"How wonderful life is, while you're in the world," Tori sang just above a whisper as she slowly ran her fingers along Blake's arm that lay across her middle. She had been awake for a little while and just watched him sleep. He had made her feel better than she had in a long time. She slowly leaned closer to him and kissed his lips until she felt him respond gently.

His eyes opened and he looked at her. Her face looked flushed, but she wore the sweet smile he had fallen in love with. "Good morning," he said kissing her cheek. "How do you feel?" Tori took a deep breath.

"Pretty much the same as I did yesterday- except I feel a little warm," she said swallowing. Blake sat up and placed a hand on her forehead.

"You do feel warmer. Do you want some water?" Tori smiled and nodded her head a little. Blake went and gave her a cup. Tori took a sip of the cool liquid and smiled. Blake couldn't help but yawn- he hadn't slept very well in the cramped bed. He was afraid he was going to hurt her in some way, so he kept waking up.

"I told you you should have gone home," she said grinning. Blake smiled and sat in the chair that had become like home to him over the last few days. "Go ride your bike around the track." Blake's face suddenly turned away from her, and she could see that he was hiding something. "What? Something's wrong," she said.

" I can't ride my bike," he said.

"Why? What happened to it?"

"I, uh, I sold it," he said quietly. Tori's eyes widened.

"Why would you ever sell. . ." she began to say before the thought actually hit her. "You sold it for my board. . ." Blake nodded his head and took her hand.

"I told you I'd do anything for you," he said as he leaned down and kissed her palm. Tori felt tears starting to form again and she cupped her hand on his chin.

"Stop saying shit like that- you're making me cry again," she said with a little laugh. Blake laughed too and turned his head again to rest his lips on her soft palm. Tori smiled again, but then her eyes went wide and she lurched forward couching. Blake shot up like a flash and sat with her, rubbing her back with one hand and pushing the call button with the other.

Tori clung to his shirt and leaned over his shoulder coughing uncontrollably. Her eyes began to water and her muscles tensed. She tried to get her breathing under control but, she could only gasp. Dr. Jones and a nurse ran in and Blake backed away. They laid her down and put an oxygen mask on her while the doctor checked her vitals and took a sample of blood. Tori's breathing slowly returned to normal. As soon as the nurse backed away, Blake went back to her side and stroked her hair gently. Tori looked at him as if to say that she was alright.

"What happened?" he asked the doctor. Dr. Jones took the drop of blood he had taken from Tori and tested it in a kit he had brought with him. His eyes grew very wide and he turned to them with a look of complete shock.

"I've never seen anything like this," he said as he went over to Tori and removed her mask. "From the sample I just took, it appears that the new marrow has been accepted. . . I've never heard of anyone recovering this fast." Tori looked at him with an equal look of shock. "The coughing spells, and occasional nausea should pass within the week. We'll have to do another test, but it appears that you'll fully recover," he said smiling.

More nurses came in and changed Tori's I.V. and gave her something to help with the pain in her muscles. The doctor just looked at Tori and smiled. "I'll be back with the official results as soon as I can."

As soon as he left, Blake held her in his arms. Tears of joy fell from his eyes. Tori was getting tired from the muscle relaxant they had given her, but she managed to wrap one of her arms around his back and she kissed his neck.

"Is there anything you need me to do?" Blake asked as they pulled away.

"I need you to get my sister," she said before her eyes drifted closed. Blake kissed her forehead and covered her with a blanket.

He crept out of the room and went in search of the Yellow Eagle Ranger.

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Eric was woken up by a slight chill creeping over his naked body. The bed sheet had made its way down until it rested just below his navel. He shivered slightly and looked over to the pile of sheets and bedding that were gathered around the figure lying next to him. He smiled and pulled at the comforter, causing Taylor to wake up a little. She pulled it back.

