The Last One She Expected (closed for lmcms)

[lmcms]

It was a while later when Noreen woke back up and she was instantly fearful that her room was dark and she couldn't see. She had had nightmares about the abduction and torture and wasn't really fully awake now. She feared perhaps she had only dreamed her rescue and Tim and she was really still trapped with the demented man.

She tried to curl herself up but everything hurt and there tubes and such attached to her. She gave a sound of distress in her confusion and fear.

 

[Armphid]

From the darkness of the room; black and thick, there came further sounds. Something creaked as weight shifted and there was the faint sound of steps, staggered and a bit out of pace. There was a rustling rush coupled with a faint clink and then a sliver of illumination pierced the gloom. Light from the parking lot lights slipped in through the now parted curtains to give form and color to the former blackness.

"Nora, it's all right." Tim's voice was a bit thick. He'd fallen asleep in the chair across the room sometime after returning from doing as much of the paperwork as he could. It was very much against hospital rules for him to be here now but he'd been able to persuade a few of the nurses that Nora might need a familiar presence if she woke up the night after what had happened.

"I'm here, you're safe, it's all fine." He was speaking softly, as he wasn't sure if she actually was awake. That noise might just have been something she did when asleep or from whatever she was dreaming about.

 

[lmcms]

Hearing his words and seeing a small bit of light now in the room she realized she was in the hospital and safe for the moment. Her eye instantly began prodding the darkness for him searching for her Tim and at the moment he was hers. She saw the darkened form across the room and reached for him not sure if he could see her she hoarsely whispered, "Timmy? I'm scared."

The words were not clear but it was the most words she had stung together since the accident and it hurt to say them but she was more scared at the moment and needed to feel his presence closer to her to beable to touch him and know that everything was really okay that she was really safe. If this was the dream she knew she didnot want to wake up from it. At least here with him she was safe and secure. "Timmy?" She whispered again as the shape began to move.

 

[Armphid]

The words were rough and low, so quiet they were almost absent but the raw emotion in them made them almost like thunder. His heart ached and he felt a sudden desire to pull Nora into his arms and hold her, to stroke her hair and tell her she was safe, she was with him, she was his.

All of which was both very inappropriate, assumptive, and unwise given that she still had the IV in.

But she did want his comfort and need it and he wanted to give that to her.

Tim crossed the room to stand by the bed. "I know you're scared. It makes sense to be scared. But you don't have to be either. It's okay. You're going to to be all right. And I'm here with you."

He took her closest hand in his, giving it a squeeze. "You can feel me, right? So you know this isn't a dream. You're safe and that's real."

 

[lmcms]

Nora swallowed and as soon as he took her hand she felt connect a part of something and so she clung to his hand not wanting to lose the feel of it ever. She lifted ther hands and lightly rubbed the less injured side of her face against his palm being careful to avoid causing herself more pain. "Don't let go." She whispered.

She knew she wouldn't beable to handle it if he let go at that moment because if he did let go she was scared it would all turn out to be a dream she needed to touch him to have him hold her in some way even if it was just her hand so that she knew where she was and that she would be okay.

She kept rubbing her less injured cheek against the back of his hand letting his touch warm and comfort her in a way she was sure he had no intention of doing but while he held her hand and she lighlty rubbed against him he was hers. That was all that matter to her at the moment was that he was there, she was safe, and maybe for a little while she could pretend her first love had come back for her instead of leaving her behind when he went off to school.

 

[Armphid]

Tim smiled and felt his eyes sting a bit. God, she was so vulnerable right now and so...still so precious and so pretty. Despite all the bruises and the black eye, she looked great to his eyes.

He had thought about her from time to time since college and entering the Bureau but always in a what could have been or what's she doing now sort of way. That they'd meet again had never crossed his mind. He hadn't consciously been carrying a torch for her but she was the first girl he'd ever loved and that left a mark. You never really forgot her.

All those feelings, long tempered and cooled, rose in him now as she nuzzled his hand and all but begged him not to let her go. God. His heart felt like it might burst from his chest.

"Shh, I won't let go." He moved his hand to cup the less injured side of her face, gently stroking it. His other hand moved to re-take hers. "I won't let go and I won't leave." Yet. He'd have to leave eventually...wouldn't he?

Tim wasn't so sure now. Somehow, he had a feeling, an instinct, that things were going to change. "I'm sorry I wasn't in touch after I left, if you feel like I abandoned you. But I won't now."

