A/N: For gameofcards livejournal challenge. Prompt: Missing Moments

Toby sat quietly in the room, the only sounds were the machines monitoring Josh's condition. The light from outside was fading, but not so fast Toby couldn't still use it to see the crossword puzzle he was working on. It was late, but that was the beauty of this time of year. Late still meant the sun hadn't dipped below the horizon. He was just about to fill in another answer on the newspaper when he felt Josh stir in the bed beside him. Looking over, he saw Josh slightly turned towards him, eyes half open and slightly glazed from whatever godawful amount of narcotics he was getting to alleviate his pain.

"Do you want something?" Toby asked.

"Water?" came the faint reply.

"Sure." Toby reached over and pulled the cup on Josh's tray closer. He poured in some water from the pitcher that had long since lost its icy chill. Josh fumbled to hit the up button on his bed, but his movements were slow and limited. Between the IVs, the machines, his dressings, and the sheer amount of pain he must be in, Josh's ability to do anything other than sleep and breathe were next to none. Considering the hurricane force of activity he usually was, Toby and the others were finding his inertness difficult to get used to. Toby often wondered if this was the first time no one had ever needed to tell Josh to be still.

Toby moved Josh's hand away and hit the button himself, raising Josh up until he saw the grimace on his friend's face indicating he was at his maximum threshold of pain from his chest. Holding the cup up, Toby made sure to bend the straw, and held it steady as Josh tried to pull his head forward to reach the liquid. Josh managed a few sips before falling back onto his pillow, exhausted at the effort.

"Still thirsty?" Toby asked.

Josh barely managed to nod in response.

"I'll get you some ice."

Toby left the room and walked to the nurses station not far away. He waited until one of the nurses noticed him. Kyle, he thinks. Normally Toby wouldn't care about this kid's name; not because he doesn't care about the guy, but because with as short of time as they'd know each other, it wouldn't be worth the effort.

Except they all know Josh isn't going to be here for a short time.

"Hey, Toby," Kyle greets him. All the nurses probably know the entire West Wing staff by now. "Whatchya need?"

"Can I get some ice chips?"

"Is he awake?"

"Yeah."

"Cool." As quiet as Josh is, Kyle more than makes up for in energy. The kid calls over to his coworker. "Hey Erin, Josh is up."

Erin swivels in her chair, then stands up. "Perfect timing. It's about time to check on him anyway."

Kyle gets a cup of ice chips and both he and Erin head off to Josh's room. Toby stands outside the door feeling awkward as he waits. It takes about fifteen minutes before Kyle and Erin finish with whatever they're doing with Josh. "You can come in now, Toby," Kyle's cheery voice calls out, and Toby re-enters the room to check on his friend himself.

Only to find Josh back sound asleep.

"Toby, why don't you go home and get some sleep yourself," Kyle suggests. "Let us look after him now."

It never feels right, leaving without saying good-bye, but he's getting used to it. After all, Josh can't tell. "Okay," Toby replies. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Kyle grins. "Wouldn't expect otherwise."