Off on standby Chapter 141, a x-overs fanfic

A/N: Get ready for probably he longest chapter ever. I didn't see the need to cut it in two. There's a song towards the end (you'll know which one when you get to it). It's quite famous. I know Tegan didn't write it but this is fiction so let's pretend she did. Enjoy!

Chapter 141

Tegan walked back on stage grinning. She put her guitar around her neck and immediately started playing an amazing rendition of "Living Room". Sara followed with "Back in your head". Tegan then sang "Soil Soil" and Sara "Now I'm all messed up". The audience was amazing, generous in their applause and respectful when either of the twins spoke. "Thanks guys! You're an amazing audience. We have the best fans in the world! Thank you so much for standing by us... through thick and thin. Oh and hi to everyone watching online all over the world. Please tweet us with where you're watching from. And a huge thank you to all of you here who so generously didn't take a refund after the last show... that was so unexpected and it just touched me really, really deeply. Always thinking of us ahead of yourselves. I promised we'd make it up to you and I really hope we are with this show" said Sara. Tegan nodded.

"I just want to add that... your support means so much to us. While I was sick, my support team as I call them, took turns to read me your amazing letters, and tweets and emails. Some of them they read while I was in a coma but I re-read those later... I read every single one. Anyway I'm sure that subconsciously I heard them the first time round. It really meant the world to me, especially on days when I felt as if I just couldn't do it anymore... that I just couldn't fight anymore... and there were plenty of those days... when I literally couldn't move a finger, I was just too weak. It took my mind off my own misery and it just made me feel as if I had to do it... I had to go on and fight because I just didn't want to disappoint you or... make you sad" said Tegan starting to cry again. The crowd went nuts. "Jeez here I go again" said Tegan shaking her head and wiping her eyes.

"You're all so amazing, we appreciate you all so much" said Tegan. "Yeah, those letters gave us... by us I mean the friends and family, something to keep us busy, take our minds off the... the sadness, the fear" said Sara. "I still don't understand how guys stayed with me day in and day out... I mean, I was completely out of it in la la land most of the time so I think I had it easy compared to you guys. I was sleeping through it but you guys had to spend that much time just... worrying... killing time... eating cafeteria food. Mad respect" said Tegan laughing. Sara just shrugged. "How could we be anywhere else" said Sara.

Tegan closed her eyes tight to keep her emotions in check. "Those letters and messages... they showed me again how incredibly lucky we are to have you guys... how special the culture around our band is... I know every artist think that they have the best fans but you guys... you guys are special and nothing compares to you. The next two songs are fan favourites from what we can tell... the first one is great for singing along and the second is for dancing along. We're totally expecting this show to be the best sing and dance along ever. Are you ready?" said Sara and the crowd erupted. "I'm hoping you can remember the words?" laughed Tegan and started playing "Call it off". The audience didn't miss a beat and sang along passionately. Hearing the audience sing along to the call and answer bit made Tegan's heart swell with pride and love. She smiled as she let the audience sing the chorus. The crowd then danced along to Alligator. Tegan started feeling a bit out of breath from shaking her shaker a bit too vigorously. "Phew... what a workout" she she said as the song ended. "Sar say something I'm seriously in need of a break. I'm super un-fit. I was a... a bed potato for way too long" she joked.

"Our parents are here tonight" said Sara. Tegan cheered and whistled. "All the way from Canada!" Sara continued. Tegan pointed them out grinning. "Yeah I know you don't like to be pointed out but tonight's different" said Tegan. Sonia was blushing, looking shy but Stephen and Bruce just loved the limelight and put their hands in the air. "There's nothing like having your parents around when times are tough" said Sara. "Sometimes you just need your mommy" joked Tegan. "Yeah, and our mommy... and our dad and step-dad are always there for us... how cool are they... and aren't they just so good looking! They never age" said Sara. "We love you guys... we appreciate everything you do for us. You've always been our number one supporters. You've cheered us on... you've given us a kick in the behind when we needed it but most of all... you've just... loved us... unconditionally... and that's all that any kid could ask for" said Tegan becoming emotional yet again. "Fuck, are we're going to be crying the entire show" joked Sara through her own tears. "Yep, pretty much" said Tegan nodding. "These two songs go out to you guys... sorry for swearing" said Sara.

