AN: OMG, I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO sorry!!!!! I know it took me over a month to finally post, but at last it's here! It's also the last chapter. I know what's probably going through your minds (well, it's going through mine) "All she had to do was finish the chapter she mostly had finished anyway?!" And my excuse is I didn't know what to have Jesse give Dane for Father's Day. Pathetic, I know, but I wanted it to be kinda special, and I had a total writer's block. I also decided not to do a sequel because it would take too long, and by the time I got it finished, no one would remember what happened in this story! lol So now, I won't waste anymore of your time and get on with the story and review's notes! I hope you like this chapter!
Daniel Wesley Rydell: Yes, I agree, sequels are neat. Unfortunately, I'm not doing one for this story. Oh well. Thanks for reviewing my story! It was always nice to get reviews from you; you often brought my spirits up. Thanks!
Doc-dm: Thank you! I enjoy having Jesse suffer, too! lol Unfortunately, not much suffering in this chapter! It's more of the "comfort" end of hurt/comfort. None-the-less, I hope you enjoy it! And thanks for reviewing my story!
DMFAN: I can't thank you enough. Your kind and encouraging words could always make me smile! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. (And yes, you were right, the shooter was George!) Unfortunately, no sequel, but I do plan to keep writing. Though, my next story will probably be a Star Wars one! lol So, if you're into that, check it out! It might not be up for a while, though. Anyway, once again, thanks for always reviewing!!
Legolasfreak: Indiana Jones is great, isn't he? lol My family's a big fan as well since we live in Indiana! lol! Thanks for reviewing! I see you everywhere on fanfiction.net, so I felt honored that you reviewed my story! lol (I even have a Lord of the Rings story coming up, and, being a fan of Legolas like you, I think you'd like it! lol But it won't be up for a long while…) Thanks again!
Britt-Angel: Thanks for reviewing last chapter! …And the whole story! lol It was nice to have someone to count on to say nice things about me and my story! I truly appreciate it! Thanks!!
Mellon-nin: What can I say about you? You're by far the best friend anyone can have, and you always make me feel like I'm the best at anything! (even though I'm not!) Thanks for always being there, buddy!!!
JesseTravisLuvr: You are far too kind! And thanks for the spell check! ;) I never really was all that good at spelling… lol! Thanks for reviewing and keeping me in check! lol
StrangePenguin: Wow. You always could get me out of a depressed stage! You have no idea how much I valued your advice and praise! (even when I didn't deserve it!) Hopefully, this chapter is up to par, and you like it just as well. Thanks so much again!!
LAChick4Life: I'd have to agree with you there about Jesse being so cute! lol And don't worry, he'll be fine! ^_^ What kind of author would I be if I didn't make him okay? lol! Hope this chapter puts your mind at ease. Thanks for reviewing!
**Because I love you all so much, and because you were often my inspiration to update and helped me grow through this story, I dedicate this chapter to all of you!**
Chapter 7
"Mark, you said that I could get a room with my dad!" Jesse complained. Sleep was calling to Jesse, but he wouldn't answer until he got his wish. As soon as they got to Community General, Jesse was stitched, bandaged, and numbed. Finally, he was able to rest in his very white hospital room, but he would have none of it, simply because it was lacking something in the decor. His father.
"Jess, it's late. We'll move you in the morning." Mark tried to reason, but he knew it was no use. Jesse had already made up his mind. The patient turned to Amanda.
"Oh no you don't!" She exclaimed, putting on her best "mom" face. "Don't even try those puppy eyes on me because they won't work!" Jesse continued to stare, his blue eyes melting Amanda's weak façade.
"Well, moving him would only take a few minutes, wouldn't it Mark?" Amanda asked shyly.
"Amazing," Mark said with a smile.
"Well you try to say no to those eyes!" Amanda said, pointing to Jesse. He turned to Mark, only now his puppy eyes also held a glint of amusement.
"Don't bother, Jess." Mark said, holding up a hand. "I'll go notify the nurse." he said before he walked out of the room, shaking his head.
