Traction

20

Brooklyn

I didn't know how long I was out, I didn't know how much more pain my body could handle. Although I could hear, and feel everything around me, no matter how hard I tried to open my eyes and assure Hank I was ok, I couldn't. All I was able to see was black, as if I was trapped in my own mind.

I felt his hand in my mine, the loving kiss placed on my forehead, the heartfelt words he spoke. I knew he was worried, that he was scared, but most of all I knew he was guilty and angry. Guilty at the fact that I was injured, and wanting the need of vengeance at Dante, something I was surprisingly ok with.

The hazel-eyed man may not speak much of his past, or the violent things he has done, but when it comes down to it I will never be ashamed of him. It is who he is, it is what he does to protect those he cares about.

Even in the trapped state I was in, I started to feel annoyed by the whole ordeal. Getting tortured and basically dying wasn't a great situation, but being unable to turn off the damn machines was the worst. The consistent beeping was starting to make me get agitated in my own mind. The pain that flared through my body was less irritating then the machine keeping my vitals in check.

I didn't know how much longer I would be stuck with my thoughts, the entire kidnapping experience being replayed in my mind over and over again. As much as I tried to block it all out, I couldn't seem to do that. It was like I was being forced to endure the everlasting torture.

It seemed like forever until my love returned by my side. The instant feeing of protection washing over me, something I knew even in an unconscious state. Hank always had that aura that made me feel safe even when he physically isn't touching me. The idea of him being nearby allowed the nightmares to subside for a little while.

With a feeling of a hand intertwining with mine, following with a tingling sensation, It was like my body knew it was time to wake from this terrifying dream. That it was time for me to face my demons head on. The mild pain I felt in my small coma intensified greatly as I started to come back to reality.

As the sounds around me started to increase, I blocked it all out, wanting to soul focus to be on Hank as I woke up. I would have to be dead to not realize the sergeant was worried, I mean I was dying and there was nothing he could do.

After a small amount of time, it was like the glue that once kept my eyes closed was gone, allowing me to open them slowly. Quickly forcing them shut due to the blinding of the lights, I blinked away the tears that surfaced at the idea of seeing my love again. Sucking up the brightness, I squeezed the older man's hand to let him know I was aware of his presence.

With a soft, tear filled tone I called out his name, his hazel eyes instantly connecting with mine. "Hank?". No matter how close to death I was, no matter the pain I am in, I felt so much relief being able to see him.

A soft sob escaped my lips as Hank's lips instantly attached to my forehead. "I'm right here darling". A look of peace washed over the man's features as the grip on my hand tightened, his way of making sure I was truly ok.

Gently cupping my face with his hands, love and tears filled his eyes the longer he stared at me. No doubt mine were doing the same. "Don't leave me". With a shake of his head, he leaned his forehead on mine, a gesture that shows security.

"Never in a million years darling".

True to his word Hank Voight never left my side, even though we both know he would have never left anyway. Through bruises and the cuts, he still looked at me like I was the most precious thing in the world. He wasn't bothered by the never ending whimpers and winces that slipped past my lips every time I moved. He would kiss my cheek and squeeze my hand to tell me I wasn't alone in this. That we would handle this together.

"Did you find Dante" I asked quietly locking my eyes with his. A familiar look of guilt flashed through his eyes as he nodded. No words needed to be said, as I knew what he had done. Carefully raising my hand towards his face, I caressed it softly.

As he leaned his head into my hand, I sent him a look of pride. "You have not reason to be guilty. I will never be ashamed of you, never be ashamed of what you do. No matter what, I will love you for you Hank Voight, and that is a promise"

With a weak grin on my face, the sergeant leaned down softly capturing my lips with his. It was soft and sweet, but one that will always cause butterflies to form in my stomach. "And I will always love you Brooklyn".

Sharing another soft kiss, a knock on the door frame turn both of our attentions towards the noise. There stood Kim Burgess, a look of relief in her eyes as she stared at me. Slowly holding my hand out for her, she entered the room cautiously at first before rushing over with such need. "Next time I'm taking the hits"

Giving an amused look, she squeezed my hand causing the tears to escaped from her eyes. Understanding the moment, Hank left the room for a few minutes not wanting to interrupt the two of us. "I was so freaking worried Brooke, I don't know what I would have done without you..."

While tears started to roll down my own cheek, I squeezed her hand forcing her eyes to meet mine. "If I had to do go back in time, I would do the same thing over and over again. It takes a lot more than that to kill me Kim Burgess, so I'm not going anywhere"

Our small reunion was needed, the brunette detective felt guilty for not taking any of the hits, she felt guilty for not protecting me. I didn't care, I would do it all over again because she is my best friend, and friends will do anything to protect another. "We are staying at someone's house and watching movies next time we have off"

When Hank re-entered the hospital room he instantly took a seat by my side, like it was his rightful place. The three of us talked for a few more minutes until the rest of Intelligence bounded into the room with handfuls of things in their arms. "We didn't want to show up empty handed"

The circumstances were crappy, the pain was agonizing but for this moment I was ok with it. I was with the people I belong with, my family. A family that would go through great lengths to protect the ones they care about, and bring the bad people to justice, no matter the price.

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