Hostage Rescue (Closed forAngeleyez and NiceandBrutal)

[Niceandbrutal]

Lost again in the prison of his mind and crying his heart out, it took some time for Scott to register that Ronnie was awake.

"Scott... It's Ronnie... It's okay, Scott..."

Her voice held no reproach or anger, it seemed. Only concern. But maddeningly, she still hadn't taken his hand in hers. He longed for his hand to feel her smaller hand in it.

"Do you want me to get the doctor, Scott? Please let me help you..."

Scott managed to calm down after a little while. "The doctor will be here when he's good and ready, Ronnie. I just want to-" His eyes fell to her throat. Although he'd been quick to get off her, she sported a colourful bruise across windpipe. For a short second, all his weight and force had pressed down on her.

On impulse, he tried to sit up and reach out for her. He wanted to check her to see if SHE was okay, but the restraints held him down. He sighed in frustration. "Your throat. Does it hurt much? I shouldn't have fallen asleep when I was supposed to watch over you Ronnie. And I am more sorry than I can express for what I did to you as you tried waking me up. I let you down. I'm sorry."

He inhaled and exhaled, his breath still ragged from the emotional turmoil. "The thought that I might have killed you was the most terrifying thought I'd ever had. To have endured what you have, only to be murdered by me because of this damned muscle memory... I'm so glad you survived, Ronnie."

(What he didn't say was how glad he personally was that he'd gotten to know her. It seemed wildly inappropriate to mention to her his budding feelings for her.

After a while, he said: "Maybe you should get Dr Brooks in here? I really want to get out of these restraints."

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica grew more and more distressed hearing Scott's near silent weeping. If she wasn't careful, she'd end up joining in, and she was deathly afraid that if she started crying she'd never stop. Stop it... Trap it... Slam the door... Lock it away... She forced herself to take slow, measured breaths while she compartmentalized things.

The doctor will be here when he's good and ready, Ronnie. I just want to-

Smiling when Scott started talking, it slipped a little when he cut himself off and just stared at her. At first, she was afraid that Dr Berg had somehow snuck in and was standing behind her. When she eventually figured out that he was just staring fixedly at her...or more specifically her throat, her fingers touched the sore area self-consciously. It must look a sight based on the expression on his face.

Your throat... Does it hurt much? I shouldn't have fallen asleep when I was supposed to watch over you Ronnie. And I am more sorry than I can express for what I did to you as you tried waking me up. I let you down. I'm sorry.

Squeaking slightly in spite of herself when Scott moved abruptly against the restraints, Veronica had stood up, concerned that he was hurting somewhere. She immediately began shaking her head at his words, disagreement etched on her face.

The thought that I might have killed you was the most terrifying thought I'd ever had. To have endured what you have, only to be murdered by me because of this damned muscle memory... I'm so glad you survived, Ronnie.

Stop it... Trap it... Slam the door... Lock it away... Veronica struggled with how to respond to his comments when he added, Maybe you should get Dr Brooks in here? I really want to get out of these restraints.

Stroking his hand reassuringly,Veronica said, "Scott... It really wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have asked you to stay with me in the first place. You were tired and hurt and probably needed your own rest." Stepping back, her hands fisted at her sides, she continued with her apology, "And... I know... I know better... than to just abruptly touch a sleeping person... So, there is nothing for you to apologize for..."

Backing away from the bed, she said in forced, lighter voice, "Let me go find Dr Brooks for you..." She headed to the door and opened it, but turned to look at him before she left. "You know, Scott... When I finally... go... home... This will be some story to tell..." She paused and the hint of an impish smile appeared on her face, "I mean how many people can say they survived an encounter with a SEAL?" She exited before he could respond, shutting the door quietly.

+++++++++

Veronica didn't see the dark haired man staring down the hall after her as she approached the nurses station, nor did she hear him ask the passing corpsman whose room that was.

"Ensign Hartmann's, sir... He's, um, under observation," the young man told the doctor.

If the young man thought it was strange that the doctor asked how much longer the observation period was, he didn't let on nor, however, did he know the answer.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

"You know, Scott... When I finally... go... home... This will be some story to tell... I mean how many people can say they survived an encounter with a SEAL?"

Scott managed a chuckle, despite the situation he was in. In the solitude of the confined room however, images of the horrors he'd experienced came to him unbidden. Helpless to stop them and unable to distract himself with any task at all, Scott lay helpless as the images all but overwhelmed him. Blood. Gore. Fear. Death. Killing. Cowering. Despair...

Scott didn't cry. He just closed his eyes, knowing better than to try to suppress the images that came to him. He was so lost in the living nightmare he now endured that he was unaware of the passage of time. He opened his eyes with a start as he heard someone outside the door. He expected Ronnie, Dr. Brooks, or one of the nurses. It was Dr. Berg. He shut and locked the door behind him and watched Scott lie helpless before him. A cocksure gloating smile spread across his face.

