Chapter 14

Tom hated the slow, rhythmic beeping. It was all he heard for the last four days. Even when he wasn't sitting at Sasha's side, he heard it. The past four days had consisted of a juggling act, between the hospital and being there for his kids. Leaving for the hospital once Sam and Ashley, had gone to bed, then making sure he was back in the morning to have breakfast and spend a few hours with them before going back to the hospital. Then back to Kara and Danny's for dinner. Tom wasn't sure he'd ever be able to thank the Green's enough, for everything they had done. And he certainly didn't know how he'd manage if Sam and Ashley weren't staying with them.

"So I took Sam and Ash, to school today. Hopefully getting back into a routine will be good for them" he said to Sasha's sleeping body. It had been the same routine for, four days. He talked, and she laid there. Lifeless, with the exception of the slow and steady heart rate monitor. "Although Kara, might miss her built in babysitter during the day" he said smiling a little.

"I miss you so much sweetheart. I'd give anything to see your beautiful eyes. Hear your voice. Your laugh" he whispered, rubbing his thumb over the top of her hand. "I need you to wake up". Tom stared at her for a few minutes, before letting out a gentle sigh, and resting his head down on the bed, next to where he was holding Sasha's, hand. His eyes easily closed, as the most sleep he'd had in the last few days was sitting in a chair, in this exact position.

He woke up, what seemed like a few hours later, feeling a soft squeeze on his hand. He was about to drift back off to sleep, when it suddenly hit him. "Sasha!" He said lifting his head "sweetheart, can you hear me"

"Hmmm, hi" she whispered with a horse voice, squinting her eyes open just a bit.

"Hi" Tom smiled, squeezing her hand "you're awake" he mumbled, more to himself.

"Mmhmm" Sasha nodded, trying to open her eyes a little more as they adjusted to the light. "How could I not be, listening to your snoring"

Tom laughed and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I can't even say I'm sorry" he smiled "I love you so much"

Sasha gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand "I love you too" she said reaching her hand for his face "how long have I been here?"

"Four days" he whispered, kissing the inside of her wrist before placing his hand over hers. "Four very long days"

"That explains the heavy stubble" she smiled, caressing his cheek gently. "Are Sam and Ashley Okay?" She asked lowering her hand, not having the strength to hold it up.

"Yeah, they are just fine. Thanks to you. How much do you remember?"

"It's all blurry after Azima, showed up" she said trying to think about it. "She and James were supposed to check out a property a couple hours away. We thought it might be where these guys were hiding"

Tom nodded. "When Azima got your message, she sent James, with a small team to hit the property. They captured 20 and killed 10. Including Ruskov's son. There were enough explosives to level a few city blocks, and guns to arm a small country" he said kissing her hand.

"And they wanted you first?"

"Yeah" he sighed, closing his eyes. "I'm so sorry Sasha. I shouldn't have gone to St. Louis"

"Tom. Don't. This is not your fault. We don't know things would have turned out any better if you had been there" she whispered "your kids are safe, and I'll be okay".

"I know" Tom mumbled, looking into her eyes "I thought I was going to lose you"

Sasha squeezed Tom's hands, pulling on them a little. "You can't get rid of me that easy" she smirked "I love you, and I'm not going anywhere"

"I never want to get rid of you" he smiled leaning down to kiss Sasha. A few moments later, the sound of a throat being cleared, interrupted them. Tom knew who it was, without looking. "Nurse ratchet" he mumbled against Sasha's lips before sitting up straight.

"I see Ms. Cooper has decided to join us" the small, but bulky nurse said walking into Sasha's room. "Admiral, I clearly remember giving you very specific instructions that you were to alert someone the moment she woke up"

Tom looked at her and feigned innocence. "She's awake?" he said turning to look as Sasha "oh my god. When did that happen?"

The nurse gave him a cross look before checking Sasha's vitals "how are you feeling?"

"Tired. Sore. Very sore actually" she sighed, moving one hand to her stomach.

"Yes, well that's to be expected. I'll set up a morphine drip for you" she said lifting the sheet to check Sasha's bandage.

"When can I get out of here?"

The nurse chuckled and shook her head "not for a few days at least. I hope you are not going to be as difficult as he is" she said looking at Sasha but nodded towards Tom.

"Between the two of us, he's usually the more level headed one" she said squeezing Tom's hand , and wincing as the nurse changed her bandage.

