AN: Thank you Darkmoon2222, KK161990, Jackelyne Harkness-Jones, and maggymoo. You guys rock on because you are the only four to leave me a review for the last chapter. I really appreciate the fact that you guys reviewed, it really means a lot to me. In this chapter we see a little bit of everyone...except Kaylie (sorry she'll show up soon trust me). We also see how The Rock fared without Sasha to keep things on track. Just let me know what you guys think by just reviewing.

Sasha sighed as he looked through the endless piles of paperwork that Darby had neglected and let accumulate over his short absence with distaste. He gathered all of the paperwork on all the elite female gymnasts first, taking great care to leave Payson's for last. He skimmed through the workout schedules and current routines that Darby had in place for each of the girls with a critical eye. He found nothing that would indicate any permanent damage on the girls. As he was looking through Lauren's file Kim came walking in with a heavy file in her arms. She greeted him with a smile before turning to her computer and opening up the folder she had carried in with her. Sasha glanced over at Kim and noticed that she didn't look angry or worried. Sasha leaned back in his chair and rubbed a hand over his face in frustration. Going by Kim's attitude he assumed that Payson hadn't told her mom about the baby. He closes his eyes as he tries not to think about the predicament him and Payson are in. After a few minutes of tense silence on Sasha's part, he strides out of the office and into the gym.

He scans the gym trying to find Payson, but frowns when he doesn't see her. He huffs when Austin comes over to him with a small smile. "If you're looking for Payson she bolted to the bathroom as soon as she walked through the door. She looked kind of sick when she went in."

Sasha nodded as he strode towards the woman's restroom, ignoring the looks he was getting along the way. He knocked to make sure no-one was in the bathroom before opening the door and peering inside. When he saw Payson sitting on the floor he quickly stepped into the room and shut the door softly behind him. He slowly made his way towards her before calling out to her softly.

"Payson, are you alright?"

She glanced up and Sasha sighed when he saw her puffy red eyes. Her voice was broken and loud in the large space around them. "I don't know what to do."

Immediately Sasha knew what she was talking about. He wrapped his arms around her, hoping, that it would comfort her. "Payson...I...I'm torn on how to help you. The coach in me is wanting me to tell you to go to the doctor and..." Sasha looks away when he can't even utter the word abortion. Payson stiffens when she knows what he is trying to say. Sensing her impending outburst, Sasha's grip around her shoulders tighten, before he continues, "but you and I both know that I can't do that. I can't Payson because as much as we want to deny it, as much as I want to deny it, the baby is something special and real. That's our baby Payson. If this was any of my other gymnasts I would stay out of it and let them make the decision on their own, but this is different. I can't just sit by and not say anything or do anything to help you in any way I can."

She wraps her arms around his torso trying to get strength from his familiar presence. "I'm scared to tell my parents. When I tell them, they're going to be so angry. They'll ask who the father is and...I can't tell them that."

Sasha frowns at her words, but strokes her back anyway. Hating himself for even considering the thought of abortion he knows he has to place the option on the table for her. Just like he would for any other gymnast. With a deep breath he tilts Payson's face up so they are looking in each others eyes before he reluctantly voices his thoughts. "Payson, the only way we both get out of this is if you go to the doctor and schedule an abortion. You wouldn't have to tell your parents and you wouldn't have to tell anyone else about...us. If you want I could go with you for this, because Payson I had as much to do with this as you did."

With tears running down her face Payson nods and lays her head on Sasha's chest. "I don't want to get rid of this baby just to protect ourselves Sasha. If this happened three years from now I'd be so happy at the chance of becoming a mom."

"I know love, I know. Believe me I know. I just want what's best for you Payson, but keep in mind, the clock is ticking. You...we, only have so much time to make a decision. If you want I can call a doctor and make an appointment for you. I'll go with you if you want. Just to see how far along you are. I can make the appointment in Denver or somewhere else other than Boulder."

Payson sighs before nodding. "I already know how far along I am Sasha." She gives him a pointed look and he nods at her words, remembering the night a few days before his departure very well. "Try to make the appointment for this weekend. I'll tell my mom I'm staying at Emily's for the weekend. She won't suspect anything."