"Alone at last," he quipped. "Scott. Scotty. Ensign Hartmann of SEAL team 6. All-american hero and fucker of apple pies. How do you like me now, neanderthal?" He slowly walked to the bed and stood at the head end of the bed. "Do you know, I never thought you'd break down like this after assaulting Ronnie. Truth be known, I thought guys like you got off on that. Admit it Scott, you got a little chubby in your pants when you were on top of her and choked her, right? I know I would."

Scott glared at the man. "What do you want, Berg?" Berg smiled. "Want? I want Ronnie for myself. I want you out of our lives. And I will make sure you snap, Hartmann. I will make you so scary that she'll never want to see you again, that she'll cringe at the mere thought and mention of you. I want Ronnie in my arms, where she belongs." He grinned wickedly. "All is fair in love and war, Scott. Think of this as collateral damage."

He pulled a syringe out of his pocket. "This stuff? Very hallucinogenic. Mixed with an amphetamine compound, it'll turn you into a rampaging madman. And Ronnie won't have anything more to do with you, Scottyboy."

Scott grunted in defiance and frustration as he impotently pulled at his restraints. He would not give Berg the satisfaction of seeing and hearing him beg. He didn't think begging would have helped anyway. His only hope now was that the microphones had been turned on and that someone had heard the one-sided conversation.

Berg removed the protective cover from the syringe and smiled at Scott. "Soon you won't be able to turn Ronnie further against me, neanderthal." With that, he plunged the needle into one of Scott's veins and started to pump the medicinal cocktail into him.

At almost the same instant the door unlocked and flew open. A burly MP flew into the room and manhandled Berg, pulling the half full syringe out of Scott. Dr Brooks was close behind, as was Ronnie. Scott smiled in relief, even as the faces of all present seemed to melt before his eyes.

"You, uh, might want to keep me restrained for the time being so the snakes can't lick my harmonies. That is, I mean to say.... what? Who was... No! No! NononononononoNONONONO!! Don't grow back together you discombobulator!" The drugs took effect quickly. Scott strained and yelled gibberish for the best part of two hours.

 

[Angeleyz]

When she got to the nurses station, Veronica found that it was manned by a lone corpsman, sporting the biggest, angriest black eye she had ever seen. He was busily filling in some forms, and she waited patiently for him to look up, not wanting to disturb him. When he didn't seem to realize she was there, she discreetly cleared her throat, wanting to get back to Scott as quickly as possible.

"Oh, it's you..." came the unguarded greeting.

"Excuse me?" she said a little surprised by his terse tone, not recognizing his face, although his voice seemed vaguely familiar.

"Never mind," he colored a little and then asked, "what can I do for you?"

Veronica explained how she was looking for Dr Brooks at the request of Ensign Hartmann and, not wanting Scott to be restrained any longer than necessary, indicated that it was imperative that she speak to him immediately. Her face fell when she was told that the doctor was behind closed doors with another patient and that there was no telling when he'd be out.

Drumming her fingers on the countertop, Veronica finally asked that Dr Brooks be told that she needed to speak with him as soon as he was available. She turned to go back to Scott and saw Dr Berg heading in her direction. Not wanting to have to deal with him, she immediately spun on her heel and headed in the opposite direction, uncaring where she went as long as it was away from him.

Without realizing it, Veronica ended up outside of her room and ducked into it, hoping he wouldn't come knocking. She waited behind the closed door, hands wringing before her, counting to thirty. When she got to thirty and he hadn't knocked, she let out a deep sigh and relaxed. Opening the door, she was unpleasantly surprised to find Dr Berg standing there, poised as if to come in. Unconsciously retreating a step, Veronica said in a slightly strained tone, "Oh... Dr Berg, you... startled me. I was jus-". She stopped talking when he stepped into the room, causing her to back up a few more steps.

"Ronnie, sweetheart, I heard what that beast did to you... I told you he was dangerous," he exclaimed as he reached out as if to gather her in his arms. Sweetheart? What in the world... His lips tightened as she took yet another step back, and Veronica's voice trembled a bit when she replied, "I-I-it was my fault, Dr Berg... I, um, took him by surprise."

"Nonsense," Dr Berg insisted as he was finally able to corner her against her bed again. "He's a madman and should be locked up!" He placed a heavy hand on her shoulder and pulled her towards him. "Let me examine your throat, love. It looks painful." Without waiting for permission, he unfastened the next button on her shirt and held it open exposing the length of her neck as well as a good portion of her chest.

"Dear lord, Ronnie, you're lucky you can even talk," he muttered, his face coming uncomfortably close to hers. Her eyes widened in surprise. Oh my god, he's not going to try to kiss me, is he?! Trying to twist to the side, she forced a light laugh, "Really, Dr Berg... I'm sure you're exaggerating." She looked up at him earnestly, "Dr Berg, you really need to excuse me.. I have to find Dr Brooks for Ensign Hartmann. He needs me... Well, really Dr Brooks.. I'm just... helping... him..."