"I'm cold- let me sleep," she said half mocking him. Eric heard the small challenge in her tone and pulled on the cover harder, pulling it off her completely. Taylor cringed as she lay naked under the thin sheets. Eric smiled triumphantly and settled in. 'Two can play at this game,' she said to herself.

"C'mon Meyers- I'm so cold," she said in her best 'damsel in distress' voice. Eric began to laugh. "I'm serious!" she said giggling a little as she turned to face him. Her face fell when she saw the bruise on his face. "Oh my- Eric," she said as she reached out to touch his face. "Does it hurt?"

"Actually it kills," he said. He reached his hand up and covered hers. "But I'll live."

Taylor felt so bad for hitting him. "I guess all that kissing didn't help it." Eric gave her a small smile and he felt her shiver.

"You really are cold." She nodded. "I guess I'm just going to have to keep you warm," he said as he moved closer to her. Their bodies met and they both let out sighs of pleasure as they felt their bare skin touch. Eric drew the cover over them and Taylor settled into his arms with her head on his shoulder.

"Much better," she said as her eyes closed. Eric ran his hand down her torso until he came to her thighs and began to massage them gently. "We shouldn't," she said as she kissed his chest

"Why not? he asked as he brought her face to him. He kissed her gently. Taylor felt him wince a little.

"That's why," she said matter of factly. "Plus I need to get over and see how Tori is." As if on cue, her cell phone began to ring. She grabbed the cover and quickly got up to wrap it around herself.

"Taylor!" Eric cried as the cold air hit him again. She grabbed her phone laughing. Eric saw her face fall and then light up like he had never seen before. She hung up and jumped on top of Eric.

"Tori's okay! The doc said the marrow took and she's going to be okay!" She cried as she covered Eric's lips with hers, forgetting about his injury. Apparently he did too, as he kissed her back. "I have to go see her!" she cried jumping off him to get ready.

Eric shivered. "Taylor! The blanket!"

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The hospital room was filled when Taylor and Eric arrived. Tori was sitting up with a smile on her lips. Their eyes met and Taylor flew across the room and grabbed her in a hug. The guys decided to leave them alone.

"Thank God," Taylor whispered. Tori felt her shake a little and pulled away.

"Taylor? What's wrong?" Taylor gave her a teary smile.

"Nothing- I'm just so happy you're going to be alright," she said as she took a seat. "I promise you Tori- I'm not going to leave you ever again. After I get back to the base, I have a few loose ends to tie up, but then I'll be home for good," she said wiping her eyes.

"Taylor, I can't ask you to do that," Tori said.

"No- I already spoke to my commanding officer, and he's letting me go. . . besides, I already achieved what I wanted to. I found the Animarium."

Tori let out a small laugh. "I remember that's all you would talk about when we were young. Mum used to tell that story over and over. . ."

"What about that book on Hawaiian folklore? You would always carry that thing around. . ."

Both were quiet. Neither one of them had really spoken about their mother since she died. "I miss her," Tori said softly. Taylor rubbed her hand.

"I miss her too Tor, but at least I still have you," Taylor said. Tori smiled.

"You saved me Taylor. . ." she trailed off and wiped away a tear. "And what I said before, about you not knowing me- I didn't mean it."

"I know you didn't, but it's true. I should have stuck around, but I didn't, and I almost lost you. . ." she said as her eyes now spilled over. Tori grabbed her hand.

"You don't always have to be the strong one. Other people care about you," Tori said. Taylor gave her a small smile. "You just have to let them in."

"When did you get so smart?" Taylor asked.

"I've always been smart- you've just been too busy to notice," she said grinning. Taylor stood and gave her a hug.

"Not busy anymore little one," Taylor whispered into her ear.

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A week later, Tori was released from the hospital. The doctors were amazed at how quickly she took to the treatment. A bit of her strength had returned, and Dr. Jones decided that she was well enough to go home, but would need to go in for routine checkups until it was determined that all the cancer was gone.

Taylor drove Eric's SUV to pick her up, while the guys were getting her apartment ready. Blake was rushing around trying to make everything perfect.