Tegan took a few deep breaths. She walked backwards and forwards again to regain her composure while the crowd made their adoration of the twins' parents clear. Sara walked up to Tegan. "You okay? This is going to be a tough one" said Sara. "Yeah... I'm okay... just..." Tegan trailed off nodding her head. "Yeah I know... I've got you" said Sara squeezing Tegan's shoulder.

Tegan started playing "Dark come soon". The audience went quiet, the lights dim. Tegan closed her eyes and started singing. She held up pretty well but half way through she opened her eyes and looked at her parents. All three were bawling their eyes out. Tegan made a weird sobbing sound and turned around. She turned back to the mic when she needed to start singing again but only the first two words came out. Sara glanced at her and kept singing. Tegan eventually joined in again after pulling herself together. The song ended and Tegan shook her head, disappointed that she couldn't keep it together for the entire song. Sara started playing "Light up" perfectly and it gave Tegan time to compose herself a bit.

"So... Honestly... I've pretty much had the worst year ever... but... I've also had the best year ever. I'm so incredibly happy. I'm the luckiest girl alive... I married the love of my life, the strongest, most amazing and beautiful woman in the world!" said Tegan. The crowd was so loud now that she couldn't continue speaking. She put her hands over her ears laughing. "I can't figure out if they're happy for you or irate that you're off the market" joked Sara. Most of the crowd shouted "Happy! Happy!" and Tegan grinned. "Thanks guys! Lindsey... you're my everything... My wish is that everybody can be as happy and in love as I am... Linds pulled me through this thing when in fact she wasn't feeling too hot herself. I'm in awe of her... And then, the most amazing thing... I'm going to be a mommy! Can you believe it! Look at my gorgeous, very pregnant wife!" said Tegan and the crowd roared. Tegan laughed. Lindsey was a mess, tears streaming down her face. "Yeah, twins none the less... my mom says it's payback time. We're so excited... and scared shitless... but yeah, we can't wait" joked Tegan. "I'm going to be an aunt guys!" yelled Sara excitedly.

"Sara's already spoiling them rotten! I'm also happy to report that Sara... well, Sara is off the market... I'm sorry ladies but Sara... is taken. Sara's in love guys" said Tegan. Sara blushed beet red and looked down smiling. "It's true... just when I thought I was going to be single and lonely forever... the most amazing woman in the world unexpectedly walked into my life... at the weirdest time, and I'm so grateful... and she's so hot" joked Sara. "We're both so incredibly happy and in love right now so yeah... all in all we've had a great year" said Tegan. "So this one... goes out to Lindsey and my two awesome kids... and to Sara's special somebody" said Tegan and started playing "Love they say". She even used her special baby words much to the crowd's delight. Sara looked straight at Kate and smiled as the song ended. She mouthed 'I love you' to Kate and started playing "Floorplan". Tegan played "The Ocean" and "You wouldn't like me" and Sara played "Sentimental Tune" and "Sheets".

Tegan then played what was probably the best, most emotional rendition of "This is everything" she's ever done. She was starting to feel the effects of her passionate performances and took a large gulp of her tea looking out of breath while Sara made small talk sensing that Tegan was running out of steam. When Tegan was back at her spot Sara changed the subject. "I want you guys to give a massive round of applause to Tegan" said Sara. The crowd cheered loudly and Tegan smiled shyly and made a dismissive hand gesture and shook her head. "It really is so impressive... it's a huge deal for Tegan to be back on stage tonight, both physically and emotionally. Tegan had a bit of a setback a few weeks ago and we were on the verge of postponing the show again but Tegan insisted on doing it... and she's holding up like a champ... she's modelling through it beautifully right" said Sara proudly. "I'm getting old because I'm pretty damn tired... but I'm having the time of my life and I never want this night to end" joked Tegan. "Tee... You're incredible... I'm glad we have the same DNA because I've seen first-hand that, that DNA... well it's good stuff... the stuff fighters are made of... I felt so... alone, God... so very alone when you were unconscious... excuse the cliche but... I was walking with a ghost" laughed Sara and started playing "Walking with a ghost". Tegan laughed and joined in.