Up close, there was no mistaking what looked to be fury in Dr Berg's eyes, and Veronica was honestly not sure what he might have said or done, if the corpsman hadn't passed by her open door and doubled back, calling out, "There you are, Ms Price... One of the nurses was able to get your message to Dr Brooks. He said he'd meet you in his office in a few minutes. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to his office..."

Dr Berg's fingers bit into her shoulders as he hissed, "Why do you keep getting involved with that cretin?!" Drawing her head back shocked over his vehemence, Veronica said softly, "Dr Berg... Sc-Ensign Hartmann and his team saved our lives... If he... they... need help, I want to give it to h-them." He opened his mouth as if to say more, but the corpsman stepped into the room, asking if there was a problem.

"Dr Berg and I were just finishing up, weren't we, doctor?" she smiled, a facsimile of her normal one. Dr Berg looked down at her with the oddest look on his face, as if he had reached a decision on something, grunted and took off like he just remembered he was needed somewhere.

Disturbed by his odd behavior, Veronica wondered if she should talk to Dr Brooks about it as she was escorted to his office. He was not in his office yet when they got there, but she was told to make herself comfortable and he'd be there shortly, leaving her time to fret over both how Scott was doing and what in the world could be going on with Dr Berg.

+++++++++++

Fifteen minutes later, Dr Brooks had just sat down, wanting to discuss how she might be able to assist with Scott's recovery when the door burst open and a soldier came running in, yelling something about a potential Code 22 in the observation room.

Veronica looked on shocked as Dr Brooks went tearing out of the room, calling for assistance, without so much as a word to her. She wandered to the door and saw Dr Brooks and a very large MP running in the direction of Scott's room. Gasping as she realized they could very well be running to his room, she took off after them as quickly as her sore muscles would allow, only catching up when they had to pause to unlock the door. "What's going on?" she asked, not understanding why the door would be locked, "what's a Code 22?"

Neither men answered her as the MP pushed through the door, taking off at a full sprint at a figure standing over Scott. She followed Dr Brooks into the room and saw that it was Dr Berg just as he was tackled and a syringe fell to the floor. Both she and Dr Brooks reached Scott's side in time to see the smile of relief on Scott's face and hear him say, You, uh, might want to keep me restrained for the time being so the snakes can't lick my harmonies.

Veronica looked on horrified as Scott continued, That is, I mean to say.... what? Who was... No! No! NononononononoNONONONO!! Don't grow back together you discombobulator! She was getting ready to hold his hand and try to talk to him when Dr Brooks pulled her away, cautioning her to keep her distance when Scott started straining against his restraints and yelling all sorts if nonsensical things.

"What did you do?" she yelled at Dr Berg, turning to face him even as the MP held him to the floor in a chokehold, "what did you give him?!?!" She wanted to kick him when he refused to say anything and just glared at Scott like he had done something wrong. The same soldier who had burst into Dr Brooks' office came into the room and explained what he had overheard was in the syringe. Veronica covered her mouth to keep from crying out. 'What in the world was the doctor thinking for giving Scott such a cocktail?' she thought.

Dr Brooks carefully picked up the syringe and examined it. "It looks like only half of it was administered," he announced in relief. "Hopefully we just have to let it run its course. Get the good doctor to a holding cell until we can figure out what the hell happened here." Turning to Veronica, he said gently, "Come, my dear, there's nothing you can do until it runs through his system."

Her eyes glued to Scott's raging form, she pleaded, "Please... Let me stay... I'll... I'll keep out of the way... But let me stay until he's calm." He waited until the MP had hauled a suddenly snarling Dr Berg out of the room before responding, "Only if you promise to sit over in the corner and come get me immediately as soon as he becomes lucid."

Veronica complied immediately, going to the far corner and sitting in the chair there, "I promise..." Dr Brooks shot another look at the bed where Scott fought against his restraints, the muscles in his arms and necks bulging under the ferocity with which he displayed. "You cannot touch him, young lady. There's no telling what he's going through right now, what he's seeing..." Veronica promised again, although inside her heart was breaking. All my fault... This is all my fault...

Eventually Dr Brooks left, closing the door quietly behind him. She lost track of how long she sat in the chair, fingernails digging into her palms as she listened to him yell and scream and watched his raging through a sheen of tears. All my fault... This is all my fault...

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Scott Hartmann spent two hours in Hell as visions of his past deeds were distorted by the drugs coursing through him and addling his brain. He killed the same taliban fighter over and over again with his knife, only to watch him grow back stronger than before. Elisabeth Drummond followed him, her grin unnaturally wide and feral as she clawed at his brain while she chanted "All your fault, this is all your fault!" http://www.tofugu.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/slit-mouth-woman-710x363.jpg

But ever so slowly, the visions subsided. The taliban fighter stayed down. Elisabthe Drummond looked like herself again. The walls stopped bleeding and breathing. He found his wrists and ankles wouldn't hurt if he just stopped straining. And when he stopped screaming his throat felt less raw. Why was he screaming? Oh yes. Nightmares. His breath calmed. He was sweating profusely and he was dead tired. And he felt a longing. A longing for... he turned his head, and there she was.

