AN there will be at least 1 more chapter to this story and hopefully it will be up either Christmas day or the day after depending on how busy I get. Hope you all enjoy this one and please read and review if you can to let me know what you think.
Chapter 5.
When they arrived at the airport the car pulled up and switched the engine off. Chris woke up as the car stopped and slowly nudged Merri to wake her.
"Come on sleeping beauty, time to wake up. We have a plane to catch and some nice warm sun shine to get back to " Chris told a half awake Merri.
Getting out the car he saw Dwayne all ready had their bags loaded on a trolley and was waiting for them to get out. Opening Merri's door he reached in and helped her get out, pulling her close to him to try keep her warm and fend off the biting wind. Hurrying inside to get Merri out the cold Chris made sure he got her away from the doors. Pride followed the couple in to the airport pushing the trolley with the luggage on. Finding the right checking gate Dwayne checked them all in and handed the luggage over. Looking round he found his 2 agents sat at a small café with 3 cups of coffee on the table in front of them. Walking over to meet them he sat down thanking them for the drink and picked it up taking a sip.
They sat making small talk about anything but the last few days and the upcoming holiday. It was easy to talk about work and life as long as no one said anything about Christmas or how they nearly came back missing a member of the team. When their flight was finally called they got up and made their way to the gate. Pride hung back slighty watching his agents walk in front of him. Seeing the way Chris had helped Merri up then slotted his arm round her waist as they walked slowly to the gate. How Merri had leaned in to Chris as they walked and how neither of them seemed to notice they were a couple in every sense of the word. He knew when they got home that he would dropping them both off at the same house which would probably be her's to make her more comfortable. He knew they would be spending Christmas together and probably longer when they finally saw what was right in front of them. He knew they were right for each now they just needed to see it.
Boarding the plane they found seats and Chris being as attentive as ever settled Merri in her seat and got the pillow from over head for her. He knew if she felt half as tired as he did she could sleep for a week. On saying that after what she had been through he knew it had taken its toll on her and she would be out of action for a few days. That was not a problem as he would be there for her all the time if she let him. Settling back in his seat he glanced across to make sure her seat belt was on as he did his up. Waiting for the plane to take off he thought ahead to the next few days and how they could spend them.
As the plane landed the jolting woke the 3 NCIS agent up who had all dropped off to sleep at some point during the flight. As they all stretched and stood up Chris was quick to slot his hand in Merri's as a show of support. Walking off the plane down the stairs the sun was low in the sky but still warm. Merri smiled as the warmth hit her face, she was glad to be back home. Walking back in to the airport the trio quickly grabbed their bags and headed out to Dwayne's car. After the bags were in the trunk and Chris was settled in the back next to Merri, Dwayne started the engine and pulled out the car park. The drive home was quiet as each one of them was lost in their own thought. As they got near to home Dwayne looked in the rear view mirror to see who if anyone was awake. Seeing Chris awake he asked him whose house he was driving to then couldn't help but smile when Chris told him Merri's.
Pulling up outside Merri's house Dwayne turned the engine off and got out the car. Going to the trunk he got the 2 bags out and carried them up to the house placing them on the porch. Waiting for them both to come up the path he told Chris he would drop his car back on the way home. Before he left he did something very surprising, he leaned over and gave Merri a quick hug and as he pulled back he whispered to her
"Good to have you back, I thought we had lost you at one point last night ".
"Thank you, I hear I have you to thank for helping warm me up at one point. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you both " Merri told the man in front of her as she placed a kiss on his cheek.
Dwayne stepped back and nodding towards Chris he told Merri
"It is that man there you need to thank for you being here. He never left your side the whole time and by the look of things hasn't done since " and with that he walked down the path and climbed in to the car, waving as he drove away.
"Pass me the key's and we can get this door open, I don't fancy stopping out here all night " Chris said as Merri fished in her bag for the key's.
Passing Chris the key's he opened the door and escorted Merri in to the lounge. Going back out he grabbed their bags and brought them in dropping them in the kitchen as he put the kettle on. Turning to walk back in the lounge he saw Merri standing in the door way watching him
"What you doing up? Go sit down and I will bring some coffee through. You need to rest and get back to full strength " he said as he walked up to her and tried to steer her back towards the lounge.
"Chris I am not an invalid I can manage. I can sit here just as well as I can sit in there " she told Chris as she went and sat at the dining table.