Tegan and Sara waved at the adoring crowd before taking their second break. Tegan was way less animated when they reached the dressing room and plonked down on the recliner and closed her eyes. "You're doing great Tee" said Sara and patted Tegan on the shoulder. Kate walked in a few seconds later. "Hey superstars... great job" she smiled. "Thanks" said Tegan out of breath. "How are you doing Tee... you okay?" said Kate concerned. "Yeah... I'm good" said Tegan looking slightly pale. "Almost there Bud... you're doing great" said Kate attaching the pulse ox. Tegan kept her eyes closed to get rid of the dizziness suddenly overcoming her. "Pulse ox is low again... let's get you started on the O2" said Kate calmly. Tegan nodded silently with her eyes closed.

"She okay?" Sara mouthed to Kate. "Let's see" mouthed Kate as she started taking Tegan's blood pressure. "Mmm... your BP is low... any dizziness?" asked Kate. "Yeah... a little... suddenly and... I feel like I'm having heart palpitations" said Tegan. "Okay, just relax... Your heart's probably just racing because of your low sats. Let's see how you go with the oxygen. I can give you some meds to up your BP if we need it" said Kate and listened to Tegan's heart and lungs.

"Tegan... we can cut the last bit down if you need to?" said Sara. "No... That's the best part! I'm fine just... give me a minute" said Tegan still a bit out of breath. Kate pricked Tegan's finger to take her blood glucose. "Ouch" said Tegan annoyed. "Oh come on you big baby" joked Kate. She looked at the results on a little machine. "Sara... can you please get Tegan something to eat... some sort of protein and some fruit perhaps" said Kate. "What's up?" asked Sara looking worried. "Blood sugar's a bit low but it's okay... Tee just suck on this" said Kate handing Tegan a glucose sweet. "I'm going to shine a light in your eyes now okay" said Kate. "I'm okay" mumbled Tegan. "Yeah you are... just relax and enjoy the break now" smiled Kate looking into Tegan's pupils.

Tegan had something small to eat and was now lying silently with her eyes closed. She started shivering. "Here's a blanket... you're just cooling down after all that action and your low BPs not helping. I'm going to inject you with something to help that pressure up okay" said Kate after another BP reading. "Fuck... do you have to?" complained Tegan. "Yeah... unless you want to pass out on stage?" said Kate. "Oh... Okay" said Tegan scared suddenly. Kate gloved up and put a tourniquet around Tegan's arm and tapped the inside of her elbow for a vein. "Ouch" exclaimed Tegan again as she felt the needle enter her vein. "Quiet... breathe" scolded Kate, slowly pushing down the plunger. She felt worry creep into her stomach as she watched Tegan's pulse ox like a hawk.

"Okay let's go" said Tegan taking the oxygen mask off. "Not just yet Tee. Relax for me... deep breaths" said Kate. "We can't make them wait too long" said Tegan. "They're okay... it hasn't been very long. They're all still busy refilling their drinks... shhhhh" said Kate and pulled the blanket back over Tegan. Sara bit her bottom lip nervously and gave Kate a questioning look. Kate nodded and mouthed "It's okay" to Sara. A few minutes later Kate retook Tegan's BP. "There we go. Looking a lot better... how are you feeling?" asked Kate. "Good... So much better. I'm good to go" said Tegan. "Okay... I'm going to be side stage with the oxygen if you need a hit" said Kate. "Oh no... You're going to be on stage jamming" smiled Tegan. "Oh crap... I was hoping you forgot about that" joked Kate.

Tegan got up and put her jacket back on. "Tegan... be honest with me now... are you okay?" asked Sara seriously. "I am... I promise Sar... I would be way too scared to go out there again if I wasn't. Whatever Kate had in that injection is pretty good because I feel good as new" smiled Tegan. Sara didn't look convinced. "Sara... trust me" said Tegan softly with her hand on Sara's arm. "I trust you... I just... I just want you to be okay" said Sara. "I know... but seriously... I'm fine" said Tegan and started walking towards the stage. "Sara, she's fine" said Kate pulling Sara into her arms.