She was sitting in the corner, watching him intently as tears rolled down her face. The woman he had sworn to help and protect now sat watching over him again as he lay helpless. He gulped, then said her name like he was praying for deliverance: "Ronnie..."

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica's ears rang from his screams. Her muscles, which tensed with his every jerk and pull, were tired, and she could only imagine what he was going through. When he finally fell still and silent, she assumed he had finally passing out from his exertions and she let a small sigh.

When she caught movement in her periphery, Veronica was afraid Scott was gearing up for another round and sharpened her attention. She was shocked to see him staring at him, almost as if he recognized her, but refused to get excited after he had agreed during his raging that it was all her fault but then kept calling her Elizabeth.

Ronnie...

Standing up at the sound of his voice actually calling her by the right name, Veronica exclaimed, "Scott!" naked relief in her tone as she stumbled in her haste to get to his side. She reached out to touch him, but then heard Dr Brooks' words.

You cannot touch him, young lady...

Her hands clenching and unclenching in fists at her sides, Veronica started to speak "Oh Scott... I..." Again, Dr Brooks' warning rang in her ears- Come get me immediately as soon as he becomes lucid..

"I... You..." She paused before putting both hands up in the universal sign of 'hang on a second'. Jerking a thumb over her shoulder, she continued in a rush, "I... I... have to go" before turning and running out the door.

Racing the now familiar path to Dr Brooks' office, Veronica knocked quickly and then stuck her head in the room when Dr Brooks answered. One look at her excited face was all Dr Brooks needed to push up from his desk and come striding out the door. She was a little put out when he instructed her to stay outside when they reached Scott's room, but knew that she really had no basis for wanting to insist on being there.

Leaning against the wall just outside Scott's door, Veronica chewed nervously on a fingernail while she waited to hear if Scott would be okay.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

"Scott!"

Her answering exclamation brought a relieved smile to his face. She ran to his side but stopped again, maddeningly, out of reach. She seemed almost afraid to go near him. "Oh Scott... I..."

Scott wanted to say something. Thank you for staying with me. Be careful with your arm, sweetheart. How are you feeling? All these sentences ran through his head as she stood before him.

"I... You... I... I... have to go." And then she was out the door, leaving Scott's words hanging in the air after her: "Careful with your arm Ronnie..."

He sighed. Alone again. The last time he'd been alone, bad things had happened. Very bad things. Something... BERG! Oh that bastard! His attention and focus became sharper as he remembered how Berg had poisoned him and Brooks and Ronnie and a burly MP and then the walls started bleeding... Scott shook his head. The walls hadn't bled! He'd been given hallucinogens to drive him over the edge.

As his focus grew stronger, the details all came back to him. By the time Brooks entered the room Scott was lucid. (And very disappointed it wasn't Ronnie coming through the door.) Brooks used the better part of an hour gently prodding Scott's mind. Scott answered to the best of his abilities as he was asked inane questions about who he was, where they were, and what they were doing here.

When he for the fifth time was aksed his date of birth, he'd had enough. "Listen Doctor, that's the fifth time you're asking me that. Look, I'm Ensign Scott Hartmann, commander in Seal Team six. I was brought here to liberate three-"

Brooks held up his hand. "Good, Scott. I feel it is safe to loosen you from your restraints again." He quickly loosened the restraints, first around the ankles and then his hands. With a sigh of relief, Scott sat up. Brooks looked at him over his glasses. "You must be exhausted, Ensign. I will have food and drink brought to you. And then I recommend a good rest. But there is a young woman ourside that is very anxious to see you. Should I let her in?"

Scott just nodded eagerly, too unsure of his emotions to speak. Brooks smiled an understanding smile and walked to the door. Scott heard a brief exchange outside as he hurriedly sat up and composed himself as best he could. Then the door opened, and Ronnie again entered the room.

Scott just looked at her, his expression caught between a smile and a frown. He took a couple of deep ragged breaths as his shoulders sank and his face melted into a large genuine smile.

"Ronnie..."

His voice was filled with emotion, and he wanted more than anything to go to her. But he didn't want to scare her. He gently cleared his throat.

"I feel much better now. I'd love for you to stay a while, if that's okay with you, Ronnie."

He so wanted to feel her hands on his again. He wanted more than anything to hug her and tell her everything was going to be allright. He stayed where he was, hoping she wasn't too afraid of him.

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica continued to lean against the wall, ignoring the curious stares of those passing by. She distantly heard people gossip about the earlier occurrences, but she was more worried about how Scott was faring to pay all that much attention. She quickly straightened up when Dr Brooks came out of the room and greeted her. The solemn expression on his face caused her some momentary anxiety until he reassured that Scott was doing fine and the restraints had been removed.

