Tori's fever broke overnight, making her eligible for surgery in the morning. They would be taking her back for prep at ten and the surgery would take place around noon. Knowing he would be unable to eat anything at lunch. Jimmy forced himself to eat breakfast. A meal he barely managed to keep down. After he ate he met with Tori's doctor and then returned to his girls side. His mind drifted to the morning of Breena's surgery. He tried to block out that day but moments like this made it all come rushing back.

Tony did not get a wink of sleep the night before Tori's surgery. Around two in the morning he could take it no longer. He called Gibbs in to babysit Tali and then called in a favor with a friend who worked for Delta. By five he was boarding a plane bound for Philadelphia. In a way it was ironic that he was leaving behind his daughter. Right in the moment where he really should be holding her close and thanking God for her health but Jimmy had nobody else by his side. Nobody from NCIS could get away, Gibbs could not handle the situation, and Ducky was not himself on the phone. Tony knew that he needed to get to his friend's side. As soon as the plane touched down, he made his way to the hospital. It was a huge facility and Tony drove around for an hour trying to find the right building. He the drove around for another hour trying to find a parking spot. When he finally found a place he dumped all of his change into the meter and raced up to Tori's room. His heart hit the floor when he first saw Jimmy's pained face and the empty bed.

"Palmer" Tony gasped.

"They took her back for prep." Jimmy assured.

"So she's all set? Last night you mentioned a fever." Tony recalled.

"It broke just in time." Jimmy replied.

"Thank God" Tony cried.

"Your telling me. The sooner I get some answers on this thing. The sooner they can save her or I can at least make memories." Jimmy explained.

"They will save her." Tony assured.

Jimmy was relieved to have a friend by his side. He was surprised that more did not come but figured they were having trouble getting away. Gibbs didn't have any encumbrances but would likely have issues being around a child facing a life or death situation. Ducky should be able to get away but Ducky had been different lately. Tori was taken to the operating room at noon. Tony sat by Jimmy's side as they waited.

"How long did they say it would take?" Tony asked.

"It's going to be about four hours." Jimmy sighed.

"Shit" Tony whispered.

"It may be shorter if they can't remove it after all or longer if there are complications. Whatever the case. It's going to be a long afternoon." Jimmy explained.

"I'll be buy your side." Tony assured.

"You didn't have to come." Jimmy commented.

"Yes I did." Tony insisted.

Hours drug by and with each moment Jimmy grew more distressed. It killed Tony to see his friend in so much pain. He could not imagine if Tali were in this situation. It was bad enough waiting for her to get tubes placed in her ears and that was a short and easy surgery. This was long and high risk. The slightest mistake, and Tori's whole life was changed or worse lost.

"It's been four hours." Jimmy observed.

"Seems like so much longer." Tony commented.

"Why isn't she out? Why haven't they told us anything. There are complications aren't there? Yeah that's it or she would be out for sure." Jimmy rambled.

"Surgery taking a longer than expected does not mean complications. Besides they said around four hours. I would give it at least another hour before you start to worry." Tony assured.

"Would you be saying that if it were Tali?!" Jimmy demanded.

"Well no but you would be the one reassuring me." Tony explained.

"NO! I would not be filling you with false assurances! I remember when Breena was sick! I remember the fear! I would not lie to protect you!" Jimmy snapped.

"Jimmy" Tony called.

"NO! TONY NOT NOW! GET OUT! I WILL FIND YOU WHEN TORI IS OUT!" Jimmy bellowed.

"Jimmy" Tony pleaded.

"Save it!" Jimmy spat.

Tony felt raw and hurt. He wanted to be there for his friend but Jimmy needed to be alone right now. He was hurting too badly to deal with people. The waiting room was too awkward, so Tony headed down to the cafeteria. He bought chicken nuggets and a small salad. He felt guilty keeping a meal down when he knew that Jimmy had not eaten in hours. Not that he could convince his friend to take a bite if he were upstairs. Even if Jimmy were not pissed at him. There is no way that the younger man would be able to keep anything down. Tony was barely able to keep his meal down and he did not have the investment that Jimmy did. Even if Tori was his God daughter. His phone rang and he stepped out to the courtyard to answer it. McGee was on the other end.

"What's up, Probie?"

"Have you heard anything?"

"Not yet but Jimmy is pissed at me."

"What happened?"

"I just opened my mouth at the wrong time. Jimmy was in so much stress. It was a big mistake."

"Oh well would Jimmy talk to me?"

"I don't know. He's really freaked out."

"Right, well just call me if you hear anything."

"Of course Probie."

Jimmy hated how alone he was. He wanted to go find Tony but he was too afraid to move. Instead he just sat alone in Tori's room and waited. His heart was broken and he had never been more afraid. Eight hours had now passed and there was still no news. After what felt like a life time footsteps headed up the hall and the door swung open. Much to Jimmy's disappointment it was only Tony on the other side.

"Oh it's just you." Jimmy murmured.

"I can go." Tony offered.

"No stay. I am sorry, I do need you." Jimmy insisted.

"Have you heard anything?" Tony asked.

"Not yet" Jimmy sighed.

More time passed and both men were filled with nerves. Tony had pulled Jimmy into his arms and the younger man was nearly catatonic. Just when Tony was about to go look for answers. The door opened and a surgeon stepped into the room. The blood covered scrubs and look of pain were enough to give away the news.

"How is she?" Jimmy asked, shakily.

"I am sorry. There were complications." The surgeon apologized.

"What do you mean complications?!" Jimmy demanded.

"The tumor was more deeply embedded than we thought. We were able to get things under control but we cannot safely remove the tumor. At this point the best we can do is radiation and possibly chemo. Depending on the biopsy results, but given the size and location. We are considering her as terminal. Again I am sorry." The surgeon apologized.

"May I see her?" Jimmy asked.

"She is in recovery now. I will take you to her." The surgeon replied.

A/N: Will Tori be able to beat the odds? New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.