My eyes slid open slowly, momentarily confused before my mind registered that I was still in hospital. There was a strong clinical smell and the lights were very bright at first but my eyes soon adjusted. There was Christmas music playing quietly, carols and cheesy old songs and there was tinsel decorating the ward. "Baby?"

I turned my head and looked at dad, blinking once before groaning and removing the mask from my face. "Dad?" He sighed with relief and moved forwards, not disturbing Sarah who was curled up in a chair, sleeping.

"Hey baby, you okay?" I nodded my head.

"I'm alive, which is a good thing." Sitting up slightly I frowned. "What day is it?"

"Christmas eve." Hot damn! "Yeah, you slept for quite a while." Dad gave me a soft smile as I stared up at him.

"Damn! I missed all the parades!" I pouted and at my complaining, Sarah jerked awake.

"Nat!" She grinned, flying to my side and hugged me though carefully, only at the last moment remembering that I was still a little bit on the tender side. "We were so worried about you. They said you weren't likely to pull through." I smirked.

"I'm a tough girl. Besides, I am not going to die when it's so close to Christmas! That's just sad." Suddenly I grinned. "Hey, I have advent days to catch up on, you know what that means? Candy!" Sarah beamed then pulled something out of her pocket and I stared at the Skittles in awe. "You didn't…"

"I did. Think they would mind?" I arched an eyebrow at her.

"Do I look like I care what those bozos think? Let's open the champagne!" Still grinning Sarah opened the bag and poured a healthy portion into my hand which I devoured hungrily. Oh man, sugar. Never tasted so good.

"They say you're doing okay now. You woke up a few times though I don't know if you really understood what was happening." Dad explained to me as Sarah picked out her favourite ones. "We can discharge you and take you home if you want?"

"Sounds good to me. I hate hospitals." I nodded my head, sitting up a little further then looked around. "Where's Han and the others?"

"Han is…organising something." Dad frowned. "He didn't say much, but he promised he would be back." I felt a little disappointed but Sarah punched my shoulder gently.

"Hey, he was at your side for a full week. We practically had to drag him away to get some proper rest, change his clothes and eat." Perking up a little I smiled.

"Really?"

"Yup. Dead set on not moving." Dad sighed, rubbing his face with one hand. "Cooper called a couple of times, asking how you were."

"That's nice of him." I returned, sitting up further until I was perfectly upright. "What do you think dad, about me joining the CIA?" Dad paused then made a face.

"I can hardly stop you." He shrugged then sighed, coming to sit by my side on the bed, reaching out and taking my hand. "I want you to know that whatever you do, I'll always be proud of you, Natalia. Always." Giving him a loving smile I reached forwards then kissed his face.

"How's mom? Is she okay?" Sarah nodded her head.

"She's been taken back to a hospital close to where we live so that we can visit her often. Since you're apartment is completely trashed, we thought you might like to come live with us for a few days until you can claim insurance." I blushed slightly then looked down.

"Yeah, about that. I couldn't really afford insurance." Dad groaned.

"Seriously?"

"Hey! I'm a young woman still trying to find her way in the world. Don't get lippy with me just because I can't afford insurance on my apartment." Dad grinned at me.

"Okay, we'll sort that when it comes to it. For now you can live with us, we'll visit mom and I can keep a very close eye on you." I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, like that's really going to work for long." I paused, almost hesitant to ask but I plucked up my courage. "Do they know what's wrong with her?" Sarah and dad looked at one another before looking back at me.

"Baby, it's not very good. There's something not quite right in her mind, she's been classed as clinically insane and they're looking to place her in a special care facility that can look after her properly. She thinks she's still a child but there's another side to her that is more violent and dangerous. There are some moments when she can flick between the two personalities when something triggers the reaction however the more violent side is also the maternal side of her, which is why she can remember you specifically." Nodding my head I sighed.

"At least they'll take care of her. I don't think I would have been able to handle it the way you did, dad, it would have really hurt to see her that way." He nodded his head in understanding then looked around as a doctor approached us.

"Good morning, my dear, how do you feel?" He asked me kindly and I grinned.

"Like a million dollar model on a catwalk, can I go now? Please? I want to get home for Christmas." He chuckled, looking over some results that they must have tested recently.

"You're still recovering from the trauma of your attack. As your doctor I advise that you stay as it may cause further injury if you try and get back on your feet now." Dad got up and turned to face the doctor, doing his best to not look intimidating.

"I'm confident I can take care of her. She'll be fine." The doctor paused, reluctant.

"I formally request to be discharged." I continued, giving him a small smile. "Honestly, I'll be careful. I just want to be on my own sofa on Christmas day." Sighing, the doctor gave in then nodded his head.

"I'll find you a discharge form. Merry Christmas to you all."

"Merry Christmas." We chorused back then turned to face one another again.

"So." I struck up, grinning. "Tell me about the bombs." Sarah burst into story, recounting every single detail with impressive enthusiasm as I listened with a widespread grin.

Ha! Did you really think I was going to let this girl go? Not likely! Had you all fooled there for a moment though, didn't I? :)