"He's obviously tired after everything he's gone through, and he needs to rest," the doctor explained. Shoulders slumping, Veronica assumed she wouldn't be allowed to see Scott for awhile until Dr Brooks continued, "I'm hoping you'll help me out and make sure Ensign Hartmann takes it easy for a bit. SEALs are notoriously bad at following medical advice." Giving him a toothy grin, Veronica said, "Sir, even doctors are bad at following medical advice, but I'd be happy to keep an eye on him and make sure he rests."

Waving farewell, Veronica tapped on the door and walked in, feeling suddenly shy. Unsure what kind of reception she'd get after he had time to process everything that had gone on, she stalled just inside the room while the two of them simply exchanged looks. He initially looked upset to see her with something of a frown on his face, and she tried to figure out how to backpedal from the room without looking like a complete idiot.

Suddenly, he gave her a huge smile, which near about took her breath away, and said her name. I feel much better now. I'd love for you to stay a while, if that's okay with you, Ronnie.

Approaching the bed, she smiled tremulously as she said, "I'm under orders to make sure you take it easy, Ensign... so you're in luck." Giving in to the driving need to touch him, she reached out and stroked the back of his hand, telling herself she was only following Dr Brooks' orders.

"I'm really sorry... I feel like this is all my fault."

 

[Niceandbrutal]

"I'm under orders to make sure you take it easy, Ensign... so you're in luck."

And then she touched his hand, and he felt some more of the tension in his body fading away. He told himself it was only because he'd longed for a woman, any woman, to touch him again. But a small part of his brain knew better. He let out something between a sigh and a contented moan as her soft and light hand gently caressed his. What she said next floored him.

"I'm really sorry... I feel like this is all my fault."

Scott rushed to reassure her; "Ronnie... no. Never think that. It's not your fault you were taken hostage. It's not your fault Elisabeth died. It's not your fault the taliban attacked the base. It's not your fault I've reached my limit at the sharp end of the spear. And it's really not your fault that that sorry excuse of a man, Peter Berg, is a gutless coward and a jealous petty little man." Scott never raised his voice. He sounded angry but his voice softened, almost faltered, with what he said next: "And it isn't your fault that I have dangerous muscle memory."

What he didn't add was: It might be your fault that I've come to care so much about you. Instead he placed his hand on top of hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for staying with me, Ronnie." He was almost whispering now.

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica tried to hide her grimace at some of his words as she continued to lightly stoke his hand. There were still some topics she was just not ready to think about... Topics that had been wrapped up and stuffed into the far recesses of her mind. If and when she unlocked the door holding them back, she'd pull them out one at a time and face their painful truths... But she wasn't ready... and she felt like it was her duty to be strong and calm for the handsome man before her.

The whole issue with Dr Berg still confounded her. She wasn't exactly sure what had gotten into him, other than he had seemed to have fixated on her following their rescue. She had never really paid much attention to him as his overall attitude had always been too condescending for her taste, and she certainly had never given him any indication she'd be interested in him. That still didn't explain why he had gone after Scott like he had, except....

At the next thought, her hand stalled its motion for a beat or two before she mentally dismissed it. Hero worship... That's all it is... In her line of work, she had seen it happen too many times when a patient had become attached to a particular doctor or nurse that had 'saved' them. She was positive that was the case here. Just because he was handsome, brave... Sexy?!

Taking a deep breath, she picked the one topic she figured was safe for her, and one which seemed to her he was shouldering too much guilt over. "I have to disagree with you... Yes, you have muscle memory," she said, her eyes flicking across his body with a level of appreciation she couldn't hide, "but I also knew better... It was one of the things they went over with us when I got here... On the off chance that we ended up being called in to assist with medical treatment for soldiers." She shrugged lightly, "So I'm going to have to overrule you, Ensign... Nothing you did because of your training was your fault - it's engrained in you to protect you... and that's all there is to it."

Thank you for staying with me, Ronnie.

Veronica gave him a slightly wobbly smile as he placed his hand on her much smaller one and gave it a squeeze, marveling how gentle he always was. She leaned over and kissed his cheek before saying, "I wouldn't have it any other way, Ensign..."

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Her kiss did more for his sanity than all the talking he'd done. His mind quieted down. The tension left his shoulders and neck with that little peck on the cheek.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Ensign...

"Neither would I, Ronnie," he said, throwing caution to the winds. Then he repeated, more quietly: "Neither would I."

She had a calming effect on him like no one else had ever had. And it hurt him to think of what she'd been through. In all the brouhaha surrounding him and his meltdown, Scott had almost forgotten about what Ronnie was, or as might be the case, wasn't going through. But she was tough, maybe too tough for her own good.

Still holding her hand and gently stroking the back of her hand with his thumb, he asked her: "So how are you doing, Ronnie?" He couldn't get over how soft her skin was.

 

[Angeleyz]

Neither would I, Ronnie.

Veronica hoped her cheeks weren't as pink as they felt as she clutched his words to her heart. She felt like a grade schooler with her first crush, but it was decidedly better than dealing with the other things that clamored for attention in the far recesses of her mind.