 

[lmcms]

Noreen turned her head into his touch closing her eyes letting the feeling of safety and security come over her. His touch was soft and gentle she wanted to talk to him but talking still hurt and it was too dark and she was too tired to write anything. She felt light hearted and safe at his words though she was sure they were both taking two diffrent meanings. The way she saw it though was she had almost been killed and was stuck in the hospital so if she wanted to live in a fantasy world she could.

She opened her eyes and looked up at him as a tear leaked from the corner of her eyes. "Lay with me please?" She asked softly wincing at the pain speaking the words caused but looked up at him longingly.

She had loved Tim for as long as she could remeber and thought for sure he would die when he went off to college without telling her good-bye. Her ex-husband said it was her own fault he had cheated because he knew deep down that she had always loved someone else and he was just a filler.

 

[Armphid]

The way she responded to his touch and his words was incredible. He'd never seen her, or anyone really, react with such emotional power to such simple things. But were they that simple? In her hurt and her pain, did what he said and did mean the same thing to them both?

He would ask her but not right now. Right now, she needed this. And he wanted to be here for her.

Her question struck him as if it were a blow and he blinked slowly. Had she just asked...she had. She wanted him to...God damn.

How many times had he imagined her saying that to him? Well, not quite that but variations on it, and usually with a naughtier meaning, but still it was something out of his past fantasies to hear it.

It was also a stupendously bad idea. If it was reported to the hospital staff or they discovered it, or his colleagues or the local police did, there would be hell to pay. Suspension, possibly dismissal, even charges.

But the look in her eyes was breaking his heart.

"All right." God, this was going to get him in trouble. But he wanted it and she needed it. "I'm going to let go for a minute, okay? But I'll, um, I'll lay with you." He gave her hand a squeeze before releasing it and then moving to the far side of the bed. He shifted the plastic railing there in its catch and then down.

His heart was beating faster and he felt a surge of fear and excitement based energy through him. Tim turned around and then slowly, carefully sat down on the bed; trying to make as little noise as possible. He lifted one leg up and swung himself around to place it on the bed, then the other. Tim took a deep breath and lay back, rolling over onto his side to face Nora.

God, she was so close. A few inches away.

He put a hand on one of hers, "Better? Just nod or shake your head, I know talking hurts."

 

[lmcms]

She whimpered when he let go of her hand and she almost wanted to cry at the loss. She relaxed when he settled onto the bed beside her. She could tell he was hesitant but she was scared and she needed him and she couldn't use words to express herself and what she was feeling or going throw. "Better? Just nod or shake your head, I know talking hurts." He said covering her hand.

She noded and scutted a little closer til she was almost against him and could feel the warmth of his skin heating her chilled body making her relax. She felt bad as rested her head against his shoulder knowing he was uncomfortable and might get in trouble her guilt and her fear warred within her but her fear won out. Her guilt got it's say too though as she managed to whisper "Sorry without opening her jaw enough to really hurt.

Knowing he was there beside her and feeling the warmth of his body seeping into hers she quickly and comfortable began to fall back asleep feeling safe and warm and protected.

 

[Armphid]

He shook his head when she apologized, "It's all right." Tim blushed a bit, not that she could tell in the dark, "I never imagined it quite this way, but, uh, the idea of laying down with you is far from bad."

She cuddled closer and he actually moved to put an arm across her body. He was careful to avoid the spots he knew were hurt or sensitive. She was asleep almost before he did though, her head resting on his shoulder.

God, he felt so...so. He wasn't even sure how to put his thoughts into words in his own head. She was so small and delicate and so lovely...and she wanted him there, she felt safe and protected because of him.

It made him feel ten feet tall and like he never wanted to let her go.

But he'd have to. And sooner than he wanted to think about.

Tim watched her sleep for a time, possibly hours, studying her features before he drifted off himself. He awoke in the early morning, the sun barely creeping over the horizon. The young agent stayed in the bed beside the woman he was starting to love again as long as he felt it was safe for them both, relishing the feel of her warm, soft, feminine body so close to his.

When the nurses started moving around outside, he kissed her forehead and slipped off the bed, but made a point to keep a hold of her hand as he sat in the chair beside her.

 

[lmcms]

Noreen woke slowly the sun telling her it was about mid morning. She realized instantly that she was alone in the bed but could feel somone holding her hand. Looking over she saw Tim sitting beside the bed He had not let her go even when he had to get out of the bed. She put her hand to her lips and arched them down toward her lap signing "Thank you".