"Dude- chill," Dustin said as he plopped down on the couch.

"Yeah bro, she'll be here any minute, so sit back and relax," Hunter added as Blake looked out the window for the car.

Shane sat with Eric. "So what'll happen once you get back to Silver Hills?" Shane asked.

"I'll go back to work of course. I've been gone long enough, but I must say I've enjoyed the vacation," Eric replied. Shane tried to stifle a laugh, but couldn't control himself.

"I bet you've enjoyed it considering that little mark on your neck!" he said as he exploded with laughter. Eric's face turned red. He got up and looked in a mirror that was in the hallway. Sure enough, a small hickey was placed on the left side of his neck.

'Oh she's gonna get it,' he thought to himself.

"Wait- you and Taylor?" Cam asked in disbelief.

"I think it's safe to say that," Eric replied. Cam's mouth dropped open.

"Wow," was all Cam could say. Eric was about to reply when Blake signaled that the girls were back. He went and opened the door as Tori walked in with Taylor's help. Blake instantly took her in his arms. Tori smiled and then did the rounds of hugging everyone else.

The last two weeks she had been in bed, and now she was able to hug her friends like she wanted to. Much of the afternoon was spent sitting around; talking about nothing in particular- just like it had been before. Tori cuddled into Blake who had his arm around her and let out a yawn.

The guys took it as their cue to leave so Tori could rest. Taylor and Eric, and Blake stayed behind though. Tori got up and headed for the kitchen, with Eric going to help her. Blake was thankful for that- he had wanted to talk to Taylor alone.

She could see that he was contemplating something that was making him very nervous. "Taylor, I need to ask you something," he said quietly. She nodded her head for him to continue. Blake scratched the back of his head and took a deep breath, "I love Tori- more than anything. And after this whole thing, I came to realize that I don't ever want to leave her. . . I guess what I'm trying to say is. . . well, would you give me permission to marry your sister?"

For the first time in her life, Taylor was speechless. She stared at him and couldn't believe what was going on. She knew he was sincere in his words, and she knew also that her sister was madly in love with him. How could she say no? She cleared her throat.

"Marry her?" she asked. Blake nodded his head nervously. "you guys are pretty young," she said running her hand through her hair. Blake instantly felt his heart sink. He knew Taylor was the only family Tori had, so he knew if she said no, it would be disastrous for both of them.

Taylor thought about her answer. Her baby sister? Married to someone Taylor just met? It didn't seem real. But she had seen Blake with Tori over the last few weeks, and had seen the care, and love he had shown her- the kind of love that will last.

"Yes," she finally said. Blake raised his eyes with a look of shock on his face.

"Yes? You said yes right?" he asked again. Taylor nodded her head smiling. Blake nearly dove across the room and grabbed her in a hug. "Thank you," he said.

Tori and Eric came out of the kitchen and stopped when they saw Taylor and Blake. "What the hell do you think you're doing to my girlfriend?" Eric said. Blake released her and looked back at Eric.

"I was just, uh," Blake stuttered as Eric's eyes bore into him. Taylor let out a small laugh.

"One- he was giving me a hug, and Two- when did I become your girlfriend?" she said standing up. A huge smirk was on her face. Tori went and sat on the couch where Blake had returned. Eric walked right up to Taylor, grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him.

Her eyes shot wide open and he kissed her hard. Taylor felt herself go weak, and settled into his grip. He pulled away, leaving her a little dazed. Tori was in shock- she had never seen ANYONE do anything like that to Taylor. Taylor looked at Eric's grinning face and brought her hand back- it looked like she was going to punch him again.

"Oh this isn't good," Tori said to Blake. They watched as her hand reached behind his head and she pulled him in this time. Tori's mouth fell wide open. Taylor pulled away and gently hit Eric's arm.

"What was that for?" he asked smiling.

