mgowriter's note: I've been more aware and appreciative of the gift of time lately, so thank you to everyone who took the time to read this story and especially to those that commented. Oh, and this chapter proves that I don't have anything against female characters :P

Chapter 10

"You're fidgeting. Stop fidgeting."

Nate turned to his right, where Sully sat calmly in one of the chairs next to a desk that dominated the small but professionally decorated office. The nameplate facing them read, "Dr. Sam Warren."

"I'm not fidgeting," he replied.

Sully looked in his direction.

"Okay, so maybe I am. How can you be so calm?"

The door to the office opened. A smartly dressed woman in her mid-fifties entered with her attention focused on the chart in her hands.

"Victor," she said before looking up and stopping in surprise at the sight of Nate.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were coming with a friend today."

"Nathan Drake," Nate stood and offered his hand, pausing at the sight of her blouse that was unbuttoned slightly too low.

"Dr. Samantha Warren," the woman's cheeks blushed as she shook his hand.

"You know what?" she said quickly, "I think I grabbed the wrong chart. I'll be right back."

Nate turned to Sully after watching her exit the room. The older man had a grin on his face.

"You're sleeping with your oncologist?"

Sully shrugged. "She was lonely. It's a hard job telling people they have cancer all day."

Nate shook his head in disbelief. "Have you ever heard of professional objectivity?"

"Believe it or not," said Sully, "she initiated everything. I was just here for treatment."

"Uh huh," said Nate. "I'm sure you did nothing to encourage her."

Sully feigned innocence. "I guess women just can't handle the Sullivan charm."

Nate rolled his eyes as the door to the office opened again, and the doctor entered with a buttoned blouse and lab coat. The chart in her hand was the same one she was holding earlier.

"Gentlemen," she said with residual embarrassment still clinging to her cheeks, "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Please, have a seat."

Nate and Sully resumed their previous positions as the doctor sat behind her desk. She turned her attention to Sully and smiled.

"I'm happy to deliver good news today. The latest scan did not reveal any signs of the original mass that was cancerous, nor did it reveal any new spots. As of right now, there is no need for additional treatment."

A moment of silence passed, before Nate let out the breath he'd been holding. He allowed his hands to unclench from the seat rests.

"We'll have to keep the port in for a year," Dr. Warren continued, "and have you back for regular scans, but I'm very optimistic about the future."

Sully leaned forward in his chair. "Doc, are you saying I'm cured?"

"I'm saying you're in remission," Dr. Warren answered. "And I'm also saying I want to see you back here often to make sure it remains that way. Understand?"

Sully and the oncologist exchanged grins.

"Congratulations, Victor. I'll give you two some time." She walked around the desk to give Sully a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving the office.

Nate smiled widely at Sully, and grabbed the older man in a hug.

"See?" said Sully, returning the hug. "What did I tell you? Nothing to worry about."

"Goddammit Sully, you had me worried."

Nate pulled back after a few seconds, this time with a serious expression.

"With everything that happened with Danny and his dad…it just made me realize how fortunate I was. The thought of possibly losing you..."

Sully placed a hand on Nate's back. "I'm pretty sure old age and sentimentality is getting to the both of us, but what the hell. I love you, kid. You know that, right?"

Nate nodded. "I know. Don't ever scare me like this again."

"Believe me," said Sully, "I'll try not to."

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