"Sorry" she said softly. "It's important we keep this clean. Infection can add serious complications. I'll come back in an hour to check on you. If you need anything at all, just press this button" she said resting the call button on the side of Sasha's bed. "She needs to rest" the nurse said with a finger pointed at Tom.

"Yes, Yes. I understand" he mumbled as she walked out.

Sasha smiled softly as her eyes got heavy "I see you've been making friends"

"You know me" he smiled "I handle situations out of my control, so well"

"Hmmm, a real sheep following the heard" she mumbled.

Tom smiled and watched as she closed her eyes. "Sleep sweetheart" he whispered placing a kiss on her forehead. Tom waited until she was asleep before resting his head on the bed once again. For the first time in 4 days he felt like he could breathe. Like a huge weight had been lifted off his chest. He gently kisses her hand once more before closing his own eyes and drifting off to sleep.

It was Azima that carefully woke him up a few hours later, to take over while he left to get his kids and spend the evening with them, before coming back.

"Sir" she said softly, shaking his shoulder

Tom opened his eyes, and looked up to azima, a small smile on his face "she's awake"

Azima looked at him sideways, as she looked at Sasha then back to Tom.

"Not right now, but earlier. She's back" he said working the kinks out of his neck.

"I never doubted she would be" Azima smiled. "When she wakes up, I'll tell her you've gone to pick up Sam and Ashley from school"

"Thank you" he nodded standing up. "I know they are going to want to see her. I'll call you after dinner, to see if she's up for it"

Azima nodded and took over the chair next to Sasha's bed. She had only been there about 30 minutes, when Sasha woke up. "Welcome back" Azima smiled.

Sasha looked a little surprised, not seeing Tom, but smiled a little to her friend "it's good to be back" she said trying to reach for a cup of water but groaned in pain.

"Tom had to go pick up his kids from school. He'll be back after dinner though". Azima said handing her the cup.

"Thank you" she whispered taking a drink, before relaxing her head back. "I can't believe I let myself get shot" she mumbled.

Azima laughed a little "I don't think you had much say in the matter"

"I guess not" she sighed "and thank you for getting there so quick"

"It was my pleasure to rescue you, for once" she smirked.

Sasha raised her eye brow giving azima, a sideways look "rescue is a strong word. I had the situation perfectly under control"

"Yeah. Sure. The blood in my car would suggest otherwise. Which you'll be getting the cleaning bill for, by the way"

"Figured as much" she smiled "but honestly. Thank you. I'd probably be dead if you hadn't shown up when you did"

"I'm just glad we got you here In time. You lost a lot of blood. Doctors weren't sure you were going to make it" azima said softly.

"I wasn't so sure either" Sasha mumbled "How has Tom, been?"

"A walking land mine" azima said bluntly "yelling at everyone and anyone that doesn't agree with him. He's spent every night here. Only leaves to check on his kids, then is right back here. The kids are staying with Danny and Kara, they were pretty upset" she said softly "especially Sam. I had to pry him off of you when we got here"

Sasha sighed running a hand over her face "they never should have had to go through that"

Azima nodded "but you saved their lives. Once they see you up and on your feet, I think they'll be just fine"

"Yeah" Sasha mumbled looking away.

Azima bit her lip then grabbed her friends hand. "Are you going to be okay? And I don't mean physically"

Sasha turned her head back to Azima and thought about it for a second "I've never been scared before" she whispered "in any situation. I've never been afraid of what I was up against or even dying. But that night...I was terrified" she said as tears started to pool at the rim of her eyes.

"That's not a bad thing Sasha. It means you care, that you love them. That you would give your life if needed" Azima smiled "perhaps, in the past, you didn't have anything or anyone to be scared for. But it's not me you should be telling this too"

Sasha shook her head as she wiped her eyes "I can't tell Tom. He's torn up about this as it is. I could see the pain all over his face"

"Okay" azima nodded, knowing better then to pick an argument right now. "Speaking of the most unpopular man in the hospital" she said trying to change the subject and lighten the mood "he wanted me to ask you if he should bring Sam and Ashley, by"

"Do you think they'll be okay with that?"

Azima laughed a little "no I don't. They will be more then okay. Anytime I've seen them the last four days, they ask me about you, every 10 minutes.