Chris didn't argue he just let her sit and went back to making coffee. Once the coffee was done he placed the cups on the table then looked at the washing machine. Grabbing the bag of wet and dirty clothes he opened the washer door and loaded some clothes in then stepped back looking lost. Merri saw the puzzled look on his face so stood slowly and made her way over picking the washing powder up on the way. She put the soap powder in and switched the machine on smiling at Chris as she put the soap powder back and sat back down at the table. Chris came to join her and they sat drinking their coffee watching the sun slowly set and the room grow dark. Finishing his coffee he stood up and went to switch the light before putting his dirty cup in the sink. Seeing Merri had finished hers he took her cup and placed it in the sink as well.
"Come on, let's go find a comfortable seat in the lounge or do you fancy a bath before dinner? " he asked Merri as he came to stand beside her.
"Ohh a bath would be good then dinner " she said as she stood and started to walk towards the stairs.
Chris followed beside her with his hand resting on the small of her back as they climbed the stairs. Getting to the top Merri stopped and waited a few seconds before she continued towards the bathroom. When they reached the bathroom Chris hung back a little waiting to see what Merri had planned. She entered the bathroom and started to run the bath before coming back out and going towards her bedroom.
"You going to be okay on you own up here? I can sit and wait on the stairs if you need me or go down stairs and start dinner " Chris said to the back of Merri as she disappeared in to the bedroom.
When she came back out carrying clean clothes and a towel she stopped when she got level with Chris at the bathroom door
"I will be fine, you go down stairs and have 5 minutes peace. I am sure I can manage a bath on my own. If I need you I will give you a shout , I promise".
Chris waited till she went in the bathroom and started to walk away towards the stairs. It was then he realised she had left the door open slightly so if she needed him he would be able to get in. Coming down stairs he pulled his phone out his back pocket and sat on the couch. After sending a few messages he chucked the phone on the couch and lay his head back shutting his eyes. He played the last few days over in his mind and tried to get his mind to come to terms with what had happened. The problem was every time he closed his eyes all he could see was Merri lying on the couch in her underwear with blue hands and feet and most of her face blue. He could still mentally feel how cold her body was when he pulled her against his body. He knew it would take some time to shake these thoughts and images but he knew they would never leave him.
He was startled when a hand rested on his shoulder and he jumped forward.
"Sorry, you looked so peaceful sitting there I didn't want to disturb you " Merri said as she came round and sat down next to Chris on the couch.
"It's okay, was a little lost in my own thoughts and didn't hear you come down. How you feeling now? Any better? " he asked with a look of concern on his face.
"A lot better thank you, that bath helped with some of the aches from my little tumble yesterday " she said but regretted adding the last bit after she the look of horror and pain cross his face at the memory of the fall and the aftermath of it.
Just then the door went and Merri and Chris both stood at the same time. Putting her hand across to stop Chris from moving she smiled at him and went to answer the door. She returned a few moments later followed by Loretta, Sebastian and Dwayne who was carrying 4 big pizza boxes. Merri led her guests in to the kitchen and put the light on as she entered. Chris followed behind and watched as Loretta looked Merri up and down then pulled her in to a bear hug. Merri winced a little as Loretta caught the huge bruise on her back but quickly hugged her friend back. When they separated Sebastian stepped forward and gave Merri a quick hug and then went and sat at the table beside Loretta. Dwayne had laid the pizza boxes on the table and opened them so they could all help themselves. Chris got plates out the cupboard and placed them on the table and then joined the others sitting down.
As the 5 of them sat eating pizza and catching up on what had been happening when they were away they got on to the subject of Christmas. Dwayne told them Laurel was coming over to spend the holiday together so he was happy. Loretta was leaving the next morning to visit family and Sebastian was spending it with his new girlfriend. That just left Merri and Chris.
"After the past few days I am spending the holidays doing nothing and being glad I am still here to do nothing " Merri told the people sitting round the table.
Just then the door went and Chris jumped up saying he would get it. He answered the door and after saying a few hushed words to whoever it was he came back in to the kitchen. Merri looked at him puzzled and then went back to finishing her piece of pizza. Once the pizza was finished Chris and Dwayne cleared the table and seeing the time both Loretta and Dwayne said they were going as they had busy days tomorrow. Sebastian followed as he was getting a lift home so after they all said there good byes and wished each other Merry Christmas Merri shut the front door and looked at Chris with a mix of puzzlement and curiosity on her face.
