Sydney hadn't had the restful night she had hoped for. Her dreams had been filled with images of Gage. And not only about his abduction, no, they were of him turning away from her and the baby. And after spending half the night tossing and turning, she finally got up and decided to get an early start. Although they weren't expected in the hospital until late afternoon, she decided to go over to Gage's apartment to see how he was doing after his first night home. She just couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling in the back of her mind, telling her to go check on him. So that's what she did, she took her prenatal vitamins, ate some breakfast and went on her way.

When she finally came to his front door, she suddenly lost her nerve. She knew what he was trying to do yesterday, and she didn't want the same thing happening today. He needed her, as much as she needed him and she had to make that clear to him. Sighing softly she straightened her shoulders and used her key to let herself in, Gage would probably still be in bed.

Walking in the small apartment she looked around. The place was dark, because of the closed curtains, so she walked over to them and opened them while enjoying the fresh morning air. Suddenly a small groan grabbed her attention, causing her to tense her body, while she turned towards the sound. When she heard it again, she realized it came from the bedroom and, thinking Gage was having a bad dream, she walked over there, slowly opening the bedroom door, as not to disturb him if he was still asleep. But what she saw, was not what she had expected…

Her partner wasn't in the bed, although his chair was there. It took her a minute before she saw where he really was. Lying next to the bed, groaning in pain!

"Gage!" she exclaimed, while hurriedly making her way towards him. His eyes were closed, but she could see he was awake, because his brow was furrowed with pain.

Squatting down beside him she gently strokes the hair from his face, discovering a large lump there.

"Gage, look at me, what happened sweetie?" she asked, keeping her voice even, although she was panicking a little, there could be damage to his back… Pushing that thought to the back of her mind, she looked him over, she couldn't see any other injuries. Gage's groan brought her attention back to his face.

"Aww, Syd? I fell…" he said, the shame evident in his voice.

"I know honey, but when did you fall? How long have you been lying here?" she asked, fearing the answer a little. He looked like he was lying there for a while now and she was worried he somehow managed to hurt his back more.

"Don't know," he answered softly, "A while I guess. Syd?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you ehh, would you help me up?" he asked, still feeling ashamed about the fact he needed her, although he had decided she was better of without him. But, seeing her worried face, he knew it would be difficult, for her as well as for him.

"Of course I'll help you. Think about who you're dealing with buddy," she said, trying to bring some brightness in the situation, "I may be pregnant, but I probably still have more muscles than you, Walker and Trivette combined."

5 Minutes later Gage was lying on the bed, back still sore, but the pain was less excruciating now. But he was a little worried about Syd, after getting him from the floor she had started sweating profoundly and she was now in his living room, resting. He sighed softly, this entire situation was starting to get better and better. Deep inside he hated himself for putting her through al this crap, and he knew she would be hurt when he left her and their child. Their child… What would she, like Syd kept calling her, think of her paralysed father. No, they would both be better of without him. He would be fine on his own. When that thought hit him, a wave of emotion came with it. It felt like being hit in the stomach. No, he was wrong, he wouldn't be fine on his own.

Running his hand across his face he put al those thoughts aside. This afternoon would decide his further future, if the surgery was a success everything would turn out great. But what if it went wrong? Luckily Syd broke his thoughts by walking in his room carrying a large tray with different kinds of food.

"Aw Syd, you didn't have to do that you know. I'm so tired, I think I'll sleep all day."

"Gage, you have to eat first, this way you have your strength, so you're ready for you surgery." she said, holding back a sigh. He could be so stubborn.

But after eating some, Gage finally fell asleep, and suddenly Syd felt so tired, she decided to just keep him company, and she laid down next to him.

She didn't know if it was out of habit, but she suddenly felt his arm snaking around her waist. She wasn't about to argue over it, so after turning her body so she was snuggled in to him she closed her eyes.

St. Matthews hospital, that afternoon

Walker, Trivette and Alex were all waiting in the halls of the hospital. All three of them had worry etched on their face.

"How long do you think it's going to take?" Alex asked her husband, after checking her watch.

Walker turned towards her, taking her hands in his, "I don't know honey, just don't worry, he's in good hands."

"Yeah," Trivette added, "And Syd is with him remember, she always takes care of him. She's just to stubborn to let him take the easy way out," he finished with a small wink.

"I sure hope so, those two deserve some luck by now," Alex finished, settling down in a waiting chair.

Meanwhile…

Gage was starting to feel drowsy. Those meds were really working fast, he thought. Blinking blurry eyes he could still make out the form of the one woman he had ever truly loved. Making up his mind, he knew he had to give her closure, no matter what happened.

"Syd?" his voice was starting to get softer, but she could still hear it.

"I know Gage, I know," she said, gently stroking his hand.

Gage started shaking his head, "No, I have to tell you. No matter what Syd, I love you," his voice getting even softer. But she still heard his last words, "No matter what…" and then he gave into the drug induced sleep and closed his eyes, hand slipping from hers.

"You'll be all right Gage, I promise you'll be all right," with that she had to leave the room, so the doctors could work. Before closing the door, she looked back one last time, tears in her eyes, sending one last prayer to the gods above, telling them to take care of her partner.

After two minutes she finally got the courage to close the door and leave him lying there. And when she had closed it she turned around. Seeing the worried faces of their friends, she could let loose and let the tears fall. Because Alex' arms were already waiting for her. And together, the four of them started to wait…