Author's notes: Thank you for your kind reviews and for the follows and favs and to everyone who's reading. This is a filler but I hope you enjoy it.
True to the medical staff's word, Jane's awake just before noon , and able to keep his eyes open for more than a couple of minutes. He insists on the removal of the incubation tube as the first order of business. Teresa stands by with some ice chips and once it's out she places one on his tongue. Patrick closes his eyes savouring the coolness and the moisture. Teresa takes his hand and he opens his eyes and smiles, it's weak and tired but Teresa's certain she's never seen one more beautiful. She returns his smile.
"The surgery was a success, everything's working well.."
He squeezes her hand and tries to speak, she places a finger on his lips.
"Shh., you're not to talk yet. He rolls his eyes theatrically and Teresa grins.
"It's only for a couple of hours. Would you like another ice chip? "
He nods his head and falls asleep while sucking on it.
The next morning Patrick recognises he's feeling a little better. He wakes up without the cloud of exhaustion dragging him down. He's aware of sounds beyond his room and that Teresa isn't there. The door opens and he's disappointed when Doctor Polly walks in, looking like she hasn't been to bed since he saw her when she took the tube out, at least he believes she was there.
"I'm obviously not the person you were hoping for, but I think I may change your mind."
Patrick looks chagrined.
"Sorry Doc"
"Teresa will be here in a couple of hours no doubt, it's only five a.m."
Patrick relaxes, that explains it.
Doctor Polly's finishes reading his chart.
"Just want to check your pulse."
She takes his wrist, holds it for a moment and then lays it back down.
"I just want to take a look at the wound."
Patrick pulls down the covers, he's not wearing a gown for easier access. Doctor Polly inspects it and straightens up.
"That looks good. You're recovery is going excellently, The replacement is working perfectly, there's no infection, and your outputs are all normal. How are you feeling?"
"Sore and tired and better than yesterday."
"Well I don't think you need to add to the nurses work load any more so we'll move you out of ICU this morning and to the High Dependency ward and if your recovery continues, you should be on a regular ward in a couple of days."
Patrick smiles.
"Thanks doc...for everything."
"You're welcome. Just keep up the good work."
Teresa's surprised when she answers the phone and it's Patrick's voice on the line. She's pleased to note some strength to his voice, she's also immediately suspicious.
"Hi, are you suppose to be calling?"
"Of course, you think I snuck out of bed and pinched a phone while the nurses weren't looking. Your confidence in my abilities, even in a weakened state, are duly noted and appreciated."
Teresa rolls her eyes, but has to stop herself from laughing out loud and encouraging him.
"Okay it was a stupid question. You're feeling better today."
"Sore and tired but human. I'm being moved to the High Dependency ward in an hour, can you bring me some things?"
Teresa stops at the nurses station.
"I'm here for Patrick Jane, I was told he was being moved to here this morning."
"They're just settling him in, he's in room 17."
Teresa thanks the nurse. The door to his room is open and there's a bustle of people around the bed, She hears Patrick's voice.
"That's perfect, I can see the park from here, nice to have a little green against all the concrete."
A man moves, unblocking her view of Patrick. He sees her immediately and smiles.
"Come in, meet my new slaves, I mean the real workers in the hospital."
He flashes a charming smile, one of the nurses look at him sternly.
"I hope you're not going to be trouble Patrick, I don't like trouble makers, they get the weakest cups of tea."
Teresa smiles at Patrick's look of dismay
"Someone's done her homework."
"I like to know how to please my patients."
Patrick grumbles.
"You mean how to keep them under your control."
"Your reputation precedes you Patrick, I like being forearmed, it makes for a much nicer stay for the both of us. Now would you like a cup?"
Patrick's eyes widen in surprise and pleasure. Everyone laughs at his delight.
"I take that as a yes. I'm afraid it will be weak, doctor's orders, but I'll do my best."
Finally they're alone, She leans over and gives him a kiss, and then, helps him on with his pajama top. She sits on the bed and studies him. She see's tiredness but there's light behind his eyes, rather than the dullness of exhaustion which was there yesterday.
"Do you need to sleep?"
"No, I'm fine, I slept after I called you until they moved me. Besides I have a cup of tea coming."
She smiles.
"Yes you do."
She picks up the bag on the floor.
"I also brought you some magazines."
"Thank you."
He shuffles a little to the side and pats the space beside him.
"I don't want to hurt you Patrick."
"You won't. I've missed you."
"Are you sure that it won't get you weaker tea."
He shrugs his shoulders.
"You heard the woman, doctors orders, she took her leverage away right then. Besides your worth the price."
She steps out of her shoes and climbs on to the bed and into his arms. Carefully she rests her head on his chest. She closes her eyes and listens to the steady beat of his heart and mentally whispers a thank you.