself.

"You'll be just fine Eric. You will get through it, she just needs some time. The doctor stopped by with the results."

"What did he say? What did they give her?

"It was a hallucinogen to make her feel as though what she saw actually happened. There's a lot in her system so until it's all flushed out every time she was wakes up, whether it be from a bad dream, sound or anything she'll think you're dead. Once the drugs out of her system it'll be easier to convince her you're alive."

Eric nodded entering the room. He needed to be by her side incase she woke up. He pulled a chair up to her bed and sat down grabbing the hand closest to him being careful of the IV. He brushed a small kiss to her hand before laying his head next to it. He was exhausted, his body beyond sore. Slowly he allowed his eyes to close, content in having his Calleigh back.

AN: not very long…I don't know what's wrong with me lately…I'll tell you what though…this has been the worst week of my career… don't think I've ever cursed so much in my life as I have this week… typing has been my de-stressor. I have 2 Criminal Mind stories I'm also working on… I will have another chapter posted next week…