Like A Prayer{CALLIE}

[callie]

As Callie walked into the bedroom the soft cries eased as Isabelle sensed someones presents. Babies always had a way of getting what they wanted. "Hey pretty girl." She leaned over the bed and gawked the hazel eyes staring back at her. Her pillow barrier had worked well, seeing as the one year old was right where the woman had left her. Callie smiled lovingly at her daughter as she picked her up and cradled her. She was probably hungry and that was no surprise. Luckily for most of the year she could resort to breastfeeding. It was quite convenient with the lack of resources around but as her own body weight and food nutrition stopped so did her supply of milk. She had resorted to liquid or soft foods but knew that formula was needed.

"Ya, she just wants attention." Callie offered a warm smile to Luke as she walked back out into the living room with Belle in her arms. As he mentioned formula in the fridge her excitement raised. "Talk about coincidence." She let out a sigh of relief and stepped towards the man. "Do you mind?" She held out Isabelle for him to hold while she made a bottle. Once he took her she fled to the kitchen where she found some formula to warm up in the microwave. She only let the bottle with stand fifteen seconds and then checked its temperature on her wrist. Not to hot, not too cold.

As she rounded the corner, the brunette smiled at the site before her. She hadn't seen anyone hold Isabella since Mark was around. It was bittersweet. Callie took a spot next to him on the couch and offered him the bottle. "Want to feed her?" Normally she was quite protective of Belle and only allowed her to do the parenting things but she figured Luke had a little experience when Emma was a baby. It was actually quite soothing to take a break from playing the mother role but if he didn't want to then she would understand. They were practically strangers and wanting to help out with someone else's kid probably wasn't in his interested. Callie brushed some locks behind her ear and looked down as she waited for a response. She wasn't sure what she was expecting maybe this was how she was suppose to allow other people into her life.

[Sam Myers]

Luke blushed and nodded as he gently took Bella and the bottle. He began feeding her. It was a long time since he had held a baby in his arms. Emma was the only exception to that. It was a feeling that he missed terribly. Bella was simply adorable. she looked up at him with her big blue eyes. Luke's heart melted immediately. He looked up at Callie.

"She's certainly good for me . I'm surprised being a stranger" Luke said to her softly.

Once Bella was done with the bottle, Luke handed the bottle back to Callie. He made sure Bella belched properly and held her in his arms. She yawned and her little eyes got heavy. Luke turned to Callie.

He just shared a warm smile with her and turned his attention back onto Bella. Suddenly, a ear piercing scream erupted from Emma's room. He quickly jumped up and handed Bella carefully to Callie. He ran into the room and threw open Emma's door. She was thrashing around. Luke immediately went over to her and calmed her down. She burst into tears and began crying. Apparently she'd had a really bad nightmare.

After a few moments, Luke managed to calm her down a great deal more and once she was back out, Luke left her door open promising her that he was ok and that he was nearby if she needed him. he looked at Callie sheepishly.

"She had a nightmare" Luke explained to Callie.

[callie]

Callie admired Luke as he sat with Isabelle in his arms. She had been slightly surprised as he agreed to feeding her. There was no doubt that interacting with a baby came naturally to him, especially with his experience with his niece but to have open arms so someone else's child was heart warming. He even burped her properly after the bottle was empty. Belle hadn't received this kind of treatment from a man since Mark died. Not even her own father paid much attention to his granddaughter. He had been too concerned with finding a vaccine. He had paid little attention to the only people left in his life and when Callie had chosen to flee to Alaska, she was stunned that he even made an effort to protest. It had been a little to late for him at the time but he had been right. The twenty-five year old would admit that but she was still hurt by his lack of affection. Treating his own daughter like that was one with. She had grown use to it but she wouldn't allow it with Belle. The one year old needed some type of manly figure in her life. It was just up to Callie to find him...

The brunette offered back a warm smile as Luke continuously glanced at her but it quickly faded when she heard Emma screaming. She took Isabelle into her arms as he hurried off. She wanted to get up and help but hesitated, knowing it wasn't really her place. Instead she rocked the little on in her arms, hoping everything was okay as she patiently awaited his return. Her eyes fell upon the tall blonde as he stepped back into the room. She admired his looks as he stood before. Even the glasses were a nice touch. "That poor girl." Callie offered a consoling look in his direction. "Losing her parents must have been hard." Her eyes fell to the ground as she spoke softly. Losing anyone wasn't easy. The decision to hold on or to let go was the hardest part. Most chose never to move on. It was the easiest choice. The twenty-five year old knew from experience. "I'm sorry." She was quick to apologize for bringing it up. It probably wasn't an easy topic for Luke to talk about either.