"Just to make sure you can handle my abusive nature," she replied kissing him lightly. Tori was still in shock. Taylor turned to her and smiled. "What? You're the one that said I should let people in, so I am," she said turning back to Eric.

Tori's mouth closed and she bit her lip. "Sorry," she said shyly. Taylor went and hugged her.

"We're going to go and let you rest. I'll call you later," Taylor said. Tori smiled and watched them leave. They hopped in the SUV and drove off, leaving Tori and Blake alone.

Tori put her feet up on the couch and laid down so her head was resting in Blake's lap. The scene was identical to the one where they had first told their true feelings. Blake gently ran his fingers through her hair and saw her eyes drift shut. Tori sighed contently.

"I'm so glad to be home," she said softly. Blake smiled and put his other hand on her midsection. Tori took it in both of hers and gently began running her nails along it gently. Blake knew this was the right time.

"Tor?" he asked.

"Hmm," she replied as his fingers continued to run through her hair.

"You know I love you," he asked. Tori opened her eyes and smiled.

"I love you too Blake," she said softly. Her hands gripped his a little tighter.

Blake looked down at her and placed his hand on her cheek. "Will you marry me?" he asked softly. Tori's eyes widened and her grip loosened. She raised herself up and took his face in her hands.

"Of course I will," she said sincerely. They leaned in and for the first time in weeks, Tori felt her strength returning to her limbs. They pulled away and held each other for a long time. Tori kissed his neck as she turned back to him. "I love you," she said. Blake ran his hand along her arm.

"You have no idea how happy you've made me," he said as he kissed her. His lips moved from hers, to her cheek, and then down to her neck and shoulder. "I promise I'll get you a ring."

Tori brought his face back to hers. "I don't need a ring. . . you've already given me so much," she said kissing him again. Blake pulled away and stood up, offering his hand to her. "What are you doing?" she asked as she stood. Blake didn't say anything as he grabbed her in his arms and held her close to him.

"I just want to hold you," he said. Tori smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. They hadn't been able to do this in weeks. Her head rested perfectly into the crook of his neck and shoulder. She breathed in his scent and felt his lips on her forehead.

"Blake," she breathed. He kissed her again, and felt her hands begin to roam his back. "I missed you," she said. Blake knew what she meant, and brought her face to his, kissing her gently.

"Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you. . ." he said. He wanted her more than he could have ever imagined, but he didn't want to do anything that could cause her harm.

Tori smiled. "I love you so much right now," she said as she laid kisses along his face. "Let me show you," she said as she met his lips again. Their mouths parted and their tongues danced. Tori's hands roamed his back and he ran his fingers through her hair. After a few minutes, they had to release for air.

Blake picked her up and brought back to the bedroom. Once there, they took their time removing each other's clothes- taking in everything about one another. Tori's fingers traced his chest, while Blake ran his hands over her shoulders, kissing them as he moved to her mouth.

They made their way onto the bed and continued to explore each other until they couldn't fight their yearning anymore. They lay on their sides and held each other closely. Blake slowly entered her, and Tori accepted him fully. They slowly rolled until Tori was lying on him, slowly moving her hips in a steady rhythm.

Blake's hands rested on her hips and he gently moved her up and down on him. They went slowly at first, but Blake sped up the pace as he felt himself beginning to reach his climax. Tori too was very close, and just as Blake released Tori felt hers. They were panting and sweating more than they had before. Blake held her to him, never wanting to let her go.

Tori gently kissed him and then lay her head down on his chest. Blake ran his fingers over her glistening back and felt her entire body relax. He smiled when she laid a small kiss on his chest. She rolled herself off of him and almost immediately fell asleep. She was still weak, but felt better than she had in a long time.

Blake rolled on his side so he could look at her. She gave him one last smile before closing her eyes. He couldn't believe that Tori- his Tori- was back here with him, safe at last. He moved closer and put his arm loosely over her. With a finally kiss on the cheek, he too closed his eyes and held his future wife close.