"Happy now?" Amanda asked, trying to keep a straight face, but was failing miserably.
"Very." Jesse said with a smug grin he had grown to perfect.
"How do you do that?" she asked, crossing her arms as a grin spread across her face.
"Hours of practice!" Jesse said, sharing her smile.
"Okay," Mark said, walking back into the room. "I've got it settled. Let's go." Amanda and Mark carefully helped Jesse into a wheelchair, and wheeled him to the elevator to take him a level higher. Soon, they found the room where Dane was. They opened the door slowly to find Dane fast asleep. Quietly, they wheeled Jesse in a settled him in his bed. Their movement didn't seem to bother Dane who continued to snore softly.
"Now will you sleep?" Mark whispered, his eyes looking pointedly at Jesse.
"Like father like son." Jesse whispered back with a smile. Mark and Amanda then quietly walked out the door, leaving the two alone to sleep off the tension of the day's events.
*******
"Something happened in that warehouse." Mark declared quietly as he and Amanda started walking towards the doctor's lounge.
"Well, yeah." Amanda agreed. "They were held captive, tortured, and almost burnt to death. I'd say something happened in that warehouse!" she exclaimed as they stepped into the lounge.
"No, I mean between Jesse and Dane." Mark said, reaching for the coffee pot. "Didn't you notice how protective Jesse was towards his father after they got out of the warehouse?" he asked, handing a cup of coffee to Amanda as he poured himself one.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean the situation between them has changed." Amanda said as Mark sat down across from her. "It is close to Father's Day, maybe Jesse's just feeling a little nice." She took a sip of the warm coffee.
"It's more than that." Mark said, shaking his head. "Normally Jesse would never want to be in the same hospital room as his father. He even talks as though their relationship has improved."
"I don't know, Mark." Amanda said, still dubious. "It could be wishful thinking."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Mark said, sipping his coffee. "But I sure hope it's not."
*******
Jesse woke up to weak sunshine on his face, leaving him in temporary bliss. He sighed contently, feeling much better than the night before. That thought brought swarming memories of the struggle and the narrow escape. Carefully turning his head, he looked at his sleeping father. The site brought a small smile to his face. Through an extremely trying time, they had come through it stronger. Better.
I must be on a huge morphine drip Jesse thought because he only felt a whisper of pain. It was because of this, that he decided to try to sit up. Gently, he pushed himself up with his uninjured arm. He then pressed a button to make his bed rise to a sitting position, and sat back with a heavy sigh. That little action alone seemed to drain him of his energy, and the whisper of pain turned into a cry. He could add this to the list of "Ingenious Things Jesse's Done" along with drinking poisoned milk and having George capture him. George! Suddenly, Jesse realized that his friends never said anything about finding George. Try as he might, he knew he wouldn't be able to rest until he knew. Slowly, he swung his legs over the side of his bed. Pulling his IV stand over, he used it as a support as he gingerly rose to his feet. Careful not to put pressure on his broken ankle, he limped out of the room, successfully not waking his father. Painfully, he made his way down the hallway towards the Doctor's Lounge, getting very odd looks from the passing nurses. He was thankful that none of them asked him what he was doing.
"Mark," Jesse said, a relieved smile gracing his tired features as he hung onto the doorway. He wasn't sure he could make it any farther without falling. He was glad that both Mark and Amanda were sitting there, so he wouldn't have to continue his painful search.
"Jesse!" Mark exclaimed, racing towards his friend who looked like he was going to fall over. Gently, he guided Jesse to a chair Amanda had pulled out for him.
"What are you doing?" Mark asked, giving his collogue a stern look after he was sure Jesse was okay.
"Looking for you." Jesse smiled meekly.
"Jesse," Mark warned.
"Wait," Jesse said, holding up his hands as if to ward off a physical attack. "You didn't tell me something last night."
"That's hardly an excuse, Jess." Amanda said, sharing the disapproving look Mark gave him.