With a sigh Sasha nods. "Alright. I'll get an appointment for Saturday in Denver...just to make sure you're alright. Then we can go from there."

Payson nods as she tries to get up off the floor. Seeing her struggle, Sasha rushes up and places his hands on her waist to hoist her up off the floor. Once Payson is steady on her feet Sasha cups her cheek and softly stroke her face. "Payson I do love you. I hope you know that."

At hearing Sasha's voice Payson nods before smiling faintly at him.

Taking Payson's silence as a cue to leave he slowly moves towards the door. "I'll be out on the floor with the other gymnasts if you need anything. Take your time in here love and when you get done I want to see your dance elements of your floor routine."

Payson turns towards him with a scowl. Sasha laughs humorlessly before explaining himself. "It's the only apparatus I'm certain you won't hurt yourself on. You'll just be working on dance elements. No tumbling passes and no strength stunts. If I see your feet in the air and your hands on the floor you won't step foot in this gym until after you see the doctor. You'll work on floor until...further notice."

Payson understands his meaning and nods before turning towards the sink to make herself look presentable.

In the gym Austin and Max are chalking up their hands when Sasha stalks out of the restroom looking ready for war. As he walks past Austin, Max foolishly snickers at him. Austin turns towards his companion with raised eyebrows. "Max you are an absolute idiot. First things first: don't do anything to piss off Sasha Belov. He isn't a push over like Cheerleader Darby. What advice and tips he gives you, take them because he knows what he's doing. He does have four Olympic gold medals after all. Next you want..."

Austins' rant gets interrupted by an irritated British accent. He groans when he feels Sasha next to him and winces when he sees Sasha's steel eyes boring into him. "Tucker, I would say good job an the advice giving, but do you think that standing around gossiping and giggling like girls with your friend here is going to help you win a medal in London?"

Austin fiddles with his wrist guards as he locks eyes with Sasha. As much as Austin hates to admit it, he's glad that Sasha is back to get everyone in order. Austin shakes his head before he notices Sasha's smirk. "I didn't think so. Tucker go to the rings and warm up. I'll be over in a few minutes to look at your routine."

As Austin stalks away towards the rings, Sasha's attention goes to Austin's companion, presumably Max Cooper. He rakes his eyes from the top of Max's head to the bottom of his feet analyzing what type of gymnast he is and deciphering his weakness and strengths. He sighs as he sticks out his hand for Max to take.

Max looks awestruck before shaking his head and shaking Sasha's hand a little too vigorously. "Sasha Belov. I totally idolized you when you went and demolished everyone at Sydney. I wanted to be just like you when I 'grew up'."

Sasha smiles tightly before clapping a hand on Max's shoulder. "I would say I'm flattered, but flattery gets you no where in this sport so I strongly advise you to stop being a little boy chasing after people and things you have no chance in getting."

Max took in the double meaning behind his new coach's words: stop chasing after Payson because you have no chance with her and start focusing on earning a medal in London because you have a slim chance at that. Max nodded before placing his wrist guards on and glancing up at Sasha. He inwardly cringed when he noticed Sasha's glare. It wasn't a coach giving advice; it was a man warding off any threat to his lover. Max started to walk away, but was stopped by Sasha's harsh voice.

"After I look at Austin's ring routine, I want to put you through your paces on the pommel horse." Max nodded, but cringed as he walked towards the dreaded apparatus.

Across the gym Emily and Lauren was stretching on the floor when Payson slowly dropped to the floor beside them. Feeling a new presence the girls glanced at Payson before smiling.

"Well Pay, you have every reason to be happy now. Your precious boyfriend is back." At seeing Payson's irritated expression Lauren moves on to a topic that involves all of them. "I think it's dramatic and lame that we're still on probation for getting him back. Truthfully he should be on the floor kissing my dad's shoes, because he wouldn't even be back if my dad hadn't said he could come back. So I don't see what the big deal is. We've been on this stupid probation since he got back. You'd think that after a week we could go back to normal, but nooooo. Sasha just has to control everything."