[Sam Myers]

Luke swallowed, causing his Adams apple to bob a bit. He inhaled deeply and then responded to Callie.

"It was hard yes. Emma's mom was my sister. I miss her a lot. Emma looks just like Gillian" he said softly as he flopped on the couch beside Callie. "Emma's ok about it now, she knows that it wasn't her fault. Her nightmares stem from the zombies. She has a fear that I'm gonna get bitten and turn"

He looked at her seriously. "I told her not to worry that I am not going anywhere. She still has that nightmare on occasion"

Luke grinned at Bella and gently grabbed her hand. Bella giggled. Luke raised his blue eyes to Callie's. His face was inches from hers. He felt his glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose and he gently pushed them back up. He was really attracted to her now. He kept his gaze on hers before he leaned in more. His lips just barely grazed hers before he pulled back embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't do that" he said avoiding eye contact with her. He didn't want to appear too forward with her, as he wasn't sure how she had felt about him

[callie]

Callie couldn't help but smile as Luke gawked at Isabelle. The one year old was just as fascinated with him and that made her happy. The soft giggles and the twinkle of the child's eyes made anyone's heart melt. It especially left her mother at ease. She glanced back and forth between the two but stopped and kept her eyes on Luke as his face was inches from hers. Her heart started to race as she held her breath. Unsure of what to do she just sat there until Luke pressed his lips gently and quickly against hers. Butterflies were in her stomach as she too quickly looked away. Callie bit down on her lower lip as he apologized. It was as if the two had anticipated this kiss. Whether the two actually wanted it was unclear. It was no surprised that were a lot of mixed emotions, especially for the twenty-five year old. She wasn't sure how to deal with them or what exactly they meant. All she knew was that prince charming had saved her, easily sweeping Callie off her feet. She had t had feelings for a man since Mark and that scared her.

"It's okay." She spoke softly, assuring that no harm had been done. "I...um should be getting to bed." The brunette stood from the couch a bit more quickly than she should have. "It's been a long day." She held Belle close to her chest as she headed towards the hall. "Goodnight." Her auburn eyes flashed towards Luke before disappearing up stairs. Her blood was racing and her nerves were high. She had no idea how to respond other than fleeing. Callie placed her daughter towards the center of the bed and quickly looked threw the closest for some fresh clothes. She found a tank top and a pair of sweat pants that fit like they belonged to a man but she didn't mind. "What's wrong with you?" She spoke to herself as she ran and hand threw her hair and slid into the bed next to Isabelle. She hummed to the little one until she was fast asleep and then laid back against the pillow. Callie felt more alone than ever despite Lukes intentions. Clearly he only meant good and still she was pushing him away. She wasn't sure where she wanted this to go. She knew she would have to leave and find her father. She would be off on her own again but for the moment she didn't want to be alone.

Callie creeped out of the bedroom and down the stairs, hoping not to wake anyone. She slowly opened the door to Luke's room and stood for a few moments in hesitation.

[Sam Myers]

Luke watched her head off. He shook his head, feeling stupid.

Nice I blew it he thought to himself sighing. After Callie and Bella headed off to the spare bedroom, Luke headed off to his. He checked on Emma. She was alright.

Luke crawled into bed and dozed off shortly, not even bothering to turn down the comforter or blankets. He had his back to the door when a slither of light stretched across him. He felt a smile forming on his face and he slowly sat up. He groped around for his glasses and put them on. He blinked against the light. It was Callie.

"Is everything ok?" he asked her worriedly and with concen. If something was wrong Luke would most certainly help her out. He remained sitting upright in bed. His hair was a bit disheveled but he quickly ran a hand through it. He waved Callie in.

"Come on and sit here with me. I don't bite I promise" he said lightly holding his hands up in a surrender pose. He grinned at her broadly.

"Is Bella ok?" he implied. "Are you alright?" he peered at her and waited patiently for her to respond. He hadn't meant to make her uncomfortable, only wanted to show her his feelings.

He knew they had antcipated the kiss, but he felt a bit bad for doing that now. Clearly Callie was a bit uneasy and probably didn't need a guy kissing her or anything right now. He felt completely embarrassed and dumb. He kept his expression light as he wondered about how things would change now in the world. He also wondered if Callie would remain here or head out like she had originally planned.