Almost mesmerized by the movement of his thumb across the back of her hand, his tan skin a dark contrast against her fairer complexion, Veronica almost didn't catch his question about how she was doing. Her fingers tightening slightly in agitation, she blinked a couple of times before responding in a light voice, "Well I won't be able to play softball anytime soon, but I can't complain..."

A sudden, rapid knocking on the door startled her and she would have pulled free of his hand if he hadn't held on. Turning her head, she watched as one of the corpsman brought in a tray bearing some water and some fruit. "Dr Brooks said you needed a light snack, Ensign Hartmann... He expects you to eat it all." Turning to Veronica, he added, "You're supposed to make sure he follows doctor's orders, ma'am."

 

[Niceandbrutal]

"Well I won't be able to play softball anytime soon, but I can't complain..."

He couldn't help but notice how she clammed up, and it pained him to see her like this. He had reached the end of his tether and had had a fairly massive breakdown. He felt pretty sure she could be helped back on her feet if only she'd be willing to talk.

"Ronnie..." he began softly, concern in his voice. He was interrupted by a loud knocking on the door, causing them both to flinch. The medic waltzed in with fresh fruit and water with clear orders: eat! And she was supposed to see to it that he ate it all. This caused Scott some consternation. He was no cripple, and Ronnie's wounds were worse than his!

He waited until the medic had left before he spoke: "Physically I'm all right. It's just that my mind can't take it any more. I should be feeding this fruit to YOU, Ro- mgflp!" With a little smile she had shoved a piece of mango into his open mouth. Her finger touched his lips just for an instant. He chewed on the tasty piece of fruit, smiling as he did so. He grabbed a slice of orange and looked at her and nodded towards her. A smile played across his face as he remembered how he'd gotten his niece to eat. "Open up the tunnel for the choo-choo train," he said in a sing-song voice as his hand with the piece of fruit closed on her mouth.

 

[Angeleyz]

Physically I'm all right. It's just that my mind can't take it any more. I should be feeding this fruit to YOU, Ro- mgflp!

Veronica couldn't help shoving the piece of mango into his mouth. Besides the fact that he seemed determined to talk about things her own mind shied away from, she was under orders to make sure he ate, was she not? The fact that his face registered shock at her abrupt movement caused her lips to twitch, and she couldn't help the lingering touch she allowed on his lips, telling herself that it was only to collect the small drop of juice that formed there.

The smile that crossed his face did odd things to her stomach, and it coaxed her to smile more fully at him. It caused his whole face to lighten... To become more relaxed... Less hardened... And oh so much more approachable. Little lines radiated from the corners of his eyes inviting her to trace them with her finger, and she had to fight the desire to do just that.

Veronica looked at him quizzically when he picked up the orange slice and nodded in her direction. Thinking perhaps he was going to be a good soldier and eat without her prodding, she watched as his smile grew wider and he said "Open up the tunnel for the choo-choo train," and moved the orange towards her mouth.

Opening her lips to receive the proffered fruit, Veronica felt a little tug at the intimate gesture. She ended up closing her mouth on his fingers before he could totally withdraw them and gave them a little suckle before releasing them. Dropping her eyes to the plate of fruit, she chewed quickly before murmuring, "Sorry about that..." Clearing her throat, Veronica scanned the other options and then asked, "Grape?" without looking up.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

She opened up wide and let him place the little morsel of fruit in her mouth. And then her mouth closed on his fingers. His heart skipped a beat and he felt electrified as he slowly, almost unwillingly pulled his fingers out. It was the closest thing he'd had to an erotic moment in months, the last time being with a SEAL groupie. They hung around bars in Coronado and tried to bed the supermen of the Navy. That had been good. THIS was something else, he realized. This could spell trouble. Or it could mean something he didn't even dare think about.

"Sorry about that..."

"Don't be. I'm not," he answered her. He didn't give a damn if he stepped over a line with her now. He'd developed a crush on this woman even before he'd met her. If this scared her off, it wasn't meant to be, he decided. On the other hand, this was as far as he would push her.

"Grape?"

"Yes please," he answered her. She plucked a grape and approached his mouth slowly, their eyes locking. He realized he didn't just have a crush on her, he wanted her. But he didn't want to push her too hard. And he needed to slow things down, seeing the confused state he was in. Nevertheless, when she put the grape to his lips he quickly sucked it inside his mouth and planted a quick kiss on her fingertips. "Thank you for being here for me, Ronnie. It means more to me than you think."

They weren't that far apart from each other now. He wanted to close the distance, to hold her and kiss her. It was an almost physical ache in him.

 

[Angeleyz]

Don't be. I'm not.

Veronica wanted to groan. Four words... Four measly words and she was all but puddling by the bed. What the hell was wrong with her that four simple words would affect her so? She wasn't even sure if he meant them the way she was taking them.

God, she was out of practice. Before the accident she had no problem with the whole flirting thing. She and Mo would go out to bars, and they'd end up leaving with so many phone numbers and offers that they had jokingly talked about auctioning them off. After the accident... she didn't have time for the distraction that boys caused... Not when she wanted to go into nursing and help others the way she had been helped. Now she couldn't tell if he was really flirting or just being polite.