After the girls are done stretching they each go to their own apparatus: Emily to vault, Lauren to beam, and Payson to floor. As Payson settles herself in the middle of the floor memories of the night she kissed Sasha overtake her mind. Memories of the kiss leads to thoughts of the night that everything changed. Remembering how Sasha's body felt against hers caused her to drift away from the gym and into Sasha's trailer. As Payson heard Sasha's husky voice growl out her name in ecstasy from her lustful memories, she heard her name being called out in a chastising tone by the same voice in the present. When she raised her head up she saw Sasha's eyes flash with worry and concern before he pursed his lips and stalked towards her in an angry manner.

His sharp voice was the polar opposite than what it was a few minutes ago when he was comforting her. "Payson, if you think that the floor is for sleeping than you are sadly mistaken." At seeing her expression his tone softened. "Just go work out in the weight room. Just pace yourself on the treadmill. No lifting. If I see you even go near the weights, I'll send you into the observation room."

Sasha watched Payson reluctantly make her way into the weight room with a sad expression on her face. He glanced around the gym and rolled his eyes when he noticed them watching Payson's retreat into the other room. He sighed as he made his way up onto the small platform outside of the office. His voice snapped out at the still gymnasts like a thorn filled vine. "GET BACK TO WORK!"

He smirked when every single gymnast jumped at his command. He stood watching them work diligently for a few minutes before making his way into the office. He sighed in relief when he noticed the office of empty. Figuring he should get information for Payson when Kim was out, he went to his computer and looked up the Denver Hospital. After searching the website for a few minutes he found the doctor and the number he needed. As he was writing it down he heard the glass door swing open. He jumped when he saw it was Kim. As she was setting her purse on her desk he closed the website and shoved the information under some random files for later.

"Hey Kim. Have a nice morning?"

Kim turned to Sasha and smiled. "Yes actually, I did. Mark and I went out for breakfast this morning. It was nice considering that he isn't home nearly as much as we like. I know Payson and Becca miss him when he's away. Speaking of Payson...do you know what's up with her? She's been acting really...different lately."

Sasha inwardly groaned when Kim mentioned Payson. He looked in Kim's eyes and grimaced when he noticed they were the same size and shape as Payson's. Knowing what was going on with Payson, but not being able to tell her, Sasha tried to come up with a logical reason for Payson's behaviour.

"Maybe she's just really stressed out. Dealing with a new coach who shouldn't even be able to call herself a coach is a lot to take in and adjust to. I'm sure that Payson just...has a lot on her mind, Kim."

He sent up a silent prayer to the powers above when Kim seemed to be satisfied with his reasoning. As Sasha discretely pulled the Denver Hospital's OBGYN page back up. After writing down the rest of the information he closed the website and deleted the history. He shoved the paper in his jacket pocket for later for when the gym would be empty. To get a feel for what has been happening at The Rock in his absence Sasha quickly turned to Kim.

His voice made Kim jump, but smile none the less. "So besides neglected paper work and parent issues, what's been happening with the gymnasts since I've been away? I would ask them myself, but honestly I think they're reluctant in telling me anything."

Kim laughed before turning her chair towards Sasha and raising her eyebrows. "I would say just the normal, but with Darby that was hard to come by."

Sasha smirked and nodded for Kim to continue. "Let's just say she said that the gymnasts could come and go as they pleased, the no dating rule was suspended, and no practice on Saturday or Sunday. Oh and get this she had Payson, Emily, and Lauren do meditation rituals before practice to cleanse and prepare themselves for the day. I bet you can imagine what Payson thought of it all. Every night she would come home and complain. Although I don't think it had anything to do with Darby or gymnastics really...she just wanted you to come back."

Sasha smiled when he thought of Payson and her reaction to Darby and her ridiculous meditation practices. Once Sasha was satisfied and up to date on everything concerning The Rock and the elite gymnasts he turned towards the clock and groaned when it read three-thirty. He dropped his pen on the endless pile of paper he had yet to look over before striding out of the office and onto the small platform overlooking the gym and all its occupants. His voice caused every gymnasts to stop and look his way. He smirked before leaning causally against the railing.