A nurse came in with a liquid breakfast for her because of her Jaw and the surgery on her stomach she was not aloowed to have anything solid. After the nurse walked out she took a sip and turned to Tim crinckling her nose showing her distaste for the meal. She wasn't sure how but there was a white board and earse marker on the tray and she wrote him a quick message.

This morning would be good if not for this horrid meal so I'll skip the good and just say Morning.

She drew a smiley face at the end and then showed him the message.

 

[Armphid]

Tim chuckled and smiled; his clothes were wrinkled and rumpled but his eyes were bright. Seeing her happy was a nice change of pace from the understandable distress and fear she'd been going though. She also just looked really good when she smiled. "I can sympathize, hospital food is rarely that good when it's solid."

He got out of the chair and stretched, wincing a little as he moved. "You slept pretty well after, uh, you know, I, um...joined you." He hated that he was blushing. Some big, strong FBI agent he was! "Are you feeling any better?"

 

[lmcms]

She chuckeled under her breath and erased the previous message. She wrote out her reply.

Yes I slept much better no more nightmare.
Thank you, I know it made you uncomfortable
and I'm sorry for that.

She turned the board to him again so he could see what she had said with a sad smile on her face.

 

[Armphid]

He rubbed the back of his neck as he stood by the bedside, "Well, it didn't make me uncomfortable exactly. I was worried about what could happen if certain someones found out or that I might jar one of your injuries but...the actual sleeping with you part, I...that was, um, I liked that."

He laughed again, nervously this time, "I'd thought about being in bed with you before, I won't lie, but not like that." Tim was blushing again. Damn it! "Which is wholly inappropriate for me to say, but, well, at least I'm being honest."

Hoo, boy. He was going to be in serious trouble if the others found out. Rosenberg would report it and there's be fallout from that. But Anna would never stop teasing him about it.

"So, uh...I'm not really sure what to say now. Sorry."

 

[lmcms]

Noreen actually gave a small laugh then winced a little.

It's okay I thought about it too
and not like last night.
I think if I looked back you
would be my first love. I
understand about last night.
And I'm sorry for putting you
in a spot like that.

She plushed as she turned the board to him before she could erase it and lose her nerve.

 

[Armphid]

Tim fell slowly back into his chair; his face shocked and disbelieving. Had he read that right? It couldn't be...but it seemed pretty clear. She...had thought and felt that way about...about him?

"Nora, I...wow. I never imagined, I mean...I had the biggest crush on you and I...had no idea you felt that way. I'm sorry." What could have been if he had known? If he had told her how he felt? Probably no way to know now. "I thought I'd gotten, you know, over those feelings. But being back here again and seeing you...it's all coming back to me."

This, also, was wholly inappropriate. But honest.

"I shouldn't have even stayed here last night, let alone did what you asked, but...I wanted to because it was you. I don't know if that helps or makes you feel better in any way, but...I think you should know that."

 

[lmcms]

Noreen lifted her hand up and reached for him lightly caressing his face her face showing the softness she felt for him. Her action and expression showing she felt the same way he did without her having to use words. After a few moments of volume speaking violence she pulled her hand away and went to writing.

The other agents, the ones from last night,
they are going to want to talk to me
today aren't they?

She turned it to him and steeled herself knowing that they would and she would have to relive it yet again. She knew it probably wouldn't be the last time she had to either.

 

[Armphid]

The hand on his face made him feel wonderful. How strange, it was really such a simple thing. Her hand was warm and soft and he found himself almost nuzzling against her palm Their eyes met and he was surprised and deeply touched at the depth and power of the emotion there. It made his heart swell in his chest with compassion, with pride, and with an answering love.

He was almost glad she took her hand away and changed the subject. Tim had no idea what to do or say in response to that. Well, he did, but they were ideas that were probably not good ones given her condition.

He read her question and thought a moment. "You gave us a pretty thorough recount of things yesterday on my notepad. They'll probably have a few questions, some points they'll want cleared up but you probably won't have to go through the whole thing again." He shook his head, "I'm not sure about the local police. They may want to take a separate statement; they sometimes do."

Tim reached out to pat one of her slender shoulders. "I know that talking about is hard. You've been very brave to do so."

 

[lmcms]

Noreen blushed but gave him a small smile.

I don't feel very brave.
In fact I feel more like a coward.
When will they be here?
I'm so scared Timmy.

She showed him what she wrote and waited for his answer nervously.