"You didn't tell me if you caught George." Jesse said, searching their eyes for an answer. He was rewarded with a sigh from Mark.
"You didn't get him, did you?" Jesse said quietly, understanding his friends' silence. He turned his gaze to the table. He suddenly felt very weak. Silently, he chided himself for being foolish enough to think that they had caught him. George was clever, he reminded himself. Still, it did little to ease the pain burning in his heart.
"I'm sorry, Jess." Amanda said softly, breaking the silence.
"We will find him, though." Came a voice from behind. Steve walked in the door. "He can't hide forever. I've already got a squad on it." Jesse just nodded numbly.
"Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" Steve asked with a playful frown. "You should follow doctor's orders, you know."
"Oh, and you have room to talk!" Jesse said, a smile touching his lips. This wasn't the first time they had this conversation.
"What do you mean?" Steve said in mock surprise.
"Stop it you two!" Amanda said, playfully slapping Steve's arm. Steve feigned a look of hurt on his face while Jesse complemented it with an almost convincing look of innocence. Suddenly, Steve's cell phone interrupted their bickering.
"Sloan here," Steve said, answering the call. His face went blank as he heard what was said on the other line. "Okay. Thanks." he turned the phone off, his face unchanged.
"Who was that?" Mark asked. He couldn't gauge by his son's face what had happened. Just then, Steve broke out into a grin.
"They caught George!" he exclaimed. "He and his men were hiding in their truck just a few yards from the warehouse! They didn't even have the sense to drive away!" By now, everyone in the room was smiling, Jesse biggest of all. "Told you we'd catch him!" Steve said, patting Jesse on the back, careful of his healing shoulder.
"Now will you go back to bed?" Mark asked, his stern look ruined by his smile. Jesse nodded, still grinning. Amanda stepped outside of the lounge and got a wheelchair for Jesse from a near-by nurse. Together, the three helped Jesse into the chair and started wheeling him down the hallway. Once they got to Jesse's room, they were surprised to see Dane sitting up in bed, fully awake.
"Jesse!" he exclaimed once he saw his son enter the room. "Where were you? Did something happen? Is he alright?" the last question was aimed at Mark who smiled reassuringly.
"No, your son just decided to come and look for us." he explained as Amanda and Steve helped Jesse back into his hospital bed. "And I think he has some good news for you." he prompted his friend.
"They caught George!" Jesse said giving his dad a huge smile which Dane returned. Mark couldn't help but smile with them. Jesse and Dane still had a lot a patching up to do, but Mark knew that they were well on their way to having a healthy father-son relationship that Jesse had always craved for.
***a few weeks later***
"Happy father's day, Dad." Steve said, handing his father a white box. Mark smiled and opened it to reveal a navy tie.
"Thanks, Steve," Mark said, holding the tie out of the box. "I'll add it to my collection of 'Father's Day' ties."
"You know, Dad," Steve said, taking a sip of his coffee. "One of these days you're going to tell me what you really want for Father's Day."
"Like that'll ever happen!" Jesse said with a grin. Jesse had finally convinced Mark that he and Dane were well enough to spend Father's Day outside of the hospital. And, traditionally, Mark insisted that Jesse, along with his father, finish their recovery at the beach house. Finally, Father's Day rolled around, and it was time to exchange the presents. Steve had started, and now, it was Jesse's turn.
Jesse reached into his pocket, pulling out a plain white envelope which he handed to Dane. Dane slowly lifted the flap and pulled out what seemed to be a brochure of some kind, not revealing what it was to the rest of the group. Mark looked at Dane, then to Jesse, desperately trying to figure out what Jesse had given his father. Finally, Jesse spoke.
"I thought once we were fully recovered, we could go on a fishing trip. Ya know, some father-son time." Jesse said with a barely noticeable shrug, for he couldn't gage Dane's emotions either. He had a tough time finding something for his dad, and he wasn't sure how he would take it. Dane paused before he looked up at Jesse, a smile starting to grow on his face.
