Hello! This is a little story for Walter's first day back at work after he gets out of the hospital. Enjoy!

Happy, Toby, and Cabe were all standing behind Sylvester as he indicated the algorithm on his computer with a frustrated gesture. "It doesn't make sense!" Sly cried. "Every time I decode part of it, the figures shift!"

"Relax, Sylvester" Paige called softly from the sofa. "I know you'll figure it out", she reassured him as she turned back to her book.

"Paige, we appreciate your confidence in us" Toby said dryly, "but there's really no way we can understand this, unless —"

"Unless you can figure out the pattern at which the sequence is changing, and then anticipate the next move" came a soft, deep voice from the doorway.

Everyone turned around to see Walter standing in the doorway, his cheek stitched up, and arm in a sling.

"Walter!" Sly shrieked, standing up and rushing to hug his friend.

"That's what I was going to say," Toby muttered, as he watched Walter grimace under Sylvester's hug. "Easy there, Sly!" he called "You don't want to send him back to the hospital, do you?"

Sly quickly let go, stepping back and apologizing.

"It's okay, buddy" Walter said, grinning. "It's good to see you."

Happy stepped up and briefly embraced Walter. "Glad you're back, Walt" she murmured.

"Thanks, Happy" Walter replied, smiling sincerely at his friend. He knew how difficult it was for her to express emotions, and he appreciated her happiness at seeing him better.

Walter embraced Toby next, wincing as Toby slapped him on the back. When Toby released him, Walter stepped back, and noticed Paige and Cabe standing off to the side. He approached Cabe first, and held out his uninjured arm for a handshake. Cabe ignored his outstretched arm, pulling Walter into a bear hug. "You ever do a stupid thing like that again, son, and I will kick your butt, understand?"

"Yes sir," Walter replied, trying to keep a straight face. He couldn't believe how good it felt to hear Cabe call him 'son' again. They hugged for a few more moments, before Cabe released him, and looking at the other geniuses, tilted his head subtly toward the door. Smirking slightly, Toby followed Cabe out of the door, with Sly and Happy close behind him.

Paige blushed slightly as the others left the room. She slowly walked up to Walter and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder. She felt his arms go around her waist, hugging her tightly. "I'm so happy you're okay, Walter" she whispered.

"Me too" he said quietly, feeling the softness of her hair against his cheek. He pulled back suddenly, looking carefully at her. "Paige." he stated.

"Hmm?" she asked, looking into his dark eyes.

"That first night, when I was in the hospital, you came to visit me after the others left."

Paige looked surprised that he remembered. "Yes, I did."

"And, um, you said something," Walter continued hesitantly. "That you cared about me."

She nodded slowly. "I do".

"Well, that's um, good, because...when I was hanging in that car, I didn't want to move until I talked to you. I wanted to tell you that I...I care about you too...a lot. You and Ralph changed me, Paige, and I can't imagine my life without you."

Walter reached out and wiped away one of Paige's tears as he continued. "I'm sorry for being insensitive about the danger Ralph was in. I shouldn't have said those things about you or Drew, but I was hurt by the things you said. I was just so..." he trailed off.

"Emotional?" Paige supplied with a laugh. Walter chuckled weakly in agreement. "It's okay, Walter" she said with a sigh. "I shouldn't have yelled at you...it wasn't your fault. And it's not awful being around you...It's quite wonderful really."

Walter nodded, looking relieved, but still nervous. "And there, uh, was something else. Something you did that I couldn't do anything about because I was unconscious, but I want to do something about it now."

"And what's that, Walter?" she asked, trying to bite back a smile. Her hands were shaking slightly as Walter stepped toward her.

"This" he whispered, as he leaned in and gently pressed his mouth to hers. Paige paused for a moment, then lifting her hands, she ran her fingers through Walter's hair while continuing the kiss.

After several moments, the couple broke apart. Paige stroked the side of Walter's face softly, like she had when he was in the hospital. "I have to go pick up Ralph from school" she murmured. "Wanna come with me?"

Walter nodded, taking her hand. "I'd love to."