Tegan and Sara appeared on stage again and the crowd cheered. Tegan really did feel fine again and she smiled and waved. She started playing "I was a fool" and Sara followed with "Not your hero". "Guys... first off I want to give a massive thank you to the incredible guest artists that opened for us tonight. They're our heroes and our role models. It was such a huge honour. All of them are special friends and this was just... the best gift ever. We love you guys so much! And thank you to the best friend in the world for organising it all and for just... always being there for me... Erin... you're my homey" said Tegan punching her chest and pointing at Erin. The crowd went crazy at the mere mention of Erin's name. "We also want to introduce you to our incredible band... our very special friends. They didn't know if they would have jobs after this... but they hung in there. They always have our backs... they're amazing friends and they don't suck as employees... So ladies and gentlemen... I give you... the best band in the world" said Sara. She humorously introduced the members of the band and made a huge fuss about every one of them.

"Tonight we have a very, very special guest artist" said Tegan. Sara cheered wildly. "This is the most talented person I know... not only is she such an awesome friend, she's the best damn doctor in the world... fuck she had to be to pull me through the mess that I was... she's also an amazing musician... oh and she's gorgeous... but she's a bit shy. So I want you to give the biggest, loudest applause ever to the amazing, the incredible Dr Kate Morgan" said Tegan. Kate walked on stage looking embarrassed as the crowd cheered wildly and started chanting "Kate, Kate, Kate". Kate shook her head and blushed as she put her guitar around her neck.

"No no doc... Right over here, in the middle" coaxed Sara and Kate walked to the middle of the stage. "Kate, why don't you tell the story" said Tegan. Kate was still blushing. "Um... hi everyone" smiled Kate. "Tegan's too kind... I'm really not much of a musician but I'll try... oh and Tegan is the star here... What a fighter, my favourite patient ever! When you're as sick as Tegan was... which in case you don't understand it yet, was pretty damn sick... they constantly take your vital signs. Usually the nurses and a machine take your blood pressure but... well, Tegan was special so I did it quite a few times, manually myself" said Kate. "Yeah like a million times" said Tegan rolling her eyes smiling. "Every time I put the blood pressure cuff around Tegan's arm I saw the Bruce Springsteen lyrics tattooed on her arms and every time that song popped into my head" said Kate. Tegan took her jacket off to show off the tattoos in question. The crowd went nuts. "Oh there they are" smiled Kate. "So, the one day I told Tegan that and she made me promise that when she got out of there... I had to sing this song with them at the first show back... wherever that may be... so yeah... Tegan held up her end of the bargain and here I am" said Kate shrugging. "Kate's the person with the best bedside manner in the world, she's incredible" said Sara proudly. "That's true... she's got the ultimate human touch... you ready Doc?" said Tegan. "You're so cheesy... Let's do this" smiled Kate and started playing. The girls did an amazing version of Human Touch and Kate loved every second. When the song ended the crowd went nuts and Tegan and Sara both gave Kate a long heartfelt hug. "Thank you my friend... that was fantastic" said Tegan into Kate's ear. "I loved every minute... thank YOU" said Kate. "I love you so much" said Sara hugging Kate trying not to make it too obvious that she was her girlfriend although most of the audience already knew that.

Kate waved and walked off stage with her usual swagger. Suddenly Ted was at the extra microphone. "He speaks!" joked Tegan looking surprised. "We've got a surprise for you two" said Ted. "What do you mean a surprise?" asked Sara. "Well... we wanted to do something special for you... We contacted somebody very special to perform in the pre-show for you but that person... well, that person said that he'd rather perform with you" said Ted. "Huh?" said Tegan looking puzzled. "Um... I'm going to let him do the talking! Ladies and gentlemen... please give it up for the one and only Mr Bruce Springsteen" said Ted grinning.

Tegan went white as a sheet. "Holy fuck" she whispered as she watched her idol walk on stage. Tegan and Sara were both speechless. Bruce walked up to Tegan and gave her a hug before moving on to Sara. Tegan didn't say anything, her mouth hanging open. Tegan felt her legs go wobbly and she sat down on the riser, in front of the drum kit. Things were happening in slow motion. Sara was talking with Bruce off mic and the crowd was still freaking out. Ted sat down next to Tegan. "Tee... are you okay? You look a bit pale?" said Ted. Tegan looked at him. "I'm fine... I'm just... how the fuck did you do this" said Tegan looking flabbergasted and breathing heavily. "Long story... later" said Ted. Tegan became more and more out of breath. She saw Ted wave somebody over. She pulled her inhaler out and didn't even bother turning around this time. She took two deep puffs. Suddenly Kate was next to her. The crowd was still roaring. "Everything okay Tegan?" asked Kate. "Uh huh" said Tegan, now feeling a lot better after the medicine. She tried to get up but Kate pushed her shoulder down. "Take a minute" she said.