"I'd like that," Dane said, his smile widening. Jesse returned it, and soon everyone had grins on their faces. Finally, Jesse had a real Father's Day with the one person who mattered most.
**********
Ah, sappy ending! lol! Well, I hope you all enjoyed, and thanks SO much for being patient!!! ^_^
Daniel Wesley Rydell: Yes, I agree, sequels are neat. Unfortunately, I'm not doing one for this story. Oh well. Thanks for reviewing my story! It was always nice to get reviews from you; you often brought my spirits up. Thanks!
Doc-dm: Thank you! I enjoy having Jesse suffer, too! lol Unfortunately, not much suffering in this chapter! It's more of the "comfort" end of hurt/comfort. None-the-less, I hope you enjoy it! And thanks for reviewing my story!
DMFAN: I can't thank you enough. Your kind and encouraging words could always make me smile! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. (And yes, you were right, the shooter was George!) Unfortunately, no sequel, but I do plan to keep writing. Though, my next story will probably be a Star Wars one! lol So, if you're into that, check it out! It might not be up for a while, though. Anyway, once again, thanks for always reviewing!!
Legolasfreak: Indiana Jones is great, isn't he? lol My family's a big fan as well since we live in Indiana! lol! Thanks for reviewing! I see you everywhere on fanfiction.net, so I felt honored that you reviewed my story! lol (I even have a Lord of the Rings story coming up, and, being a fan of Legolas like you, I think you'd like it! lol But it won't be up for a long while…) Thanks again!
Britt-Angel: Thanks for reviewing last chapter! …And the whole story! lol It was nice to have someone to count on to say nice things about me and my story! I truly appreciate it! Thanks!!
Mellon-nin: What can I say about you? You're by far the best friend anyone can have, and you always make me feel like I'm the best at anything! (even though I'm not!) Thanks for always being there, buddy!!!
JesseTravisLuvr: You are far too kind! And thanks for the spell check! ;) I never really was all that good at spelling… lol! Thanks for reviewing and keeping me in check! lol
StrangePenguin: Wow. You always could get me out of a depressed stage! You have no idea how much I valued your advice and praise! (even when I didn't deserve it!) Hopefully, this chapter is up to par, and you like it just as well. Thanks so much again!!
LAChick4Life: I'd have to agree with you there about Jesse being so cute! lol And don't worry, he'll be fine! ^_^ What kind of author would I be if I didn't make him okay? lol! Hope this chapter puts your mind at ease. Thanks for reviewing!
**Because I love you all so much, and because you were often my inspiration to update and helped me grow through this story, I dedicate this chapter to all of you!**
Chapter 7
"Mark, you said that I could get a room with my dad!" Jesse complained. Sleep was calling to Jesse, but he wouldn't answer until he got his wish. As soon as they got to Community General, Jesse was stitched, bandaged, and numbed. Finally, he was able to rest in his very white hospital room, but he would have none of it, simply because it was lacking something in the decor. His father.
"Jess, it's late. We'll move you in the morning." Mark tried to reason, but he knew it was no use. Jesse had already made up his mind. The patient turned to Amanda.
"Oh no you don't!" She exclaimed, putting on her best "mom" face. "Don't even try those puppy eyes on me because they won't work!" Jesse continued to stare, his blue eyes melting Amanda's weak façade.
"Well, moving him would only take a few minutes, wouldn't it Mark?" Amanda asked shyly.
"Amazing," Mark said with a smile.
"Well you try to say no to those eyes!" Amanda said, pointing to Jesse. He turned to Mark, only now his puppy eyes also held a glint of amusement.
"Don't bother, Jess." Mark said, holding up a hand. "I'll go notify the nurse." he said before he walked out of the room, shaking his head.
"Happy now?" Amanda asked, trying to keep a straight face, but was failing miserably.
"Very." Jesse said with a smug grin he had grown to perfect.
"How do you do that?" she asked, crossing her arms as a grin spread across her face.