[callie]

Callie nodded her head slowly as she watched Luke sit up on the side of the bed. She was chewing on her bottom lip as she kept quite, not sure of what to say. She had been emotionally overwhelmed the entire day so she was trying really hard not to break into tears. For more than six months she had felt alone. Mark was no longer around and she had relied on him to help her threw everything. Becoming pregnant during an apocalypse wasn't something she planned. Needless to say Callie never regretted having Isabelle but everything about it frightened her. She was convinced everything would get better. A cure would be found and the world would fall back into its pattern. She felt safe and content with Mark. His optimism was greater than hers but without him, everything seemed to crumble around her. The twenty-five year old didn't have the support and security. She had been confused where she would end up. She never understood why life was so misleading and how everything could change right before her eyes. Everything and anything had to be expected but what Callie didn't anticipate was finding someone like Luke. The first person to make her feel content and secure in awhile.

"Yea she's okay." She nodded, assuring him with her words. She took small strides towards him but instead of sitting on the bed, she stood before Luke, her body inches from him. "I could be better." She admitted as she rose a hand to caress his cheek. Callie stared into his blue eyes as her heart began to race again. She didn't run from him earlier because she was uncomfortable. In fact, it was quite opposite. She fled from the feeling of complete comfort. Something she hadn't felt in awhile.

Without anymore hesitation, Callie leaned down slightly and pressed her lips against his. She placed her other hand against his free cheek in order to cup his face as she kissed him gently. She had missed this kind of interaction with a man. A calm relief overcame her as she pulled away slowly and pressed her forehead against his. She kept her eyes closed as she took small breathes, completely speechless but completely content at the same time. Callie wasn't sure if this was the road she was suppose to take all along. She wasn't sure what would come of this or where it would all end but she was happy to not be alone for the night.

[Sam Myers]

Luke was a little surprised when Callie kissed him, but he kissed her back. He could see her emotions building up. Luke scooted back on the bed and gently pulled her toward him. He laid down on his side facing her back. He let one arm drape over her.

He pressed his groin against her backside as he snuggled up against her. He let his right cheek press against hers. He kept her body close to his as his arms were around her.

"Im here for you" he whispered in her ear softly. "You dont have to be alone anymore"

Luke gently kissed her cheek and returned to his original position. Luke enjoyed having conact like this with a female. While he felt sexual attraction to her, he wasn't going to push things. He wanted her to feel comfortable around him.

Sex would come in time. Luke gently kissed her shoulder and closed his eyes. He felt so relaxed around her and content. He cared about Bella as well and he could see Emma had taken quite a shine to both Callie and Bella. For Emma to like them, Luke didn't have to worry as much. Luke gently raised a hand to her forehead and smoothed some of her brunette colored hair away from her face.

"You dont have to hide your emotions. you can let it out" he said softly

[callie]

Callie allowed Luke to pull her onto the without hesitation. She on her side, backing facing as wrapped his arms around her body. His touch was soothing and comforting. She was glad that they could just lay in bed and cuddle with eachother to feel comfortable. It was exactly what she wanted. Just to be with someone and be happy. It was as if Luke could read her mind. He knew all the right things to do and the words to say to make Callie feel better. As he assured her that he was there for her and she would never be alone, she couldn't have agreed more. She was grateful that she was no longer alone. Everything seemed so surreal. After Mark died, she didn't think that there would be any other man to make her feel at ease. Luke accomplished that with little effort. She was amazed how easy it was to get along with him. Her feelings grew with each moment and she wasn't sure if she should be frightened or excited. She loved how their bodies formed perfectly together and how the smallest moments meant the world to her. She glad they weren't jumping into this mutual attraction but taking it step by step.

As he spoke again, tears started to form in her eyes. Callie didn't want to be emotional. She didn't want to seem like a wreck but letting it out was better than holding it in. "Thank you...for everything." She whispered softly as she places her arm ontop of his, lacing her finger with his own. She used her other hand to whip the perspiration from her face. "Do you get lonely without your wife around?" Callie tested the waters, wondering if maybe she was crossing a barrier that she shouldn't. "You don't have to answer that." She quickly retaliated, not wanting to make Luke speak of anything that he didn't want to. She was sure that talking about his wife was just as hard as her talking about Marl. If she was right she knew how much it hurt and regretted asking him. It wasn't always the best to dwell on the past but in fairness, the past is part of who someone is. It helps them to be who they were now and she could tell the Luke was week put together. If he was hurting she couldn't tell.