Picking up a grape once he agreed, Veronica looked up and tried to keep her hand from shaking as she brought it to his lips. There was an odd look on his face, and she wished she was brave enough to ask him what he was thinking... but she wasn't. Feeding him the grape, she started to withdraw her fingers when he gave her fingers a light kiss.

Thank you for being here for me, Ronnie. It means more to me than you think.

Not wanting to sound flippant, but convinced she was attaching more meaning behind his words than he meant, Veronica smiled faintly and leaned over to give his nose a little flick. "Sometimes even rescuers need rescuing, eh Ensign?" she said lightly.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

"Sometimes even rescuers need rescuing, eh Ensign?"

This was accompanied by a little flick on his nose. Was she making fun of him? There was no malice in her voice or her eyes, not as far as he could see, at least. But still there was the uncertainty. They had only just met, through dramatic circumstances. He didn't know her all that well. Still, he felt there was... something between them. He chanced on being serious with her.

"I'll say. I've been bottling things up for too long and it's come back to bite me in the ass. It isn't healthy."

He was testing her a bit now. He knew the look on her face. She was bottling things up the same way he had been. And look where it landed him.

He gently took hold of her good hand. "Ronnie, please don't refer to me by my rank. Call me Scott or Scotty. I mean, what if I started calling you 'nurse' after all we've been through. Would you like that, Ronnie?"

He tried to lock his eyes with hers, tried to silently beg her to let go the way he hadn't.

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica watched a shadow pass over his face and wondered what she had done or said wrong. She was purposefully trying to keep things light-hearted and friendly as much as she dared, although perhaps she had pushed things when she had flicked his nose.

'When will you learn to keep your hands to yourself, Price?' she mentally scolded herself. Brought up in loving, but physically distant home, she had always yearned for the easy, casual touches that her friends were so free to distribute, but were so impossibly hard for her to do. Her attempts always came out wrong if she were the one to initiate, except for the time she had clung to her mother's hand after the accident and earlier with Scott.

I'll say. I've been bottling things up for too long and it's come back to bite me in the ass. It isn't healthy.

Looking up sharply at his words, Veronica was instantly flooded with panic, afraid that he wanted to push through the doors that she was trying to keep locked shut. There were things behind those doors, scary things... that she didn't want to acknowledge, much less talk about. Her muscles bunched with the need to move, to run, no flee.. from even the thought of cracking open the doors... even for her handsome rescuer who was so prominent in her thoughts. She would have pushed herself up and made some flimsy excuse about him needing to rest had he not gently clasped her hand in his much larger one.

Ronnie, please don't refer to me by my rank. Call me Scott or Scotty. I mean, what if I started calling you 'nurse' after all we've been through. Would you like that, Ronnie?

At his words, her eyes became shiny with unshed tears. Unable to look into his beautiful blue eyes, Veronica dropped her eyes to their clasped hands, struggling to contain the flood of emotion that was seething inside like a tsunami. She hadn't even realized what she was calling him and how it might be construed.

"No," she whispered, in a voice quavering from the wash of emotions coursing though out her body, "I'm... sorry.... Scott." She wanted to say more, but had to press her lips tightly together in an attempt to hold back the sobs that wanted to escape.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

She was close. For her own good, he needed to push her over, to give her that release. Her voice quavered and her eyes were shiny. And then, with the smallest of voices, she apologised to him. That was all he could take.

He leaned forward and embraced her in a firm but gentle bear hug. His on voice quavering with emotions, he told her: "Let it all out, Ronnie. You're safe here with me. DO NOT let the bastards that beat you and killed Elisabeth win! You owe it to yourself to let go now, unless you want to end up like crazy ol' Hartmann. In the loony bin."

He gently rocked her and stroked her hair, hoping that she would feel safe enough to give in and vent.

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica was shocked when Scott enfolded her in his arms and pulled her close for a hug.

Let it all out, Ronnie. You're safe here with me. DO NOT let the bastards that beat you and killed Elisabeth win! You owe it to yourself to let go now, unless you want to end up like crazy ol' Hartmann. In the loony bin.

His softly spoken, but obviously heartfelt words chipped away at the locks on the doors she was trying to keep closed. Choking, Veronica tried to keep her emotions under control, but he was making it so hard and it felt so wonderful to have his arms wrapped around her.

His fingers stroking her hair caused her to nuzzle into his chest as the first of the tears began to leak from her tightly shut eyes. Spilling silently down her cheeks as the locks disintegrated and the doors creaked open, still shots from her capture and subsequent captivity filled her mind. Full body shudders wracked her small frame as she once again relived her experiences from the terrifying moments of the attack on the truck in front of hers, to her mad scramble to safety, to her capture from behind.