Sasha smiled a little "okay then. As long as they are okay with it" she said softly. "So Tom has been an absolute bear, has he?"

"More like a nightmare" she laughed "if his last name wasn't Chandler, I'm sure he would have been banned from the hospital. That man loves you with every fibre of his being"

Sasha smiled, taking another sip of water "I feel the same way about him"

Tom stood outside Sam and Ashley's school as kids flooded out from the doors. "Dad!" Sam said excited "you're here"

"I told you I would be" Tom, smiled hugging his son. "How was your day?"

"Okay" he shrugged "boring"

Tom laughed a little. Some things were getting back to normal. "Where's your sister?"

"Getting make up work from her teacher" he said rolling his eyes.

"That wouldn't be a bad idea for you" Tom said scanning the crowd of kids for Ashley.

Sam, just scrunched his face as Ashley walked up to them "hi dad. Sorry I'm late"

"It's okay" he said putting an arm around each of them as they walked towards the Green household. "I have a surprise for both of you"

"We can go see Sasha?" Ashley asked, almost right away.

"Good guess" Tom smiled.

"Shes awake?" Sam asked.

"Yes. I talked to her for a little bit this afternoon. She's still pretty tired, and we won't be able to stay long, but after dinner I think we should go say hi"

"Why don't we bring dinner to her. Maybe she's hungry and wants to eat too. Then we can have dinner together" Ashley said looking up at her father.

"That's...a very good idea. When did you get so smart" he smiled kissing the top of her head.

"Tom wants to know, if you would like him and the kids to bring you dinner?" Azima asked Sasha, while reading her text message.

Sasha smiled a little and nodded "That would be great. Just some soup for me though. Apparently I have to stay of solids for a couple days"

"So glad it was you that got shot, and not me" she mumbled with a smile as she sent Tom a response.

Sasha rolled her eyes "my pleasure".

Azima set her phone down and looked to Sasha "there was something else I wanted to talk to you about" she said cautiously. "James has been asking to see you. I haven't let him, and he never stops by when Tom, is here. I've also heard a rumour that he's going to be offered a full time position. Apparently he impressed someone, and they want to keep him around"

"Not if I have anything to do with it" Sasha sighed "Is he here now?"

"In the waiting area" azima nodded.

"Can you send him in please. I need to put an end to his once and for all"

"You sure you're feeling up to It?" Azima asked getting up and walking to the door.

"No. I don't feel like much of anything right now, but I don't want this hanging over my head"

"Okay, I'll be just outside if you need me" she said before leaving to get James.

A few minutes later he walked into Sasha's room and smiled when he saw her "Sasha. Thank god you're alright. I was so worried"

"Thank you" she nodded "and thank you for everything you did. Honestly. I don't think we could of done it without you".

"I'm just happy, it all worked out" he said walking to her bedside "I've actually been offered a position here. Looks like we'll be working together for the foreseeable future"

"I heard" she nodded "and I want you to turn it down"

He looked at her with confusion across his face "Why on earth would I do that. We make a great team Sasha. Just think of all the good we could do. Together"

"I already have a team, and that's not really the point." Sasha, paused before carrying on. "There is no, us. No together. And I don't think you fully understand that. I don't want to constantly second guess your motives or question my judgement"

"Is it really so bad, that I care about you. That I have feelings for you" he said exasperated.

"Yes!" She yelled, causing her to wince in pain and grab her side. "I don't have feelings for you. I don't love you, and I never will." She said taking a deep breath "I meant what I said, I am truly grateful for your help, and I'm happy your getting a clean slate and fresh Start, but it can't be here and it certainly won't be with me"

"I see" he whispered, nodding a little. He could see she was in pain. Both physically and emotionally. The last thing she needed was for him to pile it on. Hell, he'd already contributed his fair share. "In that case, I suppose this is goodbye, isn't it"

"Yes. It is" Sasha nodded "take care of yourself James. I mean that"

"You too, Sasha" he said with a sad smile "maybe I'll see you around, someday" before exiting.

Azima walked back in and saw Sasha holding her side "you okay"

"Yeah, I think" she mumbled pumping her morphine Button, even though she knew it would only deliver the maximum allowable dose. It still felt good "can you wake me up before Tom gets here?"

"No problem" she nodded softly, pulling the blanket up for Sasha, who quickly dozed off.