"Thank you so much" said Bruce waving to the audience. "I'm so happy to be here tonight. I've been a fan of Tegan and Sara for a long time but somehow we've never met. I believe they're quite... fond of my music too. Girls... the feeling is mutual" smiled Bruce. "I... I don't believe this" stammered Sara into the microphone. "Tegan apparently also doesn't believe it because she had to take a moment to prevent herself from feinting. Am I right Tee?" said Sara. Ted handed Tegan a wireless mic where she was still sitting. "You're right... I'm... speechless... this is the best night of my life... no, actually the best night was my wedding but it's a close second" joked Tegan.

"Mr Springsteen... sir" said Sara. "It's Bruce Sara" smiled Bruce. "Um... Bruce. Thank you for being here. We're so thrilled and honoured... you've been so instrumental in shaping us as musicians. You're the soundtrack to our youth. It's just... it's so incredible being on the same stage as you" said Sara blushing. "I'm sorry for interrupting the flow of your show like this. I've been watching from the back and it's one of the most enjoyable shows I've seen in a long time. If you girls would indulge me I would just love to sing something with you tonight" said Bruce and walked over to Tegan. Tegan stared at him with her mouth open and nodded. Bruce sat down next to Tegan. "Tegan... I'm really proud of you. You're an inspiration" he said. Tegan smiled an awkward smile. "Thank you" she said softly. "Nice tats" said Bruce, trying to get Tegan to ease up. Tegan suddenly looked super embarrassed. "Oh jeez... I'm so embarrassed" said Tegan. "Tegan is always cringing when people have our lyrics tattooed on them but she has those" said Sara laughing. "Fantastic version of human touch... congratulations" said Bruce. "Thank you... we could never do it justice but... these tattoos actually... well they helped me through a real shitty time. They gave me something to work toward" said Tegan. Bruce smiled. "That makes me really happy to hear" he said.

"I've listened to your version of "Dancing in the Dark" a few times and your awesome band and I rehearsed it this afternoon, your way. You wanna rock out with us?" asked Bruce. "We'd love to but... We haven't really rehearsed it at all and..." said Tegan. "So what? We'll just wing it" said Bruce. "So that's why Ted insisted on us "warming up" with this song almost every day in rehearsals. Kind of wish we payed more attention to it" laughed Sara. "This... this isn't real. Am I on some sort or prescription meds trip?" mumbled Tegan staring at Bruce still looking spooked. Bruce laughed. "Oh it's real! Do you need more time or are you ready?" asked Bruce patting Tegan on the thigh. "I'm ready... let's do this" said Tegan getting up.

"You guys just do your thing I'll jump in" said Bruce. Tegan looked over at Sara nervously. She suddenly felt like throwing up. She nervously tuned her guitar, hands shaking. "I apologise in advance if this goes south" Tegan smiled and started playing their version of "Dancing in the Dark". Sara started singing and Bruce, ever the professional fell in shortly after. It seemed as if they rehearsed it for hours. It was perfect. Tegan smiled wide at Bruce, this was one of the best moments of her life. Towards the end of the song she couldn't hold it in anymore and she started tearing up. As the song ended she was sobbing. Bruce pulled her into a hug. "You're amazing... That was so great" he said before hugging Sara. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Boss!" said Tegan through her tears. "Oh my gosh I just glanced down at my step-dad who is just about the biggest fan in the world and he is losing it" laughed Tegan. "Bruce is fangirling over Bruce" laughed Sara.