"Hours of practice!" Jesse said, sharing her smile.
"Okay," Mark said, walking back into the room. "I've got it settled. Let's go." Amanda and Mark carefully helped Jesse into a wheelchair, and wheeled him to the elevator to take him a level higher. Soon, they found the room where Dane was. They opened the door slowly to find Dane fast asleep. Quietly, they wheeled Jesse in a settled him in his bed. Their movement didn't seem to bother Dane who continued to snore softly.
"Now will you sleep?" Mark whispered, his eyes looking pointedly at Jesse.
"Like father like son." Jesse whispered back with a smile. Mark and Amanda then quietly walked out the door, leaving the two alone to sleep off the tension of the day's events.
*******
"Something happened in that warehouse." Mark declared quietly as he and Amanda started walking towards the doctor's lounge.
"Well, yeah." Amanda agreed. "They were held captive, tortured, and almost burnt to death. I'd say something happened in that warehouse!" she exclaimed as they stepped into the lounge.
"No, I mean between Jesse and Dane." Mark said, reaching for the coffee pot. "Didn't you notice how protective Jesse was towards his father after they got out of the warehouse?" he asked, handing a cup of coffee to Amanda as he poured himself one.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean the situation between them has changed." Amanda said as Mark sat down across from her. "It is close to Father's Day, maybe Jesse's just feeling a little nice." She took a sip of the warm coffee.
"It's more than that." Mark said, shaking his head. "Normally Jesse would never want to be in the same hospital room as his father. He even talks as though their relationship has improved."
"I don't know, Mark." Amanda said, still dubious. "It could be wishful thinking."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Mark said, sipping his coffee. "But I sure hope it's not."
*******
Jesse woke up to weak sunshine on his face, leaving him in temporary bliss. He sighed contently, feeling much better than the night before. That thought brought swarming memories of the struggle and the narrow escape. Carefully turning his head, he looked at his sleeping father. The site brought a small smile to his face. Through an extremely trying time, they had come through it stronger. Better.
I must be on a huge morphine drip Jesse thought because he only felt a whisper of pain. It was because of this, that he decided to try to sit up. Gently, he pushed himself up with his uninjured arm. He then pressed a button to make his bed rise to a sitting position, and sat back with a heavy sigh. That little action alone seemed to drain him of his energy, and the whisper of pain turned into a cry. He could add this to the list of "Ingenious Things Jesse's Done" along with drinking poisoned milk and having George capture him. George! Suddenly, Jesse realized that his friends never said anything about finding George. Try as he might, he knew he wouldn't be able to rest until he knew. Slowly, he swung his legs over the side of his bed. Pulling his IV stand over, he used it as a support as he gingerly rose to his feet. Careful not to put pressure on his broken ankle, he limped out of the room, successfully not waking his father. Painfully, he made his way down the hallway towards the Doctor's Lounge, getting very odd looks from the passing nurses. He was thankful that none of them asked him what he was doing.
"Mark," Jesse said, a relieved smile gracing his tired features as he hung onto the doorway. He wasn't sure he could make it any farther without falling. He was glad that both Mark and Amanda were sitting there, so he wouldn't have to continue his painful search.
"Jesse!" Mark exclaimed, racing towards his friend who looked like he was going to fall over. Gently, he guided Jesse to a chair Amanda had pulled out for him.
"What are you doing?" Mark asked, giving his collogue a stern look after he was sure Jesse was okay.
"Looking for you." Jesse smiled meekly.
"Jesse," Mark warned.
"Wait," Jesse said, holding up his hands as if to ward off a physical attack. "You didn't tell me something last night."
"That's hardly an excuse, Jess." Amanda said, sharing the disapproving look Mark gave him.
"You didn't tell me if you caught George." Jesse said, searching their eyes for an answer. He was rewarded with a sigh from Mark.
"You didn't get him, did you?" Jesse said quietly, understanding his friends' silence. He turned his gaze to the table. He suddenly felt very weak. Silently, he chided himself for being foolish enough to think that they had caught him. George was clever, he reminded himself. Still, it did little to ease the pain burning in his heart.