"You going to tell me who was at the door or do I have to guess " she asked coming to stand right in front of Chris with her hands on her hips.
Chris smiled at her and then he came up behind her and turned her to face the lounge.
"Close your eyes I have a surprise for you " he said to a very confused looking Merri who did as she was asked and closed her eyes.
Staying behind her Chris guided her in to the lounge and then stopped when they were about half way in. Letting go of her shoulders he came to stand in front of her so he could see her face when she opened her eyes. Counting to 3 he told her to open her eyes.
Merri opened her eyes and was greeted with the sight of a real Christmas tree stood in the window of the lounge. On the floor next to it was boxes of what she presumed where lights and decorations. Chris watched her face as she took in the site of the tree and boxes of decorations.
"I saw the way you looked at the tree in the airport so thought I would get one for here. Got to have a tree at Christmas " Chris told Merri with a small smile on his face.
Merri looked at Chris when he spoke and she could tell he was nervous waiting for her response to the tree. Walking up to him she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you it's lovely. You going to help me decorate it as am not sure I can reach the top branches " she smiled up at him as she pulled back a little but kept her arms round his neck.
A big smile spread across his face when Merri said she liked or it could have been the fact she had her arms wrapped round his neck. Slowly she let go and walked up to the tree, bending down she picked up the boxes and put them on the couch opening them to look in side. Passing the lights to Chris to hang on the tree she started to take out some of the baubles and bows to hang up. Once the lights were up they both took a box of baubles and set about attacking the tree. After an hour of hanging and shifting they both stepped back to look at their handy work.
"Looks good from here, wait we haven't put star on the top yet. You want the honours " Chris said passing the star to Merri. She took the star and walked up to the tree reaching up to put the star on. As she stretched up she took a sharp breath in and her hand dropped to her side. Chris rushed forward and stopped beside her, concern and worry on his face. Seeing the look on Chris's face she passed him the star and said
"I am okay, just stretched a little far for that bruise on my back".
Chris placed the star on top of the tree and passed the switch for the lights to Merri so she could switch them on. With a quick flick the tree lit up and the lights flashed and chased round the tree. Chris went and switched the main room light off so the only lights were the flashing ones on the tree. Coming back to stand behind Merri Chris silently slotted his arms around Merri's waist and pulled her back against his chest. Merri leaned back and covered Chris's arms with her own. They both stood watching the lights on the tree as they flashed and lit the window and surrounding walls. Merri had to admit it was nice to have a tree in the house, it did make it feel a little more like Christmas. After dreading spending the holidays alone she had to admit it felt good to know that if she wanted and needed the man whose arms she was in he would be their.
Turing around in Chris's arms she placed her hands around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. Listening to his heart beat increasing as she pulled herself tighter against him she smiled a little. Tonight she had a lot to be thankful for. Here she was stood at home alive and kicking so to speak when by rights she could have died last night. Going on what she had been told she knew how close she was to drawing her last breath. Yet the man whose arms she was in now, who's heart she could both hear and feel beating was the reason she was still here. He had went above and beyond the call of a partner and friend to save her. Dwayne had told her from the moment Chris found her till the moment she opened her eye's he never left her side. The enormity of it all suddenly hit her and she couldn't hold back the tears that had been threating all day.
Chris felt her shudder as she started to cry and he knew if he was not careful he would end up breaking down. He had been on the verge of tears that morning when Merri finally opened her eyes. Holding her as she went for crying to uncountable sobbing sent him over the edge. His own tears flowed free down his cheeks and landed on top of Merri's head. They stayed that way letting the emotion of the past few days catch up with them. As the tears slowed down for them both and they gained control they still stayed together in each others arms. Chris leaned forward and placed a series of feather light kisses against Merri's hair and drew small circles against her back.
Slowly Merri stepped back a little but kept her arms around Chris. Looking up at Chris with red, puffy, blood shot eyes and tear streaked cheeks Chris had never seen her look so cute. All he wanted to do was bend down and kiss her full on the lips but not wanting to ruin everything he instead bent and place a kiss to each tear tracked cheek. As Chris's lips touched her cheeks she closed her eyes and savored how soft and warm they felt. Merri took her arms from round Chris's waist and brought her hands up to Chris's faces. Cupping Chris's face in both her hands she stroked her thumbs over the tear tracks on his face. It was now Chris's turn to close his eyes and saviour the feel of her hands on his face. Dropping her hands back down Merri stepped closer to Chris again and let him pull her back against his chest. They were both happy to stand like this but feeling Merri yawn against his chest Chris pulled back so he could see her face.
