Note: I'm waiting until the season is over to write my Season 3 AU, so I need to do something to pass the time for the next couple weeks. And I'm major frustrated with the baiting in the promo. So here's my "what if" story if they didn't cut the Shay/Rafferty scene in the hospital during the PD crossover last night. It's also been expanded as well. This occurs before Severide visits Shay in the hospital. I see Shafferty as end game canon with Dawson as a firefighter and Allison as Leslie's partner again. The whole Devon thing is just a wrap-up for Leslie's character. Anyway, enjoy! And please review! Thanks! P.S-A shout-out to Cher Lloyd and her song "Oath" as the inspiration for the story. I own nothing, although I wish I did. I just own my computer.

Oath

Rafferty's POV:

"Shay. We found Dawson. She's a little beaten up, but alive and OK" I said with emphasis over the radio to my ex-partner.

"Shay?" I repeated.

At that moment, I knew something was wrong. She never takes that long to reply especially when it's about her best friend's safety.

With worry in my heart and dread in my stomach, I finish my check up on Dawson and sprint away to Shay's last location. Didn't she say something about checking on those two little girls?

Anyway, while I'm leaving I hear Dawson shout, "Rafferty! Where are you going?"

I try to stop and yell back at her a response but my feet keep moving and pulling me in Shay's direction. She's the one who needs help right now. I can't focus on anything but her. I hear voices over my radio, but they all become muddled white noise. I have to get to her. There's no other option.

By the time I reach my destination, I see Atwater and Burgess standing by outside in the hallway. Burgess I could tell was crying, but I ignored that and asked, "Where's Shay?" I choke out.

I surprised myself with my reaction, but Burgess breaks down and sits back down in the chair balling again and Atwater while sighing sadly at her replies, "She was leaving I guess to meet back up with you when all of a sudden she collapsed in the hallway. I don't know anything else, it happened so quick, there was so much blood, and we panicked and let them take her away. Haven't heard anything since. I'm sorry Allison."

"Don't call me that, and I need to find her NOW!" I practically scream at the two of them before darting off to find the nearest nurse's station. Atwater and Burgess just look at each with fear and shock as I sprinted off.

I instantly felt regret snapping at them, but surely they understood right? I make a mental note to apologize to them after this hellish nightmare is over.

As I'm rushing, suddenly, I collide into that lady doctor with the injured sister. "Oh I'm sorry" she says. Lost in my own thoughts, I mumbled out "Oww..." Then it clicks and I ask, "Its fine, Where's Shay? She was with you right?" Without a hitch, she replies, "Yes, she suffered a puncture wound to the abdomen. She lost a lot of blood. It missed all the vital organs, but tore a part of her intestine and got infected. She also received a concussion when she fell. That's why she's still unconscious. We have her on IV fluids and painkillers. She's out of ICU and surgery and is in room 456 sleeping."

I just stare at her in disbelief. How did this happen? When did it happen? I don't remember her getting injured...unless...wait…

With irritation in my voice, "You were with Shay after we split up the first time to locate the CAT scanner right?" Her face falls and that's when I figured it out. "You knew she was injured and you did NOTHING?" I yell at her, shuddering at my behavior.

"I mean...I didn't...She said she was fine...I didn't know. I'm sorry." She faltered.

Bubbling with rage and frustration, "I don't want your apology or your excuses. What I want is to see her. Do you understand?"

Hell hath no fury like a pissed off Allison Rafferty.

"Yes….I do…" She stutters, but continues slowly, "But make it as quick as possible. She needs to recover and besides there's other people who need your help as well."

I sigh in disbelief, and am about to shout at her again, when I realize she has a point, but I have one to make too.

With all the composure and calmness I can muster I lightly say, "Listen to me. I'm going in to see Shay. When I get back, you're going to tell me EXACTLY what happened to her and then I'm leaving to head back into the fray."

I start to walk away, before stopping and turning my head around and continuing, "And don't you ever lecture me again" I threaten.

With that, I turn my head and continue my stride toward Shay's room.

When I approach the door to Shay's room, the door is already open. I step inside the dark barren, white room and I almost faint. Hooked up to all of those damn metallic machines, is Shay.

My friend. My partner. My sassy, snarky, annoying, funny, beautiful, charming partner. The closest person to me in a long time.