"I'm sorry, Jess." Amanda said softly, breaking the silence.
"We will find him, though." Came a voice from behind. Steve walked in the door. "He can't hide forever. I've already got a squad on it." Jesse just nodded numbly.
"Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" Steve asked with a playful frown. "You should follow doctor's orders, you know."
"Oh, and you have room to talk!" Jesse said, a smile touching his lips. This wasn't the first time they had this conversation.
"What do you mean?" Steve said in mock surprise.
"Stop it you two!" Amanda said, playfully slapping Steve's arm. Steve feigned a look of hurt on his face while Jesse complemented it with an almost convincing look of innocence. Suddenly, Steve's cell phone interrupted their bickering.
"Sloan here," Steve said, answering the call. His face went blank as he heard what was said on the other line. "Okay. Thanks." he turned the phone off, his face unchanged.
"Who was that?" Mark asked. He couldn't gauge by his son's face what had happened. Just then, Steve broke out into a grin.
"They caught George!" he exclaimed. "He and his men were hiding in their truck just a few yards from the warehouse! They didn't even have the sense to drive away!" By now, everyone in the room was smiling, Jesse biggest of all. "Told you we'd catch him!" Steve said, patting Jesse on the back, careful of his healing shoulder.
"Now will you go back to bed?" Mark asked, his stern look ruined by his smile. Jesse nodded, still grinning. Amanda stepped outside of the lounge and got a wheelchair for Jesse from a near-by nurse. Together, the three helped Jesse into the chair and started wheeling him down the hallway. Once they got to Jesse's room, they were surprised to see Dane sitting up in bed, fully awake.
"Jesse!" he exclaimed once he saw his son enter the room. "Where were you? Did something happen? Is he alright?" the last question was aimed at Mark who smiled reassuringly.
"No, your son just decided to come and look for us." he explained as Amanda and Steve helped Jesse back into his hospital bed. "And I think he has some good news for you." he prompted his friend.
"They caught George!" Jesse said giving his dad a huge smile which Dane returned. Mark couldn't help but smile with them. Jesse and Dane still had a lot a patching up to do, but Mark knew that they were well on their way to having a healthy father-son relationship that Jesse had always craved for.
***a few weeks later***
"Happy father's day, Dad." Steve said, handing his father a white box. Mark smiled and opened it to reveal a navy tie.
"Thanks, Steve," Mark said, holding the tie out of the box. "I'll add it to my collection of 'Father's Day' ties."
"You know, Dad," Steve said, taking a sip of his coffee. "One of these days you're going to tell me what you really want for Father's Day."
"Like that'll ever happen!" Jesse said with a grin. Jesse had finally convinced Mark that he and Dane were well enough to spend Father's Day outside of the hospital. And, traditionally, Mark insisted that Jesse, along with his father, finish their recovery at the beach house. Finally, Father's Day rolled around, and it was time to exchange the presents. Steve had started, and now, it was Jesse's turn.
Jesse reached into his pocket, pulling out a plain white envelope which he handed to Dane. Dane slowly lifted the flap and pulled out what seemed to be a brochure of some kind, not revealing what it was to the rest of the group. Mark looked at Dane, then to Jesse, desperately trying to figure out what Jesse had given his father. Finally, Jesse spoke.
"I thought once we were fully recovered, we could go on a fishing trip. Ya know, some father-son time." Jesse said with a barely noticeable shrug, for he couldn't gage Dane's emotions either. He had a tough time finding something for his dad, and he wasn't sure how he would take it. Dane paused before he looked up at Jesse, a smile starting to grow on his face.
"I'd like that," Dane said, his smile widening. Jesse returned it, and soon everyone had grins on their faces. Finally, Jesse had a real Father's Day with the one person who mattered most.
**********
Ah, sappy ending! lol! Well, I hope you all enjoyed, and thanks SO much for being patient!!! ^_^