Title: Personal Hero

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

"No cranial bleed ct came back clear."

Buck nodded at the blonde thirty something female doctor as they stood outside Abby's hospital room.

"Her vitals are improving as well."The woman who's name tag read Hightower."We're expecting her to come around any time now."

"Thanks Doc."Buck acknowledged.

"Don't stay too long."Hightower advised."Technically visiting hours have ended."

Buck smiled and gave another nod. They'd bended the rules because he was a first responsderThis had been his first chance to check on Abby. The rest of the shift had been busy. He had managed a call to Abby's brother to let him know she was at the hospital. He'd promised to let her mom's caretaker know and see if she'd stay longer.

Buck stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. He glanced at his friend noting the large bandage on her forehead. She hadn't been what he'd expected. Buck had thought she was older than him from their phone conversations. Now though it didn't matter he'd liked her immediately. Intelligence, spunk, humor and bravery in one package.

Buck sat in the visitor's chair grateful he could stay with her a few minutes.

Abby awoke to a splitting headache. She groaned but forced her eyes open. When she saw the hospital room memories came flooding back. She looked at the room's other occupant and smiled.

"Hi."Abby greeted.

"Hi."Buck replied with a smile."How's the head?"

"Feels split in half."Abby said."What time is it?"

"Almost midnight."Evan said.

Midnight! Abby sat up with a start and immediately regretted it when the room swam. She felt her face pale.

"Easy."Buck cautioned as he placed a hand on Abby left shoulder.

"My mother!"Abby exclaimed. "I have to….."

"I called your brother."Buck said easing Abby back down. "He got the caretaker to stay overnight. Your Mom's fine."

Abby felt warmth sweep over her as she met her companion's gaze. He'd not only saved her life but went above and beyond by making sure her mother was taken care of. Abby took Buck's right hand in hers and squeezed it.

"Thank you."Abby whispered.

"No big deal."Buck responded with a shrug.

"It is."Abby insisted. "You saved my life and took care of what matters most to me. That's going above and beyond."

Buck squeezed her hand back and Abby could tell she'd embarrassed him a bit but she didn't care. He cleared his throat.

"I should go before they kick me out."Buck began "They already bent the rules…."

Abby reluctantly let go of Buck's hand. How did you thank someone who saved your life?

"I seem to keep thanking you but I don't know what else to say…."Abby began.

Buck moved the blanket up closer to Abby's shoulders.

"All in a day's work."Buck commented lightly.

Suddenly sleepy Abby nodded her eyes drifting close and opening then closing as she blinked to stay awake.

"Get some rest."Buck advised. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Through half closed eyes Abby watched Buck leave and knew she was fortunate. Fortunate to be alive and to have Buck in her life. Within minutes she was asleep.

end