In a flashback, I think of the last time I was here. This is why I hate hospitals, I think sadly to myself. It's like my life's on repeat or that I'm experiencing deja vu and it frightens me to no end.

I stand frozen just inside the doorway, unable to move. Slowly, tears start cascading down my face and I'm stuck in my spot.

Before I know it, I drop to the floor sobbing. I crawl over to Shay's bed and harshly pull myself into a chair. I just spend what seems like an eternity staring at her. Just waiting patiently for her to open her expressive, blue eyes and make some lesbian joke.

When it doesn't happen, I gently began rubbing her arm before taking her right hand in my left and I slowly squeeze her hand hoping for a response.

When I don't receive one, I start to feel guilty.

Guilty with how I mistreated her in the beginning. Guilty with my behavior when we first met. Guilty at all the wasted time and all the times she attempted to reach out to me. Guilty that I didn't notice. Guilty with my statement of 'We keep doing our jobs no matter what.'

"I didn't mean take it literally, you stupid, stubborn woman" I quietly say to no one in particular, just the room I suppose.

Moving my other hand up to her face, I push a piece of hair out of her face and tuck it behind her ear, and slowly caress her cheek.

"Please Shay...Leslie, please be ok. I can't do this without you. Please…" I beg.

Did she hear me? I hope so. Shay has to make it. I can't believe this strong and fearless woman is reduced to such fragility. It doesn't seem fair. I curse myself and the world. She shouldn't be here.

I close my eyes and silently pray to whatever God is out there that Shay survives and is fine.

Looking at her face again, my resolve crumbles and it feels like I've been reduced to ashes. I wish I could spend the whole rest of the day with her, be the first one she wakes up to. But we both know I have a duty to save those other innocent people as well.

Before I leave, however, I should at least tell her something. Something important, and something that I want to hopefully pursue in the future if she lets me.

"Shay, remember what you told me that night at Molly's after I told you about my suspension and you were giving the hockey tickets away at the raffle fundraiser?"

No reply. Of course. I felt like an idiot. A sapping idiot.

"Well, you said, 'Sometimes people need help even if they don't realize it.''

I stand up, let go of her hand, kiss her forehead, and breathlessly whisper in her ear, "That is my oath to you, I swear it."

That one phrase solidified our relationship and indicated my devotion toward her. I just promised her and myself from this point on I would protect her and never let anything like this happen to her again. It may be selfish, but I had no choice. It was for both our sakes and sanity. I just hope I didn't miss my chance.

Thinking back on that night, It was such a genuine and honest admission of concern. I also realized she said that specifically for me and that it was laced with a double meaning. Too bad it took a crisis and Shay almost dying to figure it out.

With my my firm confidence back and taking charge, I radio Severide.

"Severide?" I say

"Go for Severide." He replies.

"It's Rafferty, sorry about running off earlier, but I had to get to Shay." For a few seconds, I don't hear anything. I assume it's him processing this new information.

Suddenly he says, "Shay? What happened?"

"It's a long story. I'll explain to you later. But I need you relay this information to Dawson too. Shay is fine, she's out of critical danger and is in recovery in room 456. Shay needs you two more than she needs me right now."

"Ok, I understand. But, wait, where are you going?" He asks, obviously confused.

I have to laugh at that. He has no clue. Oh well, I'm sure he'll pick up on the clues eventually. Once this awful day is over.

I sigh, "Just tell Dawson I'll take her place so she can visit Shay. And when you're free, you should come visit her as well. But that I'll require Dawson help ASAP."

"You need not ask. We're on it. And Rafferty?"

"Yes?" I answer

"Thanks. And Shay needs you too."

I smile at that. "Roger, Rafferty out."

Severide wasn't as oblvious as a thought. No surprise though, he's a great judge of character. Shay is the perfect example.

"Severide out."

Now that I got that out of the way, I have a couple loose ends to tie up and a lady doctor to talk who won't be happy to come face to face with me again. Too bad.

Before completely walking out of Shay's room, I pause at the door and take one loving, lasting glance at her lying there so still.

"Hold on. I'll be back. I love you. Just thought you should know."

All hands on deck as the saying goes. Then I was gone in a flash.

"Wherever you go, just always remember

That you got a home for now and forever

And if you get low, just call me whenever

You're never alone and in my eyes you can do no wrong

This is my oath to you."