I held Alex for hours, rubbing her back and regaling her with tales of Munch's antics and Casey's (perceived) incompetence. She relaxed a bit when she realized I wasn't going anywhere, that she was safe when she was by my side. I talked for hours, because I knew she couldn't, nor did she want to. Soon I had her smiling along with me, laughing as she rested her head on my shoulder, gazing into my eyes with an expression that could only be described as infinite adoration.

She fell asleep again, but I stayed awake, watching over my Alex, as if my presence could keep her safe. From Velez. From that monster who'd hurt her so badly. From anything or anyone that she may perceive as a threat.

I was startled back to reality when she began to thrash in my arms, mumbling incoherently and pushing at demons I couldn't see. Tears welled up in her eyes as she kicked, trying to break free from imaginary bonds.

"Shh, baby," I said quickly, kissing her forehead and taking her wrists so she wouldn't injure either of us or dislodge the IV. "It's okay. It's just a dream. You're safe. I'm here. I've got you."

Her eyes flew open and she cringed, then relaxed when she realized it was just me, swiping at her tears. "Sorry," she murmured, rolling onto her side, then winced. "Ouch."

"Does your arm hurt, baby?"

She shook her head, then sighed. "A bit."

"Can I see?"

She wrapped her arms around herself. "No."

"Okay, honey. You don't have to show me if you're not comfortable." I mindlessly began to rub comforting circles into her back, then pulled my hand back as if I'd been burned when it occurred to me. "Baby, does that hurt?"

Alex shrugged, burrowing deeper into herself. "It's okay."

I gently stroked her hair. "I'm sorry."

She looked up at me with absolute worship in her bottomless blue eyes. "No – you came. You're here. Even though you probably shouldn't be." She smiled wanly. "You love me."

"That's right, baby. I do."

She dropped her gaze. "Even when I'm like this?"

"You're in a lot of pain right now, Alex. I understand. I'm just glad I can be here with you."

"I haven't had anyone here for me in a year and a half – well, not really. I missed you. I missed this. I missed being in your arms. I missed the way you always know what's wrong and how to fix it, even before I do."

I smiled. "I missed you too, baby. And I'm just so glad you're letting me be close to you. I'm so glad you called me."

"I shouldn't have."

"Yeah, sweetie, you should have. I don't know what I would have done if you'd been hurt and I hadn't been there for you."

"I know I can count on you to be here when I need you."

"Whether you want me or not."

"I always want you, even if sometimes it's hard for me to say it."

I kissed her forehead. "I know. And you're safe with me, baby. Always. I will never hurt you."

"I know." She sighed. "It's not – I mean – it's not you. It's me."

I smiled again, unable to resist a bit of teasing. "Now where have I heard that one before?"

"Every guy you ever broke up with in high school," she said with a smirk.

I shrugged. "It was true. They were all perfectly adequate guys – but I'm gay."

Alex laughed. "That could present a slight problem."

I pulled her closer to me, kissing the base of her neck. "Mm, you're right. It could."

"Liv?"

"Yeah, baby?"

She hesitated. "Thanks for coming."

"Oh, baby. You never need to thank me for . . . this."

She nodded. "I know, I just –" She rolled over so she could lean against me, wincing as she did so. "Ouch."

I brought her bandaged arm to my lips and gave it a tender kiss. "There you go, baby. Is that better?"

She smiled. "Thanks."

I gently stroked her hair. "Does Hammond know you're here, princess?"

Alex shook her head. "I couldn't tell him."

"I should call him."

"No!" she exclaimed, holding tighter to me. "Don't leave me."

"Okay, baby, I won't. I won't. Don't worry. I won't leave you ever again unless you want me to, and even then, I might not."

Alex curled into me, wetting my shirt with her tears. "I'm s-s-sorry," she whimpered, burying her head in my chest.

I kissed her forehead. "It's okay, baby. It's okay. I'm here. I will always be here."

And then I just held her as she cried, kissing away the remnants of her tears and offering what little comfort I could.

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