She promised herself a long time ago that she would never leave, no matter what they faced

FOREVER IS OURS

Song: Forever is Ours – Solarstone Pure Mix – Armin van Buuren feat Emma Hewitt

Eric and Nell's apartment, Late night

The apartment was dark, save the solitary light of the lamp by the side of the bed. The apartment was also quiet, save the breathing of the blond man lying in bed, the rustling of pages from the book being read by the redhead sitting next to him, and the music that played through the radio. Nell finished the page she was on, placing her bookmark before setting it down. She folded her hands in her lap and looked down next to her to Eric, sleeping away. She gave silent thanks that he was able to sleep given the events of the past few days.

The team had been inundated with case after case that wore on them all but the person who had it worse was Eric. He had to deal with being the first one to report when bodies were found, many of them children. He had to read the corner reports of the mutilation that the bodies went through, before and after death. It got to a point where Nell had to intervene and practically beg to give Eric a day off. Hetty, while sympathetic to Eric's plight, was adamant that they needed him. After no amount of vigorous debate Hetty finally acquiesced to Nell's request and gave Eric a day off with strict instructions that no one talk about to case to him. The day off helped but not enough to bring him back from the dark cloud that surrounded him.

The nightmares were bad, even by their standards. Eric woke up in a cold sweat, his heart racing, and visions of the bodies running through his head. Nell was there to sooth him every night, whispering loving words to him while planting light kisses on his skin to calm him down. It had now become a ritual for her to stay up an hour or so after he fell asleep so she could be sure that he stayed asleep.

Even 2 weeks later she continued the ritual and did so even tonight. She reached over and brushed his forehead gently with her fingers as a song started to play

(Begin Song)

You said that you'll open your eyes and see I've found you
If you'd give me a reason, I never would've let you go
If I wouldn't leave, then I would always stay around you
I'll catch you, I'll catch you when you fall

Her finger traced down his jaw line, softly rubbing his cheek with her thumb as she flashed back to the day they moved into this apartment. It was a team effort, though with no small amount of teasing for everyone as Eric, Sam, Callen, and Deeks manhandled furniture with Nell and Kensi directing traffic and unpacking.

If I could just stay a moment in your light,
I'm never afraid if I'm within your sight,

But the biggest surprised came that night as Eric took her out to the porch of their new apartment and talked about how far they came and how he was glad they took this step.

So don't you wait, hearts will come

Nell reached over and turned the light off before pulling the sheets back allowed her to slide into a lying position next to him

And always we'll run,

She pulled the sheets back up before rolling onto her side, lying an arm across his body

Time won't change, us at all,

She reached up and held his head as she gently placed her lips to his cheek. After holding it for a second she whispered to him with her lips still on his skin.

"I love you, Eric."

Forever is ours again, again,
Forever is ours again, again.

She placed her head on his shoulder and her hand on his far shoulder as she closed her eyes, the moonlight glinting off the ring on her finger.

Even though this song is a few years old I heard it on the new episode of A State of Trance and I knew I had to use it. This was a quick 20 min turn around with no prior planning so if it shows I apologize but this is what came in my head and I wanted to make sure I could get it our before the inspiration gnomes come and take it away from me.

The song has been added to the Tales from the Mission soundtrack so if you are following it then you can listen to the song as you read them.

Pointless note. Emma Hewett played here in Denver a few days ago and I missed out so I'm bummed about that. I love her voice, it's so beautiful.

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