 

[Armphid]

He read her message and leaned back in his chair a moment to think. Tim wanted to say something to help here. "You know, feeling scared doesn't make you a coward. Feelings don't really make the difference, what you do matters. And despite being scared, you've faced what happened. That's why it's brave. I understand it might not feel that way, but that's how it is."

The profiler glanced up at the clock on the wall. "My colleagues would check in to see if you're awake first and then come by. I'd guess that since the nurse brought your, um, breakfast by already, they'll be here in about fifteen to twenty minutes."

He looked over at her, "You should drink some more of it, you know. It tastes bad but it will help you heal and get out of here faster."

 

[lmcms]

Noreen wrinkled her nose at him showing her distaste for the idea but leaned forward like a good girl and began taking a few sips. She didn't know what this stuff was and good help her if she did know she might not even beable to get down as much as she was trying to. She reached out with one hand to touch him while she had the chance before his colleages arrived.

Once she managed she pushed the drink away shaking her head indicating that she was done and couldn't handle anymore of it. She laid her head back and closed her eyes with a sigh.

 

[Armphid]

Tim took her hand when she reached out, rubbing the back of it with his thumb while he held it. It was funny how pleasant it was. He was thinking that a lot around her.

He chuckled at the face she made but understood. "Best not to force it. If you're done, you're done." She laid back and he smiled, watching her close her eyes. "Rest a little bit. I'll be right here."

It was ten minutes later that his colleagues arrived. He saw them coming down the corridor through the glass before they saw him and placed Nora's hand back onto the bed, standing and walking to the door.

He opened it just as Rosenberg was reaching for the door knob. The older man blinked and then nodded. "Morning, Douglas. How is she?"

"Resting, sir." Tim stepped into the doorway, "She may have fallen asleep, but I'm not sure. Mentally, she's been very focused when awake, though her injuries keep her from talking. One of the nurses gave her a white board to write on."

Anna was hanging back a little, looking at Tim speculatively. Mostly as his slightly rumpled clothing, his stubble, and that he was wearing the same clothes as yesterday. A little smile played on her lips.

"Do you think she's up to answering a few questions?" Rosenberg looked past him at the bed and the resting woman in it. "There are a few points we'd like to clarify from her account."

"I'll see, sir," Tim answered. He walked into the room and as he did so, felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out, a new text message having come in. He opened it and blinked. The text was from Anna and it read "You stayed here last night, right? So cute!"

Tim looked back to see the blond slipping her own phone back into her pocket. She grinned at him. He looked back and gave a slight shrug before going to Nora's bed. "Nora, if you're feeling up to it, Agents Rosenberg and Marshall do have a few questions for you."

 

[lmcms]

She cracked her eyes open and peeked up at him debating for a minute before shrugging as if to say might as well get it over with. She sat up as best she could and pulled the white board and marker to her and wrote down.

Hello agents how can I help this
wanderous morning?

She turned the board to face the three of them rolling her eyes to show it was anyting but a wanderous morning.

 

[Armphid]

The other agents came into the room as Tim waved them in. Noreen held up the white board and rolled her eyes. Anna's grin widened and Rosenberg smiled for a brief moment. "Miss Campton, thank you," he said. "We won't take up much of your time. I'm sorry that we have to do this but there are a few points we'd like to ask you about."

Tim had returned to his seat by the bed. He couldn't touch her during this but he could at least be close by her side.

Anna noted his placement and quirked her eyebrows but then turned her attention back to Noreen. "Miss Campton, I'm Special Agent Anna Marshall. We wanted to know a little more about the speech of the man that took you. Did he use any particular phrases while he was ranting? Did any names come up?"

Tim let out a soft noise of understanding and looked over at Nora, "Men with these kinds of delusions and feelings of victimization often try to find like-minded people. Similar people in the past have had partners or sort of side kicks who'd continue on for them."

Rosenberg nodded. "That's correct. We haven't found any indication of that here, thankfully, but we want to make sure to rule it out for good. Did he mention anyone else while he was talking to you?"

 

[lmcms]

Noreen and closed her eyes letting herself drift back to the horrid cellar. She could see him ranting and watch his expression and feel his touch but she couldn't hear his words over the ringing and blood rushing in her ear. She opened her eyes and erased the previous message so she could right.

I don't know I'm sorry I barely heard
anything he said over the ringing in my
ears. Well that and the sound of my
own blood rushing. I could tell ya almost
anything else but what he said. Sorry.

She turned the board back to them with a frown.