"You need to go to bed and get some sleep, come on I'll walk you up stairs to your room" Chris told Merri as he caught her yawn again.
Merri nodded her head and started to walk towards the stairs. Chris went and switched the tree lights off before meeting Merri at the foot of the stairs. Walking up the stairs towards the bedroom Chris was not sure how this was going to go when they got there. They reached the bedroom and Merri pushed the door open switching the light on as she entered the room. Chris stayed in the doorway and didn't follow.
"I will wait here till your settled and then be downstairs if you need me " Chris told Merri as he watched her pull the bed clothes back and sit on the edge to take her shoes. As she bent over to undo her shoes she let out a small yelp of pain and sat back up. Chris was at her side again with his hand resting on her back.
"You got any cream in your first aid kit to put on that? if not I got some at home I can go get you" Chris told Merri as he looked at her.
"Bathroom cabinet, top shelf I think " Merri said as she nodded her head in the direction of the bathroom.
Chris stood and walked in to the bathroom, switching the light on as he entered. He rummaged round in the cabinet and found the cream. Switching the light off he went back to the bed and found Merri lying on her front waiting for Chris to come back with the cream. Going on to his knees at the side of the bed Chris reached over and slowly pulled Merri's t-shirt up to reveal the bruise on her back. Just looking at it made Chris wince so god only knew how Merri felt. As he opened the tube to squeeze the cream on to his finger tips he bent and let his lips rest gently on the bruise. Slowly he tried to kiss every inch of the bruise starting at the top and working his way to the bottom of it. When he finally finished kissing it he gently laid his fingers on the bruise and started to rub the cream in but keep his touch as light as possible.
When he finished he pulled Merri's top back down and she rolled on to her back. Chris moved to the foot of the bed and removed her shoes placing them on the floor.
"You want your pants on or off before I go " Chris asked the half asleep women on the bed.
"Off please " as she lifted her backside off the bed for him to pull them down.
After removing her pants Chris went and pulled the blankets over Merri and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Good night princess, sleep well " and turning around he went to walk away and leave the room.
Merri's hand came up and wrapped itself around his wrist stopping him from moving further away. Turning back round he looked down at the women lying in the bed and his heart skipped a beat.
"Don't go please, I need you here with me " Merri told Chris as he dropped back down to his knees.
"I will stay if you want me to but before I do I need you to know that if I stay now I will not leave ever. You will have me here morning, noon and night. I will fall asleep with you in my arms and I will wake with you in my arms. If you don't feel the same let me leave and we can go back to the way we were but if you do then be prepared to have me stuck to you like glue" Chris told Merri as he held his breath and waited for a reply.
"I want you to stay, now and all ways. I want to fall asleep in you arms and I want to wake up in your arms. I have never felt as safe as I do when I am in your arms. After yesterday I realised no one will look out for me like you do. No one will take care of me like you do and I never want to let you go " Merri told Chris as she picked his hand up in her's and brought it to her lips placing a kiss on his fingers.
Chris stood up and slipped his hand out of Merri's. Walking over he switched the light off before walking over to the empty side of the bed and quickly removed his clothes and climbed in to bed. Sliding across the bed gently as he could, he pulled Merri towards him and engulfed her in his arms. Merri lay her head on Chris's chest as she wrapped an arm over his chest. This was perfect, this was how she wanted to stay forever. She had never felt so happy in her life. Closing her eyes she fell asleep thankful to be alive and lying in the arms of the man she loved.
Chris lay awake for sometime after he felt Merri fall asleep. He couldn't believe how quickly things could change in such a short time. Less than 24 hours ago he could have sworn he felt Merri take her last breath as he held her against his chest yet here he was with the same women very much alive and still in his arms. Turning his head so his face was buried in Merri's hair he closed his eyes and said a silent pray thanking whoever it was that watched over her the previous night and returned her to him alive and for the most parts well. He couldn't be happier than he was at that moment and nothing was going to change that. He was going to make Christmas as special as he could for Merri but the problem was he only had one more day to do. As he finally fell asleep his head was full of ideas how to make Christmas just that little bit more special.