"I want everyone to gather 'round for a moment. We need to get a few things straight before I let you all go for the night." He waited patiently for all of the gymnasts to circle around the platform before continuing. "I want to get one thing straight. All of the rule changes that's been in place in my absence have been revoked. That means you will show up at six-thirty Monday through Friday and stay until I see fit to let you go." His eyes zeroed in on Austin and Max as he went on down the list to the next set of rules. "There will be absolutely no dating whatsoever on both sides of the spectrum. So that means gentlemen leave the elite ladies alone. And ladies, that means focusing on your gymnastics. If I find out you're dating anyone, there will be consequences."

He let the threat hang in the air as he watched the reaction of the gymnasts. He smirked when Austin and Max looked disappointed, but determined. His eyes zeroed in on Payson for a moment checking her over for any sign of discomfort before moving on. "Now that we all understand each other, you all can go home for the night. I expect all of my elite gymnasts to be here at six-thirty sharp. No excuses and no exceptions."

As he watched all of the gymnasts leave for the night he sighed in relief at having his first day back out of the way. He smiled as he walked past the elite ladies on his way up to the office. He smiled at Kim as she was packing up her things. Once he was settled at his desk Kim's voice broke the comfortable silence.

"Sasha do you mind if Payson stay at the gym for a little while longer? I have to go get Becca and take her to a friends house. I would take Payson, but I know she would insist on staying so she could train a little longer."

Sasha couldn't have planned this opportunity better himself, even if he physically had to orchestrate it. With a smile he nodded before turning back to the papers on his desk. After the door in the gym closed Sasha was unsurprised to hear Payson trot into the office a few minutes later. He motioned her in, before searching for the paper that he needed. Once he found it her turned to Payson with a small smile.

He sighed before leaning forward and taking Payson's small hand. "Alright love, I've got the number of a Doctor Aubrey Jones. I've looked at her profile on the Denver Hospital's website and she's one of the best. I figured we could do this together while your mom's out."

Payson sat across from Sasha wanting nothing more than to just leap over the desk and find strength in his strong arms. After Sasha gave her the doctors name and intentions she found herself hoping that he wouldn't get anyone. Of course as luck would have it, he got through almost immediately. A few minutes later Sasha hung up the phone with a heavy sigh. She glanced up at him and saw sadness and pain marring his handsome features. When he spoke his voice was barely restrained and in check.

"We go to Denver Hospital Saturday at noon. Dr. Jones will see us around noon to get an ultra-sound done. They want to determine how far along you are...even though you and I both know that already. They just want to have it on record."

Sasha watched as Payson tried to look calm, but he knew that she was dreading the weekend just as much as he was. "So what are you going to tell your mum?"

Payson sighed before leaning back in her chair. "I'll just tell her I'm spending the weekend at Emily's. I can stay Friday night with her and while me and you are in Denver I'm sure she can find something to do for a few hours. Once we get back from Denver I can go back over to Emily's house until Sunday."

Sasha nodded as he walked over to the window overlooking the empty gym. He relaxed when he felt a small warm hand on the middle of his back. He turned to his left to see Payson standing by him. He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder tucking her small frame into his large one. He sighed as he continued to stare out across the gym. They stood that way for a few minutes until Payson's phone went off. She sighed when she saw that it was her mother letting her know that she was in the parking lot waiting. Payson went over to Sasha before she left the office. She sighed deeply when she felt his arms wrap around her frame cocooning her in safety. She relaxed when his smooth British accent filled her senses and soothed her aching heart.

"I'll see you tomorrow love."

She nodded as she stepped out of his embrace. She made it halfway out the door when she felt herself being pulled back into a kiss that left her breathless. She smiled when Sasha smirked at her. "I couldn't let you go without kissing you first."

She laughed softly before pulling away. "Good night Sasha. I love you."

He nodded as he watched her go. "I love you to Payson."

Hours later in the dead of night Sasha found himself in his airstream trying to not think of Payson and their baby. When his thoughts wouldn't let him sleep he threw the covers off his body before stalking over to the fridge and angrily yanking the door open. Once he found what he wanted he sat at his small kitchen table contemplating the situation he found himself in. After a few more minutes of stressful silence he raised the bottle of Bourbon to his lips. The last sober thought he had was how much he wanted Payson to have the baby.