"What an honour girls... thank you. How about we do one of your songs now?" said Bruce. "Oh my god Bruce Springsteen knows one of our songs" gushed Tegan. "Do you? Know any?" said Sara frowning. "Sure I do... I know plenty" said Bruce. "Oh... Okay" said Tegan still blown away completely. "How will we... Um" mumbled Tegan. Bruce called them away from the mics and they talked strategy for a minute or two. Tegan smiled and nodded and walked up to the mic. "This is fucking unreal" she said. She looked down at Lindsey and smiled. Tegan started playing the intro to "Nineteen". Bruce and Tegan took turns singing lead and Sara sang backup. It was perfect. The crowd sang along as passionately as ever. Tegan looked straight into Bruce's eyes as the three of them played the guitar riff together.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our idol! Mr Bruce Springsteen!" said Tegan and cheered and whistled after the song finished. "Thank you for letting me play with you! You're amazing" said Bruce. Tegan shook her head in tears. "I'm going to let you guys get on with your show" said Bruce. "It's been such an honour... Mr Boss" said Tegan laughing. "One more time for the Boss!" said Sara. "Give us a sec guys" said Tegan and she and Sara walked Bruce off stage. "Thank you... thank you, thank you" said Tegan. "My pleasure Tegan! Enjoy the rest of your show. Maybe we can chat afterwards if you have time" said Bruce before hugging the twins again. The crowd was still cheering. Tegan put her hands on her knees for a few seconds and closed her eyes after Bruce left. "You okay?" asked Sara. "Holy shit that was amazing" said Tegan straightening her back, hands still shaking. Sara grinned "I still don't believe it".

Kate waked over pulling something behind her. "Guys!" she exclaimed looking thrilled. Sara gave her a spontaneous hug. "Tee? You need some air?" asked Kate holding the oxygen mask up. "I... um... yeah maybe just a bit" said Tegan before blowing her nose and taking another puff from her inhaler. "Sara... go... tell a story or something... I'll just be a minute" said Tegan. Sara nodded. "Kate... you know what... Bruce was amazing but not as amazing as having you on stage with us" said Sara and winked at Kate. Kate stopped what she was doing gave Sara a goofy smile. "I'm just going to leave you with that" said Sara and walked back on stage.

"Jeez and she says I'm cheesy" joked Tegan before taking a deep breath of oxygen. Sara was on a roll entertaining the crowd with the story of how high Tegan was after coming out of surgery. She was cracking up. "I leave her alone for a few minutes and now this" complained Tegan with a smile. "Okay... I'm good to go" said Tegan after a minute. "I'm staying right here if you need me" said Kate. "You're the best K-dawg" said Tegan before walking back on stage. "Are you done making fun of your drugged up sister" asked Tegan jokingly. "Sorry Tegan but it was hilarious" said Sara laughing. "Yeah yeah" said Tegan. "How awesome was that guys!" she yelled and the crowd cheered. "I kind of don't know what to do after that... I mean... I still can't believe it. I'm still shaking" laughed Tegan.

Sara started playing "Monday, Monday, Monday". Tegan smiled as she played guitar watching her sister totally in the moment. She followed with "The Cure". The crowd was rowdy now and Tegan tried in vein to calm them down. She stayed quiet for a minute and allowed them to go crazy. "Okay guys... thank you... guys shhh" said Tegan. "Alright everybody zip it now please... Tegan wants to say something" said Sara protectively. "It's okay Sar" said Tegan smiling. The crowd slowly quieted down and Tegan spoke. "I wrote a song... and nobody has heard it. I wrote part of it the last week while I was still in hospital, which was challenging let me tell you, they don't take kindly to singing" laughed Tegan. "Not even Sara has heard it. Sar... why don't you go take a seat?" said Tegan. Sara looked at her perplexed. "Or you can stay but I recon it's going to be a bit awkward for you. And Kate please go back down to your seat" said Tegan looking at Kate standing at the side of the stage. "Okay" said Sara frowning. Security helped her down to the seats. "There we go... dad's giving up his seat for you what a gentleman" smiled Tegan. "Cool... take a load off Sar, you deserve it" said Tegan. Jeremy walked on stage with a chair for Tegan. "I'm going to sit down for this one if you don't mind" said Tegan.

