((An one shot-follow up to "Tao of Rodney". This idea just came to me while I was watching it, and I knew I had to make a fic out of it. Also, spoilers!))
XX
As I saw him lying there, slowly dying, beyond my abilities as a doctor to save him, I could barely breathe, or think. He was dying, and there was nothing that I could do to change that fact. He looked at me, saying, "Thanks Carson… For everything." I looked at his pale face, and said "I only wish I could do more, my friend." As it was happening, as he was dying, the monitors confirming it, I couldn't do it. I couldn't look at him, even as a weak hand gripped mine, and tears started to form in my eyes.
XX
But the stubborn bugger found a way, despite all odds, to save himself. I can hardly believe it even now, even with us both lying in bed, him resting on my chest. He was the most stubborn person that I'll ever know, and for that I love him more than anything. I think I'm still in shock, because I can't get over the fact that he was *this* close to dying, but managed to save himself.
But a steady heartbeat is confirming to my foggy brain that he is indeed alive and well. I also hearing snoring begin, which on any other night would have irritated me to no end, but tonight, it's a blessed sound, because he's okay. He's alive and in my arms, and everything is okay.