Her mouth opened and closed as she recounted the beatings and torture, and the certainty that she was going to be killed at any moment over something she couldn't understand... Being terrified that she'd never see home again. She cried and cried, but always silently, as if afraid that by making noises she'd have to acknowledge she actually was crying and would cut herself off, shut herself down again.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

At first he thought he'd failed. She didn't object to being hugged by him, but neither did the wails and loud sobs he'd hoped for materialize. Then he felt his shirt getting damp as she nuzzled closer to him. And then she started shuddering.

Tears filled his eyes again as he just held her and let her vent in her own way. Tightening his embrace, almost cocooning her, he kissed the top of her head gently and muttered: "I'm so sorry this had to happen to you, Ronnie. But you're safe now. No one will harm you while I'm here. If you want to wail and cry, that's okay. It's just us here. If you don't, that's okay too. You have been incredibly brave, sweetheart."

While talking, he continued rocking her gently and stroking her hair. She had been through an ordeal that might very well have broken him. And her first impulse on the chopper? Comforting him.

He smiled fondly as he remembered the first touch from those small and soft, warm and firm hands. Already then he knew she was someone special, but he'd been too busy co-ordinating the mission to fully acknowledge what that one single compassionate action had meant to him. She had cracked his facade, made him long for a normal life where he didn't have to consider killing anyone, where he didn't have to fear death every time he went out on a job.

"You made me realise just how sick I am of my job, Ronnie. I want a normal life. I'm sick and tired of this shit. I want to wake up knowing that I'm not going to be shot at today."

He held her still, gently rocking her.

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica lost track of how long she carried on, mourning Elizabeth and lamenting the idea of little David growing up without his adoring mother. She had no concept of how long Scott held her... soothed her... made her feel safe in the circle of his arms. She thought he might have actually kissed the top of head as he assured her that nothing would happen to her while he was with him, but that was probably just wishful thinking.

And that was the problem... She couldn't stay enfolded in his arms forever, her head nestled against his chest, hiding from the rest of the world. She had a contract to complete.... at least she thought she did. She couldn't remember there being an escape clause for getting captured and terrorized...

Her sobs subsided into hiccups and sniffles, knowing if she could make lame jokes to herself that the worse of it had to be over. She felt lighter somehow... Still sad about Elizabeth and David... But lighter.

You made me realise just how sick I am of my job, Ronnie. I want a normal life. I'm sick and tired of this shit. I want to wake up knowing that I'm not going to be shot at today.

Veronica couldn't begin to imagine the kind of stress that Scott and his fellow soldiers had to go through every day, although a small, pitiful voice deep inside whined something about how she'd likely be dead if Scott hadn't been there to rescue her. She was instantly ashamed by her selfish thought and gave his chest a discreet kiss as an apology.

She knew she should push herself up and let him get his rest, but she couldn't bring herself to leave the circle of his arms... just a few more minutes and she'd get up... just a few more.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Getting to embrace Veronica and hold her tight soothed Scott's nerves more than he could imagine. He felt useful again, getting to be there for her. Her sobs slowly subsided. As he spoke, she kissed him on his chest, making his heart flutter. He didn't want this moment to end, ever. It felt so good, so right to sit here embracing her.

He felt selfish though. He'd wanted to just be there for her, but it turned out he'd needed this intimate moment as much as she had. His stress had drained away and he felt calm because of her. He looked down at her tear-streaked face and used the thumb on one of his coarse hands to as gently as possible wipe away her tears. To him it felt like sandpaper dragging along silk sheets, but as long as she didn't complain, he wouldn't stop. The wiping segued gently into caresses of her cheeks and her chin, and he told himself he should stop RIGHT NOW!

But he continued his gentle caresses unless she protested. And he whispered to her, throwing caution to the winds: "I wish this moment would never end, Ronnie."

 

[Angeleyz]

Veronica tried to duck when Scott looked down at her, afraid that her face was red and splotchy from crying. It was bad enough that she had totally soaked the front of his shirt with her tears, couldn't she salvage a little self respect?

When he took his thumb and started wiping away her tears, she nearly closed her eyes from the sheer tenderness in his expression. Who knew that such a hardened soldier could have such a gentle touch? He kept up his careful ministrations, and she had to fight the urge to press her cheek into his hand, like a kitten begging for a stroke.

I wish this moment would never end, Ronnie.

His whispered comment almost brought a fresh bout of tears to her eyes. She had been thinking the very same thing, but admitting it aloud scared her to death. However, after everything they had been through, it seemed wrong for her not to tell him.

"I do too, Scott..." she said in a tone so low she wasn't sure he'd heard her.

 

[Niceandbrutal]

Her expression subtly changed when he voiced his wish to her. He'd registered her trying to hide her teary face, something that felt almost like an insult to him. But he decided not to feel hurt. He could be very vain himself when the mood seized him. He heard her faint whisper, a reply to his wish:

"I do too, Scott..."

He tightened his arms around her in another hug, happier than he'd been in months, maybe years. He looked down again, trying to lock eyes with her. Did he dare?

He did.

He gently but firmly kissed her forehead.