"Some of you may have noticed I have a new tattoo!" said Tegan and the crowd cheered as Tegan held her wrist up. "This tattoo for those of you that haven't seen it... is of an ECG strip, that beepy thingy showing your heartbeat. Above every heartbeat is a letter. and L. These letters represent the five most amazing, most important women in my life. It's in the order they came into my life. It's a reminder of what they mean to me and what I've been through. When I was in hospital I was pretty fucking scared let me tell you... It's a scary, cold place... But every time I woke up, every single time, one of these women were there holding my hand, telling me that everything was going to be okay. They never let me go. I swear they willed me through this" said Tegan and tears were rolling again. "Lindsey, Sara and Kate were there with me when I was rushed to hospital and Sonia and Erin immediately got on the first flights they could find to be with me... and that's where they stayed. You guys are amazing... I don't know where I would be without you" Tegan choked out. She looked down at her girls all sitting in a row, all of them in tears. "Words cannot express how much I love you"

Tegan nodded and the lights went dim, focussing only on her, alone on stage. The crowd went respectfully silent. She took a minute and started playing.

"And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.

Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.

And I won't die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and man so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.

Tegan ended the song choking out the words, forcing herself to keep it together. The crowd erupted and gave her a standing ovation, most of them in tears themselves. "Thank you" said Tegan softly and put her head in her hand breaking down. The crowd kept cheering after the stage lights went out. Sara was a mess in Kate's arms. It took her a while to build up the courage to get back on stage. "Thank you Tegan... that was the most beautiful gift" said Sara with her hand on her heart. "I'm sure it would have been better if you wrote the bridge but I tried" joked Tegan still wiping away tears. "No... it's perfect. How the hell do you expect me to perform after that" joked Sara. Tegan shrugged.

The band came back on stage. "Before we go on I just want to thank the rest of our amazing friends and family. Sorry but there was only so much space on the tat" joked Tegan. "You all know who you are and I love you and thank you, but I need to give special thanks to Alex... amazing Alex... he's like my big brother. Always there for me. Jeremy... for being the most amazing, loyal friend ever. We've been friends for what feels like forever and I'm so blessed to have you in my life. And Emy... for being there when we need you... always... no matter what. You three were there, all along, right in the thick of things. We love you" said Tegan. Sara cheered loudly. "Tegan's right... we would be a mess without our friends and family. We love you" said Sara. "Teegs... this one is for you" smiled Sara and started singing "Shock to your system".

"Thanks again guys, you were an amazing audience! Thank you for sharing the most incredible, special evening with us. We hope to be back real soon with a new album. I just have to clean a few diapers first" joked Tegan. Suddenly all the evening's guest artists walked on stage. "I believe this song works quite well with a choir" said Pink into Tegan's microphone. "Awesome, let's do it" grinned Tegan. The lights went dim again and the intro to "Closer" started playing. The guest artists were the perfect choir, they obviously rehearsed this quite well. Tegan loved every minute of it. She love performing this song and the high she felt gave her the energy to keep going. The song finished and the crowd was roaring, loving every minute. Tegan and Sara hugged all their friends. Tegan stopped in front of Sara and smiled. She pulled Sara into what felt like the longest, tightest hug she had ever given anybody. They finally broke the hug an Sara held Tegan's hand up in the air victoriously. "Tegan everybody" she shouted. "Sara" shouted Tegan grinning. They bowed and waved for a long time before eventually leaving the stage.

The crowd just kept going chanting their names over and over. "Let's get back out there" said Tegan taking Sara's hand and walked back on stage. "What a night" yelled Tegan. "We didn't really prepare an encore, we kind of thought that whole third section was an encore" joked Sara. "Plus we've pretty much done every song we know" laughed Tegan. "We've got one left though... it's a cover, but it's one that mean a lot to us. We really want you to leave the show tonight feeling as amazing as you've made us feel. Don't ever let life get you down. Always know that it's the greatest gift, cherish it... be happy! Don't let anybody tell you who to be. Love yourselves and each other unconditionally" said Sara. Tegan just nodded her head slowly and walked to her spot in front of her keyboard. The lights went down and they started playing "Let my love open the door". The crowd sang along and held up their lighters. "Thank you... thank you... we appreciate you all so much" said Tegan when the song ended. They waved some more and reluctantly left the stage. Even when the venue lights came on indicating the official end of the show the crowd kept going. "That... was the best show ever" smiled Tegan.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this special, long chapter. Please, please leave me your comments!